EXHIBIT INDEX
1. Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Trust...............EX-99.23.a.4
2. Investment Advisory Agreement for Berkshire Focus Fund.........EX-99.23.d.1
3. Investment Advisory Agreement for Berkshire Technology Fund....EX-99.23.d.2
4. Custody Agreement................................................EX-99.23.g
5. Administration Agreement for Berkshire Focus Fund..............EX-99.23.h.1
6. Administration Agreement for Berkshire Technology Fund.........EX-99.23.h.2
7. Legal Opinion and Consent........................................EX-99.23.i
8. Consent of Independent Public Accountants........................EX-99.23.j
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
of
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
of
THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS
This Certificate of Amendment is filed in accordance with the provisions
of the Delaware Business Trust Act (12 Del. C. Section 380 et. seq.) and sets
forth the following:
1. The name of the business trust is THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS
(the "Trust").
2. The Certificate of Trust filed on November 25, 1996 is to
be amended to reflect the establishment of an additional
series of shares of the Trust and the designation of such
series as the "Berkshire Technology Fund." The relative
rights and preferences of the Berkshire Technology Fund
shall be those rights and preferences set forth in Section
8.8 of the Trust's Declaration of Trust.
3. This Certificate of Amendment is to be effective upon this
filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
The undersigned, in order to amend the Certificate of Trust of
THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby execute
this Certificate of Amendment on this 19th day of December, 1999.
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
-----------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX, Trustee
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Trustee
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Trustee
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Trustee
AMENDED AND RESTATED
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), made and entered into
the 1st day of January, 1999, and amended this 19th day of December, 1999, by
and between The Berkshire Funds, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), and
Berkshire Capital Holdings, Inc., a California corporation (the "Investment
Adviser").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Trust, an open-end, non-diversified investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), wishes
to retain the Investment Adviser to provide investment advisory services to
the Berkshire Focus Fund (the "Fund"), a series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser is willing to furnish such services on
the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, management has recommended that certain non-material revisions
be made to this Agreement, to (i) reflect a change in the names of the Trust
and the Fund and (ii) clarify that this Agreement relates to the Investment
Adviser's services to the Fund only and not to future series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has determined that the revisions
recommended by management will have no impact on existing or future
shareholders of the Fund;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
herein contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER. The Trust hereby appoints the
Investment Adviser to manage the investment and reinvestment of assets of the
Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The
Investment Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services
herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE TRUST. The Trust shall at all times inform the
Investment Adviser as to the securities owned by it, the funds available or to
become available for investment by it, and generally as to the condition of
its affairs. It shall furnish the Investment Adviser with such other documents
and information with regard to its affairs as the Investment Adviser may from
time to time reasonably request.
3. OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER. Subject to the direction and
control of the Trust's Board of Trustees, the Investment Adviser shall
regularly provide the Fund with investment research, advice, management and
supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund's
portfolio of securities consistent with the Fund's investment objective,
policies, and limitations as stated in the Fund's current Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information. The Investment Adviser shall determine
from time to time what securities will be purchased, retained or sold by the
Fund, and shall implement those decisions, all subject to the provisions of
the Trust's Declaration of Trust, the 1940 Act, the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other applicable
federal and state laws, as well as the investment objectives, policies, and
limitations of the Fund. In placing orders for the Fund with brokers and
dealers with respect to the execution of the Fund's securities transactions,
the Investment Adviser shall attempt to obtain the best net results. In doing
so, the Investment Adviser may consider such factors which it deems relevant
to the Fund's best interest, such as price, the size of the transaction, the
nature of the market for the security, the amount of the commission, the
timing of the transaction, the reputation, experience and financial stability
of the broker-dealer involved and the quality of service rendered by the
broker-dealer in other transactions. The Investment Adviser shall have the
discretionary authority to utilize certain broker-dealers even though it may
result in the payment by the Fund of an amount of commission for effecting a
securities transaction in excess of the amount of commission another
broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, providing,
however, that the Investment Adviser had determined that such amount of
commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and
research services provided by the broker-dealer effecting the transaction. In
no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to the
Investment Adviser or any affiliated person thereof except in accordance with
the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the 1940 Act. The Investment Adviser shall also provide
advice and recommendations with respect to other aspects of the business and
affairs of the Fund and shall perform such other functions of management and
supervision as may be directed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, provided
that in no event shall the Investment Adviser be responsible for any expense
occasioned by the performance of such functions.
4. EXPENSES OF THE FUND. The Investment Adviser is responsible for (i)
the compensation of any of the Trust's trustees, officers and employees who
are interested persons of the Investment Adviser, (ii) compensation of the
Investment Adviser's personnel and other expenses in connection with the
provisions of portfolio management services under this Agreement, and (iii)
expenses of printing and distributing the Fund's prospectus and sales and
advertising materials to prospective clients. Other than as herein
specifically indicated, the Investment Adviser shall not be responsible for
the Fund's expenses. Specifically, the Investment Adviser will not be
responsible, except to the extent of the reasonable compensation of employees
of the Trust whose services may be used by the Investment Adviser hereunder,
for any of the following expenses of the Fund, which expenses shall be borne
by Fund: legal and audit expenses, organizational expenses; interest; taxes;
governmental fees; industry association fees; the cost (including brokerage
commissions or charges, if any) of securities purchased or sold by the Fund
and any losses incurred in connection herewith; fees, if any, of custodians,
transfer agents, registrars or other agents; distribution fees; expenses of
preparing share certificates; expenses relating to the redemption or
repurchase of the Fund's shares; fees and expenses of registering the Fund's
shares under the federal securities laws and of qualifying its shares under
applicable state Blue Sky laws, including expenses attendant upon renewing
such registrations and qualifications; expenses of preparing, setting in
print, printing and distributing prospectuses, proxy statements, reports,
notices, and dividends to fund shareholders; cost of stationary; costs of
shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; compensation and expenses of the
independent trustees of the Trust; fidelity bond and other insurance covering
the Trust and its officers and trustees.
5. LIMITATIONS ON SALARIES. No trustee, officer or employee of the Trust
shall receive from the Fund any salary or other compensation as such trustee,
officer or employee while he is at the same time director, officer or employee
of the Investment Adviser or any affiliated company of the Investment Adviser.
This paragraph shall not apply to trustees, executive committee members,
consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Investment
Adviser's or any affiliated company's staff.
6. COMPENSATION. As compensation for the services performed by the
Investment Adviser, the Fund shall pay the Investment Adviser, as promptly as
possible after the last day of each month, a fee, accrued each calendar day
(including weekends and holidays) at a rate of 1.5% per annum of the daily net
assets of the Fund. The Investment Adviser shall reduce such fee or, if
necessary, make payments to the Fund to the extent required to satisfy any
limitations with respect thereto imposed by the securities laws or regulations
thereunder of any state in which the Fund's shares are qualified for sale. The
daily net assets of the Fund shall be computed as of the time of the regular
close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as may be
determined by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Any of such payments as to
which the Investment Adviser may so request shall be accompanied by a report
of the Fund prepared either by the Trust or by a reputable firm of independent
accountants which shall show the amount properly payable to the Investment
Adviser under this Agreement and detailed computation thereof.
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Investment Adviser assumes no
responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called
for hereunder in good faith, and shall not be responsible for any action of
the Board of Trustees of the Trust in the following or declining to follow any
advice or recommendation of the Investment Adviser; provided that nothing in
this Agreement shall protect the Investment Adviser against any liability to
the Fund or its stockholders to which it would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of
its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties hereunder.
8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Investment Adviser shall be an independent
contractor and shall have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in its
investment commitments unless otherwise provided. No agreement, bid, offer,
commitment, contract or other engagement entered into by the Investment
Adviser whether on behalf of the Investment Adviser or whether purporting to
have been entered into on behalf of the Fund shall be binding upon the Fund,
and all acts authorized to be done by the Investment Adviser under this
Agreement shall be done by it as an independent contractor and not as an
agent.
9. ACTIVITIES OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER. Nothing in this Agreement shall
limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the
Investment Adviser who may also be a trustee, officer, or employee of the
Trust, to engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in
part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a
similar nature or dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the
Investment Adviser to engage in any other business or to render services of
any kind, including investment advisory services, to any other corporation,
firm, individual or association.
10. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the terms "assignment,"
"interested person," and "majority of the outstanding voting securities" shall
have meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such
exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission by any
rule, regulation or order.
11. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the
event of its assignment by the Investment Adviser and shall not be assignable
by the Trust without consent of the Investment Adviser. This Agreement may
also be terminated at any time, without payment of penalty (i) by the Trust
either by vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, on 60 days written notice to
the Investment Adviser, or (ii) by the Investment Adviser on 60 days written
notice to the Trust. Upon the termination of this Agreement, the obligations
of all the parties hereunder shall cease and terminate as of the date of such
termination, except for any obligation to respond for a breach of this
Agreement committed prior to such termination and except or the obligation of
the Fund to pay to the Investment Adviser the fee provided in Paragraph 6
hereof, prorated to the date of termination.
12. TERM. This Agreement shall become effective on January 1, 1999, and
shall continue in effect for one year and from year to year thereafter only so
long as specifically approved annually, by (i) the Trust's Board of Trustees
and by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, or (ii) a majority of the Trustees who are not parties
to the Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of any such
party cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval.
13. AMENDMENTS. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived,
discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed
by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or
termination is sought, and no material amendment of this agreement shall be
effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities.
14. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or
made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of
this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This agreement shall be binding
upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed and sealed by their officers thereunto duly authorized on the day and
year first above written.
