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Exhibit (g)
Page 1
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the
________________, 1999, by and between ___________________, (the "Trust") and
Firstar Bank, National Association, (the "Custodian"), a national banking
association having its principal office at 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx,
00000.
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Custodian desire to enter into this Agreement
to provide for the custody and safekeeping of the assets of the Trust as
required by the Act (as hereafter defined).
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth,
the Trust and the Custodian agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases, when used in this Agreement, unless the
context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
Act - the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
1934 Act - the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Authorized Person - any (i) Officer of the Trust or (ii) any other person,
whether or not any such person is an officer or employee of the Trust, who is
duly authorized by the Board of Trustees of the Trust to give Oral Instructions
and Written Instructions on behalf of the Trust or any Fund, and named in
Appendix A attached hereto and as amended from time to time by resolution of the
Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, and received by the Custodian.
Board of Trustees - the Trustees from time to time serving under the
Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as from time to time amended.
Book-Entry System - a federal book-entry system as provided in Subpart O
of Treasury
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Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFT Part 350, or in such
book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are substantially in the form of
Subpart O.
Business Day - any day recognized as a settlement day by The New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Trust computes the net
asset value of Shares of any fund.
Depository - The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), a limited purpose trust
company, its successor(s) and its nominee(s). Depository shall include any other
clearing agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the 1934 Act which
acts as a system for the central handling of Securities where all Securities of
any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within the system are
treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry
without physical delivery of the Securities provided that the Custodian shall
have received a copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an
Officer, specifically approving the use of such clearing agency as a depository
for the Funds.
Dividend and Transfer Agent - the dividend and transfer agent appointed,
from time to time, pursuant to a written agreement between the dividend and
transfer agent and the Trust.
Foreign Securities - a) securities issued and sold primarily outside of
the United States by a foreign government, a national of any foreign country, or
a trust or other organization incorporated or organized under the laws of any
foreign country or; b) securities issued or guaranteed by the government of the
United States, by any state, by any political subdivision or agency thereof, or
by any entity organized under the laws of the United States or of any state
thereof, which have been issued and sold primarily outside of the United States.
Fund - each series of the Trust listed in Appendix B and any additional
series added pursuant to Proper Industries. A series is individually referred to
as a "Fund" and collectively referred to as the "Funds."
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Money Market Security - debt obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and/or interest by the government of the United States or agencies or
instrumentalities thereof, commercial paper, obligations (including certificates
of deposit, bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase
agreements with respect to the same), and time deposits of domestic banks and
thrift institutions whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, and short-term corporate obligations where the purchase and sale of
such securities normally require settlement in federal funds or their equivalent
on the same day as such purchase and sale, all of which mature in not more than
thirteen (13) months.
NASD - the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Officer - the Chairman, President, Secretary, Treasurer, any Vice
President, Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
Oral Instructions - instructions orally transmitted to and received by the
Custodian from an Authorized Person (or from a person that the Custodian
reasonably believes in good faith to be an Authorized Person) and confirmed by
Written Instructions in such a manner that such Written Instructions are
received by the Custodian on the Business Day immediately following receipt of
such Oral Instructions.
Proper Instructions - Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. Proper
Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when deemed appropriate by
both parties.
Prospectus - the Trust's then currently effective prospectus and Statement
of Additional Information, as filed with and declared effective from time to
time by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Security or Securities - Money Market Securities, common stock, preferred
stock, options, financial futures, bonds, notes, debentures, corporate debt
securities, mortgages, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances,
mortgage-backed securities or other obligations and
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any certificates, receipts, warrants, or other instruments or documents
representing rights to receive, purchase, or subscribe for the same or
evidencing or representing any other rights or interest therein, or any similar
property or assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and to
service.
SEC - the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of
America.
Shares - with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest issued
by the Trust on account of such Fund.
Trust - the ___________________ a business trust organized under the laws
of Massachusetts which is a open-end management investment company registered
under the Act.
