PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS,
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
GE CAPITAL LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK,
ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND
ITS SEPARATE ACCOUNTS,
AND
CAPITAL BROKERAGE CORPORATION
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............................................. 4
2.4 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.................................. 4
2.5 BOOK ENTRY................................................... 4
SECTION 3. COSTS AND EXPENSES........................................... 4
3.1 GENERAL...................................................... 4
3.2 PARTIES TO COOPERATE......................................... 5
SECTION 4. LEGAL COMPLIANCE............................................. 5
4.1 TAX LAWS..................................................... 5
4.2 INSURANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER LAWS............................. 8
4.3 SECURITIES LAWS.............................................. 8
4.4 NOTICE OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES........ 9
4.5 LIFE COMPANY TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT AVIF.... 10
4.6 AVIF TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT LIFE COMPANY.... 11
SECTION 5. MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING..................................... 13
5.1 GENERAL...................................................... 13
5.2 DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS...................................... 14
5.3 MONITORING FOR MATERIAL IRRECONCILABLE CONFLICTS............. 14
5.4 CONFLICT REMEDIES............................................ 15
5.5 NOTICE TO LIFE COMPANY....................................... 16
5.6 INFORMATION REQUESTED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS.................. 16
5.7 COMPLIANCE WITH SEC RULES.................................... 16
5.8 OTHER REQUIREMENTS........................................... 17
SECTION 6. TERMINATION.................................................. 17
6.1 EVENTS OF TERMINATION........................................ 17
6.2 NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR TERMINATION........................... 18
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6.3 FUNDS TO REMAIN AVAILABLE.................................... 19
6.4 SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS.................. 19
6.5 CONTINUANCE OF AGREEMENT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES................ 19
SECTION 7. PARTIES TO COOPERATE RESPECTING TERMINATION.................. 19
SECTION 8. ASSIGNMENT................................................... 19
SECTION 9. NOTICES...................................................... 20
SECTION 10. VOTING PROCEDURES............................................ 20
SECTION 11. FOREIGN TAX CREDITS.......................................... 21
SECTION 12. INDEMNIFICATION.............................................. 21
12.1 OF AVIF AND AIM BY LIFE COMPANY AND UNDERWRITER.............. 21
12.2 OF LIFE COMPANY AND UNDERWRITER BY AVIF AND AIM.............. 23
12.3 EFFECT OF NOTICE............................................. 26
12.4 SUCCESSORS................................................... 26
SECTION 13. APPLICABLE LAW............................................... 26
SECTION 14. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS.................................... 26
SECTION 15. SEVERABILITY................................................. 26
SECTION 16. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE............................................ 27
SECTION 17. HEADINGS..................................................... 27
SECTION 18. CONFIDENTIALITY.............................................. 27
SECTION 19. TRADEMARKS AND FUND NAMES.................................... 28
SECTION 20. AMENDMENTS................................................... 28
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PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the ____ day of March, 2003
("Agreement"), by and among AIM Variable Insurance Funds, a Delaware Trust
("AVIF"), A I M Distributors, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("AIM"), GE Capital
Life Assurance Company of New York, a New York life insurance company ("LIFE
COMPANY"), 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 Capital Brokerage
Corporation (doing business in Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas as GE
Capital Brokerage Corporation), an affiliate of LIFE COMPANY and the principal
underwriter of the Contracts ("UNDERWRITER") (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 eighteen separate series ("Series"),
shares ("Shares") 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, LIFE COMPANY is or 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, are or will be registered under the 1933 Act; and
WHEREAS, LIFE COMPANY funds or 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, LIFE COMPANY serves or 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, LIFE COMPANY intends to purchase Shares in one or more of the Funds
on behalf of the Accounts to fund the Contracts; and
WHEREAS, UNDERWRITER 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");
WHEREAS, AIM 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 LIFE COMPANY 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 represents and warrants that no Shares of any Fund have been or will
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 LIFE
COMPANY 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) LIFE COMPANY is open for
business.
