AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Agreement") is made as of
this 5th day of November, 2008, by and between SunAmerica Equity Funds, a
Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), on behalf of the SunAmerica
International Equity Fund (the "Acquiring Fund"), and SunAmerica Focused Series,
Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Corporation"), on behalf of the Focused
International Equity Portfolio (the "Acquired Fund," and together with the
Acquiring Fund, the "Funds"). The Acquiring Fund is designated as a legally
separate series of the Trust and the Acquired Fund is designated as a legally
separate series of the Corporation.
This Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the United States
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the Treasury
Regulations promulgated thereunder. The reorganization will consist of: (i) the
transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange for Class A,
Class B and Class C shares of the Acquiring Fund ("Acquiring Fund Shares"); (ii)
the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund;
and (iii) the distribution, after the Closing Date (as defined in paragraph
3.1), of the Acquiring Fund Shares to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and
the complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund, all upon the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement (the "Reorganization").
WHEREAS, the each of the Trust and Corporation is an open-end, registered
management investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and the Acquired Fund owns securities that
are assets of the character in which the Acquiring Fund is permitted to invest;
WHEREAS, each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund are treated
properly as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Code;
WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue
its shares of beneficial interest; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring
Fund, and the Board of Directors of the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired
Fund, has determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the
Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, respectively, and that the interests of
the existing shareholders of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund will not be
diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I
TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR ACQUIRING FUND SHARES
AND THE ASSUMPTION OF THE ACQUIRED FUND'S LIABILITIES AND LIQUIDATION OF THE
ACQUIRED FUND
1.1 THE EXCHANGE. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein and
on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, the
Corporation, on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, agrees to convey, transfer and deliver the assets of the Acquired
Fund described in paragraph 1.2 to the Acquiring Fund free and clear of all
liens, encumbrances and claims whatsoever. In exchange, the Trust, on behalf of
the Acquiring Fund, agrees: (a) to deliver to the Acquired Fund the number of
full and fractional shares of each corresponding class of the Acquiring Fund,
determined by dividing: (i) the aggregate value of the Acquired Fund's assets,
net of liabilities of the Acquired Fund, attributable to each share class of the
Acquired Fund (as set forth below), computed in the manner and as of the time
and date set forth in paragraph 2.1, by (ii) the net asset value of one
Acquiring Fund Share of the corresponding class (as set forth below) computed in
the manner and as of the time and date set forth in paragraph 2.2; and (b) to
assume the liabilities of the Acquired Fund as described in paragraph 1.3. Such
transactions shall take place at the closing (the "Closing") provided for in
paragraph 3.1.
The classes of shares of the Acquiring Fund correspond to the classes of
shares of the Acquired Fund as follows: Class A shares of the Acquiring Fund
correspond to Class A shares of the Acquired Fund; Class B shares of the
Acquiring Fund correspond to Class B shares of the Acquired Fund; and Class C
shares of the Acquiring Fund correspond to Class C shares of the Acquired Fund.
1.2 ASSETS TO BE ACQUIRED. The assets of the Acquired Fund to be acquired
by the Acquiring Fund shall consist of all property owned by the Acquired Fund,
including, without limitation, all cash, securities, commodities, interests in
futures and other financial instruments, claims (whether absolute or contingent,
known or unknown), receivables (including dividends, interest, principal,
subscriptions and other receivables), goodwill and other intangible property,
all books and records belonging to the Acquired Fund, any deferred or prepaid
expenses shown as an asset on the books of the Acquired Fund on the Closing
Date, and all interests, rights, privileges and powers, other than cash in an
amount necessary to pay dividends and distributions as provided in paragraph 7.3
and other than the Acquired Fund's rights under this Agreement (the "Assets").
The Acquired Fund will, within 7 days prior to the Closing Date, furnish
the Acquiring Fund with (a) a list of the Acquired Fund's portfolio securities
and other investments and (b) a list of the Acquired Fund's "historic business
assets," which are defined for this purpose as (i) those assets that were
acquired by the Acquired Fund prior to the date of the approval of the
Reorganization by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, and (ii) those
assets that were acquired subsequent to such Board approval but in accordance
with the Acquired Fund's investment objectives and not with a view to, or in
anticipation or as part of, the Reorganization. The Acquiring Fund will, within
3 days prior to the Closing Date, furnish the Acquired Fund with a list of the
securities and other instruments, if any, on the Acquired Fund's list referred
to above that do not conform to the Acquiring Fund's investment objectives,
policies and restrictions. If requested by the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Fund
will dispose of securities and other instruments on the Acquiring Fund's list
before the Closing Date. In addition, if it is determined that the portfolios of
the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund when aggregated, would contain
investments exceeding certain percentage limitations imposed upon the Acquiring
Fund with respect to such investments, the Acquired Fund, if requested by the
Acquiring Fund, will dispose of a sufficient amount of such investments as may
be necessary to avoid violating such limitations as of the Closing Date. After
the Acquired Fund furnishes the Acquiring Fund with the list described above,
the Acquired Fund will not, without the prior approval of the
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Acquiring Fund, acquire any additional securities other than securities which
the Acquiring Fund is permitted to purchase, pursuant to its investment
objective and policies or otherwise (taking into consideration its own portfolio
composition as of such date). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein will
permit or require the Acquired Fund to dispose of any portfolio securities or
other investments, if, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation or AIG SunAmerica Asset Management Corporation, each Fund's
investment adviser (the "Adviser"), such disposition would adversely affect the
tax-free nature of the Reorganization for federal income tax purposes or would
otherwise not be in the best interests of the Acquired Fund.
1.3 LIABILITIES TO BE ASSUMED. The Acquired Fund will endeavor to identify
and discharge, to the extent practicable, all of its liabilities and
obligations, including all liabilities relating to operations, before the
Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund shall assume all liabilities of, allocated or
attributable to, the Acquired Fund, whether known or unknown, accrued or
unaccrued, absolute or contingent or conditional or unmatured (the "Assumed
Liabilities").
1.4 STATE FILINGS. Prior to the Closing Date, the Trust, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, shall make any filings with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
that are required under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be made
prior to the Closing Date. Prior to the Closing Date, the Corporation, on behalf
of the Acquired Fund, shall make any filings with the State of Maryland that are
required under the laws of the State of Maryland to be made prior to the Closing
Date.
