Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 27, 2023
1933 Act Registration File No. 333-________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-14
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
[ ] Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___
[ ] Post-Effective Amendment No. ___
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
FPA FUNDS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212-3948
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (626) 385-5777
Diane J. Drake
Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226
Glendora, CA 91740
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Laurie Dee
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective on the 30th day pursuant to Rule 488.
Title of Securities Being Registered:
FPA Global Equity ETF
No filing fee is required because an indefinite number of shares have previously been registered pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
FPA Global Equity ETF
(FPAG)
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
1-800-982-4372
[ ], 2024
Dear Valued Shareholder:
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquired Fund”), a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III (the “Northern Lights Trust”), has been scheduled for [ ], 2024 (the “Special Meeting”). At the Special Meeting, shareholders of the Acquired Fund will consider a proposal to approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”). The Plan will provide for the transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquiring Fund”), a newly created series of FPA Funds Trust (the “FPA Trust”), in exchange solely for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund, and the distribution of the Acquiring Fund’s shares received by the Acquired Fund to its shareholders in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund (the “Reorganization”). Each shareholder of the Acquired Fund will receive a number of shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund equal in value to the aggregate net asset value of the shares of the Acquired Fund held by the Acquired Fund shareholder immediately prior to the Reorganization and the Acquired Fund shareholders will become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund is designed to be identical from an investment perspective to the Acquired Fund. The investment objective and strategies of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund are the same and the investment policies are substantially similar, as further described in the attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The Acquiring Fund will commence operation upon the closing of the Reorganization.
First Pacific Advisors, LP (“FPA”), the Acquired Fund’s investment advisor, has recommended to the Board of Trustees of Northern Lights Trust (the “Board”), that the Acquired Fund be moved from the Northern Lights Trust to the FPA Trust, a fund platform consisting of five other series managed by FPA (the “FPA Fund Complex”). If the Plan is approved by shareholders of the Acquired Fund and the Reorganization is completed, FPA will continue to serve as the investment advisor for the Acquiring Fund and the same portfolio managers will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquiring Fund. FPA believes that the Reorganization will allow FPA to dedicate more time and resources to the management of the FPA Fund Complex and achieve operational efficiencies by focusing more efficiently the time and resources FPA currently spends on administering and overseeing different service providers for its portfolios and standardizing workflows across the FPA Fund Complex, which may reduce and help manage the risks of operational errors.
The costs incurred to prepare for and effect the Reorganization will be borne by FPA, and the Reorganization is not expected to result in any increase in ongoing shareholder fees or expenses. In addition, the Reorganization generally is not expected to result in the recognition of gain or loss by the Acquired Fund or its shareholders for federal income tax purposes. No sales charges or redemption fees will be imposed in connection with the Reorganization. If the shareholders of the Acquired Fund do not approve the Reorganization, then the Reorganization will not be implemented and FPA will continue to manage the Acquired Fund as a series of Northern Lights Trust.
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After careful consideration, for the reasons discussed in the attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and based on the recommendations of FPA, the Board has approved the Reorganization and the solicitation of the Acquired Fund’s shareholders to approve the Plan.
The attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus is designed to give you more information about the proposal. If you have any questions regarding the proposal to be voted on, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-982-4372. If you were a shareholder of record of the Acquired Fund as of the close of business on [ ], 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, you are entitled to vote on the proposal at the Special Meeting and at any adjournment thereof. While you are, of course, welcome to join us at the Special Meeting, we expect that most shareholders will cast their votes by filling out and signing the enclosed proxy card or voting by telephone or Internet as described herein.
Whether or not you are planning to attend the Special Meeting, we need your vote. Please submit your vote via the options listed on your proxy card, which includes voting by mail, calling the toll-free number on your proxy card to vote by telephone or Internet voting. You may revoke your proxy before it is exercised at the Special Meeting, either by writing to the Secretary of the Northern Lights Trust at the address noted in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in person at the time of the Special Meeting. A prior proxy vote can also be revoked by voting the proxy at a later date up until the time of the Special Meeting through the toll-free number listed in the enclosed voting instructions or by submitting a later dated proxy card.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this important proposal and for your continuing investment in the FPA Global Equity ETF.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to email FPA at crm@fpa.com.
Sincerely,
[signature]
Brian Curley
President
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NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
FPA Global Equity
ETF
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
1-800-982-4372
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD [ ], 2024
Northern Lights Fund Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Northern Lights Trust”), will hold a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of the FPA Global Equity ETF, a series of the Northern Lights Trust (the “Acquired Fund”), on [ ], 2024, at the offices of Northern Lights Trust, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, at 10:00 a.m. local time. At the Special Meeting, you and the other shareholders of the Acquired Fund will be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals:
1. | Approval of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization providing for (i) the transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquiring Fund”), a newly created series of FPA Funds Trust (the “FPA Trust”), in exchange for (a) shares of the Acquiring Fund with an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) equal to the aggregate NAV of the shares of the Acquired Fund, and (b) the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, followed by (ii) the liquidating distribution by the Acquired Fund to its shareholders of the shares of the Acquiring Fund in proportion to the shareholders’ respective holdings of shares of the Acquired Fund; and |
2. | The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any continuations after an adjournment thereof. |
Only shareholders of record of the Acquired Fund at the close of business on [ ], 2024, the record date for this Special Meeting, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any postponements or continuations after an adjournment thereof.
As a shareholder, you are asked to attend the Special Meeting either in person or by proxy. If you are unable to attend the Special Meeting in person, we urge you to authorize proxies to cast your votes, commonly referred to as “proxy voting”. Whether or not you expect to attend the Special Meeting, please submit your vote via the options listed on your proxy card. You may vote by completing, dating and signing your proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope, by calling the toll-free number on your proxy card to vote by telephone, or by the Internet. Your prompt voting by proxy will help assure a quorum at the Special Meeting. Voting by proxy will not prevent you from voting your shares in person at the Special Meeting. You may revoke your proxy before it is exercised at the Special Meeting, either by writing to the Secretary of the Northern Lights Trust at the address noted in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in person at the time of the Special Meeting. A prior proxy can also be revoked by voting your proxy at a later date up until the time of the Special Meeting through the toll-free number or submitting a later dated proxy card.
By Order of the Board of Trustees of Northern Lights Fund Trust III
[signature]
Brian Curley | |
President |
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NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
FPA Global Equity
ETF
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
1-800-982-4372
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT!
Question: What is this document and why did you send it to me?
Answer: The attached document is a proxy statement to solicit votes from shareholders of the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquired Fund”), a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III (the “Northern Lights Trust”), at the special meeting of the Acquired Fund’s shareholders (“Special Meeting”), and a registration statement for the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquiring Fund”), a corresponding newly created shell series of FPA Funds Trust (“FPA Trust”). This combined proxy/registration statement is referred to below as the “Proxy Statement.”
The Proxy Statement is being provided to you by the Northern Lights Trust in connection with the solicitation of proxies to vote to approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust (the form of which is attached as Appendix A) (the “Plan”) regarding the proposed reorganization of the Acquired Fund into the Acquiring Fund (the “Reorganization”). The Acquiring Fund is designed to be identical from an investment perspective to the Acquired Fund. The investment objective and strategies of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund are the same and the investment policies are substantially similar, as further described in the attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
The Proxy Statement contains the information that shareholders of the Acquired Fund should know before voting on this proposal. You are receiving this Proxy Statement because you own shares of the Acquired Fund and are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. We are sending this document to you for your use in deciding whether to approve this proposal. This document includes a Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders, the Proxy Statement and a proxy card.
Approval of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund is needed to proceed with the proposal. The Special Meeting will be held on [ ], 2024 to consider the proposal. If the shareholders of the Acquired Fund do not approve the Reorganization, then the Reorganization will not be implemented and FPA will continue to manage the Acquired Fund as a series of Northern Lights Trust.
Question: Why is the Reorganization being recommended?
First Pacific Advisors, LP (“FPA”) serves as the investment advisor to the Acquired Fund. In connection with FPA’s longer-term strategic objectives, FPA has proposed, and the Board of Trustees of the Northern Lights Trust (the “Board”) has approved, that the Acquired Fund be reorganized into the Acquiring Fund. FPA believes that the Reorganization can bring meaningful benefits to the Acquired Fund’s shareholders by joining FPA Trust, a multi-series trust sponsored by Mutual Fund Administration Corporation and UMB Fund Services, Inc. Currently, FPA serves as investment advisor to five other series of FPA Trust (the “FPA Fund Complex”). If the Plan is approved by shareholders of the Acquired Fund and the Reorganization is completed, FPA will continue to serve as the investment advisor for the Acquiring Fund and the same portfolio managers will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquiring Fund. FPA believes that the Reorganization will allow FPA to dedicate more time and resources to the management of the FPA Fund Complex and achieve operational efficiencies by focusing more
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efficiently the time and resources FPA currently spends on administering and overseeing different service providers for its portfolios and standardizing workflows across the FPA Fund Complex, which may reduce and help manage the risks of operational errors.
Question: Who will manage the Acquiring Fund?
Answer: Currently, FPA is the investment advisor to the Acquired Fund and provides day-to-day portfolio management services to the Acquired Fund. If the Reorganization is completed, FPA will become the investment advisor to the Acquiring Fund and will become responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio. The current portfolio managers for the Acquired Fund will also serve as portfolio managers for the Acquiring Fund. The Reorganization is not expected to change the way your investment assets are managed.
Question: How will the Reorganization work?
Answer: Subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and pursuant to the Plan, the Acquired Fund will transfer all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in return for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities. The Acquired Fund will then liquidate by distributing the shares it receives from the Acquiring Fund to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund. Shareholders of the Acquired Fund will become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, and immediately after the Reorganization each shareholder will hold a number of shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund equal in value to the aggregate net asset value of the shares of the Acquired Fund held by the Acquired Fund shareholder immediately prior to the Reorganization. If the Plan is carried out as proposed the Reorganization is not generally expected to result in the recognition of gain or loss by either the Acquired Fund or its shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Please refer to the Proxy Statement for a detailed explanation of the proposal.
If the Plan is approved by shareholders of the Acquired Fund at the Special Meeting, the Reorganization presently is expected to be effective after the close of business (i.e., 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on or about [ ], 2024.
Question: How will the Reorganization affect my investment?
Answer: Following the Reorganization, you will be a shareholder of the Acquiring Fund, which has the same investment objective and investment strategies, and substantially similar investment policies as the Acquired Fund, as further described in the attached Proxy Statement. FPA will become the investment advisor to the Acquiring Fund, and the portfolio managers of the Acquired Fund will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio after the Reorganization. The primary differences will be (1) the Acquiring Fund will be a series of FPA Trust instead of the Northern Lights Trust, (2) the Acquiring Fund will be governed by a different board of trustees than the Acquired Fund, and (3) the Acquiring Fund will have different service providers who provide services to the Acquiring Fund. Details on the changing service providers can be found in the question “Will the Board and Service Providers Change?” further below.
Immediately after the Reorganization each shareholder will hold a number of shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund equal in value to the aggregate net asset value of the shares of the Acquired Fund held by the Acquired Fund shareholder immediately prior to the Reorganization. The Reorganization will not affect the value of your investment at the time of Reorganization and your interest in the Acquired Fund will not be diluted. The Reorganization generally is not expected to result in recognition of gain or loss by the Acquired Fund or its shareholders for federal income tax purposes.
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Question: Will there be any portfolio repositioning or other costs in connection with the Reorganization?
Answer: The Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund do not expect any portfolio repositioning (i.e., sale of securities) or other associated costs, such as brokerage commissions incurred from the sale of securities, in connection with the Reorganization. However, if any such portfolio repositioning were to occur, such costs would be borne by FPA.
Question: Will the shares held by the Acquired Fund shareholders continue to be listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) following the Reorganization?
Answer: Yes. The Acquiring Fund shares will continue to be listed and trade on the Chicago Board Options Exchange following the Reorganization.
Question: Do the Funds have the same investment objective, investment strategies and risks?
Answer: The Acquiring Fund has the same investment objective and investment strategies as the Acquired Fund, and substantially similar risks.
Question: How will the proposed Reorganization affect the fees and expenses I pay as a shareholder of the Acquired Fund?
Answer: The Acquiring Fund will pay the same annual advisory fee rate to FPA as paid by the Acquired Fund. The total annual fund operating expenses for the Acquiring Fund before fee waivers and expense reimbursement are anticipated to be lower than those for the Acquired Fund before fee waivers and expense reimbursement. In addition, FPA has previously agreed to contractually limit total net annual fund operating expenses to 0.49% of the Acquired Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2026. With respect to the Acquiring Fund, FPA has also agreed to contractually limit total annual fund operating expenses to 0.49% of the Acquiring Fund’s average daily net assets, which is the same level that will be in effect for the Acquired Fund at the time of Reorganization, through January 31, 2026. With respect to both the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, FPA may recoup these fee waivers and expense reimbursements from the Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. Each agreement may only be terminated before its expiration date by the Board of Trustees of the relevant Trust. If the Reorganization is completed, FPA may seek reimbursement from the Acquiring Fund of fees waived or payments made by FPA to the Acquired Fund prior to the Reorganization for a period ending three years after the date of the waiver or payment if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limit and the expense limits in place at the time of the recoupment.
Question: What is the tax impact on my investment?
Answer: The Reorganization generally is not expected to result in recognition of gain or loss by the Acquired Fund or its shareholders for federal income tax purposes. As a condition to the closing of the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will obtain an opinion of counsel regarding the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization. This opinion will be filed with the SEC after the close of the Reorganization and available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Question: Who will benefit from the Reorganization?
Answer: If shareholders approve the Reorganization, FPA will continue as the investment advisor to the Acquiring Fund and will receive investment advisory fees from the Acquiring Fund.
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Question: What will happen if the Plan is not approved?
