CUSTODIAN SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of ________, 1997 by and between PNC BANK,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association ("PNC Bank"), and SALOMON
BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC., a Maryland corporation (the "Fund").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");
and
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to retain PNC Bank to provide custodian
services to its investment portfolios listed on Exhibit A attached hereto and
made a part hereof, as such Exhibit A may be amended from time to time (each a
"Portfolio"), and PNC Bank wishes to furnish custodian services, ei ther
directly or through an affiliate or affiliates, as more fully described herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, In consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto
agree as follows: 1. Definitions. As Used in This Agreement:
(a) "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(b) "1934 Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(c) "Authorized Person" means any officer of the Fund and any other
person duly authorized by the Fund's Board of Directors to give Oral
Instructions and Written Instructions on behalf of the Fund and listed on the
Authorized Persons Appendix
attached hereto and made a part hereof or any amendment thereto as may be
received by PNC Bank. An Authorized Person's scope of authority may be limited
by the Fund by setting forth such limitation in the Authorized Persons Appendix.
(d) "Book-Entry System" means Federal Reserve Treasury book-entry
system for United States and federal agency securities, its successor or
successors, and its nominee or nominees and any book-entry system maintained by
an exchange registered with the SEC under the 1934 Act.
(e) "CEA" means the Commodities Exchange Act, as amended.
(f) "Oral Instructions" mean oral instructions received by PNC Bank
from an Authorized Person or from a person reasonably believed by PNC Bank to be
an Authorized Person.
(g) "PNC Bank" means PNC Bank, National Association or a subsidiary or
affiliate of PNC Bank, National Association.
(h) "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(i) "Securities Laws" mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act
and the CEA.
(j) "Shares" mean the shares of beneficial interest of any series or
class of the Fund.
(k) "Property" means:
(i) any and all securities and other investment items
which the Fund may from time to time deposit, or
cause to be deposited, with PNC Bank or which PNC
Bank may from time to time hold for the Fund;
(ii) all income in respect of any of such securities or
other investment items;
(iii) all proceeds of the sale of any of such securities
or investment items; and
(iv) all proceeds of the sale of securities issued by
the Fund, which are received by PNC Bank from time
to time, from or on behalf of the Fund.
(l) "Written Instructions" mean written instructions signed by two
Authorized Persons and received by PNC Bank. The instructions may be delivered
by hand, mail, tested telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending device.
2. Appointment. The Fund hereby appoints PNC Bank to provide custodian
services to the Fund, on behalf of each of its investment portfolios (each, a
"Portfolio"), and PNC Bank accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such
services.
3. Delivery of Documents. The Fund has provided or, where applicable,
will provide PNC Bank with the following:
(a) certified or authenticated copies of the resolutions of the Fund's
Board of Directors, approving the appointment of PNC Bank or its affiliates to
provide services;
(b) a copy of the Fund's most recent effective registration statement;
(c) a copy of each Portfolio's advisory agreements;
(d) a copy of the distribution agreement with respect to each class of
Shares;
(e) a copy of each Portfolio's administration agreement if PNC Bank is
not providing the Portfolio with such services;
(f) copies of any shareholder servicing agreements made in respect of
the Fund or a Portfolio; and
(g) certified or authenticated copies of any and all amendments or
supplements to the foregoing.
4. Compliance With Laws.
PNC Bank undertakes to comply with all applicable requirements of the
Securities Laws and any laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities
having jurisdiction with respect to the duties to be performed by PNC Bank
hereunder. Except as specifically set forth herein, PNC Bank assumes no
responsibility for such compliance by the Fund or any Portfolio.
5. Instructions.
(a) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, PNC Bank shall act
only upon Oral Instructions and Written Instructions.
(b) PNC Bank shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions and
Written Instructions it receives from an Authorized Person (or from a person
reasonably believed by PNC Bank to be an Authorized Person) pursuant to this
Agreement. PNC Bank may assume that any Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions received hereunder are not in any way inconsistent with the
provisions of organizational documents of the Fund or of any vote, resolution or
proceeding of the Fund's Board of Directors or of the Fund's shareholders,
unless and until PNC Bank receives Written Instructions to the contrary.
