EXHIBIT h(85)
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS,
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.,
MINNESOTA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND
ITS SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
AND
SECURIAN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION PAGE
SECTION 1. AVAILABLE FUNDS.......................................................................................4
1.1 Availability....................................................................................4
1.2 Addition, Deletion or Modification of Funds.....................................................4
1.3 No Sales to the General Public..................................................................4
SECTION 2. PROCESSING TRANSACTIONS...............................................................................5
2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders.......................................................................5
2.2 Timely Payments.................................................................................5
2.3 Applicable Price................................................................................6
2.4 Dividends and Distributions.....................................................................6
2.5 Book Entry......................................................................................6
SECTION 3. COSTS AND EXPENSES....................................................................................6
3.1 General.........................................................................................6
3.2 Parties To Cooperate............................................................................7
SECTION 4. LEGAL COMPLIANCE......................................................................................7
4.1 Tax Laws........................................................................................7
4.3 Securities Laws.................................................................................9
4.4 Notice of Certain Proceedings and Other Circumstances..........................................10
4.5 LIFE COMPANY To Provide Documents; Information About AVIF......................................11
4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents; Information About LIFE COMPANY......................................12
SECTION 5. MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING.............................................................................14
5.1 General........................................................................................14
5.2 Disinterested Trustees.........................................................................14
5.3 Monitoring for Material Irreconcilable Conflicts...............................................14
5.4 Conflict Remedies..............................................................................15
5.5 Notice to LIFE COMPANY.........................................................................16
5.6 Information Requested by Board of Trustees.....................................................16
5.7 Compliance with SEC Rules......................................................................17
5.8 Other Requirements.............................................................................17
SECTION 6. TERMINATION..........................................................................................17
6.1 Events of Termination..........................................................................17
6.2 Notice Requirement for Termination.............................................................18
6.3 Funds To Remain Available......................................................................19
6.4 Survival of Warranties and Indemnifications....................................................19
6.5 Continuance of Agreement for Certain Purposes..................................................19
SECTION 7. PARTIES TO COOPERATE RESPECTING TERMINATION..........................................................19
SECTION 8. ASSIGNMENT...........................................................................................19
SECTION 9. NOTICES..............................................................................................20
SECTION 10. VOTING PROCEDURES...................................................................................20
SECTION 11. FOREIGN TAX CREDITS.................................................................................21
SECTION 12. INDEMNIFICATION.....................................................................................21
12.1 Of AVIF and AIM by LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER................................................21
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12.2 Of LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER by AVIF and AIM................................................23
12.3 Effect of Notice...............................................................................26
12.4 Successors.....................................................................................26
SECTION 13. APPLICABLE LAW......................................................................................26
SECTION 14. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS...........................................................................26
SECTION 15. SEVERABILITY........................................................................................26
SECTION 16. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE...................................................................................26
SECTION 17. HEADINGS............................................................................................27
SECTION 18. CONFIDENTIALITY.....................................................................................27
SECTION 19. TRADEMARKS AND FUND NAMES...........................................................................27
SECTION 20. PARTIES TO COOPERATE................................................................................28
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PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the 1st day of April, 2002
("Agreement"), by and among
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, a
Delaware Trust
("AVIF"), A I M Distributors, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("AIM") Minnesota
Life Insurance Company, a Minnesota life insurance company ("LIFE COMPANY"), on
behalf of itself and each of its segregated asset accounts listed in Schedule A
hereto, as the parties hereto may amend from time to time (each, an "Account,"
and collectively, the "Accounts"); and Securian Financial Services, Inc., an
affiliate of LIFE COMPANY and the principal underwriter of the Contracts
("UNDERWRITER") (collectively, the "Parties").
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, AVIF is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") as an open-end management investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, AVIF currently consists of eighteen separate series
("Series"), shares ("Shares") each of which are registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") and are currently sold to one or more
separate accounts of life insurance companies to fund benefits under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts; and
WHEREAS, AVIF will make Shares of each Series listed on Schedule A
hereto as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time (each a "Fund";
reference herein to "AVIF" includes reference to each Fund, to the extent the
context requires) available for purchase by the Accounts; and
WHEREAS, LIFE COMPANY will be the issuer of certain variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance contracts ("Contracts") as set forth on
Schedule A hereto, as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time, which
Contracts (hereinafter collectively, the "Contracts"), if required by applicable
law, will be registered under the 1933 Act; and
WHEREAS, LIFE COMPANY will fund the Contracts through the Accounts,
each of which may be divided into two or more subaccounts ("Subaccounts";
reference herein to an "Account" includes reference to each Subaccount thereof
to the extent the context requires); and
WHEREAS, LIFE COMPANY will serve as the depositor of the Accounts, each
of which is registered as a unit investment trust investment company under the
1940 Act (or exempt therefrom), and the security interests deemed to be issued
by the Accounts under the Contracts will be registered as securities under the
1933 Act (or exempt therefrom); and
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WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and
regulations, LIFE COMPANY intends to purchase Shares in one or more of the Funds
on behalf of the Accounts to fund the Contracts; and
WHEREAS, AIM is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934 Act") and a member in good standing of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits and promises
contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. AVAILABLE FUNDS
1.1 AVAILABILITY.
AVIF will make Shares of each Fund available to LIFE COMPANY for
purchase and redemption at net asset value and with no sales charges, subject to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Board of Trustees of AVIF may
refuse to sell Shares of any Fund to any person, or suspend or terminate the
offering of Shares of any Fund if such action is required by law or by
regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the
Trustees acting in good faith and in light of their fiduciary duties under
federal and any applicable state laws, such action is deemed in the best
interests of the shareholders of such Fund.
1.2 ADDITION, DELETION OR MODIFICATION OF FUNDS OR CONTRACTS.
The Parties hereto may agree, from time to time, to add other Funds to
provide additional funding media for the Contracts, or to delete, combine, or
modify existing Funds, by amending Schedule A hereto. In addition the parties
may also agree, to add other Contracts, by amending Schedule A. Upon such
amendment to Schedule A, any applicable reference to a Fund, AVIF, or its Shares
herein shall include a reference to any such additional Fund. Schedule A, as
amended from time to time, is incorporated herein by reference and is a part
hereof.
1.3 NO SALES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
AVIF represents and warrants that no Shares of any Fund have been or
will be sold to the general public.
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SECTION 2. PROCESSING TRANSACTIONS
2.1 TIMELY PRICING AND ORDERS.
(a) AVIF or its designated agent will use its best efforts to provide
LIFE COMPANY with the net asset value per Share for each Fund by 6:00 p.m.
Central Time on each Business Day. As used herein, "Business Day" shall mean any
day on which (i) the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading, (ii)
AVIF calculates the Fund's net asset value, and (iii) LIFE COMPANY is open for
business.
(b) LIFE COMPANY will use the data provided by AVIF each Business Day
pursuant to paragraph (a) immediately above to calculate Account unit values and
to process transactions that receive that same Business Day's Account unit
values. LIFE COMPANY will perform such Account processing the same Business Day,
and will place corresponding orders to purchase or redeem Shares with AVIF by
9:00 a.m. Central Time the following Business Day; provided, however, that AVIF
shall provide additional time to LIFE COMPANY in the event that AVIF is unable
to meet the 6:00 p.m. time stated in paragraph (a) immediately above. Such
additional time shall be equal to the additional time that AVIF takes to make
the net asset values available to LIFE COMPANY.