Written Instructions - communications in writing actually received by the
Custodian from an Authorized Person. A communication in writing includes a
communication by facsimile, telex or between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices (where the use of such devices have been approved by resolution of the
Trustee and the resolution is certified by an Officer and delivered to the
Custodian). All written communications shall be directed to the Custodian,
attention: Mutual Fund Custody Department.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT; ACCEPTANCE; AND FURNISHING OF DOCUMENTS
A. Appointment of Custodian. The Trust hereby constitutes and appoints the
Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by the Trust at any time
during the term of this Agreement.
B. Acceptance of Custodian. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as
such custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set
forth.
C. Documents to be Furnished. The following documents, including any
amendments thereto, will be provided contemporaneously with the execution of the
Agreement,
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to the Custodian by the Trust:
1. A copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the Trust certified
by the Secretary.
2. A copy of the By-Laws of the Trust certified by the Secretary.
3. A copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust
appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary.
4. A copy of the then current Prospectus.
5. A Certificate of the President and Secretary of the Trust
setting forth the names and signatures of the current Officers
of the Trust and other Authorized Persons.
D. Notice of Appointment of Dividend and Transfer Agent. The Trust agrees
to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or change in
appointment of any Dividend and Transfer Agent.
ARTICLE III
RECEIPT OF TRUST ASSETS
A. Delivery of Moneys. During the term of this Agreement, the Trust will
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all moneys to be held by the
Custodian for the account of any Fund. The Custodian shall be entitled to
reverse any deposits made on any Fund's behalf where such deposits have been
entered and moneys are not finally collected within 30 days of the making of
such entry.
B. Delivery of Securities. During the term of this Agreement, the Trust
will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all Securities to be held
by the Custodian for the account of any Fund. The Custodian will not have any
duties or responsibilities with respect to such Securities until actually
received by the Custodian.
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C. Payments for Shares. As and when received, the Custodian shall deposit
to the account(s) of a Fund any and all payments for Shares of that Fund issued
or sold from time to time as they are received from the Trust's distributor or
Dividend and Transfer Agent or from the Trust itself.
D. Duties Upon Receipt. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any
Securities, moneys or other assets of any Fund until actually received by it.
E. Validity of Title. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the
title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto
received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
DISBURSEMENT OF TRUST ASSETS
A. Declaration of Dividends by Trust. The Trust shall furnish to the
Custodian a copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust,
certified by the Trust's Secretary, either (i) setting forth the date of the
declaration of any dividend or distribution in respect of Shares of any Fund of
the Trust, the date of payment thereof, the record date as of which the Fund
shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined, the amount payable per
share to Fund shareholders of record as of that date, and the total amount to be
paid by the Dividend and Transfer Agent on the payment date, or (ii) authorizing
the declaration of dividends and distributions in respect of Shares of a Fund on
a daily basis and authorizing the Custodian to rely on Written Instructions
setting forth the date of the declaration of any such dividend or distribution,
the date of payment thereof, the record date as of which the Fund shareholders
entitled to payment shall be determined, the amount payable per share to Fund
shareholders of record as of that date, and the total amount to be paid by the
Dividend and Transfer Agent on the payment date.
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On the payment date specified in the resolution or Written Instructions
described above, the Custodian shall segregate such amounts from moneys held for
the account of the Fund so that they are available for such payment.
B. Segregation of Redemption Proceeds. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions
so directing it, the Custodian shall segregate amounts necessary for the payment
of redemption proceeds to be made by the Dividend and Transfer Agent from moneys
held for the account of the Fund so that they are available for such payment.
C. Disbursements of Custodian. Upon receipt of a Certificate directing
payment and setting forth the name and address of the person to whom such
payment is to be made, the amount of such payment, the name of the Fund from
which payment is to be made, and the purpose for which payment is to be made,
the Custodian shall disburse amounts as and when directed from the assets of
that Fund. The Custodian is authorized to rely on such directions and shall be
under no obligation to inquire as to the propriety of such directions.
D. Payment of Custodian Fees. Upon receipt of Written Instructions
directing payment, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the assets of the
Trust in payment of the Custodian's fees and expenses as provided in Article
VIII hereof.