ATTEST: THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary President
ATTEST: BERKSHIRE CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary Chairman & CEO
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), made and entered into
this 19th day of December, 1999, by and between The Berkshire Funds, a
Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), and Berkshire Capital Holdings, Inc., a
California corporation (the "Investment Adviser").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Trust, an open-end, non-diversified investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), wishes
to retain the Investment Adviser to provide investment advisory services to
the Berkshire Technology Fund (the "Fund"), a series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser is willing to furnish such services on
the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
herein contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER. The Trust hereby appoints the
Investment Adviser to manage the investment and reinvestment of assets of the
Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The
Investment Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services
herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE TRUST. The Trust shall at all times inform the
Investment Adviser as to the securities owned by it, the funds available or to
become available for investment by it, and generally as to the condition of
its affairs. It shall furnish the Investment Adviser with such other documents
and information with regard to its affairs as the Investment Adviser may from
time to time reasonably request.
3. OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER. Subject to the direction and
control of the Trust's Board of Trustees, the Investment Adviser shall
regularly provide the Fund with investment research, advice, management and
supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund's
portfolio of securities consistent with the Fund's investment objective,
policies, and limitations as stated in the Fund's current Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information. The Investment Adviser shall determine
from time to time what securities will be purchased, retained or sold by the
Fund, and shall implement those decisions, all subject to the provisions of
the Trust's Declaration of Trust, the 1940 Act, the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other applicable
federal and state laws, as well as the investment objectives, policies, and
limitations of the Fund. In placing orders for the Fund with brokers and
dealers with respect to the execution of the Fund's securities transactions,
the Investment Adviser shall attempt to obtain the best net results. In doing
so, the Investment Adviser may consider such factors which it deems relevant
to the Fund's best interest, such as price, the size of the transaction, the
nature of the market for the security, the amount of the commission, the
timing of the transaction, the reputation, experience and financial stability
of the broker-dealer involved and the quality of service rendered by the
broker-dealer in other transactions. The Investment Adviser shall have the
discretionary authority to utilize certain broker-dealers even though it may
result in the payment by the Fund of an amount of commission for effecting a
securities transaction in excess of the amount of commission another
broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, providing,
however, that the Investment Adviser had determined that such amount of
commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and
research services provided by the broker-dealer effecting the transaction. In
no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to the
Investment Adviser or any affiliated person thereof except in accordance with
the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the 1940 Act. The Investment Adviser shall also provide
advice and recommendations with respect to other aspects of the business and
affairs of the Fund and shall perform such other functions of management and
supervision as may be directed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, provided
that in no event shall the Investment Adviser be responsible for any expense
occasioned by the performance of such functions.
4. EXPENSES OF THE FUND. The Investment Adviser is responsible for (i)
the compensation of any of the Trust's trustees, officers and employees who
are interested persons of the Investment Adviser, (ii) compensation of the
Investment Adviser's personnel and other expenses in connection with the
provisions of portfolio management services under this Agreement, and (iii)
expenses of printing and distributing the Fund's prospectus and sales and
advertising materials to prospective clients. Other than as herein
specifically indicated, the Investment Adviser shall not be responsible for
the Fund's expenses. Specifically, the Investment Adviser will not be
responsible, except to the extent of the reasonable compensation of employees
of the Trust whose services may be used by the Investment Adviser hereunder,
for any of the following expenses of the Fund, which expenses shall be borne
by Fund: legal and audit expenses, organizational expenses; interest; taxes;
governmental fees; industry association fees; the cost (including brokerage
commissions or charges, if any) of securities purchased or sold by the Fund
and any losses incurred in connection herewith; fees, if any, of custodians,
transfer agents, registrars or other agents; distribution fees; expenses of
preparing share certificates; expenses relating to the redemption or
repurchase of the Fund's shares; fees and expenses of registering the Fund's
shares under the federal securities laws and of qualifying its shares under
applicable state Blue Sky laws, including expenses attendant upon renewing
such registrations and qualifications; expenses of preparing, setting in
print, printing and distributing prospectuses, proxy statements, reports,
notices, and dividends to fund shareholders; cost of stationary; costs of
shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; compensation and expenses of the
independent trustees of the Trust; fidelity bond and other insurance covering
the Trust and its officers and trustees.
5. LIMITATIONS ON SALARIES. No trustee, officer or employee of the Trust
shall receive from the Fund any salary or other compensation as such trustee,
officer or employee while he is at the same time director, officer or employee
of the Investment Adviser or any affiliated company of the Investment Adviser.
This paragraph shall not apply to trustees, executive committee members,
consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Investment
Adviser's or any affiliated company's staff.
6. COMPENSATION. As compensation for the services performed by the
Investment Adviser, the Fund shall pay the Investment Adviser, as promptly as
possible after the last day of each month, a fee, accrued each calendar day
(including weekends and holidays) at a rate of 1.5% per annum of the daily net
assets of the Fund. The Investment Adviser shall reduce such fee or, if
necessary, make payments to the Fund to the extent required to satisfy any
limitations with respect thereto imposed by the securities laws or regulations
thereunder of any state in which the Fund's shares are qualified for sale. The
daily net assets of the Funds shall be computed as of the time of the regular
close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as may be
determined by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Any of such payments as to
which the Investment Adviser may so request shall be accompanied by a report
of the Fund prepared either by the Trust or by a reputable firm of independent
accountants which shall show the amount properly payable to the Investment
Adviser under this Agreement and detailed computation thereof.
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Investment Adviser assumes no
responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called
for hereunder in good faith, and shall not be responsible for any action of
the Board of Trustees of the Trust in the following or declining to follow any
advice or recommendation of the Investment Adviser; provided that nothing in
this Agreement shall protect the Investment Adviser against any liability to
the Fund or its stockholders to which it would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of
its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties hereunder.
8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Investment Adviser shall be an independent
contractor and shall have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in its
investment commitments unless otherwise provided. No agreement, bid, offer,
commitment, contract or other engagement entered into by the Investment
Adviser whether on behalf of the Investment Adviser or whether purporting to
have been entered unto on behalf of the Fund shall be binding upon the Fund,
and all acts authorized to be done by the Investment Adviser under this
Agreement shall be done by it as an independent contractor and not as an
agent.
9. ACTIVITIES OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER. Nothing in this Agreement shall
limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the
Investment Adviser who may also be a trustee, officer, or employee of the
Trust, to engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in
part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a
similar nature or dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the
Investment Adviser to engage in any other business or to render services of
any kind, including investment advisory services, to any other corporation,
firm, individual or association.
10. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the terms "assignment,"
"interested person," and "majority of the outstanding voting securities" shall
have meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such
exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission by any
rule, regulation or order.
11. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the
event of its assignment by the Investment Adviser and shall not be assignable
by the Trust without consent of the Investment Adviser. This Agreement may
also be terminated at any time, without payment of penalty (i) by the Trust
either by vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, on 60 days written notice to
the Investment Adviser, or (ii) by the Investment Adviser on 60 days written
notice to the Trust. Upon the termination of this Agreement, the obligations
of all the parties hereunder shall cease and terminate as of the date of such
termination, except for any obligation to respond for a breach of this
Agreement committed prior to such termination and except or the obligation of
the Fund to pay to the Investment Adviser the fee provided in Paragraph 6
hereof, prorated to the date of termination.
12. TERM. This Agreement shall become effective on January 1, 1999, and
shall continue in effect for one year and from year to year thereafter only so
long as specifically approved annually, by (i) the Trust's Board of Trustees
and by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, or (ii) a majority of the Trustees who are not parties
to the Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of any such
party cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval.
13. AMENDMENTS. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived,
discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed
by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or
termination is sought, and no material amendment of this agreement shall be
effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities.
14. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or
made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of
this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This agreement shall be binding
upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed and sealed by their officers thereunto duly authorized on the day and
year first above written.
ATTEST: THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary President
ATTEST: BERKSHIRE CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary Chairman & CEO
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
FIRSTAR BANK, N.A.
AND
THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the 11th day of
October, 1999, by and between The Berkshire Funds, a Delaware business trust
(the "Trust") and Firstar Bank, National Association, (the "Custodian"), a
national banking association having its principal office at 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx, 00000.
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Custodian desire to enter into this Agreement
to provide for the custody and safekeeping of the assets of the Trust as
required by the Act (as hereafter defined).
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth,
the Trust and the Custodian agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases, when used in this Agreement, unless the
context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
ACT - the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
1934 Act - the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
AUTHORIZED PERSON - any person, whether or not any such person is an
officer or employee of the Trust, who is duly authorized by the Board of
Trustees of the Trust to give Oral Instructions and Written Instructions on
behalf of the Trust or any Fund, and named in Appendix A attached hereto and
as amended from time to time by resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified
by an Officer, and received by the Custodian.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES - the Trustees from time to time serving under the
Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as from time to time amended.
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM - a federal book-entry system as provided in Subpart O
of Treasury Circular No. 300, 31 CFR 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFT Part 350, or
in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are substantially in the
form of Subpart O.
Page -1-
BUSINESS DAY - any day recognized as a settlement day by The New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Trust computes the net
asset value of Shares of any fund.
DEPOSITORY - The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), a limited purpose
trust company, its successor(s) and its nominee(s). Depository shall include
any other clearing agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the
1934 Act which acts as a system for the central handling of Securities where
all Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within
the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by
bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of the Securities provided that
the Custodian shall have received a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifically approving the use of such
clearing agency as a depository for the Funds.
DIVIDEND AND TRANSFER AGENT - the dividend and transfer agent appointed,
from time to time, pursuant to a written agreement between the dividend and
transfer agent and the Trust.
FOREIGN SECURITIES - a) securities issued and sold primarily outside of
the United States by a foreign government, a national of any foreign country,
or a trust or other organization incorporated or organized under the laws of
any foreign country or; b) securities issued or guaranteed by the government
of the United States, by any state, by any political subdivision or agency
thereof, or by any entity organized under the laws of the United States or of
any state thereof, which have been issued and sold primarily outside of the
United States.
FUND - each series of the Trust listed in Appendix B and any additional
series added pursuant to Proper Instructions. A series is individually
referred to as a "Fund" and collectively referred to as the "Funds."
