EXHIBIT 8
CUSTODIAN SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of ____________________, 1996 by and between PNC
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association ("PNC Bank"), and
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ SERIES TRUST, a Delaware business trust (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,
and PNC Bank wishes to furnish custodian services, either 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 Trustees 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
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person reasonably believed by PNC Bank to be an Authorized Person.
(g) "SERIES" means the following series of Shares of the Fund:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Core Growth Series, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Income & Growth
Series, Balanced Growth Series and International Growth Series, and any other
series of the Fund which may be established in the future and to which PNC Bank
provides custodian services.
(h) "PNC BANK" means PNC Bank, National Association or a subsidiary
or affiliate of PNC Bank, National Association.
(i) "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(j) "SECURITIES LAWS" mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act
and the CEA.
(k) "SHARES" mean the shares of beneficial interest of any series or
class of the Fund.
(l) "PROPERTY" means:
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(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.
(m) "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 the Series, and PNC Bank accepts such
appointment and agrees to furnish such services. In the event the Fund
establishes one or more series other than the Series named herein, it shall
notify PNC Bank in writing. If PNC Bank is willing to accept such appointment
under this Agreement, it will so notify the Fund in writing, whereupon such
series will be subject to the same provisions of this Agreement as are the
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Series named herein, except to the extent that such provisions are modified with
respect to such series in writing between the Fund and PNC Bank.
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 Trustees, 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 Series' advisory agreements;
(d) a copy of the distribution agreement with respect to each class
of Shares;
(e) a copy of each Series' administration agreement if PNC Bank is
not providing the Series with such services;
(f) copies of any shareholder servicing agreements made in respect of
the Fund or a Series; 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
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hereunder. Except as specifically set forth herein, PNC Bank assumes no
responsibility for such compliance by the Fund or any Series.
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 Trustees or of the Fund's shareholders, unless
and until PFPC 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
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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).
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(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
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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
Series, 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 authorized 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
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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
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by equipment failure provided such loss or interruption is not covered 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
Series, 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 Series, 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
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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 Series 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 out 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
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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 Series
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 Series, including cash
received as a
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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 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.
PNC Bank shall make cash payments from or for the Accounts of a Series only
for:
(i) purchases of securities in the name of a Series 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
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or similar expenses which are to be borne by a Series;
(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.
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(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 Trustees, authorizing the transaction. In
no case may any member of the Fund's Board of Trustees, 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 sub-section (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
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described in this Agreement and shall hold the Fund and each
Series 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 Series 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 Series 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 Series 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 Series to any protective
committee,
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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 Series
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 Series 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
Series; 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 therefor and upon
surrender of the note or notes evidencing the loan;
(viii) release and deliver securities owned by a Series in
connection with any repurchase agreement entered into on
behalf of the Fund, but only on receipt of payment therefor;
and pay out moneys of the Fund in connection with such
repurchase agreements, but only upon the delivery of the
securities;
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(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 Trustees approving, authorizing and
instructing PNC Bank on a continuous basis, to deposit in the Book-Entry System
all securities belonging to each Series 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 each Series, 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.
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PNC Bank shall administer the Book-Entry System as follows:
(i) With respect to securities of each Series 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 Series. PNC Bank shall furnish to the
Fund a detailed statement of the Property held for each
Series under this Agreement at least monthly and from time
to time and upon written request.
(ii) Securities and any cash of each Series 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.
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(f) REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES. All Securities held for a Series
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 Series may be registered in the name of the Fund on behalf
of that Series, 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 Series.
(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 Series, 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,
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proxies and proxy soliciting materials to the registered holder of such
securities. If the registered holder is not the Fund on behalf of a Series,
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 Series, 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 Series of such receipt and credit
such income, as collected, to each Series' 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 Series all
securities received as a distribution on each Series
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
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to a Series 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 Series 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 Series 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
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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 Series;
(2) collect interest and cash dividends received, with
notice to the Fund, to the account of each Series;
(3) hold for the account of each Series 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 Series, on such certificate as the
owner of the securities covered thereby, to the
extent it may lawfully do so.
(i) SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS.
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(i) PNC Bank shall upon receipt of Written Instructions or Oral
Instructions establish and maintain a segregated accounts on
its records for and on behalf of each Series. 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;
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(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 Series 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 Series pay out of the
moneys held for the account of the Series 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
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(vii) the location to which the security must be delivered and
delivery deadline, if any; and
(viii) the Series involved.
PNC Bank shall deliver the securities upon receipt of the total amount
payable to the Series 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 Series, listing each
Series securities belonging to each Series with the
adjusted average cost of each issue and the market
value at the end of such month and stating the cash
account of each Series including disbursements;
(C) the reports required to be furnished to the Fund
pursuant to Rule 17f-4; and
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(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
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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 Series' 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 sent
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)
30
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
31
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.
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(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:
-----------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ SERIES TRUST
By:
--------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------
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AUTHORIZED PERSONS APPENDIX
NAME (TYPE) SIGNATURE
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------------------------------ ------------------------------
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------------------------------ ------------------------------
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34