1.5 LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION. On or as soon as practicable after the
Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will distribute in complete liquidation of the
Acquired Fund, pro rata to its shareholders of record, determined as of the
close of business on the Closing Date (the "Acquired Fund Shareholders"), all of
the Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund. Upon completion of the
distribution of all of the Acquiring Fund Shares in accordance with the prior
sentence, the Acquired Fund will thereupon proceed to liquidate and terminate as
set forth in paragraph 1.9 below. Such distribution will be accomplished by the
transfer on the books of the Trust of Acquiring Fund Shares credited to the
account of the Acquired Fund to open accounts on the share records of the
Acquiring Fund in the name of the Acquired Fund Shareholders, and representing
the respective pro rata number of each class of Acquiring Fund Shares due
Acquired Fund Shareholders holding the corresponding class of the Acquired
Fund's shares. All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will,
simultaneously with the liquidation, be cancelled on the books of the Acquired
Fund and will be null and void. The Trust shall not issue certificates
representing Acquiring Fund Shares in connection with such transfer.
1.6 OWNERSHIP OF SHARES. Ownership of Acquiring Fund Shares will be shown
on the books of the Acquiring Fund's transfer agent.
1.7 TRANSFER TAXES. Any transfer taxes payable upon the issuance of
Acquiring Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Acquired
Fund shares on the books of the Corporation as of that time shall, as a
condition of such transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund
Shares are to be issued and transferred.
1.8 REPORTING RESPONSIBILITY. Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired
Fund, including, without limitation, the responsibility for filing of regulatory
reports, tax returns or other documents with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"), any state securities commission, and any federal,
state or local tax authorities or any other relevant
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regulatory authority, is and shall remain the responsibility of the Acquired
Fund, or the Corporation on behalf of the Acquired Fund.
1.9 TERMINATION. The Acquired Fund shall be terminated as a series of the
Corporation promptly following all distributions made pursuant to paragraph 1.5
in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland and the federal securities
laws.
1.10 BOOKS AND RECORDS. Immediately after the Closing Date, the share
transfer books relating to the Acquired Fund shall be closed and no transfer of
shares shall thereafter be made on such books. All books and records relating to
the Acquired Fund, including all books and records required to be maintained
under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder transferred to the
Acquiring Fund, shall be made available to the Acquiring Fund from and after the
Closing Date at the Acquiring Fund's cost of producing such books and records
until at least the date through which such books and records must be maintained
under applicable law.
1.11 ACTION BY TRUST OR CORPORATION. The Trust and the Corporation shall
take all actions expressed herein as being the obligations of the Trust or
Corporation, as applicable, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired
Fund, respectively.
ARTICLE II
VALUATION
2.1 VALUATION OF ASSETS. The gross value of the Assets to be acquired by
the Acquiring Fund hereunder shall be the gross value of such Assets as of the
close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on the business
day immediately proceeding Closing Date (the "Valuation Time"), after the
payment of the dividends pursuant to Section 7.3, using the Trust's valuation
procedures or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon
by the parties.
2.2 VALUATION OF SHARES. The net asset value per share of each class of the
Acquiring Fund Shares shall be the net asset value per share for that class
computed at the Valuation Time, using the Trust's valuation procedures or such
other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
ARTICLE III
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
3.1 CLOSING DATE. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the
Closing shall occur on January 12, 2009, or such other date and time as the
parties may agree to in writing (the "Closing Date"). Unless otherwise provided,
all acts taking place at the Closing shall be deemed to take place as of
immediately prior to the commencement of business on the Closing Date. The
Closing shall be held at the offices of the Adviser, or at such other time
and/or place as the parties may agree.
3.2 CUSTODIAN'S CERTIFICATE. The Acquired Fund shall instruct its
custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company ("SSB&T" or the "Custodian"), to
deliver at the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that: (a)
the Assets have been delivered in proper form
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to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date; and (b) all necessary taxes including
all applicable federal and state stock transfer stamps, if any, have been paid,
or provision for payment shall have been made, in conjunction with the delivery
of portfolio securities by the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund's portfolio
securities represented by a certificate or other written instrument shall be
presented by the Custodian to the custodian for the Acquiring Fund, SSB&T, for
examination no later than five (5) business days preceding the Closing Date and
transferred and delivered by the Acquired Fund as of the Closing Date for the
account of the Acquiring Fund, duly endorsed in proper form for transfer in such
condition as to constitute good delivery thereof free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances and claims whatsoever, in accordance with the custom of brokers.
The Acquired Fund's securities and instruments deposited with a securities
depository (as defined in Rule 17f-4 under the 0000 Xxx) or other permitted
counterparties or a futures commission merchant (as defined in Rule 17f-6 under
the 0000 Xxx) shall be delivered as of the Closing Date by book entry in
accordance with the customary practices of such depositories and futures
commission merchants and the Custodian. The cash to be transferred by the
Acquired Fund shall be transferred and delivered by the Acquired Fund as of the
Closing Date for the account of the Acquiring Fund.
3.3 EFFECT OF SUSPENSION IN TRADING. In the event that, on the Closing
Date, either: (a) the NYSE or another primary exchange on which the portfolio
securities of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund are purchased or sold
shall be closed to trading or trading on such exchange shall be restricted; or
(b) trading or the reporting of trading on the NYSE or elsewhere shall be
disrupted so that accurate appraisal of the value of the net assets of the
Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund is impracticable, the Closing shall be
postponed until the first business day after the day when trading is fully
resumed and reporting is restored or such other date as the parties may agree
to.
3.4 TRANSFER AGENT'S CERTIFICATE. The Acquired Fund shall instruct its
transfer agent, SSB&T, to deliver at the Closing a certificate of an authorized
officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the Acquired
Fund Shareholders as of the Closing Date, and the number and percentage
ownership (to four decimal places) of outstanding shares owned by Acquired Fund
Shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund shall issue and
deliver, or instruct its transfer agent to issue and deliver, a confirmation
evidencing Acquiring Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing Date to the
Acquired Fund, or provide evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Acquired Fund
that such Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to the relevant Acquired
Fund's account on the books of the Acquiring Fund.
