PERSIMMON GROWTH PARTNERS FUND, L.P., as Client, - and - ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, acting through its Portfolio Services Group, as Custodian
Persimmon
Onshore - Custody Agreement 2005-09-27
PERSIMMON
GROWTH PARTNERS FUND, L.P.,
as
Client,
- and
-
ROYAL
BANK OF CANADA,
acting
through its Portfolio Services Group,
as
Custodian
as of
September 27, 2005
Persimmon
Onshore - Custody Agreement 2005-09-27
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
|
||
1.
|
Certain
Defined Terms
|
1
|
2.
|
Appointment
of the Custodian
|
7
|
3.
|
Appointment
of Sub-Custodians; Use of Other Third Parties
|
8
|
4.
|
Accounts
|
8
|
5.
|
Authorized
Persons and Instructions
|
9
|
6.
|
Deposit
Account Procedures
|
11
|
7.
|
Records;
Ownership of Property
|
11
|
8.
|
Accounting;
Account Statements
|
11
|
9.
|
Withdrawal
of Property
|
12
|
10.
|
Powers
of the Xxxxxxxxx
|
00
|
00.
|
Xxxxxxxxxx
|
00
|
00.
|
Fees
and Expenses
|
15
|
13.
|
The
Custodian’s Lien and Right of Set-off
|
15
|
14.
|
Relationship
between the Custodian and the Client
|
16
|
15.
|
Tax
Status; Withholding Taxes
|
16
|
16.
|
Notices
and Communication
|
17
|
17.
|
Liability
and Responsibility of the Custodian
|
20
|
18.
|
Indemnification
of the Xxxxxxxxx
|
00
|
00.
|
Xxx-Xxxxxxxxxxxx
|
00
|
00.
|
Representations
of the Client
|
23
|
21.
|
Representations
of the Custodian
|
27
|
22.
|
Amendments
|
27
|
23.
|
Xxxxxxxxxxx
|
00
|
00.
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx
|
00
|
00.
|
Access
to Records
|
29
|
26.
|
Conflicts
of Interest; Transactions with Members of the RBC Group
|
30
|
27.
|
Disclosure
of Information
|
31
|
28
|
Property
Rights of the Custodian
|
32
|
29.
|
Advertising
|
32
|
i
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page
|
||
30.
|
Confidentiality
|
32
|
31.
|
Assignment
|
34
|
32.
|
Governing
Law
|
34
|
33.
|
Submission
to Jurisdiction
|
34
|
34.
|
Jurisdiction
of Securities Intermediary and Bank
|
35
|
35.
|
Counterparts
|
35
|
36.
|
Headings
|
35
|
37.
|
No
Third Party Beneficiaries
|
35
|
38.
|
Joint
Preparation of Custody Agreement
|
35
|
39.
|
Severability
|
35
|
40.
|
Recordings
|
36
|
41.
|
USA
Patriot Act
|
36
|
42.
|
Further
Assurances
|
36
|
43.
|
Waiver
of Jury Trial
|
36
|
SCHEDULES
|
|
Schedule
1
|
Client
Documents
|
Schedule
2
|
Authorized
Persons
|
Schedule
3
|
Custodian
Fees
|
Exhibit
A
|
Form
of Current Account Agreement
|
Exhibit
X-x
|
Form
of Opinion of Client’s New York Counsel
|
Exhibit
B-2
|
Form
of Opinion of Client’s Delaware Counsel
|
Addendum
A
|
Cash
Management
|
-ii-
Persimmon
Onshore - Custody Agreement 2005-09-27
CUSTODY
AGREEMENT dated as of September 27, 2005 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time, this “Custody
Agreement”) between ROYAL BANK OF
CANADA, in the capacity of custodian hereunder (together with any affiliate
thereof performing custodial services hereunder as permitted herein, and any
permitted successors and assigns of Royal Bank of Canada or any such affiliate
acting in such capacity, the “Custodian”), and PERSIMMON GROWTH PARTNERS FUND, L.P. (the
“Client” and, together with the Custodian, the “Parties”).
WHEREAS:
A. The
Custodian provides fund custodial services directly or through the services of
Affiliates, including but not limited to RBC Capital Markets
Corporation.
B. The
Client is a limited partnership organized under the laws of Delaware, as more
fully described in the offering memorandum or private placement memorandum,
subscription documents, memorandum and articles of association or limited
partnership agreement, and such other charter documents creating the Client and
authorizing it, inter alia,
to execute and deliver this Custody Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder, which documents are identified on Schedule 1 hereto and
copies of which have been delivered to the Custodian (as replaced or amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, provided copies of such
replacements or amendments, supplements or other modifications have been
delivered to the Custodian, the “Client
Documents”).
C. Persimmon
Capital Management, LP is the investment manager of the Client (the “Investment
Manager”).
D. The
Client wishes to engage the Custodian to perform certain custodial services and
the Custodian has agreed to perform certain custodial services for the Client on
the terms and conditions provided in this Custody Agreement.
NOW,
THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1.
Certain Defined
Terms.
As used
in this Custody Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings
(such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of
the terms defined):
“Administrative Support Providers”
means any Person which is not an employee or Affiliate of the Custodian,
utilized by the Custodian to perform ancillary services of an administrative
nature such as couriers, messengers or other commercial transport
systems.
“Affiliate” means, with
respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls,
is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. A Person shall be
deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or
indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Authorized Person” means
those Persons specified in Schedule 2 hereto as of the date hereof or otherwise
from time to time identified in writing to the Custodian by the Client and the
Investment Manager, respectively, as authorized on behalf of the Client or the
Investment Manager, respectively, to direct the Custodian hereunder and/or to
access internet-based reports and services as provided herein.
“Bank” has the meaning
provided in Section 9-102(a)(8) of the UCC.
“Business Day” means any day
other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New
York, New York, are authorized or obligated by law or by local proclamation to
close.
“Cash” means cash from
whatever source and in whatever currency.
“Clearance System” means any
clearing agency, settlement system or depository (including any entity that acts
as a system for the central handling of securities or other Financial
Instruments in the country where it is incorporated or organized or that acts as
a transnational system for the central handling of securities or other Financial
Instruments) used in connection with transactions relating to securities or
other Financial Instruments and any nominee of the foregoing.
“Client” has the meaning
provided in the caption of this Custody Agreement.
“Confidential Information”
means information that the Client (or the Investment Manager on behalf of
the Client) furnishes to the Custodian on a confidential basis by informing the
Custodian in writing that such information is confidential or marking such
information as confidential, but does not include any such information that (a)
is or at the time of disclosure by such Person has become generally available to
the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Custodian or its
directors, officers, employees, advisors or agents in breach of this Custody
Agreement, (b) was available to the Custodian on a non-confidential basis prior
to its disclosure to the Custodian by such Person, (c) is or at the time of
disclosure by such Person has become available to the Custodian from a source
other than the Client or the Investment Manager, unless the Custodian has actual
knowledge that such source is prohibited from transmitting the information by a
confidentiality agreement with, or other legal or fiduciary obligation to, the
Client, or (d) has been authorized by the Client to be disseminated on a
non-confidential basis. Confidential Information shall be limited to information
regarding the Client’s portfolio of assets.
“Contractual Settlement Date”
means:
(a) with
respect to the purchase or sale of any Financial Instrument (except as provided
in clause (b) of this definition), the date the parties have contracted to
settle the trade; provided
that the Custodian has received reasonable notice of such
date;
(b) with
respect to the purchase or sale of any short term money market investments, the
date specified by the Investment Manager at the time at which it gave
Instructions to the Custodian for such purchase or sale; provided such Instructions
were timely given;
-2-
(c) with
respect to the maturity of a Financial Instrument, the maturity date;
and
(d) with
respect to interest and dividend payments, the due date established by the
payor.
“Control Agreement” means any
agreement of the Custodian, made in accordance with the request of, or upon the
instruction of, the Client, pursuant to which the Custodian agrees to comply
with Entitlement Orders or other instructions of a secured party of the Client
with respect to the Custody Account and/or the Deposit Account or Secondary
Account without the further consent of the Client.
“Corporate Actions” means any
conversion privileges, subscription rights, warrants or other rights or options
available in connection with any Property, including those relating to the
reorganization, recapitalization, takeover, consolidation, amalgamation, merger,
liquidation, or filing for or declaration of bankruptcy.
“Current Account Agreement”
means a Current Account Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit A
hereto with respect to a Deposit Account maintained pursuant to the terms and
conditions thereof.
“Custodian” has the meaning
provided in the caption of this Custody Agreement.
“Custodian Information” means
all confidential information relating to the custody relationship of the Client
and the Custodian hereunder, or otherwise relating to the Custodian and its
businesses to the extent such information is identified to the Client as private
or proprietary or confidential, and all information provided by the Custodian to
the Client via the internet including, but not limited to, databases and the
selection, co-ordination, and arrangement of the contents thereof.
“Custodian’s Jurisdiction”
shall mean the securities intermediary’s jurisdiction and bank’s
jurisdiction of the Custodian, in its respective capacities as Securities
Intermediary and Bank hereunder, within the UCC meaning of those
terms.
“Custody Account” means one or
more Securities Accounts (each and collectively) established and maintained by
the Custodian as Securities Intermediary for and on behalf of the Client as
Entitlement Holder to which shall be credited Property consisting of Financial
Instruments from time to time received by the Custodian for the account of the
Client and credit balances in respect thereof.
“Custody Agreement” has the
meaning provided in the caption of this Custody Agreement.
-3-
“Deposit Account” means one or
more deposit accounts (within the meaning of Section 9-102(a)(29)) of the UCC),
in the name of the Client (each and collectively) established and maintained by
the Custodian as the bank for and on behalf of the Client as its customer to
which shall be credited Property constituting Cash from time to time received
and held by the Custodian for the account of the Client.
“Entitlement Holder” has the
meaning provided in Section 8-102(a)(7) of the UCC.
“Entitlement Order” has the
meaning provided in Section 8-102(a)(8) of the UCC.
“Financial Asset” has the
meaning provided in Section 8-102(a)(9) of the UCC and shall include, for all
purposes hereof, any Financial Instruments and any other Property and Cash
credited to the Custody Account.
“Financial Instruments”
means:
(a) interests
in a unit trust, limited partnership, limited liability company or any other
investment fund;
(b) shares,
units, bonds, futures contracts, currencies, instruments, debentures, negotiable
instruments, securities and other financial assets or investments;
(c) warrants,
options or other rights to subscribe, purchase, call for delivery of or
otherwise acquire, shares, units, bonds, futures contracts, currencies,
instruments, debentures, negotiable instruments, securities and other financial
assets or investments; and
(d) any
derivative products based on the foregoing, whether such derivative products or
any underlying interest are traded over-the-counter or on an exchange,
including, but not limited to:
(i) rate
swap transactions, swap options, basis swaps, forward rate transactions,
commodity swaps, commodity options, equity or equity index swaps, equity or
equity index options, bond options, interest rate options, foreign exchange
transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions,
currency swap transactions, cross- currency rate swap transactions, currency
options, credit protection transactions, credit swaps, credit default swaps,
credit default options, total return swaps, credit spread transactions
(including any option with respect to any of these transactions and any
combination of these transactions);
(ii) interests
in a unit trust, limited partnership, limited liability company or any other
investment fund;
(iii) repurchase
transactions, reverse repurchase transactions or buy/sell back
transactions;
-4-
(iv) forward
contracts;
(v) financial
and/or stock index futures contracts;
(vi) contracts
under which the rights and/or liabilities of the parties are determined by
reference to a financial and/or stock index or securities or
commodities;
(vii) contracts
or other instruments or strategies the value of which is based upon the market
price, value or level of an index or the market price or value of a security,
commodity, economic indicator or financial instrument or bench xxxx, or the
value of a specified account in which securities, commodities and/or derivative
transactions or an combination of such transactions may be carried
out;
(viii) put
and call options on securities, contracts, instruments, or derivative products;
and
(ix) any
transaction similar to any of those enumerated above that is currently or in the
future becomes regularly entered into in the financial markets and that is a
forward, swap, future or option on one or more rates, currencies, commodities,
equity instruments, debt securities or debt instruments, or economic indices or
measures of economic risk or value.
“ICA” means the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 80a-1 et seq., and the regulations issued
thereunder.
“Indemnified Party” has the
meaning provided in Section 17(a) of this Custody Agreement.
“Instructions” means
instructions, Entitlement Orders or other directions by, or reasonably believed
by the Custodian to be by, the Client or the Investment Manager, as the case may
be, to the Custodian in the form of an authenticated notification communicated
to the Custodian, which may be provided by facsimile transmission, followed by
delivery of the original, specifying directions, entitlement orders or other
instructions to the Custodian, including, but not limited to, directing the
transfer, redemption, or disposition of a Financial Instrument or Proceeds or
any receipt or disposition of Cash, in any case, credited to the Custody Account
or Deposit Account, as the case may be, given by, or reasonably believed by the
Custodian to be given by, an Authorized Person.
“Market Infrastructures” means
S.W.I.F.T, Fed wire, the internet, public utilities, external telecommunications
facilities and other common carriers of electronic and other messages, and
postal services.
“Material Agreements” means
any material agreement entered into between the Client and any Person, including
without limitation prime broker agreements, investment adviser agreements,
credit agreements and ISDA master agreements.
-5-
“Parties” has the meaning
provided in the caption of this Custody Agreement.
“Person” means any natural
person, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint stock
company, estate, trust (including a business trust), unincorporated association,
joint venture or other entity (or any segregated portfolio, cell or other
similar legally respected subdivision of the foregoing which may contract on its
own behalf or on whose behalf the entity may contract) or any government or any
political subdivision or agency, department or instrumentality
thereof.
“Proceeds” means any additions
to, substitutions for, replacements, proceeds, earnings, distributions,
dividends or profits and products of or with respect to the Property identified
in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of the definition thereof.
“Property” means any property
(including, but not limited to, all assets, cash, currencies and all rights to
any property or cash) of the Client, from time to time paid or delivered by the
Client to the Custodian, or otherwise received by the Custodian from or on
behalf of the Client, for credit to the Custody Account or the Deposit Account,
now existing or hereafter arising, including, but not limited to:
(i) Financial
Instruments;
(ii) Cash;
(iii) Security
Entitlements to any of the foregoing; and
(iv) Proceeds.
“RBC Group” means Royal Bank
of Canada and any company or other entity directly or indirectly controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with Royal Bank of Canada or otherwise
affiliated with Royal Bank of Canada.
“Secondary Account” has the
meaning provided in Addendum A.
“Securities Account” has the
meaning provided in Section 8-501(a) of the UCC.
“Securities Intermediary” has
the meaning provided in Section 8-102(a)(14) of the
UCC.
“Security Entitlement” has the
meaning provided in Section 8-102(a)(17) of the UCC.
“Sub-Custodian” means any
sub-custodian of the Property, or Securities Intermediary maintaining one or
more Securities Accounts for the Custodian as Entitlement Holder, appointed by
the Custodian for the safekeeping, clearance and settlement of Financial
Instruments.
