Exhibit No. 8(a)(ii)
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this 12th day of January, 2000, between XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX LIR MONEY SERIES (the "Company"), a Delaware business trust having its
principal place of business at 00 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx
00000-0000 and BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC. ("BISYS"), an Ohio corporation
having its principal place of business at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx
00000.
WHEREAS, the Company desires that BISYS perform certain services for
each series of the Company set forth in Schedule A hereto (individually referred
to herein as a "Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"); and
WHEREAS, BISYS is willing to perform such services on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants
herein set forth, the parties agree as follows:
1. SERVICES.
BISYS shall perform for the Company the transfer agent services set
forth in Schedule B hereto. BISYS also agrees to perform for the Company such
special services incidental to the performance of the services enumerated herein
as agreed to by the parties from time to time. BISYS shall perform such
additional services as are provided on an amendment to Schedule B hereof, in
consideration of such fees as the parties hereto may agree.
BISYS may, in its discretion, appoint in writing other parties
qualified to perform transfer agency services reasonably acceptable to the
Company (individually, a "Sub-transfer Agent") to carry out some or all of its
responsibilities under this Agreement with respect to a Fund; provided, however,
that the Sub-transfer Agent shall be the agent of BISYS and not the agent of the
Company or such Fund, and that BISYS shall be fully responsible for the acts of
such Sub-transfer Agent and shall not be relieved of any of its responsibilities
hereunder by the appointment of such Sub-transfer Agent.
2. FEES.
The Company shall pay BISYS for the services to be provided by BISYS
under this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in,
Schedule C hereto. Fees for any additional services to be provided by BISYS
pursuant to an amendment to Schedule B hereto shall be subject to mutual
agreement at the time such amendment to Schedule B is proposed.
3. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.
In addition to paying BISYS the fees described in Section 2 hereof,
the Company agrees to reimburse BISYS for BISYS' reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses in providing services hereunder, including without limitation, the
following:
(a) All freight and other delivery and bonding charges
incurred by BISYS in delivering materials to and from the
Company and in delivering all materials to shareholders;
(b) All direct telephone, telephone transmission and telecopy
or other electronic transmission expenses incurred by
BISYS in communication with the Company, the Company's
investment adviser or custodian, dealers, shareholders or
others as required for BISYS to perform the services to be
provided hereunder;
(c) Costs of postage, couriers, stock computer paper,
statements, labels, envelopes, checks, reports, letters,
tax forms, proxies, notices or other forms of printed
material which shall be required by BISYS for the
performance of the services to be provided hereunder;
(d) The cost of microfilm or microfiche of records or other
materials;
(e) All systems-related expenses associated with the provision
of special reports and services pursuant to Schedule D,
Item 8, attached hereto, provided that the Company
receives an estimate of those expenses before they are
incurred and approves the additional expenses in advance;
(f) Electronic processing charges (CPU time) levied by SunGard
up to a maximum of $7,500 per month, but only if the
Company's investment adviser has recouped all that it has
waived under its expense waiver/reimbursement agreement
with the Company and the expense ratio of each Fund would
be lower than the net Fund operating expenses indicated in
the fee table in the prospectus dated November 12, 1999,
as revised January 12, 2000; and
(g) Any expenses BISYS shall incur at the written direction of
an officer of the Company thereunto duly authorized.
4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written
above (the "Effective Date").
5. TERM.
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This Agreement shall have an initial term of six (6) months
commencing on the date of this Agreement indicated above, unless terminated
earlier for cause. Either party may terminate this Agreement, without penalty,
upon the provision of at least sixty (60) days' written notice to the other
party that the Agreement shall terminate as of a specified date, which date
shall be no earlier than the expiration of the initial term. In the absence of
such termination notice, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect
until it is terminated as provided herein.
For purposes of this Agreement, "cause" shall mean (a) a material
breach of this Agreement that has not been remedied for thirty (30) days
following written notice of such breach from the non-breaching party; (b) a
final, unappealable judicial, regulatory or administrative ruling or order in
which the party to be terminated has been found guilty of criminal or unethical
behavior in the conduct of its business; or (c) financial difficulties on the
part of the party to be terminated which are evidenced by the authorization or
commencement of, or involvement by way of pleading, answer, consent or
acquiescence in, a voluntary or involuntary case under Title 11 of the United
States Code, as from time to time is in effect, or any applicable law, other
than said Title 11, of any jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or
reorganization of debtors or to the modification or alteration of the rights of
creditors.
