CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
STYLE SELECT SERIES, INC.
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
GlobalSeriesCorp
21N
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By It...................1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held by
the Custodian in the United States......................................2
2.1 Holding Securities.............................................2
2.2 Delivery of Securities.........................................2
2.3 Registration of Securities.....................................4
2.4 Bank Accounts..................................................5
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds..................................5
2.6 Collection of Income...........................................5
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies.........................................5
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities
Purchased......................................................7
2.9 Appointment of Agents..........................................7
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Securities System...............7
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct
Paper System...................................................8
2.12 Segregated Account.............................................9
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes.......................10
2.14 Proxies.......................................................10
2.15 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities...............10
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
Outside of the United States...........................................11
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians.........................11
3.2 Assets to be Held.............................................11
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems....................................11
3.4 Holding Securities............................................11
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions..................12
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund.................12
3.7 Reports by Custodian..........................................12
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account.......................12
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians...........................13
3.10 Liability of Custodian........................................13
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances....................................13
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities...................................14
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks........................................14
3.14 Tax Law.......................................................14
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchase or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund..14
5. Proper Instructions....................................................15
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority............................15
7. Evidence of Authority..................................................16
8. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account and
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income..........................16
9. Records................................................................16
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants..............................17
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants......................17
12. Compensation of Custodian..............................................17
13. Responsibility of Custodian............................................17
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment............................19
15. Successor Custodian....................................................19
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions.................................20
17. Additional Funds.......................................................20
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply.............................................21
19. Prior Contracts........................................................21
20. Shareholder Communications.............................................21
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This Contract between Style Select Series, Inc., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland, having its
principal place of business at The SunAmerica Center, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇ hereinafter called the "Fund", and State Street Bank
and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust company, having its principal place of
business at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, hereinafter
called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series,
with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in four series, the
Growth Portfolio, Value Portfolio, Aggressive Growth Portfolio and International
Equity Portfolio (such series together with all other series subsequently
established by the Fund and made subject to this Contract in accordance with
paragraph 17, being herein referred to as the "Portfolio(s)");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of
the Portfolios of the Fund, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of
the applicable Portfolio desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the United
States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the
Custodian all securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of income,
payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to
all securities owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash
consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of capital stock of
the Fund representing interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may be issued
or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any
property of a Portfolio held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered to
the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article
5), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to
time employ one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States but only in
accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Directors of the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall
have no more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any
actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such
sub-custodian has to the Custodian. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodian
for the Fund's foreign securities on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories designated in Schedule A hereto but only in accordance with the
provisions of Article 3.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By the
Custodian in the United States
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by it in the
United States including all domestic securities owned by such Portfolio, other
than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 in a clearing
agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies
(each, a "U.S. Securities System") and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for
which State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent
("Direct Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper System
of the Custodian (the "Direct Paper System") pursuant to Section 2.11.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic
securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a U.S. Securities
System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper book entry
system account ("Direct Paper System Account") only upon receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be
continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the
following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio and
receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar
offers for securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called,
redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any such case,
the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of
the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the Custodian or
into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or
into the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article
1; or for exchange for a
different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the
new securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio,
to the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for examination in
accordance with "street delivery" custom; provided that in any such case, the
Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from
the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for such securities
except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions for
conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender
thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or the
surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for definitive securities;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by the
Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as agreed upon from
time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, which may
be in the form of cash or obligations issued by the United States government,
its agencies or instrumentalities, except that in connection with any loans for
which collateral is to be credited to the Custodian's account in the book-entry
system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Custodian will not
be held liable or responsible for the delivery of securities owned by the
Portfolio prior to the receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, but only against receipt of amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a
member of The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of
any registered national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian, and a Futures
Commission Merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to
compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission and/or any Contract Market, or any similar organization or
organizations, regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the
Portfolio of the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer
Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to the holders of
shares in connection with distributions in kind, as may be described from time
to time in the currently effective prospectus and statement of additional
information of the Fund, related to the Portfolio ("Prospectus"), in
satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of,
in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors or of the
Executive Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the securities of the Portfolio
to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is to be
made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the
person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian (other