(c) With respect to payment of the purchase price by LIFE COMPANY and
of redemption proceeds by AVIF, LIFE COMPANY and AVIF shall net purchase and
redemption orders with respect to each Fund and shall transmit one net payment
per Fund in accordance with Section 2.2, below.
(d) If AVIF provides materially incorrect Share net asset value
information (as determined under SEC guidelines), LIFE COMPANY shall be entitled
to an adjustment to the number of Shares purchased or redeemed to reflect the
correct net asset value per Share. Any material error in the calculation or
reporting of net asset value per Share, dividend or capital gain information
shall be reported promptly upon discovery to LIFE COMPANY. Materiality and
reprocessing cost reimbursement shall be determined in accordance with standards
established by the Parties as provided in Schedule B, attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
2.2 TIMELY PAYMENTS.
LIFE COMPANY will wire payment for net purchases to a custodial account
designated by AVIF by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day as the order for
Shares is placed, in accordance with Section 2.3(a), to the extent practicable.
AVIF will wire payment for net redemptions to an account designated by LIFE
COMPANY by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day as the Order is placed, to the
extent practicable, but in any event within five (5) calendar days after the
date the order is placed in order to enable LIFE COMPANY to pay redemption
proceeds within the time specified in Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act or such
shorter period of time as may be required by law.
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2.3 APPLICABLE PRICE.
(a) Share purchase payments and redemption orders that result from
purchase payments, premium payments, surrenders and other transactions under
Contracts (collectively, "Contract transactions") and that LIFE COMPANY receives
prior to the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on a
Business Day will be executed at the net asset values of the appropriate Funds
next computed after receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the orders. For
purposes of this Section 2.3(a), LIFE COMPANY shall be the designated agent of
AVIF for receipt of orders relating to Contract transactions on each Business
Day and receipt by such designated agent shall constitute receipt by AVIF;
provided that AVIF receives notice of such orders by 9:00 a.m. Central Time on
the next following Business Day or such later time as computed in accordance
with Section 2.1(b) hereof.
(b) All other Share purchases and redemptions by LIFE COMPANY will be
effected at the net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after
receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the order therefor, and such orders
will be irrevocable.
2.4 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.
AVIF will furnish notice by wire or telephone (followed by written
confirmation) on or prior to the payment date to LIFE COMPANY of any income
dividends or capital gain distributions payable on the Shares of any Fund. LIFE
COMPANY hereby elects to reinvest all dividends and capital gains distributions
in additional Shares of the corresponding Fund at the ex-dividend date net asset
values until LIFE COMPANY otherwise notifies AVIF in writing, it being agreed by
the Parties that the ex-dividend date and the payment date with respect to any
dividend or distribution will be the same Business Day. LIFE COMPANY reserves
the right to revoke this election and to receive all such income dividends and
capital gain distributions in cash.
2.5 BOOK ENTRY.
Issuance and transfer of AVIF Shares will be by book entry only. Stock
certificates will not be issued to LIFE COMPANY. Shares ordered from AVIF will
be recorded in an appropriate title for LIFE COMPANY, on behalf of its Account.
SECTION 3. COSTS AND EXPENSES
3.1 GENERAL.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in Schedule C, attached
hereto and made a part hereof, each Party will bear, or arrange for others to
bear, all expenses incident to its performance under this Agreement.
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3.2 PARTIES TO COOPERATE.
Each Party agrees to cooperate with the others, as applicable, in
arranging to print, mail and/or deliver, in a timely manner, combined or
coordinated prospectuses or other materials of AVIF and the Accounts.
SECTION 4. LEGAL COMPLIANCE
4.1 TAX LAWS.
(a) AVIF represents and warrants that each Fund is currently qualified
as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and represents that it will use
its best efforts to qualify and to maintain qualification of each Fund as a RIC.
AVIF will notify LIFE COMPANY immediately upon having a reasonable basis for
believing that a Fund has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify
in the future.
(b) AVIF represents and warrants that it will comply and maintain each
Fund's compliance with the diversification requirements set forth in Section
817(h) of the Code and Section 1.817-5(b) of the regulations under the Code.
AVIF will notify LIFE COMPANY immediately upon having a reasonable basis for
believing that a Fund has ceased to so comply or that a Fund might not so comply
in the future. In the event of a breach of this Section 4.1(b) by AVIF, it will
take all reasonable steps to adequately diversify the Fund so as to achieve
compliance within the grace period afforded by Section 1.817-5 of the
regulations under the Code.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, LIFE COMPANY
agrees that if the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") asserts in writing in
connection with any governmental audit or review of LIFE COMPANY or, to LIFE
COMPANY's knowledge, of any Contract owners, annuitants, insureds or
participants (as appropriate) under the Contracts (collectively,
"Participants"), that any Fund has failed to comply with the diversification
requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code or LIFE COMPANY otherwise becomes
aware of any facts that could give rise to any claim against AVIF or its
affiliates as a result of such a failure or alleged failure:
(i) LIFE COMPANY shall promptly notify AVIF of such
assertion or potential claim (subject to the
Confidentiality provisions of Section 18 as to any
Participant);
(ii) LIFE COMPANY shall consult with AVIF as to how to
minimize any liability that may arise as a result of
such failure or alleged failure;
(iii) LIFE COMPANY shall use its best efforts to minimize
any liability of AVIF or its affiliates resulting
from such failure, including, without limitation,
demonstrating, pursuant to Treasury Regulations
Section 1.817-5(a)(2), to the Commissioner of the IRS
that such failure was inadvertent;
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(iv) LIFE COMPANY shall permit AVIF, its affiliates and
their legal and accounting advisors to participate in
any conferences, settlement discussions or other
administrative or judicial proceeding or contests
(including judicial appeals thereof) with the IRS,
any Participant or any other claimant regarding any
claims that could give rise to liability to AVIF or
its affiliates as a result of such a failure or
alleged failure; provided, however, that LIFE COMPANY
will retain control of the conduct of such
conferences discussions, proceedings, contests or
appeals;
(v) any written materials to be submitted by LIFE COMPANY
to the IRS, any Participant or any other claimant in
connection with any of the foregoing proceedings or
contests (including, without limitation, any such
materials to be submitted to the IRS pursuant to
Treasury Regulations Section 1.817-5(a)(2)), (a)
shall be provided by LIFE COMPANY to AVIF (together
with any supporting information or analysis); subject
to the confidentiality provisions of Section 18, at
least ten (10) business days or such shorter period
to which the Parties hereto agree prior to the day on
which such proposed materials are to be submitted,
and (b) shall not be submitted by LIFE COMPANY to any
such person without the express written consent of
AVIF which shall not be unreasonably withheld;
(vi) LIFE COMPANY shall provide AVIF or its affiliates and
their accounting and legal advisors with such
cooperation as AVIF shall reasonably request
(including, without limitation, by permitting AVIF
and its accounting and legal advisors to review the
relevant books and records of LIFE COMPANY) in order
to facilitate review by AVIF or its advisors of any
written submissions provided to it pursuant to the
preceding clause or its assessment of the validity or
amount of any claim against its arising from such a
failure or alleged failure; and
(vii) LIFE COMPANY shall not with respect to any claim of
the IRS or any Participant that would give rise to a
claim against AVIF or its affiliates (a) compromise
or settle any claim, (b) accept any adjustment on
audit, or (c) forego any allowable administrative or
judicial appeals, without the express written consent
of AVIF or its affiliates, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld, provided that LIFE COMPANY
shall not be required, after exhausting all
administrative remedies, to appeal any adverse
judicial decision unless AVIF or its affiliates shall
have provided an opinion of independent counsel to
the effect that a reasonable basis exists for taking
such appeal; and provided further that the costs of
any such appeal shall be borne equally by the Parties
hereto.