-6-
“Subsidiary” means, with
respect to any Person, any other Person of which more than 50% of the securities
or other ownership interests, having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power
to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing
similar functions for such other Person (irrespective of whether or not at the
time securities or other ownership interests of any other class or classes of
such other Person shall have or might have voting power by reason of the
happening of any contingency), are at the time directly or indirectly owned or
controlled by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such
Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.
“Taxes” means any and all
present or future taxes, levies, imposts, assessments, deductions, withholdings
or other charges and related liabilities, including additions to tax, penalties
and interest, imposed on or in respect of (a) any of the Property or (b) the
transactions effected under this Custody Agreement.
“Transaction Documents” means
all applicable subscription agreements, redemption agreements and transfer
agreements regarding the subscription for, delivery, deposit, transfer,
redemption or sale of the Financial Instruments, as the same may be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“UCC” means the Uniform
Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York.
References herein to specific provisions of the UCC include any corresponding
provisions in any amendments hereafter made to the UCC and any successor
provisions.
“Voting Materials” means all
proxies, proxy solicitation materials and other communications received by the
Custodian relating to the Property that call for voting.
2. Appointment of the
Custodian.
(a) The
Client hereby appoints the Custodian, and the Custodian hereby accepts such
appointment, as the custodian of the Property with responsibility for the
safekeeping of the Property of the Client, to the extent held in the physical
custody of the Custodian, and as the Securities Intermediary of the Client with
respect to the Property constituting Financial Assets and any Security
Entitlements thereto, with responsibility for maintaining the Securities Account
as provided in the UCC, and as its Bank with respect to the Deposit Account and
any Cash credited thereto as provided in the Current Account Agreement and
subject to the duties and responsibilities of a Bank under applicable law, and,
in every case, subject to the terms of this Custody Agreement.
(b) The
Custodian shall not be responsible for any Property of the Client held or
received by the Client and not delivered to and accepted by the Custodian for
credit to the Custody Account or Deposit Account, as provided
herein.
(c) All
Financial Instruments, Cash and Proceeds referred to herein and credited by the
Custodian to any account maintained by the Custodian as a Securities Account for
the Client as the Entitlement Holder thereto are to be treated as Financial
Assets under Article 8 of the UCC.
-7-
3.
Appointment of
Sub-Custodians; Use of Other Third Parties.
(a) The
Custodian may not appoint Sub-Custodians for the holding of the Property or any
Security Entitlement of the Custodian thereto.
(b) The
Custodian may utilize Administrative Support Providers in connection with the
Custodian’s performance of its duties under this Custody Agreement. The
Custodian shall use reasonable care in the selection of Administrative Support
Providers but shall otherwise have no responsibility for the performance by such
Persons of their duties or functions.
(c) The
Custodian may utilize, and deposit or procure the deposit of Financial
Instruments with, any Clearance System as required by law, regulation or market
practice and may utilize any Market Infrastructure. The Custodian shall have no
responsibility for selection or appointment of, or for performance by, any
Clearance System or Market Infrastructure.
4. Accounts.
(a) The
Custodian shall establish and maintain pursuant to the terms of this Custody
Agreement the Custody Account, comprising one or more Securities Accounts for
and on behalf of the Client to which Financial Instruments and Proceeds
constituting Financial Instruments shall be credited. To the extent such
Financial Instruments or Proceeds constitute commodity contracts within the
meaning of Section 9-102(a)(15) of the UCC, the account to which they are
credited shall constitute a commodity account within the meaning of Section
9-102(a)(14) of the UCC and the Client shall constitute a commodity customer of
the Custodian acting as a commodity intermediary, as such terms are defined in
Sections 9-102(a)(16) and (17) of the UCC.
(b) The
Custodian shall also establish and maintain the Deposit Account and shall credit
to such Deposit Account, subject to the provisions of this Custody Agreement,
all Cash received by it for the account of the Client.
(c) The
Client hereby directs the Custodian, pursuant to the power of attorney granted
herein, to execute and deliver to the Custodian, on behalf of the Client, one or
more Current Account Agreements to establish one or more Deposit Accounts on the
books of the Custodian as the Bank with respect thereto. The Client hereby
authorizes and directs the Custodian to “sweep” Cash from the Deposit Account to
other accounts maintained by the Custodian or its Affiliates or any third party
as further provided in Addendum A and, to the extent any such cash management
may generate Proceeds that constitute Financial Instruments or otherwise convert
Cash into Financial Instruments, to credit such Financial Instruments to the
Custody Account, in any case, without further Instructions of the Client. The
Client understands and acknowledges that deposits in the Deposit Account or in
any Secondary Account (as defined in Addendum A) are not insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government agency.
(d) The
Custodian may determine in its sole and absolute discretion whether to (i)
accept for custody in the Custody Account, Financial Instruments of any kind,
(ii) accept for deposit in the Deposit Account, Cash in any currency or (iii)
remove from the Custody Account and return to the Client any Financial
Instruments of any kind in the Custody Account.
-8-
5. Authorized Persons and
Instructions.
(a) Schedule
2 attached reflects those individuals (with specimen signatures) authorized by
the Client and the Investment Manager, respectively, to act for such Persons as
of the date of this Custody Agreement. From time to time, to the extent the
identities of any such individuals authorized to act for any such Person shall
change, the Client shall furnish and shall cause the Investment Manager, as the
case may be, to furnish, to the Custodian a written list of the names and
signatures of Authorized Persons under the terms of this Custody Agreement. The
Custodian shall be entitled to deal with any individual or other Person that it
reasonably believes to be an Authorized Person until the Custodian is notified
otherwise in writing by the Person that designated such Authorized Person and
the Custodian has had sufficient time to implement such notice. The Client and
the Investment Manager, respectively, will familiarize Authorized Persons with
all of the Client’s obligations under this Custody Agreement. The Custodian
shall be under no duty to question any Instruction given, or purporting to be
given, by any Person it reasonably believes to be an Authorized Person or to
evaluate or question the performance of any such Person and may act in
accordance with any such Instructions. The Custodian is authorized to rely upon
any Instructions received by any means, provided that the Custodian and the
Client have agreed upon the means of transmission and the method of
identification for the Instructions. In particular:
(i) The
Client and the Custodian will comply with security procedures agreed to between
them designed to verify the origination of Instructions.
(ii) The
Custodian is not responsible for errors or omissions made by the Client or
resulting from fraud or the duplication of any Instruction by the Client, and
the Custodian may act on any Instruction by reference to an account number only,
even if no account name is provided.
(iii) The
Custodian may act on an Instruction if it reasonably believes it contains
sufficient information.
(iv) The
Custodian may decide not to act on an Instruction where it reasonably doubts its
accuracy, contents, authorization, origination or compliance with any security
procedures and will promptly notify the Client of its decision.
(v) If
the Custodian acts on any Instruction sent manually (including by facsimile or
telephone), then, if the Custodian complies with the security procedures, the
Client will be responsible for any loss the Custodian may incur in connection
with that Instruction. The Client expressly acknowledges that it is aware that
the use of manual forms of communication to convey Instructions increases the
risk of error, security and privacy issues and fraudulent
activities.
(vi) Instructions
shall be given in the English language.
(vii) The
Custodian is obligated to act on Instructions only within applicable cut-off
times on banking days when the Custodian and the applicable financial markets
are open for business.
-9-
(viii) The
Custodian shall not be required to act on any Instruction if it determines that
so acting could expose it or any other member of RBC Group to potential
liability, if doing so would require it to expend its own funds, or if it
determines that so acting could lead to a breach by Client of any agreement
between Client and any member of RBC Group.
(b) Only
Authorized Persons may give Instructions to the Custodian on behalf of the
Client. The Custodian shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with all
such Instructions given or reasonably believed by the Custodian to have been
given or in failing to act in the absence thereof and shall be fully protected
and absolved from any liability arising therefrom. If the Custodian is not
provided with full and complete Instructions in a timely manner when required,
then the Custodian shall be fully protected and absolved from any liability
arising from the failure to act in relation thereto. The Custodian shall not be
responsible for any errors or inaccuracies contained in Instructions transmitted
to it or for any delays or failures in such transmissions caused by equipment
breakdown or unavailability of equipment.
(c) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary, the Custodian shall not be required to comply with
Instructions to settle the purchase of any Financial Instrument on behalf of the
Client unless there is sufficient Cash at the time and the Financial Instruments
are readily obtainable, nor shall the Custodian be required to comply with
Instructions to settle the sale of any Financial Instruments on behalf of the
Client unless such Financial Instruments are held in appropriate transferable
form by the Custodian for the Client or credited to the Custody Account. For
clarity, (i) the Custodian shall have no obligation to advance payment on behalf
of the Client or to advance any Financial Instrument on behalf of the Client in
any transaction constituting a delivery versus payment but may delay settlement
until it has, as the case may be, received from the Client the funds to be paid
or Financial Instrument to be delivered in respect thereof and (ii) the
Custodian is not obligated to credit Financial Instruments to the Custody
Account before receipt of such Financial Instruments by final settlement. If the
Custodian receives Instructions that would result in the delivery of Financial
Instruments exceeding credits to the Custody Account for such Financial
Instruments, the Custodian may reject the Instructions or may decide which
deliveries it will make (in whole or in part and in the order it
selects).
(d) The
Client shall, no later than 12:00 pm on the fourth Business Day preceding each
calendar month, (i) provide to the Custodian all Instructions relating to
investment allocations for such calendar month, and (ii) have sufficient Cash in
immediately available funds in the Deposit Account in order to carry out such
Instructions. If such Instructions are received after such time, or are
incomplete or incorrect, or if sufficient Cash is not available until after such
time, the Custodian is not obligated to accept such Instructions; if, however,
it chooses to accept such Instructions, it may do so in its sole and absolute
discretion, and accordingly any such investment allocations will be subject to
additional fees as noted in Schedule 3 hereto.
(e) In
furtherance and not in derogation of the foregoing, nothing contained in this
Custody Agreement shall be construed to require the Custodian to perform any
service, do any act or execute and deliver any agreement, that would cause the
Custodian to be deemed an investment manager or adviser or commodity trading
adviser or that could cause the Client, the Custodian or any nominee of either,
to act in contravention of any Client Document, Material Agreement or any
provision of applicable law in any jurisdiction.
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6.
Deposit Account
Procedures.
(a) The
Custodian is not obligated to make a credit to the Deposit Account before
receipt by the Custodian of a corresponding and final payment in cleared funds.
If the Custodian makes a credit before such receipt, the Custodian may at any
time reverse all or part of the credit (including any interest thereon), make an
appropriate entry to the Deposit Account, and if it reasonably so decides,
require repayment of any debit in the Deposit Account resulting
therefrom.
(b) The
Custodian is not obliged to make any debit to the Deposit Account which might
result in or increase a debit balance. However, the Custodian may debit the
Deposit Account even if this results in (or increases) a debit balance. If the
total amount of debits to the Deposit Account at any time would otherwise result
in a debit balance or exceed the immediately available funds credited to the
Deposit Account, the Custodian may decide which debits it will make (in whole or
in part and in the order it selects).
(c) The
Custodian may at any time in its sole and absolute discretion cancel any
extension of credit made by the Custodian as such. The Client will transfer to
the Custodian on closure of the Deposit Account and otherwise on demand from the
Custodian sufficient immediately available funds to cover any debit balance in
the Deposit Account or any other extension of credit and any interest, fees and
other amounts owed.
(d) The
Client shall bear all of the risk and expense associated with Cash denominated
in any currency.
7.
Records;
Ownership of Property.
(a) All
Property shall at all times and in all circumstances be clearly recorded in the
books and records of the Custodian to indicate the Client’s beneficial ownership
of the Property or its Security Entitlement to Property credited to any
Securities Account.
(b) Reserved.
(c) If
Property is directly held by the Custodian on the books of the issuer or other
Person (including registrar or transfer agent) maintaining records of ownership
of the same, such Property shall be registered or recorded on the books of such
issuer or other Person in the name or nominee name of the Custodian. If the
Client delivers any such interests to the Custodian for credit to the Custody
Account and such interests are registered or otherwise recorded in the name of
the Client on the books of the issuer or other Person maintaining records of
ownership of the same, the interests so delivered shall be endorsed to the
Custodian or its nominee and the Client shall cause the issuer or other Person
maintaining ownership records to reregister or rerecord the ownership of such
interests in the name or nominee name of the Custodian.
8.
Accounting; Account
Statements.
(a)
Subject to the terms and conditions of any Control Agreement applicable to the
Custody Account or the Deposit Account, the Custodian shall account for all
Property received by it, shall disburse or retain any income, dividends,
distributions, or other Cash proceeds received with respect to the Property,
pursuant to Instructions.
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(b)
The Custodian will provide to the Client monthly statements of account in
such format as the Custodian routinely offers to its customers in the ordinary
course of its business. The Client shall examine each statement sent by the
Custodian and notify the Custodian in writing within sixty (60) days of the date
of such statement of any discrepancy between Instructions given by the Client
and the position shown on the statement and of any other errors in such
statement. Absent such notification within such sixty (60) day period, the
Custodian shall have no liability for any loss or damage in regard to such
discrepancy or errors.
9.
Withdrawal of
Property.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of any Control Agreement applicable to the Custody
Account or the Deposit Account, all Property held by the Custodian shall be
withdrawn and transferred by the Custodian only in accordance with Instructions
except as otherwise provided in this Custody Agreement or in accordance with an
order of a court or other governmental authority having jurisdiction of the
Custodian. The Custodian shall have no duty or responsibility in respect of the
application of the Property so withdrawn, or withdrawn on termination of this
Custody Agreement.
10. Powers of the
Custodian.
(a)
Directed Powers of the
Custodian. The Custodian shall have
and may exercise the following powers and authority on behalf of the Client to
execute and deliver in its name or nominee name, or take such other actions as
may be necessary, in the administration of the Custody Account and Deposit
Account upon Instructions of the Client (or the Investment Manager) but subject
to any Control Agreement applicable to the Custody Account and Deposit
Account:
(i)
to settle on behalf of the Client the purchase and sale
of Property;
(ii) to
the extent the Custodian so agrees, in its sole discretion unless required by
applicable Law, to recognize and record any liens against the
Property;
(iii) to
complete and process all Voting Materials;
(iv) to
process any Corporate Actions; provided that the Client has
provided Instructions to the Custodian within the time frames specified by the
Custodian in its notice relating to such Corporate Actions;
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(v) to
borrow on behalf and in the name of the Client money against the grant of a
security interest in, lien on, charge over or pledge of, the Property, for which
purpose the Client hereby expressly authorizes such grant and pledge by the
Custodian on behalf of the Client; provided that the Client
hereby also authorizes, directs and instructs the Custodian, as a standing
Instruction with respect to any such borrowing, that the principal and interest
charges on such borrowing shall be timely paid by the Custodian to the lender
out of the Property as the lender may require, shall in no event be payable by
the Custodian to the lender out of proprietary funds of the Custodian, and such
obligation for payment from the Property shall constitute an obligation secured
hereunder by the security interest, lien on, pledge of and right of set-off
against the Property herein granted to the Custodian by the
Client;
(vi) to
write, issue, purchase, hold, sell and exchange Financial Instruments in its
name or nominee name for and on behalf of the Client or, if deemed appropriate
by the Custodian, in the name of the Client, subject to appropriate
agreements;
(vii) to
enter into and settle foreign exchange transactions in the name of and on behalf
of the Client, or in the Custodian’s name or nominee name for and on behalf of
the Client, for purposes of facilitating settlement of trades of, and
investments in, Property, subject to appropriate agreements (and any such
transactions may be entered into with such counterparties as the Custodian may
choose in its sole discretion, including members of the RBC Group).
