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EXHIBIT (8)(c)
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CUSTODY AGREEMENT
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THIS AGREEMENT, is made as of August 20, 1996, by and between The
Sessions Group, a business trust organized under the laws of the State of Ohio
(the "Trust"), and THE FIFTH THIRD BANK, a banking company organized under the
laws of the State of Ohio (the "Custodian").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that the Securities and cash of each of the
investment portfolios and any additional portfolios of the Trust, as each are or
will be identified in Exhibit A hereto (such current investment portfolios and
any additional portfolios individually referred to herein as a "Fund" and
collectively as the "Funds"), be held and administered by the Custodian pursuant
to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Custodian represents that it is a bank having the
qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(i) of the 1940 Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein made,
the Trust and the Custodian hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
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DEFINITIONS
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Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases,
unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "AUTHORIZED PERSON" means any Officer or other person duly
authorized by resolution of the Board of Trustees to give Oral Instructions and
Written Instructions on behalf of the Trust and named in Exhibit B hereto or in
such resolutions of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, as may be
received by the Custodian from time to time.
1.2 "BOARD OF TRUSTEES" shall mean the Trustees from time to time
serving under the Trust's Declaration of Trust, dated April 25, 1988, as from
time to time amended.
1.3 "BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM" shall mean a federal book-entry system as
provided in Subpart O of Treasury Circular ▇▇. ▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇ 306, in Subpart B of
31 CFR Part 350, or in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are
substantially in the form of such Subpart O.
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1.4 "BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day recognized as a settlement day by The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Fund computes the
net asset value of the Fund.
1.5 "NASD" shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
1.6 "OFFICER" shall mean the President, any Vice President, the Secretary,
any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or any Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
1.7 "ORAL INSTRUCTIONS" shall mean instructions orally transmitted to and
accepted by the Custodian because such instructions are: (i) reasonably believed
by the Custodian to have been given by an Authorized Person, (ii) recorded and
kept among the records of the Custodian made in the ordinary course of business
and (iii) orally confirmed by the Custodian. The Trust shall cause all Oral
Instructions to be confirmed by Written Instructions. If such Written
Instructions confirming Oral Instructions are not received by the Custodian
prior to a transaction, it shall in no way affect the validity of the
transaction or the authorization thereof by the Trust. If Oral Instructions vary
from the Written Instructions which purport to confirm them, the Custodian shall
notify the Trust of such variance but such Oral Instructions will govern unless
the Custodian has not yet acted.
1.8 "CUSTODY ACCOUNT" shall mean any account in the name of the Trust,
which is provided for in Section 3.2 below.
1.9 "PROPER INSTRUCTIONS" shall mean Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions. Proper Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when
deemed appropriate by both parties.
1.10 "SECURITIES DEPOSITORY" shall mean The Participants Trust Company or
The Depository Trust Company and (provided that Custodian shall have received a
copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer,
specifically approving the use of such clearing agency as a depository for the
Trust) any other clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under Section 17A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"1934 Act"), which acts as a system for the central handling of Securities where
all Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within
the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by
bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of the Securities.
1.11 "SECURITIES" shall include, without limitation, common and preferred
stocks, bonds, call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank certificates
ofdeposit, bankers' acceptances, mortgage-backed securities, other money market
instruments or other obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants or
other instruments or documents representing rights to receive, purchase or
subscribe for the same, or evidencing or
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representing any other rights or interests therein, or any similar property or
assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and to service.
1.12 "SHARES" shall mean the units of beneficial interest issued by
the Trust.
1.13 "WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS" shall mean (i) written communications
actually received by the Custodian and signed by one or more persons as the
Board of Trustees shall have from time to time authorized, or (ii)
communications by telex or any other such system from a person or persons
reasonably believed by the Custodian to be Authorized, or (iii) communications
transmitted electronically through the Institutional Delivery System (IDS), or
any other similar electronic instruction system acceptable to Custodian and
approved by resolutions of the Board of Trustees, a copy of which, certified by
an Officer, shall have been delivered to the Custodian.