Should AVIF or any of its affiliates refuse to give its written consent
to any compromise or settlement of any claim or liability hereunder, LIFE
COMPANY may, in its discretion, authorize AVIF or its affiliates to act in the
name of LIFE COMPANY in, and to control the conduct of, such
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conferences, discussions, proceedings, contests or appeals and all
administrative or judicial appeals thereof, and in that event AVIF or its
affiliates shall bear the fees and expenses associated with the conduct of the
proceedings that it is so authorized to control; provided, that in no event
shall LIFE COMPANY have any liability resulting from AVIF's refusal to accept
the proposed settlement or compromise with respect to any failure caused by
AVIF. As used in this Agreement, the term "affiliates" shall have the same
meaning as "affiliated person" as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act.
(d) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that the Contracts currently
are and will be treated as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under
applicable provisions of the Code and that it will use its best efforts to
maintain such treatment; LIFE COMPANY will notify AVIF immediately upon having a
reasonable basis for believing that any of the Contracts have ceased to be so
treated or that they might not be so treated in the future.
(e) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that each Account is a
"segregated asset account" and that interests in each Account are offered
exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a "variable contract,"
within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the
regulations thereunder. LIFE COMPANY will use its best efforts to continue to
meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify AVIF immediately upon
having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be
met or that they might not be met in the future.
4.2 INSURANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER LAWS.
(a) AVIF will use its best efforts to comply with any applicable state
insurance laws or regulations, where required, including, the furnishing of
information not otherwise available to LIFE COMPANY which is required by state
insurance law to enable LIFE COMPANY to obtain the authority needed to issue the
Contracts in any applicable state.
(b) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that (i) it is an insurance
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Minnesota and has full corporate power, authority and legal right
to execute, deliver and perform its duties and comply with its obligations under
this Agreement, (ii) it has legally and validly established and maintains each
Account as a segregated asset account under Chapter 61A of the Minnesota
Insurance Law and the regulations thereunder, and (iii) the Contracts comply in
all material respects with all other applicable federal and state laws and
regulations.
(c) AVIF represents and warrants that it is lawfully organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware and has
full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver, and perform its
duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement.
4.3 SECURITIES LAWS.
(a) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that (i) interests in each
Account pursuant to the Contracts will be registered under the 1933 Act, to the
extent required by the 1933 Act, (ii)
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the Contracts will be duly authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with
all applicable federal and state laws, including, without limitation, the 1933
Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act and the law(s) of LIFE COMPANY's state(s) of
organization and domicile, (iii) each Account is and will remain registered
under the 1940 Act, to the extent required by the 1940 Act, (iv) each Account
does and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940
Act and the rules thereunder, to the extent required, (v) each Account's 1933
Act registration statement relating to the Contracts, together with any
amendments thereto, will at all times comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder, (vi) LIFE COMPANY will
amend the registration statement for its Contracts under the 1933 Act and for
its Accounts under the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect
the continuous offering of its Contracts or as may otherwise be required by
applicable law, and (vii) each Account Prospectus will at all times comply in
all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules
thereunder.
(b) AVIF represents and warrants that (i) Shares sold pursuant to this
Agreement will be registered under the 1933 Act to the extent required by the
1933 Act and duly authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with
Delaware
law, (ii) AVIF is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act to the extent
required by the 1940 Act, (iii) AVIF will amend the registration statement for
its Shares under the 1933 Act and itself under the 1940 Act from time to time as
required in order to effect the continuous offering of its Shares, (iv) AVIF
does and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940
Act and the rules thereunder, (v) AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement,
together with any amendments thereto, does and will at all times comply in all
material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and rules thereunder,
and (vi) AVIF's Prospectus does and will at all times comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.
(c) AVIF will at its expense register and qualify its Shares for sale
in accordance with the laws of any state or other jurisdiction if and to the
extent required by State law.
(d) AVIF represents and warrants that all of its trustees, officers,
employees, investment advisers, and other individuals/entities having access to
the funds and/or securities of the Fund are and continue to be at all times
covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the
Fund in an amount not less than the minimal coverage as required currently by
Rule 17g-(1) of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from
time to time. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement
and is issued by a reputable bonding company.
4.4 NOTICE OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
(a) AVIF or AIM will immediately notify LIFE COMPANY of (i) the
issuance by any court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist
order, or other similar order with respect to AVIF's registration statement
under the 1933 Act or AVIF Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any
amendment to such registration statement or AVIF Prospectus that may affect the
offering of Shares of AVIF, (iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that
purpose or for any other purpose relating to the registration or offering of
AVIF's Shares, or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may prevent the
lawful offer or sale of Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction,
including,
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without limitation, any circumstances in which (a) such Shares are not
registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with
applicable state and federal law, or (b) such law precludes the use of such
Shares as an underlying investment medium of the Contracts issued or to be
issued by LIFE COMPANY. AVIF and AIM will make every reasonable effort to
prevent the issuance, with respect to any Fund, of any such stop order, cease
and desist order or similar order and, if any such order is issued, to obtain
the lifting thereof at the earliest possible time.
(b) LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER will immediately notify AVIF of (i) the
issuance by any court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist
order, or other similar order with respect to each Account's registration
statement under the 1933 Act relating to the Contracts or each Account
Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any amendment to such registration
statement or Account Prospectus that may affect the offering of Shares of AVIF,
(iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or for any other
purpose relating to the registration or offering of each Account's interests
pursuant to the Contracts, or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may
prevent the lawful offer or sale of said interests in any state or jurisdiction,
including, without limitation, any circumstances in which said interests are not
registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with
applicable state and federal law. LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER will make every
reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any such stop order, cease and
desist order or similar order and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the
lifting thereof at the earliest possible time.
4.5 LIFE COMPANY TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT AVIF.
(a) LIFE COMPANY will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least
one (1) complete copy of all SEC registration statements, Account Prospectuses,
reports, any preliminary and final voting instruction solicitation material,
applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments
to any of the above, that relate to each Account or the Contracts,
contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other
regulatory authorities.
(b) LIFE COMPANY will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least
one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material in which AVIF or any of its affiliates is named, at least five (5)
Business Days prior to its use or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may,
from time to time, agree upon. No such material shall be used if AVIF or its
designated agent objects to such use within five (5) Business Days after receipt
of such material or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to
time, agree upon. AVIF hereby designates AIM as the entity to receive such sales
literature, until such time as AVIF appoints another designated agent by giving
notice to LIFE COMPANY in the manner required by Section 9 hereof.
(c) Neither LIFE COMPANY nor any of its affiliates, will give any
information or make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning
AVIF or its affiliates in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than
(i) the information or representations contained in the registration statement,
including the AVIF Prospectus contained therein, relating to Shares, as such
registration statement and AVIF Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or
(ii) in reports or proxy materials for AVIF; or (iii) in published reports for
AVIF that are in the public domain and approved
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by AVIF for distribution; or (iv) in sales literature or other promotional
material approved by AVIF, except with the express written permission of AVIF.