MONEY MARKET SECURITY - debt obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and/or interest by the government of the United States or agencies
or instrumentalities thereof, commercial paper, obligations (including
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements and
reverse repurchase agreements with respect to the same), and time deposits of
Page -2-
domestic banks and thrift institutions whose deposits are insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and short-term corporate obligations
where the purchase and sale of such securities normally require settlement in
federal funds or their equivalent on the same day as such purchase and sale,
all of which mature in not more than thirteen (13) months.
NASD - the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
OFFICER - the Chairman, President, Secretary, Treasurer, any Vice
President, Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
ORAL INSTRUCTIONS - instructions orally transmitted to and received by
the Custodian from an Authorized Person (or from a person that the Custodian
reasonably believes in good faith to be an Authorized Person) and confirmed by
Written Instructions in such a manner that such Written Instructions are
received by the Custodian on the Business Day immediately following receipt of
such Oral Instructions.
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS - Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. Proper
Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when deemed appropriate by
both parties.
PROSPECTUS - the Trust's then currently effective prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as filed with and declared effective from
time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SECURITY OR SECURITIES - Money Market Securities, common stock, preferred
stock, options, financial futures, bonds, notes, debentures, corporate debt
securities, mortgages, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances,
mortgage-backed securities or other obligations and any certificates,
receipts, warrants, or other instruments or documents representing rights to
receive, purchase, or subscribe for the same or evidencing or representing any
other rights or interest therein, or any similar property or assets that the
Custodian has the facilities to clear and to service.
Page -3-
SEC - the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of
America.
SHARES - with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest issued
by the Trust on account of such Fund.
TRUST - the business trust organized under the laws of Delaware which is
an open-end management investment company registered under the Act.
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS - communications in writing actually received by the
Custodian from an Authorized Person. A communication in writing includes a
communication by facsimile, telex or between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices (where the use of such devices have been approved by resolution of the
Trustee and the resolution is certified by an Officer and delivered to the
Custodian). All written communications shall be directed to the Custodian,
attention: Mutual Fund Custody Department.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT; ACCEPTANCE; AND FURNISHING OF DOCUMENTS
A. APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN. The Trust hereby constitutes and appoints
the Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by the Trust at
any time during the term of this Agreement.
B. ACCEPTANCE OF CUSTODIAN. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as
such custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set
forth.
C. DOCUMENTS TO BE FURNISHED. The following documents, including any
amendments thereto, will be provided contemporaneously with the execution of
the Agreement, to the Custodian by the Trust:
1. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust certified by the
Secretary.
Page -4-
2. A copy of the By-Laws of the Trust certified by the Secretary.
3. A copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust
appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary.
4. A copy of the then current Prospectus.
5. A Certificate of the President and Secretary of the Trust
setting forth the names and signatures of the current Officers of the Trust
and other Authorized Persons.
D. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF DIVIDEND AND TRANSFER AGENT. The Trust agrees
to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or change
in appointment of any Dividend and Transfer Agent.
ARTICLE III
RECEIPT OF TRUST ASSETS
A. DELIVERY OF MONEYS. During the term of this Agreement, the Trust will
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all moneys to be held by the
Custodian for the account of any Fund. The Custodian shall be entitled to
reverse any deposits made on any Fund's behalf where such deposits have been
entered and moneys are not finally collected within 30 days of the making of
such entry.
B. DELIVERY OF SECURITIES. During the term of this Agreement, the Trust
will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all Securities to be
held by the Custodian for the account of any Fund. The Custodian will not have
any duties or responsibilities with respect to such Securities until actually
received by the Custodian. The Custodian is hereby authorized by the Trust,
acting on behalf of the Fund, to actually deposit any assets of the Fund in
the Book-Entry System or in a Depository, provided, however, that the
Custodian shall always be accountable to the Trust for the assets of the Fund
so deposited. Assets deposited in the Book-Entry System or Depository will be
Page -5-
represented in accounts which include only assets held by the Custodian for
customers, including but not limited to accounts in which the Custodian acts
in a fiduciary or representative capacity.
C. PAYMENTS FOR SHARES. As and when received, the Custodian shall deposit
to the account(s) of a Fund any and all payments for Shares of that Fund
issued or sold from time to time as they are received from the Trust's
distributor or Dividend and Transfer Agent or from the Trust itself.
D. DUTIES UPON RECEIPT. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any
Securities, moneys or other assets of any Fund until actually received by it.
E. VALIDITY OF TITLE. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the
title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto
received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
DISBURSEMENT OF TRUST ASSETS
A. DECLARATION OF DIVIDENDS BY TRUST. The Trust shall furnish to the
Custodian a copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust,
certified by the Trust's Secretary, either (i) setting forth the date of the
declaration of any dividend or distribution in respect of Shares of any Fund
of the Trust, the date of payment thereof, the record date as of which the
Fund shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined, the amount payable
per share to Fund shareholders of record as of that date, and the total amount
to be paid by the Dividend and Transfer Agent on the payment date, or (ii)
authorizing the declaration of dividends and distributions in respect of
Shares of a Fund on a daily basis and authorizing the Custodian to rely on
Written Instructions setting forth the date of the declaration of any such
dividend or distribution, the date of payment thereof, the record date as of
which the Fund shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined, the
amount payable per share to Fund shareholders of record as of that date, and
the total amount to be paid by the Dividend and Transfer Agent on the payment
date.
Page -6-
On the payment date specified in the resolution or Written Instructions
described above, the Custodian shall segregate such amounts from moneys held
for the account of the Fund so that they are available for such payment.
B. SEGREGATION OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions so directing it, the Custodian shall segregate amounts necessary
for the payment of redemption proceeds to be made by the Dividend and Transfer
Agent from moneys held for the account of the Fund so that they are available
for such payment.
C. DISBURSEMENTS OF CUSTODIAN. Upon receipt of a Certificate directing
payment and setting forth the name and address of the person to whom such
payment is to be made, the amount of such payment, the name of the Fund from
which payment is to be made, and the purpose for which payment is to be made,
the Custodian shall disburse amounts as and when directed from the assets of
that Fund. The Custodian is authorized to rely on such directions and shall be
under no obligation to inquire as to the propriety of such directions.
D. PAYMENT OF CUSTODIAN FEES. Upon receipt of Written Instructions
directing payment, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the assets of the
Trust in payment of the Custodian's fees and expenses as provided in Article
VIII hereof.
ARTICLE V
CUSTODY OF TRUST ASSETS
A. SEPARATE ACCOUNTS FOR EACH FUND. As to each Fund, the Custodian shall
open and maintain a separate bank account or accounts in the United States in
the name of the Trust coupled with the name of such Fund, subject only to
draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement, and shall hold all cash received by it from or for the account of
the Fund, other than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank account established
and used by the Fund in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Act. Moneys held
Page -7-
by the Custodian on behalf of a Fund may be deposited by the Custodian to its
credit as Custodian in the banking department of the Custodian. Such moneys
shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as such, and shall be
withdrawable by the Custodian only in such capacity.
B. SEGREGATION OF NON-CASH ASSETS. All Securities and non-cash property
held by the Custodian for the account of a Fund (other than Securities
maintained in a Depository or Book-entry System) shall be physically
segregated from other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of
the Custodian (including the Securities and non-cash property of the other
Funds) and shall be identified as subject to this Agreement.
C. SECURITIES IN BEARER AND REGISTERED FORM. All Securities held which
are issued or issuable only in bearer form, shall be held by the Custodian in
that form; all other Securities held for the Fund may be registered in the
name of the Custodian, any sub-custodian appointed in accordance with this
Agreement, or the nominee of any of them. The Trust agrees to furnish to the
Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold, or deliver
in proper form for transfer, any Securities that it may hold for the account
of any Fund and which may, from time to time, be registered in the name of a
Fund.
D. DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN AS TO SECURITIES. Unless otherwise instructed by
the Trust, with respect to all Securities held for the Trust, the Custodian
shall on a timely basis (concerning items 1 and 2 below, as defined in the
Custodian's Standards of Service Guide, as amended from time to time, annexed
hereto as Appendix D):
1.) Collect all income due and payable with respect to such
Securities;
2.) Present for payment and collect amounts payable upon all
Securities which may mature or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise
become payable;
3.) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for
Securities in definitive form; and
Page -8-
4.) Execute, as Custodian, any necessary declarations or
certificates of ownership under the Federal income tax laws or the laws or
regulations of any other taxing authority, including any foreign taxing
authority, now or hereafter in effect.
E. CERTAIN ACTIONS UPON WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS. Upon receipt of a Written
Instructions and not otherwise, the Custodian shall:
1.) Execute and deliver to such persons as may be designated in such
Written Instructions proxies, consents, authorizations, and any other
instruments whereby the authority of the Trust as beneficial owner of any
Securities may be exercised;
2.) Deliver any Securities in exchange for other Securities or cash
issued or paid in connection with the liquidation, reorganization,
refinancing, merger, consolidation, or recapitalization of any trust, or the
exercise of any conversion privilege;
3.) Deliver any Securities to any protective committee,
reorganization committee, or other person in connection with the
reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, or sale
of assets of any trust, and receive and hold under the terms of this Agreement
such certificates of deposit, interim receipts or other instruments or
documents as may be issued to it to evidence such delivery;
4.) Make such transfers or exchanges of the assets of any Fund and
take such other steps as shall be stated in the Written Instructions to be for
the purpose of effectuating any duly authorized plan of liquidation,
reorganization, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the Trust; and
Page -9-
5.) Deliver any Securities held for any Fund to the depository agent
for tender or other similar offers.
F. CUSTODIAN TO DELIVER PROXY MATERIALS. The Custodian shall promptly
deliver to the Trust all notices, proxy material and executed but unvoted
proxies pertaining to shareholder meetings of Securities held by any Fund. The
Custodian shall not vote or authorize the voting of any Securities or give any
consent, waiver or approval with respect thereto unless so directed by Written
Instructions.