3.5 DELIVERY OF ADDITIONAL ITEMS. At the Closing, each party shall deliver
to the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, assumptions of
liabilities, receipts and other documents, if any, as such other party or its
counsel may reasonably request.
3.6 FAILURE TO DELIVER ASSETS. If the Acquired Fund is unable to make
delivery pursuant to paragraph 3.2 hereof to the Acquiring Fund's custodian of
any of the Assets of the Acquired Fund for the reason that any of such Assets
have not yet been delivered to it by the Acquired Fund's broker, dealer or other
counterparty, then, in lieu of such delivery, the Acquired Fund shall deliver,
with respect to said Assets, executed copies of an agreement of assignment and
due bills executed on behalf of said broker, dealer or other counterparty,
together with such other documents as may be required by the Acquiring Fund or
its custodian, including brokers' confirmation slips.
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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND. The Corporation, on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, represents and warrants to the Acquiring Fund as follows:
(a) The Corporation is a corporation that is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under laws of the State of Maryland. The Acquired
Fund is a legally designated, separate series of the Corporation. The
Corporation is duly authorized to transact business in the State of Maryland and
is qualified to do business in all jurisdictions in which it is required to be
so qualified, except jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify would not
have a material adverse effect on the Acquired Fund. The Corporation, on behalf
of the Acquired Fund, has all material federal, state and local authorizations
necessary to own all of the properties and the Assets and to carry on its
business as now being conducted, except authorizations which the failure to so
obtain would not have a material adverse effect on the Acquired Fund.
(b) The Corporation is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the 1940 Act, and its registration with the Commission as an
investment company under the 1940 Act is in full force and effect. The
Corporation is in compliance in all material respects with the 1940 Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the Acquired Fund.
(c) The Registration Statement on Form N-14 and the Combined
Prospectus/Proxy Statement contained therein as so amended or supplemented (the
"N-14 Registration Statement"), as of the effective date of the N-14
Registration Statement and at all times subsequent thereto up to and including
the Closing Date, conforms and will conform, as it relates to the Corporation
and the Acquired Fund, in all material respects to the requirements of the
federal and state securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder and
does not and will not include, as it relates to the Corporation and the Acquired
Fund, any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Any
written information furnished by the Corporation with respect to itself and the
Acquired Fund for use in the N-14 Registration Statement or any other materials
provided in connection with the Reorganization, as of the effective date of the
N-14 Registration Statement and at all times subsequent thereto up to and
including the Closing Date, does not and will not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or
necessary to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading.
(d) The Acquired Fund's prospectus, statement of additional information and
shareholder reports, each to the extent included or incorporated by reference in
the N-14 Registration Statement, are accurate and complete in all material
respects and comply in all material respects with federal securities and other
laws and regulations, and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the
statements, in light of the circumstances in which such statements were made,
not misleading.
(e) The Acquired Fund is not in violation of, and the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement in accordance with its terms by the
Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, will not result in the violation of
Maryland law or any provision of the Corporation's
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articles of incorporation or by-laws or of any material agreement, indenture,
note, mortgage, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the
Corporation (with respect to the Acquired Fund) or the Acquired Fund is a party
or by which it is bound, nor will the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement by the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, result in the
acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any
material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking
to which the Corporation (with respect to the Acquired Fund) or the Acquired
Fund is a party or by which it is bound.
(f) The Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, has no material
contracts, agreements or other commitments that will not be terminated without
liability to it before the Closing Date, other than liabilities, if any, to be
discharged prior to the Closing Date or that are Assumed Liabilities.
(g) No litigation, claims, actions, suits, proceeding or investigation of
or before any court or governmental body is pending or to the Corporation's
knowledge threatened against the Acquired Fund or any of its properties or
Assets which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect the
Corporation or the Acquired Fund's financial condition, the conduct of its
business or which would prevent or hinder the ability of the Acquired Fund to
carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Acquired Fund
knows of no facts that might form the basis for the institution of such
proceedings and is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order,
decree or judgment of any court or governmental body that materially and
adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions
contemplated herein.
(h) The audited financial statements of the Acquired Fund as of October 31,
2007, the most recent fiscal year ended, have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
consistently applied and have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and
such statements (true and complete copies of which have been furnished to the
Acquiring Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition and the results of
operations of the Acquired Fund as of such date and the results of operations
and changes in net assets for the periods indicated, and there are no
liabilities of the Acquired Fund whether actual or contingent and whether or not
determined or determinable as of such date that are required to be disclosed but
are not disclosed in such statements.
(i) There have been no changes in the financial position of the Acquired
Fund as reflected in the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2007, other than those occurring in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice in connection with the purchase and sale of
portfolio assets, the issuance and redemption of Acquired Fund shares and the
payment of normal operating expenses, dividends and capital gains distributions.
Since the date of the financial statements referred to in paragraph 4.1(h)
above, there has been no material adverse change in the Acquired Fund's
financial condition, assets, liabilities or business, results of operations or
the manner of conducting business of the Acquired Fund, or any incurrence by the
Acquired Fund of indebtedness maturing more than one year from the date such
indebtedness was incurred, except as otherwise disclosed to and accepted in
writing by the Acquiring Fund. For the purposes of this paragraph 4.1(i), a
decline in the net asset value of the Acquired Fund due to declines in the value
of the Acquired Fund's assets, the discharge of the Acquired Fund's liabilities
or the redemption of the Acquired Fund's shares by an Acquired Fund's
Shareholders shall not constitute a material adverse change.
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(j) Since October 31, 2007 there has not been: (i) any change in the
business, results of operations, assets or financial condition or the manner of
conducting the business of the Acquired Fund other than changes in the ordinary
course of its business, or any pending or threatened litigation, which has had
or may have a material adverse effect on such business, results of operations,
assets or financial condition; (ii) issued any option to purchase or other right
to acquire shares of the Acquired Fund granted by or on behalf of the Acquired
Fund to any person other than subscriptions to purchase shares at net asset
value in accordance with the terms in the prospectus for the Acquired Fund;
(iii) any entering into, amendment or termination of any contract or agreement
by or on behalf of the Acquired Fund, except as otherwise contemplated by this
Agreement; (iv) any indebtedness incurred, other than in the ordinary course of
business, by or on behalf of the Acquired Fund for borrowed money or any
commitment to borrow money by or on behalf of the Acquired Fund; (v) any
amendment of the Corporation's organizational documents in a manner materially
affecting the Acquired Fund; and (vi) any grant or imposition of any lien,
claim, charge or encumbrance (other than encumbrances arising in the ordinary
course of business with respect to covered options) upon any asset of the
Acquired Fund other than a lien for taxes not yet due and payable.