(d) LIFE COMPANY shall adopt and implement procedures reasonably
designed to ensure that information concerning AVIF and its affiliates that is
intended for use only by brokers or agents selling the Contracts (i.e.,
information that is not intended for distribution to Participants) ("broker only
materials") is so used, and neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates shall be
liable for any losses, damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such
broker only materials.
(e) For the purposes of this Section 4.5, the phrase "sales literature
or other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g.,
on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales
literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally
available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research
reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of
any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or
training materials or other communications distributed or made generally
available to some or all agents or employees, registration statements,
prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and
proxy materials and any other material constituting sales literature or
advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇.
4.6 AVIF TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT LIFE COMPANY.
(a) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY at least one (1) complete copy of
all SEC registration statements, AVIF Prospectuses, reports, any preliminary and
final proxy material, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action
letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to AVIF or the
Shares of a Fund, contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the
SEC or other regulatory authorities.
(b) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY a camera ready copy of all AVIF
prospectuses and printed copies, in an amount specified by LIFE COMPANY, of AVIF
statements of additional information, proxy materials, periodic reports to
shareholders and other materials required by law to be sent to Participants who
have allocated any Contract value to a Fund. AVIF will provide such copies to
LIFE COMPANY in a timely manner so as to enable LIFE COMPANY, as the case may
be, to print and distribute such materials within the time required by law to be
furnished to Participants. If the LIFE COMPANY elects to include any materials
provided by AVIF, specifically prospectuses, SAIs, shareholder reports and proxy
materials, on its web site or in any other computer or electronic format, the
LIFE COMPANY assumes sole responsibility for maintaining such materials in the
form provided by AVIF and for promptly replacing such materials with all updates
provided by AVIF. AVIF agrees to provide all such materials requested by the
LIFE COMPANY in enhanced Portable Document Format (PDF) in a timely fashion at
no additional cost.
(c) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY or its designated agent at least
one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material in which LIFE
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COMPANY, or any of its respective affiliates is named, or that refers to the
Contracts, at least five (5) Business Days prior to its use or such shorter
period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. No such
material shall be used if LIFE COMPANY or its designated agent objects to such
use within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such material or such shorter
period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. LIFE COMPANY
shall receive all such sales literature until such time as it appoints a
designated agent by giving notice to AVIF in the manner required by Section 9
hereof.
(d) Neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates will give any information or
make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning LIFE COMPANY,
each Account, or the Contracts other than (i) the information or representations
contained in the registration statement, including each Account Prospectus
contained therein, relating to the Contracts, as such registration statement and
Account Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or (ii) in published
reports for the Account or the Contracts that are in the public domain and
approved by LIFE COMPANY for distribution; or (iii) in sales literature or other
promotional material approved by LIFE COMPANY or its affiliates, except with the
express written permission of LIFE COMPANY.
(e) AVIF shall cause its principal underwriter to adopt and implement
procedures reasonably designed to ensure that information concerning LIFE
COMPANY, and its respective affiliates that is intended for use only by brokers
or agents selling the Contracts (i.e., information that is not intended for
distribution to Participants) ("broker only materials") is so used, and neither
LIFE COMPANY, nor any of its respective affiliates shall be liable for any
losses, damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such broker only
materials.
(f) For purposes of this Section 4.6, the phrase "sales literature or
other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g.,
on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales
literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally
available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research
reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of
any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or
training materials or other communications distributed or made generally
available to some or all agents or employees, registration statements,
prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and
proxy materials and any other material constituting sales literature or
advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.
13
SECTION 5. MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING
5.1 GENERAL.
The SEC has granted an order to AVIF exempting it from certain
provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder so that AVIF may be available
for investment by certain other entities, including, without limitation,
separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
contracts, separate accounts of insurance companies unaffiliated with LIFE
COMPANY, and trustees of qualified pension and retirement plans (collectively,
"Mixed and Shared Funding"). The Parties recognize that the SEC has imposed
terms and conditions for such orders that are substantially identical to many of
the provisions of this Section 5. Sections 5.2 through 5.8 below shall apply
pursuant to such an exemptive order granted to AVIF. AVIF hereby notifies LIFE
COMPANY that, in the event that AVIF implements Mixed and Shared Funding, it may
be appropriate to include in the prospectus pursuant to which a Contract is
offered disclosure regarding the potential risks of Mixed and Shared Funding.
AVIF will notify Life Company of any amendments to the order.
5.2 DISINTERESTED TRUSTEES.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Trustees shall at all times consist of
trustees a majority of whom (the "Disinterested Trustees") are not interested
persons of AVIF within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and the
rules thereunder and as modified by any applicable orders of the SEC, except
that if this condition is not met by reason of the death, disqualification, or
bona fide resignation of any director, then the operation of this condition
shall be suspended (a) for a period of forty-five (45) days if the vacancy or
vacancies may be filled by the Board;(b) for a period of sixty (60) days if a
vote of shareholders is required to fill the vacancy or vacancies; or (c) for
such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by order upon application.
5.3 MONITORING FOR MATERIAL IRRECONCILABLE CONFLICTS.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Trustees will monitor for the existence
of any material irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the
Participants in all separate accounts of life insurance companies utilizing AVIF
("Participating Insurance Companies"), including each Account, and participants
in all qualified retirement and pension plans investing in AVIF ("Participating
Plans"). LIFE COMPANY agrees to inform the Board of Trustees of AVIF of the
existence of or any potential for any such material irreconcilable conflict of
which it is aware. The concept of a "material irreconcilable conflict" is not
defined by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder, but the Parties recognize that
such a conflict may arise for a variety of reasons, including, without
limitation:
(a) an action by any state insurance or other regulatory authority;
(b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance, tax or
securities laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter ruling,
no-action or interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance, tax or
securities regulatory authorities;
14
(c) an administrative or judicial decision in any relevant proceeding;
(d) the manner in which the investments of any Fund are being managed;
(e) a difference in voting instructions given by variable annuity
contract and variable life insurance contract Participants or by Participants of
different Participating Insurance Companies;
(f) a decision by a Participating Insurance Company to disregard the
voting instructions of Participants; or
(g) a decision by a Participating Plan to disregard the voting
instructions of Plan participants.
Consistent with the SEC's requirements in connection with exemptive
orders of the type referred to in Section 5.1 hereof, LIFE COMPANY will assist
the Board of Trustees in carrying out its responsibilities by providing the
Board of Trustees with all information reasonably necessary for the Board of
Trustees to consider any issue raised, including information as to a decision by
LIFE COMPANY to disregard voting instructions of Participants. LIFE COMPANY's
responsibilities in connection with the foregoing shall be carried out with a
view only to the interests of Participants.
5.4 CONFLICT REMEDIES.
(a) It is agreed that if it is determined by a majority of the members
of the Board of Trustees or a majority of the Disinterested Trustees that a
material irreconcilable conflict exists, LIFE COMPANY will, if it is a
Participating Insurance Company for which a material irreconcilable conflict is
relevant, at its own expense and to the extent reasonably practicable (as
determined by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees), take whatever steps are
necessary to remedy or eliminate the material irreconcilable conflict, which
steps may include, but are not limited to:
(i) withdrawing the assets allocable to some or all of
the Accounts from AVIF or any Fund and reinvesting
such assets in a different investment medium,
including another Fund of AVIF, or submitting the
question whether such segregation should be
implemented to a vote of all affected Participants
and, as appropriate, segregating the assets of any
particular group (e.g., annuity Participants, life
insurance Participants or all Participants) that
votes in favor of such segregation, or offering to
the affected Participants the option of making such a
change; and
(ii) establishing a new registered investment company of
the type defined as a "management company" in Section
4(3) of the 1940 Act or a new separate account that
is operated as a management company.
