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EXHIBIT 9(k)
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.,
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.,
COVA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND
ITS SEPARATE ACCOUNTS,
AND
COVA LIFE SALES COMPANY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION PAGE
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Section 1. Available Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1 Availability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Addition, Deletion or Modification of Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 No Sales to the General Public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Section 2. Processing Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Timely Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Applicable Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.4 Dividends and Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.5 Book Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Section 3. Costs and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 Other (Non-Sales-Related) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.4 Other (Sales-Related) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.5 Parties To Cooperate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Section 4. Legal Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.1 Tax Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.2 Insurance and Certain Other Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.3 Securities Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.4 Notice of Certain Proceedings and Other Circumstances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.5 Cova To Provide Documents; Information About AVIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents; Information About Cova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 5. Mixed and Shared Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.2 Disinterested Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.3 Monitoring for Material Irreconcilable Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.4 Conflict Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.5 Notice to Cova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.6 Information Requested by Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.7 Compliance with SEC Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.8 Other Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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Description Page
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Section 6. Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.1 Events of Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.2 Notice Requirement for Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.3 Funds To Remain Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.4 Survival of Warranties and Indemnifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.5 Continuance of Agreement for Certain Purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 7. Parties To Cooperate Respecting Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 8. Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 9. Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 10. Voting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 11. Foreign Tax Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Section 12. Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
12.1 Of AVIF and AIM by Cova and Cova Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
12.2 Of Cova and Cova Sales by AVIF and AIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
12.3 Effect of Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
12.4 Successors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 13. Applicable Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 14. Execution in Counterparts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 15. Severability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 16. Rights Cumulative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 17. Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 18. Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 19. Parties to Cooperate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Section 20. Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the 31st day of December,
1997 ("Agreement"), by and among AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., a Maryland
corporation ("AVIF"); A I M Distributors, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("AIM"),
Cova Financial Life Insurance Company, a California life insurance company
("Cova"), on behalf of itself and each of its segregated asset accounts listed
in Schedule A hereto, as the parties hereto may amend from time to time (each,
an "Account," and collectively, the "Accounts"); and Cova Life Sales Company,
an affiliate of Cova and the principal underwriter of the Contracts ("Cova
Sales") (collectively, the "Parties").
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, AVIF is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") as an open-end management investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, AVIF currently consists of nine separate series ("Series"),
shares ("Shares") of each of which are registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") and are currently sold to one or more
separate accounts of life insurance companies to fund benefits under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts; and
WHEREAS, AVIF will make Shares of each Series listed on Schedule A
hereto as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time (each a "Fund";
reference herein to "AVIF" includes reference to each Fund, to the extent the
context requires) available for purchase by the Accounts; and
WHEREAS, Cova will be the issuer of certain variable annuity contracts
and variable life insurance contracts ("Contracts") as set forth on Schedule A
hereto, as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time, which Contracts
(hereinafter collectively, the "Contracts"), if required by applicable law,
will be registered under the 1933 Act; and
WHEREAS, Cova will fund the Contracts through the Accounts, each of
which may be divided into two or more subaccounts ("Subaccounts"; reference
herein to an "Account" includes reference to each Subaccount thereof to the
extent the context requires); and
WHEREAS, Cova will serve as the depositor of the Accounts, each of
which is registered as a unit investment trust investment company under the
1940 Act (or exempt therefrom), and the security interests deemed to be issued
by the Accounts under the Contracts will be registered as securities under the
1933 Act (or exempt therefrom); and
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WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and
regulations, Cova intends to purchase Shares in one or more of the Funds on
behalf of the Accounts to fund the Contracts; and
WHEREAS, Cova Sales is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934 Act") and a member in good standing
of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits and promises
contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. AVAILABLE FUNDS
1.1 AVAILABILITY.
AVIF will make Shares of each Fund available to Cova for purchase and
redemption at net asset value and with no sales charges, subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement. The Board of Directors of AVIF may refuse to
sell Shares of any Fund to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of
Shares of any Fund if such action is required by law or by regulatory
authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Directors
acting in good faith and in light of their fiduciary duties under federal and
any applicable state laws, such action is deemed in the best interests of the
shareholders of such Fund.
1.2 ADDITION, DELETION OR MODIFICATION OF FUNDS.
The Parties hereto may agree, from time to time, to add other Funds to
provide additional funding media for the Contracts, or to delete, combine, or
modify existing Funds, by amending Schedule A hereto. Upon such amendment to
Schedule A, any applicable reference to a Fund, AVIF, or its Shares herein
shall include a reference to any such additional Fund. Schedule A, as amended
from time to time, is incorporated herein by reference and is a part hereof.
1.3 NO SALES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
AVIF agrees that all shares of the Funds will be sold to Participating
Insurance Companies and other entities, all in accordance with Section 817
(h)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and
Treasury Regulations Section 1.817-5. Shares of the Funds will not be sold to
the general public.
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SECTION 2. PROCESSING TRANSACTIONS
2.1 TIMELY PRICING AND ORDERS.
(a) AVIF or its designated agent will use its best efforts to
provide Cova with the net asset value per Share for each Fund by 5:30 p.m.
Central Time on each Business Day. As used herein, "Business Day" shall mean
any day on which (I) the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading,
(ii) AVIF calculates the Fund's net asset value, and (iii) Cova is open for
business.
(b) Cova will use the data provided by AVIF each Business Day
pursuant to paragraph (a) immediately above to calculate Account unit values
and to process transactions that receive that same Business Day's Account unit
values. Cova will perform such Account processing the same Business Day, and
will place corresponding orders to purchase or redeem Shares with AVIF by 9:00
a.m. Central Time the following Business Day; provided, however, that AVIF
shall provide additional time to Cova in the event that AVIF is unable to meet
the 5:30 p.m. time stated in paragraph (a) immediately above. Such additional
time shall be equal to the additional time that AVIF takes to make the net
asset values available to Cova.
(c) With respect to payment of the purchase price by Cova and of
redemption proceeds by AVIF, Cova and AVIF shall net purchase and redemption
orders with respect to each Fund and shall transmit one net payment per Fund in
accordance with Section 2.2, below.
(d) If AVIF provides materially incorrect Share net asset value
information (as determined under SEC guidelines), Cova shall be entitled to an
adjustment to the number of Shares purchased or redeemed to reflect the correct
net asset value per Share. Any material error in the calculation or reporting
of net asset value per Share, dividend or capital gain information shall be
reported promptly upon discovery to Cova.
2.2 TIMELY PAYMENTS.
Cova will wire payment for net purchases to a custodial account
designated by AVIF by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day as the order for
Shares is placed, to the extent practicable. AVIF will wire payment for net
redemptions to an account designated by Cova by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the
same day as the Order is placed, to the extent practicable, but in any event
within five (5) calendar days after the date the order is placed in order to
enable Cova to pay redemption proceeds within the time specified in Section
22(e) of the 1940 Act or such shorter period of time as may be required by law.