Answer: If the shareholders of the Acquired Fund do not approve the proposed Reorganization of the Acquired Fund, then the Reorganization will not be implemented and FPA will continue to manage the Acquired Fund as a series of Northern Lights Trust.
Question: Will the Board and Service Providers Change?
Answer: The Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust have different boards of trustees differing arrangements for administration, fund accounting, distribution services, transfer agency, audit services, and custody. These third party service arrangements are provided to the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust by the following:
Northern Lights Trust | FPA Trust | |
Administrator |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio, 45246 |
Mutual Fund Administration, LLC 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226 Glendora, California 91740
UMB Fund Services, Inc. 235 West Galena Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
|
Fund Accounting Agent |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio, 45246 |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02110
|
Distributor |
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC 4221 North 203rd Street Suite 100 Elkorn, Nebraska 68022
|
UMB Distribution Services, LLC 235 West Galena Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 |
Transfer Agent |
State Street Bank and Trust Co. One Lincoln Street Boston, Massachusetts 02111
|
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02110
|
Auditor |
Deloitte & Touche LLP 695 Town Center Drive Suite 1000 Costa Mesa, California 92626
|
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP 50 South 16th Street
|
Custodian |
State Street Bank and Trust Co. One Lincoln Street Boston, Massachusetts 02111
|
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02110
|
Legal Counsel |
Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street 17th Floor |
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 600 Anton Boulevard Suite 1800 |
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Columbus, Ohio 43215
|
Costa Mesa, California 92626
|
Question: What action has the Board taken?
Answer: After careful consideration and upon the recommendation of FPA, the Board unanimously approved the Plan and authorized the solicitation of proxies on the proposal.
Question: Who is paying for expenses related to the Special Meeting and the Reorganization?
Answer: The Acquired Fund will not incur any expenses in connection with the Reorganization. The direct costs associated with the proposed Reorganization, including the costs associated with the Special Meeting, will be borne by FPA regardless of whether the Reorganization is completed. No indirect expenses are anticipated as part of the Reorganization.
Question: Why do I need to vote?
Answer: Your vote is needed to ensure that a quorum is present at the Special Meeting so that the proposal can be acted upon. Your immediate response on the enclosed proxy card (or by telephone or Internet) will help prevent the need for any further solicitations for a shareholder vote, which will result in additional expenses. Your vote is very important to us regardless of the amount of shares you own.
Question: How do I cast my vote?
Answer: You may vote according to the instructions provided on your proxy card. You may vote by telephone using the toll-free number found on your proxy card or by Internet. You may also use the enclosed postage-paid envelope to mail your proxy card. Please follow the enclosed instructions to use these methods of voting. We encourage you to vote by telephone or Internet. Use of telephone or Internet voting will reduce the time and costs associated with this proxy solicitation.
Question: Who do I call if I have questions?
Answer: Please call 1-800-967-5074 if you have any questions regarding the Reorganization. Representatives are available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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COMBINED PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS
[ ], 2024
FOR THE REORGANIZATION OF
FPA Global Equity ETF
a series of Northern
Lights Fund Trust III
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
1-800-982-4372
INTO
FPA Global Equity ETF,
a series of FPA
Funds Trust
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53232
1- [ ]
This Combined Proxy Statement and Prospectus (this “Proxy Statement”) is being sent to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Northern Lights Fund Trust III (the “Northern Lights Trust”) for use at a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of the FPA Global Equity ETF, a series of the Northern Lights Trust (the “Acquired Fund”), to be held at the offices of Northern Lights Trust, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, on [ ], 2024 at 10:00 a.m. local time. At the Special Meeting, you and the other shareholders of the Acquired Fund will be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals:
1. | Approval of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) providing for (i) the transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquiring Fund”), a newly created series of FPA Funds Trust (“FPA Trust”), in exchange for (a) shares of the Acquiring Fund with an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) equal to the aggregate NAV of the shares of the Acquired Fund, and (b) the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, followed by (ii) the liquidating distribution by the Acquired Fund to its shareholders of the shares of the Acquiring Fund in proportion to the shareholders’ respective holdings of shares of the Acquired Fund. |
2. | The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any continuations after an adjournment thereof. |
Shareholders who execute proxies may revoke them at any time before they are voted, either by writing to the Northern Lights Trust, in person at the time of the Special Meeting, by voting the proxy at a later date through the toll-free number or by submitting a later dated proxy card.
The Acquired Fund is a series of the Northern Lights Trust, an open-end management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and organized as a Delaware statutory trust. The Acquiring Fund is a newly created series of FPA Trust, an open-end management investment company registered with the SEC, and also organized as a Delaware statutory trust.
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The following Acquired Fund documents have been filed with the SEC and are incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement (which means these documents are considered legally to be part of this Proxy Statement):
• | Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Acquired Fund, each dated February 1, 2023 filed with the SEC on January 27, 2023 (Accession No. 0001580642-23-000480); and |
• | Annual Report to Shareholders of the Acquired Fund dated September 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on December 1, 2023 (Accession No. 0001580642-23-006430). |
The Acquired Fund’s Prospectus dated February 1, 2023, and Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, containing audited financial statements, have been previously mailed to shareholders. Copies of these documents are available upon request and without charge by writing to the Northern Lights Trust or by calling 1-(800) 982-4372.
Because the Acquiring Fund has not yet commenced operations as of the date of this Proxy Statement, no annual or semi-annual report is available for the Acquiring Fund at this time.
This Proxy Statement sets forth the basic information you should know before voting on the proposal. You should read it and keep it for future reference. Additional information is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information dated [ ], 2024 relating to this Proxy Statement, which is also incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement. The Statement of Additional Information is available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-982-4372. The Northern Lights Trust expects that this Proxy Statement will be mailed to shareholders on or about [ ], 2024.
Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting to be Held on [ ], 2024. This Proxy Statement is available on the Internet at [ ]. If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposal or how to vote your shares, please call 1-800-967-5074. Representatives are available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Date: [ ], 2024
THE SEC HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES NOR HAS IT PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS COMBINED PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The shares offered by this Combined Proxy Statement and Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the Acquiring Fund involves investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
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Table of Contents
I. | Proposal – To Approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization | 12 | |
A. | Overview | 12 | |
B. | Comparison Fee Tables and Examples | 13 | |
C. | The Funds’ Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies and Risks | 15 | |
D. | Comparison of Investment Restrictions | 24 | |
E. | Comparison of Investment Advisory Agreements | 26 | |
F. | Comparison of Distribution, Purchase and Redemption, and Distribution Plan | 29 | |
G. | Key Information About the Reorganization | 30 | |
1. | Agreement and Plan of Reorganization | 30 | |
2. | Description of the Acquiring Fund’s Shares | 31 | |
3. | Board Considerations Relating to the Proposed Reorganization | 31 | |
4. | Federal Income Tax Consequences | 33 | |
5. | Comparison of Forms of Organization and Shareholder Rights | 34 | |
6. | Capitalization | 36 | |
H. | Additional Information about the Funds | 36 | |
1. | Past Performance of the Acquired Fund | 36 | |
2. | Investment Advisors and Portfolio Managers | 38 | |
3. | Trustees and Service Providers for the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund | 39 | |
II. | Voting Information | 40 | |
A. | General Information | 40 | |
B. | Method and Cost of Solicitation | 42 | |
C. | Right to Revoke Proxy | 42 | |
D. | Voting Securities and Principal Holders | 42 | |
E. | Interest of Certain Persons in the Transaction | 43 | |
III. | Miscellaneous Information | 43 | |
A. | Other Business | 43 | |
B. | Next Meeting of Shareholders | 43 | |
C. | Legal Matters | 43 | |
D. | Auditors | 44 | |
E. | Information Filed with the SEC | 44 | |
APPENDIX A – Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization | A-1 | ||
APPENDIX B – More Information about the Acquiring Fund | B-1 | ||
APPENDIX C – Financial Highlights of the Acquired Fund | C-1 | ||
APPENDIX D – Supplemental Financial Information | D-1 |
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I. | Proposal – To Approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization |
A. | Overview |
First Pacific Advisors, LP (“FPA” or the “Advisor”) serves as the investment advisor to the Acquired Fund. In connection with FPA’s longer-term strategic objectives, FPA has proposed, and the Board (the “Board”) of Northern Lights Fund Trust III (the “Northern Lights Trust”) has approved, the proposed reorganization of the Acquired Fund into the Acquiring Fund (the “Reorganization”), a newly created shell series of FPA Funds Trust (“FPA Trust”). The Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are each sometimes referred to below as a “Fund” and collectively, as the “Funds.”
FPA believes that the Reorganization can bring meaningful benefits to the Acquired Fund’s shareholders by joining FPA Trust, a multi-series trust sponsored by Mutual Fund Administration Corporation and UMB Fund Services, Inc. Currently, FPA serves as investment advisor to five other series of FPA Trust (the “FPA Fund Complex”). If the Plan is approved by shareholders of the Acquired Fund and the Reorganization is completed, FPA will continue to serve as the investment advisor for the Acquiring Fund and the same portfolio managers will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquiring Fund. FPA believes that the Reorganization will allow FPA to dedicate more time and resources to the management of the FPA Fund Complex and achieve operational efficiencies by focusing more efficiently the time and resources FPA currently spends on administering and overseeing different service providers for its portfolios and standardizing workflows across the FPA Fund Complex, which may reduce and help manage the risks of operational errors.
The Board, including a majority of the independent trustees, meaning those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Northern Lights Trust as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), believes that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders. The Board approved the Reorganization at the November 21, 2023 meeting, subject to the approval of the Acquired Fund’s shareholders. If shareholders approve the Reorganization, then all of the assets of the Acquired Fund will be transferred to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund, and the distribution of the Acquiring Fund’s shares received by the Acquired Fund to its shareholders in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund. In connection with the Reorganization, shareholders of the Acquired Fund will receive a number of corresponding Acquiring Fund shares equal in value to the aggregate net asset value of the Acquired Fund shares held as of the closing of the Reorganization.
The investment objectives and strategies of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are the same, as described in more detail below. The investment policies and principal investment risks of the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund are substantially similar. Following the Reorganization of the Acquired Fund, FPA will serve as the Acquiring Fund’s investment advisor and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio. Each portfolio manager for the Acquired Fund will continue to serve as a portfolio manager for the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization. The Reorganization is not expected to change the way your investment assets are managed.
The Northern Lights Trust is a multiple series trust that offers a number of portfolios managed by separate investment advisors and/or sub-advisors. As of September 30, 2023, the Northern Lights Trust consisted of multiple portfolios representing approximately $7.1 billion in assets. FPA Trust is a multiple series trust that offers a number of portfolios managed by FPA. As of September 30, 2023, FPA Trust consisted of multiple portfolios representing approximately $18.6 billion in assets. The Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust have different boards of trustees as well as arrangements with respect to fund accounting, custody, administration, transfer agency, audit and distribution services. Information about the boards of trustees and the various service providers for the Funds can be located under the heading “Trustees and Service Providers for the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund” on page [39] of the Proxy Statement.
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The Northern Lights Trust believes that the Reorganization will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The closing of the Reorganization is conditioned upon the receipt by FPA Trust and the Northern Lights Trust of an opinion to such effect from Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, tax counsel to the FPA Trust. If the Reorganization so qualifies, the transfer of assets, the assumption of liabilities, and the receipt of Acquiring Fund shares in the Reorganization is generally not expected to result in the recognition of gain or loss by the Acquired Fund and its shareholders for federal income tax purposes.
Furthermore, the Acquired Fund will not pay for the costs of the Reorganization and the Special Meeting. FPA will bear the costs associated with the Reorganization, Special Meeting, and solicitation of proxies, including the expenses associated with preparing and filing the registration statement that includes this Proxy Statement and the cost of copying, printing and mailing proxy materials. In addition to solicitations by mail, FPA also may solicit proxies, without special compensation, by telephone or otherwise. FPA will pay these costs regardless of whether the Reorganization is consummated.
The Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Acquired Fund, believes that the terms of the Reorganization are fair and reasonable and that the interests of existing shareholders of the Acquired Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. In approving the Reorganization, the Board considered, among other things: (1) the terms of the Reorganization; (2) that the investment objectives and strategies of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are the same, and the investment policies and principal investment risks are substantially similar; (3) that FPA will continue to serve as investment advisor to the Acquiring Fund and each portfolio manager for the Acquired Fund will continue to serve as a portfolio manager for the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization; (4) the governing documents of FPA Trust, noting the fact that there would not be material differences between the rights of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund as compared to their rights when they become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund; (5) that the Reorganization is expected to constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and that the Acquired Fund and its shareholders generally are not expected to recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the Reorganization; (6) that the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund have the same management fee; (7) that the total annual fund operating expenses for the Acquiring Fund before fee waivers and expense reimbursement are anticipated to be lower than those for the Acquired Fund before fee waivers and expense reimbursement, and that FPA has agreed to contractually limit total annual fund operating expenses to 0.49% of the Acquiring Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2026, which is the same level that will be in effect for the Acquired Fund at the time of Reorganization; (8) that the Reorganization would allow Acquired Fund shareholders who wish to continue to invest in an exchange-traded fund managed in substantially the same manner as the Acquired Fund to do so; (9) that FPA, and not the Acquired Fund, will bear all costs of the Reorganization; (10) that the Reorganization will be submitted to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund for their approval; (11) that shareholders of the Acquired Fund who do not wish to become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund may sell their Acquired Fund shares before the Reorganization; (12) that the Acquired Fund may benefit from being part of the FPA Fund Complex by experiencing efficiencies in the management and oversight of the FPA Fund Complex; and (13) the quality of the service providers for the Acquiring Fund.
After considering FPA’s presentation and recommendation to the Board during a meeting held on November 21, 2023, the Board, based on these considerations, approved the solicitation of shareholders of the Acquired Fund to vote on the Plan, the form of which is attached to this Proxy Statement in Appendix A.
