TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
-------------------------
EXHIBIT 23(h)(1)
AGREEMENT made this _____ day of _______________, 2000, between ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
MULTISTOCK FUNDS (the "Company"), a Massachusetts business trust having its
principal place of business at ___________________________________, and BISYS
FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC. ("BISYS"), an Ohio corporation having its principal
place of business at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇.
WHEREAS, the Company desires that BISYS perform certain services for each
series of the Company (individually referred to herein as a "Fund" and
collectively as the "Funds"); and
WHEREAS, BISYS is willing to perform such services on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants
herein set forth, the parties agree as follows:
1. Services.
--------
BISYS shall perform for the Company the transfer agent services set
forth in Schedule A hereto. BISYS also agrees to perform for the Company such
special services incidental to the performance of the services enumerated herein
as agreed to by the parties from time to time. BISYS shall perform such
additional services as are provided on an amendment to Schedule A hereof, in
consideration of such fees as the parties hereto may agree.
BISYS may, in its discretion, appoint in writing other parties
qualified to perform transfer agency services reasonably acceptable to the
Company (individually, a "Sub-transfer Agent") to carry out some or all of its
responsibilities under this Agreement with respect to a Fund; provided, however,
that the Sub-transfer Agent shall be the agent of BISYS and not the agent of the
Company or such Fund, and that BISYS shall be fully responsible for the acts of
such Sub-transfer Agent and shall not be relieved of any of its responsibilities
hereunder by the appointment of such Sub-transfer Agent.
2. Fees.
-----
The Company shall pay BISYS for the services to be provided by BISYS
under this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the
Omnibus Fee Agreement between the Company and BISYS dated as of ____________,
2000 (the "Fee Agreement"). Fees for any additional services to be provided by
BISYS pursuant to an amendment to Schedule A hereto shall be subject to mutual
agreement at the time such amendment to Schedule A is proposed.
3. Reimbursement of Expenses.
--------------------------
In addition to paying BISYS the fees set forth in the Fee Agreement,
the Company agrees to reimburse BISYS for BISYS' out-of-pocket expenses in
providing services hereunder, including without limitation, the following:
(a) All freight and other delivery and bonding charges incurred by
BISYS in delivering materials to and from the Company and in
delivering all materials to shareholders;
(b) All direct telephone, telephone transmission and telecopy or
other electronic transmission expenses incurred by BISYS in
communication with the Company, the Company's investment adviser
or custodian, dealers, shareholders or others as required for
BISYS to perform the services to be provided hereunder;
(c) Costs of postage, couriers, stock computer paper, statements,
labels, envelopes, checks, reports, letters, tax forms, proxies,
notices or other forms of printed material which shall be
required by BISYS for the performance of the services to be
provided hereunder;
(d) Sales taxes paid on behalf of the Trust;
(e) Expenses associated with the tracking of "as-of" trades;
(f) The cost of microfilm or microfiche of records or other
materials;
(g) All systems-related expenses associated with the provision of
special reports and services pursuant to Item 8 of Schedule B
attached hereto; and
(h) Any expenses BISYS shall incur at the written direction of an
officer of the Company thereunto duly authorized.
4. Effective Date.
---------------
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written
above (the "Effective Date").
5. Term.
-----
This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to a Fund, unless
earlier terminated by either party hereto as provided hereunder, until
________________, 2002 (the
2
"Initial Term"). Thereafter, unless otherwise terminated as provided herein,
this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for successive one year periods
("Rollover Periods"). This Agreement may be terminated without penalty (i) by
provision of a notice of nonrenewal in the manner set forth below, (ii) by
mutual agreement of the parties or (iii) for "cause," as defined below, upon the
provision of sixty (60) days advance written notice by the party alleging cause.
Written notice of nonrenewal must be provided within sixty (60) days of the end
of the Initial Term or any Rollover Period, as the case may be.