(b) Reserved.
(c) Undirected Powers of the
Custodian. The Custodian shall have
and exercise the following powers and authority on behalf of the Client to
execute and deliver in its name or nominee name, or in the name of the Client,
or take such other actions as may be necessary, in the administration of the
Custody Account and Deposit Account (but subject to any Control Agreement
applicable to the Custody Account and Deposit Account) without further
Instructions from the Client (or the Investment Manager):
(i) to
select and utilize Clearance Systems, Administrative Support Providers and
Market Infrastructures;
(ii) to
take all reasonable steps to collect and receive all income, principal,
dividends and other payments and distributions when due in respect of any
Property in its custody and promptly credit all cash receipts received by it for
the account of the Client but the Custodian shall not be required to commence
any litigation to collect such any payment or distribution;
(iii) with
respect to Voting Materials, promptly to forward, or arrange to have promptly
forwarded, to the Client all Voting Materials which the Custodian
receives;
(iv) with
respect to Corporate Actions, promptly to forward to the Client information
received by the Custodian with respect to the Property and request instructions
with respect to any Corporate Action where required; provided, however, that the
Custodian shall not be obligated to forward or summarize any shareholder
communications that do not constitute Corporate Actions, including shareholder
mailings, notices, or reports other than Corporate Actions;
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(v) if
the Custodian deems it necessary or appropriate, to provide reports or other
information, upon request and to the extent such reports and information are
public, to interested parties regarding the Property held by the
Custodian;
(vi) Reserved;
(vii) to
invest uninvested Cash in the manner described in Addendum A; and
(viii) generally,
to take all action, whether or not expressly authorized, which is customary for
a custodian and/or which the Custodian may deem necessary or desirable, in its
sole discretion, for the fulfillment of its duties hereunder.
(d) Power of Attorney.
The Client hereby appoints the Custodian to be its true and lawful
attorney-in-fact, to execute and deliver in its name or otherwise and on its
behalf, any and all documents, agreements or other instruments in writing or
otherwise authenticated which are to be, or which may be, executed and delivered
or otherwise authenticated, in connection with the transactions or matters
contemplated by this Custody Agreement, including, but not limited to, a Current
Account Agreement. This power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall
be irrevocable until this Custody Agreement is terminated in accordance with its
terms.
(e) Reliance on
Counsel. The Custodian may employ
suitable agents and legal counsel, who may be counsel for the Client, and their
reasonable compensation, expenses and disbursements shall constitute
reimbursable expenses under this Custody Agreement. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely on and may act upon the advice of counsel obtained in good
faith on all matters and shall be without liability for any action taken or
omitted pursuant to such advice.
11. Settlement.
(a)
The Custodian shall, in jurisdictions where settlement practices permit, credit
or debit the Property to and from the Custody Account or Deposit Account, as the
case may be, in connection with the receipt of interest or dividends or the sale
or redemption of any Financial Instrument held hereunder and the purchase of any
Financial Instrument, on the Contractual Settlement Date with respect thereto,
whether such monies have been received, or payment made, by the Contractual
Settlement Date. However, the Custodian shall not be required to make any such
credit or debit unless and until payment or Property, as the case may be, is
received. If the Custodian, in its sole discretion credits the Custody Account
for payment or debits Property, in either case in advance of receipt thereof on
the Contractual Settlement Date, it may, in its sole discretion at any time
prior to actual receipt of payment reverse and unwind such credit or debit to
the extent permissible under applicable law or pursuant to the rules and
procedures of any self-regulatory organization or Clearance
System.
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(b)
The Client understands that in some securities markets, securities deliveries
and payments therefor may not be or are not customarily made simultaneously.
Accordingly, notwithstanding the Client’s Instruction to deliver Financial
Instruments against payment or to pay for Financial Instruments against
delivery, the Custodian may make or accept payment for or delivery of Financial
Instruments at such time and in such form and manner as is in accordance with
relevant local law and practice or with the customs prevailing in the relevant
market.
12.
Fees and
Expenses.
(a) Fees. In
consideration of the services provided by the Custodian hereunder, the Custodian
shall be compensated as set forth on Schedule 3. The Custodian’s fees are
subject to adjustment by the Custodian upon thirty (30) days’ prior notice to
the Client.
(b) Expenses. The Client
agrees to pay the Custodian’s out-of-pocket and incidental expenses, including,
but not limited to, reasonable legal fees, in connection with the Custodian’s
performance under or enforcement of this Custody Agreement or otherwise in
connection herewith. All costs and expenses, including any tax liability, stamp
duty, or other tax charged or chargeable in respect of any transaction hereunder
shall be paid by the Client to the Custodian as set forth therein. In addition,
except as otherwise expressly excluded herein, the Custodian shall be reimbursed
for any costs, disbursements and expenses incurred in the performance of its
duties hereunder.
(c) Statements. The
Custodian shall send to the Client itemized statements setting out the amount of
all compensation, disbursements and expenses provided for herein and such
amounts shall be due and payable within thirty (30) days after the date on which
such invoice is delivered.
(d) Due Payment.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Custody Agreement, the Custodian
shall not be obligated to act upon Instructions (including the delivery of any
Property to any Person) until all the amounts due and owing to the Custodian
under this Custody Agreement have been paid in full. The Custodian shall give
the Client notice of its decision not to act as soon as practicable upon the
making of such decision; provided, the failure of the
Custodian to give such notice shall not impair its decision
hereunder.
13. The Custodian’s Lien and
Right of Set-off.
(a) Lien. The Client hereby assigns, transfers and grants
to the Custodian a first priority security interest in, lien on and pledge of
the Property (including without limitation the Custody Account, the Deposit
Account, the Cash and other Property of the Client credited to the Custody
Account or any Secondary Account and the interest, if any, of the Client in any
Secondary Account) to secure the obligations of the Client to the Custodian
hereunder, including, but not limited to, any credit by the Custodian of
Property or funds to the Custody Account or Deposit Account in advance of
receipt thereof, any payments for principal or interest due in respect of any
borrowing by the Custodian on behalf of the Client or other obligations of the
Client undertaken by the Custodian on its behalf as provided herein, and all
amounts due to the Custodian hereunder in respect of costs, fees, expenses,
disbursements, taxes, indemnities or otherwise. In addition to all its rights
hereunder or under applicable law, the Custodian shall have all rights and
remedies available to a secured party under the UCC or other applicable
law.
-15-
(b) Set-off. Without
prejudice to any power, right or remedy that the Custodian may otherwise have
under any applicable law and without limiting the security interest and lien
granted to the Custodian under paragraph (a) above, unless prior payment has
been made by the Client, without prior notice to the Client but with subsequent
advice thereof to the Client, provided, the failure of the
Custodian to provide any such notice or advice shall not impair its rights
hereunder, the Custodian may, in its discretion, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary unless prohibited by applicable law:
(i) deduct
from the Property (which, for the purposes of this Section shall include any
Deposit Account and any Cash or other Property of the Client credited to any
Secondary Account) any amounts due and owing to the Custodian by the Client,
including amounts due and owing to the Custodian under this Custody Agreement or
any other agreement to which the Parties are party, in whatever capacities;
and/or
(ii) sell
any Property on such terms as it thinks fit in its discretion, apply any
proceeds of such sale to any amounts due and owing to the Custodian by the
Client, including amounts due and owing to the Custodian under this Custody
Agreement or any other agreement between the Custodian and the Client, and
deposit the balance of such proceeds, if any, in the Custody Account or Deposit
Account, as appropriate.
14. Relationship between the
Custodian and the Client.
(a) Nothing
in this Custody Agreement nor any act or omission hereunder shall constitute, or
be construed to create, any joint venture or partnership between the Custodian
and the Client.
(b) The
Custodian shall have no responsibility for the investment management of the
Property or for the investment decisions of the Investment Manager except,
subject to any Control Agreement, for carrying out Instructions. The Client
represents that it has made its own decision with respect to any particular
Financial Instrument, transaction or investment strategy and has not construed
any communication of the Custodian, whether written or oral, including the
information available on the internet to the extent provided herein, as a
recommendation, advice, opinion, assurance or guarantee with respect to the
nature, potential value or suitability of any particular Financial Instrument,
transaction, investment or investment strategy.
15. Tax Status; Withholding
Taxes.
(a)
The Client will provide the Custodian, from time to time and in a timely
manner, with information and proof (copies or originals) as the Custodian
reasonably requests, as to the Client’s and/or the underlying beneficial owners’
tax status or residence. Information and proof may include, as appropriate,
executing certificates, making representations and warranties or providing other
information or documents, as the Custodian deems necessary or proper to fulfill
obligations under applicable law.
-16-
(b) Any
Taxes payable with respect to any payment to be made to the Client will be
payable by the Client. The Custodian may pay out of the Property or withhold
from payments out of the Property all Taxes which the Custodian believes are
required to be so paid or withheld. If any Taxes become payable with respect to
any prior payment made to the Client by the Custodian, the Custodian may
withhold any Cash or other Property in satisfaction of such prior Taxes. The
Client shall remain liable for any deficiency in respect of any
Taxes.
(c) All
payments made by the Client under this Agreement shall be paid free and clear of
and without deduction or withholding for or on account of any Taxes; provided
that, for the purposes of this subsection, “Taxes” does not include income or
franchise taxes imposed on or measured by the net income of the Custodian. If
any Taxes are required by law to be deducted or withheld in connection with such
payments, the Client will increase the amount paid so that the full amount of
such payment is received by the Custodian.
16. Notices and
Communication.
(a) Notices. Except as
otherwise specified herein, all notices, requests, demands or other
communications to or upon the respective parties hereto under or with respect
hereto shall be given (i) in writing, or (ii) only to the extent provided in
clause (iii) below and in paragraph (b) of this Section 16, electronically. All
notices that include or constitute any Instructions shall be given in writing
only (which may be by facsimile transmission followed by hard copy delivery of
the original thereof). Written notices shall be deemed to have been duly given
or made (i) in the case of any such notices containing or constituting
Instructions, upon actual receipt by the Custodian prior to the close of
business of the Custodian on a Business Day (or otherwise, at the opening of
business of the Custodian on the next succeeding Business Day after actual
receipt thereof); (ii) for all other written notices, (x) five Business Days
after being mailed, properly addressed with first class postage prepaid, or (y)
upon actual receipt thereof by the receiving party, if delivered by hand,
overnight courier or facsimile transmission (and, if received on any day that is
not a Business Day or after close of business on a Business Day, at the opening
of business of the receiving party on the next succeeding Business Day); and
(iii) to the extent agreed by the Custodian in its sole discretion with respect
to notices other than those including or constituting Instructions, upon actual
receipt electronically at the e-mail address provided for herein (and, if
received on a day other than a Business Day or after the close of business on
any Business Day, at the opening of business of the receiving party on the next
succeeding Business Day). Every such notice shall be addressed to the receiving
party at its address or facsimile number or e-mail address, as the case may be,
as set forth below, or at such other address, facsimile number or e-mail
address, as the case may be, as a party may hereafter (and prior to the delivery
of such notice) specify by a written notice to the other party. As of the date
hereof, the address, facsimile number and e-mail address of each party
is:
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If to the
Client:
Persimmon
Growth Partners Fund, L.P.
c/o
Persimmon GP, LLC
000 Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxxx Xxxx
Telephone
Number: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile
Number: (000) 000-0000
E-mail:
xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
If to the
Custodian:
Royal
Bank of Canada
Portfolio
Services Group
Xxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, 0xx
Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx,
XX 00000-0000
Attention:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Telephone
Number: (000)000-0000
Facsimile
Number: (000)000-0000
E-mail:
xxxxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxx.xxx
with a
copy to:
Attention:
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Telephone
Number.: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile
Number: (000) 000-0000
E-mail:
xxxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxx.xxx
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(b)
Internet.
(i) To
the extent the Custodian so elects, the Client agrees that the Custodian may
make certain materials, including Corporate Actions and Voting Materials, as
well as certain other written information, documents, instruments and material
relating to the Custodian or the Client, or any other materials or matters
relating to this Custody Agreement or any transaction or relationship
contemplated hereby, other than Instructions (collectively, the “Communications”) available by
posting such matters, or a notice of their availability, on an electronic system
(the “Custodian Website”). The Client acknowledges that (A) the
distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure
and that there are confidentiality and other risks associated with such
distribution, (B) the Custodian Website is provided “as is” and “as available”
and (C) neither the Custodian nor any Affiliate, agent or Sub-Custodian warrants
the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the Communications or the Custodian
Website and each expressly disclaims liability for errors or omission in the
Communications or the Custodian Website; provided, that the Custodian
will use commercially reasonable efforts to rectify any problems brought to its
attention with respect to the operation of the Custodian Website. No warranty of
any kind, express, implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any
warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non- infringement
of third party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects is made by
the Custodian or any of its Affiliates, agents or Sub-Custodians in connection
with the Custodian Website or any Communications transmitted therein; provided, that
notwithstanding anything else contained herein, the Custodian shall operate and
maintain the Custodian Website in a commercially reasonable manner. The Client
agrees that notice to it via e-mail as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section
16, specifying that any Communication has been posted to the Custodian Website,
shall constitute effective delivery of such information, documents or other
materials to the Client for purposes of this Custody Agreement.
(ii) With
respect to the Client’s access and use of the Custodian Website and the
Custodian’s services available through the Custodian Website via the Internet,
in order to receive information on the Custody Account and Deposit Account, the
Client shall, and shall cause each Authorized Person to maintain all identifiers
and passwords assigned to Authorized Person in confidence. The Client shall be
responsible for any and all information, including messages and instructions,
entered, transmitted or received under identifiers and passwords of Authorized
Persons and for the investment and other consequences thereof. The Custodian, in
its sole discretion and without prior notice to the Client, may modify the form
and content of any display on the Custodian Website at any time and in any way,
including terminating any information or service provided
thereon.
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17. Liability and Responsibility
of the Custodian.