(c) The Fund agrees to forward to PNC Bank Written Instructions
confirming Oral Instructions (except where such Oral Instructions are given by
PNC Bank or its affiliates) so that PNC Bank receives the Written Instructions
by the close of business on the same day that such Oral Instructions are
received. The fact that such confirming Written Instructions are not received
by PNC Bank shall in no way invalidate the transactions or enforceability of the
transactions authorized by the Oral Instructions. Where Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions reasonably appear to have been received from an Authorized
Person, PNC Bank shall incur no liability to the Fund in acting upon such Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions provided that PNC Bank's actions comply
with the other provisions of this Agreement.
6. Right to Receive Advice.
(a) Advice of the Fund. If PNC Bank is in doubt as to any action it
should or should not take, PNC Bank may request directions or advice, including
Oral Instructions or Written Instructions, from the Fund.
(b) Advice of Counsel. If PNC Bank shall be in doubt as to any
question of law pertaining to any action it should or should not take, PNC Bank
may request advice at its own cost from such counsel of its own choosing (who
may be counsel for the Fund, the Fund's investment adviser or PNC Bank, at the
option of PNC Bank).
(c) Conflicting Advice. In the event of a conflict between directions,
advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions PNC Bank receives from the
Fund, and the advice it receives from counsel, PNC Bank shall be entitled to
rely upon and follow the advice of counsel. In the event PNC Bank so relies on
the advice of counsel, PNC Bank remains liable for any action or omission on the
part of PNC Bank which constitutes willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless
disregard by PNC Bank of any duties, obligations or responsibilities set forth
in this Agreement.
(d) Protection of PNC Bank. PNC Bank shall be protected in any action
it takes or does not take in reliance upon directions, advice or Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions it receives from the Fund or from counsel
and which PNC Bank believes, in good faith, to be consistent with those
directions, advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. Nothing in this
section shall be construed so as to impose an obligation upon PNC Bank (i) to
seek such directions, advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions, or
(ii) to act in accordance with such directions, advice or Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions unless, under the terms of other provisions of this
Agreement, the same is a condition of PNC Bank's properly taking or not taking
such action. Nothing in this subsection shall excuse PNC Bank when an action or
omission on the part of PNC Bank constitutes willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard by PNC Bank of any duties, obligations or
responsibilities set forth in this Agreement.
7. Records; Visits. The books and records pertaining to the Fund and any
Portfolio, which are in the possession or under the control of PNC Bank, shall
be the property of the Fund. Such books and records shall be prepared and
maintained as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable securities laws,
rules and regulations. The Fund and Authorized Persons shall have access to such
books and records at all times during PNC Bank's normal business hours. Upon the
reasonable request of the Fund, copies
of any such books and records shall be provided by PNC Bank to the Fund or to an
aut horized representative of the Fund, at the Fund's expense.
8. Confidentiality. PNC Bank agrees to keep confidential all records of the
Fund and information relating to the Fund and its shareholders, unless the
release of such records or information is otherwise consented to, in writing, by
the Fund. The Fund agrees that such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld
and may not be withheld where PNC Bank may be exposed to civil or criminal
contempt proceedings or when required to divulge such information or records to
duly constituted authorities.
9. Cooperation with Accountants. PNC Bank shall cooperate with the Fund's
independent public accountants and shall take all reasonable action in the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement to ensure that the necessary
information is made available to such accountants for the expression of their
opinion, as required by the Fund.
10. Disaster Recovery. PNC Bank shall enter into and shall maintain in
effect with appropriate parties one or more agreements making reasonable
provisions for emergency use of electronic data processing equipment to the
extent appropriate equipment is available. In the event of equipment failures,
PNC Bank shall, at no additional expense to the Fund, take reasonable steps to
minimize service interruptions. PNC Bank shall have no liability with respect to
the loss of data or service interruptions caused by equipment failure provided
such loss or
interruption is not caused by PNC Bank's own willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties or obligations under this
Agreement.
11. Compensation. As compensation for custody services rendered by PNC
Bank during the term of this Agreement, the Fund, on behalf of each of the
Portfolios, will pay to PNC Bank a fee or fees as may be agreed to in writing
from time to time by the Fund and PNC Bank.
12. Indemnification. The Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio, agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless PNC Bank and its affiliates from all taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims and liabilities (including, without limitation,
liabilities arising under the Securities Laws and any state and foreign
securities and blue sky laws, and amendments thereto, and expenses, including
(without limitation) attorneys' fees and disbursements, arising directly or
indirectly from any action or omission to act which PNC Bank takes (i) at the
request or on the direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Fund or (ii)
upon Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. Neither PNC Bank, nor any of its
affiliates, shall be indemnified against any liability (or any expenses incident
to such liability) arising out of PNC Bank's or its affiliates' own willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties
under this Agreement.