(b) LIFE COMPANY 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. LIFE COMPANY will perform such Account processing the same Business Day,
and will place corresponding orders to purchase or redeem Shares with AVIF by
8:30 a.m. Central Time the following Business Day; provided, however, that AVIF
shall provide additional time to LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY.
(c) With respect to payment of the purchase price by LIFE COMPANY and of
redemption proceeds by AVIF, LIFE COMPANY and AVIF shall net purchase and
redemption orders with respect to all Funds and shall transmit one net payment
in accordance with Section 2.2, below.
(d) If AVIF provides materially incorrect Share net asset value information
(as determined under SEC guidelines), LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY. Materiality and reprocessing
cost reimbursement shall be determined in accordance with standards established
by the Parties as provided in Schedule B, attached hereto and incorporated
herein.
2.2 TIMELY PAYMENTS.
LIFE COMPANY will wire payment for net purchases to a custodial account
designated by AVIF by 3:00 p.m. Eastern 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 LIFE COMPANY by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
on the same day as the Order is placed, to the extent practicable, but in any
event within three (3) business days after the date the order is placed in order
to enable LIFE COMPANY 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.
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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 LIFE COMPANY 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 Funds next computed
after receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the orders. For purposes of
this Section 2.3(a), LIFE COMPANY 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 8:30 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 LIFE COMPANY 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 therefore, and such orders
will be irrevocable.
2.4 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.
AVIF will furnish notice by wire, telephone or e-mail (followed by written
confirmation) on or prior to the payment date to LIFE COMPANY of any income
dividends or capital gain distributions payable on the Shares of any Fund. LIFE
COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY 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. LIFE COMPANY reserves
the right to revoke this election and to receive all such income dividends and
capital gain distributions in cash. AVIF shall notify LIFE COMPANY of the number
of shares so issued as payment of such dividends and distributions.
2.5 BOOK ENTRY.
Issuance and transfer of AVIF Shares will be by book entry only. Stock
certificates will not be issued to LIFE COMPANY. Shares ordered from AVIF will
be recorded in an appropriate title for LIFE COMPANY, on behalf of its Account.
SECTION 3. COSTS AND EXPENSES
3.1 GENERAL.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in Schedule C, attached hereto
and made a part hereof, each Party will bear, or arrange for others to bear, all
expenses incident to its performance under this Agreement.
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3.2 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.
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 Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and represents that it will use its best
efforts to qualify and to maintain qualification of each Fund as a RIC. AVIF
will notify LIFE COMPANY 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) Subject to Sections 4.1(d) and 4.1(e) hereof, 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 LIFE
COMPANY 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) If the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") asserts in writing in
connection with any governmental audit or review of LIFE COMPANY or, to LIFE
COMPANY's knowledge, of any Contract owners, annuitants, insureds or
participants (as appropriate) under the Contracts (collectively,
"Participants"), that any Fund has failed to comply with the diversification
requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code or LIFE COMPANY 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, then LIFE COMPANY,
in its sole discretion, may elect to have the provisions of this Section 4.1(c)
apply to AVIF's or AIM's participation in (as distinguished from assumption of)
the defense of any action relating to such assertion or potential claim pursuant
to Section 12.2(d) hereof (it being understood that if LIFE COMPANY does not
elect to apply this Section 4.1(c), no party hereto will be relieved of any
rights or obligations it may otherwise have).
(i) LIFE COMPANY shall promptly notify AVIF of such assertion or
potential claim (subject to the Confidentiality provisions of
Section 18 as to any Participant);
(ii) LIFE COMPANY shall consult with AVIF as to how to minimize any
liability that may arise as a result of such failure or alleged
failure;
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(iii) LIFE COMPANY 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) LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY will retain control of the
conduct of such conferences, discussions, proceedings, contests
or appeals;
(v) any written materials to be submitted by LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY to any
such person without the express written consent of AVIF which
shall not be unreasonably withheld;
(vi) LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY) 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 it arising from such a
failure or alleged failure;
(vii) LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY 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
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appeal; and provided further that the costs of any such appeal
shall be borne equally by the Parties hereto; and
(viii) AVIF and its affiliates shall have no liability as a result of
such failure or alleged failure if LIFE COMPANY 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, LIFE COMPANY
may, in its discretion, authorize AVIF or its affiliates to act in the name of
LIFE COMPANY in, and to control the conduct of, such conferences, discussions,
proceedings, contests or appeals and all administrative or judicial appeals
thereof, and 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 LIFE COMPANY 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.