(a)
The Custodian is responsible for the performance of only those
duties as are expressly set forth herein. The Custodian shall have no implied
duties or obligations. The Custodian shall not under any circumstances
whatsoever be liable to the Client, its employees, Affiliates, its officers,
directors, shareholders, members, or partners, or the Investment Manager or any
other Person, in respect of any loss, cost, expense or damage sustained or
liability incurred by the Client or any such other Persons by reason of any act,
advice, statement (expressed or implied), default or omission by the Custodian
or its officers, directors, employees, shareholders, members, agents, nominees
or representatives or the officers, directors, employees, shareholders, members,
agents, nominees or representatives of any of them (collectively, the “Indemnified Party”),
except to the extent resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct
of the Custodian or its employees acting in the ordinary course of their
employment. In no event shall the Custodian be liable for any consequential,
incidental, punitive, exemplary or special damages, including but not limited to
loss of reputation, goodwill, business or profit.
(b)
In furtherance and not in derogation thereof, the Custodian
shall not be responsible for:
(i) the
authenticity or validity of title to any Property;
(ii) any
act or omission required or demanded by any governmental, taxing, regulatory or
other competent authority in any country in which all or part of the Property is
held or which has jurisdiction over the Custodian, the Client or the Investment
Manager;
(iii) any
failure to act on Instructions, if the Custodian reasonably believed that to do
so might result in breach of any applicable law or regulation or supervisory
authority or the terms of this Custody Agreement; or
(iv) the
acts, omissions, defaults or insolvency of any third party, including, but not
limited to, any Administrative Support Provider, Clearance System, broker,
counterparty or issuer of Financial Instruments.
The
Custodian shall in any event have no liability or responsibility for equipment
failure, communication line failure, system failure, security failure,
unauthorized access or use of the identifier and password of an Authorized
Person, theft, or any problem, technological or otherwise, that might prevent
the Client from accessing internet-based services.
(c)
The Custodian shall have no duty or responsibility to:
(i) advise
the Client or any Authorized Person regarding any default in the payment of
principal or income of any Financial Instrument;
(ii)
evaluate or report to the Client, the Investment Manager or any Authorized
Person regarding the financial condition of any broker, agent or other party to
which Financial Instruments are delivered or received or payments are made or
received pursuant to this Custody Agreement;
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(iii) review
or reconcile trade confirmations received from brokers (and the Client shall
bear all responsibility to review such confirmations against Instructions issued
to and statements issued by the Custodian); or
(iv) except
as may not be waived under applicable law, to provide the Client with
information concerning the Financial Instruments or the issuers thereof or of
any counterparty to a transaction with the Client, no matter how such
information is acquired by the Custodian, unless it is provided directly by the
issuer of such Financial Instruments for the holders of such Financial
Instruments or by such counterparty for delivery to the Client. Specifically,
the Client acknowledges that the Custodian may be in possession of information
regarding the Financial Instruments or issuers of, or counterparties in respect
of, Financial Instruments (including any such information acquired by the
Custodian as underwriter of such Financial Instruments or as lender or financial
or investment adviser to any Person) and that the Custodian has no obligation to
disclose such information to the Client.
(d) The
Client understands and agrees that the Custodian’s performance of this Custody
Agreement is subject to the relevant local laws, regulations, decrees, orders
and governmental acts, and the rules, operating procedures and practices of any
relevant stock exchange, Clearance System or market where or through which
Instructions are to be carried out and to which the Custodian is subject and as
exist in the country in which any Financial Instruments or Cash are
held.
(e) The
Client shall be solely responsible for all filings, tax returns and reports on
any transactions in respect of Financial Instruments or Cash or relating to
Financial Instruments or Cash as may be required by any relevant authority,
whether governmental or otherwise.
(f) The
Custodian does not warrant or guarantee the form, authenticity, -salue or
validity of any Financial Instrument received by the Custodian.
(g)
The Custodian is not responsible for the form, accuracy or content of any
notice, circular, report, announcement or other material provided under this
Custody Agreement (including Section 10 hereof) not prepared by the Custodian
including the accuracy or completeness of any translation provided by the
Custodian in regard to such forwarded communication.
18. Indemnification of the
Custodian.
(a) Except
to the extent resulting from its gross negligence or willful misconduct, the
Indemnified Party shall at all times be indemnified and held harmless by the
Client from and against all legal fees, judgments and amounts paid in
settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Party in
connection with this Custody Agreement or any custodial or other services
provided hereunder or pursuant hereto, including, but not limited to, any such
fees, judgments and amounts incurred by the Indemnified Party by reason of or on
account of:
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(i) the
Indemnified Party having acted, or omitted to act, if such action or omission to
act is wholly or in part in accordance with Instructions, whether or not such
Instructions are unlawful, mistaken, wrong, or inconsistent with the provisions
of this Custody Agreement or any other agreement between the Custodian and the
Client;
(ii) any
action or failure to act of the Client, the Investment Manager or any Authorized
Person or any officer, director, employee or agent of any of them;
and
(iii) indemnities
that have been granted by the Custodian to the issuer of any Financial
Instrument necessary to induce such issuer to effect an assignment or
re-registration of title to the Financial Instrument from the Client to the
Custodian or necessary to induce such issuer to consent to a pledge of such
Financial Instrument by Client to Royal Bank of Canada.
(b) The
Client shall indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Party from any
liability or loss incurred or resulting from the imposition or assessment of any
taxes, including income taxes, penalties and interest, or other governmental
charges, and any related expenses with respect to income from Financial
Instruments or any other Property.
(c) None
of the provisions of this Custody Agreement shall require the Indemnified Party
to expend or risk its own funds, appear in, prosecute or defend proceedings, or
otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or
in the exercise of any of its rights or powers hereunder, unless first
indemnified to its satisfaction.
19. Non-Solicitation.
(a) During
the term of this Custody Agreement, and for a period of six (6) months
thereafter, the Client shall not, and the Client shall ensure that the
Investment Manager shall not, directly or indirectly, either 6r themselves or on
behalf of any other Person, without the prior consent of the Custodian, solicit
to employ or retain as a consultant or independent contractor, any Person who
currently is, or during the preceding six (6) month period was, known by the
Client or the Investment Manager to be in the employ of the Custodian and/or its
Affiliates.
(b) The
Client and the Investment Manager acknowledge and agree that due to the unique
services to be provided by the Custodian’s employees, and the confidential
nature of the information the Custodian’s employees will possess, the covenants
set forth herein are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business
and goodwill of the Custodian. The Client and the Investment Manager expressly
acknowledge the importance to the Custodian of the covenants set forth in this
Section 19 and recognize that the Custodian would not enter into this Custody
Agreement and would not permit the Client and the Investment Manager access to
the Custodian’s services without the Client’s and the Investment Manager’s
agreement hereto, in acknowledgement and agreement of which the Client and the
Investment Manager shall execute and deliver this Custody Agreement as indicated
below.
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20.
Representations
of the Client.
The
Client hereby represents and warrants to and covenants with the Custodian as
follows (and will deliver to the Custodian, concurrently with any extension of
credit to Client by Royal Bank of Canada under a credit agreement, opinions of
counsel substantially in the form and content of Exhibit B-1 and B-2 hereto
(which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be combined as a single opinion of
counsel to the extent such counsel is qualified in the applicable jurisdictions
and knowledgeable with respect to such matters as is contemplated by such
Exhibits B-1 and B-2), or in such other form and content acceptable to the
Custodian in its sole discretion, and as to such other matters as shall be
reasonably specified by the Custodian):
(a) The
Client (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, (ii) is duly qualified and in good
standing as a foreign company in each other jurisdiction in which it owns or
leases property or in which the conduct of its business requires it to so
qualify or be licensed and where failure so to qualify and be in good standing
or to be licensed could have a material adverse effect on the Client or its
assets or the rights of the Custodian hereunder, (iii) has all requisite power
and authority to own or lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted; and (iv) is not an
“investment company” (as defined in the ICA) required to register under the
ICA.
(b) More
specifically and without Imitation of the foregoing, the Client has the power
and authority to:
(i) grant
to the Custodian the powers and authorities granted to it pursuant to this
Custody Agreement, including all powers and authorities in respect of the Client
and any Property;
(ii) authorize
the Custodian to establish bank accounts in the name of the Client with the
Custodian; and
(iii) give
Instructions in relation to the safekeeping and custody of the Property, and to
authorize others to do so where applicable.
(c) The
execution, delivery and performance by the Client of this Custody Agreement and
all related agreements, instruments or documents required or contemplated hereby
are within the Client’s powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary
action and do not and will not (i) contravene any Client Document or other
constitutive document of the Client, (ii) contravene any contractual restriction
binding on the Client or require any consent under any agreement, instrument or
document to which the Client or any of its Affiliates is a party or by which any
of its or their properties or assets is bound, (iii) result in or require the
creation or imposition of any lien, security interest or other claim on or
against any property or assets of the Client except to the extent expressly
provided for or permitted hereunder, or (iv) violate any law, rule or regulation
(including, but not limited to the ICA, the United States Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated under such Acts), order,
writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award or other legal
requirement applicable to the Client or to the property or assets of the Client.
The Client is not in violation of any such law, rule, regulation, order, writ,
judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award or in breach of any
contractual restriction binding upon it, except for any such violation or breach
that would not have a material adverse effect on the Client, its assets or
properties or its performance of its obligations hereunder.
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(d) Reserved.
(e) No
order, consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing,
recording or registration with, or exemption or waiver by, any governmental or
regulatory authority, body or entity in any jurisdiction or any other third
party is required to authorize, or is required in connection with, (i) the
execution, delivery or performance by the Client of this Custody Agreement or
any agreement, instrument or document required or contemplated hereby, or (ii)
the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Custody
Agreement or any such other agreement, instrument or document.
(f) This
Custody Agreement and any agreements, instruments or documents required or
contemplated hereby have been (or, with respect to any such other agreements,
instruments or documents to be executed and delivered subsequent to the date
hereof, will be) duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Client and
are, or, with respect to any such other agreements, instruments or documents,
upon the execution and delivery thereof, will be, the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Client, enforceable against the Client in accordance with
their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights
generally or by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
(g) The
Client has complied (for at least the last five years or since the date of its
formation, if in existence less than five (5) years) and will continue to comply
with all laws, rules and regulations having application to its existence, its
business, properties and assets, its execution, delivery and performance of this
Custody Agreement, the Client Documents, the Material Agreements, or otherwise.
Each Material Agreement is in full force and effect and the Client is not in
default under any provision of any such Material Agreement.
(h) The
Client has delivered to the Custodian (i) executed copies of each Client
Document, (ii) a copy of the resolutions of the Client approving the appointment
of the Custodian as the Client’s custodian, and authorizing the Client’s
execution, delivery and performance of this Custody Agreement and (iii) the
names and facsimile signatures of individuals and other Persons authorized to
act on behalf of the Client in connection with this Custody Agreement. The
Client will deliver to the Custodian any other documents and information the
Custodian may from time to time reasonably require to enable it to perform and
comply with its duties and obligations under this Custody Agreement. The Client
shall not amend, supplement or otherwise modify or caused to be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified, any Client Document, if such amendment,
supplement or other modification could have a material adverse effect, or impose
additional obligations, on the Custodian except upon the Custodian’s prior
written consent, which may be withheld by the Custodian in its sole discretion
or conditioned upon such amendments, supplements or other modifications of this
Custody Agreement or any other agreement to which the Parties are party, as the
Custodian may require. The Client shall deliver to the Custodian promptly any
new Client Document and any replacement for or amendment or supplement to any
Client Document; provided,
that any material adverse change to any Client Document shall not be
effective with respect to the Custodian without the Custodian’s prior written
consent.
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(i)
Neither the Client, the Investment Manager, nor any of their officers,
directors, employees or agents, has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor
involving money laundering or the offer, purchase or sale of any security or
commodity or in connection with the making of any false filing with any
securities or commodities administrator, or arising out of the conduct of the
business of an underwriter, broker, dealer, investment adviser, or commodity
trading advisor, or of any felony or misdemeanor involving money laundering or
fraud as an essential element, deceit or intentional wrongdoing, including, but
not limited to, forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses,
larceny or conspiracy to defraud or of any crime involving moral turpitude or
which is designed to protect consumers against unlawful or deceptive practices.
There is no administrative, civil or criminal proceeding pending or threatened
against the Client or the Investment Manager that could have a material adverse
effect on the Client’s business or financial condition.
(j)
Each of the Client and its Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to,
or valid leasehold interest in, all of its material properties and assets
including, but not limited to, all assets to be held and maintained by the
Custodian for and on behalf of the Client. All such material properties and
assets, including but not limited to all such assets held and maintained by the
Custodian for and on behalf of the Client are held or owned free and clear of
any liens, security interests or claims to or against such properties and
assets, including but not limited to all such assets held and maintained by the
Custodian for and on behalf of the Client, other than those liens, security
interest or claims expressly permitted under and pursuant to this Custody
Agreement, or pursuant to (i) any credit facility extended to the Client by
Royal Bank of Canada or its permitted successors and assigns, as lender and
secured party, or (ii) any structured derivative transaction entered into
between the Client and Royal Bank of Canada or its permitted successors and
assigns, as swap counterparty and secured party, to the extent provided in
applicable agreements therefor. The Client has no knowledge of any insolvency or
bankruptcy proceeding of any type instituted by or with respect to any issuer of
assets to be held and maintained by the Custodian for or on behalf of the Client
or any event that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on such assets or the Custodian in its performance of its obligations hereunder
with respect to such assets.
(k)
Each of the Client and its Subsidiaries has filed all income tax returns and all
other material tax returns that are required to be filed by it in all
jurisdictions and has paid all taxes, assessments, claims, governmental charges
or levies imposed on it or its properties, except for taxes contested in good
faith as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with United
States generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Neither
the Client nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any agreement or waiver
or been requested to enter into any agreement or waiver extending any statute of
limitations relating to the payment or collection of taxes of the Client or such
Subsidiary or is aware of any circumstances that would cause the taxable years
or other taxable periods of the Client or such Subsidiary not to be subject to
the normally applicable statute of limitations.
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(l)
Neither the Client nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their assets,
properties and revenues, including, but not limited to, the assets held and
maintained by the Custodian for or on behalf of the Client, has any right of
immunity on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise from jurisdiction of any
court or from setoff or any legal process (whether through service or notice,
attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or
otherwise) under any law, rules or regulations of any jurisdiction.
(m)
All information (i) provided to the Custodian with respect to the Client and its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates and any of their properties or assets, including, but
not limited to, the assets held or maintained by the Custodian for or on behalf
of the Client hereunder, in connection with the negotiation, execution and
delivery of this Custody Agreement or any other agreement, instrument or
document required or contemplated hereby or the transactions and relationship
provided hereunder and contemplated hereby and thereby, including but not
limited to, any subscription documents or financial statements of the Client and
its Subsidiaries, the Client Documents and any Material Agreements, or (ii)
provided or to be provided by the Client and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates in
any offering document of the Client (except as to information about the
Custodian, if any, furnished by it specifically for inclusion therein, as to
which the Client makes no representation), was or will be, on or as of the
applicable date of provision thereof, complete and correct in all material
respects and did not (or will not) contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a fact necessary to make the statements contained therein
not misleading in light of the time and circumstances under which such
statements were made.