(k) As of the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all federal and other
tax returns and reports of the Acquired Fund required by law to be filed have or
shall have been timely and duly filed by such dates (including any extensions)
and are or will be correct in all material respects, and all federal and other
taxes required to be paid pursuant to such returns and reports have been paid.
To the best of the Acquired Fund's knowledge after reasonable investigation, no
such return is currently under audit or examination, and no assessment or
deficiency has been asserted with respect to any such returns.
(l) The Corporation has authorized shares of common stock allocated to the
Acquired Fund consisting of 100,000,000 of shares having a par value of $0.0001
per share, of which it is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of Class A
shares and 25,000,000 of shares of each of Class B and Class C shares for the
Acquired Fund. All issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Acquired
Fund have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with
applicable registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "1933 Act") or an exemption there from and applicable state securities laws
and are, and on the Closing Date will be, duly authorized and validly issued and
outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and are not subject to preemptive or
dissenter's rights. All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired
Fund will, at the time of the Closing Date, be held by the persons and in the
amounts set forth in the records of the Acquired Fund's transfer agent as
provided in paragraph 3.4. The Acquired Fund has no outstanding options,
warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any of the Acquired Fund
shares and has no outstanding securities convertible into any Acquired Fund
shares.
(m) At the Closing Date, the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund,
will have good and marketable title to the Assets to be transferred to the
Acquiring Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.2, and full right, power and authority to
sell, assign, transfer and deliver such Assets hereunder, free of any lien or
other encumbrance, except those liens or encumbrances as to which the Acquiring
Fund has received notice and which have been taken into account in the net asset
valuation of the Acquired Fund, and, upon delivery of the Assets and the filing
of any documents that may be required under Maryland state law, the Acquiring
Fund will acquire good and
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marketable title to the Assets, subject to no restrictions on their full
transfer, other than such restrictions as might arise under the 1933 Act, and
other than as disclosed to and accepted in writing by the Acquiring Fund.
(n) The Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, has the power to enter
into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein have been duly authorized by all necessary
action on the part of the Directors of the Corporation. Subject to approval by
Acquired Fund Shareholders, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of the Corporation and the Acquired Fund, enforceable in accordance
with its terms and no other corporate action or proceedings by the Acquired Fund
are necessary to authorize this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
herein, subject as to enforcement to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to
general equity principles.
(o) The information to be furnished by the Acquired Fund for use in
no-action letters, applications for orders, registration statements, proxy
materials and other documents that may be necessary in connection with the
transactions contemplated herein shall be accurate and complete in all material
respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and
other laws and regulations.
(p) The Acquired Fund has elected to qualify and has qualified as a
"regulated investment company" under the Code (a "RIC") as of and since its
first taxable year; has been a RIC under the Code at all times since the end of
its first taxable year when it so qualified; qualifies and will continue to
qualify as a RIC under the Code for its taxable year ending upon its
liquidation; and has satisfied the distribution requirements imposed by the Code
for each of its taxable years.
(q) Except for the N-14 Registration Statement and the approval of this
Agreement by the Acquired Fund Shareholders, no consent, approval, authorization
or order under any federal or state law or of any court or governmental
authority is required for the consummation by the Corporation, on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, of the transactions contemplated herein. No consent of or notice
to any third party or entity other than the Acquired Fund Shareholders as
described in paragraph 4.1(r) is required for the consummation by the
Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
(r) The Acquired Fund has called a special meeting of the Acquired Fund
Shareholders to consider and act upon this Agreement (or transactions
contemplated hereby) and to take all other appropriate action necessary to
obtain approval of the transactions contemplated herein. Such meeting shall be
scheduled for no later than February 5, 2009 (or such other date as the parties
may agree to in writing).
4.2 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND. The Trust, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund, as follows:
(a) The Trust is a business trust duly organized under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Acquiring Fund is a legally designated,
separate series of the Trust. The Trust is duly authorized to transact business
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is qualified to do business in all
jurisdictions in which it is required to be so qualified, except jurisdictions
in which the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on
the
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Acquiring Fund. The Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, has all material
federal, state and local authorizations necessary to own all of its properties
and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted, except
authorizations which the failure to so obtain would not have a material adverse
effect on the Acquiring Fund.
(b) The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company
under the 1940 Act, and its registration with the Commission as an investment
company under the 1940 Act is in full force and effect. The Trust is in
compliance in all material respects with the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder.
(c) The N-14 Registration Statement as of its effective date and at all
times subsequent thereto up to and including the Closing Date, conforms and will
conform, as it relates to the Trust and the Acquiring Fund, in all material
respects to the requirements of the federal and state securities laws and the
rules and regulations thereunder and does not and will not include, as it
relates to the Trust and the Acquiring Fund, any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading, except that no representations and
warranties in this paragraph 4.2 apply to statements or omissions made in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information concerning the
Corporation and the Acquired Fund furnished to the Acquiring Fund by the
Corporation or the Acquired Fund. From the effective date of the N-14
Registration Statement through the time of the meeting of the Acquired Fund
Shareholders and on the Closing Date, any written information furnished by the
Trust with respect to itself and the Acquiring Fund for use in the N-14
Registration Statement or any other materials provided in connection with the
Reorganization, as of the effective date of the N-14 Registration Statement and
at all times subsequent thereto up to and including the Closing Date, does not
and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements, in
light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading.
(d) The Acquiring Fund's prospectus, statement of additional information
and shareholder reports, each to the extent included or incorporated by
reference in the N-14 Registration Statement, are accurate and complete in all
material respects and comply in all material respects with federal securities
and other laws and regulations, and do not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or
necessary to make the statements, in light of the circumstances in which such
statements were made, not misleading.