ARTICLE II
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APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
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2.1 APPOINTMENT. The Trust hereby constitutes and appoints the
Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by or in the possession
of the Trust at any time during the period of this Agreement, provided that such
Securities or cash at all times shall be and remain the property of the Trust.
2.2 ACCEPTANCE. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such
custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth.
ARTICLE III
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CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
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3.1 SEGREGATION. All Securities and non-cash property held by the
Custodian for the account of the Fund, except Securities maintained in a
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System, shall be physically segregated from
other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian and
shall be identified as subject to this Agreement.
3.2 CUSTODY ACCOUNT. The Custodian shall open and maintain in its trust
department a custody account in the name of each Fund, subject only to draft or
order of the Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry all
Securities, cash and other assets of the Fund which are delivered to it.
3.3 Appointment of Agents. In its discretion, the Custodian may
appoint, and at any time remove, any domestic bank or trust company, which has
been approved by the Board of Trustees and is qualified to act as a custodian
under the 1940 Act, as sub-
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custodian to hold Securities and cash of the Funds and to carry out such other
provisions of this Agreement as it may determine, and may also open and maintain
one or more banking accounts with such a bank or trust company (any such
accounts to be in the name of the Custodian and subject only to its draft or
order), provided, however, that the appointment of any such agent shall not
relieve the Custodian of any of its obligations or liabilities under this
Agreement.
3.4 DELIVERY OF ASSETS TO CUSTODIAN. The Fund shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, to the Custodian all of each Fund's Securities, cash and other
assets, including (a) all payments of income, payments of principal and capital
distributions received by the Fund with respect to such Securities, cash or
other assets owned by the Fund at any time during the period of this Agreement,
and (b) all cash received by the Fund for the issuance, at any time during such
period, of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities,
cash or other assets until actually received by it.
3.5 SECURITIES DEPOSITORIES AND BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEMS. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Funds in a Securities Depository or in
a Book- Entry System, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Prior to a deposit of Securities of the Funds in any Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System, the Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian a resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an
Officer, authorizing and instructing the Custodian on an on-going
basis to deposit in such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System
all Securities eligible for deposit therein and to make use of such
Securities Depository or Book- Entry System to the extent possible and
practical in connection with its performance hereunder, including,
without limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and
sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns
of collateral consisting of Securities. So long as such Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System shall continue to be employed for the
deposit of Securities of the Funds, the Trust shall annually re-adopt
such resolution and deliver a copy thereof, certified by an Officer,
to the Custodian.
(b) Securities of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository shall be kept in an account ("Depository Account") of the
Custodian in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository which
includes only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian
or otherwise for customers.
(c) The records of the Custodian and the Custodian's account on the books
of the Book-Entry System and Securities Depository as the case may be,
with respect to Securities of a Fund maintained in a Book-Entry System
or
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Securities Depository shall, by book-entry, or otherwise identify such
Securities as belonging to the Fund.
(d) If Securities purchases by the Fund are to be held in a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall pay for such
Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository that such Securities have been transferred to
the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records
of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account
of the Fund. If Securities sold by the Fund are held in a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall transfer such
Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository that payment for such Securities has been
transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry
on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment
for the account of the Fund.
(e) Upon request, the Custodian shall provide the Fund with copies of any
report (obtained by the Custodian from a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository in which Securities of the Fund are kept) on the
internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding
Securities deposited in such Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository.
(f) Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Trust for any loss or damage to the
Trust resulting (i) from the use of a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository by reason of any negligence or willful misconduct on the
part of Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section
3.3 above or any of its or their employees, or (ii) from failure of
Custodian or any such sub-custodian to enforce effectively such rights
as it may have against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository.
At its election, the Trust shall be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claim against a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository or any other person for any loss or damage to
the Funds arising from the use of such Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository, if and to the extent that the Trust has been made whole
for any such loss or damage.