(n)
The Client has read and will read all of the Transaction Documents and all
representations to be made therein, either by the Client directly or by the
Custodian in the name or on behalf of the Client. The Client hereby authorizes
and directs the Custodian to make such representations on its behalf. All such
representations, made by or on behalf of the Client are true, accurate and
complete, and the Client agrees that it will immediately inform the Custodian if
any such representation ceases to be true or accurate (in which event, Custodian
shall have no liability for and shall be indemnified hereunder against, any
losses, costs, claims or expenses resulting therefrom).
(o)
The Client is not, and it is not acting on behalf of, (i) an “employee benefit
plan” or other plan subject to the prohibited transactions provisions of the
United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or Section
4975 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”),
(ii) any entity which may be deemed to hold assets of any such plan, or (iii) a
governmental, church or non-U.S. employee benefit plan which is subject to any
federal, state, local or non-U.S. law that is similar to the prohibited
transactions provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the IRC, and
no part of the Property consists of the assets of any such “employee benefit
plan” or plan specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above.
(p) Reserved.
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(q)
Reserved.
(r)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the foregoing representations,
warranties and covenants of the Client shall be continuing representations,
warranties and covenants, respectively, and shall be deemed to be reaffirmed
upon , and with the same effect as if made on and as of the date of, (i) each
Instruction given by the Client to the Custodian, (ii) each delivery of Property
to the Custodian and (iii) each date on which the Client shall execute and
deliver, or request services or perform it obligations under, any other
agreement with the Custodian that implicates or depends upon the continuing
enforceability of this Custody Agreement, including but not limited to any
credit agreement, swap confirmation, security agreement and/or control agreement
made by the Custodian as lender, swap counterparty, secured party and/or
securities intermediary for the benefit of the Client as borrower, swap
counterparty, and/or grantor of a security interest with respect to the
Property.
21. Representations of the
Custodian.
The
Custodian hereby represents and warrants to and covenants with the Client as
follows:
(a) The
Custodian is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its formation and has full power and authority and is permitted
by applicable law to enter into and carry out its obligations under this Custody
Agreement and to own its properties and conduct its business as described in
this Custody Agreement.
(b) The
performance of its obligations under this Custody Agreement by the Custodian
will not conflict with, violate the terms of, or constitute a default under any
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, or other agreement or
instrument to which the Custodian is a party or by which it is bound or to which
any of the property or assets of the Custodian is subject, or any order, rule,
law, regulation, or other legal requirement applicable to the Custodian or to
the property or assets of the Custodian, the effect of which conflict, violation
or default would have a material adverse effect on the performance by the
Custodian of its duties and obligations hereunder.
(c) The
Custodian has complied and will continue to comply with all laws, rules and
regulations having application to its business, properties and assets, the
violation of which could materially adversely affect the Custodian’s performance
of its obligations under this Custody Agreement.
22. Amendments.
This
Custody Agreement, including any schedules, exhibits and addenda hereto,
constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties (and, to the extent
expressly provided herein, of the Investment Manager) with respect to the
matters referred to herein, and no other agreement, verbal or otherwise, shall
be binding as between the Parties unless it shall be in writing and signed by
the Parties. This Custody Agreement may be amended at any time and from time to
time, in whole or in part, only by written agreement of the Client and the
Custodian.
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23. Termination.
(a) Subject
to the terms of any and all other agreements, instruments or other documents
between the Client and the Custodian or any of its Affiliates, this Custody
Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and shall continue in full force and
effect but may be terminated:
(i) by
either Party upon at least ninety (90) days’ written notice to the other
Party;
(ii) by
either Party, immediately, if the other Party commits a material breach of this
Custody Agreement and fails to remedy such breach within twenty (20) Business
Days after receipt of notice from the non-defaulting party requiring it to do
so;
(iii)
by the Client, immediately, if the Custodian enters into liquidation or a
receiver is appointed over any of the assets of the Custodian;
(iv) by
the Custodian, if a receiver is appointed for the Client or its assets or a
liquidation or reorganization proceeding is commenced for the Client under the
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws of any jurisdiction;
(v) by
the Custodian, immediately, upon dissolution of the Client or at any time upon
the failure of the Client to be duly constituted and registered in all
applicable jurisdictions;
(vi) by
the Custodian, immediately, if at any time the Custodian determines in its sole
discretion that the Client does not, or no longer, meets Custodian’s anti-money
laundering requirements; or
(vii) by
the Client upon at least thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Custodian upon
an assignment by the Custodian to any successor Custodian or any Person
acquiring the custody business of the Custodian without the prior express
written consent of the Client; provided that any such written notice by Client
shall be delivered to Custodian within fifteen (15) days of Client receiving
notice of such assignment.
(b) Except
as otherwise provided herein and subject to any Control Agreement to which the
Custodian may be or become party, the Custodian hereby agrees, upon termination
of this Custody Agreement, at the sole expense of the Client, to deliver to or
to the order of the Client all Property. The provisions of Sections 18, 19, 24,
28, 29 and 30 hereof shall survive any termination of this Custody
Agreement.
(c) After
the effective date of the termination of this Custody Agreement, the Custodian
shall not be obligated to comply with any Instructions (other than, subject to
the terms of any Control Agreement, as to the transfer of the Property held by
the Custodian or credited to a Custody Account or Deposit Account) and shall not
be obligated to “sweep” or otherwise invest any Cash held in the Deposit
Account. The Custodian’s fee shall continue to accrue following the termination
of this Custody Agreement until the Custodian receives appropriate instructions
for the transfer of the Property to a transferee willing and able to accept the
same, and such transfers have been, in the reasonable opinion of the Custodian,
effected and confirmed.
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24. Force
Majeure.
Notwithstanding
any other provision contained in this Custody Agreement, the Custodian shall not
be liable for any action taken, delay or any failure to take any action required
to be taken by it hereunder or otherwise to fulfill its duties or obligations
hereunder (including, without limitation, the failure to receive or make any
payment or comply with any Instructions) in the event and to the extent that the
taking of such action, delay or such failure arises out of or is caused by or is
directly or indirectly due to war; act of terrorism; insurrection; sabotage;
enemy action; riot; labor disputes; civil commotion; rebellion; strike;
lock-out; act of God; storm; tempest; accident; fire; damage (including water
damage); explosion; restrictions on convertibility; requisition; any change in
(including any change in interpretation, application, or administration of) law,
decree, regulation, action or order of any government, governmental body or
other competent authority (including any court or tribunal); unavailability of
communication system; or any other cause (whether similar or dissimilar to any
of the foregoing) whatsoever beyond its reasonable control or the reasonable
control of any agent or delegate of the Custodian or Clearance System or
securities system. The Custodian shall use all reasonable efforts to minimize
the effect of any force majeure. In any such event, the Custodian shall be
excused from any further performance and observance of the obligations so
affected only for so long as such circumstances prevail and the Custodian
continues to use commercially reasonable efforts to recommence performance or
observance as soon as practicable. If the Custodian is prevented from performing
its obligations under this Custody Agreement as a result of a force majeure
event for a continuous period of ten (10) Business Days, the Client shall be
entitled to terminate this Custody Agreement with immediate effect following the
expiration of such ten (10) Business Day period.
25. Access to
Records.
The
Custodian shall, on reasonable notice and during normal business hours on any
Business Day, at the Client’s expense, make available to and permit the Client
and its auditors (so long as they are retained in that capacity), and such
regulatory authorities as may have lawful jurisdiction over the Client, to
inspect all accounts, books and records maintained by the Custodian in respect
of the Property in connection with its duties under this Custody Agreement (and
will seek to obtain such access from each Clearance System utilized by the
Custodian); provided
that the Client and such auditors comply with the Custodian’s
requirements as to confidentiality.
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26. Conflicts of Interest;
Transactions with Members of the RBC Group.
(a)
The Custodian’s services to the Client are not exclusive and,
subject to the limitations otherwise provided in this Custody Agreement on the
power and authority of the Custodian, the Custodian may for any purpose, and is
hereby expressly authorized from time to time in its discretion to, appoint,
employ, invest in, contract or deal with any Person, including but not limited
to, itself and any Person with which it may directly or indirectly be affiliated
or in which it may be directly or indirectly interested (including any member of
the RBC Group), whether on its own account or for the account of another (in a
fiduciary capacity or otherwise), without being liable to account therefor and
without being in breach of this Custody Agreement. The Client specifically
agrees and understands that any member of the RBC Group can engage as principal
or otherwise in any transaction with, or effected by, the Client or by any
Person for the Client’s account and benefit. When instructed to effect any
transactions for the Client, the Custodian is entitled to effect such
transaction by or with itself or any other member of the RBC Group and to pay or
keep any fee, commissions or compensation as specified in the Client’s
Instruction or, if no specification is provided, any charges, fees, commissions
or similar payments generally in effect from time to time with regard to such or
similar transactions. Any member of the RBC Group entering into a transaction
with the Client in any capacity other than as Custodian shall also be entitled
to retain all principal, interest and other income to which it is entitled in
such other capacity.
(b)
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Client hereby authorizes the Custodian to act hereunder notwithstanding that the
Custodian or any other member of the RBC Group may have a material interest in
the transaction or that circumstances are such that the Custodian may have a
potential conflict of duty or interest including the fact that the Custodian or
any other member of the RBC Group may:
(i) purchase,
hold, sell, invest in or otherwise deal with securities or other property of the
same class and nature as may be held by the Client, or of units of the Client
itself, whether on its own account or for the account of another (in a fiduciary
capacity or otherwise);
(ii) act
as custodian or administrator to other funds or companies that may compete with
the Client;
(iii) act
as a market maker in the Financial Instruments that form part of the Property to
which Instructions relate;
(iv) act
as a sponsor, general partner, financial adviser or in a similar capacity with
respect to other funds or companies that may compete with the
Client;
(v) provide
brokerage services to other clients;
(vi) act
as financial adviser to the issuer of Financial Instruments held or acquired by
the Client;
(vii) act
as administrator of the Client;
(viii) act
as a counterparty with respect to any transaction involving the Client or the
Investment Manager, or direct or indirect investors in the Client or its
Affiliates, including transactions involving Financial Instruments;
(ix) lend
money or property to the Client;
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(x) act
in the same transaction for more than one client;
(xi) be
the issuer or guarantor of, or have a material interest in the issuance of,
Financial Instruments that form part of the Property;
(xii) hold,
or have an Affiliate that may hold, a significant investment in the
Client;
(xiii) use
in other capacities information acquired by the Custodian in its capacity as the
Custodian;
(xiv) earn
profits from any of the transactions or activities listed above;
and
(xv) have
a general lien on any Property held by it under this Custody Agreement to secure
liabilities and obligations of the Client owed to the Custodian or any other
member of the RBC Group with respect to any of the transactions or activities
listed above.
27. Disclosure of
Information.
(a) The
Client acknowledges that the Custodian may be required or requested to disclose
to the Client’s auditors, to governmental or regulatory authorities (including,
but not limited to, bank examiners and tax authorities), or to any other Person
requiring such information pursuant to law, rule, regulation or supervisory
authority, the name, taxpayer identification, or the like, the address of the
Client, the positions with respect to Financial Instruments or any other records
or information (including Confidential Information) and hereby consents to such
disclosures, which may be made without notice to or consent of the Client. The
Client also acknowledges that, in connection with any investment or potential
investment by the Client, the Custodian may receive requests from relevant third
parties for copies of the Client Documents, this Custody Agreement, information
relating to the Client’s anti-money laundering procedures, or personal
information regarding the Client’s directors or authorized signatories. For
example, an investment by the Client in a private investment vehicle may prompt
such vehicle’s administrator to request such information. The Client hereby
consents to the Custodian’s release of such information, in the Custodian’s sole
and absolute discretion, provided that, for the
avoidance of doubt, this paragraph shall in no way obligate the Custodian to
release Custodian Information.
(b) The
Client agrees that it will from time to time provide to the Custodian such
information, documentation and evidence as the Custodian may require to enable
the Custodian to comply with paragraph (a) above or any requirement of law,
including, but not limited to, its obligations in respect of the prevention of
money laundering under applicable law.
-31-
28. Property Rights of the
Custodian.
Notwithstanding
anything in this Custody Agreement expressly or by implication to the contrary,
express or implied, all property rights to the systems, computer programs and
procedures owned, licensed, used by or on behalf of the Custodian to perform its
duties under this Custody Agreement shall remain solely with the Custodian and
may not be used by the Client or the Investment Manager for any purpose. The
foregoing includes all property and materials developed or created by the
Custodian in connection with performing its duties under this Custody Agreement,
including but not limited to, techniques, algorithms, tools, interfaces, media
conveyors, software, menus, codes, methods, systems, processes, computer
programs, operating instructions and unique design concepts and all
documentation developed for or specifically relating thereto, and reports and
notes prepared by the Custodian (excepting only the books and records of the
Client or documents, information or data provided to the Custodian by the
Client).
29. Advertising.
The
Client shall not display or distribute the name, trademark or service xxxx of
the Custodian or its Affiliates (including any member of the RBC Group) without
the prior written approval of the Custodian. The Client shall not advertise or
promote any service provided by the Custodian or its Affiliates (including any
member of the RBC Group) without the Custodian’s prior written consent. For the
avoidance of doubt, the inclusion of Custodian’s name, as custodian to the
Client, in the Client’s offering document shall not be deemed to be a violation
of this Section.
30. Confidentiality.
(a) Without
prejudice to Section 27(a) hereof, the Custodian will not, without the Client’s
prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), disclose
(other than to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ directors,
employees, agents, auditors and counsel, in each case only to the extent
necessary for the Custodian’s performance and administration of this Custody
Agreement and any Control Agreement) any Confidential Information with respect
to the Client furnished to it under this Custody Agreement, except (i) as may be
required to comply with any applicable law or pursuant to legal process or
otherwise as required in connection with litigation (and the Custodian agrees
that it will, to the extent reasonably practicable and if permitted by
applicable law, give the Client prior written notice of such disclosure
reasonably sufficient to permit the Client to contest such disclosure), (ii) to
governmental or regulatory authorities (including bank examiners) or national
rating agencies that require access to information about the Custodian’s
accounts in connection with ratings issued to the Custodian, upon their request
therefor, (iii) in connection with any proposed transaction between the
Custodian and the Client or in which the Custodian is acting on behalf of the
Client or otherwise, to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty in such
transaction or such counterparty’s professional advisor, (iv) to any successor
or assignee, or proposed successor or assignee, of the Custodian permitted
hereunder provided that
such successor or assignee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section)
and (v) in connection with the Custodian’s enforcement of its rights hereunder
or any litigation relating hereto. Any information otherwise authorized or
permitted to be disclosed or provided by the Custodian under this Custody
Agreement may be disclosed or provided by the Custodian via internet, web-based
server or electronic mail and use of such medium shall not be considered to
cause a breach of its confidentiality obligations set forth in this Section 30.