than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Portfolio or in
the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio or of any nominee
of the Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Portfolio,
unless the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be
used in common with other registered investment companies having the same
investment adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent
appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted by the
Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Contract shall be
in "street name" or other good delivery form. If, however, the Fund directs the
Custodian to maintain securities in "street name", the Custodian shall utilize
its best efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such securities
and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of relevant corporate
actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities, tender or
exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank account
or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio of the Fund,
subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of
this Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the
provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account of the
Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a bank account
established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940. Funds held by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by it
to its credit as Custodian in the Banking Department of the Custodian or in such
other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or
desirable; provided, however, that every such bank or trust company shall be
qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each
such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be
approved by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors
of the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as
Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon
the receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, make
federal funds available to such Portfolio as of specified times agreed upon from
time to time by the Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks received in
payment for Shares of such Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's
account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with
respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder to which each Portfolio
shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities
business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with
respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer,
such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof and shall credit
such income, as collected, to such Portfolio's custodian account. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and present
for payment all coupons and other income items requiring presentation as and
when they become due and shall collect interest when due on securities held
hereunder. Income due each Portfolio on securities loaned pursuant to the
provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The
Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other
than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to
assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the
income to which the Portfolio is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies of a
Portfolio in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures contracts
or options on futures contracts for the account of the Portfolio but only (a)
against the delivery of such securities or evidence of title to such options,
futures contracts or options on futures contracts to the Custodian (or any bank,
banking firm or trust company doing business in the United States or abroad
which is qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act
as a custodian and has been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this
purpose) registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of
the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for transfer;
(b) in the case of a purchase effected through a U.S. Securities System, in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case
of a purchase involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.11; (d) in the case of repurchase agreements
entered into between the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the Custodian, or
another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery
of the securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the
Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii)
against delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Portfolio of
securities owned by the Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement
by the Custodian to repurchase such securities from the
Portfolio or (e) for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank,
whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a
confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to Proper
Instructions from the Fund as defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities
owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the Portfolio
as set forth in Article 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments for the account
of the Portfolio: interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer agent and
legal fees, and operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses are
to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of the Portfolio declared
pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in addition
to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, a certified
copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee of
the Fund signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment, setting forth the
purpose for which such payment is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
proper purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be
made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased. Except
as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every case where
payment for purchase of domestic securities for the account of a Portfolio is
made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities purchased in the
absence of specific written instructions from the Fund on behalf of such
Portfolio to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the
Fund for such securities to the same extent as if the securities had been
received by the Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust company
which is itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the provisions of this
Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided, however, that
the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its
responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities depository, or in
the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and
certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as "U.S. Securities
System" in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and
Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following
provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in a U.S.
Securities System provided that such securities are represented in an account
("Account") of the Custodian in the U.S. Securities System which shall not
include any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary,
custodian or otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in a U.S. Securities System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to the Portfolio;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the U.S. Securities System that
such securities have been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an
entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for
the account of the Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for
the account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the U.S. Securities
System that payment for such securities has been transferred to the Account, and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
transfer and payment for the account of the Portfolio. Copies of all advices
from the U.S. Securities System of transfers of securities for the account of
the Portfolio shall identify the Portfolio, be maintained for the Portfolio by
the Custodian and be provided to the Fund at its request. Upon request, the
Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio confirmation of each
transfer to or from the account of the Portfolio in the form of a written advice
or notice and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies of
daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the U.S.
Securities System for the account of the Portfolio.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio with any
report obtained by the Custodian on the U.S. Securities System's accounting
system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities
deposited in the U.S. Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio the initial or annual certificate, as the case may be, required by
Article 14 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of the Portfolio for any
loss or damage to the Portfolio resulting from use of the U.S. Securities System
by reason of any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any
of its agents or of any of its or their employees or from failure of the
Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it may have
against the U.S. Securities System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of
the Custodian with respect to any claim against the U.S. Securities System or
any other person which the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss
or damage if and to the extent that the Portfolio has not been made whole for
any such loss or damage.
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in the Direct Paper
System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper System
will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf
of the Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in the Direct
Paper System only if such securities are represented in an account ("Account")
of the Custodian in the Direct Paper System which shall not include any assets
of the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise
for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to the Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such payment and transfer of securities to the account of the Portfolio.
The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account of the Portfolio
upon the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
transfer and receipt of payment for the account of the Portfolio;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the Portfolio, in the
form of a written advice or notice, of Direct Paper on the next business day
following such transfer and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's transaction in the U.S.
Securities System for the account of the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio with
any report on its system of internal accounting control as the Fund may
reasonably request from time to time.