3.6 DISBURSEMENT OF MONEYS FROM CUSTODY ACCOUNTS. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from a Fund Custody Account
but only in the following cases:
(a) For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only upon compliance
with Section 4.1 of this Agreement and only (i) in the case of
Securities (other than options on Securities, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts), against the delivery to the Custodian
(or any sub-custodian
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appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above) of such Securities
registered as provided in Section 3.9 below in proper form for
transfer, or if the purchase of such Securities is effected through a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 3.5 above; (ii) in the case of
options on Securities, against delivery to the Custodian (or such
sub-custodian) of such receipts as are required by the customs
prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of
futures contracts and options on futures contracts, against delivery
to the Custodian (or such sub-custodian) of evidence of title thereto
in favor of the Trust or any nominee referred to in Section 3.9
below; and (iv) in the case of repurchase or reverse repurchase
agreements entered into between the Trust and a bank which is a
member of the Federal Reserve System or between the Trust and a
primary dealer in U.S. Government securities, against delivery of the
purchased Securities either in certificate form or through an entry
crediting the Custodian's account at a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository for the account of the Fund with such
Securities;
(b) In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth
in Section 3.7(f) below, of Securities owned by the Fund;
(c) For the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions
declared by the Fund;
(d) In payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section
5.1 below;
(e) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Trust,
including but not limited to the following payments for the account of
a Fund: interest; taxes; administration, investment management,
investment advisory, accounting, auditing, transfer agent, custodian,
trustee and legal fees; and other operating expenses of a Fund; in all
cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or in part
capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
(f) For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act and a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding
escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Trust;
(g) For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Trust, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant registered
under
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the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market
(or any similar organization or organizations) regarding account
deposits in connection with transactions by the Trust;
(h) For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other
interest-bearing account with any banking institution (including the
Custodian), which deposit or account has a term of one year or less;
and
(i) For any other proper purposes, but only upon receipt, in addition to
Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifying the amount and purpose
of such payment, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate
purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to
be made.
3.7 DELIVERY OF SECURITIES FROM FUND CUSTODY ACCOUNTS. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver Securities from a
Custody Account but only in the following cases:
(a) Upon the sale of Securities for the account of a Fund but only against
receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified or cashiers check or
bank credit;
(b) In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section
3.5 above;
(c) To an Offeror's depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for Securities of a Fund; provided that, in any such
case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the
Custodian;
(d) To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of
the Trust, the Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to
Section 3.3 above, or of any nominee or nominees of any of the
foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number of certificates
or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or
number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities
are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(e) To the broker selling Securities, for examination in accordance with
the "street delivery" custom;
(f) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
issuer of such Securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion
contained in such
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Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement, including surrender
or receipt of underlying Securities in connection with the issuance or
cancellation of depository receipts; provided that, in any such case,
the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
(g) Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse
repurchase agreement entered into by a Fund;
(h) In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the
exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new Securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(i) For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of a Fund, but
only against receipt of such collateral as the Trust shall have
specified to the Custodian in Proper Instructions;
(j) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Trust on behalf of a Fund requiring a pledge of assets by such Fund,
but only against receipt by the Custodian of the amounts borrowed;
(k) Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the Trust or a Fund;
(l) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act and a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with the rules of
The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations)
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions
by the Trust on behalf of a Fund;
(m) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Trust on behalf of a Fund, the Custodian, and a futures commission
merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to
compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
and/or any contract market (or any similar organization or
organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with
transactions by the Trust on behalf of a Fund; or
(n) For any other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt, in
addition to Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifying the Securities
to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is
to be made, declaring such
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purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom delivery of such Securities shall be made.