AVIF and AIM agree that this Section 4.1(c) does not require LIFE COMPANY
to provide or disclose to AVIF, AIM, or any of their respective affiliates any
attorney-client privileged books, records, or other materials or data that do
not pertain to the failure or alleged failure of any Fund to comply with the
diversification requirements of section 817(h) of the Code. AVIF and AIM further
agree that any books, records or other materials or data provided or disclosed
by LIFE COMPANY to AVIF, AIM, or their respective affiliates pursuant to this
Section 4.1(c) shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 18
hereof.
LIFE COMPANY agrees that this Section 4.1(c) is at all times subject to
AVIF's and AIM's right, pursuant to Section 12.2(d) hereof, to assume (as
distinguished from participate in) the defense of the actions described in that
Section, including, without limitation, the conduct of any ruling request and
closing agreement or other settlement proceeding with the IRS.
(d) Subject to Sections 4.1(a) and 4.1(b) hereof, LIFE COMPANY 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 use its best efforts to maintain such treatment; LIFE COMPANY
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) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that each Account is a "segregated
asset account" and that, subject to Sections 4.1(a) and 4.1(b) hereof, 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. LIFE COMPANY will use its best efforts to
continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify AVIF
immediately
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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 use its best efforts to comply with any applicable state
insurance laws or regulations, to the extent specifically requested in writing
by LIFE COMPANY, including, the furnishing of information not otherwise
available to LIFE COMPANY which is required by state insurance law to enable
LIFE COMPANY to obtain the authority needed to issue the Contracts in any
applicable state.
(b) LIFE COMPANY 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 New York 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 New York 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 trust duly organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has
full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver, and perform its
duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement.
(d) AIM represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and has full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver, and perform
its duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement.
(e) UNDERWRITER represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under all applicable state
laws 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) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that (i) interests in each Account
pursuant to the Contracts are or will be registered under the 1933 Act to the
extent required by the 1933 Act, (ii) the Contracts are or 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 the law(s) of LIFE COMPANY's state(s) of organization and domicile,
(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) LIFE COMPANY will amend
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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 and AIM represent and warrant 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 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.
4.4 NOTICE OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
(a) AVIF or AIM will immediately notify LIFE COMPANY 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, Statement of Additional Information and any amendments or
supplements thereto (collectively the "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 LIFE COMPANY. AVIF and AIM 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.
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(b) LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER 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. LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER 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.
(c) Each Party hereto shall cooperate with the other Parties and all
appropriate government authorities (including, without limitation, the SEC, the
NASD, and state securities and insurance regulators) and shall permit such
authorities reasonable access to its books and records, as may be required by
law, in connection with any investigation or inquiry by any such regulatory
authority relating to this Agreement or transactions contemplated hereby.
However, such access shall not extend to attorney-client privileged information.
4.5 LIFE COMPANY TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT AVIF.
(a) LIFE COMPANY 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) LIFE COMPANY 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 designates AIM as the entity to receive such sales
literature, until such time as AVIF appoints another designated agent by giving
notice to LIFE COMPANY in the manner required by Section 9 hereof.
(c) Neither LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER nor any of their respective
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
10
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. The parties agree that this Section 4.5 is
not intended to designate nor otherwise imply that LIFE COMPANY is underwriter
or distributor of shares of AVIF.
(d) LIFE COMPANY 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 pursuant to Section 12.2 hereof, 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 and Section 12 hereof, 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.