2.12 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper Instructions
from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio establish and maintain a
segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each such Portfolio, into
which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities, including
securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10
hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the
rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or of any similar
organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in
connection with transactions by the Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating
cash or government securities in connection with options purchased, sold or
written by the Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon
purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the
Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No.
10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange
Commission relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered
investment companies and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes, but only, in
the case of clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions
from the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated account and declaring
such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax
purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to
domestic securities of each Portfolio held by it and in connection with
transfers of securities.
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities held
hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of the
Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without indication of the
manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the
Portfolio such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating
to such securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities. Subject to the provisions
of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund for each
Portfolio all written information (including, without limitation, pendency of
calls and maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights in
connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options written by
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the maturity of futures contracts
purchased or sold by the Portfolio) received by the Custodian from issuers of
the securities being held for the Portfolio. With respect to tender or exchange
offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Portfolio all written
information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities whose
tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or his agents) making the
tender or exchange offer. If the Portfolio desires to take action with respect
to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the
Portfolio shall notify the Custodian at least three business days prior to the
date on which the Custodian is to take such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside of
the United States
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby authorizes and
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the Portfolio's
securities and other assets maintained outside the United States the foreign
banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated on Schedule
A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions", as
defined in Section 5 of this Contract, together with a certified resolution of
the Fund's Board of Directors, the Custodian and the Fund may agree to amend
Schedule A hereto from time to time to designate additional foreign banking
institutions and foreign securities depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease the
employment of any one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the
Portfolio's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other assets
maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to: (a) "foreign
securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in such amounts as the
Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably necessary to effect the
Portfolio's foreign securities transactions. The Custodian shall identify on its
books as belonging to the Fund, the foreign securities of the Fund held by each
foreign sub-custodian.
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in
writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Portfolios shall be
maintained in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a
book-entry system for the central handling of securities located outside of the
United States (each a "Foreign Securities System") only through arrangements
implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians
pursuant to the terms hereof (Foreign Securities Systems and U.S. Securities
Systems are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities Systems"). Where
possible, such arrangements shall include entry into agreements containing the
provisions set forth in Section 3.5 hereof.
3.4 Holding Securities. The Custodian may hold securities and other non-cash
property for all of its customers, including the Fund, with a foreign
sub-custodian in a single account that is identified as belonging to the
Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided however, that (i) the
records of the Custodian with respect to securities and other non-cash property
of the Fund which are maintained in such account shall identify by book-entry
those securities and other non-cash property belonging to the Fund and (ii) the
Custodian shall require that securities and other non-cash property so held by
the foreign sub-custodian be held separately from any assets of the foreign
sub-custodian or of others.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a foreign
banking institution shall provide that: (a) the assets of each Portfolio will
not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any
kind in favor of the foreign banking institution or its creditors or agent,
except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration; (b)
beneficial ownership for the assets of each Portfolio will be freely
transferable without the payment of money or value other than for custody or
administration; (c) adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets
as belonging to each applicable Portfolio; (d) officers of or
auditors employed by, or other representatives of the Custodian, including to
the extent permitted under applicable law the independent public accountants for
the Fund, will be given access to the books and records of the foreign banking
institution relating to its actions under its agreement with the Custodian; and
(e) assets of the Portfolios held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject
only to the instructions of the Custodian or its agents.
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the Fund, the
Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent accountants
of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of any foreign
banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian insofar as such books
and records relate to the performance of such foreign banking institution under
its agreement with the Custodian.
3.7 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time to
time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and other
assets of the Portfolio(s) held by foreign sub-custodians, including but not
limited to an identification of entities having possession of the Portfolio(s)
securities and other assets and advices or notifications of any transfers of
securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign banking
institution for the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio indicating,
as to securities acquired for a Portfolio, the identity of the entity having
physical possession of such securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise provided in
paragraph (b) of this Section 3.8, the provision of Sections 2.2 and 2.7 of this
Contract shall apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign securities of the Fund
held outside the United States by foreign sub-custodians. (b) Notwithstanding
any provision of this Contract to the contrary, settlement and payment for
securities received for the account of each applicable Portfolio and delivery of
securities maintained for the account of each applicable Portfolio may be
effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or
securities processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in
which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering
securities to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for
such purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of receiving
later payment for such securities from such purchaser or dealer. (c) Securities
maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian may be maintained in the
name of such entity's nominee to the same extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of
this Contract, and the Fund agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any
liability as a holder of record of such securities.