2.3 APPLICABLE PRICE.
(a) Share purchase payments and redemption orders that result from
purchase payments, premium payments, surrenders and other transactions under
Contracts (collectively, "Contract transactions") and that Cova receives prior
to the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on a Business
Day will be executed at the net asset values of the appropriate
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Funds next computed after receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the
orders. For purposes of this Section 2.3(a), Cova shall be the designated
agent of AVIF for receipt of orders relating to Contract transactions on each
Business Day and receipt by such designated agent shall constitute receipt by
AVIF; provided that AVIF receives notice of such orders by 9:00 a.m. Central
Time on the next following Business Day or such later time as computed in
accordance with Section 2.1(b) hereof.
(b) All other Share purchases and redemptions by Cova will be
effected at the net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after
receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the order therefor, and such orders
will be irrevocable.
2.4 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.
AVIF will furnish notice by wire or telephone (followed by written
confirmation) on or prior to the payment date to Cova of any income dividends
or capital gain distributions payable on the Shares of any Fund. Cova hereby
elects to reinvest all dividends and capital gains distributions in additional
Shares of the corresponding Fund at the ex-dividend date net asset values until
Cova otherwise notifies AVIF in writing, it being agreed by the Parties that
the ex-dividend date and the payment date with respect to any dividend or
distribution will be the same Business Day. Cova reserves the right to revoke
this election and to receive all such income dividends and capital gain
distributions in cash.
2.5 BOOK ENTRY.
Issuance and transfer of AVIF Shares will be by book entry only.
Stock certificates will not be issued to Cova. Shares ordered from AVIF will
be recorded in an appropriate title for Cova, on behalf of its Account.
SECTION 3. COSTS AND EXPENSES
3.1 GENERAL.
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Party will bear
all expenses incident to its performance under this Agreement.
3.2 REGISTRATION.
(a) AVIF will bear the cost of its registering as a management
investment company under the 1940 Act and registering its Shares under the 1933
Act, and keeping such registrations current and effective; including,
without limitation, the preparation of and filing with the SEC of Forms
N-SAR and Rule 24f-2 Notices with respect to AVIF and its Shares and payment of
all applicable registration or filing fees with respect to any of the
foregoing.
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(b) Cova will bear the cost of registering, to the extent
required, each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act and
registering units of interest under the Contracts under the 1933 Act and
keeping such registrations current and effective; including, without
limitation, the preparation and filing with the SEC of Forms N- SAR and Rule
24f-2 Notices with respect to each Account and its units of interest and
payment of all applicable registration or filing fees with respect to any of
the foregoing.
3.3 OTHER (NON-SALES-RELATED).
(a) AVIF will bear, or arrange for others to bear, the costs of
preparing, filing with the SEC and setting for printing AVIF's prospectus,
statement of additional information and any amendments or supplements thereto
(collectively, the "AVIF Prospectus"), periodic reports to shareholders, AVIF
proxy material and other shareholder communications.
(b) Cova will bear the costs of preparing, filing with the SEC and
setting for printing each Account's prospectus, statement of additional
information and any amendments or supplements thereto (collectively, the
"Account Prospectus"), any periodic reports to Contract owners, annuitants,
insureds or participants (as appropriate) under the Contracts (collectively,
"Participants"), voting instruction solicitation material, and other
Participant communications.
(c) Cova will print in quantity and deliver to existing
Participants the documents described in Section 3.3(b) above and the
prospectus provided by AVIF in camera ready form. AVIF will print the AVIF
statement of additional information, proxy materials relating to AVIF and
periodic reports of AVIF.
3.4 OTHER (SALES-RELATED).
Cova will bear the expenses of distribution. These expenses would
include by way of illustration, but are not limited to, the costs of
distributing to Participants the following documents, whether they relate to
the Account or AVIF: prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy
materials and periodic reports. These costs would also include the costs of
preparing, printing, and distributing sales literature and advertising relating
to the Funds, as well as filing such materials with, and obtaining approval
from, the SEC, the NASD, any state insurance regulatory authority, and any
other appropriate regulatory authority, to the extent required.
3.5 PARTIES TO COOPERATE.
Each Party agrees to cooperate with the others, as applicable, in
arranging to print, mail and/or deliver, in a timely manner, combined or
coordinated prospectuses or other materials of AVIF and the Accounts.
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SECTION 4. LEGAL COMPLIANCE
4.1 TAX LAWS.
(a) AVIF represents and warrants that each Fund is currently
qualified as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the
Code, and represents that it will qualify and to maintain qualification of each
Fund as a RIC. AVIF will notify Cova immediately upon having a reasonable
basis for believing that a Fund has ceased to so qualify or that it might not
so qualify in the future.