G. CUSTODIAN TO DELIVER TENDER OFFER INFORMATION. The Custodian shall
promptly deliver to the Trust all information received by the Custodian and
pertaining to Securities held by any Fund with respect to tender or exchange
offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or expiration of rights. If the
Trust desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer
or other similar transaction, the Trust shall notify the Custodian at least
five Business Days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
action. The Trust will provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all
relevant information for any Security which has unique put/option provisions
at least five Business Days prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
X. XXXXXXXXX TO DELIVER SECURITY AND TRANSACTION INFORMATION. On each
Business Day that the Federal Reserve Bank is open, the Custodian shall
furnish the Trust with a detailed statement of monies held for the Fund under
this Agreement and with confirmations and a summary of all transfers to or
from the account of the Fund. At least monthly and from time to time, the
Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a detailed statement of Securities held
for the Fund under this Agreement. Where Securities are transferred to the
account of the Fund without physical delivery, the Custodian shall also
identify as belonging to the Fund a quantity of Securities in a fungible bulk
of Securities registered in the name of the Custodian (or its nominee) or
Page -10-
shown on the Custodian's account on the books of the Book-Entry System or the
Depository. With respect to information provided by this section, it shall not
be necessary for the Custodian to provide notice as described by Article XI
Section F. Notices to Trust; it shall be sufficient to communicate by such
means as shall be mutually agreeable to the Trust and the Custodian.
ARTICLE VI
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES
A. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES. Promptly after each purchase of Securities by
the Trust, the Trust shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each
purchase of Securities which are not Money Market Securities, Written
Instructions, and (ii) with respect to each purchase of Money Market
Securities, Proper Instructions, specifying with respect to each such purchase
the;
1.) name of the issuer and the title of the Securities,
2.) the number of shares, principal amount purchased (and accrued
interest, if any) or other units purchased,
3.) date of purchase and settlement,
4.) purchase price per unit,
5.) total amount payable,
6.) name of the person from whom, or the broker through which, the
purchase was made,
7.) the name of the person to whom such amount is payable, and
8.) the Fund for which the purchase was made.
The Custodian shall, against receipt of Securities purchased by or for the
Trust, pay out of the moneys held for the account of such Fund the total
amount specified in the Written Instructions, or Oral Instructions, if
applicable, to the person named therein. The Custodian shall not be under any
obligation to pay out moneys to cover the cost of a purchase of Securities for
a Fund, if in the relevant Fund custody account there is insufficient cash
Page -11-
available to the Fund for which such purchase was made. With respect to any
repurchase agreement transaction for the Funds, the Custodian shall assure
that the collateral reflected on the transaction advice is received by the
Custodian.
B. SALE OF SECURITIES. Promptly after each sale of Securities by a Fund,
the Trust shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each sale of
Securities which are not Money Market Securities, Written Instructions, and
(ii) with respect to each sale of Money Market Securities, Proper
Instructions, specifying with respect to each such sale the:
1.) name of the issuer and the title of the Securities,
2.) number of shares, principal amount sold (and accrued interest,
if any) or other units sold,
3.) date of sale and settlement,
4.) sale price per unit,
5.) total amount receivable,
6.) name of the person to whom, or the broker through which, the
sale was made,
7.) name of the person to whom such Securities are to be delivered,
and
8.) Fund for which the sale was made.
The Custodian shall deliver the Securities against receipt of the total amount
specified in the Written Instructions, or Oral Instructions, if applicable.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when
properly instructed as provided herein to deliver Securities against payment,
shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally accepted market practice,
to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of final payment therefor.
In any such case, the Fund for which the Securities were delivered shall bear
the risk that final payment for the Securities may not be made or that the
Securities may be returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the
person to whom they were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability
for any of the foregoing.
C. DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT FOR PURCHASES AND SALES. Purchases and sales
of Securities effected by the Custodian will be made on a delivery versus
payment basis. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion, upon receipt of
Written Instructions, elect to settle a purchase or sale transaction in some
other manner, but only upon receipt of acceptable indemnification from the
Fund.
Page -12-
D. PAYMENT ON SETTLEMENT DATE. On contractual settlement date, the
account of the Fund will be charged for all purchased Securities settling on
that day, regardless of whether or not delivery is made. Likewise, on
contractual settlement date, proceeds from the sale of Securities settling
that day will be credited to the account of the Fund, irrespective of
delivery. Any such credit shall be conditioned upon actual receipt by
Custodian of final payment and may be reversed if final payment is not
actually received in full.
E. SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of Proper
Instructions so directing it, establish and maintain a segregated account or
accounts for and on behalf of a Fund. Cash and/or Securities may be
transferred into such account or accounts for specific purposes, to-wit:
1.) in accordance with the provision of any agreement among the
Trust, the Custodian, and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act, and
also a member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of the
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, any registered contract
market, or any similar organization or organizations requiring escrow or other
similar arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
2.) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection
with options purchased, sold, or written by the Fund or commodity futures
contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by the Fund;
3.) for the purpose of compliance by the Fund with the procedures
required for reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements,
standby commitment agreements, and short sales by Act Release No. 10666, or
any subsequent release or releases or rule of the SEC relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies;
Page -13-
4.) for the purpose of segregating collateral for loans of
Securities made by the Fund; and
5.) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of,
in addition to Proper Instructions, a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees, certified by an Officer, setting forth the purposes of such
segregated account.
Each segregated account established hereunder shall be established and
maintained for a single Fund only. All Proper Instructions relating to a
segregated account shall specify the Fund involved.
F. ADVANCES FOR SETTLEMENT. Except as otherwise may be agreed upon by the
parties hereto, the Custodian shall not be required to comply with any Written
Instructions to settle the purchase of any Securities on behalf of a Fund
unless there is sufficient cash in the account(s) pertaining to such Fund at
the time or to settle the sale of any Securities from such an account(s)
unless such Securities are in deliverable form. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if the purchase price of such Securities exceeds the amount of cash in the
account(s) at the time of such purchase, the Custodian may, in its sole
discretion, advance the amount of the difference in order to settle the
purchase of such Securities. The amount of any such advance shall be deemed a
loan from the Custodian to the Trust payable on demand and bearing interest
accruing from the date such loan is made up to but not including the date such
loan is repaid at the rate per annum customarily charged by the Custodian on
similar loans.
Page -14-
ARTICLE VII
TRUST INDEBTEDNESS
X. XXXXXXXXXX. In connection with any borrowings by the Trust, the Trust
will cause to be delivered to the Custodian by a bank or broker requiring
Securities as collateral for such borrowings (including the Custodian if the
borrowing is from the Custodian), a notice or undertaking in the form
currently employed by such bank or broker setting forth the amount of
collateral. The Trust shall promptly deliver to the Custodian Written
Instructions specifying with respect to each such borrowing: (a) the name of
the bank or broker, (b) the amount and terms of the borrowing, which may be
set forth by incorporating by reference an attached promissory note duly
endorsed by the Trust, or a loan agreement, (c) the date, and time if known,
on which the loan is to be entered into, (d) the date on which the loan
becomes due and payable, (e) the total amount payable to the Trust on the
borrowing date, and (f) the description of the Securities securing the loan,
including the name of the issuer, the title and the number of shares or other
units or the principal amount. The Custodian shall deliver on the borrowing
date specified in the Written Instructions the required collateral against the
lender's delivery of the total loan amount then payable, provided that the
same conforms to that which is described in the Written Instructions. The
Custodian shall deliver, in the manner directed by the Trust, such Securities
as additional collateral, as may be specified in Written Instructions, to
secure further any transaction described in this Article VII. The Trust shall
cause all Securities released from collateral status to be returned directly
to the Custodian and the Custodian shall receive from time to time such return
of collateral as may be tendered to it.
The Custodian may, at the option of the lender, keep such collateral in
its possession, subject to all rights therein given to the lender because of
the loan. The Custodian may require such reasonable conditions regarding such
collateral and its dealings with third-party lenders as it may deem
appropriate.
Page -15-
B. ADVANCES. With respect to any advances of cash made by the Custodian
to or for the benefit of a Fund for any purpose which results in the Fund
incurring an overdraft at the end of any Business Day, such advance shall be
repayable immediately upon demand made by the Custodian at any time.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
A. LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY OF CUSTODIAN. Except as otherwise provided
herein, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss or damage, including
counsel fees, resulting from its action or omission to act or otherwise,
except for any such loss or damage arising out of its own gross negligence or
willful misconduct. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund and only from assets of
the Fund (or insurance purchased by the Trust with respect to its liabilities
on behalf of the Fund hereunder), shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless
the Custodian and its directors, officers, employees and agents with respect
to any loss, claim, liability or cost (including reasonable attorneys' fees)
arising or alleged to arise from or relating to the Trust's duties hereunder
or any other action or inaction of the Trust or its Trustees, officers,
employees or agents, except such as may arise from the negligent action,
omission, willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement by the Custodian, its
directors, officers, employees or agents. The Custodian shall defend,
indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and its trustees, officers, employees or
agents with respect to any loss, claim, liability or cost (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) arising or alleged to arise from or relating to
the Custodian's duties as specifically set forth in this agreement with
respect to the Fund hereunder or any other action or inaction of the Custodian
or its directors, officers, employees, agents, nominees, or Sub-Custodians as
Page -16-
to the Fund, except such as may arise from the negligent action, omission or
willful misconduct of the Trust, its trustees, officers, employees, or agents.