ARTICLE V
CUSTODY OF TRUST ASSETS
A. Separate Accounts for Each Fund. As to each Fund, the Custodian shall
open and maintain a separate bank account or accounts in the United States in
the name of the Trust coupled with the name of such Fund, subject only to draft
or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and
shall hold all cash received by it from or for the account of the Fund, other
than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank account established and used by the
Fund in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Act. Moneys held by the Custodian
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on behalf of a Fund may be deposited by the Custodian to its credit as Custodian
in the banking department of the Custodian. Such moneys shall be deposited by
the Custodian in its capacity as such, and shall be withdrawable by the
Custodian only in such capacity.
B. Segregation of Non-Cash Assets. All Securities and non-cash property
held by the Custodian for the account of a Fund (other than Securities
maintained in a Depository or Book-entry System) shall be physically segregated
from other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian
(including the Securities and non-cash property of the other Funds) and shall be
identified as subject to this Agreement.
C. Securities in Bearer and Registered Form. All Securities held which are
issued or issuable only in bearer form, shall be held by the Custodian in that
form; all other Securities held for the Fund may be registered in the name of
the Custodian, any sub-custodian appointed in accordance with this Agreement, or
the nominee of any of them. The Trust agrees to furnish to the Custodian
appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold, or deliver in proper
form for transfer, any Securities that it may hold for the account of any Fund
and which may, from time to time, be registered in the name of a Fund.
D. Duties of Custodian As to Securities. Unless otherwise instructed by
the Trust, with respect to all Securities held for the Trust, the Custodian
shall on a timely basis (concerning items 1 and 2 below, as defined in the
Custodian's Standards of Service Guide, as amended from time to time, annexed
hereto as Appendix D):
1.) Collect all income due and payable with respect to such
Securities;
2.) Present for payment and collect amounts payable upon all
Securities which may mature or be called, redeemed, or
retired, or otherwise become payable;
3.) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for
Securities in
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definitive form; and
4.) Execute, as Custodian, any necessary declarations or
certificates of ownership under the Federal income tax laws or
the laws or regulations of any other taxing authority,
including any foreign taxing authority, now or hereafter in
effect.
E. Certain Actions Upon Written Instructions. Upon receipt of a Written
Instructions and not otherwise, the Custodian shall:
1.) Execute and deliver to such persons as may be designated in
such Written Instructions proxies, consents, authorizations,
and any other instruments whereby the authority of the Trust
as beneficial owner of any Securities may be exercised;
2.) Deliver any Securities in exchange for other Securities or
cash issued or paid in connection with the liquidation,
reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation, or
recapitalization of any trust, or the exercise of any
conversion privilege;
3.) Deliver any Securities to any protective committee,
reorganization committee, or other person in connection
with the reorganization, refinancing, merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, or sale of assets of any
trust, and receive and hold under the terms of this
Agreement such certificates of deposit, interim receipts or
other instruments or documents as may be issued to it to
evidence such delivery;
4.) Make such transfers or exchanges of the assets of any Fund and
take such other steps as shall be stated in the Written
Instructions to be for the purpose of effectuating any duly
authorized plan of liquidation,
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reorganization, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of
the Trust; and
5.) Deliver any Securities held for any Fund to the depository
agent for tender or other similar offers.
F. Custodian to Deliver Proxy Materials. The Custodian shall promptly
deliver to the Trust all notices, proxy material and executed but unvoted
proxies pertaining to shareholder meetings of Securities held by any Fund. The
Custodian shall not vote or authorize the voting of any Securities or give any
consent, waiver or approval with respect thereto unless so directed by Written
Instructions.
G. Custodian to Deliver Tender Offer Information. The Custodian shall
promptly deliver to the Trust all information received by the Custodian and
pertaining to Securities held by any Fund with respect to tender or exchange
offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or expiration of rights. If the Trust
desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or other
similar transaction, the Trust shall notify the Custodian at least five Business
Days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action. The Trust
will provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all relevant information
for any Security which has unique put/option provisions at least five Business
Days prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
ARTICLE VI
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES
A. Purchase of Securities. Promptly after each purchase of Securities by
the Trust, the Trust shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each
purchase of Securities which are not Money Market Securities, Written
Instructions, and (ii) with respect to each purchase of Money Market Securities,
Proper Instructions, specifying with respect to each such purchase the;
1.) name of the issuer and the title of the Securities,
2.) the number of shares, principal amount purchased (and accrued
interest, if
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any) or other units purchased,
3.) date of purchase and settlement,
4.) purchase price per unit,
5.) total amount payable,
6.) name of the person from whom, or the broker through which, the
purchase was made,
7.) the name of the person to whom such amount is payable, and
8.) the Fund for which the purchase was made.