B. | Comparison Fee Tables and Examples |
The following shows the fees and expenses for the Acquired Fund based on the Acquired Fund’s assets as of September 30, 2023. Only pro forma information is provided for the Acquiring Fund because it will not commence operations until the Reorganization is completed. As the Acquiring Fund has not yet commenced
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operations as of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Other Expenses shown for the Acquiring Fund are estimates.
Fees and Expenses | ||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Acquired Fund |
Acquiring |
Management Fees | 0.70% | 0.70% |
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Fees | None | None |
Other Expenses | 0.48% | 0.33%1 |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.18% | 1.03% |
Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement | (0.69%)2 | (0.54%)3 |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.49% | 0.49% |
1 | “Other Expenses” for the Acquiring Fund have been estimated for the current fiscal year. Actual expenses may differ from estimates. |
2 | FPA has contractually agreed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the advisor)), to 0.49% of the Acquired Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2026. FPA may recoup any operating expenses in excess of these limits from the Acquired Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits and the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. This agreement may be terminated by the Board of Trustees of Northern Lights Fund Trust only on 60 days’ written notice to FPA. |
3 | FPA has contractually agreed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the advisor)), to 0.49% of the Acquiring Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2026. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment by FPA from the Acquiring Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. In addition, FPA may seek reimbursement from the Acquiring Fund of fees waived or payments made by FPA to the Acquired Fund prior to the Acquired Fund’s reorganization for a period ending three years after the date of the waiver or payment if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limit and the expense limits in place at the time of the recoupment. This agreement may only be terminated before its expiration date by the FPA Trust Board. |
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Example
The Example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Acquired Fund with the cost of investing in the Acquiring Fund on a pro forma basis. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each Fund and then sell all of your shares at the end of each period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return, that each Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Net Expenses remain as stated in the previous table and that distributions are reinvested. The example reflects each Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be as follows, if you sell your shares:
One Year | Three Years | Five Years | Ten Years | |
Acquired Fund | $50 | $233 | $512 | $1,326 |
Acquiring Fund (Pro forma) | $50 | $217 | $461 | $1,159 |
C. | The Funds’ Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies and Risks |
The investment objective and investment strategies of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are the same, and the principal investment risks, limitations and restrictions are substantially similar. Each Fund’s investment objective, principal investment strategies and risks, as well as each Fund’s investment limitations and restrictions, are discussed in more detail below.
Comparison of Investment Objectives
The investment objective of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are the same. Both seek to provide long-term growth of principal and income. Each Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the respective Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
Comparison of Principal Investment Strategies
Each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by using the following strategies:
Although the Fund has adopted a policy to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in equity securities, the Advisor expects to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 95% of the Fund’s assets in equity securities. The Fund invests primarily in publicly traded common stocks of mid- and large-cap U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including companies in emerging market countries. The Fund defines mid- and large-cap companies to be those with market capitalizations equal to or greater than $10 billion at the time of initial purchase. These securities may be traded on major stock exchanges, regional stock exchanges, over-the-counter markets and other quotation systems. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to invest at least 40% of its total assets in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers (i.e., if the issuer is headquartered outside the United States, if at least 50% of its assets are outside the United States, or if at least 50% of its gross income is from non-U.S. sources). The equity securities held by the Fund may include common stocks, preferred stocks, and depositary receipts.
The Advisor manages the Fund’s portfolio according to its Contrarian Value Equity Strategy, which seeks to invest in companies that currently appear out of favor or are undervalued by the stock market, including those mired in bad news according to media headlines, but have a favorable outlook for growth in the Advisor’s estimation over five to ten years. The Advisor conducts deep research into the underlying financial condition and prospects of individual companies, including potential future earnings, cash flow, and dividends. The Advisor consults with Wall Street professionals, industry consultants and the target company’s customers,
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competitors and executives to understand the company’s potential. The Advisor may, as part of its research, review current and historic SEC filings, conference call transcripts, and relevant periodicals to gain a full picture of the company.
After identifying target companies for the Fund, the Advisor selects the companies the equity securities of which are offered at a “substantial discount” to the Advisor’s estimation of the company’s worth or intrinsic value. In seeking a “substantial discount,” the Advisor looks for genuine bargains by seeking securities it believes have a compelling economic risk/reward proposition on an absolute basis. The Advisor may sell a security if its market price exceeds the Advisor’s estimate of its intrinsic value, if its economic risk/reward proposition is no longer compelling or less compelling than that of other investments identified by the Advisor. In seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective, the Advisor may, at times, accept market volatility in the Fund’s share price and short-term Fund underperformance.
Comparison of Principal Investment Risks
The table below lists principal risks of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund. Because the Funds have the same objectives and investment strategies, they are subject to the same principal investment risks, except that the Acquired Fund includes Market and Geopolitical Risk and Limited History of Operations Risk as a principal risks and the Acquiring Fund includes Market Risk, Preferred Stock Risk, Issuer-Specific Changes, Recent Market Events and Cybersecurity Risk as principal risks. The Acquired Fund includes Authorized Participant Risk and Early Close/Trading Halt Risk as principal risks; these risks are included as sub-risks of ETF Structure Risk with respect to the Acquiring Fund.
Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
Authorized Participant Risk. Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as Authorized Participants on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that Authorized Participants exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, Fund shares (“Shares”) may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and possibly face trading halts or delisting. Authorized Participant risk may be heightened for ETFs that invest in non-U.S. securities or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes. | See “ETF Structure Risk” below. |
Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. The Exchange or market may close or impose a market trading halt or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be | See “ETF Structure Risk” below. |
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Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses. | |
ETF Structure Risk. The Fund is structured as an ETF and is subject to special risks, including: ● Not Individually Redeemable. Shares are not individually redeemable to retail investors and may be redeemed only to Authorized Participants at NAV in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” An Authorized Participant may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough Shares to constitute a Creation Unit. ● Trading Issues. An active trading market for Shares may not be developed or maintained. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that Shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange, which may result in the trading of Shares being suspended or Shares being delisted. An active trading market for Shares may not be developed or maintained. If Shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as Authorized Participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which may limit the market for Shares. ● Market Price Variance Risk: The market prices of Shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for Shares and will include a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. o In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in Shares and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund’s NAV. o The market price of Shares may deviate from the Fund’s NAV, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or |
ETF Structure Risk. The Fund is an ETF, and, as a result of an ETF’s structure, it is exposed to the following risks: ● Authorized Participant Concentration Risk. Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that act as authorized participants on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other authorized participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares may trade at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value and possibly face delisting. ● Market Maker Risk. If the Fund has lower average daily trading volumes, it may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of Fund shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund’s NAV and the price at which the Fund shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund shares. In addition, decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the Fund’s NAV and the Fund’s market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to NAV and also in greater than normal intra-day bid-ask spreads for Fund shares. ● Fluctuation of NAV Risk. As with all ETFs, shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market prices of shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market prices of shares is more than the NAV |
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Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
significantly less for Shares than the Fund’s NAV, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Shares or in the closing price. o When all or a portion of the Fund’s underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for Shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund’s NAV. o In stressed market conditions, the market for Shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of Shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund’s NAV.
|
intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount). Differences in market price and NAV may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. These differences can be especially pronounced during times of market volatility or stress. During these periods, the demand for Fund shares may decrease considerably and cause the market price of Fund shares to deviate significantly from the Fund’s NAV.
● Trading Issues Risk. Although the Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such Fund shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Fund shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. Market makers are under no obligation to make a market in the Fund shares, and authorized participants are not obligated to submit purchase or redemption orders for Creation Units. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. Initially, due to the small asset size of the Fund, it may have difficulty maintaining its listings on the Exchange.
● Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers, as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of shares. In addition, secondary market investors will also incur the cost of the difference between the price at which an investor is willing to buy |
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Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
Shares (the “bid” price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Shares (the “ask” price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “spread” or “bid-ask spread.” The bid-ask spread varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and the spread is generally lower if shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Further, a relatively small investor base in the Fund, asset swings in the Fund, and/or increased market volatility may cause increased bid-ask spreads. Due to the costs of buying or selling shares, including bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments. | |
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the NAV of the Fund and the price of its Shares to fluctuate. Equity securities of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Common stock will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of the same issuer. In addition, common stocks have experienced significantly more volatility in returns than other asset classes. |
Equity Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests.
|
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk. The value of investments in larger companies may not rise as much as smaller companies, or larger companies may be unable to respond quickly to competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk. The earnings and prospects of mid-capitalization sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Mid-capitalization companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, | Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk. The earnings and prospects of mid-capitalization sized companies are more volatile than those of larger companies and they may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Mid-capitalization companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or fin |
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Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience. | |
Foreign Securities Risk. Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards. | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
Emerging Market Securities Risk. Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market securities also tend to be less liquid. There may also be less reliable or publicly-available information about emerging markets due to non-uniform regulatory, auditing or financial recordkeeping standards, which could cause errors in the implementation of the Fund’s investment strategy. The Fund’s performance may depend on issues other than those that affect U.S. companies and may be adversely affected by different rights and remedies associated with emerging market investments, or the lack thereof, compared to those associated with U.S. companies. | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
Depositary Receipts Risk. Unsponsored depositary receipts held by the Fund are frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer, and there is less information available about unsponsored depositary receipts than sponsored depositary receipts; unsponsored depositary receipts are also not obligated to pass through voting rights to the Fund. |
Depositary Receipts Risk. Investing in depositary receipts may involve risks in addition to the risks in domestic investments, including less regulatory oversight and less publicly-available information, less stable governments and economies, and non-uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Unsponsored depositary receipts held by the Fund are frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer, and there is less information available about unsponsored depositary receipts than sponsored depositary receipts; unsponsored depositary receipts are also not obligated to pass through voting rights to the Fund. |
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Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
No corresponding principal risk factor. | Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stock, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. The market value of preferred stock is subject to company-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities and is also sensitive to changes in the company’s creditworthiness, the ability of the company to make payments on the preferred stock, and changes in interest rates, typically declining in value if interest rates rise. |
Market and Geopolitical Risk. The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, climate change and climate-related events, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, international conflicts, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on financial markets worldwide. | See “Market Risk” below. |
See “Market and Geopolitical Risk” above.
|
Market Risk. The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, natural disasters, climate related events, or other events could have a significant impact on a security |
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Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. | |
Active Management Risk. The Advisor’s judgments about the growth, value or potential appreciation of an investment may prove to be incorrect or fail to have the intended results, which could adversely impact the Fund’s performance and cause it to underperform relative to other funds with similar investment goals or not to achieve its investment goal. | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
No corresponding principal risk factor. | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently than the value of the market as a whole. |
Management Risk. There is a risk that an investment technique used by the Fund’s portfolio manager may fail to produce the intended result.
|
Same as the Acquired Fund. |
Company-Specific Risk. A particular stock may lose value due to factors specific to the company itself, including deterioration of its fundamental characteristics, an occurrence of adverse events at the company, or a downturn in its business prospects. | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
Headline Risk. The Fund may invest in companies that are at the center of controversy because of negative media attention regarding its operations, long-term prospects, or management which may cause short-term underperformance. | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
Non-Diversified Risk. Investments focused in sectors, industries, or issuers that are subject to the same or similar risk factors and investments whose prices are closely correlated are subject to greater overall risk than investments that are more diversified or whose prices are not as closely correlated. The Fund intends to invest in a variety of securities and instruments, but the Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
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Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer or a smaller number of issuers than a fund that invests more widely. This may increase the Fund’s volatility and cause the performance of a relatively smaller number of issuers to have a greater impact on the Fund’s performance. | |
Value Investing Risk. The Advisor’s assessment of a stock’s intrinsic value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, and a stock judged to be undervalued or overvalued may actually be appropriately priced or its price may decline. | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
Volatility Risk. The Fund may have investments that appreciate or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. This may cause the Fund’s net asset value per share to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Because the Advisor seeks to invest in companies that have a favorable outlook for long-term growth, generally over five to ten years, short-term investors may not reap the full benefits of the Fund’s investment strategy. | Same as the Acquired Fund. |
Limited History of Operations Risk. The Fund is a new ETF with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate. | No corresponding principal risk factor. |
No corresponding principal risk factor. | Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. |
No corresponding principal risk factor. | Cybersecurity Risk. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or cause |
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Acquired Fund | Acquiring Fund |
the Fund, the Advisor and/or other service providers (including custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality. In an extreme case, a shareholder’s ability to exchange or redeem Fund shares may be affected. Issuers of securities in which the Fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of those securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents. |
D. | Comparison of Investment Restrictions |
The fundamental and non-fundamental limitations of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are set forth in the following table. Each Fund has adopted the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund, which, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
The fundamental limitations of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are substantially similar and may only be changed with shareholder approval. Any differences between the Funds’ policies are not expected to materially impact the operation of the Funds.
Policy | Acquired Fund’s Fundamental Investment Policies |
Acquiring Fund’s Fundamental Investment Policies |
Issuing Senior Securities and Borrowing |
The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
The Fund may not borrow money, except (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions. |
The Fund may not issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except that (i) the Fund may borrow from banks in amounts not exceeding one-third of its net assets (including the amount borrowed); and (ii) this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from engaging in options transactions or short sales or investing in financial futures, swaps, when-issued or delayed delivery securities, or reverse repurchase agreements. |
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Policy | Acquired
Fund’s Fundamental Investment Policies |
Acquiring Fund’s Fundamental Investment Policies |
Margin Purchases and Underwriting | The Fund may not purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities, and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities. | The Fund does not have a similar fundamental investment policy regarding Margin Purchases.