(f) LIFE COMPANY and/or UNDERWRITER shall promptly provide to AVIF and AIM
copies of responses to no-action requests, notices, orders, and other rulings
received by LIFE COMPANY and/or UNDERWRITER with respect to any filing covered
by Section 4.5 of this Agreement.
4.6 AVIF TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT LIFE COMPANY.
(a) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY 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. AVIF shall provide LIFE COMPANY with as
much notice as is reasonably practicable of any proxy solicitation for a Fund
and of any material change in the Fund's Prospectus or registration statement,
particularly any changes resulting in a change to the prospectus or registration
statement relating to the Contracts. Where such material changes are an item for
consideration by the Board of AVIF, such notice requirement of AVIF may be
satisfied by providing LIFE COMPANY with a copy of an agenda of the relevant
Board of Directors meeting of AVIF.
11
(b) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY a camera ready copy of all AVIF
prospectuses and printed copies, in an amount specified by LIFE COMPANY, 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
LIFE COMPANY in a timely manner so as to enable LIFE COMPANY, as the case may
be, to print and distribute such materials within the time required by law to be
furnished to Participants.
(c) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY or its designated agent at least one
(1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material in which LIFE COMPANY, 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 LIFE COMPANY 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. LIFE
COMPANY 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, AIM, nor any of their respective affiliates will give any
information or make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning
LIFE COMPANY, 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 LIFE COMPANY for distribution; or (iii) in sales literature or
other promotional material approved by LIFE COMPANY or its affiliates, except
with the express written permission of LIFE COMPANY.
(e) AIM shall adopt and implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure
that information concerning LIFE COMPANY, 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 pursuant to Section 12.1 hereof, neither LIFE
COMPANY, 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 and Section 12 hereof, 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
12
reports, and proxy materials and any other material constituting sales
literature or advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.
(g) AVIF and/or AIM shall promptly provide to LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER
copies of responses to no-action requests, notices, orders, and other rulings
received by AVIF and/or AIM with respect to any filing covered by Section 4.6 of
this Agreement.
(h) AVIF agrees to use its best efforts to provide to LIFE COMPANY within 5
Business Days after the end of a calendar month and shall provide no later than
10 business days after the end of a calendar month, the following information
with respect to each Fund set forth on Schedule A, each as of the last Business
Day of such calendar month: each Fund's 10 largest holdings (based on the
percentage of each Portfolio's net assets); the five industry sectors in which
each Fund's investments are most heavily weighted; and year-to-date SEC
standardized performance data. LIFE COMPANY shall keep the foregoing information
confidential pursuant to Section 18 of this Agreement for a period of 15
calendar days following the end of the month to which such information relates.
In addition, AVIF agrees to use its best efforts to provide LIFE COMPANY within
10 Business Days after the end of a calendar quarter and shall provide no later
than 15 Business Days after the end of the calendar quarter a market commentary
from the portfolio manager of each Fund set forth on Schedule A, as of the last
Business Day of such quarter. Also, AVIF agrees to provide LIFE COMPANY, within
15 Business Days after a request is submitted to AVIF by LIFE COMPANY, the
following information with respect to each Fund set forth on Schedule A, each as
of the date or dates specified in such request: net asset value; net asset value
per share; and such other share information as may be agreed by LIFE COMPANY and
AVIF from time to time. AVIF acknowledges that such information may be furnished
to LIFE COMPANY's internal or independent auditors and to the insurance
departments of states in which LIFE COMPANY does business.
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, including, without limitation, separate
accounts funding variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
contracts, separate accounts of insurance companies unaffiliated with LIFE
COMPANY, 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 LIFE
COMPANY 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.
13
5.2 DISINTERESTED TRUSTEES.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Trustees shall at all times consist of
trustees a majority of whom (the "Disinterested Trustees") 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 trustee, 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 Trustees 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"). LIFE COMPANY agrees to inform the Board of Trustees 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;
(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, LIFE COMPANY will assist the
Board of Trustees in carrying out its responsibilities by providing the Board of
Trustees with all information reasonably necessary for
14
the Board of Trustees to consider any issue raised, including information as to
a decision by LIFE COMPANY to disregard voting instructions of Participants.
