FORM OF MUTUAL FUND CUSTODY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT
Exhibit 9(a)
FORM OF
MUTUAL FUND CUSTODY
AND SERVICES AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION | PAGE | |||
DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
ARTICLE I – CUSTODY PROVISIONS |
3 | |||
1. Appointment of Custodian |
3 | |||
2. Custody of Cash and Securities |
7 | |||
3. Settlement of Fund Transactions |
8 | |||
4. Lending of Securities |
8 | |||
5. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Fund |
8 | |||
6. Standard of Care; Scope of Custodial Responsibilities |
8 | |||
7. Appointment of Subcustodians |
10 | |||
8. Overdraft Facility and Security for Payment |
10 | |||
9. Tax Obligations |
11 | |||
ARTICLE II – FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER SERVICES |
12 | |||
1. Delegation |
12 | |||
2. Changes to Appendix C |
12 | |||
3. Reports to Board |
12 | |||
4. Monitoring System |
12 | |||
5. Standard of Care |
12 | |||
6. Use of Securities Depositories |
12 | |||
ARTICLE III — INFORMATION SERVICES |
12 | |||
1. Risk Analysis |
12 | |||
2. Monitoring of Securities Depositories |
13 | |||
3. Use of Agents |
13 | |||
4. Exercise of Reasonable Care |
13 | |||
5. Liabilities and Warranties |
13 | |||
ARTICLE IV – GENERAL PROVISIONS |
13 | |||
1. Compensation |
13 | |||
2. Insolvency of Foreign Custodians |
14 | |||
3. Liability for Depositories |
14 | |||
4. Damages |
14 | |||
5. Indemnification; Liability of the Fund |
14 | |||
6. Force Majeure |
14 | |||
7. Termination |
14 | |||
8. Inspection of Books and Records |
15 | |||
9. Miscellaneous |
15 | |||
APPENDIX A. AUTHORIZED PERSONS |
19 | |||
APPENDIX B. FUND OFFICERS |
21 | |||
APPENDIX C. SELECTED COUNTRIES |
22 | |||
EXHIBIT A. CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM NOTICE |
24 |
i
MUTUAL FUND CUSTODY AND
SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES AGREEMENT
This
AGREEMENT, effective as of the
day of
,2007, and is between THE
GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS RX TRUST, (the “Fund”) a organized under the
laws of the having its principal office and place of business at Xxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxx, XX 00000-0000, and MELLON TRUST OF NEW ENGLAND, N.A., (the “Custodian”) a national
banking association with its principal place of business at Xxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
00000.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Custodian desire to set forth their agreement with respect to the
custody of the Fund’s Securities and cash and the processing of Securities transactions;
WHEREAS, the Board desires to delegate certain of its responsibilities for performing the
services set forth in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2) and (c)(3) of Rule 17f-5 to the Custodian as a
Foreign Custody Manager;
WHEREAS, the Custodian agrees to accept such delegation with respect to Assets, including
those held by Foreign Custodians in the Selected Countries as set forth in jurisdictions listed on
Appendix C as set forth in Article II; and
WHEREAS, the Custodian agrees to perform the function of a Primary Custodian under Rule 17f-7;
NOW THEREFORE, the Fund and the Custodian agree as follows:
DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases, unless the context requires otherwise, shall have the
following meanings:
1. “Act”: the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, all as
amended from time to time.
2. “Agreement”: this agreement and any amendments.
3. “Assets”: any of the Fund’s investments, including foreign currencies and investments for which
the primary market is outside the United States, and such cash and cash equivalents as are
reasonably necessary to effect the Fund’s transactions in such investments.
4. “Authorized Person”: the Chairman of the Fund’s Board, its President, and any Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer or any other person, whether or not any such person is an officer or employee
of the Fund, duly authorized by the Board to add or delete
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jurisdictions pursuant to Article II and to give Instructions on behalf of the Fund which is listed
in the Certificate annexed hereto as Appendix A or such other Certificate as may be
received by the Custodian from time to time.
5. “Board”: the Board of Trustees (or the body authorized to exercise authority similar to that of
the board of directors of a corporation) of the Fund.
6. “Book-Entry System”: the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry system for United States and
federal agency Securities, its successor or successors and its nominee or nominees.
7. “Business Day”: any day on which the Fund, the Custodian, the Book-Entry System and appropriate
clearing corporation(s) are open for business.
8. “Certificate”: any notice, instruction or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by
this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, which is actually received by the Custodian and signed
on behalf of the Fund by an Authorized Person or Persons designated by the Board to issue a
Certificate.
9. “Eligible Securities Depository”: the meaning of the term set forth in Rule 17f-7(b)(1).
10. “Foreign Custodian”: (a) a banking institution or trust company incorporated or organized under
the laws of a country other than the United States, that is regulated as such by the country’s
government or an agency of the country’s government; (b) a majority-owned direct or indirect
subsidiary of a U.S. Bank or bank-holding company; or (c) any entity other than a Securities
Depository with respect to which exemptive or no-action relief has been granted by the Securities
and Exchange Commission. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Foreign Custodian” shall not
include Euroclear, Clearstream, Bank One or any other transnational system for the central handling
of securities or equivalent book-entries regardless of whether or not such entities or their
service providers are acting in a custodial capacity with respect to Assets, Securities or other
property of the Fund.
