UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13D/A
(Rule 13d-101)
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT
TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO
§ 240.13d-2(a)
(Amendment No. 8)
Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust (DUC)
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock
(Title of Class of Securities)
26432K108
(CUSIP Number)
Daniel Lippincott, Senior Tax-Sensitive Manager
Karpus Management, Inc.
d/b/a Karpus Investment Management
183 Sully’s Trail
Pittsford, New York 14534
(585) 586-4680
Adam W. Finerman, Esq.
Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP
1325 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
(212) 451-2300
(Name, Address, and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
October 1, 2020
(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box ý.
Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.
_______________
1 The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
Karpus Investment Management |
|||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
WC | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
NEW YORK |
|||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 9,591,897 |
||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
10,778,147 |
|||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
10,778,147 |
|||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
39.2% |
|||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
IA |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
George W. Karpus |
|||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
WC | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
NEW YORK |
|||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
0.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
IN |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
Karpus Investment Management Profit Sharing Plan Fund B – Conservative Bond Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
WC | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
NEW YORK |
|||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | 13,350 |
||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
13,350 |
|||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
13,350 |
|||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1% |
|||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
OO |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
Arthur Charles Regan |
|||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
USA | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
0.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
IN |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
Daniel C. Robeson |
|||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
USA | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
0 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
0.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
IN |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
The following constitutes Amendment No. 8 to the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned ("Amendment No. 8"). This Amendment No. 8 amends the Schedule 13D as specifically set forth herein.
Item 2. | Identity and Background. |
Item 2(a) is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
(a) This statement is filed by:
(i) Karpus Management, Inc., d/b/a Karpus Investment Management ("Karpus"). Karpus is a registered investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Karpus is controlled by City of London Investment Group plc (“CLIG”), which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. However, in accordance with SEC Release No. 34-39538 (January 12, 1998), effective informational barriers have been established between Karpus and CLIG such that voting and investment power over the subject securities is exercised by Karpus independently of CLIG, and, accordingly, attribution of beneficial ownership is not required between Karpus and CLIG. The shares to which this Amendment No. 1 relates are owned directly by the accounts managed by Karpus;
(ii) George W. Karpus. Mr. Karpus will cease to be a Reporting Person immediately following the filing of this Amendment No. 8 to the Schedule 13D;
(iii) Karpus Investment Management Profit Sharing Plan Fund B-Conservative Bond Fund (“Karpus Fund”);
(iv) Arthur Charles Regan, as a nominee to the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the "Board"); and
(v) Daniel C. Robeson, as a nominee to the Board.
Each of the foregoing is referred to as a "Reporting Person" and collectively as the "Reporting Persons." Each of the Reporting Persons is party to that certain Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement and that certain Amendment No. 1 to Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement, except for Mr. Karpus who will cease to be a Reporting Person immediately following the filing of this Amendment No. 8 to the Schedule 13D, each as further described in Item 6. Accordingly, the Reporting Persons are hereby filing a joint Schedule 13D.
Set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto ("Schedule A") is the name and present principal business, occupation or employment and the name, principal business and address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted of the executive officers and directors of Karpus. To the best of the Reporting Persons' knowledge, except as otherwise set on Schedule A, none of the persons listed on Schedule A beneficially owns any securities of the Issuer or is a party to any contract, agreement or understanding required to be disclosed herein.
Item 3. | Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration. |
Item 3 is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
Karpus, an independent registered investment advisor, has accumulated 10,778,147 Shares on behalf of accounts that are managed by Karpus (the “Accounts”) under limited powers of attorney, which represents 39.2% of the outstanding Shares. All funds that have been utilized in making such purchases for the Accounts (which are open market purchases unless otherwise noted) are from such Accounts.
The aggregate purchase price of the 10,778,147 Shares beneficially owned by Karpus is approximately $96,912,423, excluding brokerage commissions. The Shares purchased by Karpus were purchased with working capital (which may at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business) in open market purchases except as otherwise noted.
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
The aggregate purchase price of the 13,350 Shares held by the Karpus Fund is approximately $121,104, excluding brokerage commissions. Such Shares were purchased with working capital (which may at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business) in open market purchases except as otherwise noted.
Item 5. | Interest in Securities of the Issuer. |
Item 5(a) – (c) is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each Reporting Person is based upon 27,494,683 Shares outstanding, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as of April 30, 2020, as reported in the Issuer’s Certified Shareholder Report of Registered Management Investment Companies on Form N-CSR, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2020.