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which the
Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign sub-custodian shall
require the institution to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its
duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the Custodian and each Fund from and
against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or in
connection with the institution's performance of such obligations. At the
election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claims against a foreign banking institution as a
consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and
to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage,
cost, expense, liability or claim.
3.10 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set forth with
respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and, regardless of whether
assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign banking institution, a foreign
securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank as contemplated by paragraph
3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim resulting from nationalization, expropriation,
currency restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism or any loss where the
sub-custodian has otherwise exercised reasonable care. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph 3.10, in delegating custody duties to
State Street London Ltd., the Custodian shall not be relieved of any
responsibility to the Fund for any loss due to such delegation, except such loss
as may result from (a) political risk (including, but not limited to, exchange
control restrictions, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization,
insurrection, civil strife or armed hostilities) or (b) other losses (excluding
a bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not caused by political
risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear incident or other losses under circumstances
where the Custodian and State Street London Ltd. have exercised reasonable care.
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance
cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of a Portfolio including the
purchase or sale of foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign exchange, or in
the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall
be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly,
the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such
Portfolios assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to the
Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be similar in
kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial
approval of this Contract. In addition, the Custodian will promptly inform the
Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a material adverse change in the
financial condition of a foreign sub-custodian or any material loss of the
assets of the Fund or in the case of any foreign sub-custodian not the subject
of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission is notified by
such foreign sub-custodian that there appears to be a substantial likelihood
that its shareholders' equity will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or
the equivalent thereof) or that its shareholders' equity has declined below $200
million (in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted U.S.
accounting principles).
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract,
the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of the Portfolios assets
are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a "bank" as
defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 meeting the
qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act. The appointment of any
such branch as a sub-custodian shall be governed by paragraph 1 of this
Contract. (b) Cash held for each Portfolio of the Fund in the United Kingdom
shall be maintained
in an interest bearing account established for the Fund with the Custodian's
London branch, which account shall be subject to the direction of the Custodian,
State Street London Ltd. or both.
3.14 Tax Law. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian
of the Fund by the tax law of the United States of America or any state or
political subdivision thereof. It shall be the responsibility of the Fund to
notify the Custodian of the obligations imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as
custodian of the Fund by the tax law of jurisdictions other than those mentioned
in the above sentence, including responsibility for withholding and other taxes,
assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and governmental
reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with regard to such tax law
shall be to use reasonable efforts to assist the Fund with respect to any claim
for exemption or refund under the tax law of jurisdictions for which the Fund
has provided such information.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or from
the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account of the appropriate
Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares of that Portfolio issued or
sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely
notification to the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent
of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and any applicable votes of the
Board of Directors of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon
receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for
payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request
for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of a Portfolio, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt
of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial
bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on
the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the
Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with
such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time
between the Fund and the Custodian.
5. Proper Instructions
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Contract means a writing
signed or initialled by one or more person or persons as the Board of Directors
shall have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the
specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a specific
statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral instructions
will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them
to have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect
to the transaction involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be
confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary as to the authorization by the Board of
Directors of the Fund accompanied by a detailed description of procedures
approved by the Board of Directors, Proper Instructions may include
communications effected directly between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices provided that the Board of Directors and the Custodian are satisfied
that such procedures afford adequate safeguards for the Portfolios' assets. For
purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include instructions
received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement which requires a
segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.12.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the
Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Contract,
provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive
form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings
with the securities and property of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed
by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
7. Evidence of Authority
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions,
notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by
it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the Fund.
The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person
to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action
by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation as described
in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until
receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of
Net Asset Value and Net Income
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to
the entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund to keep
the books of account of each Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per
share of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio
or, if directed in writing to do so by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,
shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such net asset value per
share. If so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income
of the Portfolio as described in the Fund's currently effective prospectus
related to such Portfolio and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily
of the total amounts of such net income and, if instructed in writing by an
officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of
the division of such net income among its various components. The calculations
of the net asset value per share and the daily income of each Portfolio shall be
made at the time or times described from time to time in the Fund's currently
effective prospectus related to such Portfolio.