(b) If the material irreconcilable conflict arises because of LIFE
COMPANY's decision to disregard Participant voting instructions and that
decision represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, LIFE
COMPANY may be required, at AVIF's election, to withdraw each
15
Account's investment in AVIF or any Fund. No charge or penalty will be imposed
as a result of such withdrawal. Any such withdrawal must take place within six
(6) months after AVIF gives notice to LIFE COMPANY that this provision is being
implemented, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and
implement orders by LIFE COMPANY for the purchase and redemption of Shares of
AVIF and provided such withdrawal shall be limited to the extent required by the
foregoing material irreconcilable conflict as determined by a majority of the
Disinterested Trustees.
(c) If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular
state insurance regulator's decision applicable to LIFE COMPANY conflicts with
the majority of other state regulators, then LIFE COMPANY will withdraw each
Account's investment in AVIF within six (6) months after AVIF's Board of
Trustees informs LIFE COMPANY that it has determined that such decision has
created a material irreconcilable conflict, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall
continue to accept and implement orders by LIFE COMPANY for the purchase and
redemption of Shares of AVIF and provided such withdrawal shall be limited to
the extent required by the foregoing material irreconcilable conflict as
determined by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees. No charge or penalty
will be imposed as a result of such withdrawal.
(d) LIFE COMPANY agrees that any remedial action taken by it in
resolving any material irreconcilable conflict will be carried out at its
expense and with a view only to the interests of Participants.
(e) For purposes hereof, a majority of the Disinterested Trustees will
determine whether or not any proposed action adequately remedies any material
irreconcilable conflict. In no event, however, will AVIF or any of its
affiliates be required to establish a new funding medium for any Contracts. LIFE
COMPANY will not be required by the terms hereof to establish a new funding
medium for any Contracts if an offer to do so has been declined by vote of a
majority of Participants materially adversely affected by the material
irreconcilable conflict.
5.5 NOTICE TO LIFE COMPANY.
AVIF will promptly make known in writing to LIFE COMPANY the Board of
Trustees' determination of the existence of a material irreconcilable conflict,
a description of the facts that give rise to such conflict and the implications
of such conflict.
5.6 INFORMATION REQUESTED BY BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
LIFE COMPANY and AVIF (or its investment adviser) will at least
annually submit to the Board of Trustees of AVIF such reports, materials or data
as the Board of Trustees may reasonably request so that the Board of Trustees
may fully carry out the obligations imposed upon it by the provisions hereof or
any exemptive order granted by the SEC to permit Mixed and Shared Funding, and
said reports, materials and data will be submitted at any reasonable time deemed
appropriate by the Board of Trustees. All reports received by the Board of
Trustees of potential or existing conflicts, and all Board of Trustees actions
with regard to determining the existence of a conflict, notifying Participating
Insurance Companies and Participating Plans of a conflict, and determining
whether any proposed action adequately remedies a conflict, will be properly
recorded in the minutes
16
of the Board of Trustees or other appropriate records, and such minutes or other
records will be made available to the SEC upon request.
5.7 COMPLIANCE WITH SEC RULES.
If, at any time during which AVIF is serving as an investment medium
for variable life insurance Contracts, 1940 Act Rules 6e-3(T) or, if applicable,
6e-2 are amended or Rule 6e-3 is adopted to provide exemptive relief with
respect to Mixed and Shared Funding, AVIF agrees that it will comply with the
terms and conditions thereof and that the terms of this Section 5 shall be
deemed modified if and only to the extent required in order also to comply with
the terms and conditions of such exemptive relief that is afforded by any of
said rules that are applicable.
5.8 OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
AVIF will require that each Participating Insurance Company and
Participating Plan enter into an agreement with AVIF that contains in substance
the same provisions as are set forth in Sections 4.1(b), 4.1(d), 4.3(a), 4.4(b),
4.5(a), 5, and 10 of this Agreement.
SECTION 6. TERMINATION
6.1 EVENTS OF TERMINATION.
Subject to Section 6.4 below, this Agreement will terminate as to a
Fund:
(a) at the option of any party, with or without cause with respect to
the Fund, upon six (6) months advance written notice to the other parties, or,
if later, upon receipt of any required exemptive relief from the SEC, unless
otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties; or
(b) at the option of AVIF upon institution of formal proceedings
against LIFE COMPANY or its affiliates by the NASD, the SEC, any state insurance
regulator or any other regulatory body regarding LIFE COMPANY's obligations
under this Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of
each Account, or the purchase of Shares, if, in each case, AVIF reasonably
determines that such proceedings, or the facts on which such proceedings would
be based, have a material likelihood of imposing material adverse consequences
on the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be terminated; or
(c) at the option of LIFE COMPANY upon institution of formal
proceedings against AVIF, its principal underwriter, or its investment adviser
by the NASD, the SEC, or any state insurance regulator or any other regulatory
body regarding AVIF's obligations under this Agreement or related to the
operation or management of AVIF or the purchase of AVIF Shares, if, in each
case, LIFE COMPANY reasonably determines that such proceedings, or the facts on
which such proceedings would be based, have a material likelihood of imposing
material adverse consequences on LIFE COMPANY, or the Subaccount corresponding
to the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be terminated; or
17
(d) at the option of any Party in the event that (i) the Fund's Shares
are not registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance
with any applicable federal or state law, or (ii) such law precludes the use of
such Shares as an underlying investment medium of the Contracts issued or to be
issued by LIFE COMPANY; or
(e) upon termination of the corresponding Subaccount's investment in
the Fund pursuant to Section 5 hereof; or
(f) at the option of LIFE COMPANY if the Fund ceases to qualify as a
RIC under Subchapter M of the Code or under successor or similar provisions, or
if LIFE COMPANY reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so qualify; or
(g) at the option of LIFE COMPANY if the Fund fails to comply with
Section 817(h) of the Code or with successor or similar provisions, or if LIFE
COMPANY reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so comply; or
(h) at the option of AVIF if the Contracts issued by LIFE COMPANY cease
to qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under the Code
(other than by reason of the Fund's noncompliance with Section 817(h) or
Subchapter M of the Code) or if interests in an Account under the Contracts are
not registered, where required, and, in all material respects, are not issued or
sold in accordance with any applicable federal or state law; or
(i) upon another Party's material breach of any provision of this
Agreement.
6.2 NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR TERMINATION.
No termination of this Agreement will be effective unless and until the
Party terminating this Agreement gives prior written notice to the other Party
to this Agreement of its intent to terminate, and such notice shall set forth
the basis for such termination. Furthermore:
(a) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(a) or 6.1(e) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given at
least six (6) months in advance of the effective date of termination unless a
shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto;
(b) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(b) or 6.1(c) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given at
least ninety (90) days in advance of the effective date of termination unless a
shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto; and
(c) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof, such prior written
notice shall be given as soon as possible within twenty-four (24) hours after
the terminating Party learns of the event causing termination to be required.