LIFE COMPANY's responsibilities in connection with the foregoing shall be
carried out with a view only to the interests 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 Trustees or a majority of the Disinterested Trustees that a
material irreconcilable conflict exists, LIFE COMPANY 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 Trustees), 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 LIFE
COMPANY's decision to disregard Participant voting instructions and that
decision represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, LIFE
COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY that this provision is being
implemented, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and
implement orders by LIFE COMPANY for the purchase and redemption of Shares of
AVIF.
(c) If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular state
insurance regulator's decision applicable to LIFE COMPANY conflicts with the
majority of other state regulators, then LIFE COMPANY will withdraw each
Account's investment in AVIF within six (6) months after AVIF's Board of
Trustees informs LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY for the purchase and
redemption of Shares of AVIF. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result
of such withdrawal.
15
(d) LIFE COMPANY 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 Trustees 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. LIFE
COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY.
AVIF will promptly make known in writing to LIFE COMPANY the Board of
Trustees' 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 TRUSTEES.
LIFE COMPANY and AVIF (or its investment adviser) will at least annually
submit to the Board of Trustees of AVIF such reports, materials or data as the
Board of Trustees may reasonably request so that the Board of Trustees 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 Trustees. All reports received by the Board of
Trustees of potential or existing conflicts, and all Board of Trustees 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 Trustees 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
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.
16
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 or AIM upon institution of formal proceedings
against LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or their respective affiliates by the NASD,
the SEC, any state insurance regulator or any other regulatory body regarding
LIFE COMPANY's or UNDERWRITER'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 or AIM 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 LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER upon institution of formal
proceedings against AVIF, its principal underwriter, its investment adviser or
their respective affiliates by the NASD, the SEC, or any state insurance
regulator or any other regulatory body regarding AVIF's or AIM's obligations
under this Agreement or related to the operation or management of AVIF or the
purchase of AVIF Shares, if, in each case, LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER
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 LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER, 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 LIFE COMPANY; or
(e) upon termination of the corresponding Subaccount's investment in the
Fund pursuant to Section 5 hereof; or
17
(f) at the option of LIFE COMPANY if the Fund ceases to qualify as a RIC
under Subchapter M of the Code or under successor or similar provisions, or if
LIFE COMPANY reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so qualify; or
(g) at the option of LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER if the Fund fails to
comply with Section 817(h) of the Code or with successor or similar provisions,
or if LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to
so comply; or
(h) at the option of AVIF or AIM if the Contracts issued by LIFE COMPANY
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.
(j) at the option of LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER by written notice to AVIF
or AIM, if LIFE COMPANY shall conclude in its sole judgment exercised in good
faith, that AVIF and/or AIM has suffered a material adverse change in its
business, operation, financial condition, or prospectus since the date of this
Agreement or is the subject to material adverse publicity.
(k) at the option of AVIF or AIM by written notice to LIFE COMPANY or
UNDERWRITER, if AVIF shall conclude in its sole judgment exercised in good
faith, that LIFE COMPANY and/or UNDERWRITER has suffered a material adverse
change in its business, operation, financial condition, or prospectus since the
date of this Agreement or is subject to material adverse publicity.
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), 6.1(c), 6.1(j) or 6.1(k) hereof, such prior written notice
shall be given at least ninety (90) 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
18
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 LIFE COMPANY, 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 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), 6.1(i), 6.1(j) or
6.1(k) 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") six (6) months following the Initial Termination
Date, except that LIFE COMPANY may, by written notice shorten said six (6) month
period.
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.