The Custodian shall, against receipt of Securities purchased by or for the
Trust, pay out of the moneys held for the account of such Fund the total amount
specified in the Written Instructions, or Oral Instructions, if applicable, to
the person named therein. The Custodian shall not be under any obligation to pay
out moneys to cover the cost of a purchase of Securities for a Fund, if in the
relevant Fund custody account there is insufficient cash available to the Fund
for which such purchase was made.
B. Sale of Securities. Promptly after each sale of Securities by a Fund,
the Trust shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each sale of
Securities which are not Money Market Securities, Written Instructions, and (ii)
with respect to each sale of Money Market Securities, Proper Instructions,
specifying with respect to each such sale the:
1.) name of the issuer and the title of the Securities,
2.) number of shares, principal amount sold (and accrued interest,
if any) or other units sold,
3.) date of sale and settlement,
4.) sale price per unit,
5.) total amount receivable,
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6.) name of the person to whom, or the broker through which, the
sale was made,
7.) name of the person to whom such Securities are to be
delivered, and
8.) Fund for which the sale was made.
The Custodian shall deliver the Securities against receipt of the total amount
specified in the Written Instructions, or Oral Instructions, if applicable.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when
properly instructed as provided herein to deliver Securities against payment,
shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally accepted market practice, to
deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of final payment therefor. In
any such case, the Fund for which the Securities were delivered shall bear the
risk that final payment for the Securities may not be made or that the
Securities may be returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the
person to whom they were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability
for any of the foregoing.
C. Payment on Settlement Date. On contractual settlement date, the account
of the Fund will be charged for all purchased Securities settling on that day,
regardless of whether or not delivery is made. Likewise, on contractual
settlement date, proceeds from the sale of Securities settling that day will be
credited to the account of the Fund, irrespective of delivery. Any such credit
shall be conditioned upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment and may
be reversed if final payment is not actually received in full.
D. Credit of Moneys Prior to Receipt. With respect to any credit given
prior to actual receipt of final payment, the Custodian may, in its sole
discretion and from time to time, permit a Fund to use funds so credited to its
Fund custody account in anticipation of actual receipt of final payment. Any
such funds shall be deemed a loan from the Custodian to the Trust payable on
demand and bearing interest accruing from the date such loan is made up to but
not
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including the date on which such loan is repaid at the rate per annum
customarily charged by the Custodian on similar loans.
E. Segregated Accounts. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of Proper
Instructions so directing it, establish and maintain a segregated account or
accounts for and on behalf of a Fund. Cash and/or Securities may be transferred
into such account or accounts for specific purposes, to-wit:
1.) in accordance with the provision of any agreement among the
Trust, the Custodian, and a broker-dealer registered under
the 1934 Act, and also a member of the NASD (or any futures
commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange
Act), relating to compliance with the rules of the Options
Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
securities exchange, the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission, any registered contract market, or any similar
organization or organizations requiring escrow or other
similar arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund;
2.) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection
with options purchased, sold, or written by the Fund or
commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or
sold by the Fund;
3.) for the purpose of compliance by the Fund with the procedures
required for reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment
agreements, standby commitment agreements, and short sales by
Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases
or rule of the SEC relating to the maintenance of segregated
accounts by registered investment companies;
4.) for the purpose of segregating collateral for loans of
Securities made by
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the Fund; and
5.) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of,
in addition to Proper Instructions, a copy of a resolution of
the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, setting forth
the purposes of such segregated account.
Each segregated account established hereunder shall be established and
maintained for a single Fund only. All Proper Instructions relating to a
segregated account shall specify the Fund involved.
