PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.,
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.,
COVA FINANCIAL SERVICES LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND
ITS SEPARATE ACCOUNTS,
AND
COVA LIFE SALES COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION PAGE
Section 1. Available Funds
1.1 Availability
1.2 Addition, Deletion or Modification of Funds
1.3 No Sales to the General Public
Section 2. Processing Transactions
2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders
2.2 Timely Payments
2.3 Applicable Price
2.4 Dividends and Distributions
2.5 Book Entry
Section 3. Costs and Expenses
3.1 General
3.2 Registration
3.3 Other (Non-Sales-Related)
3.4 Other (Sales-Related)
3.5 Parties To Cooperate
Section 4. Legal Compliance
4.1 Tax Laws
4.2 Insurance and Certain Other Laws
4.3 Securities Laws
4.4 Notice of Certain Proceedings and Other Circumstances
4.5 Cova To Provide Documents; Information About AVIF
4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents; Information About Cova
Section 5. Mixed and Shared Funding
5.1 General
5.2 Disinterested Directors
5.3 Monitoring for Material Irreconcilable Conflicts
5.4 Conflict Remedies
5.5 Notice to Cova
5.6 Information Requested by Board of Directors
5.7 Compliance with SEC Rules
5.8 Other Requirements
Section 6. Termination
6.1 Events of Termination
6.2 Notice Requirement for Termination
6.3 Funds To Remain Available
6.4 Survival of Warranties and Indemnifications
6.5 Continuance of Agreement for Certain Purposes
Section 7. Parties To Cooperate Respecting Termination
Section 8. Assignment
Section 9. Notices
Section 10. Voting Procedures
Section 11. Foreign Tax Credits
Section 12. Indemnification
12.1 Of AVIF and AIM by Cova and Cova Sales
12.2 Of Cova and Cova Sales by AVIF and AIM
12.3 Effect of Notice
12.4 Successors
Section 13. Applicable Law
Section 14. Execution in Counterparts
Section 15. Severability
Section 16. Rights Cumulative
Section 17. Headings
Section 18. Confidentiality
Section 19. Parties to Cooperate
Section 20. Amendments
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the ____ day of _________, 1997
("Agreement"), by and among AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., a Maryland
corporation ("AVIF"); A I M Distributors, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("AIM"),
Cova Financial Services Life Insurance Company, a Missouri life insurance
company ("Cova"), on behalf of itself and each of its segregated asset accounts
listed in Schedule A hereto, as the parties hereto may amend from time to time
(each, an "Account," and collectively, the "Accounts"); and Cova Life Sales
Company, an affiliate of Cova and the principal underwriter of the Contracts
("Cova Sales") (collectively, the "Parties").
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, AVIF is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") as an open-end management investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, AVIF currently consists of nine separate series ("Series"), shares
("Shares") of each of which are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act") and are currently sold to one or more separate accounts
of life insurance companies to fund benefits under variable annuity contracts
and variable life insurance contracts; and
WHEREAS, AVIF will make Shares of each Series listed on Schedule A hereto
as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time (each a "Fund"; reference
herein to "AVIF" includes reference to each Fund, to the extent the context
requires) available for purchase by the Accounts; and
WHEREAS, Cova will be the issuer of certain variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance contracts ("Contracts") as set forth on Schedule A
hereto, as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time, which Contracts
(hereinafter collectively, the "Contracts"), if required by applicable law, will
be registered under the 1933 Act; and
WHEREAS, Cova will fund the Contracts through the Accounts, each of which
may be divided into two or more subaccounts ("Subaccounts"; reference herein to
an "Account" includes reference to each Subaccount thereof to the extent the
context requires); and
WHEREAS, Cova will serve as the depositor of the Accounts, each of which is
registered as a unit investment trust investment company under the 1940 Act (or
exempt therefrom), and the security interests deemed to be issued by the
Accounts under the Contracts will be registered as securities under the 1933 Act
(or exempt therefrom); and
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and
regulations, Cova intends to purchase Shares in one or more of the Funds on
behalf of the Accounts to fund the Contracts; and
WHEREAS, Cova Sales is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934 Act") and a member in good standing of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits and promises
contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. AVAILABLE FUNDS
--------------------------
1.1 AVAILABILITY.
-------------
AVIF will make Shares of each Fund available to Cova for purchase and
redemption at net asset value and with no sales charges, subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement. The Board of Directors of AVIF may refuse to
sell Shares of any Fund to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of
Shares of any Fund if such action is required by law or by regulatory
authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Directors
acting in good faith and in light of their fiduciary duties under federal and
any applicable state laws, such action is deemed in the best interests of the
shareholders of such Fund.
1.2 ADDITION, DELETION OR MODIFICATION OF FUNDS.
--------------------------------------------
The Parties hereto may agree, from time to time, to add other Funds to
provide additional funding media for the Contracts, or to delete, combine, or
modify existing Funds, by amending Schedule A hereto. Upon such amendment to
Schedule A, any applicable reference to a Fund, AVIF, or its Shares herein shall
include a reference to any such additional Fund. Schedule A, as amended from
time to time, is incorporated herein by reference and is a part hereof.
1.3 NO SALES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
-------------------------------
AVIF agrees that all shares of the Funds will be sold only to Participating
Insurance Companies and other entities, all in accordance with Section 817
(h)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and
Treasury Regulation Section 1.817-5. Shares of the Funds will not be sold to the
general public.
SECTION 2. PROCESSING TRANSACTIONS
----------------------------------
2.1 TIMELY PRICING AND ORDERS.
--------------------------
(a) AVIF or its designated agent will use its best efforts to provide Cova
with the net asset value per Share for each Fund by 5:30 p.m. Central Time on
each Business Day. As used herein, "Business Day" shall mean any day on which
(I) the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading, (ii) AVIF
calculates the Fund's net asset value, and (iii) Cova is open for business.
(b) Cova will use the data provided by AVIF each Business Day pursuant to
paragraph (a) immediately above to calculate Account unit values and to process
transactions that receive that same Business Day's Account unit values. Cova
will perform such Account processing the same Business Day, and will place
corresponding orders to purchase or redeem Shares with AVIF by 9:00 a.m. Central
Time the following Business Day; provided, however, that AVIF shall provide
additional time to Cova in the event that AVIF is unable to meet the 5:30 p.m.
time stated in paragraph (a) immediately above. Such additional time shall be
equal to the additional time that AVIF takes to make the net asset values
available to Cova.
(c) With respect to payment of the purchase price by Cova and of redemption
proceeds by AVIF, Cova and AVIF shall net purchase and redemption orders with
respect to each Fund and shall transmit one net payment per Fund in accordance
with Section 2.2, below.