3.8 ACTIONS NOT REQUIRING PROPER INSTRUCTIONS. Unless otherwise instructed
by the Trust, the Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held for a
Fund;
(a) Subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a timely basis all income and
other payments to which the Trust is entitled either by law or
pursuant to custom in the securities business;
(b) Present for payment and, subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a
timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities which may mature
or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become payable;
(c) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Trust, checks, drafts and
other negotiable instruments;
(d) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for
Securities in definitive form;
(e) Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates of
ownership under the federal income tax laws or the laws or regulations
of any other taxing authority now or hereafter in effect, and prepare
and submit reports to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and to the
Trust at such time, in such manner and containing such information as
is prescribed by the IRS;
(f) Hold for a Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities held
therein, through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, all
rights and similar securities issued with respect to Securities of the
Fund; and
(g) In general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper Instructions,
attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with sale,
exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with
Securities and assets of the Fund.
3.9 REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF SECURITIES. All Securities held for a Fund
that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the Custodian
in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be held in a Book-Entry
System for the account of the Trust on behalf of a Fund, if eligible therefor.
All other Securities held for a Fund may be registered in the name of the Trust
on behalf of such Fund, the Custodian, or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant
to Section 3.3 above, or in the name of any nominee of any of them, or in the
name of a Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any nominee of either
thereof; provided, however, that such Securities are held
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specifically for the account of the Trust on behalf of a Fund. The Trust shall
furnish to the Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold
or deliver in proper form for transfer, or to register in the name of any of the
nominees hereinabove referred to or in the name of a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, any Securities registered in the name of a Fund.
3.10 RECORDS. (a) The Custodian shall maintain, by Fund, complete and
accurate records with respect to Securities, cash or other property held for the
Trust, including (i) journals or other records of original entry containing an
itemized daily record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and
all receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records)
reflecting (A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities in physical possession,
(C) monies and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities loaned (together
with a record of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral),
(D) dividends and interest received, and (E) dividends receivable and interest
accrued; and (iii) cancelled checks and bank records related thereto. The
Custodian shall keep such other books and records of the Trust as the Trust
shall reasonably request, or as may be required by the 1940 Act, including, but
not limited to Section 3.1 and Rule 31a-1 and 31a-2 promulgated thereunder.
(b) All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be
maintained in a form acceptable to the Trust and in compliance with rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii) be the property of
the Trust and at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be
made available upon request for inspection by duly authorized officers,
employees or agents of the Trust and employees or agents of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under
the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the
1940 Act.
3.11 FUND REPORTS BY CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall furnish the Trust with
a daily activity statement by Fund and a summary of all transfers to or from the
Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least monthly and from
time to time, the Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a detailed statement,
by Fund, of the Securities and moneys held for the Trust under this Agreement.
3.12 OTHER REPORTS BY CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall provide the Trust with
such reports, as the Trust may reasonably request from time to time, on the
internaaccounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities, which are
employed by the Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3
above.
3.13 PROXIES AND OTHER MATERIALS. The Custodian shall cause all proxies if
any, relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of a Fund, to
be promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
include all other proxy materials, if any,
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and promptly deliver to the Trust such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials,
which should include all other proxy materials, if any, and all notices to such
Securities.
3.14 INFORMATION ON CORPORATE ACTIONS. Custodian will promptly notify the
Trust of corporate actions, limited to those Securities registered in nominee
name and to those Securities held at a Depository or sub-Custodian acting as
agent for Custodian. Custodian will be responsible only if the notice of such
corporate actions is published by the Financial Daily Card Service, ▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Called Bond Service, DTC, or received by first class mail from the agent. For
market announcements not yet received and distributed by Custodian's services,
the Trust will inform its custody representative with appropriate instructions.
Custodian will, upon receipt of the Trust's response within the required
deadline, affect such action for receipt or payment for the Trust. For those
responses received after the deadline, Custodian will affect such action for
receipt or payment, subject to the limitations of the agent(s) affecting such
actions. Custodian will promptly notify the Trust for put options only if the
notice is received by first class mail from the agent. The Trust will provide or
cause to be provided to the Custodian with all relevant information contained in
the prospectus for any security which has unique put/option provisions and
provide the Custodian with specific tender instructions at least ten business
days prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
ARTICLE IV
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PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
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4.1 PURCHASE OF SECURITIES. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities for
the Trust, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying
(a) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other
description thereof, (b) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued
interest, if any) or other units purchased, (c) the date of purchase and
settlement, (d) the purchase price per unit, (e) the total amount payable upon
such purchase, and (f) the name of the person to whom such amount is payable.