F. Advances for Settlement. Except as otherwise may be agreed upon by the
parties hereto, the Custodian shall not be required to comply with any Written
Instructions to settle the purchase of any Securities on behalf of a Fund unless
there is sufficient cash in the account(s) pertaining to such Fund at the time
or to settle the sale of any Securities from such an account(s) unless such
Securities are in deliverable form. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
purchase price of such Securities exceeds the amount of cash in the account(s)
at the time of such purchase, the Custodian may, in its sole discretion, advance
the amount of the difference in order to settle the purchase of such Securities.
The amount of any such advance shall be deemed a loan from the Custodian to the
Trust payable on demand and bearing interest accruing from the date such loan is
made up to but not including the date such loan is repaid at the rate per annum
customarily charged by the Custodian on similar loans.
ARTICLE VII
TRUST INDEBTEDNESS
In connection with any borrowings by the Trust, the Trust will cause to be
delivered to the Custodian by a bank or broker requiring Securities as
collateral for such borrowings
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(including the Custodian if the borrowing is from the Custodian), a notice or
undertaking in the form currently employed by such bank or broker setting forth
the amount of collateral. The Trust shall promptly deliver to the Custodian
Written Instructions specifying with respect to each such borrowing: (a) the
name of the bank or broker, (b) the amount and terms of the borrowing, which may
be set forth by incorporating by reference an attached promissory note duly
endorsed by the Trust, or a loan agreement, (c) the date, and time if known, on
which the loan is to be entered into, (d) the date on which the loan becomes due
and payable, (e) the total amount payable to the Trust on the borrowing date,
and (f) the description of the Securities securing the loan, including the name
of the issuer, the title and the number of shares or other units or the
principal amount. The Custodian shall deliver on the borrowing date specified in
the Written Instructions the required collateral against the lender's delivery
of the total loan amount then payable, provided that the same conforms to that
which is described in the Written Instructions. The Custodian shall deliver, in
the manner directed by the Trust, such Securities as additional collateral, as
may be specified in Written Instructions, to secure further any transaction
described in this Article VII. The Trust shall cause all Securities released
from collateral status to be returned directly to the Custodian and the
Custodian shall receive from time to time such return of collateral as may be
tendered to it.
The Custodian may, at the option of the lender, keep such collateral in
its possession, subject to all rights therein given to the lender because of the
loan. The Custodian may require such reasonable conditions regarding such
collateral and its dealings with third-party lenders as it may deem appropriate.
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ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
A. Limitations on Liability of Custodian. Except as otherwise provided
herein, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from
its action or omission to act or otherwise, except for any such loss or damage
arising out of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Trust shall
defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its directors, officers,
employees and agents with respect to any loss, claim, liability or cost
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising or alleged to arise from or
relating to the Trust's duties hereunder or any other action or inaction of the
Trust or its Trustees, officers, employees or agents, except such as may arise
from the grossly negligent action or omission, willful misconduct or breach of
this Agreement by the Custodian. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and
may act upon the advice and opinion of counsel on all matters, at the expense of
the Trust, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or
omitted pursuant to such advice or opinion of counsel. The provisions under this
paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
B. Actions Not Required By Custodian. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, the Custodian, acting in the capacity of Custodian hereunder,
shall be under no obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:
1.) The validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by or
for the account of any Fund, the legality of the purchase
thereof, or the propriety of the amount paid therefor;
2.) The legality of the sale of any Securities by or for the
account of any Fund, or the propriety of the amount for
which the same are sold;
3.) The legality of the issue or sale of any Shares of any Fund,
or the
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sufficiency of the amount to be received therefor;
4.) The legality of the redemption of any Shares of any Fund, or
the propriety of the amount to be paid therefor;
5.) The legality of the declaration or payment of any dividend by
the Trust in respect of Shares of any Fund;
6.) The legality of any borrowing by the Trust on behalf of the
Trust or any Fund, using Securities as collateral;
7.) Whether the Trust or a Fund is in compliance with the 1940
Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the Trust's
charter documents or by-laws, or its investment objectives and
policies as then in effect.