(d) If AVIF provides materially incorrect Share net asset value information
(as determined under SEC guidelines), Cova shall be entitled to an adjustment to
the number of Shares purchased or redeemed to reflect the correct net asset
value per Share. Any material error in the calculation or reporting of net asset
value per Share, dividend or capital gain information shall be reported promptly
upon discovery to Cova.
2.2 TIMELY PAYMENTS.
----------------
Cova will wire payment for net purchases to a custodial account designated
by AVIF by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day as the order for Shares is
placed, to the extent practicable. AVIF will wire payment for net redemptions to
an account designated by Cova by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day as the
Order is placed, to the extent practicable, but in any event within five (5)
calendar days after the date the order is placed in order to enable Cova to pay
redemption proceeds within the time specified in Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act
or such shorter period of time as may be required by law.
2.3 APPLICABLE PRICE.
-----------------
(a) Share purchase payments and redemption orders that result from purchase
payments, premium payments, surrenders and other transactions under Contracts
(collectively, "Contract transactions") and that Cova receives prior to the
close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on a Business Day will
be executed at the net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after
receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the orders. For purposes of this
Section 2.3(a), Cova shall be the designated agent of AVIF for receipt of orders
relating to Contract transactions on each Business Day and receipt by such
designated agent shall constitute receipt by AVIF; provided that AVIF receives
notice of such orders by 9:00 a.m. Central Time on the next following Business
Day or such later time as computed in accordance with Section 2.1(b) hereof.
(b) All other Share purchases and redemptions by Cova will be effected at
the net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after receipt by
AVIF or its designated agent of the order therefor, and such orders will be
irrevocable.
2.4 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.
----------------------------
AVIF will furnish notice by wire or telephone (followed by written
confirmation) on or prior to the payment date to Cova of any income dividends or
capital gain distributions payable on the Shares of any Fund. Cova hereby elects
to reinvest all dividends and capital gains distributions in additional Shares
of the corresponding Fund at the ex-dividend date net asset values until Cova
otherwise notifies AVIF in writing, it being agreed by the Parties that the
ex-dividend date and the payment date with respect to any dividend or
distribution will be the same Business Day. Cova reserves the right to revoke
this election and to receive all such income dividends and capital gain
distributions in cash.
2.5 BOOK ENTRY.
-----------
Issuance and transfer of AVIF Shares will be by book entry only. Stock
certificates will not be issued to Cova. Shares ordered from AVIF will be
recorded in an appropriate title for Cova, on behalf of its Account.
SECTION 3. COSTS AND EXPENSES
-----------------------------
3.1 GENERAL.
--------
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Party will bear all
expenses incident to its performance under this Agreement.
3.2 REGISTRATION.
-------------
(a) AVIF will bear the cost of its registering as a management investment
company under the 1940 Act and registering its Shares under the 1933 Act, and
keeping such registrations current and effective; including, without limitation,
the preparation of and filing with the SEC of Forms N-SAR and Rule 24f-2 Notices
with respect to AVIF and its Shares and payment of all applicable registration
or filing fees with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Cova will bear the cost of registering, to the extent required, each
Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act and registering units of
interest under the Contracts under the 1933 Act and keeping such registrations
current and effective; including, without limitation, the preparation and filing
with the SEC of Forms N-SAR and Rule 24f-2 Notices with respect to each Account
and its units of interest and payment of all applicable registration or filing
fees with respect to any of the foregoing.
3.3 OTHER (NON-SALES-RELATED).
--------------------------
(a) AVIF will bear, or arrange for others to bear, the costs of preparing,
filing with the SEC and setting for printing AVIF's prospectus, statement of
additional information and any amendments or supplements thereto (collectively,
the "AVIF Prospectus"), periodic reports to shareholders, AVIF proxy material
and other shareholder communications.
(b) Cova will bear the costs of preparing, filing with the SEC and setting
for printing each Account's prospectus, statement of additional information and
any amendments or supplements thereto (collectively, the "Account Prospectus"),
any periodic reports to Contract owners, annuitants, insureds or participants
(as appropriate) under the Contracts (collectively, "Participants"), voting
instruction solicitation material, and other Participant communications.
(c) Cova will print in quantity and deliver to existing Participants the
documents described in Section 3.3(b) above and the prospectus provided by AVIF
in camera ready form. AVIF will print the AVIF statement of additional
information, proxy materials relating to AVIF and periodic reports of AVIF.
3.4 OTHER (SALES-RELATED).
----------------------
Cova will bear the expenses of distribution. These expenses would include
by way of illustration, but are not limited to, the costs of distributing to
Participants the following documents, whether they relate to the Account or
AVIF: prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy materials and
periodic reports. These costs would also include the costs of preparing,
printing, and distributing sales literature and advertising relating to the
Funds, as well as filing such materials with, and obtaining approval from, the
SEC, the NASD, any state insurance regulatory authority, and any other
appropriate regulatory authority, to the extent required.
3.5 PARTIES TO COOPERATE.
---------------------
Each Party agrees to cooperate with the others, as applicable, in arranging
to print, mail and/or deliver, in a timely manner, combined or coordinated
prospectuses or other materials of AVIF and the Accounts.
SECTION 4. LEGAL COMPLIANCE
---------------------------
4.1 TAX LAWS.
---------
(a) AVIF represents and warrants that each Fund is currently qualified as a
regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Code, and
represents that it will qualify and to maintain qualification of each Fund as a
RIC. AVIF will notify Cova immediately upon having a reasonable basis for
believing that a Fund has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify
in the future.