11. “Foreign Custody Manager”: the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-5(a)(3).
12. “Instructions”: (i) all directions to the Custodian from an Authorized Person pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement; (ii) all directions by or on behalf of the Fund to the Custodian in its
corporate capacity (or any of its affiliates) with respect to contracts for foreign exchange; (iii)
all directions by or on behalf of the Fund pursuant to an agreement with Custodian (or any of its
affiliates) with respect to benefit disbursement services or information or transactional services
provided via a web site sponsored by the Custodian (or any of its affiliates) (e.g., the “Workbench
web site”) and (iv) all directions by or on behalf of the Fund pursuant to any other agreement or
procedure between the Custodian (or any of its affiliates) and the Fund, if such agreement or
procedure specifically provides that authorized persons thereunder are deemed to be authorized to
give instructions under this Agreement. Instructions shall be in writing, transmitted by first
class mail, overnight delivery, private courier, facsimile, or shall be an electronic
2
transmission subject to the Custodian’s policies and procedures, other institutional delivery
systems or trade matching utilities as directed by an Authorized Person and supported by the
Custodian, or other methods agreed upon in writing by the Fund and Custodian. The Custodian may,
in its discretion, accept oral directions and instructions from an Authorized Person and may
require confirmation in writing. However, where the Custodian acts on an oral direction prior to
receipt of a written confirmation, the Custodian shall not be liable if a subsequent written
confirmation fails to conform to the oral direction.
13. “Primary Custodian”: the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-7(b)(2).
14. “Prospectus”: a Fund’s current prospectus and statement of additional information relating to
the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
15. “Risk Analysis”: the analysis required under Rule 17f-7(a)(1)(i)(A).
16. “Rules 17f-4, 17f-5 and 17f-7”: such Rules as promulgated under Section 17(f) of the Act, as
such rules (and any successor rules or regulations) may be amended from time to time.
17. “Security” or “Securities”: bonds, debentures, notes, stocks, shares, evidences of
indebtedness, and other securities, commodities, interests and investments from time to time owned
by the Fund.
18. “Securities Depository”: a system for the central handling of securities as defined in Rule
17f-4.
19. “Selected Countries”: the jurisdictions listed on Appendix C as such may be amended
from time to time in accordance with Article II.
20. “Shares”: shares of the Fund, however designated.
ARTICLE I. – CUSTODY PROVISIONS
1. Appointment of Custodian. The Board appoints, and the Custodian accepts appointment as
custodian of all the Securities and monies at the time owned by or in the possession of the Fund
during the period of this Agreement.
2. Custody of Cash and Securities.
a. Receipt and Holding of Assets. The Fund will deliver or cause to be delivered to
the Custodian all Securities and monies owned by it at any time during the period of this Custody
Agreement. The Custodian will not be responsible for such Securities and monies until actually
received. The Board specifically authorizes the Custodian to hold Securities, Assets or other
property of the Fund with any domestic
subcustodian, or Securities Depository, and Foreign Custodians or Eligible Securities
3
Depositories in the Selected Countries as provided in Article II. Securities and monies of the
Fund deposited in a Securities Depository or Eligible Securities Depositories will be reflected in
an account or accounts which include only assets held by the Custodian or a Foreign Custodian for
its customers.
b. Disbursements of Cash and Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall disburse
cash or deliver out Securities only for the purposes listed below. Instructions must specify or
evidence the purpose for which any transaction is to be made and the Fund shall be solely
responsible to assure that Instructions are in accord with any limitations or restrictions
applicable to the Fund
(1) In payment for Securities purchased for the Fund;
(2) In payment of dividends or distributions with respect to Shares;
(3) In payment for Shares which have been redeemed by the Fund;
(4) In payment of taxes;
(5) When Securities are sold, called, redeemed, retired, or otherwise become payable;
(6) In exchange for or upon conversion into other securities alone or other securities and
cash pursuant to any plan or merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or
readjustment;
(7) Upon conversion of Securities pursuant to their terms into other securities;
(8) Upon exercise of subscription, purchase or other similar rights represented by Securities;
(9) For the payment of interest, management or supervisory fees, distributions or operating
expenses;
(10) In payment of fees and in reimbursement of the expenses and liabilities of the Custodian
attributable to the Fund;
(11) In connection with any borrowings by the Fund or short sales of securities requiring a
pledge of Securities, but only against receipt of amounts borrowed;
(12) In connection with any loans, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as
specified in Instructions which shall reflect any restrictions applicable to the Fund.
(13) For the purpose of redeeming Shares of the capital stock of the Fund and the delivery to,
or the crediting to the account of, the Custodian or the Fund’s
transfer agent, such Shares to be purchased or redeemed;
4
(14) For the purpose of redeeming in kind Shares of the Fund against delivery to the
Custodian, its Subcustodian or the Customer Fund’s transfer agent of such Shares to be so redeemed;
(15) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the
Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange
Act”) and a member of The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”), relating to
compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
securities exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund. The Custodian will act only in
accordance with Instructions in the delivery of Securities to be held in escrow and will have no
responsibility or liability for any such Securities which are not returned promptly when due other
than to make proper requests for such return;
(16) For spot or forward foreign exchange transactions to facilitate security trading, receipt
of income from Securities or related transactions;
(17) Upon the termination of this Agreement; and
(18) For other proper purposes as may be specified in Instructions issued by an Authorized
Person of the Fund which shall include a statement of the purpose for which the delivery or payment
is to be made, the amount of the payment or specific Securities to be delivered, the name of the
person or persons to whom delivery or payment is to be made, and a Certificate stating that the
purpose is a proper purpose under the instruments governing the Fund.