C. No Duty to Collect Amounts Due From Dividend and Transfer Agent. The
Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action to effect
collection of any amount due to the Trust from any Dividend and Transfer Agent
of the Trust nor to take any action to effect payment or distribution by any
Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Trust of any amount paid by the Custodian to
any Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Trust in accordance with this Agreement.
D. No Enforcement Actions. Notwithstanding Section D of Article V, the
Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action, by legal
means or otherwise, to effect collection of any amount, if the Securities upon
which such amount is payable are in default, or if payment is refused after due
demand or presentation, unless and until (i) it shall be directed to take such
action by Written Instructions and (ii) it shall be assured to its satisfaction
(including prepayment thereof) of reimbursement of its costs and expenses in
connection with any such action.
E. Authority to Use Agents and Sub-Custodians. The Trust acknowledges and
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hereby authorizes the Custodian to hold Securities through its various agents
described in Appendix C annexed hereto. The Fund hereby represents that such
authorization has been duly approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust as
required by the Act.
In addition, the Trust acknowledges that the Custodian may appoint one or
more financial institutions, as agent or agents or as sub-custodian or
sub-custodians, including, but not limited to, banking institutions located in
foreign countries, for the purpose of holding Securities and moneys at any time
owned by the Fund. The Custodian shall not be relieved of any obligation or
liability under this Agreement in connection with the appointment or activities
of such agents or sub-custodians. Any such agent or sub-custodian shall be
qualified to serve as such for assets of investment companies registered under
the Act. The Funds shall reimburse the Custodian for all costs incurred by the
Custodian in connection with opening accounts with any such agents or
sub-custodians. Upon request, the Custodian shall promptly forward to the Trust
any documents it receives from any agent or sub-custodian appointed hereunder
which may assist trustees of registered investment companies to fulfill their
responsibilities under Rule 17f-5 of the Act.
F. No Duty to Supervise Investments. The Custodian shall not be under any
duty or obligation to ascertain whether any Securities at any time delivered to
or held by it for the account of the Trust are such as properly may be held by
the Trust under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and the Trust's
By-Laws.
G. All Records Confidential. The Custodian shall treat all records and
other information relating to the Trust and the assets of all Funds as
confidential and shall not disclose any such records or information to any other
person unless (i) the Trust shall have consented thereto in writing or (ii) such
disclosure is required by law.
H. Compensation of Custodian. The Custodian shall be entitled to receive
and the Trust agrees to pay to the Custodian such compensation as shall be
determined pursuant to
00
Xxxxxxxx X attached hereto, or as shall be determined pursuant to amendments to
Appendix E. The Custodian shall be entitled to charge against any money held by
it for the account of any Fund, the amount of any of its fees, any loss, damage,
liability or expense, including counsel fees. The expenses which the Custodian
may charge against the account of a Fund include, but are not limited to, the
expenses of agents or sub-custodians incurred in settling transactions involving
the purchase and sale of Securities of the Fund.
I. Reliance Upon Instructions. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely
upon any Proper Instructions. The Trust agrees to forward to the Custodian
Written Instructions confirming Oral Instructions in such a manner so that such
Written Instructions are received by the Custodian, whether by hand delivery,
telex, facsimile or otherwise, on the same Business Day on which such Oral
Instructions were given. The Trust agrees that the failure of the Custodian to
receive such confirming instructions shall in no way affect the validity of the
transactions or enforceability of the transactions hereby authorized by the
Trust. The Trust agrees that the Custodian shall incur no liability to the Trust
for acting upon Oral Instructions given to the Custodian hereunder concerning
such transactions.
J. Books and Records. The Custodian will (i) set up and maintain proper
books of account and complete records of all transactions in the accounts
maintained by the Custodian hereunder in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Act, with particular attention to Section 31
thereof and Rules 3la-1 and 3la-2 thereunder and those records are the property
of the Trust, and (ii) preserve for the periods prescribed by applicable Federal
statute or regulation all records required to be so preserved. All such books
and records shall be the property of the Trust, and shall be available, upon
request, for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the
Trust and employees of the SEC.