For purposes of this Agreement, "cause" shall mean (a) a material breach of
this Agreement that has not been remedied for thirty (30) days following written
notice of such breach from the non-breaching party; (b) a final, unappealable
judicial, regulatory or administrative ruling or order in which the party to be
terminated has been found guilty of criminal or unethical behavior in the
conduct of its business; or (c) financial difficulties on the part of the party
to be terminated which are evidenced by the authorization or commencement of, or
involvement by way of pleading, answer, consent or acquiescence in, a voluntary
or involuntary case under Title 11 of the United States Code, as from time to
time is in effect, or any applicable law, other than said Title 11, of any
jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or reorganization of debtors or to the
modification or alteration of the rights of creditors; (d) any failure on the
part of the Company to collect from the investment adviser any payment or
reimbursement that is due and payable by the investment adviser to the Company
(including an amount due the Company that directly or indirectly represents
amounts payable to BISYS in its capacity as Transfer Agent to the Company)
within sixty (60) days following the due date; or (e) any failure on the part of
the Company to pay an amount that is due and payable to BISYS or any of its
affiliates under any other agreement to which the Company is a party within
sixty (60) days following the due date. For purposes of this definition of
"cause," a material breach shall include, but not be limited to, any failure on
the part of the Company to pay fees due and payable to BISYS pursuant to
Sections 2 and 3 hereunder within sixty (60) days following the due date.
After such termination, for so long as BISYS, with the written consent of
the Company, in fact continues to perform any one or more of the services
contemplated by this Agreement or any Schedule or exhibit hereto, the provisions
of this Agreement, including without limitation the provisions dealing with
indemnification, shall continue in full force and effect. Fees and out-of-
pocket expenses incurred by BISYS but unpaid by the Company upon such
termination shall be immediately due and payable upon and notwithstanding such
termination. BISYS shall be entitled to collect from the Company, in addition
to the fees and disbursements provided by Sections 2 and 3 hereof, the amount of
all of BISYS' cash disbursements in connection with BISYS' activities in
effecting such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the
Company and/or its distributor or investment adviser and/or other parties, of
the Company's property, records, instruments and documents.
If, for any reason other than nonrenewal, mutual agreement of the parties
or "cause," as defined above, BISYS is replaced as transfer agent, or if a third
party is added to perform all or a part of the services provided by BISYS under
this Agreement (excluding any Sub-transfer Agent appointed by BISYS as provided
in Section 1 hereof), then the Company
3
shall make a one-time cash payment, in consideration of the fee structure and
services to be provided under this Agreement, and not as a penalty, to BISYS
equal to the balance due BISYS for the remainder of the then-current term of
this Agreement, assuming for purposes of calculation of the payment that such
balance shall be based upon the average number of Company shareholder accounts
for the twelve months prior to the date BISYS is replaced or a third party is
added.
In the event the Company is merged into another legal entity in part
or in whole pursuant to any form of business reorganization or is liquidated in
part or in whole prior to the expiration of the then-current term of this
Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that the liquidated damages
provision set forth above shall be applicable in those instances in which BISYS
is not retained to provide transfer agency services consistent with this
Agreement, including the level of assets subject to such services. The one-time
cash payment referenced above shall be due and payable on the day prior to the
first day in which BISYS is replaced or a third party is added.
The parties further acknowledge and agree that, in the event BISYS is
replaced, or a third party is added, as set forth above, (i) a determination of
actual damages incurred by BISYS would be extremely difficult, and (ii) the
liquidated damages provision contained herein is intended to adequately
compensate BISYS for damages incurred and is not intended to constitute any form
of penalty.
6. Uncontrollable Events.
----------------------
BISYS assumes no responsibility hereunder, and shall not be liable for
any damage, loss of data, delay or any other loss whatsoever caused by events
beyond its reasonable control.
7. Legal Advice.
-------------
BISYS shall notify the Company at any time BISYS believes that it is
in need of the advice of counsel (other than counsel in the regular employ of
BISYS or any affiliated companies) with regard to BISYS' responsibilities and
duties pursuant to this Agreement; and after so notifying the Company, BISYS, at
its discretion, shall be entitled to seek, receive and act upon advice of legal
counsel of its choosing, such advice to be at the expense of the Company or
Funds unless relating to a matter involving BISYS' willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard with respect to BISYS'
responsibilities and duties hereunder and BISYS shall in no event be liable to
the Company or any Fund or any shareholder or beneficial owner of the Company
for any action reasonably taken pursuant to such advice.