(b) AVIF represents that it will use its best efforts to comply and to
maintain each Fund's compliance with the diversification requirements set forth
in Section 817(h) of the Code and Section 1.817-5(b) of the regulations under
the Code. AVIF will notify Cova immediately upon having a reasonable basis for
believing that a Fund has ceased to so comply or that a Fund might not so comply
in the future. In the event of a breach of this Section 4.1(b) by AVIF, it will
take all reasonable steps to adequately diversify the Fund so as to achieve
compliance within the grace period afforded by Section 1.817-5 of the
regulations under the Code.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 12.2 hereunder, Cova agrees that if the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") asserts in writing in connection with any
governmental audit or review of Cova or, to Cova's knowledge, of any
Participant, that any Fund has failed to comply with the diversification
requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code or Cova otherwise becomes aware of
any facts that could give rise to any claim against AVIF or its affiliates as a
result of such a failure or alleged failure:
(i) Cova shall promptly notify AVIF of such assertion or potential
claim (subject to the Confidentiality provisions of Section 18 as
to any Participant);
(ii) Cova shall consult with AVIF as to how to minimize any liability
that may arise as a result of such failure or alleged failure;
(iii)Cova shall use its best efforts to minimize any liability of AVIF
or its affiliates resulting from such failure, including, without
limitation, demonstrating, pursuant to Treasury Regulations
Section 1.817-5(a)(2), to the Commissioner of the IRS that such
failure was inadvertent;
(iv) Cova shall permit AVIF, its affiliates and their legal and
accounting advisors to participate in any conferences, settlement
discussions or other administrative or judicial proceeding or
contests (including judicial appeals thereof) with the IRS, any
Participant or any other claimant regarding any claims that could
give rise to liability to AVIF or its affiliates as a result of
such a failure or alleged failure; provided, however, that Cova
will retain control of the conduct of such conferences
discussions, proceedings, contests or appeals;
(v) any written materials to be submitted by Cova to the IRS, any
Participant or any other claimant in connection with any of the
foregoing proceedings or contests (including, without limitation,
any such materials to be submitted to the IRS pursuant to
Treasury Regulations Section 1.817-5(a)(2)), (a) shall be
provided by Cova to AVIF (together with any supporting
information or analysis); subject to the confidentiality
provisions of Section 18, at least ten (10) business days or such
shorter period to which the Parties hereto agree prior to the day
on which such proposed materials are to be submitted, and (b)
shall not be submitted by Cova to any such person without the
express written consent of AVIF which shall not be unreasonably
withheld;
(vi) Cova shall provide AVIF or its affiliates and their accounting
and legal advisors with such cooperation as AVIF shall reasonably
request (including, without limitation, by permitting AVIF and
its accounting and legal advisors to review the relevant books
and records of Cova) in order to facilitate review by AVIF or its
advisors of any written submissions provided to it pursuant to
the preceding clause or its assessment of the validity or amount
of any claim against its arising from such a failure or alleged
failure;
(vii)Cova shall not with respect to any claim of the IRS or any
Participant that would give rise to a claim against AVIF or its
affiliates (a) compromise or settle any claim, (b) accept any
adjustment on audit, or (c) forego any allowable administrative
or judicial appeals, without the express written consent of AVIF
or its affiliates, which shall not be unreasonably withheld,
provided that Cova shall not be required, after exhausting all
administrative remedies, to appeal any adverse judicial decision
unless AVIF or its affiliates shall have provided an opinion of
independent counsel to the effect that a reasonable basis exists
for taking such appeal; and provided further that the costs of
any such appeal shall be borne equally by the Parties hereto
except that Cova shall not be liable for such costs if the
failure to comply with Section 817 (h) arises from a failure to
meet the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section
1.817-5(b)(1) or (2) or Treasury Regulation Section 1.817-5(f)
through no fault of Cova; and
(viii) AVIF and its affiliates shall have no liability as a result of
such failure or alleged failure if Cova fails to comply with any
of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii), and such failure
could be shown to have materially contributed to the liability.
Should AVIF or any of its affiliates refuse to give its written consent to
any compromise or settlement of any claim or liability hereunder, Cova may, in
its discretion, authorize AVIF or its affiliates to act in the name of Cova in,
and to control the conduct of, such conferences, discussions, proceedings,
contests or appeals and all administrative or judicial appeals thereof, and in
that event AVIF or its affiliates shall bear the fees and expenses associated
with the conduct of the proceedings that it is so authorized to control;
provided, that in no event shall Cova have any liability resulting from AVIF's
refusal to accept the proposed settlement or compromise with respect to any
failure caused by AVIF. As used in this Agreement, the term "affiliates" shall
have the same meaning as "affiliated person" as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of
the 1940 Act.
(d) Cova represents and warrants that the Contracts currently are and will
be treated as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under applicable
provisions of the Code and that it will maintain such treatment; Cova will
notify AVIF immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that any of
the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated
in the future.
(e) Cova represents and warrants that each Account is a "segregated asset
account" and that interests in each Account are offered exclusively through the
purchase of or transfer into a "variable contract," within the meaning of such
terms under Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Cova will
continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify AVIF
immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements
have ceased to be met or that they might not be met in the future.
4.2 INSURANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER LAWS
--------------------------------
(a) AVIF will comply with any applicable state insurance laws or
regulations, to the extent specifically requested in writing by Cova, including,
the furnishing of information not otherwise available to Cova which is required
by state insurance law to enable Cova to obtain the authority needed to issue
the Contracts in any applicable state.
(b) Cova represents and warrants that (i) it is an insurance company duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Missouri 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 Missouri Insurance Law and the
regulations thereunder, and (iii) the Contracts comply in all material respects
with all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
(c) AVIF represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland
and has full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver, and perform
its duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement.
4.3. SECURITIES LAWS.
---------------
(a) Cova represents and warrants that (i) interests in each Account
pursuant to the Contracts will be registered under the 1933 Act to the extent
required by the 1933 Act, (ii) the Contracts will be duly authorized for
issuance and sold in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws,
including, without limitation, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act and New
York law, (iii) each Account is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act,
to the extent required by the 1940 Act, (iv) each Account does and will comply
in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules
thereunder, to the extent required, (v) each Account's 1933 Act registration
statement relating to the Contracts, together with any amendments thereto, will
at all times comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933
Act and the rules thereunder, (vi) Cova will amend the registration statement
for its Contracts under the 1933 Act and for its Accounts under the 1940 Act
from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of its
Contracts or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, and (vii) each
Account Prospectus will at all times comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.
(b) AVIF represents and warrants that (i) Shares sold pursuant to this
Agreement will be registered under the 1933 Act to the extent required by the
1933 Act and duly authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with Maryland
law, (ii) AVIF is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act to the extent
required by the 1940 Act, (iii) AVIF will amend the registration statement for
its Shares under the 1933 Act and itself under the 1940 Act from time to time as
required in order to effect the continuous offering of its Shares, (iv) AVIF
does and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940
Act and the rules thereunder, (v) AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement,
together with any amendments thereto, will at all times comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and rules thereunder, and (vi)
AVIF's Prospectus will at all times comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.
(c) AVIF will at its expense register and qualify its Shares for sale in
accordance with the laws of any state or other jurisdiction if and to the extent
reasonably deemed advisable by AVIF.
(d) AVIF currently does not intend to make any payments to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act or otherwise,
although it reserves the right to make such payments in the future. To the
extent that it decides to finance distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1,
AVIF undertakes to have its Board of Directors, a majority of whom are not
"interested" persons of the Fund, formulate and approve any plan under Rule
12b-1 to finance distribution expenses.
(e) AVIF represents and warrants that all of its trustees, officers,
employees, investment advisers, and other individuals/entities having access to
the funds and/or securities of the Fund are and continue to be at all times
covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the
Fund in an amount not less than the minimal coverage as required currently by
Rule 17g-(1) of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from
time to time. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement
and is issued by a reputable bonding company.