(e) The Acquiring Fund is not in violation of, and the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement in accordance with its terms by the Trust, on
behalf of the Acquiring Fund, will not result in the violation of Massachusetts
law or any provision of the Trust's declaration of trust or by-laws or of any
material agreement, indenture, note, mortgage, instrument, contract, lease or
other undertaking to which the Trust (with respect to the Acquiring Fund) or the
Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound, nor will the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Trust, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition
of any penalty, under any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract,
lease or other undertaking to which the Trust (with respect to the Acquiring
Fund) or the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.
- 10 -
(f) No litigation, claims, actions, suits proceeding or investigation of or
before any court or governmental body is pending or to the Trust's knowledge
threatened against the Acquiring Fund or any of its properties or its assets
which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect the Trust
or the Acquiring Fund's financial condition, the conduct of its business or
which would prevent or hinder the ability of the Acquiring Fund to carry out the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Acquiring Fund knows of no
facts that might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings and is
not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of
any court or governmental body that materially and adversely affects its
business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.
(g) The audited financial statements of the Acquiring Fund as of September
30, 2007, the most recent fiscal year ended, have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
consistently applied and have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, and such
statements (true and complete copies of which have been furnished to the
Acquired Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition and the results of
operations of the Acquiring Fund as of such date and the results of operations
and changes in net assets for the periods indicated, and there are no
liabilities of the Acquiring Fund whether actual or contingent and whether or
not determined or determinable as of such date that are required to be disclosed
but are not disclosed in such statements.
(h) There have been no changes in the financial position of the Acquiring
Fund as reflected in the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2007, other than those occurring in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice in connection with the purchase and sale
of portfolio assets, the issuance and redemption of Acquiring Fund shares and
the payment of normal operating expenses, dividends and capital gains
distributions. Since the date of the financial statements referred to in
paragraph 4.2(g) above, there has been no material adverse change in the
Acquiring Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or business, results
of operations or the manner of conducting business of the Acquiring Fund, or any
incurrence by the Acquiring Fund of indebtedness maturing more than one year
from the date such indebtedness was incurred, except as otherwise disclosed to
and accepted in writing by the Acquired Fund. For the purposes of this paragraph
4.2 (h), a decline in the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund due to declines
in the value of Acquiring Fund's assets, the discharge of the Acquiring Fund's
liabilities or the redemption of Acquiring Fund shares by Acquiring Fund
shareholders shall not constitute a material adverse change.
(i) As of the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all federal and other
tax returns and reports of the Acquiring Fund required by law to be filed have
or shall have been timely and duly filed by such dates (including any
extensions) and are or will be correct in all material respects, and all federal
and other taxes required to be paid pursuant to such returns and reports have
been paid. To the best of the Acquiring Fund's knowledge after reasonable
investigation, no such return is currently under audit or examination, and no
assessment or deficiency has been asserted with respect to any such returns.
(j) The Trust has authorized shares of beneficial interest allocated to the
Acquiring Fund consisting of an unlimited number of shares having a par value of
$0.01 per share, of which it is authorized to issue an unlimited number of
shares of each of Class A, Class B and Class C shares for the Acquiring Fund.
All issued and outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund
have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with
applicable
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registration requirements of the 1933 Act or an exemption there from and
applicable state securities laws and are, and on the Closing Date will be, duly
authorized and validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and
are not subject to preemptive or dissenter's rights (recognizing that, under
Massachusetts law, Acquiring Fund shareholders, under certain circumstances,
could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund). The
Acquiring Fund has no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to subscribe
for or purchase any of the Acquiring Fund's shares and has no outstanding
securities convertible into any of the Acquiring Fund's shares.
(k) The Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, has the power to enter into
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein have been duly authorized by all necessary
action on the part of the Trustees of the Trust. This Agreement constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of the Trust and the Acquiring Fund, enforceable in
accordance with its terms and no other corporate action or proceedings by the
Acquiring Fund are necessary to authorize this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated herein, subject as to enforcement to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors'
rights and to general equity principles.
(l) The Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to the Acquired
Fund for the account of the Acquired Fund Shareholders pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement will, at the Closing Date, have been duly authorized. When so
issued and delivered, the Acquiring Fund Shares will be duly and validly issued
and will be fully paid and nonassessable (recognizing that, under Massachusetts
law, shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable
for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund).
(m) The information to be furnished by the Acquiring Fund for use in
no-action letters, applications for orders, registration statements, proxy
materials and other documents that may be necessary in connection with the
transactions contemplated herein shall be accurate and complete in all material
respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and
other laws and regulations.
(n) The Acquiring Fund has elected to qualify and has qualified as a RIC as
of and since its first taxable year; has been a RIC under the Code at all times
since the end of its first taxable year when it so qualified; qualifies and will
continue to qualify as a RIC under the Code through the Closing Date and
thereafter; and has satisfied the distribution requirements imposed by the Code
for each of its taxable years and expects to continue to satisfy them.
(o) Except for the N-14 Registration Statement, no consent, approval,
authorization or order under any federal or state law or of any court or
governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of
the transactions contemplated herein. No consent of or notice to any third party
or entity is required for the consummation by the Trust, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND
5.1 OPERATION IN ORDINARY COURSE. Subject to paragraph 7.3, each of the
Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will operate its business in the ordinary
course of business between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, it
being understood that such ordinary course of business will include customary
dividends and shareholder purchases and redemptions. No party shall take any
action that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in any of its
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming
untrue in any material respect.
5.2 The Acquired Fund will prepare and deliver to the Acquiring Fund on the
second business day prior to the Closing Date a statement of the assets and
liabilities of the Acquired Fund as of such date for review and agreement by the
parties to determine that the Assets and Assumed Liabilities of the Acquired
Fund are being correctly determined in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement. The Acquired Fund will deliver at the Closing (1) an updated
statement of Assets and Assumed Liabilities of the Acquired Fund and (2) a list
of the Acquired Fund's portfolio showing the tax costs of each of its Assets by
lot and the holding periods of such Assets, each of (1) and (2) as of the
Closing Date, and certified by the Treasurer of the Corporation.
5.3 ACCESS TO BOOKS AND RECORDS. Upon reasonable notice, the Acquired Fund
shall make available to the Trust's officers and agents, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, all books and records of the Acquired Fund.