19
SECTION 9. NOTICES
Notices and communications required or permitted 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:
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
GE CAPITAL LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
0000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: General Counsel
CAPITAL BROKERAGE CORPORATION
0000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attn: General Counsel
SECTION 10. VOTING PROCEDURES
Subject to the cost allocation procedures set forth in Section 3 hereof,
LIFE COMPANY 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. LIFE COMPANY will vote
Shares in accordance with timely instructions received from Participants. LIFE
COMPANY 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. Except
to the extent as may be required by applicable law, neither LIFE COMPANY 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. LIFE COMPANY reserves the right to vote shares held in any Account
in its own right, to the extent permitted by law. LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY of any changes
of
20
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 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 trustees and with whatever
rules the SEC may promulgate with respect thereto.
SECTION 11. FOREIGN TAX CREDITS
AVIF agrees to consult in advance with LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY AND UNDERWRITER.
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.1(b) and 12.1(c), below,
LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER agree to indemnify and hold harmless AVIF, AIM,
their affiliates, and each person, if any, who controls AVIF, AIM, or their
affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their
respective trustees 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
LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER) 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 other promotional material 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 LIFE COMPANY or
UNDERWRITER by or on behalf of AVIF or AIM for use in any
Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account
Prospectus, the Contracts, or sales literature or other
promotional
21
material or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of
Contracts or Shares (or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing); or
(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 other promotional material of
AVIF, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, not
supplied for use therein by or on behalf of LIFE COMPANY,
UNDERWRITER or their respective affiliates and on which such
persons have reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or
fraudulent conduct of LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or their
respective affiliates or persons under their control (including,
without limitation, their employees and "persons associated with
a member," as that term is defined in paragraph (q) 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
other promotional material 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, AIM or
their affiliates by or on behalf of LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or
their respective affiliates for use in AVIF's 1933 Act
registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales literature or
other promotional material of AVIF, or any amendment or
supplement to any of the foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER
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
LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER in this Agreement or arise out of or
result from any other material breach of this Agreement by LIFE
COMPANY or UNDERWRITER; or
(v) arise as a result of failure by the Contracts issued by LIFE
COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY nor UNDERWRITER 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
22
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 or AIM.
(c) Neither LIFE COMPANY nor UNDERWRITER shall be liable under this Section
12.1 with respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless AVIF or AIM
shall have notified LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER 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 LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER of any
such action shall not relieve LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER 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, LIFE
COMPANY and UNDERWRITER 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 LIFE
COMPANY or UNDERWRITER to such Indemnified Party of LIFE COMPANY's or
UNDERWRITER's election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party will
cooperate fully with LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER and shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and neither LIFE COMPANY nor
UNDERWRITER 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 LIFE COMPANY AND UNDERWRITER BY AVIF AND AIM.
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and 12.2(e),
below, AVIF and AIM agree to indemnify and hold harmless LIFE COMPANY,
UNDERWRITER, their respective affiliates, and each person, if any, who controls
LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER 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, 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 AVIF's 1933
Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus or sales literature
or other promotional material 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
23
conformity with information furnished to AVIF or its affiliates
by or on behalf of LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or their respective
affiliates for use in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement,
AVIF Prospectus, or in sales literature or other promotional
material or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of
Contracts or Shares (or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing); or
(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 other promotional
material for the Contracts, or any amendment or supplement to any
of the foregoing, not supplied for use therein by or on behalf of
AVIF, AIM or their affiliates and on which such persons have
reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or fraudulent
conduct of AVIF, AIM or their affiliates or persons under their
control (including, without limitation, their employees and
"persons associated with a member" as that term is defined in
Section (q) of Article I 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 other promotional material 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
LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER 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 other promotional material covering the Contracts, or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by AVIF or AIM 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 or AIM
in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other
material breach of this Agreement by AVIF or AIM.
(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
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
directly or indirectly under any statute, at common law or otherwise, insofar as
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
24
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 LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY of Shares of another investment
company or portfolio for those of any adversely affected Fund as a funding
medium for each Account that LIFE COMPANY reasonably deems necessary or
appropriate as a result of the noncompliance.