The Fund may not act as underwriter, except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of securities in its investment portfolio. |
Real Estate | The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts). | The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate or real estate limited partnerships (although the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs)). |
Concentration | The Fund may not invest more than 25% of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry or group of industries. This limitation does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. | The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets, calculated at the time of purchase and taken at market value in any one industry (other than securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities). |
Commodities | The Fund may not purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments) or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities, and invest in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities. | The Fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This limitation shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing, selling or entering into future contracts, or acquiring securities or other instruments and options thereon backed by, or related to, physical commodities. |
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Policy | Acquired Fund’s Fundamental Investment Policies |
Acquiring Fund’s Fundamental Investment Policies |
Loans | The Fund may not make loans to others, except that the Fund may, in accordance with its investment objective and policies, (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) purchase and hold debt securities or other debt instruments, including but not limited to loan participations and sub-participations, assignments, and structured securities, (iii) make loans secured by mortgages on real property, (iv) enter into repurchase agreements, (v) enter into transactions where each loan is represented by a note executed by the borrower, and (vi) make time deposits with financial institutions and invest in instruments issued by financial institutions. For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities. | The Fund may not make loans of money, except (a) for purchases of debt securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund, (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements, or (c) through the loan of portfolio securities in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s net assets. |
In addition to the investment restrictions adopted as fundamental policies as set forth above, the Funds have the following non-fundamental policies, which may be changed without a shareholder vote.
Policy |
Acquired Fund’s Non-Fundamental Investment |
Acquiring Fund’s Non-Fundamental Investment |
Illiquid Investments | No corresponding non-fundamental limitation for the Acquired Fund. Although the Acquired Fund does not have a corresponding non-fundamental policy, the Acquired Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. |
The Fund may not invest, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in securities that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the securities.
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E. | Comparison of Investment Advisory Agreements |
FPA serves as the investment advisor to the Acquired Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Northern Lights Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, and FPA (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”). The Investment Advisory Agreement described the services FPA provides to the
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Acquired Fund, which generally include investment research and management for the Acquired Fund and the purchase and sale of securities for the Acquired Fund’s portfolio.
Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, FPA is not liable to the Northern Lights Trust for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by FPA or the Northern Lights Trust in connection with the performance of the Investment Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty by FPA with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, breach of fiduciary duty or gross negligence on FPA’s part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by FPA of its duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Northern Lights Trust at any time as to the Acquiring Fund, without the payment of any penalty, upon giving FPA 60 days’ notice, provided that such termination by the Northern Lights Trust shall be directed or approved (x) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Northern Lights Trust in office at the time or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting securities of the Acquired Fund at the time outstanding and entitled to vote, or (y) by FPA on 60 days’ written notice. The Investment Advisory Agreement will immediately terminate in the event of its assignment.
The Investment Advisory Agreement was approved at a meeting of the Board on October 21, 2021. The Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of the Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund. The Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days’ written notice by a vote of a majority of the Board or by FPA, or by holders of a majority of the Acquired Fund’s outstanding shares. The Investment Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, FPA receives an annual investment advisory fee equal to 0.70% of the Acquired Fund’s average daily net assets. For its services as investment advisor to the Acquired Fund, FPA received the following fees:
Advisory Fees Accrued |
Advisory Fees (Reduced) or Reimbursed |
Advisory Fees Retained by Advisor |
Amount Subject to Recoupment by Advisor | |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 |
$226,889 | $222,147 | $4,742* | $222,147 |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 |
$86,986 | $86,986 | $0* |
$86,986 |
*During the year ended September 30, 2023 and the period ended September 30, 2022, the Advisor reimbursed $0 and $132,071 in expenses, respectively, in addition to the advisory fees reimbursed in the table above.
A discussion summarizing the basis of the Board’s approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement is included in the Acquired Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated March 31, 2022.
With respect to the Acquired Fund, FPA has contractually agreed to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the advisor)), to 0.49% of the Acquired Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2026. FPA may recoup any operating
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expenses in excess of these limits from the Acquired Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits and the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. This agreement may be terminated by the Board only on 60 days’ written notice to FPA.
Similar to the current Investment Advisory Agreement between the Northern Lights Trust and FPA, the new investment advisory agreement between FPA and FPA Trust (the “New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement”) describes the services FPA will provide to the Acquiring Fund, which are similar to the services currently provided by FPA to the Acquired Fund. Under the New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement, FPA will provide investment research and management for the Acquiring Fund and for the purchase and sale of securities for the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio.
Under the terms of the New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement, FPA is not liable to the FPA Trust for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the management of the Acquiring Fund, except for liability resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder. The New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the FPA Trust at any time as to the Acquiring Fund, without the payment of any penalty, upon giving FPA 60 days’ notice, provided that such termination by the FPA Trust shall be directed or approved (x) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the FPA Trust in office at the time or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting securities of the Acquiring Fund at the time outstanding and entitled to vote, or (y) by FPA on 60 days’ written notice. In addition, as with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically upon its assignment.
If the Reorganization is approved by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund, the New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement would continue in force with respect to the Acquiring Fund for a period of two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of the board of trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Acquiring Fund. The New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days’ written notice to the other party by a vote of a majority of the board of trustees or by FPA, or by holders of a majority of the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding shares.
Pursuant to the New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement, FPA will receive an annual investment advisory fee equal to 0.70% of the Acquiring Fund’s average daily net assets, which is the same fee FPA currently receives under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
A discussion summarizing the basis of the FPA Trust board’s approval of the New FPA Investment Advisory Agreement will be included in the Acquiring Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated March 31, 2024.
FPA has contractually agreed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the advisor)), to 0.49% of the Acquiring Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2026. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment by FPA from the Acquiring Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. In addition, FPA may seek reimbursement from the Acquiring Fund of fees waived or payments made by FPA to the Acquired Fund prior to the Acquired Fund’s reorganization for a period ending three years after the date of the waiver or payment if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limit and
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the expense limits in place at the time of the recoupment. This agreement may only be terminated by the FPA Trust Board.
F. | Comparison of Distribution, Purchase and Redemption, and Distribution Plan |
Set forth below is a comparison of distribution, purchase and redemption, and the Funds’ distribution plan. Additional information regarding the Acquiring Fund’s shares is included in Appendix B.
Distributions and Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Funds distribute their net investment income quarterly and their net realized capital gains at least annually, if any.
No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Funds. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Funds for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market. Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Shares makes such option available.
Purchase and Redemption
The Funds issue and redeem shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large, specified blocks of Shares (each, a “Creation Unit”). The Funds’ shares are generally not individually redeemable securities, except when aggregated as Creation Units. Shares of the Acquired Fund are listed and traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange under the ticker symbol “FPAG” and shares of the Acquiring Fund will be listed and traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange under the ticker symbol “FPAG”. Individual Shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since Shares of each Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, a Fund’s Shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund’s net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of a Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”).
Recent information regarding the Acquired Fund, including the Acquired Funds’ net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is available online at https://fpag.fpa.com. Information regarding the Acquiring Fund will be available online at https://fpag.fpa.com after the Closing of the Reorganization.
Distribution Plans
The Northern Lights Trust, with respect to the Acquired Fund, has adopted a Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Rule 12b-1 Plan”) for Shares pursuant to which the Acquired Fund is authorized to pay the distributor, as compensation for the distributor’s account maintenance services under the Rule 12b-1 Plan. The Board has approved a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% of the Acquired Fund’s average daily net assets. Such fees are to be paid by the Acquired Fund quarterly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees are based upon the Acquired Fund’s average daily net assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Acquired Fund may pay fees to the distributor at a lesser rate, as agreed upon by the Board and the distributor. The Rule 12b-1 Plan authorizes payments to the distributor as compensation
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for providing account maintenance services to Fund shareholders, including arranging for certain securities dealers or brokers, administrators and others to provide these services and paying compensation for these services. The Acquired Fund will bear its own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Rule 12b-1 Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Acquired Fund’s method of distribution. No fees are currently paid by the Acquired Fund under the Rule 12-1 Plan, and there are no current plans to impose such fees. In the event such fees were to be charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Acquired Fund. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Acquired Fund incurred $0 in distribution related fees pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan.
Unlike the Acquired Fund, the Board of FPA Trust has not adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to the Acquiring Fund.
G. | Key Information about the Reorganization |
The following is a summary of key information concerning the Reorganization. Keep in mind that more detailed information appears in the Plan, the form of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
1. | Agreement and Plan of Reorganization |
At the Special Meeting, the shareholders of the Acquired Fund will be asked to approve the Plan to reorganize the Acquired Fund into the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund is a newly organized fund that will commence operations upon the closing of the Reorganization. If the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and the Reorganization is completed, the Acquired Fund will transfer all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for (i) a number of shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund with a value equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Acquired Fund as of the close of business on the closing day of the Reorganization (the “Closing”) and (ii) the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities. Immediately thereafter, the Acquired Fund will distribute the shares of the Acquiring Fund received in exchange for the Acquired Fund’s shares to its shareholders in proportion to the relative net asset value of their holdings of shares of the Acquired Fund by instructing FPA Trust’s transfer agent to establish accounts in the Acquiring Fund’s share records in the names of those shareholders and transferring those Acquiring Fund shares to those accounts in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund. The expenses associated with the Reorganization will not be borne by the Acquired Fund. Certificates evidencing Acquiring Fund shares will not be issued to the Acquired Fund’s shareholders. Upon completion of the Reorganization, each shareholder of the Acquired Fund will own a number of shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund equal in value to the aggregate value of such shareholder’s shares of the Acquired Fund at the time of the exchange.
Until the Closing, shareholders of the Acquired Fund will continue to be able to sell their shares at the market price on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. After the Reorganization, all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will be canceled on the books of the Acquired Fund and the transfer books of the Acquired Fund will be permanently closed. If the Reorganization is completed, shareholders will be free to sell the shares of the Acquiring Fund that they receive in the transaction at the market price on the Chicago Board Options Exchange their then-current NAV per share. Shareholders of the Acquired Fund may
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wish to consult their tax advisors as to any different consequences of selling their shares prior to the Reorganization or exchanging such shares for shares of the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization.
The Reorganization is subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, the approval of the Plan by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and the receipt of a legal opinion from counsel to the FPA Trust with respect to certain federal income tax issues. Assuming satisfaction of the conditions in the Plan, the Reorganization is expected to be effective on [ ], 2024, or such other date agreed to by the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust.
FPA has agreed to pay all costs relating to the proposed Reorganization, including the costs relating to the Special Meeting and to preparing and filing the registration statement that includes this Proxy Statement. FPA will also incur the costs associated with the solicitation of proxies, including the cost of copying, printing and mailing proxy materials. The Plan may be amended, modified, or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the authorized officers of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, notwithstanding approval of the Plan by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders, provided that no such amendment after such approval may have the effect of changing the Plan to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval. In addition, the Plan may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing by the Board or the FPA Trust Board if, among other reasons, the Board or the FPA Trust Board determines that the Reorganization is not in the best interest of its shareholders.
2. | Description of the Acquiring Fund’s Shares |
The Acquiring Fund’s shares issued to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund pursuant to the Reorganization will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable when issued, will be transferable without restriction and will have no preemptive or conversion rights. Individual shares of the Acquiring Fund may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through a broker-dealer at market price.
3. | Board Considerations Relating to the Proposed Reorganization |
The Board considered and discussed the Reorganization with representatives of FPA at a meeting held on November 21, 2023, and approved the Reorganization, subject to the approval of the Acquired Fund’s shareholders. In considering the Reorganization, the Board reviewed the proposed Reorganization from the point of view of the interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders. The Board considered FPA’s belief that the Reorganization would allow FPA to dedicate more time and resources to the management of the FPA Fund Complex and achieve operational efficiencies by focusing more efficiently the time and resources FPA currently spends on administering and overseeing different service providers for its portfolios and standardizing workflows across the FPA Fund Complex, which may reduce and help manage the risks of operational errors. After careful consideration, the Trustees (including all Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Acquired Fund), determined that the Reorganization would be in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders, and unanimously approved the Plan.
In approving the proposed Reorganization, the Board (with the advice and assistance of independent counsel) also considered, among other things:
• | the terms of the Reorganization |
• | the governing documents of FPA Trust, noting the fact that there would not be material differences between the rights of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund as compared to their rights when they become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund; |
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• | the expectation that the Reorganization will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and that the Acquired Fund and its shareholders generally will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the Reorganization; |
• | that the investment objectives and strategies of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are the same, and the investment policies and principal investment risks are substantially similar; |
• | that FPA will continue to serve as investment advisor to the Acquiring Fund and each portfolio manager of the Acquired Fund will continue to serve as a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization; |
• | the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund have the same management fee; |
• | that the total annual fund operating expenses for the Acquiring Fund before fee waivers and expense reimbursement are anticipated to be lower than those for the Acquired Fund before fee waivers and expense reimbursement, and that FPA has agreed to contractually limit total annual fund operating expenses to 0.49% of the Acquiring Fund’s average daily net assets, which is the same level that will be in effect for the Acquired Fund at the time of the Reorganization, until January 31, 2026; | |
• | that the Reorganization would allow Acquired Fund shareholders who wish to continue to invest in an exchange-traded fund managed in substantially the same manner as the Acquired Fund to do so; |
• | that the Reorganization would not result in the dilution of shareholders’ interests; |
• | that FPA, and not the Acquired Fund, will bear all costs of the proposed Reorganization; |
• | that the Acquired Fund may benefit from being part of the FPA Fund Complex by experiencing efficiencies in the management and oversight of the FPA Fund Complex; | |
• | the quality of the service providers for the Acquiring Fund; | |
• | that the proposed Reorganization will be submitted to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund for their approval; and |
• | that shareholders of the Acquired Fund who do not wish to become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund may sell their Acquired Fund shares before the Reorganization. |
The Board also considered that the proposed Reorganization might provide certain benefits to FPA, particularly that in serving as investment advisor to the Acquiring Fund, FPA will receive fees from the Acquiring Fund for its services.