(b) AVIF represents that it will use its best efforts to comply
and to maintain each Fund's compliance with the diversification requirements
set forth in Section 817(h) of the Code and Section 1.817-5(b) of the
regulations under the Code. AVIF will notify Cova immediately upon having a
reasonable basis for believing that a Fund has ceased to so comply or that a
Fund might not so comply in the future. In the event of a breach of this
Section 4.1(b) by AVIF, it will take all reasonable steps to adequately
diversify the Fund so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded
by Section 1.817-5 of the regulations under the Code.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 12.2 hereunder, Cova agrees that if
the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") asserts in writing in connection with any
governmental audit or review of Cova or, to Cova's knowledge, of any
Participant, that any Fund has failed to comply with the diversification
requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code or Cova otherwise becomes aware of
any facts that could give rise to any claim against AVIF or its affiliates as a
result of such a failure or alleged failure:
(I) Cova shall promptly notify AVIF of such assertion or
potential claim (subject to the Confidentiality
provisions of Section 18 as to any Participant);
(ii) Cova shall consult with AVIF as to how to minimize
any liability that may arise as a result of such
failure or alleged failure;
(iii) Cova shall use its best efforts to minimize any
liability of AVIF or its affiliates resulting from
such failure, including, without limitation,
demonstrating, pursuant to Treasury Regulations
Section 1.817-5(a)(2), to the Commissioner of the IRS
that such failure was inadvertent;
(iv) Cova shall permit AVIF, its affiliates and their
legal and accounting advisors to participate in any
conferences, settlement discussions or other
administrative or judicial proceeding or contests
(including judicial appeals thereof) with the IRS,
any Participant or any other claimant regarding any
claims that could give rise to liability to AVIF or
its affiliates as a result of such a failure or
alleged failure; provided, however, that Cova will
retain control of the conduct of such conferences
discussions, proceedings, contests or appeals;
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(v) any written materials to be submitted by Cova to the
IRS, any Participant or any other claimant in
connection with any of the foregoing proceedings or
contests (including, without limitation, any such
materials to be submitted to the IRS pursuant to
Treasury Regulations Section 1.817-5(a)(2)), (a)
shall be provided by Cova to AVIF (together with any
supporting information or analysis); subject to the
confidentiality provisions of Section 18, at least
ten (10) business days or such shorter period to
which the Parties hereto agree prior to the day on
which such proposed materials are to be submitted,
and (b) shall not be submitted by Cova to any such
person without the express written consent of AVIF
which shall not be unreasonably withheld;
(vi) Cova shall provide AVIF or its affiliates and their
accounting and legal advisors with such cooperation
as AVIF shall reasonably request (including, without
limitation, by permitting AVIF and its accounting and
legal advisors to review the relevant books and
records of Cova) in order to facilitate review by
AVIF or its advisors of any written submissions
provided to it pursuant to the preceding clause or
its assessment of the validity or amount of any claim
against its arising from such a failure or alleged
failure;
(vii) Cova shall not with respect to any claim of the IRS
or any Participant that would give rise to a claim
against AVIF or its affiliates (a) compromise or
settle any claim, (b) accept any adjustment on audit,
or (c) forego any allowable administrative or
judicial appeals, without the express written consent
of AVIF or its affiliates, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld, provided that Cova shall not
be required, after exhausting all administrative
remedies, to appeal any adverse judicial decision
unless AVIF or its affiliates shall have provided an
opinion of independent counsel to the effect that a
reasonable basis exists for taking such appeal; and
provided further that the costs of any such appeal
shall be borne equally by the Parties hereto except
that Cova shall not be liable for such costs if the
failure to comply with Section 817 (h) arises from a
failure to meet the requirements of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.817-5(b)(1) or (2) or Treasury
Regulation Section 1.817-5(f) through no fault of
Cova; and
(viii) AVIF and its affiliates shall have no liability as a
result of such failure or alleged failure if Cova
fails to comply with any of the foregoing clauses (i)
through (vii), and such failure could be shown to
have materially contributed to the liability.
Should AVIF or any of its affiliates refuse to give its written
consent to any compromise or settlement of any claim or liability hereunder,
Cova may, in its discretion, authorize AVIF or its affiliates to act in the
name of Cova in, and to control the conduct of, such conferences, discussions,
proceedings, contests or appeals and all administrative or judicial appeals
thereof, and
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in that event AVIF or its affiliates shall bear the fees and expenses associated
with the conduct of the proceedings that it is so authorized to control;
provided, that in no event shall Cova have any liability resulting from AVIF's
refusal to accept the proposed settlement or compromise with respect to any
failure caused by AVIF. As used in this Agreement, the term "affiliates" shall
have the same meaning as "affiliated person" as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of
the 1940 Act.
(d) Cova represents and warrants that the Contracts currently are
and will be treated as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under
applicable provisions of the Code and that it will maintain such treatment;
Cova will notify AVIF immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing
that any of the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not
be so treated in the future.
(e) Cova represents and warrants that each Account is a
"segregated asset account" and that interests in each Account are offered
exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a "variable contract,"
within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the
regulations thereunder. Cova will continue to meet such definitional
requirements, and it will notify AVIF immediately upon having a reasonable
basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be met or that they
might not be met in the future.
4.2 INSURANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER LAWS.
(a) AVIF will comply with any applicable state insurance laws or
regulations, to the extent specifically requested in writing by Cova,
including, the furnishing of information not otherwise available to Cova which
is required by state insurance law to enable Cova to obtain the authority
needed to issue the Contracts in any applicable state.
(b) Cova represents and warrants that (i) it is an insurance
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of California and has full corporate power, authority and legal right
to execute, deliver and perform its duties and comply with its obligations
under this Agreement, (ii) it has legally and validly established and maintains
each Account as a segregated asset account under California Insurance Law and
the regulations thereunder, and (iii) the Contracts comply in all material
respects with all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
(c) AVIF represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Maryland and has full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver,
and perform its duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement.
4.3 SECURITIES LAWS.
(a) Cova represents and warrants that (i) interests in each
Account pursuant to the Contracts will be registered under the 1933 Act to the
extent required by the 1933 Act, (ii) the Contracts will be duly authorized for
issuance and sold in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws,
including, without limitation, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act and New
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York law, (iii) each Account is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act,
to the extent required by the 1940 Act, (iv) each Account does and will comply
in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules
thereunder, to the extent required, (v) each Account's 1933 Act registration
statement relating to the Contracts, together with any amendments thereto, will
at all times comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933
Act and the rules thereunder, (vi) Cova will amend the registration statement
for its Contracts under the 1933 Act and for its Accounts under the 1940 Act
from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of its
Contracts or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, and (vii) each
Account Prospectus will at all times comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.
(b) AVIF represents and warrants that (i) Shares sold pursuant to
this Agreement will be registered under the 1933 Act to the extent required by
the 1933 Act and duly authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with
Maryland law, (ii) AVIF is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act to the
extent required by the 1940 Act, (iii) AVIF will amend the registration
statement for its Shares under the 1933 Act and itself under the 1940 Act from
time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of its
Shares, (iv) AVIF does and will comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, (v) AVIF's 1933 Act
registration statement, together with any amendments thereto, will at all times
comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and rules
thereunder, and (vi) AVIF's Prospectus will at all times comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.
(c) AVIF will at its expense register and qualify its Shares for
sale in accordance with the laws of any state or other jurisdiction if and to
the extent reasonably deemed advisable by AVIF.
(d) AVIF currently does not intend to make any payments to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act or otherwise,
although it reserves the right to make such payments in the future. To the
extent that it decides to finance distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1,
AVIF undertakes to have its Board of Directors, a majority of whom are not
"interested" persons of the Fund, formulate and approve any plan under Rule
12b-1 to finance distribution expenses.
(e) AVIF represents and warrants that all of its trustees,
officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals/entities having
access to the funds and/or securities of the Fund are and continue to be at all
times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of
the Fund in an amount not less than the minimal coverage as required currently
by Rule 17g-(1) of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated
from time to time. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and
embezzlement and is issued by a reputable bonding company.
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4.4 NOTICE OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
(a) AVIF will immediately notify Cova of (i) the issuance by any
court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist order, or other
similar order with respect to AVIF's registration statement under the 1933 Act
or AVIF Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any amendment to such
registration statement or AVIF Prospectus that may affect the offering of
Shares of AVIF, (iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or
for any other purpose relating to the registration or offering of AVIF's
Shares, or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may prevent the lawful
offer or sale of Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction, including,
without limitation, any circumstances in which (a) such Shares are not
registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with
applicable state and federal law, or (b) such law precludes the use of such
Shares as an underlying investment medium of the Contracts issued or to be
issued by Cova. AVIF will make every reasonable effort to prevent the
issuance, with respect to any Fund, of any such stop order, cease and desist
order or similar order and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting
thereof at the earliest possible time.