The Custodian may, with respect to questions of law apply for and obtain the
advice and opinion of counsel to the Trust at the expense of the Fund, or of
its own counsel at its own expense, and shall be fully protected with respect
to anything done or omitted by it in good faith in conformity with the advice
or opinion of counsel to the Trust, and shall be similarly protected with
respect to anything done or omitted by it in good faith in conformity with
advice or opinion of its counsel, unless counsel to the Fund shall, within a
reasonable time after being notified of legal advice received by the
Custodian, have a differing interpretation of such question of law. The
Custodian shall be liable to the Trust for any proximate loss or damage
resulting from the use of the Book-Entry System or any Depository arising by
reason of any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct on the part of the
Custodian or any of its employees, agents, nominees or Sub-Custodians, but not
for any special, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages; provided,
however, that nothing contained herein shall preclude recovery by the Trust,
on behalf of the Fund, of principal and of interest to the date of recovery on
Securities incorrectly omitted from the Fund's account or penalties imposed on
the Trust, in connection with the Fund, for any failures to deliver
Securities. In any case in which one party hereto may be asked to indemnify
the other or hold the other harmless, the party from whom indemnification is
sought (the "Indemnifying Party") shall be advised of all pertinent facts
concerning the situation in question, and the party claiming a right to
indemnification (the "Indemnified Party") will use reasonable care to identify
and notify the Indemnifying Party promptly concerning any situation which
presents or appears to present a claim for indemnification against the
Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party shall have the option to defend the
Indemnified Party against any claim which may be the subject of
indemnification, and in the event the Indemnifying Party so elects, such
defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party and
satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party will so
Page -17-
notify the Indemnified Party and thereupon such Indemnifying Party shall take
over the complete defense of the claim and the Indemnifying Party shall
sustain no further legal or other expenses in such situation for which
indemnification has been sought under this paragraph, except the expenses of
any additional counsel retained by the Indemnified Party. In no case shall any
party claiming the right to indemnification confess any claim or make any
compromise in any case in which the other party has been asked to indemnify
such party (unless such confession or compromise is made with such other
party's prior written consent). The provisions of this section VIII. A. shall
survive the termination of this Agreement.
B. ACTIONS NOT REQUIRED BY CUSTODIAN. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, the Custodian, acting in the capacity of Custodian hereunder,
shall be under no obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:
1.) The validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by or for
the account of any Fund, the legality of the purchase thereof, or the
propriety of the amount paid therefor;
2.) The legality of the sale of any Securities by or for the account
of any Fund, or the propriety of the amount for which the same are sold;
3.) The legality of the issue or sale of any Shares of any Fund, or
the sufficiency of the amount to be received therefor;
4.) The legality of the redemption of any Shares of any Fund, or the
propriety of the amount to be paid therefor;
5.) The legality of the declaration or payment of any dividend by
the Trust in respect of Shares of any Fund;
Page -18-
6.) The legality of any borrowing by the Trust on behalf of the
Trust or any Fund, using Securities as collateral;
7.) Whether the Trust or a Fund is in compliance with the 1940 Act,
the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the Trust's charter documents or
by-laws, or its investment objectives and policies as then in effect.
C. NO DUTY TO COLLECT AMOUNTS DUE FROM DIVIDEND AND TRANSFER AGENT. The
Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action to effect
collection of any amount due to the Trust from any Dividend and Transfer Agent
of the Trust nor to take any action to effect payment or distribution by any
Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Trust of any amount paid by the Custodian
to any Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Trust in accordance with this
Agreement.
D. NO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS. Notwithstanding Section D of Article V, the
Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action, by legal
means or otherwise, to effect collection of any amount, if the Securities upon
which such amount is payable are in default, or if payment is refused after
due demand or presentation, unless and until (i) it shall be directed to take
such action by Written Instructions and (ii) it shall be assured to its
satisfaction (including prepayment thereof) of reimbursement of its costs and
expenses in connection with any such action.
E. AUTHORITY TO USE AGENTS AND SUB-CUSTODIANS. The Trust acknowledges and
hereby authorizes the Custodian to hold Securities through its various agents
described in Appendix C annexed hereto. The Fund hereby represents that such
authorization has been duly approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust as
required by the Act.
In addition, the Trust acknowledges that the Custodian may appoint one or
more financial institutions, as agent or agents or as sub-custodian or
sub-custodians, including, but not limited to, banking institutions located in
foreign countries, for the purpose of holding Securities and moneys at any
time owned by the Fund. The Custodian shall not be relieved of any obligation
or liability under this Agreement in connection with the appointment or
activities of such agents or sub-custodians. Any such agent or sub-custodian
shall be qualified to serve as such for assets of investment companies
Page -19-
registered under the Act. The Funds shall reimburse the Custodian for all
costs incurred by the Custodian in connection with opening accounts with any
such agents or sub-custodians. Upon request, the Custodian shall promptly
forward to the Trust any documents it receives from any agent or sub-custodian
appointed hereunder which may assist trustees of registered investment
companies to fulfill their responsibilities under Rule 17f-5 of the Act.
F. NO DUTY TO SUPERVISE INVESTMENTS. The Custodian shall not be under any
duty or obligation to ascertain whether any Securities at any time delivered
to or held by it for the account of the Trust are such as properly may be held
by the Trust under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and the
Trust's By-Laws.
G. ALL RECORDS CONFIDENTIAL. The Custodian shall treat all records and
other information relating to the Trust and the assets of all Funds as
confidential and shall not disclose any such records or information to any
other person unless (i) the Trust shall have consented thereto in writing or
(ii) such disclosure is required by law.
H. COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall be entitled to receive
and the Trust agrees to pay to the Custodian such compensation as shall be
determined pursuant to Appendix E attached hereto, or as shall be determined
pursuant to amendments to Appendix E. The Custodian shall be entitled to
charge against any money held by it for the account of any Fund, the amount of
any of its fees, any loss, damage, liability or expense, including counsel
fees. The expenses which the Custodian may charge against the account of a
Fund include, but are not limited to, the expenses of agents or Sub-Custodians
incurred in settling transactions involving the purchase and sale of
Securities of the Fund.
Page -20-
I. RELIANCE UPON INSTRUCTIONS. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely
upon any Proper Instructions if such reliance is made in good faith. The Trust
agrees to forward to the Custodian Written Instructions confirming Oral
Instructions in such a manner so that such Written Instructions are received
by the Custodian, whether by hand delivery, telex, facsimile or otherwise, on
the same Business Day on which such Oral Instructions were given. The Trust
agrees that the failure of the Custodian to receive such confirming
instructions shall in no way affect the validity of the transactions or
enforceability of the transactions hereby authorized by the Trust. The Trust
agrees that the Custodian shall incur no liability to the Trust for acting
upon Oral Instructions given to the Custodian hereunder concerning such
transactions.
J. BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Custodian will (i) set up and maintain proper
books of account and complete records of all transactions in the accounts
maintained by the Custodian hereunder in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Act, with particular attention to Section 31
thereof and Rules 3la-1 and 3la-2 thereunder and those records are the
property of the Trust, and (ii) preserve for the periods prescribed by
applicable Federal statute or regulation all records required to be so
preserved. All such books and records shall be the property of the Trust, and
shall be available, upon request, for inspection by duly authorized officers,
employees or agents of the Trust and employees of the SEC.
K. INTERNAL ACCOUNTING CONTROL SYSTEMS. The Custodian shall send to the
Trust any report received on the systems of internal accounting control of the
Custodian, or its agents or sub-custodians, as the Trust may reasonably
request from time to time.
L. NO MANAGEMENT OF ASSETS BY CUSTODIAN. The Custodian performs only the
services of a custodian and shall have no responsibility for the management,
Page -21-
investment or reinvestment of the Securities or other assets from time to time
owned by any Fund. The Custodian is not a selling agent for Shares of any Fund
and performance of its duties as custodian shall not be deemed to be a
recommendation to any Fund's depositors or others of Shares of the Fund as an
investment. The Custodian shall have no duties or obligations whatsoever
except such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this
Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement
against the Custodian.
M. ASSISTANCE TO TRUST. The Custodian shall take all reasonable action,
that the Trust may from time to time request, to assist the Trust in obtaining
favorable opinions from the Trust's independent accountants, with respect to
the Custodian's activities hereunder, in connection with the preparation of
the Fund's Form N-IA, Form N-SAR, or other annual reports to the SEC.
X. XXXXX OF SECURITY INTEREST. The Trust hereby pledges to and grants the
Custodian a security interest in the assets of any Fund to secure the payment
of any liabilities of the Trust to the Custodian, whether acting in its
capacity as Custodian or otherwise, or on account of money borrowed from the
Custodian. This pledge is in addition to any other pledge of collateral by the
Trust to the Custodian.
ARTICLE IX
INITIAL TERM; TERMINATION
A. INITIAL TERM. This Agreement shall become effective as of its
execution and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as
hereinafter provided.
B. TERMINATION. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement after
the Initial Term for any reason by giving to the other party a notice in
writing specifying the date of such termination, which shall be not less than
ninety (90) days after the date of giving of such notice. If such notice is
given by the Trust, it shall be accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees of the Trust, certified by the Secretary of the Trust,
electing to terminate this Agreement and designating a successor custodian or
custodians each of which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than
$100,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits. In the event
such notice is given by the Custodian, the Trust shall, on or before the
termination date, deliver to the Custodian a copy of a resolution of the Board
Page -22-
of Trustees of the Trust, certified by the Secretary, designating a successor
custodian or custodians to act on behalf of the Trust. In the absence of such
designation by the Trust, the Custodian may designate a successor custodian
which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than $100,000,000
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits. Upon the date set forth in
such notice this Agreement shall terminate, and the Custodian, provided that
it has received a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, shall
deliver, on that date, directly to the successor custodian all Securities and
moneys then owned by the Fund and held by it as Custodian. Upon termination of
this Agreement, the Trust shall pay to the Custodian on behalf of the Trust
such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination. The Trust
agrees on behalf of the Trust that the Custodian shall be reimbursed for its
reasonable costs in connection with the termination of this Agreement.
C. FAILURE TO DESIGNATE SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN. If a successor custodian is
not designated by the Trust, or by the Custodian in accordance with the
preceding paragraph, or the designated successor cannot or will not serve, the
Trust shall, upon the delivery by the Custodian to the Trust of all Securities
(other than Securities held in the Book-Entry System which cannot be delivered
to the Trust) and moneys then owned by the Trust, be deemed to be the
custodian for the Trust, and the Custodian shall thereby be relieved of all
duties and responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement, other than the duty
with respect to Securities held in the Book-Entry System, which cannot be
delivered to the Trust, which shall be held by the Custodian in accordance
with this Agreement.