The Custodian shall upon receipt of such Securities purchased by a Fund pay out
of the moneys held for the account of such Fund the total amount specified in
such Written Instructions to the person named therein. The Custodian shall not
be under any obligation to pay out moneys to cover the cost of a purchase of
Securities for a Fund, if in the relevant Custody Account there is insufficient
cash available to the Fund for which such purchase was made.
4.2 LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT IN ADVANCE OF RECEIPT OF SECURITIES PURCHASED. In
any and every case where payment for the purchase of Securities for a Fund is
made by the Custodian in advance of receipt for the account of the Fund of the
Securities purchased but in the absence of specific Written or Oral Instructions
to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such
Securities to the same extent as if the Securities had been received by the
Custodian.
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4.3 SALE OF SECURITIES. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by a Fund,
Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (a) the
name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other
description thereof, (b) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued
interest, if any), or other units sold, (c) the date of sale and settlement (d)
the sale price per unit, (e) the total amount payable upon such sale, and (f)
the person to whom such Securities are to be delivered. Upon receipt of the
total amount payable to the Trust as specified in such Written Instructions, the
Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the person specified in such Written
Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the Custodian may accept payment in such
form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and arrange for
payment in accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in Securities.
4.4 DELIVERY OF SECURITIES SOLD. Notwithstanding Section 4.3 above or any
other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed to deliver
Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally
accepted market practice, to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of
final payment therefor. In any such case, the Trust shall bear the risk that
final payment for such Securities may not be made or that such Securities may be
returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the person to whom they
were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability for any of the
foregoing.
4.5 PAYMENT FOR SECURITIES SOLD, ETC. In its sole discretion and from time
to time, the Custodian may credit the relevant Custody Account, prior to actual
receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds from the sale of Securities
which it has been instructed to deliver against payment, (ii) proceeds from the
redemption of Securities or other assets of the Trust, and (iii) income from
cash, Securities or other assets of the Trust. Any such credit shall be
conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment and may be
reversed if final payment is not actually received in full. The Custodian may,
in its sole discretion and from time to time, permit the Trust to use funds so
credited to its Custody Account in anticipation of actual receipt of final
payment. Any such funds shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by the
Custodian at any time prior to the actual receipt of all final payments in
anticipation of which funds were credited to the Custody Account.
4.6 ADVANCES BY CUSTODIAN FOR SETTLEMENT. The Custodian may, in its
sole discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Trust to facilitate
the settlement of a Trust transactions on behalf of a Fund in its Custody
Account. Any such advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by
Custodian.
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ARTICLE V
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REDEMPTION OF TRUST SHARES
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5.1 TRANSFER OF FUNDS. From such funds as may be available for the purpose
in the relevant Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper Instructions
specifying that the funds are required to redeem Shares of a Fund, the Custodian
shall wire each amount specified in such Proper Instructions to or through such
bank as the Trust may designate with respect to such amount in such Proper
Instructions.
5.2 NO DUTY REGARDING PAYING BANKS. The Custodian shall not be under any
obligation to effect payment or distribution by any bank designated in Proper
Instructions given pursuant to Section 5.1 above of any amount paid by the
Custodian to such bank in accordance with such Proper Instructions.
