PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.,
A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.,
AMERICAN CENTURION LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND
ITS SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
AND
AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL ADVISORS INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Description Page
Section 1. Available Funds 2
1.1 Availability 2
1.2 Addition, Deletion or Modification of Funds 2
1.3 No Sales to the General Public 2
Section 2. Processing Transactions 2
2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders 2
2.2 Timely Payments 3
2.3 Applicable Price 3
2.4 Dividends and Distributions 4
2.5 Book Entry4
Section 3. Costs and Expenses 4
3.1 General 4
3.2 Registration 4
3.3 Other (Non-Sales-Related) 5
3.4 Other (Sales-Related) 5
3.5 Parties To Cooperate 5
Section 4. Legal Compliance 5
4.1 Tax Laws 5
4.2 Insurance and Certain Other Laws 8
4.3 Securities Laws 8
4.4 Notice of Certain Proceedings and Other Circumstance 9
4.5 American Centurion Life To Provide Documents;
Information About AVIF 10
4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents; Information About
American Centurion Life 11
Section 5. Mixed and Shared Funding 12
5.1 General 12
5.2 Disinterested Directors 12
5.3 Monitoring for Material Irreconcilable Conflicts 13
5.4 Conflict Remedies 13
5.5 Notice to American Centurion Life 15
5.6 Information Requested by Board of Directors 15
5.7 Compliance with SEC Rules 15
5.8 Other Requirements 15
Description Page
Section 6. Termination 15
6.1 Events of Termination 15
6.2 Notice Requirement for Termination 16
6.3 Funds To Remain Available 17
6.4 Survival of Warranties and Indemnifications 17
6.5 Continuance of Agreement for Certain Purposes 17
Section 7. Parties To Cooperate Respecting Termination 17
Section 8. Assignment 18
Section 9. Notices 18
Section 10. Voting Procedures 19
Section 11. Foreign Tax Credits 19
Section 12. Indemnification 20
12.1 Of AVIF and AIM by American Centurion Life and AEFA 20
12.2 Of American Centurion Life and AEFA by AVIF and AIM 22
12.3 Effect of Notice 24
12.4 Successors 24
Section 13. Applicable Law 24
Section 14. Execution in Counterparts 25
Section 15. Severability 25
Section 16. Rights Cumulative 25
Section 17. Headings 25
Section 18. Confidentiality 25
Section 19. Trademarks and Fund Names 26
Section 20. Parties to Cooperate 27
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the 30th day of October, 1997
("Agreement"), by and among AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., a Maryland
corporation ("AVIF"); AIM Distributors, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("AIM");
IDS Life Insurance Company of New York, a New York life insurance company
("American Centurion Life"), 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
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. ("AEFA"), an affiliate of American
Centurion Life and the principal underwriter of the Contracts (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 nine separate series ("Series"),
shares ("Shares") of 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, American Centurion Life will be the issuer of certain variable
annuity contracts and/or 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, American Centurion Life 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, American Centurion Life 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
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and
regulations, American Centurion Life intends to purchase Shares in one or more
of the Funds on behalf of the Accounts to fund the Contracts; and
WHEREAS, AEFA 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 American Centurion Life
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 Directors 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 Directors 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.
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. 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.
Section 2. Processing Transactions
2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders.
(a) AVIF or its designated agent will use its best efforts to provide
American Centurion Life with the net asset value per Share for each Fund by 5:30
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) American
Centurion Life is open for business.
(b) American Centurion Life 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. American Centurion Life 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
American Centurion Life in the event that AVIF is unable to meet the 5:30 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 American Centurion Life.
(c) With respect to payment of the purchase price by American Centurion
Life and of redemption proceeds by AVIF, American Centurion Life 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), American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion
Life.
2.2 Timely Payments.
American Centurion Life 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, to the extent practicable. AVIF will wire
payment for net redemptions to an account designated by American Centurion Life
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 American Centurion Life 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.
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 American Centurion
Life 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), American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life
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 American Centurion Life of any
income dividends or capital gain distributions payable on the Shares of any
Fund. American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life 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. American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life. Shares ordered from
AVIF will be recorded in an appropriate title for American Centurion Life, on
behalf of its Account.
Section 3. Costs and Expenses
3.1 General.
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Party will bear
all expenses incident to its performance under this Agreement.