5.4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. The Corporation and the Acquired Fund will
assist the Acquiring Fund in obtaining such information as the Acquiring Fund
reasonably requests concerning the beneficial ownership of the Acquired Fund's
shares.
5.5 CONTRACT TERMINATION. The Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund,
will terminate all agreements to which it is a party, on behalf of the Acquired
Fund (other than this Agreement), effective as of the Closing Date without any
liability not paid prior to the Closing Date other than as accrued as part of
the Assumed Liabilities.
5.6 FURTHER ACTION. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Trust,
on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired
Fund, will take or cause to be taken all action and do or cause to be done all
things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any actions
required to be taken after the Closing Date. In particular, the Corporation, on
behalf of the Acquired Fund, covenants that it will, as and when reasonably
requested by the Acquiring Fund, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and
delivered all such assignments and other instruments and will take or cause to
be taken such further action as the Acquiring Fund may reasonably deem necessary
or desirable in order to vest in and confirm the Acquiring Fund's title to and
possession of all the Assets and otherwise to carry out the intent and purpose
of this Agreement.
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5.7 STATEMENT OF EARNINGS AND PROFITS. As promptly as practicable, but in
any case within thirty (30) days after the Closing Date, the Corporation shall
furnish to the Acquiring Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the
Acquiring Fund, a statement of the earnings and profits of the Acquired Fund for
federal income tax purposes, as well as any capital loss carryovers and items
that the Acquiring Fund will succeed to and take into account as a result of
Section 381 of the Code, and which will be certified by the Treasurer of the
Corporation.
5.8 UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Corporation shall furnish to the
Acquiring Fund within five (5) business days after the Closing Date, an
unaudited statement of the Acquired Fund's assets and liabilities, portfolio of
investments and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets
as of and for the interim period ending on the Closing Date; such financial
statements will represent fairly the financial position of the Acquired Fund as
of the date thereof and the portfolio of investments, the results of operations
and changes in net assets indicated in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis and such financial
statements shall be certified by the Treasurer of the Corporation as complying
with the requirements hereof.
5.9 PREPARATION OF N-14 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The Trust, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, will prepare and file with the Commission the N-14 Registration
Statement relating to the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued to the Acquired
Fund Shareholders. The N-14 Registration Statement shall include a notice to
Acquired Fund Shareholders, a Combined Prospectus/Proxy Statement and other
materials relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. At the
time the N-14 Registration Statement becomes effective, at the time of the
Acquired Fund Shareholders meeting and at the Closing Date, the N-14
Registration Statement shall be in compliance in all material respects with the
1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act, as applicable.
Each party will provide the materials and information necessary to prepare the
N-14 Registration Statement, for inclusion therein, in connection with the
meeting of the Acquired Fund Shareholders to consider the approval of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein, including in the case of the
Acquired Fund any special interim financial information necessary for inclusion
therein. If at any time prior to the Closing Date a party becomes aware of any
untrue statement of material fact or omission to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made not misleading in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, the party discovering the
item shall notify the other parties and the parties shall cooperate in promptly
preparing, filing and clearing the Commission and, if appropriate, distributing
to the Acquired Fund Shareholders appropriate disclosure with respect to the
item.
5.10 TAX STATUS OF REORGANIZATION. The intention of the parties is that the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement will qualify as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP,
counsel to each of the Corporation and the Trust, will render an opinion on
these matters. None of the Trust, the Corporation, the Acquiring Fund nor the
Acquired Fund shall take any action or cause any action to be taken (including,
without limitation, the filing of any tax return) that is inconsistent with such
treatment or results in the failure of the transaction to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. At or prior to
the Closing Date, the Trust, the Corporation, the Acquiring Fund and the
Acquired Fund will take such action, or cause such action to be taken, as is
reasonably necessary to enable Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP, counsel to each of
the
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Corporation and the Trust, to render the tax opinion required herein (including,
without limitation, each party's execution of representations reasonably
requested by and addressed to Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP).
5.11 REASONABLE BEST EFFORTS. Each of the Trust, the Corporation, the
Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund shall use its reasonable best efforts to
fulfill or obtain the fulfillment of the conditions precedent to effect the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.12 AUTHORIZATIONS. The Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, agrees to
use all reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals and authorizations required
by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and any state blue sky or securities laws as it
may deem appropriate in order to operate in the normal course of business after
the Closing Date.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND
The obligations of the Acquired Fund to consummate the transactions
provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the
Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, of all the obligations to be performed
by the Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, pursuant to this Agreement on or
before the Closing Date and, in addition, subject to the following conditions:
6.1 All representations, covenants and warranties of the Trust, on behalf
of the Acquiring Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, with the
same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date. The Trust shall
have delivered to the Acquired Fund a certificate executed by the Trust's
President or a Vice President and its Treasurer or Secretary, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Acquired Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to
such effect and as to such other matters with respect to the Acquiring Fund as
the Acquired Fund shall reasonably request. The Acquired Fund shall have
received certified copies of the resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees,
with respect to the Acquiring Fund, approving this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated herein.
6.2 The Corporation shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion of
Xxxxxxx XxXxxxxxx LLP, as special Massachusetts counsel, dated as of the Closing
Date, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation and the Acquired
Fund, covering the following points with such assumptions, exceptions and
limitations as are customary in opinions of this sort:
(a) The Trust is a business trust validly existing under the applicable
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(b) The Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, has the power and authority
to execute, deliver and perform all of the obligations under the Agreement of
the Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, under the applicable laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The execution and delivery of the Agreement and
the consummation by the Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, of the
transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite
action on the part of the Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, under the
applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- 15 -
(c) The Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Trust, on
behalf of the Acquiring Fund, under the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Trust, on
behalf of the Acquiring Fund, enforceable against the Acquiring Fund in
accordance with its terms under the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
(d) The execution and delivery by the Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring
Fund, of the Agreement and the performance of its obligations under the
Agreement do not conflict with the declaration of trust or the by-laws of the
Trust.