The Custodian’s obligations hereunder with regard to any Confidential
Information furnished to it shall terminate two years after receipt of such
information. For the avoidance of doubt, the Custodian may disclose Confidential
Information to the Client’s administrator at any time and in any
manner.
-32-
(b) The
Client agrees that Custodian Information constitutes trade secrets proprietary
to the Custodian. The Client agrees to keep the Custodian Information
confidential and to utilize the Custodian Information solely for its own
investment and trading activities. The Client further agrees to take or cause to
be taken all commercially reasonable precautions to maintain the secrecy and
confidentiality of such Custodian Information. The Client will not use or permit
the use of internet-based services or any of the Custodian Information for any
illegal purpose. The Client further acknowledges that any internet services
provided by the Custodian and all intellectual property rights therein,
including the Custodian Information, are the property of the Custodian and that
the Client will have no right to reproduce, sell, license, or distribute any
Custodian Information or any portion thereof without the prior approval thereof
by the Custodian. In furtherance and not in derogation of the foregoing, the
Client shall (and shall ensure that Investment Manager shall) hold in confidence
all Custodian Information relating to the Property and this Custody Agreement or
obtained via the internet, shall not use such Custodian Information for
competitive purposes, except (i) as may be required to comply with any
applicable law or regulatory authority or pursuant to legal process or otherwise
as required in connection with litigation (and the Client agrees that it will,
to the extent reasonably practicable and if permitted by applicable law, give
the Custodian prior written notice of such disclosure reasonably sufficient to
permit the Custodian to contest such disclosure), (ii) to governmental or
regulatory authorities (including bank examiners) or national rating agencies
that require access to information about the Client in connection with ratings
issued to the Client, upon their request therefor, (iii) to any successor or
assignee of the Client permitted hereunder (provided that such successor
or assignee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section) and (iv) in
connection with the Client’s enforcement of its rights hereunder. The Client’s
obligations hereunder with regard to any Custodian Information furnished to it
shall terminate two (2) years after receipt of such information.
(c) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Custodian may share Confidential Information and the Client
may share Custodian Information, each with its respective professional advisors,
counsel, agents and Affiliates in connection with the performance of its
obligations hereunder; provided, each such Person
shall be advised of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree
to be bound by the terms of this Section 30.
(d) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary set forth herein or in any other agreement to which the
Parties are parties or by which they are bound, the obligations of
confidentiality contained herein and therein, as they relate to the transactions
and relationship provided hereunder or contemplated hereby, shall not apply to
the tax strategy, tax structure or tax treatment of the transactions and
relationship provided herein or contemplated hereby, and each Party (and any
employee, representative, or agent of any Party) may disclose to any and all
Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax strategy, tax structure and tax
treatment of the transactions and relationship provided herein or contemplated
hereby. The preceding sentence is intended to cause the transactions and the
relationship provided herein or contemplated hereby to be treated as not having
been offered under conditions of confidentiality for purposes of Section
1.6011-4(b)(3) (or any successor provision) of the Treasury regulations
promulgated under Section 6011 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and shall be construed in a manner consistent with such purpose. In addition,
each Party acknowledges that it has no proprietary or exclusive rights to any
tax concept, tax matter or tax idea related to the transactions and relationship
provided herein or contemplated hereby.
-33-
31. Assignment.
This
Custody Agreement shall not be assigned by any party hereto without the prior
express written consent of the other Party, provided that this Custody
Agreement may be assigned by the Custodian to any successor to the Custodian or
any Person acquiring the custody business of the Custodian. Any required consent
of the Client to assignment by the Custodian shall not be unreasonably withheld.
The Custodian may, in its sole discretion, consent or not consent to any
requested assignment by the Client. The Parties hereto acknowledge and agree
that the different standards provided in this Section 31 are intentional and
reflect the different interests and concerns of the Parties with respect to any
proposed assignment.
32. Governing
Law.
THIS
CUSTODY AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES
WHICH WOULD MAKE THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION APPLICABLE TO THIS CUSTODY
AGREEMENT.
33. Submission to
Jurisdiction.
For
purposes of any suit, action or proceeding involving this Custody Agreement or
any judgment entered by any court in respect of such suit, action or proceeding,
the Client expressly submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any state or
federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New
York, and agrees that any order, process or other paper may be served upon the
Client within or without such court’s jurisdiction by mailing a copy by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Client at the Client’s
address for notices provided in this Custody Agreement, such service to become
effective 30 days after such mailing. The Client irrevocably waives any
objection it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit,
action of proceeding arising out of or relating to this Custody Agreement
brought in any such court and further irrevocably waives any claim that any such
suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an
inconvenient forum. A final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be
conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or
in any other manner provided by law. The Client hereby irrevocably appoints
Xxxxxxxxxx Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP, 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx,
XX 00000 as its agent to receive, accept and acknowledge for and on its behalf,
and in respect of its property, service of any and all legal process, summons,
notices and documents that may be served in any such action or proceeding. If
for any reason such agent shall cease to be available to act as such, the Client
agrees to designate a new agent in The City of New York on the same terms and
for the purposes of this provision reasonably satisfactory to the Custodian.
Nothing contained in this Custody Agreement shall affect the Custodian’s right
to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any
action or proceeding against the Client or the Client’s property in the courts
of other jurisdictions. To the extent that the Client has or hereafter may
acquire any irnmunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process
(whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in
aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its
property, the Client hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its
obligations under this Custody Agreement and, without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, agrees that the waivers set forth herein shall have the fullest
scope permitted under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 of the United
States and are intended to be irrevocable for purposes of such
Act.
-34-
34. Jurisdiction of Securities
Intermediary and Bank.
The
Custodian and the Client agree that the Custodian’s jurisdiction (within the
meaning of Section 8-110(e) and Section 9-304(b) of the UCC), acting in its
capacities as “securities intermediary” and “bank” in respect of the Custody
Account and the Deposit Account, is the State of New York.
35. Counterparts.
This
Custody Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which
taken together shall constitute one agreement, and either of the parties hereto
may execute this Custody Agreement by signing any such counterpart. Delivery of
an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Custody Agreement by
facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of
this Custody Agreement.
36. Headings.
Headings
to sections and subsections in this Custody Agreement are for the convenience of
the Parties only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning
or interpretation hereof.
37. No Third Party
Beneficiaries.
Except as
expressly provided herein, this Custody Agreement is not intended to and shall
not convey any rights to Persons not a party to this Custody
Agreement.
38. Joint Preparation of Custody
Agreement.
The
Client acknowledges that it has participated, through its counsel, with the
Custodian in the preparation of this Custody Agreement and that no provision of
this Custody Agreement shall be construed against any Party as the party
drafting this Custody Agreement.
39. Severability.
If any
provision of this Custody Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full
force and effect (as shall that provision in any other
jurisdiction).
-35-
40. Recordings.
The
Client and the Custodian consent to telephonic or electronic recordings for
security and quality of service purposes and agree that either may produce
telephonic or electronic recordings or computer records as evidence in any
proceedings brought in connection with this Custody Agreement.
41. USA Patriot Act.
The
Custodian hereby notifies the Client that pursuant to the requirements of the
USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26,
2001)), the Custodian may be required to obtain, verify and record information
that identifies the Client, which information includes the name and address of
the Client and other information that will allow the Custodian to identify the
Client in accordance with such Act. The Client agrees to comply with any request
by the Custodian for such information.
42. Further
Assurances.
The
Client agrees to execute further documents and provide materials and information
as may be reasonably requested by the Custodian to enable it to perform its
duties and obligations under this Custody Agreement.
43. Acknowledgement and
Confirmation of Investment Manager.
By
signing below the Investment Manager represents, warrants and confirms that it
is the investment manager of the Client and agrees to be bound by all provisions
hereof applicable to the Investment Manager. If the Investment Manager shall at
any time cease to be the investment manager of the Client, it shall promptly so
notify the Lender in writing.
44. Waiver of Jury
Trial.
THE
CLIENT AND THE CUSTODIAN HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE,
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN
ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER
SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO
OR CONNECTED WITH THIS CUSTODY AGREEMENT OR THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED
HEREUNDER AND AGREE THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE
SITTING WITHOUT A JURY.
(remainder
of page is intentionally left blank; signature page follows)
-36-
Persimmon
Onshore - Custody Agreement 2005-09-27
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Custody Agreement to be
executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized officers as of the
date first written above.
ROYAL
BANK OF CANADA,
|
|
as
Custodian,
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Managing Director
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxx
|
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice President
|
|
PERSIMMON
GROWTH PARTNERS FUND,
|
|
L.P.
|
|
By:
Persimmon GP, LLC, its General Partner
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
|
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
|
|
Title:
President
|
|
Agreed
and acknowledged, to the extent provided
|
|
herein:
|
|
PERSIMMON
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LP, as
|
|
Investment
Manager of Persimmon Growth Partners
|
|
Fund,
L.P.
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
|
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
|
|
Title:
President
|
Persimmon
Onshore - Custody Agreement 2005-09-27
SCHEDULE
1
Client
Documents
Confidential
Private Placement Memorandum, dated February 1, 2005
Limited
Partnership Agreement, filed with Secretary of State of Delaware on January 2,
2004
Certificate
of Limited Partnership, filed with Secretary of State of Delaware on December
11, 2003, as amended on December 30, 2003.
Persimmon
Onshore - Custody Agreement 2005-09-27
SCHEDULE
2
AUTHORIZED
PERSONS
Authorized
by the Client to act on its behalf:
Name
|
Title
|
Specimen Signature
|
||
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx
|
President
of General Partner
|
/s/
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx
|
Authorized
by the Investment Manager to act on its behalf and/or for the
Client:
Name
|
Title
|
Specimen Signature
|
||
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx
|
President
|
/s/
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx
|
Persimmon
Onshore - Custody Agreement 2005-09-27
SCHEDULE
3
Custodian
Fees
The
Client shall pay to the Custodian for the performance of the Services specified
in this Custody Agreement a monthly custodian fee (the “Custodian Fee”) based
on the month-end total assets (and the total assets on the termination date of
this Custody Agreement) of the Client held by the Custodian at the relevant
basis points per annum rate as follows, subject always to a minimum monthly fee
of US$1,000:
Month-end
total assets (in U.S. Dollars)
|
Basis
Points per annum
|
on
total assets from $0 - $200 million
|
6
|
on
total assets in excess of $200 million
|
4
|
For the
purposes of this Custody Agreement, “month-end total assets” shall mean the
total value of all Investee Fund Interests of the Client held by the Custodian,
based upon the respective values of such Investee Fund Interests as reported by
each such Investee Fund (or by its manager, advisor, administrator or other
similar entity, as applicable) or upon estimates if such values are not
available in a timely manner or are not reported on a monthly basis. For the
avoidance of doubt, such values may differ from the values assigned to such
Investee Fund Interests for collateral purposes by any member of RBC
Group.
Notwithstanding
the above and solely for purposes of determining, based on the chart above, the
basis points per annum to be charged on the month-end total assets of the Client
held by the Custodian hereunder, the “total assets” referenced in the first
column of the foregoing chart shall refer to the aggregate month-end total
assets of Client, Persimmon Absolute Return Fund, L.P. and Persimmon Absolute
Return Offshore Fund, Ltd. held by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement and
similar custody agreements, if any, to the extent each of Client, Persimmon
Absolute Return Fund, L.P. and Persimmon Absolute Return Offshore Fund, Ltd. is
advised by Persimmon Capital Management, LP.
The
Custodian Fee:
1. shall
be calculated and payable monthly in arrears and shall be taken as a percentage
of the Client’s month-end total assets as of the close of business on the last
day of each month, or if applicable, shall be the minimum monthly fee specified
above;
2. shall
be paid to the Custodian by the Client in U.S. Dollars by deduction from the
cash of the Client promptly at the end of each of month, followed by a summary
statement in respect thereof to be sent to the Client by the
Custodian;
3. shall
begin to accrue on the date of this Custody Agreement; and
4. shall,
if the Custodian Fee begins to accrue during a month or if this Custody
Agreement terminates before the end of a month, be pro rated for the relevant
period (subject always to Section 23(c) of this Custody
Agreement).
The
Client acknowledges that, as part of the Custodian’s compensation, the Custodian
or its Affiliates will earn interest on balances, including disbursement
balances and balances arising from transactions hereunder.
Miscellaneous
Fees
The
Custodian shall assess the following additional fees:
1. Each
subscription or redemption (together, “Transactions”) made by the Client beyond the first
forty-eight (48) Transactions each calendar year made by the Client will be
charged at US$250 per Transaction; provided that for the
remainder of calendar year 2005, each Transaction beyond the first twelve (12)
Transactions will be charged at US$250 per Transaction. For the avoidance of
doubt, any additional allocations to existing subscriptions, as well as partial
redemptions, shall count as Transactions for purposes hereof. If Persimmon
Absolute Return Fund, L.P. does not execute with the Custodian a custody
agreement substantially similar to this Agreement by April 1, 2006, the
foregoing shall no longer apply and all Transactions effective as of or after
April 1, 2006 made by the Client will be charged at US$250 per
Transaction;
2. Outgoing
wire transfers will incur a charge of US$30 per transfer;
3. Ad
hoc reporting, tax reporting, regulatory filings, file transfers, system
customization and programming will be provided at a rate of US$200 per
hour;
4. Out-of-pocket
courier charges will be charged to the Client at cost;
5. Assignments
or transfers (in either case, only charged if assigned or transferred to another
custodian or to a third party), pledges, and other transactions which require
special handling will be charged at $500 per fund per transaction;
6. If
the Custodian chooses to accept allocation instructions later than those
received by 12:00 Noon New York time on the fourth to last Business Day of any
calendar month, or which are incomplete or incorrect, or for which the Client
has on deposit with Custodian insufficient cash in immediately available funds
as of such deadline, the Client will incur an additional US$200 charge per
investment; and
7. Other
services to be charged as agreed under this Custody Agreement or
otherwise.
-2-
EXHIBIT
A
Current Account
Agreement
ROYAL
BANK OF CANADA
CURRENT
ACCOUNT AGREEMENT
(CORPORATION
OR PARTNERSHIP)
Branch
|
|
Account Title
|
|
Account Number
|
1. Definitions. In this
Agreement, the words “you”, and “your” mean each Depositor who signs this
Agreement. The words “we” and “our” mean the bank indicated above. The word
“Account” means the account specified above. The words “Month” and “Monthly”
refer to the time period covered by each statement of the Account. The number of
days in each Month may vary and may not necessarily constitute a calendar
month.
2. Term of Agreement.
This Agreement shall remain in continuous effect until terminated by you or by
us in accordance with Paragraph 16 below.
3. Law, Rules and
Regulations. In addition to this Agreement, your Account is also subject
to applicable Federal laws, rules and regulations, clearing house rules, general
commercial practices in the New York metropolitan area and any applicable New
York State laws, rules and regulations.