Page -23-
ARTICLE X
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither the Custodian nor the Trust shall be liable for any failure or
delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or
caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable
control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires;
floods; wars; civil or military disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics;
riots; power failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its
reasonable control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian, in the event of a
failure or delay, shall use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any
such failure or delay.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
A. DESIGNATION OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS. Appendix A sets forth the names and
the signatures of all Authorized Persons as of this date, as certified by the
Secretary of the Trust. The Trust agrees to furnish to the Custodian a new
Appendix A in form similar to the attached Appendix A, if any present
Authorized Person ceases to be an Authorized Person or if any other or
additional Authorized Persons are elected or appointed. Until such new
Appendix A shall be received, the Custodian shall be fully protected in acting
under the provisions of this Agreement upon Oral Instructions or signatures of
the then current Authorized Persons as set forth in the last delivered
Appendix A.
B. LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY. No recourse under any obligation of
this Agreement or for any claim based thereon shall be had against any
organizer, shareholder, officer, trustee, past, present or future as such, of
the Trust or of any predecessor or successor, either directly or through the
Trust or any such predecessor or successor, whether by virtue of any
constitution, statute or rule of law or equity, or by the enforcement of any
Page -24-
assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood
that this Agreement and the obligations thereunder are enforceable solely
against the Trust, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach
to, or is or shall be incurred by, the organizers, shareholders, officers, or
trustees of the Trust or of any predecessor or successor, or any of them as
such. To the extent that any such liability exists, it is hereby expressly
waived and released by the Custodian as a condition of, and as a consideration
for, the execution of this Agreement.
C. AUTHORIZATION BY BOARD. The obligations set forth in this Agreement as
having been made by the Trust have been made by the Board of Trustees, acting
as such Trustees for and on behalf of the Trust, pursuant to the authority
vested in them under the laws of the State of Delaware, the Declaration of
Trust and the By-Laws of the Trust. This Agreement has been executed by
Officers of the Trust as officers, and not individually, and the obligations
contained herein are not binding upon any of the Trustees, Officers, agents or
holders of shares, personally, but bind only the Trust and then only to the
extent of the assets of the Trust.
D. CUSTODIAN'S CONSENT TO USE OF ITS NAME. The Trust shall obtain the
Custodian's consent prior to the publication and/or dissemination or
distribution, of the Prospectus and any other documents (including advertising
material) specifically mentioning the Custodian (other than merely by name and
address).
E. NOTICES TO CUSTODIAN. Any notice or other instrument in writing,
authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, shall
be sufficiently given if addressed to the Custodian and mailed or delivered to
it at its offices at Firstar Bank Center, 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, X. X. 0000,
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000, attention Mutual Fund Custody Department, or at such
other place as the Custodian may from time to time designate in writing.
Page -25-
F. NOTICES TO TRUST. Any notice or other instrument in writing,
authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Trust shall be
sufficiently given when delivered to the Trust or on the second Business Day
following the time such notice is deposited in the U.S. mail postage prepaid
and addressed to the Trust at its office at 000 Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxx
Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000 or at such other place as the Trust may from time
to time designate in writing.
G. AMENDMENTS IN WRITING. This Agreement, with the exception of the
Appendices, may not be amended or modified in any manner except by a written
agreement executed by both parties with the same formality as this Agreement,
and authorized and approved by a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the
Trust.
X. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall extend to and shall be
binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns;
provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust or
by the Custodian, and no attempted assignment by the Trust or the Custodian
shall be effective without the written consent of the other party hereto.
I. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Ohio.
J. JURISDICTION. Any legal action, suit or proceeding to be instituted by
either party with respect to this Agreement shall be brought by such party
exclusively in the courts of the State of Ohio or in the courts of the United
States for the Southern District of Ohio, and each party, by its execution of
this Agreement, irrevocably (i) submits to such jurisdiction and (ii) consents
to the service of any process or pleadings by first class U.S. mail, postage
prepaid and return receipt requested, or by any other means from time to time
authorized by the laws of such jurisdiction.
K. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such
counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.
Page -26-
L. HEADINGS. The headings of paragraphs in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective Officers, thereunto duly authorized as of the day
and year first above written.
WITNESS: TRUST:
THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ---------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary Chairman
WITNESS: CUSTODIAN:
FIRSTAR BANK, N.A.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Senior Trust Officer
Page -27-
APPENDIX A
AUTHORIZED PERSONS SPECIMEN SIGNATURES
Chairman: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
-------------------- -----------------------
President:
-------------------- -----------------------
Vice President:
-------------------- -----------------------
Secretary: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
-------------------- -----------------------
Assistant
Secretary:
-------------------- -----------------------
Treasurer:
-------------------- -----------------------
Assistant
Treasurer:
-------------------- -----------------------
Adviser Employees:
-------------------- -----------------------
Transfer Agent/Fund Accountant
Employees:
-------------------- -----------------------
-------------------- -----------------------
-------------------- -----------------------
-------------------- -----------------------
* Authority restricted; does not include:
-----------------------------
Page -28-
APPENDIX B
SERIES OF THE TRUST
BERKSHIRE FOCUS FUND
BERKSHIRE TECHNOLOGY FUND
Page -29-
APPENDIX C
AGENTS OF THE CUSTODIAN
The following agents are employed currently by Firstar Bank, N.A. for
securities processing and control ...
The Depository Trust Company (New York)
0 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
The Federal Reserve Bank
Cincinnati and Cleveland Branches
Bank of New York
0 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
(For Foreign Securities and certain non-DTC eligible Securities)
Page -30-
APPENDIX D
FIRSTAR INSTITUTIONAL CUSTODY SERVICES
STANDARDS OF SERVICE GUIDE
Firstar Bank, N.A. is committed to providing superior quality service
to all customers and their agents at all times. We have compiled this guide as
a tool for our clients to determine our standards for the processing of
security settlements, payment collection, and capital change transactions.
Deadlines recited in this guide represent the times required for Firstar Bank
to guarantee processing. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in
settlement at our client's risk. In all cases, Firstar Bank will make every
effort to complete all processing on a timely basis.
Firstar Bank is a direct participant of the Depository Trust Company,
a direct member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and utilizes the
Bankers Trust Company as its agent for ineligible and foreign securities.
For corporate reorganizations, Firstar Bank utilizes SEI's Reorg
Source, Financial Information, Inc., XCITEK, DTC Important Notices, and the
WALL STREET JOURNAL,
For bond calls and mandatory puts, Firstar Bank utilizes SEI's Bond
Source, Xxxxx Information Systems, Standard & Poor's Corporation, and DTC
Important Notices. Firstar Bank will not notify clients of optional put
opportunities.
Any securities delivered free to Firstar Bank or its agents must be
received three (3) business days prior to any payment or settlement in order
for the Firstar Bank standards of service to apply.
Should you have any questions regarding the information contained in
this guide, please feel free to contact your account representative.
The information contained in this Standards of Service Guide
is subject to change. Should any changes be made Firstar Bank
will provide you with an updated copy of its Standards of
Service Guide.
FIRSTAR BANK SECURITY SETTLEMENT STANDARDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION TYPE INSTRUCTIONS DEADLINES* DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
DTC 1:30 P.M. on Settlement Date DTC Participant #2803
Agent Bank ID 27895
Institutional # __________
For Account # __________
Federal Reserve Book Entry 12:30 P.M. on Settlement Date Federal Reserve Bank of Xxxxx/Trust
for Firstar Bank, N.A. ABA# 000000000
For Account # __________
Federal Reserve Book Entry 1:00 P.M. on Settlement Date Federal Reserve Bank of Xxxxx/Spec
(Repurchase Agreement for Firstar Bank, N.A. ABA# 000000000
Collateral Only) For Account # __________
PTC Securities 12:00 P.M. on Settlement Date PTC For Account BYORK
(GNMA Book Entry) Firstar Bank/117612
Physical Securities 9:30 A.M. EST on Settlement Date Bank of New York
(for Deliveries, by 4:00 P.M. One Wall Street-3rd Floor - Window A
on Settlement Date minus 1) New York, NY 10286
For account of Firstar Bank
Cust#117612
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
CEDEL/EURO-CLEAR 11:00 A.M. on Settlement Date Cedel a/c 55021
minus 2 FFC: a/c 387000
Firstar Bank/Global Omnibus
Cash Wire Transfer 3:00 P.M. Firstar Bank, X.X. Xxxxx/Trust
ABA# 000000000
Credit Account #0000000
Further Credit to __________
Account # __________
*All times listed are Eastern Standard Time.
FIRSTAR BANK PAYMENT STANDARDS
SECURITY TYPE INCOME PRINCIPAL
Equities Payable Date
Municipal Bonds* Payable Date Payable Date
Corporate Bonds* Payable Date Payable Date
Federal Reserve Bank
Book Entry* Payable Date Payable Date
PTC GNMA's (P&I) Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
CMOs*
DTC Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
Bankers Trust Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
SBA Loan Certificates When Received When Received
Unit Investment Trust Payable Date Payable Date
Certificates*
Certificates of Deposit* Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
Limited Partnerships When Received When Received
Foreign Securities When Received When Received
*Variable Rate Securities
Federal Reserve Bank
Book Entry Payable Date Payable Date
DTC Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
Bankers Trust Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
NOTE: If a payable date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payment will be
made on the immediately following business day.
FIRSTAR BANK CORPORATE REORGANIZATION STANDARDS
TYPE OF ACTION NOTIFICATION TO CLIENT DEADLINE FOR CLIENT TRANSACTION
INSTRUCTIONS TO FIRSTAR BANK POSTING
Rights, Warrants, Later of 10 business days prior 5 business days prior to Upon receipt
and Optional Mergers to expiration or receipt of notice expiration
Mandatory Puts with Later of 10 business days prior 5 business days prior to Upon receipt
Option to Retain to expiration or receipt of notice expiration
Class Actions 10 business days prior to 5 business days prior to Upon receipt
expiration date expiration
Voluntary Tenders, Later of 10 business days prior 5 business days prior to Upon receipt
Exchanges, to expiration or receipt of notice expiration
and Conversions
Mandatory Puts, Defaults, At posting of funds or securities None Upon receipt
Liquidations, Bankruptcies, received
Stock Splits, Mandatory
Exchanges
Full and Partial Calls Later of 10 business days prior None Upon receipt
to expiration or receipt of notice
NOTE: Fractional shares/par amounts resulting from any of the above will
be sold.