3.2 Registration.
(a) AVIF will bear the cost of its registering as a management investment
company under the 1940 Act and registering its Shares under the 1933 Act, and
keeping such registrations current and effective; including, without limitation,
the preparation of and filing with the SEC of Forms N-SAR and Rule 24f-2 Notices
with respect to AVIF and its Shares and payment of all applicable registration
or filing fees with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) American Centurion Life will bear the cost of registering, to the
extent required, each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act and
registering units of interest under the Contracts under the 1933 Act and keeping
such registrations current and effective; including, without limitation, the
preparation and filing with the SEC of Forms N-SAR and Rule 24f-2 Notices with
respect to each Account and its units of interest and payment of all applicable
registration or filing fees with respect to any of the foregoing.
3.3 Other (Non-Sales-Related).
(a) AVIF will bear, or arrange for others to bear, the costs of
preparing, filing with the SEC and setting for printing AVIF's prospectus,
statement of additional information and any amendments or supplements thereto
(collectively, the "AVIF Prospectus"), periodic reports to shareholders, AVIF
proxy material and other shareholder communications.
(b) American Centurion Life will bear the costs of preparing, filing with
the SEC and setting for printing each Account's prospectus, statement of
additional information and any amendments or supplements thereto (collectively,
the "Account Prospectus"), any periodic reports to Contract owners, annuitants,
insureds or participants (as appropriate) under the Contracts (collectively,
"Participants"), voting instruction solicitation material, and other Participant
communications.
(c) American Centurion Life will print in quantity and deliver to
existing Participants the documents described in Section 3.3(b) above and the
prospectus provided by AVIF in camera ready or computer diskette form. AVIF will
print the AVIF statement of additional information, proxy materials relating to
AVIF and periodic reports of AVIF.
3.4 Other (Sales-Related).
American Centurion Life will bear the expenses of distribution. These
expenses would include by way of illustration, but are not limited to, the costs
of distributing to Participants the following documents, whether they relate to
the Account or AVIF: prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy
materials and periodic reports. These costs would also include the costs of
preparing, printing, and distributing sales literature and advertising relating
to the Funds, as well as filing such materials with, and obtaining approval
from, the SEC, NASD, any state insurance regulatory authority, and any other
appropriate regulatory authority, to the extent required.
3.5 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 American Centurion Life 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 that it will use its best efforts to comply and to
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 American Centurion Life 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) American Centurion Life agrees that if the Internal Revenue Service
("IRS") asserts in writing in connection with any governmental audit or review
of American Centurion Life or, to American Centurion Life's knowledge, of an
Participant, that any Fund has failed to comply with the diversification
requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code or American Centurion Life 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) American Centurion Life shall promptly notify AVIF of such
assertion or potential claim (subject to the Confidentiality
provisions of Section 18 as to any Participant);
(ii) American Centurion Life shall consult with AVIF as to how to
minimize any liability that may arise as a result of such failure
or alleged failure;
(iii)American Centurion Life 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;
(iv) American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life will retain
control of the conduct of such conferences discussions,
proceedings, contests or appeals;
(v) any written materials to be submitted by American Centurion Life
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 1.8175(a)(2)), (a) shall
be provided by American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion
Life to any such person without the express written consent of
AVIF which shall not be unreasonably withheld;
(vi) American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life) 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;
(vii)American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life
shall not be required, after exhausting all administrative
penalties, 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; and
(viii) AVIF and its affiliates shall have no liability as a result of
such failure or alleged failure if American Centurion Life fails
to comply with any of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii),
and such failure could be shown to have materially contributed to
the liability.
Should AVIF or any of its affiliates refuse to give its written consent
to any compromise or settlement of any claim or liability hereunder, American
Centurion Life may, in its discretion, authorize AVIF or its affiliates to act
in the name of American Centurion Life in, and to control the conduct of, such
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 American Centurion Life 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) American Centurion Life 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; American Centurion Life 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) American Centurion Life 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. American Centurion Life 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, to the extent specifically requested in writing
by American Centurion Life, including, the furnishing of information not
otherwise available to American Centurion Life which is required by state
insurance law to enable American Centurion Life to obtain the authority needed
to issue the Contracts in any applicable state.
(b) American Centurion Life 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 New York 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 Section 4240 of
the New York 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 a corporation duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland
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) American Centurion Life 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) 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 New
York law, (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) American Centurion Life 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 Maryland
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, will at all times comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and rules thereunder, and (vi)
AVIF's Prospectus 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
reasonably deemed advisable by AVIF.