4. Deposits. You may
make deposits in any amount at any time during our business hours via wire
transfer. All deposits must be made in United States Dollars in immediately
available funds. Your deposits will not become part of your available balance in
your Account for the purposes of:
· interest
calculation (if any)
· service
charge calculation
· average
balance calculation
· availability
for withdrawal
until
they are made available in accordance with our Availability Schedule. Deposits
received by us when our branch named above is closed are considered to be made
on the next full banking day. We may refuse, limit or return any
deposit.
5. Interest. The funds
in your Account will not earn interest.
6. Charges and Fees. You
will pay the charges and fees described in our Service Price Schedule. We may
charge your Account for any such charges or fees without notifying you in
advance. We may change or add to those charges and fees without notifying you in
advance.
Exhibit A
Page A-2
7. Withdrawals and
Transfers. You may make withdrawals or transfers from your Account by
issuing checks on bank approved forms, if the bank provides or authorizes the
use of such forms with respect to the Account, or by specific written
instructions signed by you. We may refuse any withdrawal or transfer request if
a claim is asserted against the funds in your Account, a legal garnishment or
attachment is served, if you fail to repay on time any amount borrowed from us
or for similar reasons. We will advise you of the reason why such action is
taken.
8. Insufficient Balance.
You must maintain a balance in your Account that will cover all the transactions
you make. If a check is presented to us for payment, or an instruction for wire
transfer is given, when there are not sufficient available funds in your Account
to cover it, we may pay or refuse payment, and if payment is refused with
respect to any check, return it unpaid. Should we decide to pay a check, or
comply with any payment instruction, against insufficient funds or uncollected
balances, you will repay to us the amount by which the check or payment exceeds
the funds in your Account.
9. Form of Checks; Postdated
Checks. We may return unpaid:
•
|
any
check not on a form that you obtained from us
or
|
•
|
any
check dated later than the day you write it and presented to us before its
date.
|
We will
not be responsible for paying or certifying postdated checks.
10. Collection of Checks, Drafts
and Other Payment Instruments. We can choose the method of obtaining
payment on your deposits or you may use other banks in the process. We are not
responsible for actions taken by other banks, nor for the loss or destruction of
any checks, drafts or other instruments in the possession of other banks or in
transit. We are not responsible for any act or failure to act that is reasonable
under the circumstances or that is consistent with the laws, rules, regulations
and general commercial practices referred to in Paragraph 3 above.
11. Stop Payment Orders.
Stop payment orders must be in writing, signed by you and submitted to our
office where the Account is maintained (which is the office first indicated
above, unless you have requested and we have agreed that the Account be
maintained at a different office) at least two (2) business days before the
check is presented to us for payment and must specify the exact amount of the
check, the payee, the date of the check, the number of the check and the number
of your Account.
Exhibit A
Page A-3
12. Verification of
Account. We will send you at the end of each Month a statement of the
deposits in and withdrawals from your Account during that Month. Any fees and
charges you have incurred will also appear on your statement. If you do not
receive a statement and the cancelled checks or debit advices relating to that
statement by the 10th day after the end of each Month, you must notify us.
Within thirty (30) days after the date of the statement you must check the
correctness of each statement, checks and debit advices and notify our office
where the Account is maintained in writing of any omissions from the statement
or any inaccurate entries in the statement (including entries from payments made
on forged or unauthorized signatures or altered instruments). Except for the
entries or omissions as to which you will have given us the notice required by
this Paragraph and for forged or unauthorized endorsements, you hereby agree
that each statement accurately and correctly sets forth all of the transactions
in your Account during the Month covered by the statement. Your failure to
notify us in writing, within thirty (30) days after the date of the statement
which sets forth our payment, that we have paid an instrument that had been
altered or that bears a forged or unauthorized signature, will constitute a
waiver by you of any claims that you may have against us for such payment. Your
failure to notify us in writing, within 180 days after the date of the statement
that sets forth our payment, that we have paid an instrument bearing a forged or
unauthorized endorsement will constitute a waiver by you of any claims that you
may have against us for such payment.
13. Waiver of Protest.
You agree to waive protest of checks deposited in your Account.
14. Set Off. We may
withdraw any or all of the money from your Account and apply that money to
reduce any indebtedness that you owe to us. If we do so, we will mail you notice
of the set off and advise you of the reasons for set off.
15. Changes of Terms and
Conditions. The terms of this Agreement may not be changed unless the
change is authorized by us in writing. We may change the terms of this Agreement
at any time.
16. Termination. Either
you or we may close your Account at any time. Any checks presented to us for
payment after your Account has been closed may be returned by us
unpaid.
17. Change in Membership.
(Applicable only to Partnerships). This Agreement will continue in full force
and effect until terminated pursuant to paragraph 16 above, regardless of
changes in your membership through the death or withdrawal of one or more
partners or the addition of one or more partners or otherwise.
18. Who is Bound. Your
obligations under this Agreement will also be binding on your successors in
interest.
19. Assignment. You may
not assign your Account without our prior written approval.
20. Power of Attorney. We
will recognize the authority of a Person to whom you have given power of
attorney with regard to your Account on a form obtained from us.
21. Change in Address.
You must promptly notify us in writing of any change in your address. Mail will
be sent to you at the most recent address we have recorded for your
Account.
Exhibit A
Page A-4
22. Indemnity; Expenses.
We may refuse to follow any instruction that we believe exposes us to potential
liability under the law or we may require you to indemnify us against any claims
if we follow such instruction. You hereby agree to pay all expenses, including
attorneys’ fees, incurred or paid by us with respect to your Account whether in
relation to the circumstances described in the foregoing sentence or for any
other reason whatsoever.
23. Waiver. We may waive
any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement but the waiver will apply only
on that occasion.
24. Governing Law. This
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York and any
applicable Federal laws.
25. Acceptance and
Acknowledgement. Your signature below will indicate your acceptance of
the terms of this Agreements and your acknowledgement that you have
received
* a
copy of this Agreement,
* a
copy of our current Service Price Schedule and
* a
copy of our current Availability Schedule.
Date:
|
||||
(Name
of Corporation or Partnership)
|
||||
ROYAL
BANK OF CANADA,
|
||||
as
Custodian
|
||||
By:
|
||||
Name:
|
||||
Title:
|
PREP BY
|
CHK. BY
|
EXHIBIT
B-1
Form of
Opinion of New York Counsel to the Client
{date}
Royal
Bank of Canada
Xxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Re:
Persimmon Growth
Partners Fund, L.P.
Ladies
and Gentlemen:
We have
acted as special New York counsel to PERSIMMON GROWTH PARTNERS FUND, L.P., a
limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (“the
“Client”), in
connection with the Custody Agreement dated as of September 27, 2005 (the “Custody Agreement”)
between the Client and Royal Bank of Canada (the “Custodian”). This
opinion letter is being furnished to you at the Client’s request pursuant to
Section 20 of the Custody Agreement. All capitalized terms used but not defined
herein have the respective meanings given to such terms in the Custody
Agreement.
In
rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined:
(i) the
Custody Agreement;
(ii) the
Client Documents; and
(iii) such
records of the Client and such other documents as we have deemed necessary as a
basis for the opinions expressed below.
In our
examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity
of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity with authentic
original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies. When relevant
facts were not independently established, we have relied upon statements of
governmental officials and upon representations made in or pursuant to the
Custody Agreement and certificates of appropriate representatives of the
Client.
For the
purposes of giving our opinions herein set forth we have also assumed, without
any independent investigation, that:
(i) The
Custody Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Custodian;
Exhibit B-1
Page 2
(ii) all
signatures on the Custody Agreement (other than those on behalf of the Client)
have been duly authorized;
(iii) the
Client is a limited partnership, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of Delaware and has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and to
perform its obligations under, the Custody Agreement; and
(iv) the
Client has duly executed and deliver the Custody Agreement.
Based
upon the foregoing, subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations
set forth herein, and having considered such questions of law as we have deemed
necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below, we are of the opinion
that:
1. The
Custody Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Client
enforceable against the Client in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by general
principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in
a proceeding at law or in equity).
2. The
execution, delivery and performance by the Client of the Custody Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby do not and will not
(a) violate any federal law of the United States (including the Securities Act
of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Investment Company Act of
1940) or any law of the State of New York, (b) to our knowledge, violate any
order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award known to us
and issued by any court or governmental or regulatory authority, body or agency
or any arbitrator applicable to the Client or any of its Affiliates, (c) to our
knowledge, contravene any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any offering
or placement document, indenture, mortgage, lease or other agreement or
instrument to which the Client or any of its Affiliates is a party, or by which
any of them or their properties is bound, or to which any of them is subject, or
(d) result in or require the creation or imposition of any lien or security
interest on any Property except as permitted or provided for by the Custody
Agreement.
3. No
order, consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing,
recording or registration with, or exemption or waiver by, any governmental or
regulatory authority, body or agency of the United States or the State of New
York or, to our knowledge, any other third party is required for or in
connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by the Client of the
Custody Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby
or (b) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of the Custody
Agreement.
4. Pursuant
to Section 13 of the Custody Agreement, the Custodian has a valid, enforceable
and perfected security interest in the Property to secure the obligations of the
Client to the Custodian specified in such Section 13, subject to no prior
security interests or other liens other than the security interest granted to
Royal Bank of Canada by the Client pursuant to the Security Agreement between
such parties dated {date}.
Exhibit B-1
Page 3
5. To
the best of our knowledge, there is no pending or threatened action or
proceeding affecting the Client before any court, governmental agency or
arbitrator that if adversely determined could have a material adverse effect on
the Client or its assets or property or that purports to affect the legality,
validity or enforceability of the Custody Agreement.
6. The
Client is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled by” an
“investment company”, or an “affiliated person” of, or “promoter” or “principal
underwriter” for, an “investment company,” as such terms are defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
7. The
Client is not, and it is not acting on behalf of, (a) an “employee benefit plan”
or other plan subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) or Section
4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”), (b) to our knowledge, any
entity which may be deemed to hold assets of any such plan, or (c) a
governmental or church benefit plan which is subject to any Federal or state law
that is similar to the prohibited transaction provisions of Section 406 of ERISA
or Section 4775 of the IRC, and no part of the Property consists of the assets
of any such “employee benefit plan” or plan specified in clause (i) (ii) or
(iii) above.
8. To
our knowledge the Client is not in violation of any law, rule, or regulation,
order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree or award, or in breach of any
contractual restriction, binding upon it, except for any such violation or
breach that would not have a material adverse effect on the Client, its assets
or properties or its performance of its obligations hereunder.
The
opinions set forth herein are limited to laws as in effect and facts as they
exist on the date hereof. We assume no obligation to revise or supplement such
opinions after the date hereof or as a result of any change in circumstances
under which such opinions were given.
We do not
express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the laws of the State
of New York, {insert name of relevant Delaware act} and the federal laws of the
United States of America.
The
opinions set forth herein are rendered to you solely for your benefit and the
benefit of each of your successors and assigns under the Custody Agreement. This
opinion letter may not be relied upon by any other Person, nor may it be quoted,
in whole or in part, summarized or otherwise referred to, nor may copies hereof
be furnished or delivered to any other Person, without the prior written consent
of this firm; provided
that you may disclose copies if required in connection with any audit or
any bank or other regulatory examination or as required by law.
Very
truly yours,
|
EXHIBIT
B-2
Form of
Opinion of Delaware Counsel to the Client
{date}
Royal
Bank of Canada
Xxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Re:
Persimmon Growth
Partners Fund, L.P.
Ladies
and Gentlemen:
We have
acted as counsel to PERSIMMON GROWTH PARTNERS FUND, L.P., a limited partnership
organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (the “Client”), in
connection with the Custody Agreement dated as of September 27, 2005 (the “Custody Agreement”)
between the Client and Royal Bank of Canada (the “Custodian”). This
opinion letter is being furnished to you at Client’s request pursuant to Section
20 of the Custody Agreement. All capitalized terms used but not defined herein
have the respective meanings given to such terms in the Custody
Agreement.
In
rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined;
(i) the
Custody Agreement;
(ii) the
Client Documents; and
(iii) such
records of the Client and such other documents as we have deemed necessary as a
basis for the opinions expressed below.
In our
examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures other than those
on behalf of the Client, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as
originals and the conformity with authentic original documents of all documents
submitted to us as copies. When relevant facts were not independently
established, we have relied upon statements of governmental officials and upon
representations made in or pursuant to the Custody Agreement and certificates of
appropriate representatives of the Client.
In
rendering the opinions expressed below, we have assumed, with respect to all of
the documents referred to in this opinion letter, that:
(i) such
documents have been duly authorized by, have been duly executed and delivered
by, and constitute legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of, all of
the parties to such documents (other than the Client);
Exhibit B-2
Page 2
(ii) all
signatures on such documents have been duly authorized (other than the Client);
and
(iii) all
of the parties to such documents are duly organized and validly existing and
have the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform such documents
(other than the Client).
Based
upon the foregoing, subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations
set forth herein, and having considered such questions of law as we have deemed
necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below, we are of the opinion
that:
1. The
Client is a limited partnership, duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of Delaware.
2. The
Client has all requisite power and authority to (a) own or lease and operate its
properties, (b) carry on its business as now conducted and proposed to be
conducted, (c) execute and deliver, and perform its obligations under, the
Custody Agreement, (d) grant to the Custodian the powers and authorities granted
to it pursuant to the Custody Agreement, including all powers in respect of the
Client and the Property, (e) authorize the Custodian to establish the Custody
Account and the Deposit Account and (f) give Instructions in relation to the
Custody Account and the safekeeping and custody of the Property.
3. The
execution, delivery and performance by the Client of the Custody Agreement have
been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the
Client.
4. The
Custody Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Client.
5. The
execution, delivery and performance by the Client of, and the consummation by
the Client of the transactions contemplated by, the Custody Agreement do not (a)
violate the Client Documents, (b) violate any applicable law, rule or
regulation, (c) violate any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree,
determination or award or other legal requirement known to us of any court,
governmental authority or agency or arbitrator applicable to the Client or any
property or assets of the Client, (d) contravene or require any consent under
any agreement or instrument known to us to which the Client or any of its
Affiliates is a party or by which it or any of its Affiliates, or its or its
Affiliates’ properties, is bound or to which it is subject, or (e) result in or
require the creation or imposition of any security interest, lien or charge on
any Property other than as permitted or provided for by the Custody
Agreement.
6. To
our knowledge the Client is not in violation of any law, rule, or regulation,
order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree or award, or in breach of any
contractual restriction, binding upon it, except for any such violation or
breach that would not have a material adverse effect on the Client, its assets
or properties or its performance of its obligations hereunder.
Exhibit B-2
Page 3
7. No
order, consent, approval, license, authorization, or validation of, and no
filing, recording or registration with, or exemption of waiver by, any
governmental or regulatory authority, body or agency of Delaware or, to our
knowledge, any third party is required on the part of the Client for or in
connection with (i) the execution, delivery or performance of the Custody
Agreement, (ii) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of the
Custody Agreement or (iii) the validity, enforceability, perfection or priority
of the security interest granted to the Custodian thereunder.