(b) Cova will immediately notify AVIF of (i) the issuance by any
court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist order, or other
similar order with respect to each Account's registration statement under the
1933 Act relating to the Contracts or each Account Prospectus, (ii) any request
by the SEC for any amendment to such registration statement or Account
Prospectus that may affect the offering of Shares of AVIF, (iii) the initiation
of any proceedings for that purpose or for any other purpose relating to the
registration or offering of each Account's interests pursuant to the Contracts,
or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may prevent the lawful offer or
sale of said interests in any state or jurisdiction, including, without
limitation, any circumstances in which said interests are not registered and,
in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with applicable state
and federal law. Cova will make every reasonable effort to prevent the
issuance of any such stop order, cease and desist order or similar order and,
if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest
possible time.
4.5 COVA TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT AVIF.
(a) Cova will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least one
(1) complete copy of all SEC registration statements, Account Prospectuses,
reports, any preliminary and final voting instruction solicitation material,
applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments
to any of the above, that relate to each Account or the Contracts,
contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other
regulatory authorities.
(b) Cova will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least one
(1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material in which AVIF or any of its affiliates is named, at least five (5)
Business Days prior to its use or such shorter period as the Parties hereto
may, from time to time, agree upon. No such material shall be used if AVIF or
its designated agent objects to such use within five (5) Business Days after
receipt of such material or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from
time to time, agree upon. AVIF hereby
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designates A I M as the entity to receive such sales literature, until such
time as AVIF appoints another designated agent by giving notice to Cova in the
manner required by Section 9 hereof.
(c) Neither Cova nor any of its affiliates, will give any
information or make any representations or statements on behalf of or
concerning AVIF or its affiliates in connection with the sale of the Contracts
other than (i) the information or representations contained in the registration
statement, including the AVIF Prospectus contained therein, relating to Shares,
as such registration statement and AVIF Prospectus may be amended from time to
time; or (ii) in reports or proxy materials for AVIF; or (iii) in published
reports for AVIF that are in the public domain and approved by AVIF for
distribution; or (iv) in sales literature or other promotional material
approved by AVIF, except with the express written permission of AVIF.
(d) Cova shall adopt and implement procedures reasonably designed
to ensure that information concerning AVIF and its affiliates that is intended
for use only by brokers or agents selling the Contracts (i.e., information that
is not intended for distribution to Participants) ("broker only materials") is
so used, and neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any
losses, damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such broker only
materials.
(e) For the purposes of this Section 4.5, the phrase "sales
literature or other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to,
advertisements (such as material published, or designed for use in, a
newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape
recording, videotape display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other
public media, (e.g., on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic
messages), sales literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or
made generally available to customers or the public, including brochures,
circulars, research reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts,
reprints or excerpts of any other advertisement, sales literature, or published
article), educational or training materials or other communications distributed
or made generally available to some or all agents or employees, registration
statements, prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder
reports, and proxy materials and any other material constituting sales
literature or advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 0000 Xxx.
4.6 AVIF TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT COVA.
(a) AVIF will provide to Cova at least one (1) complete copy of
all SEC registration statements, AVIF Prospectuses, reports, any preliminary
and final proxy material, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action
letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to AVIF or the
Shares of a Fund, contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the
SEC or other regulatory authorities.
(b) AVIF will provide to Cova camera ready or computer diskette
copies of all AVIF prospectuses and printed copies, in an amount specified by
Cova, of AVIF statements of additional information, proxy materials, periodic
reports to shareholders and other materials required by law to be sent to
Participants who have allocated any Contract value to a Fund. AVIF will
provide such copies to Cova in a timely manner so as to enable Cova, as the
case may be, to print and distribute such materials within the time required by
law to be furnished to Participants.
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(c) AVIF will provide to Cova or its designated agent at least one
(1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material in which Cova, or any of its respective affiliates is named, or that
refers to the Contracts, at least five (5) Business Days prior to its use or
such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon.
No such material shall be used if Cova or its designated agent objects to such
use within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such material or such
shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. Cova
shall receive all such sales literature until such time as it appoints a
designated agent by giving notice to AVIF in the manner required by Section 9
hereof.
(d) Neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates will give any
information or make any representations or statements on behalf of or
concerning Cova, each Account, or the Contracts other than (I) the information
or representations contained in the registration statement, including each
Account Prospectus contained therein, relating to the Contracts, as such
registration statement and Account Prospectus may be amended from time to time;
or (ii) in published reports for the Account or the Contracts that are in the
public domain and approved by Cova for distribution; or (iii) in sales
literature or other promotional material approved by Cova or its affiliates,
except with the express written permission of Cova.
(e) AVIF shall cause its principal underwriter to adopt and
implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that information concerning
Cova, and its respective affiliates that is intended for use only by brokers or
agents selling the Contracts (i.e., information that is not intended for
distribution to Participants) ("broker only materials") is so used, and neither
Cova, nor any of its respective affiliates shall be liable for any losses,
damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such broker only materials.
(f) For purposes of this Section 4.6, the phrase "sales literature
or other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g.,
on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales
literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally
available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research
reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of
any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or
training materials or other communications distributed or made generally
available to some or all agents or employees, registration statements,
prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and
proxy materials and any other material constituting sales literature or
advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.
SECTION 5. MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING
5.1 GENERAL.
The SEC has granted an order to AVIF exempting it from certain
provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder so that AVIF may be available
for investment by certain other entities,
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including, without limitation, separate accounts funding variable annuity
contracts or variable life insurance contracts, separate accounts of insurance
companies unaffiliated with Cova, and trustees of qualified pension and
retirement plans (collectively, "Mixed and Shared Funding"). The Parties
recognize that the SEC has imposed terms and conditions for such orders that
are substantially identical to many of the provisions of this Section 5.
Sections 5.2 through 5.8 below shall apply pursuant to such an exemptive order
granted to AVIF. AVIF hereby notifies Cova that, in the event that AVIF
implements Mixed and Shared Funding, it may be appropriate to include in the
prospectus pursuant to which a Contract is offered disclosure regarding the
potential risks of Mixed and Shared Funding.
5.2 DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors shall at all times consist of
directors a majority of whom (the "Disinterested Directors") are not interested
persons of AVIF within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and the
Rules thereunder and as modified by any applicable orders of the SEC, except
that if this condition is not met by reason of the death, disqualification, or
bona fide resignation of any director, then the operation of this condition
shall be suspended (a) for a period of forty-five (45) days if the vacancy or
vacancies may be filled by the Board; (b) for a period of sixty (60) days if a
vote of shareholders is required to fill the vacancy or vacancies; or (c) for
such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by order upon application.