After such termination, for so long as BISYS, with the written
consent of the Company, in fact continues to perform any one or more of the
services contemplated by this Agreement or any Schedule or exhibit hereto, the
provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation the provisions
dealing with indemnification, shall continue in full force and effect. Fees and
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by BISYS but unpaid by the Company upon such
termination shall be immediately due and payable upon and notwithstanding such
termination. BISYS shall be entitled to collect from the Company, in addition to
the fees and disbursements provided by Sections 2 and 3 hereof, the amount of
all of BISYS' cash disbursements in connection with BISYS' activities in
effecting such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the
Company and/or its distributor or investment adviser and/or other parties, of
the Company's property, records, instruments and documents.
6. UNCONTROLLABLE EVENTS.
BISYS assumes no responsibility hereunder, and shall not be liable
for any damage, loss of data, delay or any other loss whatsoever caused by
events beyond its reasonable control.
7. LEGAL ADVICE.
BISYS shall notify the Company at any time BISYS believes that it is
in need of the advice of counsel (other than counsel in the regular employ of
BISYS or any affiliated companies) with regard to BISYS' responsibilities and
duties pursuant to this Agreement; and after so notifying the Company, BISYS, at
its discretion, shall be entitled to seek, receive and act
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upon advice of legal counsel of its choosing. BISYS shall in no event be liable
to the Company or any Fund or any shareholder or beneficial owner of the Company
for any action reasonably taken pursuant to such advice.
8. INSTRUCTIONS.
Whenever BISYS is requested or authorized to take action hereunder
pursuant to instructions from a shareholder, or a properly authorized agent of a
shareholder ("shareholder's agent"), concerning an account in a Fund, BISYS
shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate, letter or other instrument or
communication, believed by BISYS to be genuine and to have been properly made,
signed or authorized by an officer or other authorized agent of the Company or
by the shareholder or shareholder's agent, as the case may be, and shall be
entitled to receive as conclusive proof of any fact or matter required to be
ascertained by it hereunder a certificate signed by an officer of the Company or
any other person authorized by the Company's Board of Trustees (hereafter
referred to as the "Trustees") or by the shareholder or shareholder's agent, as
the case may be.
As to the services to be provided hereunder, BISYS may rely
conclusively upon the terms of the then-current Prospectuses and Statement of
Additional Information of the Company (with any supplement(s) thereto) relating
to the Funds to the extent that such services are described therein unless BISYS
receives written instructions to the contrary in a timely manner from the
Company.
9. STANDARD OF CARE; RELIANCE ON RECORDS AND INSTRUCTIONS;
INDEMNIFICATION.
BISYS shall use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of all
services performed under this Agreement, but shall not be liable to the Company
for any action taken or omitted by BISYS in the absence of bad faith, willful
misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and
duties. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BISYS, its employees,
agents, trustees, officers and nominees from and against any and all claims,
demands, actions and suits, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and
against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges,
counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character arising out of or
in any way relating to BISYS' actions taken or nonactions with respect to the
performance of services under this Agreement or based, if applicable, upon
reasonable reliance on information, records, instructions or requests given or
made to BISYS by the Company, the investment adviser and on any records provided
by any fund accountant or custodian thereof; provided that this indemnification
shall not apply to actions or omissions of BISYS in cases of its own bad faith,
willful misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its
obligations and duties; and further provided that prior to confessing any claim
against it which may be the subject of this indemnification, BISYS shall give
the Company written notice of and reasonable opportunity to defend against said
claim in its own name or in the name of BISYS.
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10. RECORD RETENTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY.
BISYS shall keep and maintain on behalf of the Company all books and
records which the Company or BISYS is, or may be, required to keep and maintain
pursuant to any applicable statutes, rules and regulations, including without
limitation Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), relating to the maintenance of books and records in
connection with the services to be provided hereunder. BISYS further agrees that
all such books and records shall be the property of the Company and to make such
books and records available for inspection by the Company or by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") at reasonable times and otherwise to
keep confidential all books and records and other information relative to the
Company and its shareholders, except when requested to divulge such information
by duly-constituted authorities or court process, or requested by a shareholder
or shareholder's agent with respect to information concerning an account as to
which such shareholder has either a legal or beneficial interest or when
requested by the Company, the shareholder, or shareholder's agent, or the dealer
of record as to such account.