(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 LIFE COMPANY,
UNDERWRITER, 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 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 AVIF
and AIM will not 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, LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER 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 LIFE COMPANY or
UNDERWRITER hereunder or by any Participating Insurance Company under an
agreement containing substantially similar representations, warranties and
covenants; (ii) the failure by LIFE COMPANY 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
25
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 LIFE COMPANY 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 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 Delaware 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.
26
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 and AIM acknowledge that the identities of the customers of LIFE
COMPANY and UNDERWRITER or any of their respective affiliates (collectively, the
"LIFE COMPANY 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 LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties or any of
their employees or agents in connection with LIFE COMPANY's performance of its
duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the LIFE COMPANY
Protected Parties. AVIF and AIM agree that if it comes into possession of any
list or compilation of the identities of or other information about the LIFE
COMPANY Protected Parties' customers, or any other information or property of
the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties, other than such information as may be
independently developed or compiled by AVIF or AIM from information supplied to
it by the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties' customers who also maintain accounts
directly with AVIF or AIM, AVIF and/or AIM 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 LIFE COMPANY's prior written
consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. LIFE COMPANY and
UNDERWRITER acknowledge that the identities of the customers of AVIF and AIM or
any of their respective 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. LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER
agree 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 LIFE COMPANY
or UNDERWRITER from information supplied to it by the AVIF Protected Parties'
customers who also maintain accounts directly with LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER,
LIFE COMPANY and or UNDERWRITER 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
27
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. TRADEMARKS AND FUND NAMES
(a) Except as may otherwise be provided in a License Agreement among A I M
Management Group, Inc., LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER, neither LIFE COMPANY nor
UNDERWRITER or any of their respective affiliates, shall use any trademark,
trade name, service xxxx or logo of AVIF, AIM or any of their respective
affiliates, or any variation of any such trademark, trade name, service xxxx or
logo, without AVIF's or AIM's prior written consent, the granting of which shall
be at AVIF's or AIM's sole option.
(b) Except as may otherwise be provided in a License Agreement among LIFE
COMPANY UNDERWRITER, AVIF and AIM, neither AVIF nor AIM or any of their
respective affiliates, shall use any trademark, trade name, service xxxx or logo
of LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER or any of their respective affiliates, or any
variation of any such trademark, trade name, service xxxx or logo, without LIFE
COMPANY's or UNDERWRITER's prior written consent, the granting of which shall be
at LIFE COMPANY's or UNDERWRITER's sole option.
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.
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
Attest: /s/ Xxx Xxxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
----------------------------- ------------------------------------
Name: Xxx Xxxxxxxx Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Assistant Secretary Title: President
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Attest: /s/ Xxx Xxxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
----------------------------- ------------------------------------
Name: Xxx Xxxxxxxx Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Title: Assistant Secretary Title: President
28
GE CAPITAL LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF
NEW YORK, on behalf of itself and its
separate accounts
Attest: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Stiff
----------------------------- ------------------------------------
Name: Name:
------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Title: Title:
------------------------------ ---------------------------------
CAPITAL BROKERAGE CORPORATION
Attest: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Stiff
----------------------------- ------------------------------------
Name: Name:
------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Title: Title:
------------------------------ ---------------------------------
29
SCHEDULE A
FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTS
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS
Series_shares
AIM V.I. Aggressive Growth Fund
AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund
AIM V.I. Capital Development Fund
AIM V.I. Global Utilities Fund
AIM V.I. Core Equity Fund
AIM V.I. Government Securities Fund
AIM V.I. Growth Fund
AIM V.I. New Technology Fund
AIM V.I. Premier Equity Fund
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS UTILIZING THE FUNDS
GE Capital Life Separate Account II
GE Capital Life Separate Account III
CONTRACTS FUNDED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
GE Choice NY/GE Foundation NY - Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity
Contract
SEC File No. 333-47016
GE Selections NY - Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity Contract
SEC File No. 333-97085
GE Accumulator NY - Flexible Premium Single Life and Joint and Last
Survivor variable Life Insurance Policy
SEC File No. 333-88312
30
SCHEDULE B
AIM'S PRICING ERROR POLICIES
Determination of Materiality
In the event that AIM discovers an error in the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value, the following policies will apply:
If the amount of the error is less than $.01 per share, it is considered
immaterial and no adjustments are made.