4.4. NOTICE OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
-----------------------------------------------------
(a) AVIF will immediately notify Cova of (i) the issuance by any court or
regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist order, or other similar
order with respect to AVIF's registration statement under the 1933 Act or AVIF
Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any amendment to such registration
statement or AVIF Prospectus that may affect the offering of Shares of AVIF,
(iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or for any other
purpose relating to the registration or offering of AVIF's Shares, or (iv) any
other action or circumstances that may prevent the lawful offer or sale of
Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction, including, without limitation,
any circumstances in which (a) such Shares are not registered and, in all
material respects, issued and sold in accordance with applicable state and
federal law, or (b) such law precludes the use of such Shares as an underlying
investment medium of the Contracts issued or to be issued by Cova. AVIF will
make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance, with respect to any Fund,
of any such stop order, cease and desist order or similar order and, if any such
order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible time.
(b) Cova will immediately notify AVIF of (i) the issuance by any court or
regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist order, or other similar
order with respect to each Account's registration statement under the 1933 Act
relating to the Contracts or each Account Prospectus, (ii) any request by the
SEC for any amendment to such registration statement or Account Prospectus that
may affect the offering of Shares of AVIF, (iii) the initiation of any
proceedings for that purpose or for any other purpose relating to the
registration or offering of each Account's interests pursuant to the Contracts,
or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may prevent the lawful offer or
sale of said interests in any state or jurisdiction, including, without
limitation, any circumstances in which said interests are not registered and, in
all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with applicable state and
federal law. Cova will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of
any such stop order, cease and desist order or similar order and, if any such
order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible time.
4.5. COVA TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT AVIF.
-------------------------------------------------
(a) Cova will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least one (1)
complete copy of all SEC registration statements, Account Prospectuses, reports,
any preliminary and final voting instruction solicitation material, applications
for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the
above, that relate to each Account or the Contracts, contemporaneously with the
filing of such document with the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
(b) Cova will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least one (1)
complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional material in
which AVIF or any of its affiliates is named, at least five (5) Business Days
prior to its use or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to
time, agree upon. No such material shall be used if AVIF or its designated agent
objects to such use within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such material
or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon.
AVIF hereby designates A I M as the entity to receive such sales literature,
until such time as AVIF appoints another designated agent by giving notice to
Cova in the manner required by Section 9 hereof.
(c) Neither Cova nor any of its affiliates, will give any information or
make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning AVIF or its
affiliates in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than (i) the
information or representations contained in the registration statement,
including the AVIF Prospectus contained therein, relating to Shares, as such
registration statement and AVIF Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or
(ii) in reports or proxy materials for AVIF; or (iii) in published reports for
AVIF that are in the public domain and approved by AVIF for distribution; or
(iv) in sales literature or other promotional material approved by AVIF, except
with the express written permission of AVIF.
(d) Cova shall adopt and implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure
that information concerning AVIF and its affiliates that is intended for use
only by brokers or agents selling the Contracts (i.e., information that is not
intended for distribution to Participants) ("broker only materials") is so used,
and neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any losses,
damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such broker only materials.
(e) For the purposes of this Section 4.5, the phrase "sales literature or
other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g.,
on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales
literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally
available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research
reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of
any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or
training materials or other communications distributed or made generally
available to some or all agents or employees, registration statements,
prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and
proxy materials and any other material constituting sales literature or
advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.
4.6. AVIF TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT COVA.
-------------------------------------------------
(a) AVIF will provide to Cova at least one (1) complete copy of all SEC
registration statements, AVIF Prospectuses, reports, any preliminary and final
proxy material, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and
all amendments to any of the above, that relate to AVIF or the Shares of a Fund,
contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other
regulatory authorities.
(b) AVIF will provide to Cova camera ready or computer diskette copies of
all AVIF prospectuses and printed copies, in an amount specified by Cova, of
AVIF statements of additional information, proxy materials, periodic reports to
shareholders and other materials required by law to be sent to Participants who
have allocated any Contract value to a Fund. AVIF will provide such copies to
Cova in a timely manner so as to enable Cova, as the case may be, to print and
distribute such materials within the time required by law to be furnished to
Participants.
(c) AVIF will provide to Cova or its designated agent at least one (1)
complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional material in
which Cova, or any of its respective affiliates is named, or that refers to the
Contracts, at least five (5) Business Days prior to its use or such shorter
period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. No such
material shall be used if Cova or its designated agent objects to such use
within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such material or such shorter
period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. Cova shall
receive all such sales literature until such time as it appoints a designated
agent by giving notice to AVIF in the manner required by Section 9 hereof.
(d) Neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates will give any information or
make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning Cova, each
Account, or the Contracts other than (I) the information or representations
contained in the registration statement, including each Account Prospectus
contained therein, relating to the Contracts, as such registration statement and
Account Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or (ii) in published
reports for the Account or the Contracts that are in the public domain and
approved by Cova for distribution; or (iii) in sales literature or other
promotional material approved by Cova or its affiliates, except with the express
written permission of Cova.
(e) AVIF shall cause its principal underwriter to adopt and implement
procedures reasonably designed to ensure that information concerning Cova, and
its respective affiliates that is intended for use only by brokers or agents
selling the Contracts (i.e., information that is not intended for distribution
to Participants) ("broker only materials") is so used, and neither Cova, nor any
of its respective affiliates shall be liable for any losses, damages or expenses
relating to the improper use of such broker only materials.
(f) For purposes of this Section 4.6, the phrase "sales literature or other
promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements (such as
material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other
periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display,
signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g., on-line
networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales literature
(i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally available to
customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research reports,
market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other
advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or training
materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to
some or all agents or employees, registration statements, prospectuses,
statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and proxy materials
and any other material constituting sales literature or advertising under the
NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.
SECTION 5. MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING
-----------------------------------
5.1. GENERAL.
-------
The SEC has granted an order to AVIF exempting it from certain provisions
of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder so that AVIF may be available for
investment by certain other entities, including, without limitation, separate
accounts funding variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
contracts, separate accounts of insurance companies unaffiliated with Cova, and
trustees of qualified pension and retirement plans (collectively, "Mixed and
Shared Funding"). The Parties recognize that the SEC has imposed terms and
conditions for such orders that are substantially identical to many of the
provisions of this Section 5. Sections 5.2 through 5.8 below shall apply
pursuant to such an exemptive order granted to AVIF. AVIF hereby notifies Cova
that, in the event that AVIF implements Mixed and Shared Funding, it may be
appropriate to include in the prospectus pursuant to which a Contract is offered
disclosure regarding the potential risks of Mixed and Shared Funding.
5.2. DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS.
-----------------------
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors shall at all times consist of
directors a majority of whom (the "Disinterested Directors") are not interested
persons of AVIF within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and the
Rules thereunder and as modified by any applicable orders of the SEC, except
that if this condition is not met by reason of the death, disqualification, or
bona fide resignation of any director, then the operation of this condition
shall be suspended (a) for a period of forty-five (45) days if the vacancy or
vacancies may be filled by the Board; (b) for a period of sixty (60) days if a
vote of shareholders is required to fill the vacancy or vacancies; or (c) for
such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by order upon application.
