Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

19. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that include indemnities in favor of third parties, such as engagement letters with advisors and consultants, information technology agreements, distribution agreements and service agreements.  In certain circumstances, these indemnities in favor of third parties relate to service agreements entered into by investment funds managed and/or advised by Eaton Vance Management or Boston Management and Research, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Company has also agreed to indemnify its directors, officers and employees in accordance with the Company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on the Company's liability and, therefore, it is not possible to estimate the Company's potential liability under these indemnities. In certain cases, the Company has recourse against third parties with respect to these indemnities. Further, the Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, after discussions with legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

In July 2006, the Company committed to invest $15.0million in a private equity partnership that invests in companies in the financial services industry. The Company has invested $13.9 million of the total $15.0 million of committed capital at July 31, 2013. The Company believes the remaining $1.1 million will likely be invested by March 2015.

The Company has entered into transactions in financial instruments in which it has sold securities, not yet purchased as part of its corporate hedging program. As of July 31, 2013, the Company has $1.6 million included within other liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheet related to securities sold, not yet purchased.