ARTICLE VI
----------
SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS
-------------------
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each Fund, into
which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or Securities, including
Securities maintained in a Depository Account,
(a) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust,
the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a
member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant registered
under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the
rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading
commission or any registered contract market), or of any similar
organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements
in connection with transactions by the Trust,
(b) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with
securities options purchased or written by a Fund or in connection
with financial futures contracts (or options thereon) purchased or
sold by a Fund,
(c) which constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by a Fund,
(d) for purposes of compliance by the Trust with requirements under the
1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered
investment companies in connection with reverse repurchase agreements
and when-issued, delayed delivery and firm commitment transactions,
and
-13-
15
(e) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of
the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, setting forth the
purpose or purposes of such segregated account and declaring such
purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
ARTICLE VII
-----------
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
------------------------
7.1 STANDARD OF CARE. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement, and shall
be without liability to the Trust for any loss, damage, cost, expense (including
attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim unless such loss,
damages, cost, expense, liability or claim arises from negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct on its part or on the part of any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and
may act upon advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without liability
for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. The
Custodian shall promptly notify the Trust of any action taken or omitted by the
Custodian pursuant to advice of counsel. The Custodian shall not be under any
obligation at any time to ascertain whether the Trust is in compliance with the
1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the Trust's charter
documents or by-laws, or its investment objectives and policies as then in
effect.
7.2 ACTUAL COLLECTION REQUIRED. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or
considered to be the custodian of, any cash belonging to the Trust or any money
represented by a check, draft or other instrument for the payment of money,
until the Custodian or its agents actually receive such cash or collect on such
instrument.
7.3 NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR TITLE, ETC. So long as and to the extent that it
is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title
thereto received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.4 LIMITATION ON DUTY TO COLLECT. Custodian shall not be required to
enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or property due
and payable with respect to Securities held for the Trust if such Securities are
in default or payment is not made after due demand or presentation.
7.5 RELIANCE UPON DOCUMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument in writing
received by it and reasonably believed by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall
be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions and/or any Written Instructions
actually received by it pursuant to this Agreement.
-14-
16
7.6 EXPRESS DUTIES ONLY. The Custodian shall have no duties or obligations
whatsoever except such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in
this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement
against the Custodian.
7.7 COOPERATION. The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary
information, by the Trust, to the entity or entities appointed by the Trust to
keep the books of account of the Trust and/or compute the value of the assets of
the Trust. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as the Trust may
from time to time request to enable the Trust to obtain, from year to year,
favorable opinions from the Trust's independent accountants with respect to the
Custodian's activities hereunder in connection with (a) the preparation of the
Trust's report on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any other reports required by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and (b) the fulfillment by the Trust of any
other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ARTICLE VIII
------------
INDEMNIFICATION
---------------
8.1 INDEMNIFICATION. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian and any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, and any
nominee of the Custodian or of such sub-custodian from and against any loss,
damage, cost, expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability
(including, without limitation, liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state or foreign securities and/or
banking laws) or claim arising directly or indirectly (a) from the fact that
Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, or (b) from any
action or inaction by the Custodian or such sub-custodian (i) at the request or
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Trust, or (ii) upon Proper
Instructions, or (c) generally, from the performance of its obligations under
this Agreement or any sub-custody agreement with a sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above or, in the case of any such sub-custodian, from
the performance of its obligations under such custody agreement, provided that
neither the Custodian nor any such sub-custodian shall be indemnified and held
harmless from and against any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claim arising from the Custodian's or such sub-custodian's negligence, bad faith
or willful misconduct.
8.2 INDEMNITY TO BE PROVIDED. If the Trust requests the Custodian to take
any action with respect to Securities, which may, in the opinion of the
Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee becoming liable for the
payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Custodian shall
not be required to take such action until the Trust shall have provided
indemnity therefor to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to the
Custodian.
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17
ARTICLE IX
----------
FORCE MAJEURE
-------------
Neither the Custodian nor the Trust shall be liable for any failure or
delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or
caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control,
including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars;
civil or military disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power
failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its reasonable
control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes, acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian in the event of a failure
or delay shall use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such
failure or delay.
ARTICLE X
---------
EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION
-----------------------------
10.1 EFFECTIVE PERIOD. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date
first set forth above and shall continue in full force and effect until
terminated as hereinafter provided.