8. Under
conflict of laws principles of Delaware the stated choice of New York law to
govern the Custody Agreement will be honored by the courts of Delaware, and the
Custody Agreement will be construed in accordance with, and will be treated as
being governed by, the law of the State of New York. However, if the Custody
Agreement were stated to be governed by and construed in accordance with the law
of Delaware, or if a Delaware court were to apply the law of Delaware to the
Custody Agreement, the Custody Agreement would constitute the legal, valid and
binding obligation of the Client, enforceable against the Client in accordance
with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights
generally or by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). The Custody
Agreement is in proper legal form under the laws of Delaware for the enforcement
thereof against the Client in Delaware.
9. To
the best of our knowledge there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding
affecting the Client or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective
properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator that, if
adversely determined, could have a material adverse effect on the fund or the
Property or that purports to affect the legality, validity of enforceability of
the Custody Agreement.
10. To
the extent that under the laws of the State of New York the Custodian has a
valid, enforceable and perfected lien on, charge over or security interest in
the Property to secure the obligations of the Client to the Custodian specified
in the Custody Agreement, such lien, charge and security interest would be
treated as valid, enforceable and perfected under the laws of Delaware, with the
same priority as it has under the laws of the State of New York.
11. The
Client is generally subject to suit in Delaware, and neither it nor any of its
assets, properties and revenues (including, but not limited to, the Property)
has any right of immunity on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise from
jurisdiction of any court or from setoff or any legal process (whether through
service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution,
execution or otherwise).
12. There
is no tax, levy, impost, deduction, charge or withholding imposed, levied or
made by or in Delaware, either on or by virtue of the execution or delivery of
the Custody Agreement or on any payment to be made by the Client pursuant to the
Custody Agreement. The Client is permitted to make all payments pursuant to the
Custody Agreement, free and clear of all taxes, levies, imposts, deductions,
charges or withholdings imposed, levied or made by or in Delaware or any taxing
authority thereof or therein.
Exhibit B-2
Page 4
13. It
is not necessary in order to assure the legality, validity, enforceability and
admissibility in evidence of the Custody Agreement in Delaware, or the validity,
enforceability, perfection or priority of the lien, charge and security interest
granted to the Custodian thereunder, that the Custody Agreement or any other
document be filed or recorded with any governmental authority in Delaware or be
notarized or that any stamp or similar tax be paid on or in respect of the
Custody Agreement.
14. The
courts of Delaware will recognize as a valid judgment, and permit the same to
found the basis of a new action in Delaware, any final and conclusive judgment
in personam obtained in
a state or federal court in New York against the Client based on the Custody
Agreement or under which a sum of money is payable and should give a judgment
based thereon without there being a re-trial of the merits provided
that:
(a) such
courts in New York had proper jurisdiction over the parties subject to such
judgment;
(b) such
judgment was not obtained by fraud;
(c) the
enforcement of such judgment would not be contrary to the public policy of
Delaware (we are not aware of any reason that the enforcement of any such
judgment would be contrary to such public policy); and
(d) the
judgment is not inconsistent with another judgment in Delaware in respect of the
same matter.
15. It
is not necessary under the laws of Delaware that the Custodian be licensed,
qualified or entitled to carry on business in Delaware in order for the
Custodian to act as custodian for the Property or to enable the Custodian to
enforce its rights under the Custody Agreement.
16. The
Custodian is not and will not be deemed to be resident, domiciled, subject to
taxation, or required to be licensed, qualified or entitled to carry on business
in Delaware solely by reason of the Custodian’s execution and delivery of the
Custody Agreement or the performance or enforcement thereof by the Custodian or
the receipt by the Custodian of payments thereunder.
The
opinions set forth herein are limited to laws as in effect and facts as they
exist on the date hereof. We assume no obligation to revise or supplement such
opinions after the date hereof or as a result of any change in circumstances
under which such opinions were given.
We do not
express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the laws of
Delaware.
Exhibit B-2
Page 5
The
opinions set forth herein are rendered to you solely for your benefit and the
benefit of each of your successors and assigns under the Custody Agreement. This
opinion letter may not be relied upon by any other Person, except that New York
counsel for the Client may rely hereon in giving its opinion concerning the
Custody Agreement, nor may it be quoted, in whole or in part, summarized or
otherwise referred to, nor may copies hereof be furnished or delivered to any
other Person, without the prior written consent of this firm; provided that you may
disclose copies if required in connection with any audit or any bank or other
regulatory examination or as otherwise required by law.
Very
truly yours,
|
ADDENDUM
A
Cash
Management
Capitalized
terms in this Addendum not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
ascribed to such terms in the Custody Agreement.
Subject
to the receipt of Instructions, uninvested Cash balances held as part of the
Property by the Custodian shall be held as described herein.
Uninvested
Cash balances of up to US$2,500 shall be held in the Deposit Account. The Client
acknowledges that such a Deposit Account may be a demand deposit account for
certain bank regulatory purposes of the jurisdiction in which the Deposit
Account is maintained and may, therefore, not be an interest-bearing account. In
particular, the Custodian contemplates that the Deposit Account shall be
established as a demand deposit account at the New York Branch of Royal Bank of
Canada located at Xxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000-0000, and
pursuant to U.S. regulatory provisions such account may not pay
interest.
Subject
to any Control Agreement to which Custodian may be party, in the event
uninvested Cash balances in the Deposit Account exceed US$2,500 as of 3:00 p.m.
on any Business Day, the amount of the entire Cash balance shall be “swept” by
the Custodian out of the Deposit Account on such Business Day into an interest
bearing Deposit Account in the name or nominee name of the Custodian, for the
benefit of its customers (a “Secondary Account”)
on the books of a financial institution that may be a bank branch, Subsidiary or
Affiliate of the Custodian, in jurisdictions inside or outside the U.S. (any of
these, a “Secondary
Account Provider”). In establishing this Secondary Account, the Custodian
may commingle Cash held for the Client with other cash that the Custodian holds
in a custodial, fiduciary or trust capacity provided that the Custodian observes
its duties to record on its books, for return and credit to the Deposit Account,
those amounts attributable to the Client. The Secondary Account may be
maintained with any Secondary Account Provider the Custodian may select in its
sole discretion, and deposits credited thereto will be payable from such
jurisdictions and subject to the risks and regulations of such jurisdiction
which risk shall be borne by the Client, not the Custodian. The Secondary
Account will bear interest at the prevailing rate established by the applicable
Secondary Account Provider. Interest rates and the annual percentage yield on
the Secondary Account may change. The Custodian will provide periodic notices to
the Client of interest rates and interest rate changes associated with the
Secondary Account. The method by which Secondary Accounts earn interest (daily,
weekly, monthly, average balances, etc.) may be different depending upon the
Secondary Account Provider and the Custodian will provide periodic notices to
the Client upon request of methods and changes in the methods of calculating
interest. There shall be deemed to be a standing Instruction to maintain the
Cash in the Secondary Account indefinitely until other Instructions are provided
or until such Cash is needed to pay a debit balance in, or items drawn on, the
Deposit Account, except that, if any notice of exclusive control shall be given
by a secured party to the Custodian pursuant to any Control Agreement, the
Custodian shall promptly upon receipt of any such notice, withdraw from the
Secondary Account and credit to the Deposit Account all funds held for the
benefit of the Client.
To the
extent, if any, that Cash credited to a Secondary Account is invested by the
Custodian in Financial Instruments in connection with any “sweep” hereunder,
such investments shall be held by the Custodian through one or more accounts
with one or more Secondary Account Providers, in the name or nominee name of the
Custodian and may be commingled with the other investments of the Custodian on
behalf of other customers.
The
Custodian may amend this Addendum or change its Cash management procedures with
notice to the Client and, to the extent that the Custodian is party to any
Control Agreement, only upon prior written notice to and consent of any secured
party thereunder.
Add. A
Page 2
FIRST AMENDMENT TO CUSTODY
AGREEMENT
FIRST
AMENDMENT TO CUSTODY AGREEMENT (this "Amendment"), dated as
of August [__], 2010, between ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, in the capacity of custodian
hereunder (together with any affiliate thereof performing custodial services
hereunder as permitted herein, and any permitted successors and assigns of Royal
Bank of Canada or any such affiliate acting in such capacity, the "Custodian") and
PERSIMMON GROWTH PARTNERS FUND, L.P. (the "Client" and, together
with the Custodian, the "Parties").
W I T N E S
S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Client and the
Custodian are parties to the Custody Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2005
(as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified prior to the date
hereof, the "Custody
Agreement"), pursuant to which the Custodian provides certain custodial
services to the Client;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the
Credit Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2005 (as amended by the amendment
letter, dated as of January 28, 2009, the "Credit Agreement"),
between the Client and Royal Bank Of Canada, in the capacity of lender
thereunder (the "Lender"), the Lender
agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to provide a
credit facility to the Client for loans to the Client in a maximum aggregate
principal amount not exceeding US$5,000,000 at any one time
outstanding;
WHEREAS, the Client and the Lender desire to amend the
Credit Agreement pursuant to that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement,
dated as of the date hereof (as amended, supplemented, restated or
otherwise modified from time to time, the "Second
Amendment") to, among other
things, permit the Client to register as an "investment company", as
defined in the Investment Company Act; and
WHEREAS, in connection with
the Second Amendment, the Client and the Custodian desire to amend the
Custody Agreement to permit such registration.
NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained
herein, and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which hereby are acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Defined
Terms. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Custody Agreement or
the Credit Agreement, as applicable.
2. Amendments to Custody
Agreement. Subject to Section 3 below
and based on the representations and warranties set forth herein, the Custody
Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
a. Amendment to Section
20(a)(iv). Section 20(a)(iv) of
the Custody Agreement is amended by replacing such clause in its entirety with
the following:
"(iv) is
an "investment company" (as defined in the ICA) required to register under the
ICA."
b. Amendment to Section
21(c). Section 21(c) of the
Custody Agreement is amended by replacing such clause in its entirety with the
following:
"(c) The
Custodian has complied and will continue to comply with all laws, rules and
regulations having application to its business, properties and assets, including
the ICA, the violation of which could materially adversely affect the
Custodian’s performance of its obligations under this Custody
Agreement."
c. Amendment to Section
21. Section 21 of the
Custody Agreement is amended by inserting the following new Section 21(d) and
Section 21(e)
immediately following Section 21(c)
thereof:
"(d) The
Custodian is a “Bank” as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of
the ICA.
(e)
The Custodian is a bank having the qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(1) of
the ICA."
d. Amendment to Schedule
1. Schedule 1 of the
Custody Agreement is amended by replacing such Schedule in its entirety with the
Amended Schedule
1 attached hereto.
3. Effectiveness. The
effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the fulfillment of each of the
following conditions precedent:
a. the Custodian shall have received
a counterpart of this Amendment
duly executed by the Client; and
b. each
of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 of the
Second Amendment shall have been fulfilled or waived by the Lender.
4. Effect Of Amendment Upon
Facility Documents.
a. The
Custody Agreement, as amended hereby, and each of the other Facility Documents
(as defined in the Credit Agreement) shall be and remain in full force and
effect in accordance with their respective terms and are hereby ratified and
confirmed in all respects. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Amendment shall not operate, except as expressly set forth herein, as a
modification or waiver of any right, power, or remedy of Custodian under the
Custody Agreement or any other Facility Document. The modifications
herein are limited to the specific instances set forth herein, shall not apply
with respect to any facts or occurrences other than those on which the same are
based, shall not excuse future non-compliance with the Facility Documents, and
shall not operate as a consent to any further or other matter under the Facility
Documents.
b. Each
reference in the Custody Agreement to "this Custody Agreement", "hereunder",
"herein", "hereof" or words of like import referring to the Custody Agreement,
and each reference in the other Facility Documents to "the Custody Agreement",
"thereunder", "therein", "thereof" or words of like import referring to the
Custody Agreement, shall mean and be a reference to the Custody Agreement as
amended hereby.
c. To
the extent that any terms and conditions in any of the Facility Documents shall
contradict or be in conflict with any terms or conditions of the Custody
Agreement, after giving effect to this Amendment, such terms and conditions are
hereby deemed modified or amended accordingly to reflect the terms and
conditions of the Custody Agreement as modified or amended hereby.
5. Representations And
Warranties. The Client hereby represents and warrants to the
Custodian as follows:
a. This
Amendment is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Client enforceable
against the Client in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally or by general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in
equity).
b. The
representations and warranties set forth herein and, except as amended pursuant
to this Amendment, in the Custody Agreement, are true and correct in all
material respects (except where any such representation and warranty is already
subject to a materiality standard, in which case such representation and
warranty is true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date hereof
(other than any such representations and warranties that, by their terms, are
specifically made as of a date other than the date hereof).
6. Amendment as Facility
Document. The Client hereby acknowledges and agrees that this
Amendment constitutes a "Facility Document" under the Credit
Agreement.
7. Counterparts. This
Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties
hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an
original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Amendment by
telefacsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an
original executed counterpart of this Amendment.
8. Headings. Section
headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall not
constitute a part of this Amendment for any other purpose.
9. GOVERNING LAW; CHOICE OF
VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL AND NOTICES. THIS AMENDMENT AND
THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE PROVISIONS SET FORTH
IN THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT, AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE JURY TRIAL WAIVER AND
NOTICE PROVISIONS OF THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT.
10. Entire
Agreement. This Amendment and all other instruments,
agreements and documentation executed and delivered in connection with this
Amendment embody the final, entire agreement among the parties with respect to
the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all prior commitments,
agreements, representations and understandings, whether written or oral,
relating to the matters covered by this Amendment, and may not be contradicted
or varied by evidence of prior, contemporaneous or subsequent oral agreements or
discussions of the parties. There are no oral agreements among the
parties relating to the subject matter hereof or any other subject matter
relating to this Amendment.
11. Severability. Any
term or provision of this Amendment held by a court of competent jurisdiction to
be invalid or unenforceable shall not impair or invalidate the remaining
provisions of this Amendment and the effect thereof shall be confined to the
term or provision so held to be invalid or unenforceable.
12. Successors and
Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the Client, the Custodian and each of their respective permitted
successors and assigns.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the
Parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed and delivered by their
respective duly authorized officers as of the date first written
above.
ROYAL BANK OF
CANADA,
as
Custodian
By:
__________________________
Name:
________________________
Title:
_________________________
By:
__________________________
Name:
________________________
Title:
_________________________
|
|
PERSIMMON
GROWTH PARTNERS FUND, L.P.
By: Persimmon
GP, LLC, its General Partner
By:
__________________________
Name:
________________________
Title:
_________________________
|
|
Agreed
and acknowledged, to the extent provided herein:
PERSIMMON CAPITAL MANAGEMENT,
L.P.,
as
Investment Manager of
Persimmon
Growth Partners Fund, L.P.
By:
__________________________
Name:
________________________
Title:
_________________________
|
Amended
Schedule I
[See
attached]
SCHEDULE
1
Client
Documents
[Updated
Schedule to be provided by Persimmon.]