After consideration of these and other factors it deemed appropriate, the Board determined that the Reorganization as proposed by FPA is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and would not dilute the interests of the Acquired Fund’s existing shareholders. The Board, including those Board members who are not “interested persons” of the Northern Lights Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, approved the Reorganization of the Acquired Fund, subject to approval by its shareholders. The Board noted that if shareholders of the Acquired Fund do not approve the Reorganization, the Acquired Fund would not be reorganized into the Acquiring Fund and FPA would continue to manage the Acquired Fund as a series of Northern Lights Trust.
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4. | Federal Income Tax Consequences |
For each year of its existence, the Acquired Fund has had in effect an election to be, and the Northern Lights Trust believes the Acquired Fund has qualified for treatment as, a “regulated investment company” under the Code. Accordingly, the Northern Lights Trust believes the Acquired Fund has been, and will continue through the Closing to be, generally relieved of any federal income tax liability on its taxable income and gains it distributes to shareholders in accordance with Subchapter M of the Code.
As a condition to the Closing of the Reorganization, the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Funds Trust will receive, on behalf of the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund, respectively, a tax opinion from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP with respect to the Reorganization substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes:
• | The Reorganization will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code, and each of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code; |
• | No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the transfer of all its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund’s shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, or upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund’s shares to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized upon the transfer of an asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code; |
• | The tax basis in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of each asset transferred from the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as the tax basis of such asset in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the transfer thereof, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by the Acquired Fund on the transfer; |
• | The holding period in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of each asset transferred from the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the Acquired Fund’s holding period for such asset (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset); |
• | No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon its receipt of all the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the liabilities of the Acquired Fund as part of the Reorganization; |
• | No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund shareholders upon the exchange of their Acquired Fund shares for Acquiring Fund shares as part of the Reorganization; |
• | The aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund shares that each Acquired Fund shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor; |
• | Each Acquired Fund shareholder’s holding period for the Acquiring Fund shares received in the Reorganization will include the Acquired Fund shareholder’s holding period for the Acquired Fund |
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shares exchanged therefor, provided that the Acquired Fund shareholder held such Acquired Fund shares as capital assets on the date of the exchange; and |
• | The taxable year of the Acquired Fund will not end as a result of the Reorganization. |
In rendering the opinion, counsel will rely upon, among other things, certain facts and assumptions and certain representations of the Northern Lights Trust, FPA Trust, the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund. The condition that the parties to the Reorganization receive such an opinion may not be waived.
No tax ruling has been or will be received from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the Reorganization. An opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS or a court, and no assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or a court would not sustain, a contrary position.
By reason of the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund will succeed to and take into account any capital loss carryforwards of the Acquired Fund. The Reorganization is not expected to result in limitations on the Acquiring Fund’s ability to use any capital loss carryforwards of the Acquired Fund.
Although the Northern Lights Trust is not aware of any adverse state income tax consequences, the Northern Lights Trust has not made any investigation as to those consequences for the shareholders. Because each shareholder may have unique tax issues, shareholders should consult their own tax advisors.
5. | Comparison of Forms of Organization and Shareholder Rights |
Form of Organization. The Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust are each Delaware statutory trusts governed by their respective Agreement and Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and Board of Trustees. The operations of the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust are also governed by applicable state and federal law. As a result, there are no material differences between the rights of shareholders under the governing state laws of the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust except differences in rights provided for in the respective governing instruments of these entities, some of which are discussed below.
Shares. The Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust are each authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest and shareholders have no preemptive rights.
Shareholder Voting Rights, Quorum, Required Vote and Action by Written Consent.
The Northern Lights Trust. Pursuant to the Northern Lights Trust Declaration of Trust, shareholders of the Northern Lights Trust have the power to vote only for the following: (a) the election of Trustees, including the filling of any vacancies in the Board of Trustees; (b) with respect to such additional matters relating to the Northern Lights Trust as may be required by the Northern Lights Trust Declaration of Trust, the By-Laws, the 1940 Act or any registration statement of the Northern Lights Trust filed with the SEC; and (c) such other matters as the Board of Trustees may consider necessary or desirable.
Except when a larger quorum is required by applicable law, the Northern Lights Trust Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, thirty-three and one-third percent (33-1/3%) of the shares present in person (or via a virtual meeting, if applicable) or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at a shareholder meeting shall constitute a quorum at such meeting. When a separate vote by one or more series or classes is required, thirty-three and one-third percent (33-1/3%) of the shares of each such series or class present in person (or via a virtual meeting, if applicable) or represented by proxy and entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at a shareholder meeting of such series or class. Any lesser number shall be sufficient for adjournments.
On any matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, all shares of the Northern Lights Trust then entitled to vote shall be voted in aggregate, except: (a) when required by applicable law, shares shall be voted
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by individual series or class; (b) when the matter involves any action that the Board of Trustees has determined will affect only the interests of one or more series, then only shareholders of such series shall be entitled to vote thereon; and (c) when the matter involves any action that the Board of Trustees has determined will affect the interests of one or more classes, then only the shareholders of such class or classes shall be entitled to vote thereon. A shareholder of record of each share shall be entitled to one vote for each full share, and a fractional vote for each fractional share. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees. Shareholders may take any action as to the Northern Lights Trust or any series or class without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action to be taken is signed by the holders of shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote on that action were present and voted.
FPA Trust. Pursuant to the FPA Trust Declaration of Trust, shareholders shall have power to vote only (i) for the election of Trustees as provided in Article III, Section 3.1 of the Declaration of Trust, (ii) with respect to any contract with a contracting party as provided in Article III, Section 3.3 of the Declaration of Trust as to which shareholder approval is required by the 1940 Act, (iii) with respect to any termination or reorganization of the FPA Trust to the extent and as provided in Article VII, Sections 7.1 and 7.2, (iv) with respect to any amendment of the FPA Trust Declaration of Trust to the extent and as provided in Article VII, Section 7.3, and (v) with respect to such additional matters relating to the FPA Trust as may be required by the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust, the By-Laws or any registration of the FPA Trust with the SEC or any state, or as the Trustees may consider necessary or desirable. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees.
Except as otherwise provided by the 1940 Act or other applicable law, thirty percent of the shares entitled to vote shall be a quorum for the transaction of business at a Shareholders’ meeting.
A majority of the shares voted, at a meeting of which a quorum is present, shall decide any questions and a plurality shall elect a Trustee, except when a different vote is required or permitted by any provision of the 1940 Act or other applicable law or by the Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act and other applicable law, any action taken by shareholders of the FPA Trust may be taken without a meeting if a majority of the shareholders entitled to vote on the matter (or such larger proportion thereof as shall be required by the 1940 Act or by any express provision of the FPA Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-Laws) consent to the action in writing and such written consents are filed with the record of the meetings of shareholders.
Shareholder Meetings. Neither the Acquired Fund nor the Acquiring Fund is required to hold an annual shareholder’s meeting under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act or its respective governing instruments unless required by applicable federal law.
Shareholder Liability. FPA Trust’s governing instruments provide that all persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the FPA Trust shall look only to the assets of the series of FPA Trust with which such person dealt for payment under such credit, contract, or claim; and neither the shareholders of any series of FPA Trust for the Trustees, nor any of the FPA Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, nor any other series of FPA Trust shall be personally liable therefor. If any shareholder (or former shareholder) of any series of FPA Trust shall be charged or held to be personally liable for any obligation or liability of the FPA Trust solely by reason of being or having been a shareholder and not because of such shareholder's acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder shall be indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Northern Lights Trust’s governing instruments have no such provisions.
Trustee Liability. Both the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust indemnify trustees against all liabilities and expenses incurred by reason of being a trustee to the fullest extent permitted by law, except that
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the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust do not provide indemnification for liabilities due to a trustee’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such trustee’s duties.
Amendments to Declaration of Trust. The Northern Lights Trust Board may amend the Declaration of Trust at any time by an instrument in writing signed by a majority of the Board of Trustees and, if required, by approval of such amendment by shareholders. The FPA Trust Board may amend the FPA Trust Declaration of Trust by an instrument signed by a majority of the FPA Trust Board so long as such amendment does not adversely affect the rights of any shareholder with respect to which such amendment is or purports to be applicable and so long as such amendment is not in contravention of applicable law, including the 1940 Act.
The foregoing is a very general summary of certain provisions of the trust instruments and by-laws governing the Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust. It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the respective trust instruments and by-laws.
6. | Capitalization |
The following table shows, as of November 30, 2023 (1) the unaudited capitalization of the Acquired Fund, and (2) the pro forma combined capitalization of the Acquiring Fund, giving effect to the proposed Reorganization as of that date:
Fund | Net Assets | Net
Asset Value Per Share |
Shares Outstanding |
Acquired Fund | $44,588,851 | $25.12 | 1,775,000 |
Acquiring Fund (Pro forma) | $44,588,851 | $25.12 | 1,775,000 |
H. | Additional Information about the Funds |
1. | Past Performance of the Acquired Fund |
Performance Summary
The bar chart and performance table that follow provide some indication of the risks and variability of investing in the Acquired Fund by showing the changes in the Acquired Fund’s performance from year to year since inception, and by showing how the Acquired Fund’s average annual total returns for the one-year and since inception periods ended December 31, 2022 compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. The Acquired Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. The Acquired Fund’s performance information is accessible on the Fund’s website at https://fpag.fpa.com or by calling 1-(800) 982-4372.
If the Reorganization is approved, the Acquiring Fund will assume the performance history of the Acquired Fund.
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Calendar-Year Total Return (before taxes) for the Acquired Fund
For each calendar year at NAV
The Predecessor Fund’s year-to-date return as of September 30, 2023 was 15.35%.
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV | 12.54% | Quarter Ended 12/31/22 |
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV | (15.60)% | Quarter Ended 6/30/22 |
Average Annual Total Returns (for periods ended December 31, 2022)
One Year |
Since Inception (12/16/21) | |
Return before taxes | (17.52)% | (14.94)% |
Return after taxes on distributions1 | (17.92)% | (15.34)% |
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 | (10.37)% | (11.54)% |
MSCI AC World Index (Net)2 | (18.37)% | (16.18)% |
1 | After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. |
2 | The MSCI AC World Index (Net) is a stock index designed to track broad global equity-market performance. Maintained by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), the index comprises the stocks of nearly 3,000 companies from 23 developed countries and 25 emerging markets. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
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Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Acquired Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.
2. | Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers |
Investment Advisor
First Pacific Advisors, LP, located at 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, California 90025, acts as investment advisor to the Acquired Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement since the Acquired Fund’s inception. As of September 30, 2023, FPA manages assets of approximately $23 billion and serves as the investment advisor for other investment companies, including six mutual funds, one closed-end investment company, and more than 40 institutional, sub-advised and private fund accounts. Currently, the personnel of FPA consists of 21 persons engaged full time in portfolio management or investment research in addition to 58 persons engaged full time in trading, administrative, financial, legal, compliance or clerical activities. FPA GP, Inc. is the general partner of FPA and J. Richard Atwood and Steven Romick are directors of FPA GP, Inc. Mr. Romick has a controlling interest in FPA.
The names and principal occupations of each principal executive officer and director of FPA, 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, California 90025, are listed below:
Name | Principal Occupation/Title |
J. Richard Atwood | Managing Partner |
Steven Romick | Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager |
Mark Landecker | Partner and Portfolio Manager |
Brian Selmo | Partner and Portfolio Manager |
Jeffrey Hancock | Partner |
Ryan Leggio | Partner |
Abhijeet Patwardhan | Partner and Portfolio Manager |
David Brookman | Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer |
Karen Richards | Chief Compliance Officer |
Lake Setzler | Chief Financial Officer |
Eric Brown | Chief Legal Officer |
J. Richard Atwood serves as an Interested Trustee of the Acquiring Fund. Steven Romick, Mark Landecker, and Brian Selmo each serve as a portfolio manager of the Acquired Fund and will serve as a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization. None of FPA’s other principal officers and directors has any position with the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund.
Portfolio Managers
The Acquired Fund is managed on a day-to-day basis by Steven Romick, CFA, Managing Partner of FPA; Mark Landecker, CFA, Partner of FPA; and Brian A. Selmo, CFA, Partner of FPA.
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Mr. Romick joined FPA in 1996. Prior to joining FPA, he was chairman of Crescent Management and a consulting security analyst for Kaplan, Nathan & Co. Mr. Romick earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Northwestern University. He is a CFA charterholder.
Mr. Landecker joined FPA in 2009. Prior to joining FPA, he served as portfolio manager at both Kinney Asset Management and Arrow Investments, Inc., and as associate at TD Capital and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Landecker earned a BBA (with honors) from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto. He is a CFA charterholder.
Mr. Selmo joined FPA in 2008 where he serves as Director of Research in addition to his role as portfolio manager. Prior to joining FPA, Mr. Selmo was founder and managing member of Eagle Lake Capital, LLC and a portfolio manager of its predecessor. Prior to that, he was an analyst at Third Avenue Management and Rothschild, Inc. Mr. Selmo earned a bachelor’s degree in economics (with honors) from The John Hopkins University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He is a CFA charterholder.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of Acquired Fund shares.
If the Reorganization is approved, the Messrs. Romick, Landecker and Selmo will serve as the portfolio managers of the Acquiring Fund.
3. | Trustees and Service Providers for the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund |
The Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust are operated by their respective board of trustees and officers appointed by each board. The Reorganization will, therefore, result in a change in the board of trustees.
Trustees of the Northern Lights Trust
The Northern Lights Trust Board has four trustees, none of whom are considered “interested persons,” as that term is defined under the 1940 Act, of Northern Lights Trust. The following individuals comprise the Northern Lights Trust Board: Patricia Luscombe, John V. Palancia, Mark H. Taylor, and Jeffery D. Young.
Trustees of FPA Trust
The FPA Trust Board has five trustees, two of whom are considered “interested persons,” as that term is defined under the 1940 Act, of FPA Trust. The following individuals comprise the FPA Trust Board: Sandra Brown, Robert F. Goldrich, John P. Zader, J. Richard Atwood (Interested Trustee) and Maureen Quill (Interested Trustee).