11. REPORTS.
BISYS will furnish to the Company and to its properly-authorized
auditors, investment advisers, examiners, distributors, dealers, underwriters,
salesmen, insurance companies and others designated by the Company in writing,
such reports at such times as are prescribed in Schedule D attached hereto, or
as subsequently agreed upon by the parties pursuant to an amendment to Schedule
D. To the extent that it possesses actual knowledge of the information contained
in such report, the Company agrees to examine each such report or copy promptly
and will report or cause to be reported any errors or discrepancies therein of
which it is aware.
12. RIGHTS OF OWNERSHIP.
All computer programs and procedures developed to perform services
required to be provided by BISYS under this Agreement are the property of BISYS.
All records and other data except such computer programs and procedures are the
exclusive property of the Company and all such other records and data will be
furnished to the Company in appropriate form as soon as practicable after
termination of this Agreement for any reason.
13. RETURN OF RECORDS.
BISYS may at its option at any time, and shall promptly upon the
Company's demand, turn over to the Company and cease to retain BISYS' files,
records and documents created and maintained by BISYS pursuant to this Agreement
which are no longer needed by BISYS in the performance of its services or for
its legal protection. If not so turned over to the Company, such documents and
records will be retained by BISYS for six years from the year of
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creation. At the end of such six-year period, such records and documents will be
turned over to the Company unless the Company authorizes in writing the
destruction of such records and documents.
14. BANK ACCOUNTS.
The Company and the Funds shall establish and maintain such bank
accounts with such bank or banks as are selected by the Company, as are
necessary in order that BISYS may perform the services required to be performed
hereunder. To the extent that the performance of such services shall require
BISYS directly to disburse amounts for payment of dividends, redemption proceeds
or other purposes, the Company and Funds shall provide such bank or banks with
all instructions and authorizations necessary for BISYS to effect such
disbursements.
15. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COMPANY.
The Company certifies to BISYS that: (a) as of the close of business
on the Effective Date, each Fund which is in existence as of the Effective Date
has authorized unlimited shares, and (b) by virtue of its Declaration of Trust
shares of each Fund which are redeemed by the Company may be sold by the Company
from its treasury, and (c) this Agreement has been duly authorized by the
Company and, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute a
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the
Company in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the
rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
16. REPRESENTATIONS OF BISYS.
BISYS represents and warrants that: (a) BISYS has been in, and shall
continue to be in, substantial compliance with all provisions of law, including
Section 17A(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), required in connection with the performance of its duties under this
Agreement; and (b) the various procedures and systems which BISYS has
implemented with regard to safekeeping from loss or damage attributable to fire,
theft or any other cause of the blank checks, records, and other data of the
Company and BISYS' records, data, equipment, facilities and other property used
in the performance of its obligations hereunder are adequate and that it will
make such changes therein from time to time as are required for the secure
performance of its obligations hereunder.
17. INSURANCE.
BISYS shall maintain a fidelity bond covering larceny and
embezzlement and an insurance policy with respect to directors and officers
errors and omissions coverage in amounts that are appropriate in light of its
duties and responsibilities hereunder. BISYS shall notify the Company should its
insurance coverage with respect to professional liability or errors and
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omissions coverage be canceled or reduced. Such notification shall include the
date of change and the reasons therefor. BISYS shall notify the Company of any
material claims against it with respect to services performed under this
Agreement, whether or not they may be covered by insurance, and shall notify the
Company from time to time as may be appropriate of the total outstanding claims
made by BISYS under its insurance coverage.
18. INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED BY THE COMPANY AND FUNDS.
The Company will furnish to BISYS the following upon its
request:
(a) Copies of the Trust Instrument of the Company and of any
amendments thereto, certified by the proper official of the
state in which such Declaration or Articles has been filed.