10.2 TERMINATION. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement by
giving to the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such
termination, which shall be not less than ninety (90) days after the date of the
giving of such notice. If a successor custodian shall have been appointed by the
Board of Trustees, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of acceptance
by the successor custodian, on such specified date of termination (a) deliver
directly to the successor custodian all Securities (other than Securities held
in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the
Trust and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (b) transfer any Securities
held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to an account of or for the
benefit of the Trust at the successor custodian, provided that the Trust shall
have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts to the payment
or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled. Upon such delivery and
transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this
Agreement. The Trust may at any time immediately terminate this Agreement in the
event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
regulatory authorities in the State of Ohio or upon the happening of a like
event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
10.3 FAILURE TO APPOINT SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN. If a successor custodian is
not designated by the Trust on or before the date of termination specified
pursuant to
-16-
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Section 10.1 above, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank
or trust company of its own selection, which is (a) a "Bank" as defined in the
1940 Act, (b) has aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits as shown on
its then most recent published report of not less than $25 million, and (c) is
doing business in New York, New York, all Securities, cash and other property
held by Custodian under this Agreement and to transfer to an account of or for
the Trust at such bank or trust company all Securities of the Trust held in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. Upon such delivery and transfer,
such bank or trust company shall be the successor custodian under this Agreement
and the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement. If,
after reasonable inquiry, the Custodian cannot find a successor custodian as
contemplated in this Section 10.3, then the Custodian shall have the right to
deliver to the Trust all Securities and cash then owned by the Trust and to
transfer any Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to
an account of or for the Trust. Thereafter, the Trust shall be deemed to be its
own custodian with respect to the Trust and the Custodian shall be relieved of
all obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
----------
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation as agreed upon from time to
time by the Trust and the Custodian. The fees and other charges in effect on the
date hereof and applicable to the Funds are set forth in Exhibit B attached
hereto.
ARTICLE XII
-----------
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
-----------------------
The Trust is a business trust organized under the laws of the State of Ohio
and under a Declaration of Trust, to which reference is hereby made a copy of
which is on file at the office of the Secretary of State of Ohio as required by
law, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The
obligations of the Trust entered into in the name of the Trust or on behalf
thereof by any of the Trustees, officers, employees or agents are made not
individually, but in such capacities, and are not binding upon any of the
Trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders of the Trust or the Funds
personally, but bind only the assets of the Trust, and all persons dealing with
any of the Funds of the Trust must look solely to the assets of the Trust
belonging to such Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust.
-17-
19
ARTICLE XIII
------------
NOTICES
-------
Unless otherwise specified herein, all demands, notices, instructions, and
other communications to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent
or delivered to the party at the address set forth after its name herein below:
To the Trust:
-------------
The Sessions Group
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: President
Telephone: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
To the Custodian:
-----------------
The Fifth Third Bank
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: Area Manager - Trust Operations
Telephone: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
or at such other address as either party shall have provided to the other by
notice given in accordance with this Article XIII. Writing shall include
transmission by or through teletype, facsimile, central processing unit
connection, on-line terminal and magnetic tape.
ARTICLE XIV
-----------
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
14.1 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
14.2 REFERENCES TO CUSTODIAN. The Trust shall not circulate any printed
matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior written
approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the prospectus or
statement of additional information or its registration statement for the Trust
and such other printed matter as merely identifies Custodian as custodian for
the Trust. The Trust shall submit
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20
printed matter requiring approval to Custodian in draft form, allowing
sufficient time for review by Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline
for printing.
14.3 NO WAIVER. No failure by either party hereto to exercise and no delay
by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof. The exercise by either party hereto of any right hereunder shall not
preclude the exercise of any other right, and the remedies provided herein are
cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided at law or in equity.
14.4 AMENDMENTS. This Agreement cannot be changed orally and no amendment
to this Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced by an instrument in
writing executed by the parties hereto.
14.5 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.
14.6 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or
impaired thereby.
14.7 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by
either party hereto without the written consent of the other party hereto.