Service Providers
The following chart describes the service providers to the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund:
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Northern Lights Trust | FPA Trust | |
Administrator |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio, 45246 |
Mutual Fund Administration, LLC 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226 Glendora, California 91740
UMB Fund Services, Inc. 235 West Galena Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 |
Fund Accounting Agent |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio, 45246 |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02110
|
Distributor |
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC 4221 North 203rd Street Suite 100 Elkorn, Nebraska 68022
|
UMB Distribution Services, LLC 235 West Galena Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 |
Transfer Agent |
State Street Bank and Trust Co. One Lincoln Street Boston, Massachusetts 02111
|
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02110 |
Auditor |
Deloitte & Touche LLP 695 Town Center Drive Suite 1000 Costa Mesa, California 92626
|
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP 50 South 16th Street |
Custodian |
State Street Bank and Trust Co. One Lincoln Street Boston, Massachusetts 02111
|
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02110
|
Legal Counsel |
Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street 17th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215
|
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 600 Anton Boulevard Suite 1800 Costa Mesa, California 92626
|
II. | Voting Information |
A. | General Information |
How to Vote
This Proxy Statement is being provided in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board to solicit your vote at a special meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund. The Special Meeting will be held at the offices of Northern Lights Trust, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, on [ ], 2024 at 10:00 a.m. local time.
You may vote in one of the following ways:
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• | complete and sign the enclosed proxy card and mail it to us in the prepaid return envelope (if mailed in the United States); |
• | Vote online at vote.proxyonline.com using the control number found on your proxy card; |
• | call the toll-free number 1-888-227-9349 to reach an automated touchtone voting line; or | |
• | call the toll-free number 1-800-967-5074 to speak with a live operator Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time. |
You may revoke a proxy once it is given. If you desire to revoke a proxy, you must submit a subsequent later dated proxy or a written notice of revocation to the Acquired Fund. You may also give written notice of revocation in person at the Special Meeting. All properly executed proxies received in time for the Special Meeting will be voted as specified in the proxy, or, if no specification is made, FOR each proposal.
Quorum
Only shareholders of record on [ ] (the “Record Date”) are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting or at any adjournment thereof. Each whole share of the Acquired Fund held as of the Record Date is entitled to one vote and each fractional share is entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. The presence in person or by proxy of shareholders owning one-third of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund that are entitled to vote will be considered a quorum for the transaction of business with respect to the Acquired Fund. Any lesser number shall be sufficient for adjournments.
Vote Required
Approval of the proposal will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. For this purpose, the term “vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote” means the vote of the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Special Meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Acquired Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Acquired Fund.
If the shareholders of the Acquired Fund do not approve the Reorganization, then the Reorganization of the Acquired Fund will not be implemented and FPA will continue to manage the Acquired Fund as a series of Northern Lights Trust.
Adjournments
If a quorum of shareholders of the Acquired Fund is not present at the Special Meeting, or if a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve the proposal described in this Proxy Statement are not received, the persons named as proxies may, but are under no obligation to, propose one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting of the Acquired Fund to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any business that might have been transacted at the Special Meeting with respect to the Acquired Fund may be transacted at any such adjourned session(s) at which a quorum is present. The Special Meeting with respect to the Acquired Fund may be adjourned from time to time by a majority of the votes of the Acquired Fund properly cast upon the question of adjourning the Special Meeting of the Acquired Fund to another date and time, whether or not a quorum is present, and the Special Meeting of the Acquired Fund may be held as adjourned without further notice. The persons designated as proxies may use their discretionary authority to vote on questions of adjournment and on any other proposals raised at the Special Meeting to the extent permitted by the SEC’s proxy rules, including proposals for which timely notice was not received, as set forth in the SEC’s proxy rules.
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Effect of Abstentions and Broker “Non-Votes”
All proxies voted, including abstentions, will be counted toward establishing a quorum. Because the proposal is expected to “affect substantially” a shareholder’s rights or privileges, a broker may not vote shares if the broker has not received instructions from beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote, even if the broker has discretionary voting power (i.e., the proposal is non-discretionary). Because the proposal is non-discretionary, the Northern Lights Trust does not expect to receive broker non-votes.
Assuming the presence of a quorum, abstentions will have the effect of votes against the proposal. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of a vote on adjournment.
B. | Method and Cost of Solicitation |
This Proxy Statement is being sent to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the Special Meeting. The close of business on [ ] is the Record Date for determining the shareholders of the Acquired Fund entitled to receive notice of the Special Meeting and to vote, and for determining the number of shares that may be voted, with respect to the Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The Northern Lights Trust expects that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail and telephone. FPA has retained [ ] to provide proxy services, at an anticipated cost of approximately $[ ]. FPA will bear the costs of the Special Meeting, including legal costs, the costs of retaining [ ], and other expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies.
C. | Right to Revoke Proxy |
Any shareholder giving a proxy may revoke it before it is exercised at the Special Meeting, either by providing written notice to the Northern Lights Trust, by submission of a later-dated, duly executed proxy or by voting in person at the Special Meeting. A prior proxy can also be revoked by proxy voting again through the toll-free number listed in the enclosed Voting Instructions. If not so revoked, the votes will be cast at the Special Meeting, and any postponements or adjournments thereof. Attendance by a shareholder at the Special Meeting does not, by itself, revoke a proxy.
D. | Voting Securities and Principal Holders |
Shareholders of the Acquired Fund at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to be present and vote on the proposal related to the Acquired Fund at the Special Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were [ ] shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
There were no outstanding shares of the Acquiring Fund on the Record Date, as the Acquiring Fund had not yet commenced operations.
To the knowledge of the Acquired Fund, as of the Record Date, the following persons held of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund. Persons holding more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund may be deemed to have “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) and may be able to affect or determine the outcome of matters presented for a vote of shareholders.
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Shareholder Name/Address | Shares | Percentage of Total Outstanding Shares |
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY, NJ 07310
|
[ ] | [ ]% |
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC/SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS 211 MAIN ST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
|
[ ] | [ ]% |
E. | Interest of Certain Persons in the Transaction |
FPA may be deemed to have an interest in the Reorganization because it will become investment advisor to the Acquiring Fund and will receive fees from the Acquiring Fund for its services as investment advisor.
III. | Miscellaneous Information |
A. | Other Business |
The Board knows of no other business to be brought before the Special Meeting. If any other matters come before the Special Meeting, the Board intends that proxies that do not contain specific restrictions to the contrary will be voted on those matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons named in the enclosed proxy card.
B. | Next Meeting of Shareholders |
The Acquired Fund is not required and does not intend to hold annual or other periodic meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act. By observing this policy, the Acquired Fund seeks to avoid the expenses customarily incurred in the preparation of proxy material and the holding of shareholder meetings, as well as the related expenditure of staff time. If the Reorganization is not completed, the next meeting of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund will be held at such time as the Board may determine or at such time as may be legally required. Any shareholder proposal intended to be presented at such meeting must be received by the Northern Lights Trust at its office at a reasonable time before the Northern Lights Trust begins to print and mail its proxy statement, as determined by the Board, to be included in the Acquired Fund’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting and must satisfy all other legal requirements.
C. | Legal Matters |
Certain legal matters concerning the issuance of shares of the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganization and concerning the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization will be passed upon by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
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D. | Auditors |
The financial statements of the Acquired Fund for the year ended September 30, 2023, contained in the Acquired Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. The Acquiring Fund is newly created and does not yet have a financial history. Tait, Weller & Baker LLP will serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Acquiring Fund.
E. | Information Filed with the SEC |
The Northern Lights Trust and FPA Trust are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith, file reports and other information, including proxy materials and charter documents, with the SEC. Copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov. In addition, copies of these documents may be viewed online or downloaded from the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
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APPENDIX A - FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the “Agreement”) is made as of this ______ day of _________, 202__, by and among Northern Lights Fund Trust III (the “Northern Lights Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, with its principal place of business at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, on behalf of its series FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquired Fund”), FPA Funds Trust (the “FPA Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, with its principal place of business at 235 West Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, on behalf of its series FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquiring Fund” and, together with the Acquired Fund, the “Funds”) and, solely with respect to Article IX, First Pacific Advisors, LP (“FPA”), with its principal place of business at 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
WHEREAS, it is intended that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement constitute a “reorganization” as defined in Section 368(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury regulations thereunder. Such transactions will consist of: (i) the transfer of all of the property and assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for (A) shares of beneficial interest, no par value, of shares of the Acquiring Fund (the “Acquiring Fund Shares”) and (B) the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund; followed by (ii) the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares pro rata to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund in exchange for their shares in the Acquired Fund (the “Acquired Fund Shares”) in liquidation of the Acquired Fund as provided herein, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement ((i) and (ii) collectively, the “Reorganization”). The parties hereby adopt this Agreement as a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the obligations, agreements, representations and warranties with respect to each Fund shall be the obligations, agreements, representations and warranties of that Fund only, and in no event shall any other series of the Northern Lights Trust or any other series of the FPA Trust or the assets of any other series of the Northern Lights Trust or any other series of the FPA Trust be held liable with respect to the breach or other default by an obligated Fund of its obligations, agreements, representations and warranties as set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund are separate series of the Northern Lights Trust and the FPA Trust, respectively, the Northern Lights Trust and the FPA Trust are open-end, registered management investment companies, and the Acquired Fund owns securities and other investments that are assets of the character in which the Acquiring Fund is permitted to invest;
WHEREAS, each Fund is authorized to issue its shares of beneficial interest;
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Northern Lights Trust have determined that the Reorganization, with respect to the Acquired Fund, is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Acquired Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the FPA Trust have determined that the Reorganization, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, is in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and, there being no existing shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, that the Reorganization will not result in dilution of the Acquiring Fund’s shareholders’ interests;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, covenants, and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
A-1
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
TERMINATION 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 Acquired Fund agrees to sell, assign, convey, transfer and deliver all of its assets, as set forth in paragraph 1.2, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except those liens and encumbrances as to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice, to the Acquiring Fund. In exchange, the Acquiring Fund agrees (a) to issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund the number of Acquiring Fund Shares having an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) equal to the aggregate NAV of the Acquired Fund Shares, as determined in the manner set forth in paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2; and (b) to assume the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, as set forth in paragraph 1.3. Such transactions comprising the Reorganization shall take place on the date of the Closing provided for in paragraph 3.1 (the “Closing Date”).
1.2 ASSETS TO BE ACQUIRED. The assets of the Acquired Fund to be sold, assigned, transferred and delivered to and acquired by the Acquiring Fund shall consist of all assets and property of every kind and nature, including, without limitation, all cash, securities, goodwill, commodities, interests in futures and dividends or interest receivables, receivables for shares sold and other rights that are owned by the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date, and any prepaid expenses shown as an asset on the books of the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date (the “Acquired Assets”). For the sake of clarity, the Acquired Assets include, but are not limited to, all rights (including rights to indemnification and contribution) and claims (including, but not limited to, claims for breach of contract, violation of standards of care and claims in connection with past or present portfolio holdings, whether in the form of class action claims, opt-out or other direct litigation claims or regulator or government established investor recovery fund claims and any and all resulting recoveries, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and claims whatsoever, except those liens and encumbrances as to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice) of the Acquired Fund against any party with whom the Acquired Fund has contracted for any actions or omissions up to the Closing Date.
The Acquired Fund has provided the Acquiring Fund with its most recent audited financial statements, which contain a list of all of the Acquired Fund’s assets as of the date of such statements. The Acquired Fund hereby represents that, as of the date of the execution of this Agreement, there have been no changes in its financial position as reflected in such financial statements other than those occurring in the ordinary course of business in connection with the purchase and sale of securities and the payment of normal operating expenses and the payment of dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds to shareholders. The Acquired Fund reserves the right to sell any of such securities or other investments.
1.3 LIABILITIES TO BE ASSUMED. The Acquired Fund will endeavor, consistent with its obligation to continue to pursue its investment objective and employ its investment strategies in accordance with the terms of its Prospectus, in good faith to discharge all of its known liabilities and obligations to the extent practicable prior to the Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund shall assume all liabilities of the Acquired Fund not discharged prior to the Closing Date, whether known or unknown, contingent, accrued or otherwise (excluding Reorganization Expenses (as defined in Article IX) borne by FPA pursuant to Article IX), and investment contracts entered into in accordance with the terms of its Prospectus, including options, futures, forward contracts, and swap agreements (the “Assumed Liabilities”).
1.4 LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION. On the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will distribute, in liquidation, all of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.1, pro rata to its shareholders of record, determined as of the close of business on the Valuation Date (as defined in paragraph 2.1) (the “Acquired Fund Shareholders”). In the Reorganization, each Acquired Fund Shareholder will receive the number of Acquiring Fund Shares that has an aggregate NAV equal to the aggregate
A-2
NAV of the Acquired Fund Shares held of record by such Acquired Fund Shareholder on the Closing Date. Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by the transfer of Acquiring Fund Shares credited to the account of the Acquired Fund on the books of the Acquiring Fund to open accounts on the share records of the Acquiring Fund in the names of the Acquired Fund Shareholders, representing the respective numbers of Acquiring Fund Shares due such shareholders. All issued and outstanding Acquired Fund Shares will simultaneously be canceled on the books of the Acquired Fund, and the Acquired Fund will thereupon proceed to terminate as set forth in paragraph 1.7 below. The Acquiring Fund shall not issue certificates representing Acquiring Fund Shares in connection with such exchange. Each Acquired Fund Shareholder shall have the right to receive any unpaid dividends or other distributions that were declared by the Acquired Fund before the Effective Time (as defined in paragraph 3.1) with respect to Acquired Fund Shares that are held of record by the Acquired Fund Shareholder at the Effective Time on the Closing Date.