8. Instructions.
-------------
Whenever BISYS is requested or authorized to take action hereunder
pursuant to instructions from a shareholder, or a properly authorized agent of a
shareholder ("shareholder's
4
agent"), concerning an account in a Fund, BISYS shall be entitled to rely upon
any certificate, letter or other instrument or communication, believed by BISYS
to be genuine and to have been properly made, signed or authorized by an officer
or other authorized agent of the Company or by the shareholder or shareholder's
agent, as the case may be, and shall be entitled to receive as conclusive proof
of any fact or matter required to be ascertained by it hereunder a certificate
signed by an officer of the Company or any other person authorized by the
Company's Board of Trustees/Directors (hereafter referred to as the "Directors")
or by the shareholder or shareholder's agent, as the case may be.
As to the services to be provided hereunder, BISYS may rely
conclusively upon the terms of the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional
Information of the Company relating to the Funds to the extent that such
services are described therein unless BISYS receives written instructions to the
contrary in a timely manner from the Company.
9. Standard of Care; Reliance on Records and Instructions;
-------------------------------------------------------
Indemnification.
----------------
BISYS shall use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of all
services performed under this Agreement, but shall not be liable to the Company
for any action taken or omitted by BISYS in the absence of bad faith, willful
misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and
duties. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BISYS, its employees,
agents, directors, officers and nominees from and against any and all claims,
demands, actions and suits, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and
against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges,
counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character arising out of or
in any way relating to BISYS' actions taken or nonactions with respect to the
performance of services under this Agreement or based, if applicable, upon
reasonable reliance on information, records, instructions or requests given or
made to BISYS by the Company, the investment adviser and on any records provided
by any fund accountant or custodian thereof; provided that this indemnification
shall not apply to actions or omissions of BISYS in cases of its own bad faith,
willful misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its
obligations and duties; and further provided that prior to confessing any claim
against it which may be the subject of this indemnification, BISYS shall give
the Company written notice of and reasonable opportunity to defend against said
claim in its own name or in the name of BISYS.
10. Record Retention and Confidentiality.
-------------------------------------
BISYS shall keep and maintain on behalf of the Company all books and
records which the Company or BISYS is, or may be, required to keep and maintain
pursuant to any applicable statutes, rules and regulations, including without
limitation Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), relating to the maintenance of books and records in
connection with the services to be provided hereunder. BISYS further agrees
that all such books and records shall be the property of the Company and to make
such books and records available for inspection by the Company or by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") at reasonable times and
otherwise to keep
5
confidential all books and records and other information relative to the Company
and its shareholders, except when requested to divulge such information by duly-
constituted authorities or court process, or requested by a shareholder or
shareholder's agent with respect to information concerning an account as to
which such shareholder has either a legal or beneficial interest or when
requested by the Company, the shareholder, or shareholder's agent, or the dealer
of record as to such account.
11. Reports.
--------
BISYS will furnish to the Company and to its properly-authorized
auditors, investment advisers, examiners, distributors, dealers, underwriters,
salesmen, insurance companies and others designated by the Company in writing,
such reports at such times as are prescribed in Schedule B attached hereto, or
as subsequently agreed upon by the parties pursuant to an amendment to Schedule
B. The Company agrees to examine each such report or copy promptly and will
report or cause to be reported any errors or discrepancies therein.
12. Rights of Ownership.
--------------------
All computer programs and procedures developed to perform services
required to be provided by BISYS under this Agreement are the property of BISYS.
All records and other data except such computer programs and procedures are the
exclusive property of the Company and all such other records and data will be
furnished to the Company in appropriate form as soon as practicable after
termination of this Agreement for any reason.
13. Return of Records.
------------------
BISYS may at its option at any time, and shall promptly upon the
Company's demand, turn over to the Company and cease to retain BISYS' files,
records and documents created and maintained by BISYS pursuant to this Agreement
which are no longer needed by BISYS in the performance of its services or for
its legal protection. If not so turned over to the Company, such documents and
records will be retained by BISYS for six years from the year of creation. At
the end of such six-year period, such records and documents will be turned over
to the Company unless the Company authorizes in writing the destruction of such
records and documents.
14. Bank Accounts.
--------------
The Company and the Funds shall establish and maintain such bank
accounts with such bank or banks as are selected by the Company, as are
necessary in order that BISYS may perform the services required to be performed
hereunder. To the extent that the performance of such services shall require
BISYS directly to disburse amounts for payment of dividends, redemption proceeds
or other purposes, the Company and Funds shall provide such bank or banks with
all instructions and authorizations necessary for BISYS to effect such
disbursements.