(19) For delivery of Securities or monies of the Fund as set forth under Article I, Section 7.
c. Actions Which May be Taken Without Instructions. Unless an Instruction to the
contrary is received, the Custodian shall:
(1) Collect all income due or payable, provided that the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the failure to receive payment of (or late payment of) distributions or other payments with
respect to Securities or other property held in the account;
(2) Present for payment and collect the amount payable upon all Securities which may mature or
be called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Custodian shall have no responsibility to the Fund for monitoring or ascertaining any call,
redemption or retirement dates with respect to put bonds or similar instruments which are owned by
the Fund and held by the Custodian or its nominees where such dates are not published in sources
routinely used by the Custodian. Nor shall the Custodian have any responsibility or liability to
the Fund for any loss by the Fund for any missed payments or other defaults resulting therefrom,
unless the Custodian received timely notification from the Fund specifying the time, place and
manner for the presentment of any such put bond owned by the Fund and held
5
by the Custodian or its
nominee. The Custodian shall not be responsible and assumes no liability for the accuracy or
completeness of any notification the Custodian may furnish to the Fund with respect to put bonds or
similar instruments;
(3) Surrender Securities in temporary form for definitive Securities;
(4) Hold directly, or through a Securities Depository with respect to Securities therein
deposited, for the account of the Fund all rights and similar Securities issued with respect to any
Securities held by the Custodian hereunder for the Fund;
(5) Submit or cause to be submitted to the Fund or its investment advisor as designated by the
Fund information actually received by the Custodian regarding ownership rights pertaining to
property held for the Fund;
(6) Deliver or cause to be delivered any Securities held for the Fund in exchange for other
Securities or cash issued or paid in connection with the liquidation, reorganization, refinancing,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of any corporation, or the exercise of any conversion
privilege;
(7) Deliver or cause to be delivered any Securities held for the Fund to any protective
committee, reorganization committee or other person in connection with the reorganization,
refinancing, merger, consolidation or recapitalization or sale of assets of any corporation, 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;
(8) Make or cause to be made such transfers or exchanges of the assets specifically allocated
to the Fund and take such other steps as shall be stated in Instructions to be for the purpose of
effectuating any duly authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of the Fund;
(9) Deliver Securities upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase agreement
related to such Securities entered into by the Fund;
(10) Deliver Securities owned by the Fund to the issuer thereof or its agent when such
Securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided, however, that in
any such case the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to the Fund for monitoring or
ascertaining any call, redemption or retirement dates with respect to the put bonds or similar
instruments which are owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian or its nominee where such dates
are not published in sources routinely used by the Custodian. Nor shall the Custodian have any
responsibility or liability to the Fund for any loss by the Fund for any missed payment or other
default resulting therefrom unless the Custodian received timely notification from the Fund
specifying the time, place and manner for the presentment of any such put bond owned by the Fund
and held by the Custodian or its nominee. The Custodian shall not be
responsible and assumes no liability to the Fund for the accuracy or completeness of any
notification the Custodian may furnish to the Fund with respect to put bonds or similar
investments;
6
(11) Endorse and collect all checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money received
by the Custodian for the account of the Fund; and
(12) Execute any and all documents, agreements or other instruments as may be necessary or
desirable for the accomplishment of the purposes of this Agreement.
d. Confirmation and Statements. Promptly after the close of business on each day, the
Custodian shall furnish the Fund with confirmations and a summary of all transfers to or from the
account of the Fund during the day. Where securities purchased by the Fund are in a fungible bulk
of securities registered in the name of the Custodian (or its nominee) or shown on the Custodian’s
account on the books of a Securities Depository, the Custodian shall by book-entry or otherwise
identify the quantity of those securities belonging to the Fund. At least monthly, the Custodian
shall furnish the Fund with a detailed statement of the Securities and monies held for the Fund
under this Custody Agreement.
e. Registration of Securities. The Custodian is authorized to hold all Securities,
Assets, or other property of the Fund in nominee name, in bearer form or in book-entry form. The
Custodian may register any Securities, Assets or other property of the Fund in the name of the
Fund, in the name of the Custodian, any domestic subcustodian, or Foreign Custodian, in the name of
any duly appointed registered nominee of such entity, or in the name of a Securities Depository or
its successor or successors, or its nominee or nominees. The Fund agrees to furnish to the
Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for
transfer, or to register in the name of its registered nominee or in the name of a Securities
Depository, any Securities which it may hold for the account of the Fund and which may from time to
time be registered in the name of the Fund.
f. Segregated Accounts. Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian will, from time
to time establish segregated accounts on behalf of the Fund to hold and deal with specified assets
as shall be directed.