If the amount of the error is $.01 per share or more, then the following
thresholds are applied:
a. If the amount of the difference in the erroneous net asset value and
the correct net asset value is less than .5% of the correct net asset
value, AIM will reimburse the affected Fund to the extent of any loss
resulting from the error. No other adjustments shall be made.
b. If the amount of the difference in the erroneous net asset value and
the correct net asset value is .5% of the correct net asset value or
greater, then AIM will determine the impact of the error to the
affected Fund and shall reimburse such Fund (and/or LIFE COMPANY, as
appropriate, such as in the event that the error was not discovered
until after LIFE COMPANY processed transactions using the erroneous
net asset value) to the extent of any loss resulting from the error.
To the extent that an overstatement of net asset value per share is
detected quickly and LIFE COMPANY has not mailed redemption checks to
Participants, LIFE COMPANY and AIM agree to examine the extent of the
error to determine the feasibility of reprocessing such redemption
transaction (for purposes of reimbursing the Fund to the extent of any
such overpayment).
Reprocessing Cost Reimbursement
To the extent a reprocessing of Participant transactions is required pursuant to
paragraph (b), above, AIM shall reimburse LIFE COMPANY for LIFE COMPANY's
reprocessing costs in an amount not to exceed $1.00 per contract affected by $10
or more.
The Pricing Policies described herein may be modified by AVIF as approved by its
Board of Directors. AVIF/AIM agrees to use its best efforts to notify LIFE
COMPANY at least five (5) days prior to any such meeting of the Board of
Trustees of AVIF to consider such proposed changes.
31
SCHEDULE C
EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS
LIFE COMPANY AVIF / AIM
------------ ----------
Preparing and filing the Account's registration Preparing and filing the Fund's registration
statement statement
Text composition for Account prospectuses and Text composition for Fund prospectuses and
supplements supplements
Text alterations of Account prospectuses and Text alterations of Fund prospectuses and Fund
Account supplements supplements
Printing Account prospectuses and supplements A camera ready Fund prospectus and printing of
and Fund prospectuses and supplements for Fund prospectuses for existing policy owners
prospective policy owners that invest in the Funds
Text composition and printing Account SAIs Text composition and printing Fund SAIs
Mailing and distributing Account SAIs to policy Mailing and distributing Fund SAIs to policy
owners upon request by policy owners owners upon request by policy owners
Mailing and distributing Account prospectuses Mailing and distributing Fund prospectuses and
and Account supplements to policy owners of supplements to existing policy owners that
record as required by Federal Securities Laws invest in the Funds
and mailing and distributing account and Fund
prospectuses and supplements to prospective
purchasers
Text composition (Account), printing, mailing, Text composition of annual and semi-annual
and distributing annual and semi-annual reports reports (Fund), printing, mailing and
for Account distributing annual and semi-annual reports for
the Fund.
Text composition, printing, mailing, Text composition, printing, mailing,
distributing, and tabulation of proxy distributing and tabulation of proxy statements
statements and voting instruction solicitation and voting instruction solicitation materials
materials to policy owners with respect to to policy owners with respect to proxies related
proxies related to the Account to the Fund
Preparation, printing and distributing sales Preparation, printing and distributing sales
material and advertising relating to the Funds material and advertising relating to the Funds
contained in contract advertising and sales and filing such materials with and obtaining
materials and filing such materials with and approval from, the SEC, the NASD, any state
obtaining approval from, the SEC, the NASD, any insurance regulatory authority, and any other
state insurance regulatory authority, and any appropriate regulatory authority, to the extent
other appropriate regulatory authority, to the required
extent required
32