6
15. Representations of the Company.
-------------------------------
The Company certifies to BISYS that: (a) as of the close of business
on the Effective Date, each Fund which is in existence as of the Effective Date
has authorized unlimited shares, and (b) by virtue of its Declaration of Trust
or Articles of Incorporation, shares of each Fund which are redeemed by the
Company may be sold by the Company from its treasury, and (c) this Agreement has
been duly authorized by the Company and, when executed and delivered by the
Company, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
16. Representations of BISYS.
-------------------------
BISYS represents and warrants that: (a) BISYS has been in, and shall
continue to be in, substantial compliance with all provisions of law, including
Section 17A(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), required in connection with the performance of its duties under this
Agreement; and (b) the various procedures and systems which BISYS has
implemented with regard to safekeeping from loss or damage attributable to fire,
theft or any other cause of the blank checks, records, and other data of the
Company and BISYS' records, data, equipment, facilities and other property used
in the performance of its obligations hereunder are adequate and that it will
make such changes therein from time to time as are required for the secure
performance of its obligations hereunder.
17. Insurance.
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The Company shall maintain a fidelity bond covering larceny and
embezzlement and an insurance policy with respect to directors and officers
errors and omissions coverage in amounts that are appropriate in light of its
duties and responsibilities hereunder. BISYS shall notify the Company should
its insurance coverage with respect to professional liability or errors and
omissions coverage be canceled or reduced. Such notification shall include the
date of change and the reasons therefor. BISYS shall notify the Company of any
material claims against it with respect to services performed under this
Agreement, whether or not they may be covered by insurance, and shall notify the
Company from time to time as may be appropriate of the total outstanding claims
made by BISYS under its insurance coverage.
18. Information to be Furnished by the Company and Funds.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Company has furnished to BISYS the following:
7
(a) Copies of the Declaration of Trust or Articles of Incorporation
of the Company and of any amendments thereto, certified by the
proper official of the state in which such Declaration or
Articles has been filed.
(b) Copies of the following documents:
1. The Company's Bylaws and any amendments thereto;
2. Certified copies of resolutions of the Directors Board of
Directors covering the following matters:
A. Approval of this Agreement and authorization of a
specified officer of the Company to execute and deliver
this Agreement and authorization for specified officers
of the Company to instruct BISYS hereunder; and
B. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent for the
Company on behalf of the Funds.
(c) A list of all officers of the Company, together with specimen
signatures of those officers, who are authorized to instruct
BISYS in all matters.
(d) Two copies of the following (if such documents are employed by
the Company):
1. Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information;
2. Distribution Agreement; and
3. All other forms commonly used by the Company or its
Distributor with regard to their relationships and
transactions with shareholders of the Funds.
(e) A certificate as to shares of beneficial interest or common stock
of the Company authorized, issued, and outstanding as of the
Effective Date of BISYS' appointment as Transfer Agent (or as of
the date on which BISYS' services are commenced, whichever is the
later date) and as to receipt of full consideration by the
Company for all shares outstanding, such statement to be
certified by the Treasurer of the Company.
19. Information Furnished by BISYS.
-------------------------------
BISYS has furnished to the Company the following:
8
(a) BISYS' Articles of Incorporation.
(b) BISYS' Bylaws and any amendments thereto.
(c) Certified copies of actions of BISYS covering the following
matters:
1. Approval of this Agreement, and authorization of a
specified officer of BISYS to execute and deliver this
Agreement;
2. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent for the
Company.
(d) A copy of the most recent report describing control
structure policies and procedures relating to transfer
agency operations pursuant to AICPA Statement on Auditing
Standards Number 70.
20. Amendments to Documents.
------------------------
The Company shall furnish BISYS written copies of any amendments
to, or changes in, any of the items referred to in Section 18 hereof forthwith
upon such amendments or changes becoming effective. In addition, the Company
agrees that no amendments will be made to the Prospectuses or Statement of
Additional Information of the Company which might have the effect of changing
the procedures employed by BISYS in providing the services agreed to hereunder
or which amendment might affect the duties of BISYS hereunder unless the Company
first obtains BISYS' approval of such amendments or changes.
21. Reliance on Amendments.
-----------------------
BISYS may rely on any amendments to or changes in any of the
documents and other items to be provided by the Company pursuant to Sections 18
and 20 of this Agreement and the Company hereby indemnifies and holds harmless
BISYS from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments,
liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and other expenses of
every nature and character which may result from actions or omissions on the
part of BISYS in reasonable reliance upon such amendments and/or changes.