3. Settlement of Fund Transactions.
a. Customary Practices. Settlement of transactions may be effected in accordance with
trading and processing practices customary in the jurisdiction or market where the transaction
occurs. The Fund acknowledges that this may, in certain circumstances, require the delivery of
cash or Securities (or other property) without the concurrent receipt of Securities (or other
property) or cash. In such circumstances, the Custodian shall have no responsibility for
nonreceipt of payments (or late payment) or nondelivery of Securities or other property (or late
delivery) by the counterparty.
b. Contractual Income. The Custodian shall credit the Fund, in accordance
with the Custodian’s standard operating procedure, with income and maturity proceeds on
securities on contractual payment date net of any taxes or upon actual receipt. To the extent the
Custodian credits income on contractual payment date, the Custodian may
7
reverse such accounting
entries to the contractual payment date if the Custodian reasonably believes that such amount will
not be received.
c. Contractual Settlement. The Custodian will attend to the settlement of securities
transactions in accordance with the Custodian’s standard operating procedure, on the basis of
either contractual settlement date accounting or actual settlement date accounting. To the extent
the Custodian settles certain securities transactions on the basis of contractual settlement date
accounting, the Custodian may reverse to the contractual settlement date any entry relating to such
contractual settlement if the Custodian reasonably believes that such amount will not be received.
4. Lending of Securities . The Custodian may lend the assets of the Fund in
accordance with the terms and conditions of a separate securities lending agreement, approved by
the Fund.
5. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Fund.
a. No trustee or agent of the Fund, and no officer, director, employee or agent of the Fund’s
investment adviser, of any sub-investment adviser of the Fund, or of the Fund’s administrator,
shall have physical access to the assets of the Fund held by the Custodian or be authorized or
permitted to withdraw any investments of the Fund, nor shall the Custodian deliver any assets of
the Fund to any such person. No officer, director, employee or agent of the Custodian who holds
any similar position with the Fund’s investment adviser, with any sub-investment adviser of the
Fund or with the Fund’s administrator shall have access to the assets of the Fund.
b. Nothing in this Section 5 shall prohibit any duly authorized officer, employee or agent of
the Fund, or any duly authorized officer, director, employee or agent of the investment adviser, of
any sub-investment adviser of the Fund or of the Fund’s administrator, from giving Instructions to
the Custodian or executing a Certificate so long as it does not result in delivery of or access to
assets of the Fund prohibited by paragraph (a) of this Section 5.
6. Standard of Care; Scope of Custodial Responsibilities.
a. Standard of Care. Custodian shall be required to exercise reasonable care with
respect to its duties under this Agreement unless otherwise provided.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Custody Agreement, 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 the negligence or willful
misconduct of the Custodian.
(2) The Custodian may, with respect to questions of law, apply for and obtain the advice and
opinion of counsel to the Fund or of its own counsel, at the expense of the Fund, and shall be
fully protected with respect to anything done or omitted by it in good faith in conformity with
such advice or opinion.
8
b. Scope of Duties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian
shall be under no duty or obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:
(1) The acts or omissions of any agent appointed pursuant to Instructions of the Fund or its
investment advisor including, but not limited to, any broker-dealer or other entity to hold any
Securities or other property of the Fund as collateral or otherwise pursuant to any investment
strategy.
(2) The validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by the Fund, the legality of the
purchase thereof, or the propriety of the amount paid therefor;
(3) The legality of the sale of any Securities by the Fund or the propriety of the amount for
which the same are sold;
(4) The legality of the issue or sale of any Shares, or the sufficiency of the amount to be
received therefor;
(5) The legality of the redemption of any Shares, or the propriety of the amount to be paid
therefore
(6) The legality of the declaration or payment of any distribution of the Fund;
(7) The legality of any borrowing for temporary administrative or emergency purposes.
c. No Liability Until Receipt. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered
to be the Custodian of, any money, whether or not represented by any check, draft, or other
instrument for the payment of money, received by it on behalf of the Fund until the Custodian
actually receives and collects such money.
d. Amounts Due from Transfer Agent. The Custodian shall not be required to effect
collection of any amount due to the Fund from the Fund’s transfer agent nor be required to cause
payment or distribution by such transfer agent of any amount paid by the Custodian to the transfer
agent.
e. Collection Where Payment Refused. The Custodian shall not be required to take
action 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 it shall be
directed to take such action and it shall be assured to its satisfaction of reimbursement of its
related costs and expenses.
f. No Duty to Ascertain Authority. 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 Fund are such as may properly be held by the Fund under the provisions of its governing
instruments or Prospectus.
9
g. Reliance on Instructions. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any
Instruction, notice or other instrument in writing received by the Custodian and reasonably
believed by the Custodian to be genuine and to be signed by an officer or Authorized Person of the
Fund. Where the Custodian is issued Instructions orally, the Fund acknowledge that if written
confirmation is requested, the validity of the transactions or enforceability of the transactions
authorized by the Fund shall not be affected if such confirmation is not received or is contrary to
oral Instructions given. The Custodian shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with all
such Instructions and in failing to act in the absence thereof. The Custodian shall be under no
duty to question any direction of an Authorized Person with respect to the portion of the account
over which such Authorized Person has authority, to review any property held in the account, to
make any suggestions with respect to the investment and reinvestment of the assets in the account,
or to evaluate or question the performance of any Authorized Person. The Custodian shall not be
responsible or liable for any diminution of value of any securities or other property held by the
Custodian or its subcustodians pursuant to Instructions. In following Instructions, the Custodian
shall be fully protected and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any person or entity
not selected or retained by the Custodian in its sole discretion, including but not limited to, any
broker-dealer or other entity designed by the Fund or Authorized Person to hold property of the
account as collateral or otherwise pursuant to an investment strategy.