13. Responsibility of PNC Bank.
(a) PNC Bank shall be under no duty to take any action on behalf of
the Fund or any Portfolio except as specifically set
forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by PNC Bank in writing. PNC
Bank shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the performance of its
duties hereunder, to act in good faith and to use its best efforts, within
reasonable limits, in performing services provided for under this Agreement. PNC
Bank shall be liable for any damages arising out of PNC Bank's failure to
perform its duties under this agreement to the extent such damages arise cut
of PNC Bank's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of its duties under this Agreement.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or of any other
provision of this Agreement, (i) PNC Bank shall not be under any duty or
obligation to inquire into and shall not be liable for (A) the validity or
invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any Oral Instruction or Written
Instruction, notice or other instrument which conforms to the applicable
requirements of this Agreement, and which PNC Bank reasonably believes to be
genuine; or (B) subject to section 10, delays or errors or loss of data
occurring by reason of circumstances beyond PNC Bank's control, including acts
of civil or military authority, national emergencies, fire, flood, catastrophe,
acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails, transportation,
communication or power supply.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
neither PNC Bank nor its affiliates shall be liable to the Fund or to any
Portfolio for any consequential, special or indirect losses or damages which the
Fund may incur or suffer by
or as a consequence of PNC Bank's or its affiliates' performance of the services
provided hereunder, whether or not the likelihood of such losses or damages was
known by PNC Bank or its affiliates.
14. Description of Services.
(a) Delivery of the Property. The Fund will deliver or arrange for
delivery to PNC Bank, all the Property owned by the Portfolios, including cash
received as a result of the distribution of Shares, during the period that is
set forth in this Agreement. PNC Bank will not be responsible for such property
until actual receipt.
(b) Receipt and Disbursement of Money. PNC Bank, acting upon Written
Instructions, shall open and maintain separate accounts in the Fund's name using
all cash received from or for the account of the Fund, subject to the terms of
this Agreement. In addition, upon Written Instructions, PNC Bank shall open
separate custodial accounts for each separate series or Portfolio of the Fund
(collectively, the "Accounts") and shall hold in the Accounts all cash received
from or for the Accounts of the Fund specifically designated to each separate
series or Portfolio.
PNC Bank shall make cash payments from or for the Accounts of a
Portfolio only for:
(i) purchases of securities in the name of a Portfolio or
PNC Bank or PNC Bank's nominee as provided in
sub-section (j) and for which PNC Bank has received a
copy of the broker's or dealer's confirmation or
payee's invoice, as appropriate;
(ii) purchase or redemption of Shares of the Fund delivered
to PNC Bank;
(iii) payment of, subject to Written Instructions, interest,
taxes, administration, accounting, distribution,
advisory, management fees or similar expenses which are
to be borne by a Portfolio;
(iv) payment to, subject to receipt of Written Instructions,
the Fund's transfer agent, as agent for the
shareholders, an amount equal to the amount of
dividends and distributions stated in the Written
Instructions to be distributed in cash by the transfer
agent to shareholders, or, in lieu of paying the Fund's
transfer agent, PNC Bank may arrange for the direct
payment of cash dividends and distributions to
shareholders in accordance with procedures mutually
agreed upon from time to time by and among the Fund,
PNC Bank and the Fund's transfer agent.
(v) payments, upon receipt Written Instructions, in
connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender
of securities owned or subscribed to by the Fund and
held by or delivered to PNC Bank;
(vi) payments of the amounts of dividends received with
respect to securities sold short;
(vii) payments made to a sub-custodian pursuant to provisions
in sub-section (c) of this Section; and
(viii) payments, upon Written Instructions, made for other
proper Fund purposes.
PNC Bank is hereby authorized to endorse and collect all checks,
drafts or other orders for the payment of money received as custodian for
the Accounts.
(c) Receipt of Securities; Subcustodians.