5.3 MONITORING FOR MATERIAL IRRECONCILABLE CONFLICTS.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors will monitor for the existence
of any material irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the
Participants in all separate accounts of life insurance companies utilizing
AVIF ("Participating Insurance Companies"), including each Account, and
participants in all qualified retirement and pension plans investing in AVIF
("Participating Plans"). Cova agrees to inform the Board of Directors of AVIF
of the existence of or any potential for any such material irreconcilable
conflict of which it is aware. The concept of a "material irreconcilable
conflict" is not defined by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder, but the
Parties recognize that such a conflict may arise for a variety of reasons,
including, without limitation:
(a) an action by any state insurance or other regulatory
authority;
(b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance, tax or
securities laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter ruling,
no-action or interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance, tax or
securities regulatory authorities;
(c) an administrative or judicial decision in any relevant
proceeding;
(d) the manner in which the investments of any Fund are being
managed;
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(e) a difference in voting instructions given by variable annuity
contract and variable life insurance contract Participants or by Participants
of different Participating Insurance Companies;
(f) a decision by a Participating Insurance Company to disregard
the voting instructions of Participants; or
(g) a decision by a Participating Plan to disregard the voting
instructions of Plan participants.
Consistent with the SEC's requirements in connection with exemptive
orders of the type referred to in Section 5.1 hereof, Cova will assist the
Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities by providing the Board
of Directors with all information reasonably necessary for the Board of
Directors to consider any issue raised, including information as to a decision
by Cova to disregard voting instructions of Participants.
5.4 CONFLICT REMEDIES.
(a) It is agreed that if it is determined by a majority of the
members of the Board of Directors or a majority of the Disinterested Directors
that a material irreconcilable conflict exists, Cova will, if it is a
Participating Insurance Company for which a material irreconcilable conflict is
relevant, at its own expense and to the extent reasonably practicable (as
determined by a majority of the Disinterested Directors), take whatever steps
are necessary to remedy or eliminate the material irreconcilable conflict,
which steps may include, but are not limited to:
(I) withdrawing the assets allocable to some or all of the
Accounts from AVIF or any Fund and reinvesting such
assets in a different investment medium, including
another Fund of AVIF, or submitting the question whether
such segregation should be implemented to a vote of all
affected Participants and, as appropriate, segregating
the assets of any particular group (e.g., annuity
Participants, life insurance Participants or all
Participants) that votes in favor of such segregation, or
offering to the affected Participants the option of
making such a change; and
(ii) establishing a new registered investment company of the
type defined as a "management company" in Section 4(3) of
the 1940 Act or a new separate account that is operated
as a management company.
(b) If the material irreconcilable conflict arises because of
Cova's decision to disregard Participant voting instructions and that decision
represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, Cova may be
required, at AVIF's election, to withdraw each Account's investment in AVIF or
any Fund. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result of such withdrawal.
Any such withdrawal must take place within six (6) months after AVIF gives
notice to Cova that this provision is being implemented, and until such
withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and implement orders by Cova for the
purchase and redemption of Shares of AVIF.
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(c) If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a
particular state insurance regulator's decision applicable to Cova conflicts
with the majority of other state regulators, then Cova will withdraw each
Account's investment in AVIF within six (6) months after AVIF's Board of
Directors informs Cova that it has determined that such decision has created a
material irreconcilable conflict, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue
to accept and implement orders by Cova for the purchase and redemption of Shares
of AVIF. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result of such withdrawal.
(d) Cova agrees that any remedial action taken by it in resolving
any material irreconcilable conflict will be carried out at its expense and
with a view only to the interests of Participants.
(e) For purposes hereof, a majority of the Disinterested Directors
will determine whether or not any proposed action adequately remedies any
material irreconcilable conflict. In no event, however, will AVIF or any of
its affiliates be required to establish a new funding medium for any Contracts.
Cova will not be required by the terms hereof to establish a new funding medium
for any Contracts if an offer to do so has been declined by vote of a majority
of Participants materially adversely affected by the material irreconcilable
conflict.
5.5 NOTICE TO COVA.
AVIF will promptly make known in writing to Cova the Board of
Directors' determination of the existence of a material irreconcilable
conflict, a description of the facts that give rise to such conflict and the
implications of such conflict.
5.6 INFORMATION REQUESTED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Cova and AVIF (or its investment adviser) will at least annually
submit to the Board of Directors of AVIF such reports, materials or data as the
Board of Directors may reasonably request so that the Board of Directors may
fully carry out the obligations imposed upon it by the provisions hereof or
any exemptive order granted by the SEC to permit Mixed and Shared Funding, and
said reports, materials and data will be submitted at any reasonable time
deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. All reports received by the
Board of Directors of potential or existing conflicts, and all Board of
Directors actions with regard to determining the existence of a conflict,
notifying Participating Insurance Companies and Participating Plans of a
conflict, and determining whether any proposed action adequately remedies a
conflict, will be properly recorded in the minutes of the Board of Directors or
other appropriate records, and such minutes or other records will be made
available to the SEC upon request.
5.7 COMPLIANCE WITH SEC RULES.
If, at any time during which AVIF is serving as an investment medium
for variable life insurance Contracts, 1940 Act Rules 6e-3(T) or, if
applicable, 6e-2 are amended or Rule 6e-3 is adopted to provide exemptive
relief with respect to Mixed and Shared Funding, AVIF agrees that it will
comply with the terms and conditions thereof and that the terms of this Section
5 shall be
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deemed modified if and only to the extent required in order also to comply with
the terms and conditions of such exemptive relief that is afforded by any of
said rules that are applicable.
5.8 OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
AVIF will require that each Participating Insurance Company and
Participating Plan enter into an agreement with AVIF that contains in substance
the same provisions as are set forth in Sections 4.1(b), 4.1(d), 4.3(a),
4.4(b), 4.5(a), 5, and 10 of this Agreement.