7. Appointment of Subcustodians; Transfer of Assets to Subcustodians or Brokers. The
Custodian is hereby authorized to appoint one or more domestic subcustodians (which may be an
affiliate of the Custodian) to hold Securities and monies at any time owned by the Fund. The
Custodian will give the Fund prompt notice of any such appointment. The Custodian is also hereby
authorized when acting pursuant to Instructions to: 1) place assets with any Foreign Custodian
located in a jurisdiction which is not a Selected Country and with Euroclear, Clearstream, Banc One
or any other transnational depository; and 2) place assets with a broker or any such domestic
subcustodian or Foreign Custodian in connection with futures, options, short selling or other
transactions. When acting pursuant to such Instructions, the Custodian shall not be liable for the
acts or omissions of any such broker, subcustodian or Foreign Custodian.
8. Overdraft Facility and Security for Payment. In the event that the Custodian receives
Instructions to make payments or transfers of monies on behalf of the Fund for which there would
be, at the close of business on the date of such payment or transfer, insufficient monies held by
the Custodian on behalf of the Fund, the Custodian may, in its sole discretion, provide an
overdraft (an “Overdraft”) to the Fund in an amount sufficient to allow the completion of such
payment or transfer. Any Overdraft provided hereunder: (a) shall be payable on the next Business
Day, unless otherwise agreed by the Fund and the Custodian; and (b) shall accrue interest from the
date of the Overdraft to the date of payment in full by the Fund at
a rate agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund or, in the absence of specific
agreement, by such rate as charged to other customers of Custodian under procedures uniformly
applied. The Custodian and the Fund acknowledge that the purpose of such Overdraft is to
temporarily finance the purchase of Securities for prompt delivery in accordance with the terms
hereof, to meet unanticipated or unusual redemptions, to allow the settlement of foreign exchange
contracts or to meet other unanticipated Fund expenses. The Custodian shall promptly
10
notify the
Fund (an “Overdraft Notice”) of any Overdraft. To secure payment of any Overdraft and related
interest and expenses, the Fund hereby grants to the Custodian a first priority security interest
in and right of setoff against the Securities and cash in the Fund’s account, including all income,
substitutions and proceeds, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (the “Collateral”), in the full
amount of such Overdraft, interest and expenses; provided that the Fund does not grant the
Custodian a security interest in any Securities issued by an affiliate of the Custodian (as defined
in Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act). The Custodian and the Fund intend that, as the
securities intermediary with respect to the Collateral, the Custodian’s security interest shall
automatically be perfected when it attaches. Should the Fund fail to pay promptly any amounts owed
hereunder, the Custodian shall be entitled to use available cash in the Fund’s account and to
liquidate Securities in the account as necessary to meet the Fund’s obligations relating to such
Overdraft, interest and expenses. In any such case, and without limiting the foregoing, the
Custodian shall be entitled to take such other actions(s) or exercise such other options, powers
and rights as the Custodian now or hereafter has as a secured creditor under the Massachusetts
Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law.
9. Tax Obligations. For purposes of this Agreement, “Tax Obligations” shall mean taxes,
withholding, certification and reporting requirements, claims for exemptions or refund, interest,
penalties, additions to tax and other related expenses. To the extent that the Custodian has
received relevant and necessary information with respect to the account, the Custodian shall
perform the following services with respect to Tax Obligations:
a. The Custodian shall file claims for exemptions or refunds with respect to withheld foreign
(non-U.S.) taxes in instances in which such claims are appropriate upon receipt of sufficient
information;
b. The Custodian shall withhold appropriate amounts, as required by U.S. tax laws, with
respect to amounts received on behalf of nonresident aliens upon receipt of Instructions; and
c. The Custodian shall provide to the Fund or the Authorized Person such information received
by the Custodian which could, in the Custodian’s reasonable belief, assist the Fund or the
Authorized Person in the submission of any reports or returns with respect to Tax Obligations. The
Fund shall inform the Custodian in writing as to which party or parties shall receive information
from the Custodian.
The Custodian shall provide such other services with respect to Tax Obligations, including
preparation and filing of tax returns and reports and payment of amounts due
(to the extent funded), as requested by the Fund and agreed to by the Custodian in writing.
The Custodian shall have no independent obligation to determine the existence of any information
with respect to, or the extent of, any Tax Obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the
account by any taxing authority. Except as specifically provided herein or agreed to in writing by
the Custodian, the Custodian shall have no
11
obligations or liability with respect to Tax
Obligations, including, without limitation, any obligation to file or submit returns or reports
with any taxing authorities.
In making payments to service providers pursuant to Instructions, the Fund acknowledges that
the Custodian is acting as a paying agent and not as the payor, for tax information reporting and
withholding purposes.