1.5 OWNERSHIP OF SHARES. Ownership of Acquiring Fund Shares will be shown on the books of the Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent.
1.6 TRANSFER TAXES. Any transfer taxes payable upon the transfer of Acquiring Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Acquired Fund Shares on the books of the Acquired Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are to be transferred.
1.7 TERMINATION. As soon as practicable on or after the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall make all filings and take all other steps as shall be necessary and proper to effect its complete dissolution under Delaware law. After the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall not conduct any business except in connection with its dissolution.
ARTICLE II
VALUATION
2.1 VALUATION OF ASSETS. The value of the Acquired Assets to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund hereunder shall be the value of such Acquired Assets computed as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on the Closing Date (such time and date being hereinafter called the “Valuation Date”). The NAV per share of Acquiring Fund Shares shall be computed by Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”), the Acquiring Fund’s accounting agent, in the manner set forth in the FPA Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, or By-Laws, the Acquiring Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information, and the procedures adopted by the FPA Trust’s Board of Trustees. The NAV per share of Acquired Fund Shares shall be computed by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) (the “Acquired Fund Accounting Agent”), the Acquired Fund’s accounting agent, in the manner set forth in the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Northern Lights Trust, By-Laws, the Acquired Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information, and the procedures adopted by the Northern Lights Trust’s Board of Trustees.
2.2 VALUATION OF SHARES AND CALCULATION OF NUMBERS OF SHARES. The NAV per share of Acquiring Fund Shares and the NAV per share of Acquired Fund Shares shall, in each case, be computed as of the close of normal trading on the NYSE on the Valuation Date. The number of Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued in the Reorganization in exchange for Acquired Fund Shares shall be determined by BBH by dividing the NAV of the Acquired Fund Shares, as determined in accordance with paragraph 2.1 hereof, by the NAV of one Acquiring Fund Share, as determined in accordance with paragraph 2.1 hereof.
2.3 DETERMINATION OF VALUE. All computations of value with respect to the Acquired Fund shall be made by the Acquired Fund Accounting Agent, in accordance with its regular practice in pricing the shares and assets of the Acquired Fund, and confirmed by BBH. The FPA Trust and the Northern Lights Trust
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agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve prior to the Valuation Date any material valuation differences with respect to portfolio securities of the Acquired Fund that will be transferred to the Acquiring Fund.
ARTICLE III
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
3.1 CLOSING DATE. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Articles VI, VII and VIII of this Agreement, the closing (the “Closing”) will be on the Closing Date, which will be on or about [____________, 202_], or such other date as the parties may agree to in writing. The Closing shall be held as of the close of business at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (the “Effective Time”) at the offices of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, or at such other time and/or place as the parties may agree. All acts taking place at the Closing shall be deemed to take place simultaneously immediately at the Effective Time, unless otherwise provided.
3.2 CUSTODIAN’S CERTIFICATE. The portfolio securities and other investments of the Acquired Fund shall be made available by the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund’s custodian for examination no later than five business days preceding the Closing Date. State Street Bank and Trust Co., as custodian for the Acquired Fund, shall deliver at the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that: (a) the Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities, cash, and any other assets shall have been delivered in proper form to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date; and (b) all necessary Taxes (as defined below), including all applicable federal and state stock transfer stamps, if any, shall have been paid, or provision for payment shall have been made, in conjunction with the delivery of portfolio securities by the Acquired Fund.
3.3 EFFECT OF SUSPENSION IN TRADING. In the event that on the Valuation 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 as mutually determined by the parties, the Valuation Date shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when trading is fully resumed and reporting is restored.
3.4 TRANSFER AGENT’S CERTIFICATE. The Acquired Fund shall cause State Street Bank & Trust Co., as its transfer agent to deliver at the Closing to the Secretary of the FPA Trust a certificate of an authorized officer stating the number and percentage ownership of outstanding Acquired Fund Shares owned by each shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund shall issue and deliver or cause BBH, its transfer agent, to issue and deliver to the Secretary of the Northern Lights Trust a confirmation evidencing the number of Acquiring Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing Date or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquired Fund that such Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. At the Closing, each party shall deliver to the other party such bills of sale, checks, assignments, share certificates, receipts and other documents, if any, as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND. The Northern Lights Trust and the Acquired Fund represent and warrant to the FPA Trust and the Acquiring Fund as follows:
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(a) The Acquired Fund is a separate series of the Northern Lights Trust, a statutory trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Northern Lights Trust has the power to own all of its properties and assets and, subject to approval by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders, to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The Northern Lights Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company, and its registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), is in full force and effect.
(c) The current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Acquired Fund conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”) and the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(d) The Acquired Fund is not currently engaged in, and the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement (subject to shareholder approval) will not result in, the violation of any material provision of the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Northern Lights Trust or its By-Laws, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound.
(e) The Acquired Fund Shares are the only outstanding equity interests in the Acquired Fund.
(f) The Acquired Fund has no material contracts or other commitments (other than this Agreement and agreements for the purchase and sale of securities or other permitted investments) that if terminated will result in material liability to the Acquired Fund.
(g) Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to and accepted by the Acquiring Fund, no litigation, administrative proceeding, or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or to its knowledge threatened against the Acquired Fund or any of its properties or assets, which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition, the conduct of its business, or 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 the Acquired Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.
(h) The financial statements of the Acquired Fund for the most recently completed fiscal year are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Acquiring Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquired Fund as of the end of such fiscal year, in all material respects as of that date, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund as of that date not disclosed in such statements.
(i) Since the end of the Acquired Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, there have been no material adverse changes in the Acquired Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities or business (other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business), or any incurrence by the Acquired Fund of material indebtedness, except as otherwise disclosed in writing to and accepted by the Acquiring Fund. For the purposes of this subparagraph (i), distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains, changes in portfolio securities, changes in market value of portfolio securities, or net redemptions shall not constitute a material adverse change.
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(j) All Tax (as defined below) returns and reports (including, but not limited to, information returns) that are required to have been filed by the Acquired Fund have been duly and timely filed. All such returns and reports were true, correct and complete in all material respects as of the time of their filing. All Taxes due or properly shown to be due on such returns and reports have been paid, or provision has been made for such Taxes in accordance with appropriate accounting principles. To the knowledge of the Northern Lights Trust, no such return is currently being audited by any federal, state, local or foreign taxing authority. To the knowledge of the Northern Lights Trust, there are no deficiency assessments with respect to any Taxes of the Acquired Fund and no such deficiency assessments have been proposed with respect to the Acquired Fund in writing. As used in this Agreement, “Tax” or “Taxes” means all federal, state, local and foreign (whether imposed by a country or political subdivision or authority thereunder) income, gross receipts, excise, sales, use, value added, employment, franchise, profits, property, ad valorem or other taxes, stamp taxes and duties, fees, assessments or charges, whether payable directly or by withholding, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts imposed by any taxing authority (foreign or domestic) with respect thereto, and including any obligations to indemnify or otherwise assume or succeed to such a liability of any other person. There are no levies, liens or encumbrances relating to Taxes existing, pending or threatened in writing with respect to the assets of the Acquired Fund (other than liens for Taxes not yet due and payable). The Acquired Fund has not changed its annual accounting period within the 60-month period ending on the Closing Date.
(k) All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund are, and at the Closing Date will be, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Acquired Fund and will have been issued in compliance with all applicable registration or qualification requirements of federal and state securities laws. 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 Acquired Fund Shares, and there are no outstanding securities convertible into any Acquired Fund Shares.
(l) At the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will have good and valid title to the Acquired Fund’s Acquired 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 Acquired Assets hereunder. Upon delivery and payment for such Acquired Assets, the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and valid title, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer of such Acquired Assets, including such restrictions as might arise under the 1933 Act, other than as disclosed in writing to and accepted by the Acquiring Fund.
(m) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Acquired Fund. Subject to approval by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquired Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
(n) 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 laws and other laws and regulations.
(o) From the mailing of the N-14 Registration Statement (as defined in paragraph 5.6), through the time of the meeting of the Acquired Fund’s shareholders and on the Closing Date, any written information furnished by the Northern Lights Trust with respect to the Acquired Fund for use in the N-14 Registration Statement, the N-1A Registration Statement (as defined in paragraph 4.3) or any other materials provided in connection with the Reorganization, 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 materially misleading.
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(p) The Northern Lights Trust has in effect an election to treat the Acquired Fund as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) for federal income tax purposes under Part I of Chapter 1, Subchapter M of the Code. The Acquired Fund is a fund that is treated as a corporation separate from each other series of the Northern Lights Trust under Section 851(g) of the Code. The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated in any taxable year for which the provisions of Part I of Chapter 1, Subchapter M of the Code (or the corresponding provisions of prior law) did not apply to it. The Acquired Fund has qualified for treatment as a RIC for each taxable year since its formation (or since it was first treated as a separate corporation under Section 851(g) of the Code) that has ended prior to the Closing Date and, subject to the accuracy of the representations set forth in paragraph 4.2(m), expects to satisfy the requirements of Part I of Chapter 1, Subchapter M of the Code to maintain qualification for such treatment for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date. Subject to the accuracy of the representations set forth in paragraph 4.2(m), the Acquired Fund does not expect that the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will cause it to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC as of the Closing Date or as of the end of its taxable year that includes the Closing Date. The Acquired Fund has not at any time since its inception been liable for any income or excise tax pursuant to Sections 852 or 4982 of the Code that has not been timely paid. The Acquired Fund is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Code and all applicable Treasury regulations pertaining to the reporting of dividends and other distributions on and redemptions of its shares of beneficial interest and to withholding in respect of dividends and other distributions to shareholders and redemption of shares, and is not liable for any material penalties that could be imposed thereunder.
(q) The Acquired Fund’s investment operations from inception to the date hereof have been in compliance in all material respects with the investment policies and investment restrictions set forth in the Acquired Fund’s Prospectus, except as previously disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund.
(r) The Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued to the Acquired Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.1 will not be acquired for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than to the Acquired Fund Shareholders as provided in paragraph 1.4.
(s) No governmental consents, approvals, authorizations or filings are required under the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”), the 1940 Act or Delaware law for the execution of this Agreement by the Northern Lights Trust, for itself and on behalf of the Acquired Fund, except for the effectiveness of the N-1A Registration Statement and the N-14 Registration Statement and such other consents, approvals, authorizations and filings as have been made or received, and such consents, approvals, authorizations and filings as may be required subsequent to the Closing Date, it being understood, however, that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein must be approved by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders as described in paragraph 5.2.
(t) The books and records of the Acquired Fund, including FASB ASC 740-10-25 (formerly FIN 48) workpapers and supporting statements, made available to the Acquiring Fund and/or its counsel, are substantially true and correct and contain no material misstatements or omissions with respect to the operations of the Acquired Fund.
(u) The Acquired Fund would not be subject to corporate-level taxation on the sale of any assets currently held by it as a result of the application of Section 337(d) of the Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder.
(v) The Acquired Fund has not waived or extended any applicable statute of limitations with respect to the assessment or collection of Taxes.
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(w) The Acquired Fund has not received written notification from any taxing authority that asserts a position contrary to any of the representations set forth in paragraphs (j), (p), (t), (u), and (v) of this paragraph 4.1.
4.2 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND. The FPA Trust and the Acquiring Fund represent and warrant to the Northern Lights Trust and the Acquired Fund as follows:
(a) The Acquiring Fund is a separate series of the FPA Trust, a Delaware statutory trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The FPA Trust has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The FPA Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company, and its registration with the SEC as an investment company under the 1940 Act is in full force and effect.
(c) The current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Acquiring Fund conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated or necessary to make such statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(d) The Acquiring Fund is not currently engaged in, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not result in, a violation of any material provision of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the FPA Trust or its By-Laws, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.
(e) Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to and accepted by the Acquired Fund, no litigation, administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending, or to its knowledge, threatened against the Acquiring Fund or any of its properties or assets, which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition and the conduct of its business or 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 it 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.
(f) There shall be no issued and outstanding shares of the Acquiring Fund prior to the Closing Date other than a nominal number of shares (“Initial Shares”) issued to a seed capital investor (which shall be the investment advisor of the Acquiring Fund or an affiliate thereof) to vote on the investment advisory contract(s), and other agreements and plans as may be required by the 1940 Act and to take whatever action it may be required to take as the Acquiring Fund’s sole shareholder. The Initial Shares have been or will be redeemed by the Acquiring Fund prior to the Closing for the price for which they were issued, and any price paid for the Initial Shares shall at all times have been held by the Acquiring Fund in a non-interest bearing account.
(g) All issued and outstanding Acquiring Fund Shares will be, at the Closing Date, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund has no outstanding options, warrants, or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Acquiring Fund shares, and there are no outstanding securities convertible into any Acquiring Fund shares.
(h) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Acquiring Fund, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to
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bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
(i) 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 laws and other laws and regulations.
(j) From the mailing of the N-14 Registration Statement through the time of the meeting of the Acquired Fund’s shareholders and on the Closing Date, any written information furnished by the FPA Trust with respect to the Acquiring Fund for use in the N-14 Registration Statement, the N-1A Registration Statement or any other materials provided in connection with the Reorganization, 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 materially misleading.
(k) The Acquiring Fund agrees to use all reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state blue sky or securities laws as it may deem appropriate in order to continue its operations after the Closing Date.
(l) No governmental consents, approvals, authorizations or filings are required under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act or Delaware law for the execution of this Agreement by the FPA Trust, for itself and on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, or the performance of the Agreement by the FPA Trust, for itself and on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, except for the effectiveness of the N-1A Registration Statement and the N-14 Registration Statement and such other consents, approvals, authorizations and filings as have been made or received, and except for such consents, approvals, authorizations and filings as may be required subsequent to the Closing Date.
(m) Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 4.1(p), for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, the FPA Trust expects that the Acquiring Fund will meet the requirements of Chapter 1, Part I of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a RIC and will be eligible to, and will, compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code. After the Closing, the Acquiring Fund will be a fund that is treated as a separate corporation under Section 851(g) of the Code.