Although BISYS is authorized to rely on the above-mentioned amendments to and
changes in the documents and other items to be provided pursuant to Sections 18
and 20 hereof, BISYS shall be under no duty to comply with or take any action as
a result of any of such amendments or changes unless the Company first obtains
BISYS' written consent to and approval of such amendments or changes.
22. Compliance with Law.
--------------------
Except for the obligations of BISYS set forth in Section 10
hereof, the Company assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents,
and distribution of each prospectus of the Company as to compliance with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
9
amended (the "1933 Act"), the 1940 Act, and any other laws, rules and
regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction. BISYS shall have no
obligation to take cognizance of any laws relating to the sale of the Company's
shares. The Company represents and warrants that no shares of the Company will
be offered to the public until the Company's registration statement under the
1933 Act and the 1940 Act has been declared or becomes effective.
23. Notices.
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Any notice provided hereunder shall be sufficiently given when
sent by registered or certified mail to the party required to be served with
such notice at the following address: if to the Company, to it at
_____________________________, Attn: ______________________, if to BISYS, to it
at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Attn: President, or at such other
address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the other
party pursuant to this Section.
24. Headings.
---------
Paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience
only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
25. Assignment.
----------
This Agreement and the rights and duties hereunder shall not be
assignable by either of the parties hereto except by the specific written
consent of the other party. This Section 25 shall not limit or in any way
affect BISYS' right to appoint a Sub-transfer Agent pursuant to Section 1
hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit
of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
26. Governing Law.
--------------
This Agreement shall be governed by and provisions shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ MULTISTOCK FUNDS
By: _______________________________
Title: ____________________________
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
10
By:________________________________
Title:_____________________________
11
SCHEDULE A
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TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ MULTISTOCK FUNDS
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
------------------------
1. Shareholder Transactions
------------------------
a. Process shareholder purchase and redemption orders.
b. Set up account information, including address, dividend option,
taxpayer identification numbers and wire instructions.
c. Issue confirmations in compliance with Rule 10b-10 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
d. Issue periodic statements for shareholders.
e. Process transfers and exchanges.
f. Process dividend payments, including the purchase of new shares,
through dividend reimbursement.
2. Shareholder Information Services
--------------------------------
a. Make information available to shareholder servicing unit and other
remote access units regarding trade date, share price, current
holdings, yields, and dividend information.
b. Produce detailed history of transactions through duplicate or special
order statements upon request.
c. Provide mailing labels for distribution of financial reports,
prospectuses, proxy statements or marketing material to current
shareholders.
3. Compliance Reporting
--------------------
a. Provide reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
National Association of Securities Dealers and the States in which the
Fund is registered.
b. Prepare and distribute appropriate Internal Revenue Service forms for
corresponding Fund and shareholder income and capital gains.
c. Issue tax withholding reports to the Internal Revenue Service.
4. Dealer/Load Processing (if applicable)
--------------------------------------
a. Provide reports for tracking rights of accumulation and purchases made
under a Letter of Intent.
b. Account for separation of shareholder investments from transaction
sale charges for purchase of Fund shares.
c. Calculate fees due under 12b-1 plans for distribution and marketing
expenses.
d. Track sales and commission statistics by dealer and provide for
payment of commissions on direct shareholder purchases in a load Fund.
5. Shareholder Account Maintenance
-------------------------------
a. Maintain all shareholder records for each account in the Company.
b. Issue customer statements on scheduled cycle, providing duplicate
second and third party copies if required.
c. Record shareholder account information changes.
d. Maintain account documentation files for each shareholder.
SCHEDULE B
----------
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ MULTISTOCK FUNDS
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
REPORTS
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1. Daily Shareholder Activity Journal
2. Daily Fund Activity Summary Report
a. Beginning Balance
b. Dealer Transactions
c. Shareholder Transactions
d. Reinvested Dividends
e. Exchanges
f. Adjustments
g. Ending Balance
3. Daily Wire and Check Registers
4. Monthly Dealer Processing Reports
5. Monthly Dividend Reports
6. Sales Data Reports for Blue Sky Registration
7. A copy of the most recent report describing control structure policies and
procedures relating to transfer agency operations pursuant to AICPA
Statement on Auditing Standards Number 70
8. Such special reports and additional information that the parties may agree
upon, from time to time.