(i) PNC Bank shall hold all securities received by it for
the Accounts in a separate account that physically
segregates such securities from those of any other
persons, firms or corporations, except for securities
held in a Book-Entry System. All such securities shall
be held or disposed of only upon Written Instructions
of the Fund pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
PNC Bank shall have no power or authority to assign,
hypothecate, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such
securities or investment, except upon the express terms
of this Agreement and upon Written Instructions,
accompanied by a
certified resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors,
authorizing the transaction. In no case may any member
of the Fund's Board of Directors, or any officer,
employee or agent of the Fund withdraw any securities.
At PNC Bank's own expense and for its own convenience,
PNC Bank may enter into sub-custodian agreements with
other United States banks or trust companies to perform
duties described in this subsection (c). Such bank or
trust company shall have an aggregate capital, surplus
and undivided profits, according to its last published
report, of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000),
if it is a subsidiary or affiliate of PNC Bank, or at
least twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) if such bank
or trust company is not a subsidiary or affiliate of
PNC Bank. In addition, such bank or trust company must
be qualified to act as custodian and agree to comply
with the relevant provisions of the 1940 Act and other
applicable rules and regulations. Any such arrangement
will not be entered into without prior written notice
to the Fund.
PNC Bank shall remain responsible for the performance
of all of its duties as described in this Agreement and
shall hold the Fund and each Portfolio harmless from
its own acts or omissions, under the standards of care
provided for herein, or the acts and omissions of any
sub-custodian chosen by PNC Bank under the terms of
this sub-section (c).
(d) Transactions Requiring Instructions. Upon receipt of Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions and not otherwise, PNC Bank, directly or
through the use of the Book-Entry System, shall:
(i) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio
against the receipt of payment for the sale of
such securities;
(ii) execute and deliver to such persons as may be
designated in such Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, proxies, consents, authorizations, and
any other instruments whereby the authority of a
Portfolio as owner of any securities may be exercised;
(iii) deliver any securities to the issuer thereof, or its
agent, when such securities are called, redeemed,
retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in
any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to PNC Bank;
(iv) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio against
receipt of other securities or cash issued or paid in
connection with the liquidation, reorganization,
refinancing, tender offer, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of any corporation, or the exercise of
any conversion privilege;
(v) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio to any
protective committee, reorganization committee or other
person in connection with the reorganization,
refinancing, merger, consolidation, recapitalization or
sale of assets of any corporation, and receive and hold
under the terms of this Agreement such certificates of
deposit, interim receipts or other instruments or
documents as may be issued to it to evidence such
delivery;
(vi) make such transfer or exchanges of the assets of the
Portfolios and take such other steps as shall be stated
in said Oral Instructions or Written Instructions to be
for the purpose of effectuating a duly authorized plan
of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation
or recapitalization of the Fund;
(vii) release securities belonging to a Portfolio to any bank
or trust company for the purpose of a pledge or
hypothecation to secure any loan incurred by the Fund
on behalf of that Portfolio; provided, however, that
securities shall be released only upon payment to PNC
Bank of the monies borrowed, except that in cases where
additional collateral is required to secure a borrowing
already made subject to proper prior authorization,
further securities may be released for that purpose;
and repay such loan upon redelivery to it of the
securities pledged or hypothecated th erefor and upon
surrender of the note or notes evidencing the loan;
(viii) release and deliver securities owned by a Portfolio in
connection with any repurchase agreement entered into
on behalf of the Fund,
but only on receipt of payment therefor; and payout
moneys of the Fund in connection with such repurchase
agreements, but only upon the delivery of the
securities;
(ix) release and deliver or exchange securities owned by the
Fund in connection with any conversion of such
securities, pursuant to their terms, into other
securities;
(x) release and deliver securities owned by the fund for
the purpose of redeeming in kind shares of the Fund
upon delivery thereof to PNC Bank; and
(xi) release and deliver or exchange securities owned by the
Fund for other corporate purposes.
PNC Bank must also receive a certified resolution
describing the nature of the corporate purpose and the
name and address of the person(s) to whom delivery
shall be made when such action is pursuant to
sub-paragraph d.
(e) Use of Book-Entry System. The Fund shall deliver to PNC Bank
certified resolutions of the Fund's Board of Directors approving, authorizing
and instructing PNC Bank on a continuous basis, to deposit in the Book-Entry
System all securities belonging to the Portfolios eligible for deposit therein
and to utilize the Book-Entry System to the extent possible in connection with
settlements of purchases and sales of securities by the Portfolios, and
deliveries and returns of securities loaned, subject to repurchase agreements or
used as collateral in connection with borrowings. PNC Bank shall continue to
perform such duties until it receives Written Instructions or Oral Instructions
authorizing contrary actions.