18
6.3 FUNDS TO REMAIN AVAILABLE.
Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, AVIF will, at the
option of LIFE COMPANY, continue to make available additional shares of the Fund
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in
effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter
referred to as "Existing Contracts"). Specifically, without limitation, the
owners of the Existing Contracts will be permitted to reallocate investments in
the Fund (as in effect on such date), redeem investments in the Fund and/or
invest in the Fund upon the making of additional purchase payments under the
Existing Contracts. The parties agree that this Section 6.3 will not apply to
any terminations under Section 5 and the effect of such terminations will be
governed by Section 5 of this Agreement.
6.4 SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS.
All warranties and indemnifications will survive the termination of
this Agreement.
6.5 CONTINUANCE OF AGREEMENT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
If any Party terminates this Agreement with respect to any Fund
pursuant to Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i)
hereof, this Agreement shall nevertheless continue in effect as to any Shares of
that Fund that are outstanding as of the date of such termination (the "Initial
Termination Date"). This continuation shall extend to the earlier of the date as
of which an Account owns no Shares of the affected Fund or a date (the "Final
Termination Date") six (6) months following the Initial Termination Date, except
that LIFE COMPANY may, by written notice shorten said six (6) month period in
the case of a termination pursuant to Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or
6.1(i).
SECTION 7. PARTIES TO COOPERATE RESPECTING TERMINATION
The Parties hereto agree to cooperate and give reasonable assistance to
one another in taking all necessary and appropriate steps for the purpose of
ensuring that an Account owns no Shares of a Fund after the Final Termination
Date with respect thereto, or, in the case of a termination pursuant to Section
6.1(a), the termination date specified in the notice of termination.
SECTION 8. ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the
written consent of each other Party.
19
SECTION 9. NOTICES
Notices and communications required or permitted will be given by means
mutually acceptable to the Parties concerned. Each other notice or communication
required or permitted by this Agreement will be given to the following persons
at the following addresses and facsimile numbers, or such other persons,
addresses or facsimile numbers as the Party receiving such notices or
communications may subsequently direct in writing:
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS AND
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
MINNESOTA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIFE COMPANY AND
SECURIAN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attn: General Counsel
SECTION 10. VOTING PROCEDURES
Subject to the cost allocation procedures set forth in Section 3
hereof, LIFE COMPANY will distribute all proxy material furnished by AVIF to
Participants to whom pass-through voting privileges are required to be extended
and will solicit voting instructions from Participants. LIFE COMPANY will vote
Shares in accordance with timely instructions received from Participants. LIFE
COMPANY will vote Shares that are (a) not attributable to Participants to whom
pass-through voting privileges are extended, or (b) attributable to
Participants, but for which no timely instructions have been received, in the
same proportion as Shares for which said instructions have been received from
Participants, so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret
the 1940 Act to require pass through voting privileges for Participants. Neither
LIFE COMPANY nor any of its affiliates will in any way recommend action in
connection with or oppose or interfere with the solicitation of proxies for the
Shares held for such Participants. LIFE COMPANY reserves the right to vote
shares held in any Account in its own right, to the extent permitted by law.
LIFE COMPANY shall be responsible for assuring that each of its Accounts holding
Shares calculates voting privileges in a manner consistent with that of other
Participating Insurance Companies or in the manner required by the Mixed and
Shared Funding exemptive order obtained by AVIF. AVIF will notify LIFE COMPANY
of any changes of interpretations or amendments to Mixed and Shared Funding
exemptive order it has obtained. AVIF will comply with all provisions of the
1940 Act requiring voting by shareholders, and in particular, AVIF either will
provide for annual meetings (except insofar as the SEC may interpret Section 16
of the 1940 Act not to require such meetings) or will comply with Section 16(c)
of the 1940 Act (although AVIF is not one of the trusts described
20
in Section 16(c) of that Act) as well as with Sections 16(a) and, if and when
applicable, 16(b). Further, AVIF will act in accordance with the SEC's
interpretation of the requirements of Section 16(a) with respect to periodic
elections of trustees and with whatever rules the SEC may promulgate with
respect thereto.
SECTION 11. FOREIGN TAX CREDITS
AVIF agrees to consult in advance with LIFE COMPANY concerning any
decision to elect or not to elect pursuant to Section 853 of the Code to pass
through the benefit of any foreign tax credits to its shareholders.
SECTION 12. INDEMNIFICATION
12.1 OF AVIF AND AIM BY LIFE COMPANY AND UNDERWRITER.
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.1(b) and 12.1(c),
below, LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER agree to indemnify and hold harmless AVIF,
AIM, their affiliates, and each person, if any, who controls AVIF, AIM, or their
affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their
respective trustees and officers, (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for
purposes of this Section 12.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of
LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER) or actions in respect thereof (including, to the
extent reasonable, legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties
may become subject under any statute, regulation, at common law or otherwise;
provided, the Account owns shares of the Fund and insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or actions:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in any Account's 1933 Act registration
statement, any Account Prospectus, the Contracts, or
sales literature or advertising for the Contracts (or
any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing),
or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the
alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading; provided, that
this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any
Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or
such alleged statement or omission was made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER by or on
behalf of AVIF or AIM for use in any Account's 1933
Act registration statement, any Account Prospectus,
the Contracts, or sales literature or advertising or
otherwise for use in connection with the sale of
Contracts or Shares (or any amendment or supplement
to any of the foregoing); or
21
(ii) arise out of or as a result of any other statements
or representations (other than statements or
representations contained in AVIF's 1933 Act
registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales
literature or advertising of AVIF, or any amendment
or supplement to any of the foregoing, not supplied
for use therein by or on behalf of LIFE COMPANY,
UNDERWRITER or their respective affiliates and on
which such persons have reasonably relied) or the
negligent, illegal or fraudulent conduct of LIFE
COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or their respective affiliates
or persons under their control (including, without
limitation, their employees and "persons associated
with a member," as that term is defined in paragraph
(q) of Article I of the NASD's By-Laws), in
connection with the sale or distribution of the
Contracts or Shares; or
(iii) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement,
AVIF Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of
AVIF, or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing, or the omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading if such a statement or omission was
made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to AVIF, AIM or their
affiliates by or on behalf of LIFE COMPANY,
UNDERWRITER or their respective affiliates for use in
AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF
Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of AVIF,
or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by LIFE COMPANY or
UNDERWRITER to perform the obligations, provide the
services and furnish the materials required of them
under the terms of this Agreement, or any material
breach of any representation and/or warranty made by
LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER in this Agreement or
arise out of or result from any other material breach
of this Agreement by LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER; or
(v) arise as a result of failure by the Contracts issued
by LIFE COMPANY to qualify as annuity contracts or
life insurance contracts under the Code, otherwise
than by reason of any Fund's failure to comply with
Subchapter M or Section 817(h) of the Code.
(b) Neither LIFE COMPANY nor UNDERWRITER shall be liable under this
Section 12.1 with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions
to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that
Indemnified Party of its duties or by reason of that Indemnified Party's
reckless disregard of obligations or duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to
AVIF or AIM.