K. Internal Accounting Control Systems. The Custodian shall send to the
Trust any
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report received on the systems of internal accounting control of the Custodian,
or its agents or sub-custodians, as the Trust may reasonably request from time
to time.
L. No Management of Assets By Custodian. The Custodian performs only the
services of a custodian and shall have no responsibility for the management,
investment or reinvestment of the Securities or other assets from time to time
owned by any Fund. The Custodian is not a selling agent for Shares of any Fund
and performance of its duties as custodian shall not be deemed to be a
recommendation to any Fund's depositors or others of Shares of the Fund as an
investment. The Custodian shall have no duties or obligations whatsoever except
such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Agreement, and
no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement against the
Custodian.
M. Assistance to Trust. The Custodian shall take all reasonable action,
that the Trust may from time to time request, to assist the Trust in obtaining
favorable opinions from the Trust's independent accountants, with respect to the
Custodian's activities hereunder, in connection with the preparation of the
Fund's Form N-IA, Form N-SAR, or other annual reports to the SEC.
X. Xxxxx of Security Interest. The Trust hereby pledges to and grants the
Custodian a security interest in the assets of any Fund to secure the payment of
any liabilities of the Trust to the Custodian, whether acting in its capacity as
Custodian or otherwise, or on account of money borrowed from the Custodian. This
pledge is in addition to any other pledge of collateral by the Trust to the
Custodian.
ARTICLE IX
INITIAL TERM; TERMINATION
A. Initial Term. This Agreement shall become effective as of its
execution and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as
hereinafter provided.
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B. Termination. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement after the
Initial Term for any reason by giving to the other party a notice in writing
specifying the date of such termination, which shall be not less than ninety
(90) days after the date of giving of such notice. If such notice is given by
the Trust, it shall be accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees of the Trust, certified by the Secretary of the Trust, electing to
terminate this Agreement and designating a successor custodian or custodians. In
the event such notice is given by the Custodian, the Trust shall, on or before
the termination date, deliver to the Custodian a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees of the Trust, certified by the Secretary, designating a
successor custodian or custodians to act on behalf of the Trust. In the absence
of such designation by the Trust, the Custodian may designate a successor
custodian which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than
$100,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits. Upon the date
set forth in such notice this Agreement shall terminate, and the Custodian,
provided that it has received a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian,
shall deliver, on that date, directly to the successor custodian all Securities
and moneys then owned by the Fund and held by it as Custodian. Upon termination
of this Agreement, the Trust shall pay to the Custodian on behalf of the Trust
such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination. The Trust
agrees on behalf of the Trust that the Custodian shall be reimbursed for its
reasonable costs in connection with the termination of this Agreement.
C. Failure to Designate Successor Trustee. If a successor custodian is not
designated by the Trust, or by the Custodian in accordance with the preceding
paragraph, or the designated successor cannot or will not serve, the Trust
shall, upon the delivery by the Custodian to the Trust of all Securities (other
than Securities held in the Book-Entry System which cannot be delivered to the
Trust) and moneys then owned by the Trust, be deemed to be the custodian for the
Trust, and the Custodian shall thereby be relieved of all duties and
responsibilities pursuant
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to this Agreement, other than the duty with respect to Securities held in the
Book-Entry System, which cannot be delivered to the Trust, which shall be held
by the Custodian in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE X
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither the Custodian nor the Trust shall be liable for any failure or
delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or
caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control,
including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars;
civil or military disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power
failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its reasonable
control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian, in the event of a failure
or delay, shall use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such
failure or delay.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
A. Designation of Authorized Persons. Appendix A sets forth the names and
the signatures of all Authorized Persons as of this date, as certified by the
Secretary of the Trust. The Trust agrees to furnish to the Custodian a new
Appendix A in form similar to the attached Appendix A, if any present Authorized
Person ceases to be an Authorized Person or if any other or additional
Authorized Persons are elected or appointed. Until such new Appendix A shall be
received, the Custodian shall be fully protected in acting under the provisions
of this Agreement upon Oral Instructions or signatures of the then current
Authorized Persons as set forth in the last
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delivered Appendix A.