PNC Bank shall administer the Book-Entry System as follows:
(i) With respect to securities of each Portfolio which are
maintained in the Book-Entry System, the records of PNC
Bank shall identify by Book-Entry or otherwise those
securities belonging to each Portfolio. PNC Bank shall
furnish to the Fund a detailed statement of the
Property held for each Portfolio under this Agreement
at least monthly and from time to time and upon written
request.
(ii) Securities and any cash of each Portfolio deposited in
the Book-Entry System will at all times be segregated
from any assets and cash controlled by PNC Bank in
other than a fiduciary or custodian capacity but may be
commingled with other assets held in such capacities.
PNC Bank and its sub-custodian, if any, will pay out
money only upon receipt of securities and will deliver
securities only upon the receipt of money.
(iii) All books and records maintained by PNC Bank which
relate to the Fund's participation in the Book-Entry
System will at all times during PNC Bank's regular
business hours be open to the inspection of Authorized
Persons, and PNC Bank will furnish to the Fund all
information in respect of the services rendered as it
may require.
PNC Bank will also provide the Fund with such reports on its own
system of internal control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
(f) Registration of Securities. All Securities held for a Portfolio
which are issued or issuable only in bearer form, except such securities held in
the Book-Entry System, shall be held by PNC Bank in bearer form; all other
securities held for a Portfolio may be registered in the name of the Fund on
behalf of that Portfolio, PNC Bank, the Book-Entry System, a sub-custodian, or
any duly appointed nominees of the Fund, PNC Bank, Book-Entry System or
sub-custodian. The Fund reserves the right to instruct PNC Bank as to the method
of registration and safekeeping of the
securities of the Fund. The Fund agrees to furnish to PNC Bank appropriate
instruments to enable PNC Bank to hold or deliver in proper form for transfer,
or to register in the name of its nominee or in the name of the Book-Entry
System, any securities which it may hold for the Accounts and which may from
time to time be registered in the name of the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio.
(g) Voting and Other Action. Neither PNC Bank nor its nominee shall
vote any of the securities held pursuant to this Agreement by or for the account
of a Portfolio, except in accordance with Written Instructions. PNC Bank,
directly or through the use of the Book-Entry System, shall execute in blank
and promptly deliver all notices, proxies and proxy soliciting materials to the
registered holder of such securities. If the registered holder is not the Fund
on behalf of a Portfolio, then Written Instructions or Oral Instructions must
designate the person who owns such securities.
(h) Transactions Not Requiring Instructions. In the absence of
contrary Written Instructions, PNC Bank is authorized to take the following
actions:
(i) Collection of Income and other Payments.
(A) collect and receive for the account of each
Portfolio, all income, dividends, distributions,
coupons, option premiums, other payments and
similar items, included or to be included in the
Property, and, in addition, promptly advise each
Portfolio of such receipt and credit such income,
as collected, to each Portfolio's custodian
account;
(B) endorse and deposit for collection, in the name of
the Fund, checks, drafts, or other orders for the
payment of money;
(C) receive and hold for the account of each Portfolio
all securities received as a distribution on the
Portfolio's securities as a result of a stock
dividend, share split-up or reorganization,
recapitalization, readjustment or other
rearrangement or distribution of rights or
similar securities issued with respect to any
securities belonging to a Portfolio and held by
PNC Bank hereunder;
(D) present for payment and collect the amount payable
upon all securities which may mature or be called,
redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become payable
on the date such securities become payable; and
(E) take any action which may be necessary and proper
in connection with the collection and receipt of
such income and other payments and the endorsement
for collection of checks, drafts, and other
negotiable instruments.
(ii) Miscellaneous Transactions.
(A) deliver or cause to be delivered Property against
payment or other consideration or written receipt
therefor in the following cases:
(1) for examination by a broker or dealer selling
for the account of a Portfolio in accordance
with street delivery custom;
(2) for the exchange of interim receipts or
temporary securities for definitive
securities; and
(3) for transfer of securities into the name of
the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio or PNC Bank
or nominee of either, or for exchange of
securities for a different number of bonds,
certificates, or other evidence, representing
the same aggregate face amount or number of
units bearing the same interest rate, maturity
date and call provisions, if any; provided
that, in any such case, the new securities are
to be delivered to PNC Bank.