SECTION 6. TERMINATION
6.1 EVENTS OF TERMINATION.
Subject to Section 6.4 below, this Agreement will terminate as to a
Fund:
(a) at the option of any party, with or without cause with respect
to the Fund, upon six (6) months advance written notice to the other parties,
or, if later, upon receipt of any required exemptive relief from the SEC,
unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties; or
(b) at the option of AVIF upon institution of formal proceedings
against Cova or its affiliates by the NASD, the SEC, any state insurance
regulator or any other regulatory body regarding Cova's obligations under this
Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of each
Account, or the purchase of Shares, if, in each case, AVIF reasonably
determines that such proceedings, or the facts on which such proceedings would
be based, have a material likelihood of imposing material adverse consequences
on the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be terminated; or
(c) at the option of Cova upon institution of formal proceedings
against AVIF, its principal underwriter, or its investment adviser by the NASD,
the SEC, or any state insurance regulator or any other regulatory body
regarding AVIF's obligations under this Agreement or related to the operation
or management of AVIF or the purchase of AVIF Shares, if, in each case, Cova
reasonably determines that such proceedings, or the facts on which such
proceedings would be based, have a material likelihood of imposing material
adverse consequences on Cova, or the Subaccount corresponding to the Fund with
respect to which the Agreement is to be terminated; or
(d) at the option of any Party in the event that (i) the Fund's
Shares are not registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in
accordance with any applicable federal or state law, or (ii) such law precludes
the use of such Shares as an underlying investment medium of the Contracts
issued or to be issued by Cova; or
(e) upon termination of the corresponding Subaccount's investment
in the Fund pursuant to Section 5 hereof; or
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(f) at the option of Cova if the Fund ceases to qualify as a RIC
under Subchapter M of the Code or under successor or similar provisions, or if
Cova reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so qualify; or
(g) at the option of Cova if the Fund fails to comply with Section
817(h) of the Code or with successor or similar provisions, or if Cova
reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so comply; or
(h) at the option of AVIF if the Contracts issued by Cova cease to
qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under the Code (other
than by reason of the Fund's noncompliance with Section 817(h) or Subchapter M
of the Code) or if interests in an Account under the Contracts are not
registered, where required, and, in all material respects, are not issued or
sold in accordance with any applicable federal or state law; or
(i) upon another Party's material breach of any provision of this
Agreement.
6.2 NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR TERMINATION.
No termination of this Agreement will be effective unless and until
the Party terminating this Agreement gives prior written notice to the other
Party to this Agreement of its intent to terminate, and such notice shall set
forth the basis for such termination. Furthermore:
(a) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions
of Sections 6.1(a) or 6.1(e) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given
at least six (6) months in advance of the effective date of termination unless
a shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto;
(b) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions
of Sections 6.1(b) or 6.1(c) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given
at least sixty (60) days in advance of the effective date of termination unless
a shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto; and
(c) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions
of Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof, such prior
written notice shall be given as soon as possible within twenty-four (24) hours
after the terminating Party learns of the event causing termination to be
required.
6.3 FUNDS TO REMAIN AVAILABLE.
Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, AVIF will, at the
option of Cova, continue to make available additional shares of the Fund
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in
effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter
referred to as "Existing Contracts."). Specifically, without limitation, the
owners of the Existing Contracts will be permitted to reallocate investments in
the Fund (as in effect on such date), redeem investments in the Fund and/or
invest in the Fund upon the making of additional purchase payments under the
Existing Contracts. The parties agree that this Section 6.3 will not
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apply to any terminations under Section 5 and the effect of such terminations
will be governed by Section 5 of this Agreement.
6.4 SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS.
All warranties and indemnifications will survive the termination of
this Agreement.
6.5 CONTINUANCE OF AGREEMENT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
If any Party terminates this Agreement with respect to any Fund
pursuant to Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i)
hereof, this Agreement shall nevertheless continue in effect as to any Shares
of that Fund that are outstanding as of the date of such termination (the
"Initial Termination Date"). This continuation shall extend to the earlier of
the date as of which an Account owns no Shares of the affected Fund or a date
(the "Final Termination Date") nine (9) months following the Initial
Termination Date, except that Cova may, by written notice shorten said nine (9)
month period in the case of a termination pursuant to Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f),
6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i).
SECTION 7. PARTIES TO COOPERATE RESPECTING TERMINATION
The Parties hereto agree to cooperate and give reasonable assistance
to one another in taking all necessary and appropriate steps for the purpose of
ensuring that an Account owns no Shares of a Fund after the Final Termination
Date with respect thereto, or, in the case of a termination pursuant to Section
6.1(a), the termination date specified in the notice of termination. Such
steps may include combining the affected Account with another Account,
substituting other mutual fund shares for those of the affected Fund, or
otherwise terminating participation by the Contracts in such Fund.
SECTION 8. ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the
written consent of each other Party.
SECTION 9. NOTICES
Notices and communications required or permitted by Section 9 hereof
will be given by means mutually acceptable to the Parties concerned. Each
other notice or communication required or permitted by this Agreement will be
given to the following persons at the following addresses and facsimile
numbers, or such other persons, addresses or facsimile numbers as the Party
receiving such notices or communications may subsequently direct in writing:
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AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
COVA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Xxx Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile:
Attn: General Counsel
COVA LIFE SALES COMPANY
Xxx Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile:
Attn: General Counsel
SECTION 10. VOTING PROCEDURES
Subject to the cost allocation procedures set forth in Section 3
hereof, Cova will distribute all proxy material furnished by AVIF to
Participants to whom pass-through voting privileges are required to be extended
and will solicit voting instructions from Participants. Cova will vote Shares
in accordance with timely instructions received from Participants. Cova will
vote Shares that are (a) not attributable to Participants to whom pass-through
voting privileges are extended, or (b) attributable to Participants, but for
which no timely instructions have been received, in the same proportion as
Shares for which said instructions have been received from Participants, so
long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act to
require pass through voting privileges for Participants. Neither Cova nor any
of its affiliates will in any way recommend action in connection with or
oppose or interfere with the solicitation of proxies for the Shares held for
such Participants. Cova reserves the right to vote shares held in any Account
in its own right, to the extent permitted by law. Cova shall be responsible
for assuring that each of its Accounts holding Shares calculates voting
privileges in a manner consistent with that of other Participating Insurance
Companies or in the manner required by the Mixed and Shared Funding exemptive
order obtained by AVIF. AVIF will notify Cova of any changes of
interpretations or amendments to Mixed and Shared Funding exemptive order it
has obtained. AVIF will comply with all provisions of the 1940 Act requiring
voting by shareholders, and in particular, AVIF either will provide for annual
meetings (except insofar as the SEC may interpret Section 16 of the
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1940 Act not to require such meetings) or will comply with Section 16(c) of the
1940 Act (although AVIF is not one of the trusts described in Section 16(c) of
that Act) as well as with Sections 16(a) and, if and when applicable, 16(b).
Further, AVIF will act in accordance with the SEC's interpretation of the
requirements of Section 16(a) with respect to periodic elections of directors
and with whatever rules the SEC may promulgate with respect thereto.
SECTION 11. FOREIGN TAX CREDITS
AVIF agrees to consult in advance with Cova concerning any decision to
elect or not to elect pursuant to Section 853 of the Code to pass through the
benefit of any foreign tax credits to its shareholders.