(d) AVIF currently does not intend to make any payments to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act or otherwise,
although it reserves the right to make such payments in the future. To the
extent that it decides to finance distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1,
AVIF undertakes to have its Board of Directors, a majority of whom are not
"interested" persons of the Fund, formulate and approve any plan under Rule
12b-1 to finance distribution expenses.
(e) 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 maybe 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 will immediately notify American Centurion Life 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, 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 American Centurion Life. AVIF 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) American Centurion Life 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. American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life To Provide Documents; Information
About AVIF.
(a) American Centurion Life 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) American Centurion Life 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 A I M as the entity to
receive such sales literature, until such time as AVIF appoints another
designated agent by giving notice to American Centurion Life in the manner
required by Section 9 hereof.
(c) Neither American Centurion Life 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 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) American Centurion Life 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 0000 Xxx.
4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents; Information About IDS Life of
New York.
(a) AVIF will provide to American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life camera ready or computer
diskette copies of all AVIF prospectuses and printed copies, in an amount
specified by American Centurion Life, 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 American Centurion
Life in a timely manner so as to enable American Centurion Life to print and
distribute such materials within the time required by law to be furnished to
Participants.
(c) AVIF will provide to American Centurion Life or its designated agent
at least one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other
promotional material in which American Centurion Life, 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 American Centurion
Life 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. American Centurion Life 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 American
Centurion Life, 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 American Centurion Life for
distribution; or (iii) in sales literature or other promotional material
approved by American Centurion Life or its affiliates, except with the express
written permission of American Centurion Life.
e) AVIF shall cause its principal underwriter to adopt and implement
procedures reasonably designed to ensure that information concerning American
Centurion Life, 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 American Centurion Life, 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.
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 American
Centurion Life, 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 American Centurion Life 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.
5.2 Disinterested Directors.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors shall at all times consist of
directors a majority of whom (the "Disinterested Directors") 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 Directors 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"). American Centurion Life agrees to inform the Board of Directors 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;
(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, American Centurion Life
will assist the Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities by
providing the Board of Directors with all information reasonably necessary for
the Board of Directors to consider any issue raised, including information as to
a decision by American Centurion Life to disregard voting instructions 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 Directors or a majority of the Disinterested Directors that a
material irreconcilable conflict exists, American Centurion Life 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 Directors), 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 American
Centurion Life's decision to disregard Participant voting instructions and that
decision represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote,
American Centurion Life may be required, at AVIF's election, to withdraw each
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 American Centurion Life that this
provision is being implemented, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to
accept and implement orders by American Centurion Life for the purchase and
redemption of Shares of AVIF.
(c) If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular
state insurance regulator's decision applicable to American Centurion Life
conflicts with the majority of other state
regulators, then American Centurion Life will withdraw each Account's investment
in AVIF within six (6) months after AVIF's Board of Directors informs American
Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life for the purchase and redemption
of Shares of AVIF. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result of such
withdrawal.
(d) American Centurion Life 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 Directors 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.
American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life.
AVIF will promptly make known in writing to American Centurion Life the
Board of Directors' 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 Directors.
American Centurion Life and AVIF (or its investment adviser) will at
least annually submit to the Board of Directors of AVIF such reports, materials
or data as the Board of Directors may reasonably request so that the Board of
Directors 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 Directors. All reports
received by the Board of Directors of potential or existing conflicts, and all
Board of Directors 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 of the Board of Directors 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
American Centurion Life or its affiliates by the NASD, the SEC, any state
insurance regulator or any other regulatory body regarding American Centurion
Life'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 American Centurion Life 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, American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life, or the
Subaccount corresponding to the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to
be terminated; or
(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 American Centurion Life; or
(e) upon termination of the corresponding Subaccount's investment in the
Fund pursuant to Section 5 hereof; or
(f) at the option of American Centurion Life if the Fund ceases to
qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code or under successor or similar
provisions, or if American Centurion Life reasonably believes that the Fund may
fail to so qualify; or
(g) at the option of American Centurion Life if the Fund fails to comply
with Section 817(h) of the Code or with successor or similar provisions, or if
American Centurion Life reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so comply;
or
(h) at the option of AVIF if the Contracts issued by American Centurion
Life 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.