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
THIS ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), is made and entered into
this 19th day of December, 1999, by and between The Berkshire Funds, a
Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), and Berkshire Capital Holdings, Inc., a
California corporation (the "Administrator").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as a non-diversified open-end
management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Administrator is engaged in the business of rendering
administrative and supervisory services to investment companies; and
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Administrator to render
supervisory and corporate administrative services to the Berkshire Focus Fund
(the "Fund") in the manner and on the terms hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. The Trust hereby employs the
Administrator to administer the affairs of the Fund subject to the direction
of the Board of Trustees and the officers of the Trust, for the period and on
the terms hereinafter set forth. The Administrator hereby accepts such
employment and agrees during such period to render the services and to assume
the obligations herein set forth for the compensation herein provided. The
Administrator shall devote such time as is necessary to carry out and shall at
all times faithfully, with diligence and to the best of its ability, perform
all of the duties required of it by the Fund hereunder.
2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. The Administrator shall, at its
expense, establish and maintain separate books of account and other records
reasonably appropriate for the operation of the business of the Fund,
including such entries and supporting documents as may be necessary or
appropriate for the purpose of showing all the transactions made or committed
on behalf of the Fund, and shall supervise all accounting procedures and
audits. All books and records shall be maintained in such form and detail as
may be required by applicable law. The Administrator shall oversee the
maintenance of all books and records with respect to the Fund's securities
transactions and the Fund's book of account in accordance with all applicable
federal and state laws and regulations. The Administrator, at its expense,
shall supply the Board of Trustees and officers of the Trust with all
statistical information and reports reasonably required by it and reasonably
available to the Administrator and furnish the Fund with office facilities,
including space, furniture and equipment and all personnel reasonably
necessary for the operation of the Fund. In compliance with the requirements
of Rule 31a-3 under the Act, the Administrator hereby agrees that any records
which it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and further
agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund's
request. The Administrator further agrees to arrange for the preservation of
the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the Act for the
periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the Act.
The Administrator covenants and agrees that it will maintain, or will
otherwise have available to it, facilities and staff, including managerial,
administrative and technical, as shall be necessary and adequate, in all
material respects, to perform properly its obligations hereunder.
3. EXPENSES OF THE FUND. The Administrator assumes and shall pay for
maintaining its staff and personnel, and shall at its own expense provide the
equipment, office space and facilities necessary to perform its obligations
under this Agreement. In addition, the Administrator assumes and shall pay
all ordinary expenses of the Fund, including, without limitation: (a)
organizational costs, (b) compensation of the Investment Adviser's personnel
and payment of other expenses in connection with provision of portfolio
management services, (c) compensation of any of the Trust's trustees, officers
or employees who are not interested persons of the Investment Adviser or its
affiliates, (d) fees and expenses of registering the Fund's shares under the
federal securities laws and of qualifying its shares under applicable state
Blue Sky laws, including expenses attendant upon renewing such registrations
and qualifications, (e) insurance premiums, (f) fidelity bonds, (g) accounting
and bookkeeping costs and expenses necessary to maintain the Fund's books and
records, (h) outside auditing and ordinary legal expenses, (i) all costs
associated with shareholders meetings and the preparation and dissemination of
proxy solicitation materials, (j) costs of printing and distribution of the
Fund's Prospectus and other shareholder information to existing shareholders,
(k) charges, if any, of custodian and dividend disbursing agent's fees, (l)
industry association fees, and (m) costs of independent pricing services and
calculation of daily net asset value. The Administrator may, at its
discretion, assume any additional expenses ordinarily assumed by the Fund when
it determines that such action is in the best interest of the shareholders.
Any extraordinary and non-recurring expenses shall be paid by the Fund.
4. COMPENSATION. As compensation for the services rendered, the
facilities furnished and the expenses assumed by the Administrator, the Fund
shall pay to the Administrator, in arrears, within ten days after the end of
each calendar month, a fee, accrued each calendar day (including weekends and
holidays) at a rate of 0.50% per annum of the Fund's average daily net assets
up to $50 million, 0.45% of such assets from $50 million to $200 million,
0.40% of such assets from $200 million to $500 million, 0.35% of such assets
from $500 million to $1 billion, and 0.30% of such assets in excess of $1
billion for such month as determined and computed in accordance with the
description of the method of determination of net asset value contained in the
Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
5. EXPENSE LIMITATION. If, in any fiscal year, the aggregate
expenses of the Fund (including advisory, administrative and transfer agency
fees, but excluding interest, local, state and federal taxes), exceed the
expense limitations of any state having jurisdiction over the Fund, then the
fee paid to the Administrator hereunder will be reduced pro rata (but not
below zero) to the extent required by such expense limitation. The
Administrator will bear its pro rata share of any such fee reduction based on
the percentage that the Administrator's fee bears to the total administrative
and advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Administrator and to the investment
adviser of the Fund, for the month and year in which this Agreement becomes
effective or terminates, there shall be an appropriate proration of said fee
reduction based on the number of days that the Agreement is in effect during
such month and year, respectively.
6. INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. Manager shall, upon reasonable
notice, permit the Fund and its duly authorized representatives to inspect and
to audit, for any purposes whatsoever, all of the books of account, documents,
records, papers and files in the custody or possession of the Administrator
relating in any manner to the business of the Fund. All expenses involved in
such audit or inspection will be borne by the Fund.
7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Administrator is for all purposes
hereunder an independent contractor, free from control, direction or
supervision of the Trust and any persons engaged by the Administrator in the
performance of the Administrator's duties hereunder are solely the employees
or agents of the Administrator. The parties hereto intend and contemplate
that their relationship shall not be construed, nor shall any provision of
this Agreement be interpreted, so as to create a partnership or joint venture
between them or their respective successors in interest and, except as
expressly provided or authorized, neither party shall have the authority to
act for, represent or bind the other or otherwise be deemed an agent of the
other.
8. ACTIVITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. The services of the
Administrator to the Fund hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive and the
Administrator shall be free to render similar services to others. Subject to,
and in accordance with the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust and
Section 10(a) of the Act, it is understood that trustees, officers, agents and
beneficial holders of the Trust are or may be "interested persons" (as defined
in the Act) of the Administrator of its affiliates, and that directors,
officers, agents or shareholders of the Administrator of its affiliates are or
may be "interested persons" of the Trust as beneficial holders or otherwise.
9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. In the absence of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties
hereunder on the part of the Administrator, the Administrator shall not be
liable to the Fund or to any beneficial holder of the Fund for any act or
omission in the course of, or in connection with, rendering services hereunder
or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of
any security.
10. TERM. This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof,
and shall continue in effect for one year and from year to year thereafter
only so long as specifically approved annually by the Trust's Board of
Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the
Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of any such party
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
11. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
without the payment of any penalty (i) by the Fund either by vote of the Board
of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, on 60 days written notice to the Administrator, or
(ii) by the Administrator on 60 days written notice to the Fund.
12. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be amended by the parties only if
such amendment is specifically approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust,
including a majority of those trustees of the Trust who are not parties to
this Agreement or interested persons of any such party cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. NOTICES. Any notice required or desired to be given hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be considered effective (i) when delivered, if
by personal delivery, (ii) upon receipt, if sent by FAX, which FAX has been
telephonically confirmed, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. local
time of the recipient on a business day, or if not, at 9:00 a.m., local time
on the next business day, or (iii) upon the earlier of actual or first
attempted delivery, if mailed, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Administrator:
Berkshire Capital Holdings, Inc.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx #000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
FAX No.: (000) 000-0000
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
If to the Trust:
The Berkshire Funds
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx #000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
FAX No.: (000) 000-0000
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
or to such other address as the party shall have furnished in writing in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 13.
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and
supersedes all prior negotiations or agreements, whether written or oral.
15. INUREMENT. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Fund, the Administrator, and their respective successors,
transferees and assigns.
16. Assignment. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the
rights and obligations of the parties pursuant to this Agreement may not be
assigned without the express written consent of the other party.
17. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held,
declared or pronounced void, voidable, invalid, unenforceable or inoperative
for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding,
declaration or pronouncement shall not adversely affect any other provision of
this Agreement, and this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and
effect and be enforced in accordance with its terms, including in a manner
that may be reasonably required in order to render any provision that has been
held, declared or pronounced void, voidable, invalid, unenforceable or
inoperative to become valid, enforceable and operative.
18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement shall be executed in counterparts,
in which case all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same
agreement.
19. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with and governed by the laws of the State of California.
20. ATTORNEYS' FEES. In the event any proceeding is brought by one
party against the other to enforce or for the breach of any of the provisions
of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled in such proceeding
and in any appeal therefrom to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, together
with the costs of such proceeding therein incurred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed on the date first written above.
ATTEST: THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary President
ATTEST: BERKSHIRE CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary Chairman & CEO
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
THIS ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), is made and entered into
this 19th day of December, 1999, by and between The Berkshire Funds, a
Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), and Berkshire Capital Holdings, Inc., a
California corporation (the "Administrator").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as a non-diversified open-end
management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Administrator is engaged in the business of rendering
administrative and supervisory services to investment companies; and
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Administrator to render
supervisory and corporate administrative services to the Berkshire Technology
Fund (the "Fund") in the manner and on the terms hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. The Trust hereby employs the
Administrator to administer the affairs of the Fund subject to the direction
of the Board of Trustees and the officers of the Trust, for the period and on
the terms hereinafter set forth. The Administrator hereby accepts such
employment and agrees during such period to render the services and to assume
the obligations herein set forth for the compensation herein provided. The
Administrator shall devote such time as is necessary to carry out and shall at
all times faithfully, with diligence and to the best of its ability, perform
all of the duties required of it by the Fund hereunder.