5.3. MONITORING FOR MATERIAL IRRECONCILABLE CONFLICTS.
------------------------------------------------
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors will monitor for the existence of
any material irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the Participants
in all separate accounts of life insurance companies utilizing AVIF
("Participating Insurance Companies"), including each Account, and participants
in all qualified retirement and pension plans investing in AVIF ("Participating
Plans"). Cova agrees to inform the Board of Directors of AVIF of the existence
of or any potential for any such material irreconcilable conflict of which it is
aware. The concept of a "material irreconcilable conflict" is not defined by the
1940 Act or the rules thereunder, but the Parties recognize that such a conflict
may arise for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation:
(a) an action by any state insurance or other regulatory authority;
(b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance, tax or
securities laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter ruling,
no-action or interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance, tax
or securities regulatory authorities;
(c) an administrative or judicial decision in any relevant proceeding;
(d) the manner in which the investments of any Fund are being managed;
(e) a difference in voting instructions given by variable annuity
contract and variable life insurance contract Participants or by
Participants of different Participating Insurance Companies;
(f) a decision by a Participating Insurance Company to disregard the
voting instructions of Participants; or
(g) a decision by a Participating Plan to disregard the voting
instructions of Plan participants.
Consistent with the SEC's requirements in connection with exemptive orders
of the type referred to in Section 5.1 hereof, Cova will assist the Board of
Directors in carrying out its responsibilities by providing the Board of
Directors with all information reasonably necessary for the Board of Directors
to consider any issue raised, including information as to a decision by Cova to
disregard voting instructions of Participants.
5.4. CONFLICT REMEDIES.
-----------------
(a) It is agreed that if it is determined by a majority of the members of
the Board of Directors or a majority of the Disinterested Directors that a
material irreconcilable conflict exists, Cova will, if it is a Participating
Insurance Company for which a material irreconcilable conflict is relevant, at
its own expense and to the extent reasonably practicable (as determined by a
majority of the Disinterested Directors), take whatever steps are necessary to
remedy or eliminate the material irreconcilable conflict, which steps may
include, but are not limited to:
(i) withdrawing the assets allocable to some or all of the Accounts
from AVIF or any Fund and reinvesting such assets in a different
investment medium, including another Fund of AVIF, or submitting
the question whether such segregation should be implemented to a
vote of all affected Participants and, as appropriate,
segregating the assets of any particular group (e.g., annuity
Participants, life insurance Participants or all Participants)
that votes in favor of such segregation, or offering to the
affected Participants the option of making such a change; and
(ii) establishing a new registered investment company of the type
defined as a "management company" in Section 4(3) of the 1940 Act
or a new separate account that is operated as a management
company.
(b) If the material irreconcilable conflict arises because of Cova's
decision to disregard Participant voting instructions and that decision
represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, Cova may be
required, at AVIF's election, to withdraw each Account's investment in AVIF or
any Fund. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result of such withdrawal.
Any such withdrawal must take place within six (6) months after AVIF gives
notice to Cova that this provision is being implemented, and until such
withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and implement orders by Cova for the
purchase and redemption of Shares of AVIF.
(c) If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular state
insurance regulator's decision applicable to Cova conflicts with the majority of
other state regulators, then Cova will withdraw each Account's investment in
AVIF within six (6) months after AVIF's Board of Directors informs Cova that it
has determined that such decision has created a material irreconcilable
conflict, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and implement
orders by Cova for the purchase and redemption of Shares of AVIF. No charge or
penalty will be imposed as a result of such withdrawal.
(d) Cova agrees that any remedial action taken by it in resolving any
material irreconcilable conflict will be carried out at its expense and with a
view only to the interests of Participants.
(e) For purposes hereof, a majority of the Disinterested Directors will
determine whether or not any proposed action adequately remedies any material
irreconcilable conflict. In no event, however, will AVIF or any of its
affiliates be required to establish a new funding medium for any Contracts. Cova
will not be required by the terms hereof to establish a new funding medium for
any Contracts if an offer to do so has been declined by vote of a majority of
Participants materially adversely affected by the material irreconcilable
conflict.
5.5. NOTICE TO COVA.
--------------
AVIF will promptly make known in writing to Cova the Board of Directors'
determination of the existence of a material irreconcilable conflict, a
description of the facts that give rise to such conflict and the implications of
such conflict.
5.6. INFORMATION REQUESTED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
-------------------------------------------
Cova and AVIF (or its investment adviser) will at least annually submit to
the Board of Directors of AVIF such reports, materials or data as the Board of
Directors may reasonably request so that the Board of Directors may fully carry
out the obligations imposed upon it by the provisions hereof or any exemptive
order granted by the SEC to permit Mixed and Shared Funding, and said reports,
materials and data will be submitted at any reasonable time deemed appropriate
by the Board of Directors. All reports received by the Board of Directors of
potential or existing conflicts, and all Board of Directors actions with regard
to determining the existence of a conflict, notifying Participating Insurance
Companies and Participating Plans of a conflict, and determining whether any
proposed action adequately remedies a conflict, will be properly recorded in the
minutes of the Board of Directors or other appropriate records, and such minutes
or other records will be made available to the SEC upon request.
5.7. COMPLIANCE WITH SEC RULES.
-------------------------
If, at any time during which AVIF is serving as an investment medium for
variable life insurance Contracts, 1940 Act Rules 6e-3(T) or, if applicable,
6e-2 are amended or Rule 6e-3 is adopted to provide exemptive relief with
respect to Mixed and Shared Funding, AVIF agrees that it will comply with the
terms and conditions thereof and that the terms of this Section 5 shall be
deemed modified if and only to the extent required in order also to comply with
the terms and conditions of such exemptive relief that is afforded by any of
said rules that are applicable.
5.8. OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
------------------
AVIF will require that each Participating Insurance Company and
Participating Plan enter into an agreement with AVIF that contains in substance
the same provisions as are set forth in Sections 4.1(b), 4.1(d), 4.3(a), 4.4(b),
4.5(a), 5, and 10 of this Agreement.