9. Records
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain
all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in
such manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules
31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund
and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be
open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund
and employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Custodian shall, at the Fund's request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of
securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when
requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon
between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such
tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf
of each applicable Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year
to year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with respect
to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's
Form N-1A, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the Securities and Exchange
Commission and with respect to any other requirements of such Commission.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the
Portfolios at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by
independent public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting
control and procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained
in a Securities System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under
this Contract; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient
detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable
assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination,
and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.
12. Compensation of Custodian
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the
Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
13. Responsibility of Custodian
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting
upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties,
including any futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a
three-party futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the
exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but
shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any
action taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be
entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for
the Fund) on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action
reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
Except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful
misconduct or the negligence or willful misconduct of a sub-custodian or agent,
the Custodian shall be without liability to the Fund for any loss, liability,
claim or expense resulting from or caused by; (i) events or circumstances beyond
the reasonable control of the Custodian or any sub-custodian or Securities
System or any agent or nominee of any of the foregoing, including, without
limitation, nationalization or expropriation, imposition of currency controls or
restrictions, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the
closure of any securities market, power or other mechanical or technological
failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications disruptions, acts
of war or terrorism, riots, revolutions, work stoppages, natural disasters or
other similar events or acts; (ii) errors by the Fund or the Investment Advisor
in their instructions to the Custodian provided such instructions have been in
accordance with this Contract; (iii) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a
Securities System; (iv) any delay or failure of any broker, agent or
intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent payment or clearing
system to deliver to the Custodian's sub-custodian or agent securities purchased
or in the remittance or payment made in connection with securities sold; (v) any
delay or failure of any company, corporation, or other body in charge of
registering or transferring securities in the name of the Custodian, the Fund,
the Custodian's sub-custodians, nominees or agents or any consequential losses
arising out of such delay or failure to transfer such securities including
non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other accretions or benefits;
(vi) delays or inability to perform its duties due to any disorder in market
infrastructure with respect to any particular security or Securities System; and
(vii) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or order of the
United States of America, or any state thereof, or any other country, or
political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution to the same extent as set forth with respect to
sub-custodians generally in this Contract.
If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take any
action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of money or
which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or
its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment
of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action,
shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to
it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or
agents, to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited
to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) or
in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall
be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly,
the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such
Portfolio's assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
In no event shall the Custodian be liable for indirect, special or
consequential damages.
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall
continue in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may
be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under
Section 2.10 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors of the Fund has
approved the initial use of a particular Securities System by such Portfolio, as
required by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and
that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2.11
hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors has approved the initial use
of the Direct Paper System by such Portfolio; provided further, however, that
the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation, and further provided, that the Fund on behalf of one or more of
the Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board of Directors (i)
substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as
described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in
the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the
direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due as of the
date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for its
costs, expenses and disbursements.
15. Successor Custodian
If a successor custodian for the Fund, of one or more of the Portfolios
shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund, the Custodian shall,
upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the
Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities of each
applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account
of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in
a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall,
in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all
instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held
by it under this Contract on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and to transfer
to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such
Portfolio held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company
shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and
the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and
the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on
such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this
Contract as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of
this Contract. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a
writing signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no
such interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable
federal or state regulations or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation
of the Fund. No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the
preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
17. Additional Funds
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in
addition to the Growth Portfolio, Value Portfolio, Aggressive Growth Portfolio
and International Equity Portfolio with respect to which it desires to have the
Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so
notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to
provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
19. Prior Contracts
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all
prior contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the
Custodian relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
20. Shareholder Communications
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold
securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of
securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to indicate whether the Fund authorizes
the Custodian to provide the Fund's name, address, and share position to
requesting companies whose stock the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian
"no", the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies.
If the Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or do not check either "yes" or "no"
below, the Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to
disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds
or accounts established by the Fund. For the Fund's protection, the Rule
prohibits the requesting company from using the Fund's name and address for any
purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the
Fund consent or object by checking one of the alternatives below.
YES [ ] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
NO [ ] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to
be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 17th day of September, 1996.
ATTEST STYLE SELECT SERIES, INC.
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ By /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ By /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Executive Vice President
Schedule A
The following foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories have been approved by the Board of Directors of Style Select
Series, Inc. for use as sub-custodians for the Fund's securities and other
assets:
(Insert banks and securities depositories)
Certified:
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Fund's Authorized Officer
Date: 10/22/96