A. | Karpus |
(a) | As of the close of business on October 2, 2020, Karpus beneficially owned 10,778,147 Shares held in the Accounts. |
Percentage: Approximately 39.2%
(b) | 1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 9,591,897 |
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0 |
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 10,778,147 |
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0 |
(c) | The transactions in the Shares by Karpus since the filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D are set forth in Schedule B and are incorporated herein by reference. |
B. | George W. Karpus |
(a) | As of October 2, 2020, George W. Karpus didn’t beneficially own any Shares of the Issuer. |
Percentage: 0.00%
(b) | 1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 0 |
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0 |
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0 |
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0 |
(c) | George W. Karpus did not have any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D. |
C. | Karpus Fund |
(a) | As of October 2, 2020, Karpus Fund beneficially owned 13,350 Shares. |
Percentage: Less than 1%
(b) | 1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 0 |
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 13,350 |
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0 |
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 13,350 |
(c) | Karpus Fund did not have any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D. |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
D. | Arthur Charles Regan |
(a) | As of the close of business on October 2, 2020, Arthur Charles Regan didn't beneficially own any Shares of the Issuer. |
Percentage: 0.00%
(b) | 1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 0 |
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0 |
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0 |
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0 |
(c) | Mr. Regan has not entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D. |
E . | Daniel C. Robeson |
(a) | As of the close of business on October 2, 2020, Daniel C. Robeson didn't beneficially own any Shares of the Issuer. |
Percentage: 0.00%
(b) | 1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 0 |
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0 |
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0 |
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0 |
(c) | Mr. Robeson has not entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D. |
The filing of this Schedule 13D shall not be deemed an admission that the Reporting Persons are, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the beneficial owners of any securities of the Issuer that he or it does not directly own. Each of the Reporting Persons specifically disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities reported herein that he or it does not directly own.
Item 6. | Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With respect to the Issuer. |
Item 6 is hereby amended to add the following:
On October 6, 2020, the Reporting Persons entered into that certain Amended and Restated Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement to remove Mr. Karpus as a member of the Group. The Amended and Restated Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7. | Material to be Filed as Exhibits. |
Item 7 is hereby amended to add the following exhibit:
99.1 | Amended and Restated Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement by and between Karpus Management, Inc., Karpus Investment Management Profit Sharing Plan Fund B – Conservative Bond Fund, Arthur Charles Regan, and Daniel C. Robeson, dated October 6, 2020. |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
SIGNATURES
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
Dated: October 6, 2020
KARPUS MANAGEMENT, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Daniel Lippincott | ||
Name: | Daniel Lippincott, CFA | ||
Title: | Director of Investment Personnel and Sr. Tax-Sensitive Portfolio Manager |
/s/ George W. Karpus | |||
GEORGE W. KARPUS
| |||
KARPUS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT PROFIT SHARING PLAN FUND B – CONSERVATIVE BOND FUND | |||
By: | /s/ Kathleen F. Crane | ||
Name: | Kathleen F. Crane | ||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer of Karpus Investment Management |
/s/ Arthur Charles Regan | |
ARTHUR CHARLES REGAN
| |
/s/ Daniel C. Robeson | |
DANIEL C. ROBESON |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
SCHEDULE A
Executive Officers & Directors of Karpus Management, Inc., d/b/a Karpus Investment Management
Name | Position & Present Principal Occupation | Business Address | Shares Owned |
Kathleen Finnerty Crane | Chief Financial Officer | 183 Sully’s Trail, Pittsford, New York 14534 | 150 Shares |
Dana R. Consler | Executive Vice President | 183 Sully’s Trail, Pittsford, New York 14534 | 0 Shares |
Thomas M. Duffy | Vice President | 183 Sully’s Trail, Pittsford, New York 14534 | 0 Shares |
Sharon L. Thornton | Executive Vice-President | 183 Sully’s Trail, Pittsford, New York 14534 | 0 Shares |
Daniel L. Lippincott, CFA | Sr. Tax-Sensitive Manager and Director of Investment Personnel | 183 Sully’s Trail, Pittsford, New York 14534 | 0 Shares |
David D'Ambrosio | Senior Vice President | 183 Sully's Trail, Pittsford, New York 14534 | 2,775 Shares |
Marijoyce Ryan | Vice President of Fiduciary Services | 183 Sully's Trail, Pittsford, New York 14534 | 5,975 Shares |
CUSIP NO. 26432K108
SCHEDULE B
Transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D
Nature of the Transaction |
Securities Purchased/(Sold) |
Price Per Share($) |
Date of Purchase / Sale |
KARPUS MANAGEMENT, INC., D/B/A/ KARPUS
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
(THROUGH THE ACCOUNTS)
Purchase of Common Stock | 14,336 | $9.40 | 08/11/2020 |
Sale of Common Stock | (3,575) | $9.38 | 08/12/2020 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 700 | $9.35 | 08/13/2020 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 525 | $9.35 | 08/17/2020 |
Sale of Common Stock | (65) | $9.29 | 08/18/2020 |
Sale of Common Stock | (450) | $9.26 | 09/21/2020 |
Sale of Common Stock | (1,300) | $9.24 | 09/23/2020 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 6,851 | $9.16 | 09/24/2020 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 2,989 | $9.15 | 09/30/2020 |
Sale of Common Stock | (630) | $9.22 | 10/01/2020 |
Sale of Common Stock | (110,870) | $9.14 | 10/02/2020 |
EXHIBIT 99.1
Amended and Restated Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement
This Amended and Restated Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement is dated as of October 6, 2020 (this “Agreement”), and is entered into by and among the parties listed on the signature pages hereto.