SECTION 6. TERMINATION
----------------------
6.1. EVENTS OF TERMINATION.
---------------------
Subject to Section 6.4 below, this Agreement will terminate as to a Fund:
(a) at the option of any party, with or without cause with respect to
the Fund, upon six (6) months advance written notice to the other parties,
or, if later, upon receipt of any required exemptive relief from the SEC,
unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties; or
(b) at the option of AVIF upon institution of formal proceedings
against Cova or its affiliates by the NASD, the SEC, any state insurance
regulator or any other regulatory body regarding Cova's obligations under
this Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of
each Account, or the purchase of Shares, if, in each case, AVIF reasonably
determines that such proceedings, or the facts on which such proceedings
would be based, have a material likelihood of imposing material adverse
consequences on the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be
terminated; or
(c) at the option of Cova upon institution of formal proceedings
against AVIF, its principal underwriter, or its investment adviser by the
NASD, the SEC, or any state insurance regulator or any other regulatory
body regarding AVIF's obligations under this Agreement or related to the
operation or management of AVIF or the purchase of AVIF Shares, if, in each
case, Cova reasonably determines that such proceedings, or the facts on
which such proceedings would be based, have a material likelihood of
imposing material adverse consequences on Cova, or the Subaccount
corresponding to the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be
terminated; or
(d) at the option of any Party in the event that (i) the Fund's Shares
are not registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in
accordance with any applicable federal or state law, or (ii) such law
precludes the use of such Shares as an underlying investment medium of the
Contracts issued or to be issued by Cova; or
(e) upon termination of the corresponding Subaccount's investment in
the Fund pursuant to Section 5 hereof; or
(f) at the option of Cova if the Fund ceases to qualify as a RIC under
Subchapter M of the Code or under successor or similar provisions, or if
Cova reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so qualify; or
(g) at the option of Cova if the Fund fails to comply with Section
817(h) of the Code or with successor or similar provisions, or if Cova
reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so comply; or
(h) at the option of AVIF if the Contracts issued by Cova cease to
qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under the Code
(other than by reason of the Fund's noncompliance with Section 817(h) or
Subchapter M of the Code) or if interests in an Account under the Contracts
are not registered, where required, and, in all material respects, are not
issued or sold in accordance with any applicable federal or state law; or
(i) upon another Party's material breach of any provision of this
Agreement.
6.2. NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR TERMINATION.
----------------------------------
No termination of this Agreement will be effective unless and until the
Party terminating this Agreement gives prior written notice to the other Party
to this Agreement of its intent to terminate, and such notice shall set forth
the basis for such termination. Furthermore:
(a) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(a) or 6.1(e) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given
at least six (6) months in advance of the effective date of termination
unless a shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto;
(b) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(b) or 6.1(c) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given
at least sixty (60) days in advance of the effective date of termination
unless a shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto; and
(c) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof, such prior
written notice shall be given as soon as possible within twenty-four (24)
hours after the terminating Party learns of the event causing termination
to be required.
6.3. FUNDS TO REMAIN AVAILABLE.
-------------------------
Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, AVIF will, at the option
of Cova, continue to make available additional shares of the Fund pursuant to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the
effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as
"Existing Contracts."). Specifically, without limitation, the owners of the
Existing Contracts will be permitted to reallocate investments in the Fund (as
in effect on such date), redeem investments in the Fund and/or invest in the
Fund upon the making of additional purchase payments under the Existing
Contracts. The parties agree that this Section 6.3 will not apply to any
terminations under Section 5 and the effect of such terminations will be
governed by Section 5 of this Agreement.
6.4. SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS.
-------------------------------------------
All warranties and indemnifications will survive the termination of this
Agreement.
6.5. CONTINUANCE OF AGREEMENT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
---------------------------------------------
If any Party terminates this Agreement with respect to any Fund pursuant to
Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof, this
Agreement shall nevertheless continue in effect as to any Shares of that Fund
that are outstanding as of the date of such termination (the "Initial
Termination Date"). This continuation shall extend to the earlier of the date as
of which an Account owns no Shares of the affected Fund or a date (the "Final
Termination Date") nine (9) months following the Initial Termination Date,
except that Cova may, by written notice shorten said nine (9) month period in
the case of a termination pursuant to Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or
6.1(i).
SECTION 7. PARTIES TO COOPERATE RESPECTING TERMINATION
------------------------------------------------------
The Parties hereto agree to cooperate and give reasonable assistance to one
another in taking all necessary and appropriate steps for the purpose of
ensuring that an Account owns no Shares of a Fund after the Final Termination
Date with respect thereto, or, in the case of a termination pursuant to Section
6.1(a), the termination date specified in the notice of termination. Such steps
may include combining the affected Account with another Account, substituting
other mutual fund shares for those of the affected Fund, or otherwise
terminating participation by the Contracts in such Fund.
SECTION 8. ASSIGNMENT
---------------------
This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the written
consent of each other Party.
SECTION 9. NOTICES
------------------
Notices and communications required or permitted by Section 9 hereof will
be given by means mutually acceptable to the Parties concerned. Each other
notice or communication required or permitted by this Agreement will be given to
the following persons at the following addresses and facsimile numbers, or such
other persons, addresses or facsimile numbers as the Party receiving such
notices or communications may subsequently direct in writing:
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
ββ ββββββββ βββββ, βββββ βββ
βββββββ, βββββ βββββ
Facsimile: (βββ) βββ-ββββ
Attn: βββββ β. ββββββ, Esq.
COVA FINANCIAL SERVICES LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
βββ βββββ ββββ
βββββ ββββ
ββββββββ βββββββ, ββ βββββ
Facsimile:
Attn: General Counsel
COVA LIFE SALES COMPANY
βββ βββββ ββββ
βββββ ββββ
ββββββββ βββββββ, ββ βββββ
Facsimile:
Attn: General Counsel
SECTION 10. VOTING PROCEDURES
-----------------------------
Subject to the cost allocation procedures set forth in Section 3 hereof,
Cova will distribute all proxy material furnished by AVIF to Participants to
whom pass-through voting privileges are required to be extended and will solicit
voting instructions from Participants. Cova will vote Shares in accordance with
timely instructions received from Participants. Cova will vote Shares that are
(a) not attributable to Participants to whom pass-through voting privileges are
extended, or (b) attributable to Participants, but for which no timely
instructions have been received, in the same proportion as Shares for which said
instructions have been received from Participants, so long as and to the extent
that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act to require pass through voting
privileges for Participants. Neither Cova nor any of its affiliates will in any
way recommend action in connection with or oppose or interfere with the
solicitation of proxies for the Shares held for such Participants. Cova reserves
the right to vote shares held in any Account in its own right, to the extent
permitted by law. Cova shall be responsible for assuring that each of its
Accounts holding Shares calculates voting privileges in a manner consistent with
that of other Participating Insurance Companies or in the manner required by the
Mixed and Shared Funding exemptive order obtained by AVIF. AVIF will notify Cova
of any changes of interpretations or amendments to Mixed and Shared Funding
exemptive order it has obtained. AVIF will comply with all provisions of the
1940 Act requiring voting by shareholders, and in particular, AVIF either will
provide for annual meetings (except insofar as the SEC may interpret Section 16
of the 1940 Act not to require such meetings) or will comply with Section 16(c)
of the 1940 Act (although AVIF is not one of the trusts described in Section
16(c) of that Act) as well as with Sections 16(a) and, if and when applicable,
16(b). Further, AVIF will act in accordance with the SEC's interpretation of the
requirements of Section 16(a) with respect to periodic elections of directors
and with whatever rules the SEC may promulgate with respect thereto.