(b) Copies of the following documents:
1. The Company's Bylaws and any amendments thereto;
2. Certified copies of resolutions of the Trustees covering
the following matters:
A. Approval of this Agreement and authorization of a
specified officer of the Company to execute and
deliver this Agreement and authorization for specified
officers of the Company to instruct BISYS hereunder;
and
B. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent for
the Company on behalf of the Funds.
(c) A list of all officers of the Company, together with
specimen signatures of those officers who are authorized to
instruct BISYS in all matters.
(d) Two copies of the following (if such documents are employed
by the Company):
1. Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information;
2. Distribution Agreement; and
3. All other forms commonly used by the Company or its
Distributor with regard to their relationships and
transactions with shareholders of the Funds.
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19. INFORMATION FURNISHED BY BISYS.
BISYS has furnished to the Company the following:
(a) BISYS' Articles of Incorporation.
(b) BISYS' Bylaws and any amendments thereto.
(c) Certified copies of actions of BISYS covering the following
matters:
1. Approval of this Agreement, and authorization of a
specified officer of BISYS to execute and deliver this
Agreement;
2. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent for the
Company.
(d) A copy of the most recent independent accountants' report
relating to internal accounting control systems as filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 under the
Exchange Act.
20. AMENDMENTS TO DOCUMENTS.
The Company shall furnish BISYS written copies of any amendments
to, or changes in, any of the items referred to in Section 18 hereof forthwith
upon such amendments or changes becoming effective. In addition, the Company
agrees that no amendments will be made to the Prospectuses or Statement of
Additional Information of the Company which might have the effect of changing
the procedures employed by BISYS in providing the services agreed to hereunder
or which amendment might affect the duties of BISYS hereunder unless the Company
first obtains BISYS' approval of such amendments or changes.
21. RELIANCE ON AMENDMENTS.
BISYS may rely on any amendments to or changes in any of the
documents and other items to be provided by the Company pursuant to Sections 18
and 20 of this Agreement and the Company hereby indemnifies and holds harmless
BISYS from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments,
liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and other expenses of
every nature and character which may result from actions or omissions on the
part of BISYS in reasonable reliance upon such amendments and/or changes other
than those occasioned by BISYS's own bad faith, willful misfeasance, negligence
or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties. Although BISYS
is authorized to rely on the above-mentioned amendments to and changes in the
documents and other items to be provided pursuant to Sections 18 and 20 hereof,
BISYS shall be under no duty to comply with or take any action as a result of
any of such amendments or changes unless the Company first obtains BISYS'
written consent to and approval of such amendments or changes.
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22. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
Except for the obligations of BISYS set forth in Section 10 hereof,
the Company assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents, and
distribution of each prospectus of the Company as to compliance with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act"), the 1940 Act, and any other laws, rules and regulations of governmental
authorities having jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Company may rely
upon information furnished by BISYS for inclusion therein. BISYS shall perform
the services described herein in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and
regulations including, to the extent applicable to BISYS's duties and
responsibilities hereunder, federal and state laws relating to the sale of the
Company's shares. The Company represents and warrants that no shares of the
Company will be offered to the public until the Company's registration statement
under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act has been declared or becomes effective.
23. NOTICES.
Any notice provided hereunder shall be sufficiently given when sent
by registered or certified mail to the party required to be served with such
notice at the following address: if to BISYS, at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx,
Xxxx 00000, (Attn: President); if to the Company, at 00 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxx
Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000 (Attn: Secretary); or at such other address as such
party may from time to time specify in writing to the other party pursuant to
this Section.
24. HEADINGS.
Paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience
only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
25. ASSIGNMENT.
This Agreement and the rights and duties hereunder shall not be
assignable by either of the parties hereto except by the specific written
consent of the other party. This Section 25 shall not limit or in any way affect
BISYS' right to appoint a Sub-transfer Agent pursuant to Section 1 hereof. This
Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties
hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
26. GOVERNING LAW.
This Agreement shall be governed by and provisions shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
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27. COMPANY TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS & SHAREHOLDERS.