(B) Unless and until PNC Bank receives Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions to the
contrary, PNC Bank shall:
(1) pay all income items held by it which call for
payment upon presentation and hold the cash
received by it upon such payment for the
account of each Portfolio;
(2) collect interest and cash dividends received,
with notice to the Fund, to the account of
each Portfolio;
(3) hold for the account of each Portfolio all
stock dividends, rights and similar securities
issued with respect to any securities held by
PNC Bank; and
(4) execute as agent on behalf of the Fund all
necessary ownership certificates required by
the Internal Revenue Code or the Income Tax
Regulations of the United States Treasury
Department or under the laws of any state now
or hereafter in effect, inserting the Fund's
name, on behalf of a Portfolio, on such
certificate as the owner of the securities
covered thereby, to the extent it may lawfully
do so.
(i) Segregated Accounts.
(i) PNC Bank shall upon receipt of Written Instructions or Oral
Instructions establish and maintain segregated accounts on
its records for and on behalf of each Portfolio. Such
accounts may be used to transfer cash and securities,
including securities in the Book-Entry System:
(A) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund with the
procedures required by a securities or option exchange,
providing
such procedures comply with the 1940 Act and
any releases of the SEC relating to the maintenance of
segregated accounts by registered investment companies;
and
(B) Upon receipt of Written Instructions, for other proper
corporate purposes.
(ii) PNC Bank shall arrange for the establishment of ▇▇▇
custodian accounts for such shareholders holding Shares
through ▇▇▇ accounts, in accordance with the Fund's
prospectuses, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(including regulations promulgated thereunder), and with
such other procedures as are mutually agreed upon from time
to time by and among the Fund, PNC Bank and the Fund's
transfer agent.
(j) Purchases of Securities. PNC Bank shall settle purchased
securities upon receipt of Oral Instructions or Written Instructions from the
Fund or its investment advisers that specify:
(i) the name of the issuer and the
title of the securities, including CUSIP
number if applicable;
(ii) the number of shares or the principal amount
purchased and accrued interest, if any;
(iii) the date of purchase and settlement;
(iv) the purchase price per unit;
(v) the total amount payable upon such purchase;
(vi) the Portfolio involved; and
(vii) the name of the person from whom or the broker
through whom the purchase was made. PNC Bank shall
upon receipt of securities purchased by or for a
Portfolio pay out of the moneys held for the
account of the Portfolio the total amount payable
to the person from whom or the broker through whom
the purchase was made, provided that the same
conforms to the total amount payable as set forth
in such Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.
(k) Sales of Securities. PNC Bank shall settle sold securities upon
receipt of Oral Instructions or Written Instructions from the Fund that specify:
(i) the name of the issuer and the title of the
security, including CUSIP number if applicable;
(ii) the number of shares or principal amount sold,
and accrued interest, if any;
(iii) the date of trade and settlement;
(iv) the sale price per unit;
(v) the total amount payable to the Fund upon
such sale;
(vi) the name of the broker through whom or the person
to whom the sale was made; and
(vii) the location to which the security must be
delivered and delivery deadline, if any; and
(viii) the Portfolio involved.
PNC Bank shall deliver the securities upon receipt of the total amount
payable to the Portfolio upon such sale, provided that the total amount payable
is the same as was set forth in the Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.
Subject to the foregoing, PNC Bank 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.
(l) Reports; Proxy Materials.
(i) PNC Bank shall furnish to the Fund the following
reports:
(A) such periodic and special reports as the Fund may
reasonably request;
(B) a monthly statement summarizing all transactions and
entries for the account
of each Portfolio, listing each Portfolio securities
belonging to each Portfolio with the adjusted average
cost of each issue and the market value at the end of
such month and stating the cash acco unt of each
Portfolio including disbursements;
(C) the reports required to be furnished to the Fund
pursuant to Rule 17f-4; and
(D) such other information as may be agreed upon from time
to time between the Fund and PNC Bank.
(ii) PNC Bank shall transmit promptly to the Fund any
proxy statement, proxy material, notice of a call
or conversion or similar communication received
by it as custodian of the Property. PNC Bank
shall be under no other obligation to inform the
Fund as to such actions or events.
