77E Information Regarding Pending and Settled Legal Proceedings
In December 2005, without admitting or denying the allegations, American Express Financial Corporation (AEFC, which is now known as Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial)) entered into settlement agreements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Minnesota Department of Commerce (MDOC) related to market timing activities. As a result, AEFC was censured and ordered to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations of certain provisions of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and various Minnesota laws. AEFC agreed to pay disgorgement of $10 million and civil money penalties of $7 million. AEFC also agreed to retain an independent distribution consultant to assist in developing a plan for distribution of all disgorgement and civil penalties ordered by the SEC in accordance with various undertakings detailed at www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/ia-2451.pdf. Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates have cooperated with the SEC and the MDOC in these legal proceedings, and have made regular reports to the Funds Boards of Trustees.
Ameriprise Financial and certain of its affiliates have historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions, and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of their business activities. Ameriprise Financial believes that the Funds are not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Funds. Ameriprise Financial is required to make quarterly (10-Q), annual (10-K) and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
There can be no assurance that these matters, or the adverse publicity associated with them, will not result in increased fund redemptions, reduced sale of fund shares or other adverse consequences to the Funds. Further, although we believe proceedings are not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Funds, these proceedings are subject to uncertainties and, as such, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result. An adverse outcome in one or more of these proceedings could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other relief that could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of Ameriprise Financial.
N-SAR Item 77H: Change in Control of Registrant
Below are the persons presumed to control Registrants series because such person owns more than 25% of a series based on the records of the series.
As of April 30th 2015
| ||||
Fund | Name of Person | Ownership % of Series | ||
COLUMBIA STRATEGIC INCOME FUND |
American Enterprise Investment Svc | 32.53% |
As of October 1st 2014
Fund | Name of Person | Ownership % of Series | ||
COLUMBIA AMT-FREE INTERMEDIATE MUNI BOND FUND |
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc for the Sole Benefit of its Customers | 77.00% | ||
COLUMBIA AMT-FREE NY INTERMEDIATE MUNI BOND FUND |
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc for the Sole Benefit of its Customers | 64.83% | ||
COLUMBIA AMT-FREE CT INTERMEDIATE MUNI BOND FUND |
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc for the Sole Benefit of its Customers | 79.05% | ||
COLUMBIA AMT-FREE MA INTERMEDIATE MUNI BOND FUND |
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc for the Sole Benefit of its Customers | 77.14% |