SECTION 11. FOREIGN TAX CREDITS
-------------------------------
AVIF agrees to consult in advance with Cova concerning any decision to
elect or not to elect pursuant to Section 853 of the Code to pass through the
benefit of any foreign tax credits to its shareholders.
SECTION 12. INDEMNIFICATION
---------------------------
12.1 OF AVIF AND AIM BY COVA AND COVA SALES.
--------------------------------------
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.1(b) and 12.1(c), below,
Cova and Cova Sales agree to indemnify and hold harmless AVIF, its affiliates
(including AIM), and each person, if any, who controls AVIF or its affiliates
within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their respective
directors and officers, (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of
this Section 12.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities
(including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of Cova and Cova
Sales) or actions in respect thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal
and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under
any statute, regulation, at common law or otherwise; provided, the Account owns
shares of the Fund and insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
actions:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Account's
1933 Act registration statement, any Account Prospectus, the
Contracts, or sales literature or advertising for the Contracts
(or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or
arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; provided, that this agreement to indemnify shall not
apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission
or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon
and in conformity with information furnished to Cova or Cova
Sales by or on behalf of AVIF for use in any Account's 1933 Act
registration statement, any Account Prospectus, the Contracts, or
sales literature or advertising or otherwise for use in
connection with the sale of Contracts or Shares (or any amendment
or supplement to any of the foregoing); or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of any other statements or
representations (other than statements or representations
contained in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF
Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of AVIF, or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, not supplied for
use therein by or on behalf of Cova, Cova Sales or their
respective affiliates and on which such persons have reasonably
relied) or the negligent, illegal or fraudulent conduct of Cova,
Cova Sales or their respective affiliates or persons under their
control (including, without limitation, their employees and
"Associated Persons," as that term is defined in paragraph (m) of
Article I of the NASD's By-Laws), in connection with the sale or
distribution of the Contracts or Shares; or
(iii)arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of any material fact contained in AVIF's 1933
Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales literature or
advertising of AVIF, or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or
omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to AVIF or its affiliates by or on behalf
of Cova, Cova Sales or their respective affiliates for use in
AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales
literature or advertising of AVIF, or any amendment or supplement
to any of the foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by Cova or Cova Sales to perform
the obligations, provide the services and furnish the materials
required of them under the terms of this Agreement, or any
material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by
Cova or Cova Sales in this Agreement or arise out of or result
from any other material breach of this Agreement by Cova or Cova
Sales; or
(v) arise as a result of failure by the Contracts issued by Cova to
qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under
the Code, otherwise than by reason of any Fund's failure to
comply with Subchapter M or Section 817(h) of the Code.
(b) Neither Cova nor Cova Sales shall be liable under this Section 12.1
with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to which an
Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that Indemnified Party of
its duties or by reason of that Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of
obligations or duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to AVIF.
(c) Neither Cova nor Cova Sales shall be liable under this Section 12.1
with respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless AVIF shall have
notified Cova and Cova Sales in writing within a reasonable time after the
summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the
action shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such
Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated
agent), but failure to notify Cova and Cova Sales of any such action shall not
relieve Cova and Cova Sales from any liability which they may have to the
Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account
of this Section 12.1. Except as otherwise provided herein, in case any such
action is brought against an Indemnified Party, Cova and Cova Sales shall be
entitled to participate, at their own expense, in the defense of such action and
also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel approved by
the Indemnified Party named in the action, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld. After notice from Cova or Cova Sales to such Indemnified
Party of Cova's or Cova Sales's election to assume the defense thereof, the
Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with Cova and Cova Sales and shall bear
the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and neither Cova
nor Cova Sales will be liable to such Indemnified Party under this Agreement for
any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party
independently in connection with the defense thereof, other than reasonable
costs of investigation.
12.2 OF COVA AND COVA SALES BY AVIF AND AIM.
--------------------------------------
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 4.1(c),12.2(c), 12.2(d) and
12.2(e), below, AVIF and AIM agree to indemnify and hold harmless Cova, Cova
Sales, their respective affiliates, and each person, if any, who controls Cova,
Cova Sales or their respective affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 of
the 1933 Act and each of their respective directors and officers, (collectively,
the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 12.2) against any and all
losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with
the written consent of AVIF and/or AIM) or actions in respect thereof
(including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other expenses), to which the
Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute, regulation, at common
law, or otherwise; provided, insofar as such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or actions are related to the sale or acquisition of AVIF's shares
and:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of any material fact contained in AVIF's 1933
Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus or sales literature
or advertising of AVIF (or any amendment or supplement to any of
the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or
the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; provided, that this agreement to indemnify shall not
apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission
or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon
and in conformity with information furnished to AVIF or its
affiliates by or on behalf of Cova, Cova Sales or their
respective affiliates for use in AVIF's 1933 Act registration
statement, AVIF Prospectus, or in sales literature or advertising
or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of Contracts or
Shares (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing);
or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of any other statements or
representations (other than statements or representations
contained in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any
Account Prospectus, sales literature or advertising for the
Contracts, or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing, not supplied for use therein by or on behalf of AVIF
or AIM or their respective affiliates and on which such persons
have reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or fraudulent
conduct of AVIF or AIM or their respective affiliates or persons
under their control (including, without limitation, their
employees and "Associated Persons" as that Term is defined in
Section (q) of Article 1 of the NASD By-Laws), in connection with
the sale or distribution of AVIF Shares; or
(iii)arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Account's
1933 Act registration statement, any Account Prospectus, sales
literature or advertising covering the Contracts, or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, or the omission
or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance
upon and in conformity with information furnished to Cova, Cova
Sales or their respective affiliates by or on behalf of AVIF or
AIM for use in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any
Account Prospectus, sales literature or advertising covering the
Contracts, or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by AVIF to perform the
obligations, provide the services and furnish the materials
required of it under the terms of this Agreement, or any material
breach of any representation and/or warranty made by AVIF in this
Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material
breach of this Agreement by AVIF.
(b) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and 12.2(e)
hereof, AVIF and AIM agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified
Parties from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities
(including amounts paid in settlement thereof with, the written consent of AVIF)
or actions in respect thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal and
other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject directly or
indirectly under any statute, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions directly or indirectly result
from or arise out of the failure of any Fund to operate as a regulated
investment company in compliance with (i) Subchapter M of the Code and
regulations thereunder, or (ii) Section 817(h) of the Code and regulations
thereunder, including, without limitation, any income taxes and related
penalties, rescission charges, liability under state law to Participants
asserting liability against Cova pursuant to the Contracts, the costs of any
ruling and closing agreement or other settlement with the IRS, and the cost of
any substitution by Cova of Shares of another investment company or portfolio
for those of any adversely affected Fund as a funding medium for each Account
that Cova reasonably deems necessary or appropriate as a result of the
noncompliance.