SECTION 12. INDEMNIFICATION
12.1 OF AVIF AND AIM BY COVA AND COVA SALES.
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.1(b) and 12.1(c),
below, Cova and Cova Sales agree to indemnify and hold harmless AVIF, its
affiliates (including AIM), and each person, if any, who controls AVIF or its
affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their
respective directors and officers, (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for
purposes of this Section 12.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of
Cova and Cova Sales) or actions in respect thereof (including, to the extent
reasonable, legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may
become subject under any statute, regulation, at common law or otherwise;
provided, the Account owns shares of the Fund and insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or actions:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any
Account Prospectus, the Contracts, or sales literature or
advertising for the Contracts (or any amendment or
supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; provided, that this agreement to indemnify
shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such
statement or omission or such alleged statement or
omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to Cova or Cova Sales by or on
behalf of AVIF for use in any Account's 1933 Act
registration statement, any Account Prospectus, the
Contracts, or sales literature or advertising or
otherwise for use in connection with the sale of
Contracts or Shares (or any amendment or supplement to
any of the foregoing); or
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(ii) arise out of or as a result of any other statements or
representations (other than statements or representations
contained in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF
Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of AVIF, or
any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, not
supplied for use therein by or on behalf of Cova, Cova
Sales or their respective affiliates and on which such
persons have reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal
or fraudulent conduct of Cova, Cova Sales or their
respective affiliates or persons under their control
(including, without limitation, their employees and
"Associated Persons," as that term is defined in
paragraph (m) of Article I of the NASD's By-Laws), in
connection with the sale or distribution of the Contracts
or Shares; or
(iii) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF
Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of AVIF, or
any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, or
the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading if such a
statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in
conformity with information furnished to AVIF or its
affiliates by or on behalf of Cova, Cova Sales or their
respective affiliates for use in AVIF's 1933 Act
registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales literature
or advertising of AVIF, or any amendment or supplement to
any of the foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by Cova or Cova Sales to
perform the obligations, provide the services and furnish
the materials required of them under the terms of this
Agreement, or any material breach of any representation
and/or warranty made by Cova or Cova Sales in this
Agreement or arise out of or result from any other
material breach of this Agreement by Cova or Cova Sales;
or
(v) arise as a result of failure by the Contracts issued by
Cova to qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance
contracts under the Code, otherwise than by reason of any
Fund's failure to comply with Subchapter M or Section
817(h) of the Code.
(b) Neither Cova nor Cova Sales shall be liable under this Section
12.1 with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to
which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that
Indemnified Party of its duties or by reason of that Indemnified Party's
reckless disregard of obligations or duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii)
to AVIF.
(c) Neither Cova nor Cova Sales shall be liable under this Section
12.1 with respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless AVIF shall
have notified Cova and Cova Sales in writing within a reasonable time after the
summons or other first legal process giving
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information of the nature of the action shall have been served upon such
Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of
such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify Cova and Cova Sales
of any such action shall not relieve Cova and Cova Sales from any liability
which they may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought
otherwise than on account of this Section 12.1. Except as otherwise provided
herein, in case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, Cova
and Cova Sales shall be entitled to participate, at their own expense, in the
defense of such action and also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof,
with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party named in the action, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After notice from Cova or Cova
Sales to such Indemnified Party of Cova's or Cova Sales's election to assume the
defense thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with Cova and Cova
Sales and shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by
it, and neither Cova nor Cova Sales will be liable to such Indemnified Party
under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by
such Indemnified Party independently in connection with the defense thereof,
other than reasonable costs of investigation.
12.2 OF COVA AND COVA SALES BY AVIF AND AIM.
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 4.1(c),12.2(c),
12.2(d) and 12.2(e), below, AVIF and AIM agree to indemnify and hold harmless
Cova, Cova Sales, their respective affiliates, and each person, if any, who
controls Cova, Cova Sales or their respective affiliates within the meaning of
Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their respective directors and officers,
(collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 12.2)
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts
paid in settlement with the written consent of AVIF and/or AIM) or actions in
respect thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other
expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any
statute, regulation, at common law, or otherwise; provided, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions are related to the sale or
acquisition of AVIF's shares and:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF
Prospectus or sales literature or advertising of AVIF (or
any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or
arise out of or are based upon the omission or the
alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading; provided, that this
agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any
Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such
alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon
and in conformity with information furnished to AVIF or
its affiliates by or on behalf of Cova, Cova Sales or
their respective affiliates for use in AVIF's 1933 Act
registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, or in sales
literature or advertising or otherwise for use in
connection with the sale of Contracts or Shares (or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing); or
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(ii) arise out of or as a result of any other statements or
representations (other than statements or representations
contained in any Account's 1933 Act registration
statement, any Account Prospectus, sales literature or
advertising for the Contracts, or any amendment or
supplement to any of the foregoing, not supplied for use
therein by or on behalf of AVIF or AIM or their
respective affiliates and on which such persons have
reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or
fraudulent conduct of AVIF or AIM or their respective
affiliates or persons under their control (including,
without limitation, their employees and "Associated
Persons" as that Term is defined in Section (q) of
Article 1 of the NASD By-Laws), in connection with the
sale or distribution of AVIF Shares; or
(iii) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any
Account Prospectus, sales literature or advertising
covering the Contracts, or any amendment or supplement to
any of the foregoing, or the omission or alleged omission
to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, if such statement or omission was made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to Cova, Cova Sales or their respective
affiliates by or on behalf of AVIF or AIM for use in any
Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account
Prospectus, sales literature or advertising covering the
Contracts, or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by AVIF to perform the
obligations, provide the services and furnish the
materials required of it under the terms of this
Agreement, or any material breach of any representation
and/or warranty made by AVIF in this Agreement or arise
out of or result from any other material breach of this
Agreement by AVIF.
(b) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and
12.2(e) hereof, AVIF and AIM agree to indemnify and hold harmless the
Indemnified Parties from and against any and all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement thereof with, the written
consent of AVIF) or actions in respect thereof (including, to the extent
reasonable, legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may
become subject directly or indirectly under any statute, at common law or
otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions
directly or indirectly result from or arise out of the failure of any Fund to
operate as a regulated investment company in compliance with (i) Subchapter M
of the Code and regulations thereunder, or (ii) Section 817(h) of the Code and
regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, any income taxes and
related penalties, rescission charges, liability under state law to
Participants asserting liability against Cova pursuant to the Contracts, the
costs of any ruling and closing agreement or other settlement with the IRS, and
the cost of any substitution by Cova of Shares of another investment company or
portfolio for those of any adversely affected Fund as a funding medium for each
Account that Cova reasonably deems necessary or appropriate as a result of the
noncompliance.
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(c) Neither AVIF nor AIM shall be liable under this Section 12.2
with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to which an
Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that Indemnified Party of
its duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to Cova, Cova Sales,
each Account or Participants.