14.8 HEADINGS. The headings of sections in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered in its name and on its behalf by its representatives
thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: THE SESSIONS GROUP
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------ ----------------------------------
Its: President
---------------------------------
ATTEST: THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
By: /s/ K. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
------------------------ ----------------------------------
K. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
Vice President
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Dated: August 20, 1996
EXHIBIT A
TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE SESSIONS GROUP AND THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
AUGUST 20, 1996
Name of Fund Date
------------ ----
1st Source U.S. Treasury Obligations August 20, 1996
Money Market Fund
1st Source Diversified Equity Fund August 20, 1996
1st Source Income Equity Fund August 20, 1996
1st Source Special Equity Fund August 20, 1996
1st Source Income Fund August 20, 1996
1st Source Intermediate Tax-Free Bond
Fund August 20, 1996
THE SESSIONS GROUP
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
President
THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
By: /s/ K. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
----------------------------
K. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
Vice President
-21-
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Dated: August 20, 1996
EXHIBIT B
TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE SESSIONS GROUP AND THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
AUGUST 20, 1996
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
for the following portfolios:
1st Source U.S. Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund
1st Source Diversified Equity Fund
1st Source Income Equity Fund
1st Source Special Equity Fund
1st Source Income Fund
1st Source Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
Cash Movement of Shareholder Activity
(excluding Fund shareholder checks)
Officers of the Group
---------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ President
J. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Vice President
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ Vice President
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Secretary
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇ Assistant Secretary
R. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Assistant Secretary
Employees of BISYS Ohio
-----------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
-22-
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Payment of Fund Expenses
Officers of the Group
---------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ President
J. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Vice President
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ Vice President
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Treasurer
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Secretary
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇ Assistant Secretary
R. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Assistant Secretary
Employees of BISYS
------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Writing of Fund Shareholder Checks
for Redemptions or Dividends
Officers of the Group
---------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ President
J. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Vice President
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ Vice President
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Treasurer
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Secretary
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇ Assistant Secretary
R. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Assistant Secretary
-23-
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Authorized to Give Oral Instructions &
"Written Instructions" to the Custodian for
Purchases & Sales of Portfolio Securities
-----------------------------------------
1st Source Bank ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
--------------- ----------------
& Sherrend LLP
--------------
J. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Columbus Circle
-------------- ---------------
& Company, Inc. Investors
--------------- ---------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
-24-
26
EXHIBIT C
TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE SESSIONS GROUP AND THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
AUGUST 20, 1996
MUTUAL FUND CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
I. MONTHLY BASIC PER ACCOUNT FEE
Annual Asset Based Fees
Under $25 Million 1 bp
$25 - $100 Million .75 bp
Over $100 Million .5 bp
Minimum $2,400.00
II. SECURITY TRANSACTION FEES
DTC & FED Eligible $9.00
Physical 25.00
Amortized Securities 25.00
Amortized Principal & Income Payments 5.00
Options 25.00
Mutual Funds 11.00
Repos/Money Markets (non 5/3) 11.00
Foreign - Euroclear & Cedel 50.00
Foreign - Other TBD
Other TBD
Turnaround Trade 50.00
Pair - off Trade 25.00
III. SYSTEMS
Automated Securities Workstation $150.00
$200.00 Initial Setup
Mainframe - To - Mainframe 150.00
$200.00 Initial Setup
ACCESS - Single Account 50.00
- Multiple Accounts 100.00
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IV. MISCELLANEOUS FEES
Per additional issue for repo collateral $5.00
Corporate Actions 25.00
Wire Transfers (In/Out) 7.00
Check Requests 6.00
Deposit Reject 25.00
Registration Fee 30.00
Automated Asset Reconciliation 25.00
Escrow Receipt 5.00
Special Services - per hr. fee 75.00
Overnight Packages 8.00
*FIFTH THIRD IS WILLING TO REDUCE THE TOTAL ACCOUNT FEE 50% FOR THE FIRST THREE
MONTHS AND 25% FOR THE SECOND THREE MONTHS OF THE LIVES OF THE FUND.
THE SESSIONS GROUP
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
President
THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
By: /s/ K. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
------------------------
K. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
Vice President
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