B. Limitation of Personal Liability. No recourse under any obligation of
this Agreement or for any claim based thereon shall be had against any
organizer, shareholder, officer, trustee, past, present or future as such, of
the Trust or of any predecessor or successor, either directly or through the
Trust or any such predecessor or successor, whether by virtue of any
constitution, statute or rule of law or equity, or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood
that this Agreement and the obligations thereunder are enforceable solely
against the Trust, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to,
or is or shall be incurred by, the organizers, shareholders, officers, or
trustees of the Trust or of any predecessor or successor, or any of them as
such. To the extent that any such liability exists, it is hereby expressly
waived and released by the Custodian as a condition of, and as a consideration
for, the execution of this Agreement.
C. Authorization By Board. The obligations set forth in this Agreement as
having been made by the Trust have been made by the Board of Trustees, acting as
such Trustees for and on behalf of the Trust, pursuant to the authority vested
in them under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Declaration of
Trust and the By-Laws of the Trust. This Agreement has been executed by Officers
of the Trust as officers, and not individually, and the obligations contained
herein are not binding upon any of the Trustees, Officers, agents or holders of
shares, personally, but bind only the Trust.
D. Custodian's Consent to Use of Its Name. The Trust shall review with the
Custodian all provisions of the Prospectus and any other documents (including
advertising material) specifically mentioning the Custodian (other than merely
by name and address) and shall obtain the Custodian's consent prior to the
publication and/or dissemination or distribution thereof.
24
E. Notices to Custodian. Any notice or other instrument in writing,
authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, shall be
sufficiently given if addressed to the Custodian and mailed or delivered to it
at its offices at Firstar Bank Center, 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, X. X. 0000,
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000, attention Mutual Fund Custody Department, or at such
other place as the Custodian may from time to time designate in writing.
F. Notices to Trust. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized
or required by this Agreement to be given to the Trust shall be sufficiently
given when delivered to the Trust or on the second Business Day following the
time such notice is deposited in the U.S. mail postage prepaid and addressed to
the Trust at its office at 0000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 or at
such other place as the Trust may from time to time designate in writing.
G. Amendments In Writing. This Agreement, with the exception of the
Appendices, may not be amended or modified in any manner except by a written
agreement executed by both parties with the same formality as this Agreement,
and authorized and approved by a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the
Trust.
H. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall extend to and shall be
binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns;
provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust or
by the Custodian, and no attempted assignment by the Trust or the Custodian
shall be effective without the written consent of the other party hereto.
I. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Ohio.
J. Jurisdiction. Any legal action, suit or proceeding to be instituted by
either party with respect to this Agreement shall be brought by such party
exclusively in the courts of the State of Ohio or in the courts of the United
States for the Southern District of Ohio, and each
25
party, by its execution of this Agreement, irrevocably (i) submits to such
jurisdiction and (ii) consents to the service of any process or pleadings by
first class U.S. mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by any
other means from time to time authorized by the laws of such jurisdiction.
K. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such
counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.
L. Headings. The headings of paragraphs in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective Officers, thereunto duly authorized as of the day
and year first above written.
ATTEST: TRUST: _______________________
By: __________________________
Title: _______________________
ATTEST: CUSTODIAN: Firstar Bank, N.A.
By: __________________________
Title: _______________________
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APPENDIX A
Authorized Persons Specimen Signatures
President: __________________ ___________________
Vice President: __________________ ___________________
Secretary: __________________ ___________________
Treasurer: __________________ ___________________
Assistant
Treasurer: __________________ ___________________
Adviser
Employees: __________________ ___________________
Transfer Agent/Fund Accountant
Employees: __________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________
* Authority restricted; does not include: ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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APPENDIX B
SERIES OF THE TRUST
The DCM Growth Fund
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APPENDIX C
AGENTS OF THE CUSTODIAN
The following agents are employed currently by Firstar Bank, N.A. for
securities processing and control ...
The Depository Trust Company (New York)
0 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
The Federal Reserve Bank
Cincinnati and Cleveland Branches
Bankers Trust Company
00 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
(For Foreign Securities and certain non-DTC eligible Securities)
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APPENDIX D
STANDARDS OF SERVICE GUIDE