(e) Neither the execution, delivery nor performance by the Trust, on
behalf of the Acquiring Fund, of the Agreement nor the compliance by the Trust,
on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, with the terms and provisions thereof will
contravene any provision of any applicable law of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
6.3 The Corporation shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion of
Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP, dated as of the Closing Date, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to the Corporation and the Acquired Fund, covering the following
points with such assumptions, exceptions and limitations as are customary in
opinions of this sort:
(a) The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company
under the 0000 Xxx.
(b) Neither the execution, delivery nor performance by the Trust of the
Agreement nor the compliance by the Acquiring Fund with the terms and provisions
thereof will contravene any provision of applicable federal law of the United
States of America.
(c) No governmental approval, which has not been obtained and is not in
full force and effect, is required to authorize, or is required in connection
with, the execution or delivery of the Agreement by the Trust, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, or the enforceability of the Agreement against the Trust and the
Acquiring Fund.
In giving their opinion, Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP may state that they
are relying on the opinion of Xxxxxxx XxXxxxxxx LLP as to matters of
Massachusetts law.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND
The obligations of the Acquiring Fund to consummate the transactions
provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the
Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, of all the obligations to be
performed by the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, pursuant to this
Agreement on or before the Closing Date and, in addition, shall be subject to
the following conditions:
7.1 All representations, covenants and warranties of the Corporation, on
behalf of the Acquired Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing
Date, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date.
The Corporation shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date a
certificate executed by the Corporation's President or a Vice President and the
Treasurer
- 16 -
or Secretary, in form and substance satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and dated
as of the Closing Date, to such effect and as to such other matters with respect
to the Acquired Fund as the Acquiring Fund shall reasonably request. The
Acquiring Fund shall have received certified copies of the resolutions adopted
by the Board of Directors, with respect to the Acquired Fund, approving this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.
7.2 The Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund (1) a
statement as of the Closing Date of the Acquired Fund's Assets and Assumed
Liabilities, in accordance with paragraph 5.2, and (2) a list of the Acquired
Fund's portfolio showing the tax costs of each of its assets by lot and the
holding periods of such assets, as of the Closing Date, certified by the
Treasurer of the Corporation.
7.3 Except to the extent prohibited by Rule 19b-1 under the 1940 Act, prior
to the valuation of the Assets on the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall have
declared a dividend or dividends, with a record and ex-dividend date prior to
the valuation of the Assets, which, together with all previous dividends, shall
have the effect of distributing to the Acquired Fund Shareholders all of its
investment company taxable income for all taxable periods ending on or before
the Closing Date (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid),
if any, and all of its net capital gains realized in all taxable periods ending
on or before the Closing Date (after reduction for any capital loss carry
forward).
7.4 The Trust shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion of Xxxxxxx
LLP, as special Maryland counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, in a form
reasonably satisfactory to the Trust and the Acquiring Fund, covering the
following points with such assumptions, exceptions and limitations as are
customary in opinions of this sort:
(a) The Corporation is a corporation validly existing under the applicable
laws of the State of Maryland.
(b) The Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, has the power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform all of the obligations under the
Agreement of the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, under the
applicable laws of the State of Maryland. The execution and delivery of the
Agreement and the consummation by the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired
Fund, of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by all
requisite action on the part of the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund,
under the applicable laws of the State of Maryland.
(c) The Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Corporation,
on behalf of the Acquired Fund, under the applicable laws of the State of
Maryland and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Corporation, on
behalf of the Acquired Fund, enforceable against the Acquired Fund in accordance
with its terms under the applicable laws of the State of Maryland.
(d) The execution and delivery by the Corporation, on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, of the Agreement and the performance of the obligations under the
Agreement do not conflict with the articles of incorporation or the by-laws of
the Corporation.
(e) Neither the execution, delivery nor performance by the Corporation, on
behalf of the Acquired Fund, of the Agreement nor its compliance by the
Corporation, on behalf of the
- 17 -
Acquired Fund, with the terms and provisions thereof will contravene any
provision of any applicable law of the State of Maryland.
7.5 The Trust shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion of Xxxxxxx
Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP, dated as of the Closing Date, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to the Trust and the Acquiring Fund, covering the following points
with such assumptions, exceptions and limitations as are customary in opinions
of this sort:
(a) The Corporation is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the 0000 Xxx.
(b) Neither the execution, delivery nor performance by the Corporation of
the Agreement nor the compliance by the Acquired Fund with the terms and
provisions thereof will contravene any provision of applicable federal law of
the United States of America.
(c) No governmental approval, which has not been obtained and is not in
full force and effect, is required to authorize, or is required in connection
with, the execution or delivery of the Agreement by the Corporation, on behalf
of the Acquired Fund, or the enforceability of the Agreement against the
Corporation and the Acquired Fund.
In giving their opinion, Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP may state that they
are relying on the opinion of Xxxxxxx LLP as to matters of Maryland law.
7.6 As of the Closing Date, there shall have been no material change in the
investment objective, policies and restrictions nor any material increase in the
investment management fees, fee levels payable pursuant to any 12b-1 plan or
distribution or shareholder servicing plan or agreement, other fees payable for
services provided to the Acquired Fund, or sales loads of the Acquired Fund nor
any material reduction in the fee waiver or expense reduction undertakings from
those described in the N-14 Registration Statement.
ARTICLE VIII
FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF EACH OF THE TRUST,
THE CORPORATION, THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND
If any of the conditions set forth below shall not have been satisfied on
or before the Closing Date or shall not remain satisfied with respect to the
Trust or the Corporation, the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, as
applicable, shall, at its option, not be required to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; if any of the conditions set forth below shall
not have been satisfied on or before the Closing Date or shall not remain
satisfied with respect to the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund shall, at its
option, not be required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement with respect to the Acquired Fund:
8.1 This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein, with respect
to the Acquired Fund, shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the
holders of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund in accordance with the
provisions of the Corporation's articles of incorporation and by-laws,
applicable Maryland law and the 1940 Act. Evidence of such approval shall have
been delivered to the Acquiring Fund, in such form as shall be reasonably
acceptable to the Acquiring Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, neither the Trust, the Corporation, the Acquiring Fund nor the
Acquired Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 8.1.
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8.2 The Commission shall not have issued an unfavorable report under
Section 25(b) of the 1940 Act, or instituted any proceeding seeking to enjoin
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under
Section 25(c) of the 0000 Xxx.