ARTICLE II. – FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER SERVICES
1. Delegation. The Board delegates to, and the Custodian hereby agrees to accept
responsibility as the Fund’s Foreign Custody Manager for selecting, contracting with and monitoring
Foreign Custodians in Selected Countries set forth in Appendix C in accordance with Rule 17f-5(c).
2. Changes to Appendix C. Appendix C may be amended by written agreement from time to time
to add or delete jurisdictions by written agreement signed by an Authorized Person of the Fund and
the Custodian, but the Custodian reserves the right to delete jurisdictions upon reasonable notice
to the Fund.
3. Reports to Board. Custodian shall provide written reports notifying the Board of the
placement of Assets with a particular Foreign Custodian and of any material change in the Fund’s
foreign custody arrangements. Such reports shall be provided to the Board quarterly, except as
otherwise agreed by the Custodian and the Fund.
4. Monitoring System. In each case in which the Custodian has exercised delegated
authority to place Assets with a Foreign Custodian, the Custodian shall establish a system, to
re-assess or re-evaluate selected Foreign Custodians, at least annually in accordance with Rule
17f-5(c)(3).
5. Standard of Care. In exercising the delegated authority under this Article II of the
Agreement, the Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a
person having responsibility for the safekeeping of the Assets would exercise in like
circumstances. Contracts with Foreign Custodians shall provide for reasonable care for Assets
based on the standards applicable to Foreign Custodians in the Selected Country. In making this
determination, the Custodian shall consider the provisions of Rule 17f-5(c)(2).
6. Use of Securities Depositories. In exercising its delegated authority, the Custodian
may assume that the Fund and its investment adviser have determined, pursuant to Rule 17f-7, that
the
depository provides reasonable safeguards against custody risks, if the Fund decides to place and
maintain foreign assets with any Securities Depository as to which the Custodian has provided the
Fund with a Risk Analysis.
ARTICLE III. – INFORMATION SERVICES
1. Risk Analysis. The Custodian will provide the Fund with a Risk Analysis with respect
to Securities Depositories operating in the countries listed in Appendix C. If the
12
Custodian is
unable to provide a Risk Analysis with respect to a particular Securities Depository, it will
notify the Fund. If a new Securities Depository commences operation in one of the Appendix C
countries, the Custodian will provide the Fund with a Risk Analysis in a reasonably practicable
time after such Securities Depository becomes operational. If a new country is added to Appendix
C, the Custodian will provide the Fund with a Risk Analysis with respect to each Securities
Depository in that country within a reasonably practicable time after the addition of the country
to Appendix C.
2. Monitoring of Securities Depositories. The Custodian will monitor the custody risks
associated with maintaining assets with each Securities Depository for which it has provided the
Fund with a Risk Analysis as required under Rule 17f-7. The Custodian will promptly notify the Fund
or its investment adviser of any material change in these risks.
3. Use of Agents. The Custodian may employ agents, including, but not limited to Foreign
Custodians, to perform its responsibilities under Sections 1 and 2 above.
4. Exercise of Reasonable Care The Custodian will exercise reasonable care, prudence, and
diligence in performing its responsibilities under this Article III. With respect to the Risk
Analyses provided or monitoring performed by an agent, the Custodian will exercise reasonable care
in the selection of such agent, and shall be entitled to rely upon information provided by agents
so selected in the performance of its duties and responsibilities under this Article III.
5. Liabilities and Warranties. While the Custodian will take reasonable precautions to
ensure that information provided is accurate, the Custodian shall have no liability with respect to
information provided to it by third parties. Due to the nature and source of information, and the
necessity of relying on various information sources, most of which are external to the Custodian,
the Custodian shall have no liability for direct or indirect use of such information.
ARTICLE IV. – GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Compensation.
a. The Fund will compensate the Custodian for its services rendered under
this Agreement in accordance with the fees set forth in a separate Fee Schedule which schedule
may be modified by the Custodian upon not less than sixty days prior written notice to the Fund.
b. The Custodian will xxxx the Fund as soon as practicable after the end of each calendar
month. The Fund will promptly pay to the Custodian the amount of such billing.
c. If not paid directly or timely by the Fund, the Custodian may charge against assets held
on behalf of the Fund compensation and any expenses incurred by the Custodian in the performance of
its duties pursuant to this Agreement. The Custodian shall also be entitled to charge against
assets of the Fund the amount of any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred with respect to
the Fund including counsel fees for which it
13
shall be entitled to reimbursement under the
provisions of this Agreement. The expenses which the Custodian may charge include, but are not
limited to, the expenses of domestic subcustodians and Foreign Custodians incurred in settling
transactions.
2. Insolvency of Foreign Custodians. The Custodian shall be responsible for losses or
damages suffered by the Fund arising as a result of the insolvency of a Foreign Custodian only to
the extent that the Custodian failed to comply with the standard of care set forth in Article II
with respect to the selection and monitoring of such Foreign Custodian.
3. Liability for Depositories. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any losses
resulting from the deposit or maintenance of Securities, Assets or other property of the Fund with
a Securities Depository.
4. Damages. Under no circumstances shall the Custodian be liable for any indirect,
consequential or special damages with respect to its role as Foreign Custody Manager, Custodian or
information vendor.