(m) Collections. All collections of monies or other property in
respect, or which are to become part, of the Property (but not the safekeeping
thereof upon receipt by PNC Bank) shall be at the sole risk of the Fund. If
payment is not received by PNC Bank within a reasonable time after proper
demands have been made, PNC Bank shall notify the Fund in writing, including
copies of all demand letters, any written responses, memoranda of all oral
responses and shall await instructions from the Fund. PNC Bank shall not be
obliged to take legal action for collection unless and until reasonably
indemnified to its satisfaction. PNC Bank shall also notify the Fund as soon as
reasonably practicable whenever income due on securities is not collected in due
course and shall provide the Fund with periodic status reports of such income
collected after a reasonable time.
15. Duration and Termination. This Agreement shall continue until
terminated by the Fund or by PNC Bank on sixty
(60) days' prior written notice to the other party. In the event this Agreement
is terminated (pending appointment of a successor to PNC Bank or vote of the
shareholders of the Fund to dissolve or to function without a custodian of its
cash, securities or other property), PNC Bank shall not deliver cash, securities
or other property of the Portfolios to the Fund. It may deliver them to a bank
or trust company of PNC Bank's choice, having an aggregate capital, surplus and
undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than
twenty million dollars ($20,000,000), as a custodian for the Fund to be held
under terms similar to those of this Agreement. PNC Bank shall not be required
to make any such delivery or payment until full payment shall have been made to
PNC Bank of all of its fees, compensation, costs and expenses. PNC Bank shall
have a security interest in and shall have a right of setoff against the
Property as security for the payment of such fees, compensation, costs and
expenses.
16. Notices. All notices and other communications, including Written
Instructions, shall be in writing or by confirming telegram, cable, telex or
facsimile sending device. Notice shall be addressed (a) if to PNC Bank at
Airport Business Center, International Court 2, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, marked for the attention of the Custodian Services
Department (or its successor), (b) if to the Fund, at ______ , Attn: _________
or (c) if to neither of the foregoing, at such other address as shall have been
given by like notice to the sender of any such notice or other communication by
the other
party. If notice is sent by confirming telegram, cable, telex or facsimile
sending device, it shall be deemed to have been given immediately. If notice is
sent by first-class mail, it shall be deemed to have been given five days after
it has been mailed. If notice is sen t by messenger, it shall be deemed to have
been given on the day it is delivered.
17. Amendments. This Agreement, or any term hereof, may be changed or
waived only by a written amendment, signed by the party against whom enforcement
of such change or waiver is sought.
18. Delegation; Assignment. PNC Bank may assign its rights and
delegate its duties hereunder to any wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary
of PNC Bank, National Association or PNC Bank Corp., provided that (i) PNC Bank
gives the Fund thirty (30) days' prior written notice; (ii) the delegate (or
assignee) agrees with PNC Bank and the Fund to comply with all relevant
provisions of the 1940 Act; and (iii) PNC Bank and such delegate (or assignee)
promptly provide such information as the Fund may request, and respond to such
questions as the Fund may ask, relative to the delegation (or
assignment), including (without limitation) the capabilities of the delegate
(or assignee).
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
20. Further Actions. Each party agrees to perform such further acts
and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes
hereof.
21. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and
understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings relating to the subject matter hereof, provided that the parties
may embody in one or more separate documents their agreement, if any, with
respect to delegated duties and Oral Instructions.
(b) Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for
convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the
provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
(c) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract
made in Pennsylvania and governed by Pennsylvania law, without regard to
principles of conflicts of law.
(d) Partial Invalidity. If any provision of this Agreement shall be
held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the
remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
(e) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors
and permitted assigns.
(f) Facsimile Signatures. The facsimile signature of any party to this
Agreement shall constitute the valid and binding execution hereof by such party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed as of the day and year first above written.
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:
----------------------------------
Title:
-------------------------------
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES
FUNDS, INC.
By:
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Title:
--------------------------------
EXHIBIT A
THIS EXHIBIT A, dated as of ________, 1997, is Exhibit A to that
certain Custodian Services Agreement dated as of _________, 1997 between PNC
Bank and Salomon Brothers Variable Series Funds, Inc.
PORTFOLIOS
U.S. Government Income Fund
High Yield Bond Fund
Strategic Bond Fund
Total Return Bond Fund
Investors Fund
Capital Fund
AUTHORIZED PERSONS APPENDIX
NAME (Type) SIGNATURE
_______________________________ __________________________________
_______________________________ __________________________________
_______________________________ __________________________________
_______________________________ __________________________________
_______________________________ __________________________________
_______________________________ __________________________________