WHEREAS, certain of the undersigned are stockholders, direct or beneficial, of Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”);
WHEREAS, Karpus Management, Inc., d/b/a Karpus Investment Management (“Karpus”), Karpus Investment Management Profit Sharing Plan Fund B – Conservative Bond Fund, Arthur C. Regan and Daniel C. Robeson (collectively, the “Group”) and George W. Karpus entered into that certain Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement dated as of September 17, 2020 (the “Existing Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Group now desires to amend the Existing Agreement to remove Mr. Karpus as a party thereto.
NOW, IT IS AGREED, this 6th day of October, 2020, by the parties hereto:
1. In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), each of the undersigned (collectively, the “Group”) agrees to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D, and any amendments thereto, with respect to the securities of the Company. Each member of the Group shall be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of his/its own disclosure therein, and is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information concerning the other members, unless such member knows or has reason to know that such information is inaccurate.
2. So long as this agreement is in effect, each of the undersigned shall provide written notice to Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP (“Olshan”) of (i) any of their purchases or sales of securities of the Company; or (ii) any securities of the Company over which they acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership. Notice shall be given no later than 24 hours after each such transaction. For purposes of this agreement, the term “beneficial ownership” shall have the meaning of such term set forth in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.
3. Each of the undersigned agrees to form the Group for the purpose of (i) soliciting proxies or written consents for the election of the persons nominated by the Group to the Board and any proposal submitted by any member of the Group at the 2021 Annual Meeting, (ii) taking such other actions as the parties deem advisable, and (iii) taking all other action necessary or advisable to achieve the foregoing.
4. Karpus shall have the right to pre-approve all expenses incurred in connection with the Group’s activities and agrees to pay directly all such pre-approved expenses.
5. Each of the undersigned agrees that any SEC filing, press release or stockholder communication proposed to be made or issued by the Group or any member of the Group in connection with the Group’s activities set forth in Section 3 shall be first approved by Karpus, or its representatives, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
6. The relationship of the parties hereto shall be limited to carrying on the business of the Group in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Such relationship shall be construed and deemed to be for the sole and limited purpose of carrying on such business as described herein. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any party to act as an agent for any other party, or to create a joint venture or partnership, or to constitute an indemnification. Nothing herein shall restrict any party’s right to purchase or sell securities of the Company, as he/it deems appropriate, in his/its sole discretion, provided that all such purchases or sales are made in compliance with all applicable securities laws and the provisions of this Agreement.
7. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument, which may be sufficiently evidenced by one counterpart.
8. In the event of any dispute arising out of the provisions of this Agreement or their investment in the Company, the parties hereto consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal and State Courts in the State of New York.
9. Any party hereto may terminate his/its obligations under this Agreement on 24 hours’ written notice to all other parties, with a copy by email to Adam W. Finerman at Olshan, at afinerman@olshanlaw.com.
10. Each party acknowledges that Olshan shall act as counsel for both the Group and Karpus and its affiliates relating to their investment in the Company.
11. Each of the undersigned parties hereby agrees that this Agreement shall be filed as an exhibit to a Schedule 13D pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Exchange Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
KARPUS MANAGEMENT, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Daniel L. Lippincott | ||
Name: | Daniel Lippincott | ||
Title: | Senior Tax-Sensitive Manager and Director of Investment Personnel | ||
KARPUS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT PROFIT SHARING PLAN FUND B – CONSERVATIVE BOND FUND | |||
By: | /s/ Kathleen F. Crane | ||
Name: | Kathleen F. Crane | ||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | ||
/s/ Arthur Charles Regan | |||
arthur charles regan | |||
/s/ Daniel C. Robeson | |||
daniel c. robeson |