6.3 Funds To Remain Available.
Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, AVIF will, at the
option of American Centurion Life, 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 American Centurion Life 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. Such steps
may include combining the affected Account with another Account, substituting
other mutual fund shares for those of the affected Fund, or otherwise
terminating participation by the Contracts in such Fund.
Section 8. Assignment
This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the written
consent of each other Party.
Section 9. Notices
Notices and communications required or permitted by Section 9 hereof 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:
American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
American Centurion Life Assurance Company
IDS Tower 10
Xxxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attn: Xx. Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Director, Variable Assets Product
Management
cc: Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Esq.
Senior Counsel
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
AIM Distributors, Inc.
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attn: Xx. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
cc: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Assistant General Counsel
Section 10. Voting Procedures
Subject to the cost allocation procedures set forth in Section 3 hereof,
American Centurion Life 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. American Centurion Life
will vote Shares in accordance with timely instructions received from
Participants. American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life 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. American Centurion Life reserves the right to vote shares held in
any Account in its own right, to the extent permitted by law. American Centurion
Life 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 American
Centurion Life 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 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 directors and with whatever rules the SEC may promulgate
with respect thereto.
Section 11. Foreign Tax Credits
AVIF agrees to consult in advance with American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life and AEFA.
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.1(b) and 12.1(c), below,
American Centurion Life and AEFA agree to indemnify and hold harmless AVIF, AIM,
their respective 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 directors 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 American Centurion Life and AEFA) 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 American
Centurion Life or AEFA by or on behalf of AVIF 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
(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 American Centurion Life, AEFA or
their respective affiliates and on which such persons have
reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or fraudulent
conduct of American Centurion Life, AEFA or their respective
affiliates or persons under their control (including, without
limitation, their employees and "Associated Persons," as that
term is defined in paragraph (m) 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 respective affiliates
by or on behalf of American Centurion Life, AEFA 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 American Centurion Life or
AEFA 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 American Centurion Life or AEFA in this Agreement or arise out
of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by
American Centurion Life or AEFA; or
(v) arise as a result of failure by the Contracts issued by American
Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life nor AEFA 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.
(c) Neither American Centurion Life nor AEFA shall be liable under this
Section 12.1 with respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless AVIF
or AIM shall have notified American Centurion Life and AEFA 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 American Centurion
Life and AEFA of any such action shall not relieve American Centurion Life and
AEFA 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, American Centurion Life and AEFA 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 American Centurion Life or AEFA to such Indemnified
Party of American Centurion Life's or AEFA's election to assume the defense
thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with American Centurion Life
and AEFA and shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained
by it, and neither American Centurion Life nor AEFA 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 American Centurion Life and AEFA 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 American
Centurion Life, AEFA, their respective affiliates, and each person, if any, who
controls American Centurion Life, AEFA or their respective affiliates within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their respective directors 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 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, AIM or
their respective affiliates by or on behalf of American Centurion
Life, AEFA or their respective affiliates for use in AVIF's 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 respective affiliates and on which such persons have
reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or fraudulent
conduct of AVIF, AIM, their respective affiliates or persons
under their control (including, without limitation, their
employees and "Associated Persons" as that Term is defined in
Section (n) of Article 1 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 American
Centurion Life, AEFA 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 or AIM 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
AVIF or AIM in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any
other material breach of this Agreement by AVIF or AIM.
(b) 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 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, without limitation, any income taxes and
related penalties, rescission charges, liability under state law to Participants
asserting liability against American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion Life of Shares of another
investment company or portfolio for those of any adversely affected Fund as a
funding medium for each Account that American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion
Life, AEFA, 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 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 and AIM of any such action shall not relieve
AVIF and AIM from any liability which they may have to the Indemnified Party
against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this Section
12.2. Except as otherwise provided herein, in case any such action is brought
against an Indemnified Party, AVIF and AIM will be entitled to participate, at
their 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 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 neither
AVIF nor AIM 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.
(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, American Centurion Life, AEFA 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 American Centurion Life
or AEFA hereunder or by any Participating Insurance Company under an agreement
containing substantially similar representations, warranties and covenants; (ii)
the failure by American Centurion Life 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 therefrom); or (iii) the failure by American Centurion Life 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 Maryland 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.