2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. The Administrator shall, at its
expense, establish and maintain separate books of account and other records
reasonably appropriate for the operation of the business of the Fund,
including such entries and supporting documents as may be necessary or
appropriate for the purpose of showing all the transactions made or committed
on behalf of the Fund, and shall supervise all accounting procedures and
audits. All books and records shall be maintained in such form and detail as
may be required by applicable law. The Administrator shall oversee the
maintenance of all books and records with respect to the Fund's securities
transactions and the Fund's book of account in accordance with all applicable
federal and state laws and regulations. The Administrator, at its expense,
shall supply the Board of Trustees and officers of the Trust with all
statistical information and reports reasonably required by it and reasonably
available to the Administrator and furnish the Fund with office facilities,
including space, furniture and equipment and all personnel reasonably
necessary for the operation of the Fund. In compliance with the requirements
of Rule 31a-3 under the Act, the Administrator hereby agrees that any records
which it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and further
agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund's
request. The Administrator further agrees to arrange for the preservation of
the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the Act for the
periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the Act.
The Administrator covenants and agrees that it will maintain, or will
otherwise have available to it, facilities and staff, including managerial,
administrative and technical, as shall be necessary and adequate, in all
material respects, to perform properly its obligations hereunder.
3. EXPENSES OF THE FUND. The Administrator assumes and shall pay for
maintaining its staff and personnel, and shall at its own expense provide the
equipment, office space and facilities necessary to perform its obligations
under this Agreement. In addition, the Administrator assumes and shall pay
all ordinary expenses of the Fund, including, without limitation: (a)
organizational costs, (b) compensation of the Investment Adviser's personnel
and payment of other expenses in connection with provision of portfolio
management services, (c) compensation of any of the Trust's trustees, officers
or employees who are not interested persons of the Investment Adviser or its
affiliates, (d) fees and expenses of registering the Fund's shares under the
federal securities laws and of qualifying its shares under applicable state
Blue Sky laws, including expenses attendant upon renewing such registrations
and qualifications, (e) insurance premiums, (f) fidelity bonds, (g) accounting
and bookkeeping costs and expenses necessary to maintain the Fund's books and
records, (h) outside auditing and ordinary legal expenses, (i) all costs
associated with shareholders meetings and the preparation and dissemination of
proxy solicitation materials, (j) costs of printing and distribution of the
Fund's Prospectus and other shareholder information to existing shareholders,
(k) charges, if any, of custodian and dividend disbursing agent's fees, (l)
industry association fees, and (m) costs of independent pricing services and
calculation of daily net asset value. The Administrator may, at its
discretion, assume any additional expenses ordinarily assumed by the Fund when
it determines that such action is in the best interest of the shareholders.
Any extraordinary and non-recurring expenses shall be paid by the Fund.
4. COMPENSATION. As compensation for the services rendered, the
facilities furnished and the expenses assumed by the Administrator, the Fund
shall pay to the Administrator, in arrears, within ten days after the end of
each calendar month, a fee, accrued each calendar day (including weekends and
holidays) at a rate of 0.50% per annum of the Fund's average daily net assets
up to $50 million, 0.45% of such assets from $50 million to $200 million,
0.40% of such assets from $200 million to $500 million, 0.35% of such assets
from $500 million to $1 billion, and 0.30% of such assets in excess of $1
billion for such month as determined and computed in accordance with the
description of the method of determination of net asset value contained in the
Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
5. EXPENSE LIMITATION. If, in any fiscal year, the aggregate
expenses of the Fund (including advisory, administrative and transfer agency
fees, but excluding interest, local, state and federal taxes), exceed the
expense limitations of any state having jurisdiction over the Fund, then the
fee paid to the Administrator hereunder will be reduced pro rata (but not
below zero) to the extent required by such expense limitation. The
Administrator will bear its pro rata share of any such fee reduction based on
the percentage that the Administrator's fee bears to the total administrative
and advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Administrator and to the investment
adviser of the Fund, for the month and year in which this Agreement becomes
effective or terminates, there shall be an appropriate proration of said fee
reduction based on the number of days that the Agreement is in effect during
such month and year, respectively.
6. INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. Manager shall, upon reasonable
notice, permit the Fund and its duly authorized representatives to inspect and
to audit, for any purposes whatsoever, all of the books of account, documents,
records, papers and files in the custody or possession of the Administrator
relating in any manner to the business of the Fund. All expenses involved in
such audit or inspection will be borne by the Fund.
7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Administrator is for all purposes
hereunder an independent contractor, free from control, direction or
supervision of the Trust and any persons engaged by the Administrator in the
performance of the Administrator's duties hereunder are solely the employees
or agents of the Administrator. The parties hereto intend and contemplate
that their relationship shall not be construed, nor shall any provision of
this Agreement be interpreted, so as to create a partnership or joint venture
between them or their respective successors in interest and, except as
expressly provided or authorized, neither party shall have the authority to
act for, represent or bind the other or otherwise be deemed an agent of the
other.
8. ACTIVITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. The services of the
Administrator to the Fund hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive and the
Administrator shall be free to render similar services to others. Subject to,
and in accordance with the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust and
Section 10(a) of the Act, it is understood that trustees, officers, agents and
beneficial holders of the Trust are or may be "interested persons" (as defined
in the Act) of the Administrator of its affiliates, and that directors,
officers, agents or shareholders of the Administrator of its affiliates are or
may be "interested persons" of the Trust as beneficial holders or otherwise.
9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. In the absence of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties
hereunder on the part of the Administrator, the Administrator shall not be
liable to the Fund or to any beneficial holder of the Fund for any act or
omission in the course of, or in connection with, rendering services hereunder
or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of
any security.
10. TERM. This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof,
and shall continue in effect for one year and from year to year thereafter
only so long as specifically approved annually by the Trust's Board of
Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the
Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of any such party
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
11. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
without the payment of any penalty (i) by the Fund either by vote of the Board
of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, on 60 days written notice to the Administrator, or
(ii) by the Administrator on 60 days written notice to the Fund.
12. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be amended by the parties only if
such amendment is specifically approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust,
including a majority of those trustees of the Trust who are not parties to
this Agreement or interested persons of any such party cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. NOTICES. Any notice required or desired to be given hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be considered effective (i) when delivered, if
by personal delivery, (ii) upon receipt, if sent by FAX, which FAX has been
telephonically confirmed, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. local
time of the recipient on a business day, or if not, at 9:00 a.m., local time
on the next business day, or (iii) upon the earlier of actual or first
attempted delivery, if mailed, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Administrator:
Berkshire Capital Holdings, Inc.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx #000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
FAX No.: (000) 000-0000
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
If to the Trust:
The Berkshire Funds
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx #000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
FAX No.: (000) 000-0000
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
or to such other address as the party shall have furnished in writing in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 13.
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and
supersedes all prior negotiations or agreements, whether written or oral.
15. INUREMENT. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Fund, the Administrator, and their respective successors,
transferees and assigns.
16. ASSIGNMENT. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the
rights and obligations of the parties pursuant to this Agreement may not be
assigned without the express written consent of the other party.
17. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held,
declared or pronounced void, voidable, invalid, unenforceable or inoperative
for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding,
declaration or pronouncement shall not adversely affect any other provision of
this Agreement, and this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and
effect and be enforced in accordance with its terms, including in a manner
that may be reasonably required in order to render any provision that has been
held, declared or pronounced void, voidable, invalid, unenforceable or
inoperative to become valid, enforceable and operative.
18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement shall be executed in counterparts,
in which case all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same
agreement.
19. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with and governed by the laws of the State of California.
20. ATTORNEYS' FEES. In the event any proceeding is brought by one
party against the other to enforce or for the breach of any of the provisions
of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled in such proceeding
and in any appeal therefrom to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, together
with the costs of such proceeding therein incurred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed on the date first written above.
ATTEST: THE BERKSHIRE FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary President
ATTEST: BERKSHIRE CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
------------------- ------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx XXX
Secretary Chairman & CEO
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
(513) 563-3500
December 22, 1999
The Berkshire Funds
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx #000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Gentlemen:
You have requested my opinion in connection with the registration by The
Berkshire Funds, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), of an indefinite
number of shares of beneficial interest (the "Shares") of its two series, the
Berkshire Focus Fund and the Berkshire Technology Fund, authorized by the
Trust's Declaration of Trust, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an exhibit to the Trust's registration statement on Form N-1A
(File No. 333-21089), as amended (the "Registration Statement"), under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
I have examined and relied upon originals or copies, certified or otherwise
identified to my satisfaction, of such records, agreements, documents and
other instruments and certificates or comparable documents of public officials
and of officers and representatives of the Trust, and I have made such
inquiries of the officers and representatives of the Trust, as I have deemed
relevant and necessary as the basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth.
In such examination, I have assumed, without independent verification, the
genuineness of all signatures (whether original or photostatic) and the
authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals and the conformity
to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to me as certified
or photostatic copies. As to all questions of fact material to such opinion,
I have relied upon the certificates referred to hereinabove. I have assumed,
without independent verification, the accuracy of the relevant facts stated
therein.
This letter expresses by opinion as to the provisions of the Trust's
Declaration of Trust and the laws of the State of Delaware applying to
business trusts generally, but does not extend to federal securities or other
laws or the laws of jurisdictions outside the State of Delaware.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications set forth herein, I
am of the opinion that the Shares have been duly and validly authorized, and,
when issued and delivered as described in the Registration Statement, will be
fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving such consent, I do not thereby admit that I
come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7
of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Counsel
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports
dated January 10, 1999 and to all references to our firm included in or made a
part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Berkshire Funds' Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (file no. 333-21089), including the references to our
firm under the heading "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus and heading
"Accountants" in the Statement of Additional Information.
/s/ XxXxxxx & Associates
------------------------
XxXxxxx & Associates CPA's, Inc.
Westlake, Ohio
December 22, 1999