22
(c) Neither LIFE COMPANY nor UNDERWRITER shall be liable under this
Section 12.1 with respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless AVIF
or AIM shall have notified LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER in writing within a
reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving
information of the nature of the action shall have been served upon such
Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of
such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify LIFE COMPANY and
UNDERWRITER of any such action shall not relieve LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER
from any liability which they may have to the Indemnified Party against whom
such action is brought otherwise than on account of this Section 12.1. Except as
otherwise provided herein, in case any such action is brought against an
Indemnified Party, LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER shall be entitled to
participate, at their own expense, in the defense of such action and also shall
be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel approved by the
Indemnified Party named in the action, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld. After notice from LIFE COMPANY or UNDERWRITER to such Indemnified
Party of LIFE COMPANY's or UNDERWRITER's election to assume the defense thereof,
the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER and
shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and
neither LIFE
COMPANY nor UNDERWRITER will be liable to such Indemnified Party under
this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such
Indemnified Party independently in connection with the defense thereof, other
than reasonable costs of investigation.
12.2 OF LIFE COMPANY AND UNDERWRITER BY AVIF AND AIM.
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and
12.2(e), below, AVIF and AIM agree to indemnify and hold harmless LIFE COMPANY,
UNDERWRITER, their respective affiliates, and each person, if any, who controls
LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or their respective affiliates within the meaning of
Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their respective trustees and officers,
(collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 12.2)
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid
in settlement with the written consent of AVIF and/or AIM) or actions in respect
thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other expenses), to
which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute, regulation,
at common law, or otherwise; provided, the Account owns shares of the Fund and
insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement,
AVIF Prospectus or sales literature or advertising of
AVIF (or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the
omission or the alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; provided, that this agreement to
indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party
if such statement or omission or such alleged
statement or omission was made in reliance upon and
in conformity with information furnished to AVIF or
its affiliates by or on behalf of LIFE COMPANY,
UNDERWRITER or their respective affiliates for use in
AVIF's
23
1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, or
in sales literature or advertising or otherwise for
use in connection with the sale of Contracts or
Shares (or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing); or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of any other statements
or representations (other than statements or
representations contained in any Account's 1933 Act
registration statement, any Account Prospectus, sales
literature or advertising for the Contracts, or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, not
supplied for use therein by or on behalf of AVIF, AIM
or their affiliates and on which such persons have
reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or
fraudulent conduct of AVIF, AIM or their affiliates
or persons under their control (including, without
limitation, their employees and "persons associated
with a member" as that term is defined in Section (q)
of Article I of the NASD By-Laws), in connection with
the sale or distribution of AVIF Shares; or
(iii) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in any Account's 1933 Act registration
statement, any Account Prospectus, sales literature
or advertising covering the Contracts, or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, or
the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, if such statement or omission was made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or their
respective affiliates by or on behalf of AVIF or AIM
for use in any Account's 1933 Act registration
statement, any Account Prospectus, sales literature
or advertising covering the Contracts, or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by AVIF to perform
the obligations, provide the services and furnish the
materials required of it under the terms of this
Agreement, or any material breach of any
representation and/or warranty made by AVIF in this
Agreement or arise out of or result from any other
material breach of this Agreement by AVIF.
(b) The parties agree that the foregoing indemnification by AVIF shall
not apply to any acts or omissions of AIM. Except to the extent provided in
Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and 12.2(e) hereof, AVIF and AIM agree to indemnify
and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against any and all losses,
claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement thereof with,
the written consent of AVIF and/or AIM) or actions in respect thereof
(including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other expenses) to which the
Indemnified Parties may become subject directly or indirectly under any statute,
at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities
or actions directly or indirectly result from or arise out of the failure of any
Fund to operate as a regulated investment company in compliance with (i)
Subchapter M of the Code and regulations thereunder, or (ii) Section 817(h) of
the Code and regulations thereunder, including,
24
without limitation, any income taxes and related penalties, rescission charges,
liability under state law to Participants asserting liability against LIFE
COMPANY pursuant to the Contracts, the costs of any ruling and closing agreement
or other settlement with the IRS, and the cost of any substitution by LIFE
COMPANY of Shares of another investment company or portfolio for those of any
adversely affected Fund as a funding medium for each Account that LIFE COMPANY
reasonably deems necessary or appropriate as a result of the noncompliance.
(c) Neither AVIF nor AIM shall be liable under this Section 12.2 with
respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to which an
Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that Indemnified Party of
its duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to LIFE COMPANY,
UNDERWRITER, each Account or Participants.
(d) Neither AVIF nor AIM shall be liable under this Section 12.2 with
respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless the Indemnified Party
shall have notified AVIF and/or AIM in writing within a reasonable time after
the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the
action shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such
Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated
agent), but failure to notify AVIF or AIM of any such action shall not relieve
AVIF or AIM from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party
against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this Section
12.2. Except as otherwise provided herein, in case any such action is brought
against an Indemnified Party, AVIF and/or AIM will be entitled to participate,
at its own expense, in the defense of such action and also shall be entitled to
assume the defense thereof (which shall include, without limitation, the conduct
of any ruling request and closing agreement or other settlement proceeding with
the IRS), with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party named in the action,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After notice from AVIF and/or
AIM to such Indemnified Party of AVIF's or AIM's election to assume the defense
thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with AVIF and AIM and shall
bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and AVIF
and AIM will not be liable to such Indemnified Party under this Agreement for
any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party
independently in connection with the defense thereof, other than reasonable
costs of investigation.
(e) In no event shall AVIF or AIM be liable under the indemnification
provisions contained in this Agreement to any individual or entity, including,
without limitation, LIFE COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or any other Participating
Insurance Company or any Participant, with respect to any losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or expenses that arise out of or result from (i) a breach
of any representation, warranty, and/or covenant made by LIFE COMPANY or
UNDERWRITER hereunder or by any Participating Insurance Company under an
agreement containing substantially similar representations, warranties and
covenants; (ii) the failure by LIFE COMPANY or any Participating Insurance
Company to maintain its segregated asset account (which invests in any Fund) as
a legally and validly established segregated asset account under applicable
state law and as a duly registered unit investment trust under the provisions of
the 1940 Act (unless exempt
25
therefrom); or (iii) the failure by LIFE COMPANY or any Participating Insurance
Company to maintain its variable annuity or life insurance contracts (with
respect to which any Fund serves as an underlying funding vehicle) as annuity
contracts or life insurance contracts under applicable provisions of the Code.
12.3 EFFECT OF NOTICE.
Any notice given by the indemnifying Party to an Indemnified Party
referred to in Sections 12.1(c) or 12.2(d) above of participation in or control
of any action by the indemnifying Party will in no event be deemed to be an
admission by the indemnifying Party of liability, culpability or responsibility,
and the indemnifying Party will remain free to contest liability with respect to
the claim among the Parties or otherwise.
12.4 SUCCESSORS.
A successor by law of any Party shall be entitled to the benefits of
the indemnification contained in this Section 12.
SECTION 13. APPLICABLE LAW
This Agreement will be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted
under and in accordance with
Delaware law, without regard for that state's
principles of conflict of laws.
SECTION 14. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which taken together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
SECTION 15. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not
be affected thereby.
SECTION 16. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE
The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are
cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies and obligations,
at law or in equity, that the Parties are entitled to under federal and state
laws.