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 American
Centurion Life or any of its affiliates (collectively, the "American Centurion
Life 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 American Centurion Life Protected Parties or any of
their employees or agents in connection with American Centurion Life's
performance of its duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the
American Centurion Life Protected Parties. AVIF agrees that if it comes into
possession of any list or compilation of the identities of or other information
about the American Centurion Life Protected Parties' customers, or any other
information or property of the American Centurion Life Protected Parties, other
than such information as may be independently developed or compiled by AVIF from
information supplied to it by the American Centurion Life 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 American
Centurion Life's prior written consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial
process. American Centurion Life 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. American Centurion Life 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 American Centurion
Life from information supplied to it by the AVIF Protected Parties' customers
who also maintain accounts directly with American Centurion Life, American
Centurion Life 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.
Section 19. Trademarks and Fund Names
(a) AIM, or its affiliates, owns all right, title and interest in and to
the name, trademark and service xxxx "AIM" and such other tradenames, trademarks
and service marks as may be set forth on Schedule B, as amended from time to
time by written notice from AIM to American Centurion Life (the "AIM licensed
marks" or the "licensor's licensed marks") and is authorized to use and to
license other persons to use such marks. AIM hereby grants to American Centurion
Life and its affiliates a non-exclusive license to use the AIM licensed marks in
connection with American Centurion Life's performance of the services
contemplated under this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
in this Section 19.
(b) The grant of license by AIM (a "licensor") to American Centurion Life
and its affiliates (the "licensee") shall terminate automatically upon
termination of this Agreement. Upon automatic termination, the licensee shall
cease to use the licensor's licensed marks, except that American Centurion Life
shall have the right to continue to service any outstanding Contracts bearing
any of the AIM licensed marks. Upon AIM's elective termination of this license,
American Centurion Life and its affiliates shall immediately cease to issue any
new annuity or life insurance contracts bearing any of the AIM licensed marks
and shall likewise cease any activity which suggests that it has any right under
any of the AIM licensed marks or that it has any association with AIM, except
that American Centurion Life shall have the right to continue to service
outstanding Contracts bearing any of the AIM licensed marks.
(c) The licensee shall obtain the prior written approval of the licensor
for the public release by such licensee of any materials bearing the licensor's
licensed marks. The licensor's approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(d) During the term of this grant of license, a licensor may request that
a licensee submit samples of any materials bearing any of the licensor's
licensed marks which were previously approved by the licensor but, due to
changed circumstances, the licensor may wish to reconsider. If, on
reconsideration, or on initial review, respectively, any such samples fail to
meet with the written approval of the licensor, then the licensee shall
immediately cease distributing such disapproved materials. The licensor's
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, and the licensor, when requesting
reconsideration of a prior approval, shall assume the reasonable expenses of
withdrawing and replacing such disapproved materials. The licensee shall obtain
the prior written approval of the licensor for the use of any new materials
developed to replace the disapproved materials, in the manner set forth above.
(e) The licensee hereunder: (i) acknowledges and stipulates that, to the
best of the knowledge of the licensee, the licensor's licensed marks are valid
and enforceable trademarks and/or service marks and that such licensee does not
own the licensor's licensed marks and claims no rights therein other than as a
licensee under this Agreement; (ii) agrees never to contend otherwise in legal
proceedings or in other circumstances; and (iii) acknowledges and agrees that
the use of the licensor's licensed marks pursuant to this grant of license shall
inure to the benefit of the licensor.
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.
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, INC.
Attest: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx By: /s/Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Assistant Secretary Title: President
AIM DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Attest: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx By: /s/W. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx Name: W. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Assistant General Title: Sr. Vice President
Counsel & Assistant
Secretary
AMERICAN CENTURION LIFE ASSURANCE
COMPANY, on behalf of itself and its
separate accounts
Attest: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx By: /s/Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Secretary/General Counsel Title: Chairman of the
AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL ADVISORS
INC.
Attest: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title: Vice President Title: Vice Treasurer
SCHEDULE A
FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTS
o AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
AIM V.I. Growth and Income Fund
AIM V.I. International Equity Fund
AIM V.I. Value Fund
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS UTILIZING THE FUNDS
o ACL Variable Annuity Account 2
CONTRACTS FUNDED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
o Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Contract Form No. 45054
SCHEDULE B
o AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
AIM V.I. Growth and Income Fund
AIM V.I. International Equity Fund
AIM V.I. Value Fund
o AIM and Design