(c) Neither AVIF nor AIM shall be liable under this Section 12.2 with
respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to which an
Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that Indemnified Party of
its duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to Cova, Cova Sales,
each Account or Participants.
(d) Neither AVIF nor AIM shall be liable under this Section 12.2 with
respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless the Indemnified Party
shall have notified AVIF and/or AIM in writing within a reasonable time after
the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the
action shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such
Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated
agent), but failure to notify AVIF or AIM of any such action shall not relieve
AVIF or AIM from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party
against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this Section
12.2. Except as otherwise provided herein, in case any such action is brought
against an Indemnified Party, AVIF and/or AIM will be entitled to participate,
at its own expense, in the defense of such action and also shall be entitled to
assume the defense thereof (which shall include, without limitation, the conduct
of any ruling request and closing agreement or other settlement proceeding with
the IRS), with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party named in the action,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After notice from AVIF and/or
AIM to such Indemnified Party of AVIF's and/or AIM's election to assume the
defense thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with AVIF and AIM
and shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it,
and neither AVIF nor AIM will be liable to such Indemnified Party under this
Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such
Indemnified Party independently in connection with the defense thereof, other
than reasonable costs of investigation.
(e) In no event shall AVIF or AIM be liable under the indemnification
provisions contained in this Agreement to any individual or entity, including,
without limitation, Cova, Cova Sales or any other Participating Insurance
Company or any Participant, with respect to any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses that arise out of or result from (i) a breach of any
representation, warranty, and/or covenant made by Cova or Cova Sales hereunder
or by any Participating Insurance Company under an agreement containing
substantially similar representations, warranties and covenants; (ii) the
failure by Cova or any Participating Insurance Company to maintain its
segregated asset account (which invests in any Fund) as a legally and validly
established segregated asset account under applicable state law and as a duly
registered unit investment trust under the provisions of the 1940 Act (unless
exempt therefrom); or (iii) the failure by Cova or any Participating Insurance
Company to maintain its variable annuity or life insurance contracts (with
respect to which any Fund serves as an underlying funding vehicle) as annuity
contracts or life insurance contracts under applicable provisions of the Code.
12.3 EFFECT OF NOTICE.
----------------
Any notice given by the indemnifying Party to an Indemnified Party referred
to in Sections 12.1(c) or 12.2(d) above of participation in or control of any
action by the indemnifying Party will in no event be deemed to be an admission
by the indemnifying Party of liability, culpability or responsibility, and the
indemnifying Party will remain free to contest liability with respect to the
claim among the Parties or otherwise.
12.4 SUCCESSORS.
----------
A successor by law of any Party shall be entitled to the benefits of the
indemnification contained in this Section 12.
SECTION 13. APPLICABLE LAW
--------------------------
This Agreement will be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted
under and in accordance with Maryland law, without regard for that state's
principles of conflict of laws.
SECTION 14. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS
-------------------------------------
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts,
each of which taken together will constitute one and the same instrument.
SECTION 15. SEVERABILITY
------------------------
If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not
be affected thereby.
SECTION 16. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE
-----------------------------
The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are
cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies and obligations,
at law or in equity, that the Parties are entitled to under federal and state
laws.
SECTION 17. HEADINGS
--------------------
The Table of Contents and headings used in this Agreement are for purposes
of reference only and shall not limit or define the meaning of the provisions of
this Agreement.
SECTION 18. CONFIDENTIALITY
---------------------------
AVIF acknowledges that the identities of the customers of Cova or any of
its affiliates (collectively, the "Cova Protected Parties" for purposes of this
Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers, and all computer
programs and procedures or other information developed by the Cova Protected
Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection with Cova's
performance of its duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the
Cova Protected Parties. AVIF agrees that if it comes into possession of any list
or compilation of the identities of or other information about the Cova
Protected Parties' customers, or any other information or property of the Cova
Protected Parties, other than such information as may be independently developed
or compiled by AVIF from information supplied to it by the Cova Protected
Parties' customers who also maintain accounts directly with AVIF, AVIF will hold
such information or property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or
distributing any of such information or other property except: (a) with Cova's
prior written consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. Cova
acknowledges that the identities of the customers of AVIF or any of its
affiliates (collectively the "AVIF Protected Parties" for purposes of this
Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers, and all computer
programs and procedures or other information developed by the AVIF Protected
Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection with AVIF's
performance of its duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the
AVIF Protected Parties. Cova agrees that if it comes into possession of any list
or compilation of the identities of or other information about the AVIF
Protected Parties' customers or any other information or property of the AVIF
Protected Parties, other than such information as may be independently developed
or compiled by Cova from information supplied to it by the AVIF Protected
Parties' customers who also maintain accounts directly with Cova, Cova will hold
such information or property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or
distributing any of such information or other property except: (a) with AVIF's
prior written consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. Each party
acknowledges that any breach of the agreements in this Section 18 would result
in immediate and irreparable harm to the other parties for which there would be
no adequate remedy at law and agree that in the event of such a breach, the
other parties will be entitled to equitable relief by way of temporary and
permanent injunctions, as well as such other relief as any court of competent
jurisdiction deems appropriate.
SECTION 19. PARTIES TO COOPERATE
--------------------------------
Each party to this Agreement will cooperate with each other party and all
appropriate governmental authorities (including, without limitation, the SEC,
the NASD and state insurance regulators) and will permit each other and such
authorities reasonable access to its books and records (including copies
thereof) in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 20. AMENDMENTS
----------------------
No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified in any manner
except by a written agreement executed by all parties hereto.
SECTION 21. ASSIGNMENT
----------------------
This Agreement may not be assigned without the prior written consent of all
parties hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers
signing below.
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
Attest: ________________________ By: ______________________________________
βββββ β. ββββββ Name: ββββββ β. ββββββ
Assistant Secretary Title: President
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Attest: ________________________ By: ______________________________________
Name: ________________________ Name: ______________________________________
Title: ________________________ Title:______________________________________
COVA FINANCIAL SERVICES LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, on behalf of itself and its
separate accounts
Attest: ________________________ By: ____________________________
Name: ________________________ Name: ____________________________
Title: ________________________ Title: ____________________________
COVA LIFE SALES COMPANY
Attest: ________________________ By: ____________________________
Name: ________________________ Name: ____________________________
Title: ________________________ Title: ____________________________
SCHEDULE A
FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTS
-----------------------------------
* AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund
AIM V.I. International Equity Fund
AIM V.I. Value Fund
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS UTILIZING THE FUNDS
-------------------------------------
* Cova Variable Annuity Account One
CONTRACTS FUNDED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
-----------------------------------------
* ββββββββ ββββ # ββ-βββ
* ββββββββ ββββ # ββ-βββ
* ββββββββ ββββ # ββ-βββ
* Contract Form # CL-617