8.3 All third party consents and all consents, orders and permits of
federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the
Commission and of state securities authorities, including any necessary
"no-action" positions and exemptive orders from such federal authorities) in
each case required to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated
herein shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such
consent, order or permit would not reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired
Fund, provided that any party hereto may waive any such conditions for itself.
8.4 The N-14 Registration Statement shall have become effective under the
1933 Act, and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have
been issued. To the best knowledge of the parties to this Agreement, no
investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be
pending, threatened or contemplated under the 1933 Act. The registration
statement of the Trust, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, on Form N-1A under
the 1940 Act covering the sale of shares of the Acquiring Fund shall be
effective and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have
been issued.
8.5 As of the Closing Date, there shall be no pending litigation brought by
any person against the Trust, the Corporation, the Acquiring Fund or the
Acquired Fund, or the Adviser, Trustees, Directors or officers of the foregoing,
arising out of, or seeking to prevent completion of the transactions
contemplated by, this Agreement. Furthermore, no action, suit or other
proceeding shall be pending before any court or governmental agency in which it
is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in
connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein.
8.6 Each of the Trust and the Corporation shall have received an opinion of
Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP, counsel to each of the Corporation and the Trust,
substantially to the effect that, based on certain facts, assumptions and
representations of the parties, for federal income tax purposes:
(a) the transfer of all of the Assets solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund
Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the Assumed Liabilities of
the Acquired Fund followed by the distribution of Acquiring Fund Shares to the
Acquired Fund Shareholders in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund will
constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code,
and the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be a "party to a
reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
(b) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the
receipt of all of the Assets solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and
the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the Assumed Liabilities of the Acquired
Fund;
(c) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the
transfer of the Assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring
Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the Assumed Liabilities
of the Acquired Fund or upon the distribution (whether actual or constructive)
of Acquiring Fund Shares to the Acquired Fund Shareholders in
- 19 -
exchange for such shareholders' shares of the Acquired Fund in liquidation of
the Acquired Fund;
(d) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund Shareholders
upon the exchange of their Acquired Fund shares solely for Acquiring Fund Shares
in the Reorganization;
(e) the tax basis of Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund
Shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization (including any fractional share) will
be the same as the tax basis of the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor by
such shareholder;
(f) the holding period of Acquiring Fund Shares to be received by the
Acquired Fund Shareholders pursuant to the Reorganization (including any
fractional share) will include the period during which the Acquired Fund shares
exchanged therefor were held by such shareholder, provided the Acquired Fund
shares are held as capital assets at the time of the Reorganization;
(g) the tax basis of the Assets acquired by the Acquiring Fund will be the
same as the tax basis of such Assets to the Acquired Fund immediately before the
Reorganization;
(h) the holding period of the Assets in the hands of the Acquiring Fund
will include the period during which those assets were held by the Acquired
Fund;
Such opinion shall be based on customary assumptions and such
representations as Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP may reasonably request, and the
Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and the Corporation, on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, will cooperate to make and certify the accuracy of such
representations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the
Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund nor the Corporation, on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 8.6.
ARTICLE IX
EXPENSES
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Adviser shall
bear the direct and indirect expenses incurred by the Trust, the Corporation,
the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, each in connection with the
transactions contemplated by the provisions of this Agreement, including all
direct and indirect expenses and out-of-pocket costs but not any transaction
costs incurred pursuant to paragraph 1.2 hereof or any transaction costs
incurred in connection with the sale of any of the Acquired Fund's portfolio
securities after the Closing Date.
ARTICLE X
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
10.1 No party has made to the other party any representation, warranty
and/or covenant not set forth herein in connection with the subject matters
covered hereby and this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties with respect thereto.
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10.2 The representations and warranties of the parties hereto set forth in
this Agreement shall not survive the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein.
ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION
11.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the Trust, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund or by the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund. In
addition, the Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, or the Corporation, on
behalf of the Acquired Fund, may at its option terminate this Agreement at or
before the Closing Date due to:
(a) a material breach of any representation, warranty or agreement
contained herein to be performed at or before the Closing Date, if not cured
within 30 days; or
(b) a condition herein expressed to be precedent to the obligations of the
terminating party or both parties that has not been met if it reasonably appears
that it will not or cannot be met.
11.2 In the event of any such termination, in the absence of willful
default, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of the Trust or the
Board of Trustees, the Corporation or the Board of Directors, or officers, to
any other party. In the event of willful default, all remedies at law or in
equity of the party adversely affected shall survive.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS
This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as
may be agreed upon in writing by the officers of the Trust and the Corporation
as specifically authorized by the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors;
provided, however, that, following the meeting of the Acquired Fund Shareholders
called by the Corporation, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, pursuant to paragraph
4.1(r) of this Agreement, no such amendment may have the effect of changing the
provisions for determining the number of Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued to
the Acquired Fund Shareholders under this Agreement to the detriment of the
Acquired Fund Shareholders without their further approval.
ARTICLE XIII
HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
13.1 The article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
13.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original.
13.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York.
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13.4 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but, except as provided in
this paragraph, no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations
hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other
party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to
confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under
or by reason of this Agreement.
13.5 A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust is on file with the
Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby
given that no trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Trust shall have any
personal liability under this Agreement, and that insofar as it relates to the
Acquiring Fund, this Agreement is binding only upon the assets and properties of
such fund.
ARTICLE XIV
NOTICES
Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any
provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given
if delivered by hand (including by FedEx or similar express courier) or
transmitted by facsimile or three days after being mailed by prepaid registered
or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the Acquiring Fund or
the Acquired Fund, Harborside Financial Center, 0000 Xxxxx 0, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxx
Xxxxxx 00000, Attention: Xxxx Xxxxx, President, or to any other address that the
Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund shall have last designated by notice to the
other party.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement, all as
of the date first written above.
SUNAMERICA EQUITY FUNDS, on behalf of
its series,
SUNAMERICA INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
By:
----------------------------------
Name: Xxxx X. XxXxxx
Title: Assistant Secretary
SUNAMERICA FOCUSED SERIES, INC., on
behalf of its series,
FOCUSED INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO
By:
----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title: Secretary
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