5. Indemnification; Liability of the Fund.
a. The Fund shall indemnify and hold the Custodian harmless from all liability and costs,
including reasonable counsel fees and expenses, relating to or arising out of the performance of
the Custodian’s obligations under this Agreement except to the extent resulting from the
Custodian’s negligence or willful misconduct. This provision shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
b. The Custodian will indemnify and hold the Fund, its officers, trustees, employees, and
affiliates harmless from all liability and costs, including reasonable counsel fees and expenses,
relating to or arising out of the breach of this Agreement, negligence, misconduct, or violation of
law, rule or regulation except to the extent resulting from the negligence or willful misconduct by
the fund, its officers, directors, or affiliates. This provision shall survive the termination of
this Agreement.
c. The Fund and the Custodian agree that the obligations of the Fund under this Agreement
shall not be binding upon any of the trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, employees or
agents, whether past, present or future, of the Fund, individually, but are binding only upon the
assets and property of the Fund.
6. Force Majeure. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary contained
herein, the Custodian shall not be responsible or liable for its failure to perform under this
Agreement or for any losses to the account resulting from any event beyond the reasonable control
of the Custodian, its agents or subcustodians. This provision shall survive the termination of
this Agreement
7. Termination.
a. Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving the other party sixty (60) days notice
in writing, specifying the date of such termination. In the event notice is
14
given by the Fund, it
shall be accompanied by a Certificate evidencing the vote of the Fund’s Board to terminate this
Agreement and designating a successor.
b. In the event notice of termination is given by the Custodian, the Fund shall, on or before
the termination date, deliver to the Custodian a Certificate evidencing the vote of the Board
designating a successor custodian. In the absence of such designation, the Custodian may designate
a successor custodian, which shall be a person qualified to so act under the Act or the Fund. If
the Fund fails to designate a successor custodian, the Fund shall, upon the date specified in the
notice of termination, and upon the delivery by the Custodian of all Securities and monies then
owned by the Fund, be deemed to be its own custodian and the Custodian shall thereby be relieved of
all duties and or the Fund responsibilities under this Agreement other than the duty with respect
to Securities held in the Book-Entry System which cannot be delivered to the Fund.
c. Upon termination of the Agreement, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of
acceptance by the successor custodian, deliver to the successor all Securities and monies then held
by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund, after deducting all fees, expenses and other amounts owed.
d. In the event of a dispute following the termination of this Agreement, all relevant
provisions shall be deemed to continue to apply to the obligations and liabilities of the parties.
8. Inspection of Books and Records. The books and records of the Custodian directly
related to the Fund shall be open to inspection and audit at reasonable times by officers and
auditors employed by the Fund at its own expense and with prior written notice to the Custodian,
and by the appropriate employees of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
9. Miscellaneous.
a. Appendix A is a Certificate signed by the Secretary of the Fund setting forth the
names and the signatures of Authorized Persons. The Fund shall furnish a new
Certificate when the list of Authorized Persons is changed in any way. Until a new
certification is received, the Custodian shall be fully protected in acting upon Instructions from
Authorized Persons as set forth in the last delivered Certificate.
b. Appendix B is a Certificate signed by the Secretary of the Fund setting forth the
names and the signatures of the present officers of the Fund. The Fund agrees to furnish to the
Custodian a new Certificate when any changes are made. Until a new Certificate is received, the
Custodian shall be fully protected in relying upon the last delivered Certificate.
c. Any required written notice or other instrument shall be sufficiently given if addressed to
the Custodian or the Fund as the case may be and delivered to it at its offices at:
15
The Custodian:
Mellon Trust of New England, N.A.
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Vice President
The Fund: The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness Rx Trust
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx, XX 00000-0000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn. Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, President
With a Copy to
Gabelli Funds, LLC
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. XxXxx, Secretary
Gabelli Funds, LLC
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. XxXxx, Secretary
or at such other place as the parties may from time to time designate to the other in writing.
d. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by
both parties.
e. 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 Fund without the written consent of the Custodian, or by the Custodian without the written
consent of the Fund authorized or approved by a vote of the Board, provided, however, that the
Custodian may assign the Agreement or any function thereof to any corporation or entity which
directly or
indirectly is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Custodian and any other
attempted assignment without written consent shall be null and void.
f. Nothing in this Agreement shall give or be construed to give or confer upon any third party
any rights hereunder.
g. The Custodian represents that it is a U.S. Bank within the meaning of paragraph (a)(7) of
Rule 17f-5.
h. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the
Fund is solely responsible to assure that the maintenance of the Fund’s Securities and cash
hereunder complies with applicable laws and regulations, including without limitation the Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and applicable interpretations thereof or
exemptions therefrom. The Fund represents that it has determined that it is reasonable to rely on
Custodian to perform the responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Agreement.