26
SECTION 17. HEADINGS
The Table of Contents and headings used in this Agreement are for
purposes of reference only and shall not limit or define the meaning of the
provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 18. CONFIDENTIALITY
AVIF acknowledges that the identities of the customers of LIFE COMPANY
or any of its affiliates (collectively, the "LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties' for
purposes of this Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers,
and all computer programs and procedures or other information developed by the
LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection
with LIFE COMPANY's performance of its duties under this Agreement are the
valuable property of the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties. AVIF agrees that if it
comes into possession of any list or compilation of the identities of or other
information about the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties' customers, or any other
information or property of the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties, other than such
information as may be independently developed or compiled by AVIF from
information supplied to it by the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties' customers who
also maintain accounts directly with AVIF, AVIF will hold such information or
property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any of
such information or other property except: (a) with LIFE COMPANY's prior written
consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. LIFE COMPANY
acknowledges that the identities of the customers of AVIF or any of its
affiliates (collectively, the "AVIF Protected Parties" for purposes of this
Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers, and all computer
programs and procedures or other information developed by the AVIF Protected
Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection with AVIF's
performance of its duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the
AVIF Protected Parties. LIFE COMPANY agrees that if it comes into possession of
any list or compilation of the identities of or other information about the AVIF
Protected Parties' customers or any other information or property of the AVIF
Protected Parties, other than such information as may be independently developed
or compiled by LIFE COMPANY from information supplied to it by the AVIF
Protected Parties' customers who also maintain accounts directly with LIFE
COMPANY, LIFE COMPANY will hold such information or property in confidence and
refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any of such information or other
property except: (a) with AVIF's prior written consent; or (b) as required by
law or judicial process. Each party acknowledges that any breach of the
agreements in this Section 18 would result in immediate and irreparable harm to
the other parties for which there would be no adequate remedy at law and agree
that in the event of such a breach, the other parties will be entitled to
equitable relief by way of temporary and permanent injunctions, as well as such
other relief as any court of competent jurisdiction deems appropriate.
27
SECTION 19. TRADEMARKS AND FUND NAMES
(a) Except as may otherwise be provided in a License Agreement among A
I M Management Group Inc., LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER, neither LIFE COMPANY
nor UNDERWRITER or any of their respective affiliates, shall use any trademark,
trade name, service ▇▇▇▇ or logo of AVIF, AIM or any of their respective
affiliates, or any variation of any such trademark, trade name, service ▇▇▇▇ or
logo, without AVIF's or AIM's prior written consent, the granting of which shall
be at AVIF's or AIM's sole option.
(b) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, neither
AVIF, its investment adviser, its principal underwriter, or any affiliates
thereof shall use any trademark, trade name, service ▇▇▇▇ or logo of LIFE
COMPANY, UNDERWRITER or any of their affiliates, or any variation of any such
trademark, trade name, service ▇▇▇▇ or logo, without LIFE COMPANY's or
UNDERWRITER's prior written consent, the granting of which shall be at LIFE
COMPANY's or UNDERWRITER's sole option.
SECTION 20. PARTIES TO COOPERATE
Each party to this Agreement will cooperate with each other party and
all appropriate governmental authorities (including, without limitation, the
SEC, the NASD and state insurance regulators) and will permit each other and
such authorities reasonable access to its books and records (including copies
thereof) in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 21. AMENDMENTS
No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified in any manner
except by a written agreement executed by all parties hereto.
----------------------------------------
28
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized
officers signing below.
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS
Attest: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
---------------------------- ----------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Assistant Secretary Title: Senior Vice President
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Attest: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
---------------------------- ----------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
Title: Assistant Secretary Title: President
MINNESOTA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
on behalf of itself and its separate
accounts
Attest: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
---------------------------- ----------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Counsel Title: 2nd Vice President & Actuary-
Individual
SECURIAN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Attest: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
---------------------------- ----------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Counsel Title: 2nd Vice President
29
SCHEDULE A
FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTS
o
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS
Series II shares
AIM V.I. Aggressive Growth Fund
AIM V.I. Balanced Fund
AIM V.I. Dent Demographic Trends Fund
AIM V.I. Premier Equity Fund
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS UTILIZING THE FUNDS
Variable Annuity Account
CONTRACTS FUNDED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
Multi-Option Classic Variable Annuity
Multi-Option Achiever Variable Annuity
30
SCHEDULE B
AIM'S PRICING ERROR POLICIES
Determination of Materiality
In the event that AIM discovers an error in the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value, the following policies will apply:
If the amount of the error is less than $.01 per share, it is considered
immaterial and no adjustments are made.
If the amount of the error is $.01 per share or more, then the following
thresholds are applied:
a. If the amount of the difference in the erroneous net asset
value and the correct net asset value is less than .5% of the
correct net asset value, AIM will reimburse the affected Fund
to the extent of any loss resulting from the error. No other
adjustments shall be made.
b. If the amount of the difference in the erroneous net asset
value and the correct net asset value is .5% of the correct
net asset value or greater, then AIM will determine the impact
of the error to the affected Fund and shall reimburse such
Fund (and/or LIFE COMPANY, as appropriate, such as in the
event that the error was not discovered until after LIFE
COMPANY processed transactions using the erroneous net asset
value) to the extent of any loss resulting from the error. To
the extent that an overstatement of net asset value per share
is detected quickly and LIFE COMPANY has not mailed redemption
checks to Participants, LIFE COMPANY and AIM agree to examine
the extent of the error to determine the feasibility of
reprocessing such redemption transaction (for purposes of
reimbursing the Fund to the extent of any such overpayment).
Reprocessing Cost Reimbursement
To the extent a reprocessing of Participant transactions is required pursuant to
paragraph (b), above, AIM shall reimburse LIFE COMPANY for LIFE COMPANY's
reprocessing costs in an amount not to exceed $1.00 per contract affected by $10
or more.
The Pricing Policies described herein may be modified by AVIF as approved by its
Board of Trustees. AIM agrees to use its best efforts to notify LIFE COMPANY at
least five (5) days prior to any such meeting of the Board of Trustees of AVIF
to consider such proposed changes.
31
SCHEDULE C
EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS
LIFE COMPANY AVIF / AIM
------------ ----------
preparing and filing the Accounts registration statement Preparing and filing the Funds registration statement
text composition for Account prospectuses and supplements text composition for Fund prospectuses and supplements
text alterations of prospectuses (Account) and supplements text alterations of prospectuses (Fund) and supplements
(Account) (Fund)
printing Account and Fund prospectuses and supplements a camera ready Fund prospectus
text composition and printing Account SAIs text composition Fund SAIs
mailing and distributing Account SAIs to policy owners upon mailing and distributing Fund SAIs to policy owners upon
request by policy owners request by policy owners
mailing and distributing prospectuses (Account and Fund) and
supplements (Account and Fund) to policy owners of record as
required by Federal Securities Laws and to prospective
purchasers
text composition (Account), printing, mailing, and text composition and printing of annual and semi-annual
distributing annual and semi-annual reports for Account (Fund reports for (Fund)
and Account as, applicable)
text composition, printing, mailing, distributing, and text composition, printing, mailing, distributing and
tabulation of proxy statements and voting instruction tabulation of proxy statements and voting instruction
solicitation materials to policy owners with respect to solicitation materials to policy owners with respect to
proxies related to the Account proxies related to the Fund
preparation, printing and distributing sales material and
advertising relating to the Funds, insofar as such materials
relate to the Contracts and filing such materials with and
obtaining approval from, the SEC, the NASD, any state insurance
regulatory authority, and any other appropriate regulatory
authority, to the extent required
32