(d) Neither AVIF nor AIM shall be liable under this Section 12.2
with respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless the Indemnified
Party shall have notified AVIF and/or AIM in writing within a reasonable time
after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature
of the action shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such
Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated
agent), but failure to notify AVIF or AIM of any such action shall not relieve
AVIF or AIM from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party
against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this Section
12.2. Except as otherwise provided herein, in case any such action is brought
against an Indemnified Party, AVIF and/or AIM will be entitled to participate,
at its own expense, in the defense of such action and also shall be entitled to
assume the defense thereof (which shall include, without limitation, the
conduct of any ruling request and closing agreement or other settlement
proceeding with the IRS), with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party named
in the action, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After notice
from AVIF and/or AIM to such Indemnified Party of AVIF's and/or AIM's election
to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with
AVIF and AIM and shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel
retained by it, and neither AVIF nor AIM will be liable to such Indemnified
Party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently
incurred by such Indemnified Party independently in connection with the defense
thereof, other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(e) In no event shall AVIF or AIM be liable under the
indemnification provisions contained in this Agreement to any individual or
entity, including, without limitation, Cova, Cova Sales or any other
Participating Insurance Company or any Participant, with respect to any losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses that arise out of or result from (i) a
breach of any representation, warranty, and/or covenant made by Cova or Cova
Sales hereunder or by any Participating Insurance Company under an agreement
containing substantially similar representations, warranties and covenants;
(ii) the failure by Cova or any Participating Insurance Company to maintain its
segregated asset account (which invests in any Fund) as a legally and validly
established segregated asset account under applicable state law and as a duly
registered unit investment trust under the provisions of the 1940 Act (unless
exempt therefrom); or (iii) the failure by Cova or any Participating Insurance
Company to maintain its variable annuity or life insurance contracts (with
respect to which any Fund serves as an underlying funding vehicle) as annuity
contracts or life insurance contracts under applicable provisions of the Code.
12.3 EFFECT OF NOTICE.
Any notice given by the indemnifying Party to an Indemnified Party
referred to in Sections 12.1(c) or 12.2(d) above of participation in or
control of any action by the indemnifying Party will
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in no event be deemed to be an admission by the indemnifying Party of
liability, culpability or responsibility, and the indemnifying Party will
remain free to contest liability with respect to the claim among the Parties or
otherwise.
12.4 SUCCESSORS.
A successor by law of any Party shall be entitled to the benefits of
the indemnification contained in this Section 12.
SECTION 13. APPLICABLE LAW
This Agreement will be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted
under and in accordance with Maryland law, without regard for that state's
principles of conflict of laws.
SECTION 14. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which taken together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
SECTION 15. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not
be affected thereby.
SECTION 16. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE
The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are
cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies and obligations,
at law or in equity, that the Parties are entitled to under federal and state
laws.
SECTION 17. HEADINGS
The Table of Contents and headings used in this Agreement are for
purposes of reference only and shall not limit or define the meaning of the
provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 18. CONFIDENTIALITY
AVIF acknowledges that the identities of the customers of Cova or any
of its affiliates (collectively, the "Cova Protected Parties" for purposes of
this Section 18), information
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maintained regarding those customers, and all computer programs and procedures
or other information developed by the Cova Protected Parties or any of their
employees or agents in connection with Cova's performance of its duties under
this Agreement are the valuable property of the Cova Protected Parties. AVIF
agrees that if it comes into possession of any list or compilation of the
identities of or other information about the Cova Protected Parties' customers,
or any other information or property of the Cova Protected Parties, other than
such information as may be independently developed or compiled by AVIF from
information supplied to it by the Cova Protected Parties' customers who also
maintain accounts directly with AVIF, AVIF will hold such information or
property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any
of such information or other property except: (a) with Cova's prior written
consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. Cova acknowledges that
the identities of the customers of AVIF or any of its affiliates (collectively
the "AVIF Protected Parties" for purposes of this Section 18), information
maintained regarding those customers, and all computer programs and procedures
or other information developed by the AVIF Protected Parties or any of their
employees or agents in connection with AVIF's performance of its duties under
this Agreement are the valuable property of the AVIF Protected Parties. Cova
agrees that if it comes into possession of any list or compilation of the
identities of or other information about the AVIF Protected Parties' customers
or any other information or property of the AVIF Protected Parties, other than
such information as may be independently developed or compiled by Cova from
information supplied to it by the AVIF Protected Parties' customers who also
maintain accounts directly with Cova, Cova will hold such information or
property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any
of such information or other property except: (a) with AVIF's prior written
consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. Each party
acknowledges that any breach of the agreements in this Section 18 would result
in immediate and irreparable harm to the other parties for which there would be
no adequate remedy at law and agree that in the event of such a breach, the
other parties will be entitled to equitable relief by way of temporary and
permanent injunctions, as well as such other relief as any court of competent
jurisdiction deems appropriate.
SECTION 19. PARTIES TO COOPERATE
Each party to this Agreement will cooperate with each other party and
all appropriate governmental authorities (including, without limitation, the
SEC, the NASD and state insurance regulators) and will permit each other and
such authorities reasonable access to its books and records (including copies
thereof) in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 20. AMENDMENTS
No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified in any
manner except by a written agreement executed by all parties hereto.
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SECTION 21. ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement may not be assigned without the prior written consent
of all parties hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly
authorized officers signing below.
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
Attest: /s/ XXXXX X. XXXXXX By: /s/ XXXXXX X. XXXXXX
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Assistant Secretary Title: President
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Attest: /s/ XXXXX X. XXXXXX By: /s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXX
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Name: XXXXX X. XXXXXX Name: XXXXXXX X. XXXX
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Title: ASSISTANT SECRETARY Title: PRESIDENT
--------------------------- -------------------------------
COVA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE
COMPANY, on behalf of itself and its separate
accounts
Attest: /s/ XXXXX X. XXXXXXX By: /s/ XXXX X. XXXXXXXX
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Name: XXXXX X. XXXXXXX Name: XXXX X. XXXXXXXX
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Title: EXECUTIVE ASST. Title: EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
--------------------------- -------------------------------
COVA LIFE SALES COMPANY
Attest: /s/ XXXXX X. XXXXXXX By: /s/ XXXXXXXX X. XXXXX
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Name: XXXXX X. XXXXXXX Name: XXXXXXXX X. XXXXX
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Title: EXECUTIVE ASST. Title: FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
--------------------------- -------------------------------
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SCHEDULE A
FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTS
o AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund
AIM V.I. International Equity Fund
AIM V.I. Value Fund
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS UTILIZING THE FUNDS
o Cova Variable Annuity Account Five
CONTRACTS FUNDED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
o Contract Form # XLCC-648
o Contract Form # XLCC-833
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