16
i. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
j. The captions of the Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way
define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
k. Each party represents to the other that it has all necessary power and authority, and has
obtained any consent or approval necessary to permit it, to enter into and perform this Agreement
and that this Agreement does not violate, give rise to a default or right of termination under or
otherwise conflict with any applicable law, regulation, ruling, decree or other governmental
authorization or any contract to which it is a party or by which any of its assets is bound. Each
party represents and warrants that the individual executing this Agreement on its behalf has the
requisite authority to bind the Fund or the Custodian to this Agreement. The Fund has received and
read the “Customer Identification Program Notice”, a copy of which is attached to this Agreement as
Exhibit A.
l. 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.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
17
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their
respective representatives duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS RX TRUST | ||||
By: |
||||
Name:
|
||||
Title:
|
President | |||
MELLON TRUST OF NEW ENGLAND, N.A. | ||||
By: |
||||
Name:
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
Title:
|
Vice President |
18
APPENDIX A
LIST OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS
LIST OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS
I,
, the Secretary of The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness Rx Trust, a
organized under the laws of the State of
(the “Fund”), do hereby
certify that:
The following individuals have been duly authorized as Authorized Persons to give Instructions
on behalf of the Fund and the specimen signatures set forth opposite their respective names are
their true and correct signatures:
Name | Signature | |||
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxxx X. Xxxx |
||||
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxx X. XxXxx |
||||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxxxxx XxXxxxxxxxx |
||||
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxx Xxxxx |
||||
Xxxxx X. Xxxx |
||||
19
Name | Signature | |||
Xxxx Xxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
||||
Xxxxxx X. Trainer |
||||
Xxxxx Wild |
||||
By: | ||||
Secretary | ||||
Dated: |
20
APPENDIX B
FUND OFFICERS
FUND OFFICERS
I,
, the Secretary of The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness
Rx Trust, a
organized under the laws of the State of
(the “Fund”), do hereby
certify that:
The following individuals serve in the following positions with the Fund and each individual
has been duly elected or appointed to each such position and qualified therefor in conformity with
the Fund’s governing instrument and the specimen signatures set forth opposite their respective
names are their true and correct signatures:
Name | Position | Signature | ||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
President |
|||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
Treasurer | |||
Xxxxxx X. Xxxx |
Assistant Treasurer | |||
Xxxxx X. XxXxx |
Secretary | |||
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx |
Chief Compliance Officer | |||
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx |
Vice President | |||
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx |
Vice President | |||
By: | ||||
Secretary | ||||
Dated: |
21
APPENDIX C
SELECTED COUNTRIES
SELECTED COUNTRIES
ARGENTINA
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRIA
BAHRAIN
BANGLADESH
BELGIUM
BERMUDA
BOTSWANA
BRAZIL
BULGARIA
CANADA
CHILE
CHINA/SHANGHAI
CHINA/SHENZHEN
CLEARSTREAM
COLOMBIA
CROATIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
EGYPT
ESTONIA
EUROCLEAR
FINLAND
FRANCE
GERMANY
GHANA
GREECE
HONGKONG
HUNGARY
ICELAND
INDIA
INDONESIA
IRELAND
ISRAEL
ITALY
JAPAN
JORDAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KENYA
KOREA
LATVIA
LEBANON
LITHUANIA
LUXEMBOURG
MALAYSIA
MAURITIUS
MEXICO
MOROCCO
NETHERLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRIA
BAHRAIN
BANGLADESH
BELGIUM
BERMUDA
BOTSWANA
BRAZIL
BULGARIA
CANADA
CHILE
CHINA/SHANGHAI
CHINA/SHENZHEN
CLEARSTREAM
COLOMBIA
CROATIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
EGYPT
ESTONIA
EUROCLEAR
FINLAND
FRANCE
GERMANY
GHANA
GREECE
HONGKONG
HUNGARY
ICELAND
INDIA
INDONESIA
IRELAND
ISRAEL
ITALY
JAPAN
JORDAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KENYA
KOREA
LATVIA
LEBANON
LITHUANIA
LUXEMBOURG
MALAYSIA
MAURITIUS
MEXICO
MOROCCO
NETHERLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
00
XXXXXX
XXXX
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXX
THE PHILIPPINES
POLAND
PORTUGAL
ROMANIA
RUSSIA
SINGAPORE
SLOVAKIA
SLOVENIA
SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
SRI LANKA
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND
TAIWAN
THAILAND
TURKEY
UGANDA
UKRAINE
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED STATES
URUGUAY
VENEZUELA
VIETNAM
ZAMBIA
ZIMBABWE
XXXX
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXX
THE PHILIPPINES
POLAND
PORTUGAL
ROMANIA
RUSSIA
SINGAPORE
SLOVAKIA
SLOVENIA
SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
SRI LANKA
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND
TAIWAN
THAILAND
TURKEY
UGANDA
UKRAINE
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED STATES
URUGUAY
VENEZUELA
VIETNAM
ZAMBIA
ZIMBABWE
“*Note, Custodian will not act as a Foreign Custody Manager with respect to assets held in this
country. Holding assets and use of Mellon’s usual subcustodian in this country is subject to
Instructions by the Fund and its execution of a separate letter-agreement pertaining to custody and
market risks.”
23
EXHIBIT A
CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM NOTICE
CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM NOTICE
CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM NOTICE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, all
financial institutions are required by law to obtain, verify and record information that identifies
each individual or entity that opens an account.
What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask you for your name, address,
taxpayer or other government identification number and other information, such as date of birth for
individuals, that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see identification documents
such as a driver’s license, passport or documents showing existence of the entity.
24