The Company's Trustees, officers, agents and shareholders, or any
Fund thereof, whether past, present, or future, shall not be liable for any
obligations of the Company, or any such Fund, under this Agreement and BISYS
agrees that in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement, it shall
look only to the assets and property of the particular Fund in settlement of
such rights or claims and not to such Trustees, officers, agents or
shareholders. BISYS agrees that it will look only to the assets and property of
a particular Fund in asserting any right or claims under this Agreement with
respect to services rendered with respect to that Fund and will not seek to
obtain settlement of such rights or claims from the assets of any other
portfolio of the Company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX LIR MONEY SERIES
on behalf of its:
LIR PREMIER MONEY MARKET FUND
LIR PREMIER TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. X'Xxxxxxx
------------------------
Title: Secretary and Vice President
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------
Title: President
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SCHEDULE A
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX LIR MONEY SERIES AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
SERIES OF THE COMPANY
LIR Premier Money Market Fund
LIR Premier Tax-Free Money Market Fund
A-1
SCHEDULE B
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX LIR MONEY SERIES
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
1. SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS
a. Process shareholder purchase and redemption orders.
b. Set up account information, including address, dividend option,
taxpayer identification numbers and wire instructions.
c. Issue confirmations in compliance with Rule 10b-10 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
d. Issue periodic statements for shareholders.
e. Process transfers and exchanges.
f. Process dividend payments, including the purchase of new shares,
through dividend reimbursement.
2. SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION SERVICES
a. Make information available to shareholder servicing unit and
other remote access units regarding trade date, share price,
current holdings, yields, and dividend information.
b. Produce detailed history of transactions through duplicate or
special order statements upon request.
c. Provide mailing labels for distribution of financial reports,
prospectuses, proxy statements or marketing material to current
shareholders.
B-1
3. COMPLIANCE REPORTING
a. Provide reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
National Association of Securities Dealers and the States in
which the Fund is registered.
b. Prepare and distribute appropriate Internal Revenue Service
forms for corresponding Fund and shareholder income and capital
gains.
c. Issue tax-withholding reports to the Internal Revenue Service.
4. DEALER/LOAD PROCESSING (IF APPLICABLE)
a. Provide reports for tracking rights of accumulation and
purchases made under a Letter of Intent.
b. Account for separation of shareholder investments from
transaction sale charges for purchase of Fund shares.
c. Calculate fees due under 12b-1 plans for distribution and
marketing expenses.
d. Track sales and commission statistics by dealer and provide for
payment of commissions on direct shareholder purchases in a load
Fund.
5. SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE
a. Maintain all shareholder records for each account in the
Company.
b. Issue customer statements on scheduled cycle, providing
duplicate second and third party copies if required.
c. Record shareholder account information changes.
d. Maintain account documentation files for each shareholder.
B-2
SCHEDULE C
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX LIR MONEY SERIES
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
TRANSFER AGENT FEES
ANNUAL PER ACCOUNT FEE:
Open Accounts: 0-24,999 = $16.00 per account
25,000-100,000 = $14.00 per account
over 100,000 = $12.00 per account
Closed Accounts $3.00 per account
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Additional services such as XXX processing, development of interface
capabilities, servicing of 403(b) and 408(c) accounts, management of cash sweeps
between DDAs and mutual fund accounts and coordination of the printing and
distribution of prospectuses, annual reports and semi-annual reports are subject
to additional fees which will be quoted upon request. Programming costs or
database management fees for special reports or specialized processing will be
quoted upon request.
MULTIPLE CLASSES OF SHARES:
Classes of shares which have different net asset values or pay different daily
dividends will be treated as separate classes, and the fee schedule above,
including the appropriate minimums, will be charged for each separate class.
OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES:
BISYS shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses including, but not limited to, the expenses set forth in Section 3 of
the Transfer Agency Agreement to which this Schedule C is attached.
C-1
SCHEDULE D
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX LIR MONEY SERIES
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
REPORTS
1. Daily Shareholder Activity Journal
2. Daily Fund Activity Summary Report
a. Beginning Balance
b. Dealer Transactions
c. Shareholder Transactions
d. Reinvested Dividends
e. Exchanges
f. Adjustments
g. Ending Balance
3. Daily Wire and Check Registers
4. Monthly Dealer Processing Reports
5. Monthly Dividend Reports
6. Sales Data Reports for Blue Sky Registration
7. Annual report by independent public accountants concerning BISYS'
shareholder system and internal accounting control systems to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
8. Such special reports and additional information that the parties may
agree upon, from time to time.
D-1