(n) The Acquiring Fund is, and will be at the time of Closing, a newly created series without assets (other than the seed capital provided in exchange for Initial Shares) and without liabilities, created for the purpose of acquiring the assets and assuming the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, and, prior to the Closing, (i) will not commence operations or carry on any business activities (other than such activities as are customary to the organization of a new series of a registered investment company prior to its commencement of investment operations); (ii) will not have held any property, and immediately following the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund will possess solely assets and liabilities that were possessed by the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization and (iii) will not have prepared books of account and related records or financial statements or issued any shares (other than the Initial Shares). Immediately following the liquidation of the Acquired Fund as contemplated herein, 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund will be held by the former holders of Acquired Fund Shares.
4.3 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE FPA TRUST. The FPA Trust represents and warrants to the Northern Lights Trust as follows:
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(a) The FPA Trust has filed a post-effective amendment to its registration statement on Form N-1A (“N-1A Registration Statement”) for the purpose of registering the Acquiring Fund under the 1940 Act.
(b) The FPA Trust has adopted compliance policies and procedures, including policies and procedures pursuant to Rule 22e-4 and Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, that are reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws.
4.4 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS TRUST. The Northern Lights Trust represents and warrants to the FPA Trust that the Northern Lights Trust has adopted compliance policies and procedures, including policies and procedures pursuant to Rule 22e-4 and Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, that are reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
5.1 OPERATION IN ORDINARY COURSE. Each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will operate their businesses in the ordinary course between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, it being understood that such ordinary course of business may include payment of customary dividends and distributions and shareholder redemptions in the case of the Acquired Fund and redemptions of the Initial Shares in the case of the Acquiring Fund.
5.2 APPROVAL OF SHAREHOLDERS. The Northern Lights Trust will call a special meeting of the Acquired Fund’s shareholders to consider and act upon this Agreement and to take all other action necessary to obtain approval of the transactions contemplated herein.
5.3 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. 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 Shares.
5.4 FURTHER ACTION. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each 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.
5.5 STATEMENT OF EARNINGS AND PROFITS. As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 60 days after the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall furnish 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 that will be carried over to the Acquiring Fund, as well as any capital loss carryovers, that will be carried over to the Acquiring Fund as a result of Section 381 of the Code, and which will be certified by the Northern Lights Trust’s Treasurer.
5.6 PREPARATION OF N-14 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The FPA Trust will prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-14 (the “N-14 Registration Statement”) relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in compliance with the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act. The Acquired Fund will provide the Acquiring Fund with the materials and information necessary to prepare the N-14 Registration Statement.
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5.7 INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Acquiring Fund (solely out of the Acquiring Fund’s assets and property, including any amounts paid to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to any applicable liability insurance policies or indemnification agreements) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Acquired Fund and the Acquired Fund’s Trustees and officers (collectively, “Acquired Fund Indemnified Persons”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, without limitation, the payment of reasonable legal fees and reasonable costs of investigation) to which the Acquired Fund or any of the Acquired Fund Indemnified Persons may become subject, insofar as any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or is based on any material breach by the Acquiring Fund of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
(b) The Acquired Fund (solely out of the Acquired Fund’s assets and property, including any amounts paid to the Acquired Fund pursuant to any applicable liability insurance policies or indemnification agreements) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Acquiring Fund and the Acquiring Fund’s Trustees and officers (collectively, “Acquiring Fund Indemnified Persons”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, without limitation, the payment of reasonable legal fees and reasonable costs of investigation) to which the Acquiring Fund or any of the Acquiring Fund Indemnified Persons may become subject, insofar as any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or is based on any material breach by the Acquired Fund of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
5.8 TAX RETURNS. The Northern Lights Trust covenants that by the time of the Closing, all of the Acquired Fund’s federal and other Tax returns and reports required by law to have been filed on or before the Closing Date (taking extensions into account) shall have been filed and all federal and other Taxes (if any) shown as due on said returns shall have either been paid or, if not yet due, adequate liability reserves shall have been provided for the payment of such Taxes.
5.9 CLOSING DOCUMENTS. At the Closing, the Northern Lights Trust will provide the FPA Trust with the following:
(a) A certificate, signed by the President and the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of the Northern Lights Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund, stating the Acquired Fund’s known assets and liabilities, together with information concerning the tax basis and holding period of the Acquired Fund in all securities or investments transferred to the Acquiring Fund.
(b) A copy of any Tax books and records of the Acquired Fund necessary for purposes of preparing any Tax returns, schedules, forms, statements or related documents (including but not limited to any income, excise or information returns, as well as any transfer statements (as described in Treasury regulation Section 1.6045A-1)) required by law to be filed by the Acquiring Fund after the Closing.
(c) A copy (which may be in electronic form) of the shareholder ledger accounts of the Acquired Fund, including, without limitation, the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each shareholder of record; the number of shares of beneficial interest held by each shareholder; the dividend reinvestment elections applicable to each shareholder; the backup withholding certifications (e.g., IRS Form W-9) or foreign person certifications (e.g., IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI, or W-8IMY), notices or records on file with the Acquired Fund with respect to each shareholder; and such information as the FPA Trust may reasonably request concerning Acquired Fund Shares or Acquired Fund Shareholders in connection with the Acquiring Fund’s cost basis reporting and related obligations under Sections 1012, 6045, 6045A, and 6045B of the Code and related Treasury regulations following the Closing for all of the Acquired Fund Shareholders (the “Acquired Fund Shareholder Documentation”), certified by the Northern Lights Trust’s transfer agent or its President or its Vice President to the best of their knowledge and belief.
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(d) All FASB ASC 740-10-25 (formerly, FIN 48) work papers and supporting statements pertaining to the Acquired Fund.
5.10 TAX TREATMENT. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund intend that the Reorganization will qualify as a reorganization described in Section 368(a)(1) of the Code. Neither 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 Reorganization to qualify as a reorganization described in Section 368(a)(1) of the Code.
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 Acquiring Fund of all the obligations to be performed by 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 Acquiring Fund contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of that Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund shall have delivered to the Acquired Fund a certificate executed in the Acquiring Fund’s name by the FPA Trust’s President or Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, 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 as the Acquired Fund shall reasonably request.
6.2 The FPA Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, shall have executed and delivered to the Northern Lights Trust an Assumption of Liabilities dated as of the Closing Date pursuant to which the Acquiring Fund will assume all of the Assumed Liabilities of the Acquired Fund not discharged prior to the Closing Date in accordance with paragraph 1.3 of this Agreement.
6.3 The Acquired Fund shall have received on the Closing Date a certificate from the President of the FPA Trust, dated as of the Closing Date, addressing the following points:
(i) The FPA Trust is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and described in the registration statement on Form N-1A of the FPA Trust, and the Acquiring Fund is a separate series of the FPA Trust constituted in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the FPA Trust.
(ii) The FPA Trust is registered with the SEC as an investment company under the 1940 Act and such registration with the SEC is in full force and effect.
(iii) Assuming that consideration of not less than the NAV of the Acquiring Fund Shares has been paid, the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to the Acquired Fund, as provided by this Agreement, are duly authorized and upon such delivery will be legally issued and outstanding and fully paid and non-assessable, and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund has any preemptive rights with respect to Acquiring Fund Shares.
(iv) The execution and delivery of this Agreement did not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not, result in a violation of the FPA Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
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(v) The N-14 Registration Statement has been filed with the SEC and no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority under U.S. federal law or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act is required to be obtained for consummation by the FPA Trust and the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except as have been obtained under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act, and as may be required under Delaware securities laws.
(vi) To the knowledge of the President of the FPA Trust, except as has been disclosed in writing to the Northern Lights Trust, no litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or threatened as to the FPA Trust or the Acquiring Fund or any of their properties or assets or any person whom the FPA Trust or the Acquiring Fund may be obligated to indemnify in connection with such litigation, proceeding or investigation, and neither the FPA Trust nor the Acquiring Fund is a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
6.4 The N-1A Registration Statement filed by the FPA Trust with the SEC to register the offer of the sale of the Acquiring Fund Shares will be in effect on the Closing Date.
6.5 As of the Closing Date with respect to the Reorganization of the Acquired Fund, there shall have been no material change in the investment objective, policies and restrictions nor any material change in the investment management fees, other fees payable for services provided to the Acquiring Fund, or fee waiver or expense reimbursement undertakings of the Acquiring Fund from those fee amounts and undertakings of the Acquiring Fund described in the N-14 Registration Statement or N-1A Registration Statement.
6.6 The FPA Trust Board of Trustees, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the FPA Trust as defined under the 1940 Act, has determined that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Acquiring Fund would not be diluted as a result of such transactions.
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 Acquired Fund of all the obligations to be performed by 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 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 such Closing Date. The Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a certificate executed in the Acquired Fund’s name by the Northern Lights Trust’s President or Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and dated as of such Closing Date, to such effect and as to such other matters as the Acquiring Fund shall reasonably request.
7.2 The Northern Lights Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, shall have duly executed and delivered to the FPA Trust such bills of sale, assignments, certificates and other instruments of transfer as may be necessary or desirable to transfer all right, title and interest of the Acquired Fund in and to the Acquired Assets.
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7.3 The Acquiring Fund shall have received on the Closing Date a certification from the President of the Northern Lights Trust, dated as of the Closing Date, addressing the following points:
(i) The Northern Lights Trust is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has power to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and described in the registration statement on Form N-1A of the Northern Lights Trust, and the Acquired Fund is a separate series of the Northern Lights Trust constituted in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Northern Lights Trust.
(ii) The Northern Lights Trust is registered with the SEC as an investment company under the 1940 Act and such registration with the SEC is in full force and effect.
(iii) The Acquired Fund has the power to sell, assign, transfer and deliver its assets to be transferred by it under the Agreement, and, upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the Acquired Fund will have transferred such assets to the Acquiring Fund.
(iv) The execution and delivery of this Agreement did not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not, result in a violation of the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Northern Lights Trust.
(v) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority under U.S. federal law or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act is required to be obtained for the consummation by the Northern Lights Trust and the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as have been obtained under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act, and as may be required under Delaware securities laws.
(vi) To the knowledge of the President of the Northern Lights Trust, except as has been disclosed in writing to the FPA Trust, no litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or threatened as to the Northern Lights Trust or the Acquired Fund or any of their properties or assets or any person whom the Northern Lights Trust or the Acquired Fund may be obligated to indemnify in connection with such litigation, proceeding or investigation, and neither the Northern Lights Trust nor the Acquired Fund is a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body, which materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
7.4 The Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund the documents and information described in paragraphs 5.5 and 5.9.
7.5 The Northern Lights Trust Board of Trustees, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Northern Lights Trust as defined under the 1940 Act, has determined that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Acquired Fund would not be diluted as a result of such transactions.
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ARTICLE VIII
FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE
ACQUIRING FUND AND ACQUIRED FUND
If any of the conditions set forth below do not exist on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the other party to this Agreement shall, at its option, not be required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, if the conditions stated in paragraphs 8.1 and 8.5 below do not exist on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall not be consummated:
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 Delaware law and the provisions of the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Northern Lights Trust. Certified copies of the resolutions evidencing such approval shall have been delivered to the Acquiring Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this paragraph 8.1.
8.2 On the Closing Date, the SEC 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 1940 Act. Furthermore, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be threatened or 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.
8.3 All required consents of other parties and all other consents, orders, and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the SEC and of state blue sky securities authorities, including any necessary no-action positions and exemptive orders from such federal and state authorities) 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 involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may waive any such conditions for itself.
8.4 Each of the N-1A Registration Statement and 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.
8.5 The Northern Lights Trust and the FPA Trust shall have received the opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP dated as of the Closing Date and addressed to the FPA Trust and the Northern Lights Trust, in a form satisfactory to them, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, qualifications, certifications, representations and assumptions, for federal income tax purposes:
(a) The Reorganization will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code, and each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will 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 Acquired Fund upon the transfer of all the Acquired Assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, or upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares to the Acquired Fund Shareholders, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the
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transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized upon the transfer of an asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code;
(c) The tax basis in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of each Acquired Asset transferred from the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as the tax basis of such Acquired Asset in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the transfer thereof, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by the Acquired Fund on the transfer;
(d) The holding period in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of each Acquired Asset transferred from the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization, other than Acquired Assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the Acquired Fund’s holding period for such Acquired Asset (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset);
(e) No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon its receipt of all the Acquired Assets solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the liabilities of the Acquired Fund as part of the Reorganization;
(f) No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of their Acquired Fund Shares for Acquiring Fund Shares as part of the Reorganization;
(g) The aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares that each Acquired Fund Shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefor;
(h) Each Acquired Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares received in the Reorganization will include the Acquired Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefor, provided that the Acquired Fund Shareholder held such Acquired Fund Shares as capital assets on the date of the exchange; and
(i) The taxable year of the Acquired Fund will not end as a result of the Reorganization.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this paragraph 8.5.
ARTICLE IX
EXPENSES
9.1 Except as otherwise provided for herein, FPA (or any affiliate thereof) shall bear all expenses of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (other than expenses, if any, of the shareholders) as set forth herein. Such expenses include, without limitation: (a) expenses associated with the preparation and filing of the N-14 Registration Statement; (b) postage; (c) printing; (d) accounting fees; (e) audit and legal fees, including fees of the counsel to the Northern Lights Trust, counsel to the Independent Trustees of the Northern Lights Trust, counsel to the FPA Trust, and counsel to the Independent Trustees of the FPA Trust; (f) solicitation costs of the transactions; (g) service provider conversion fees; and (h) any costs associated with meetings of each Fund’s Board of Trustees relating to the transactions contemplated herein (“Reorganization Expenses”).
FPA (or any affiliate thereof) shall remain so liable for their respective shares of the Reorganization Expenses, regardless of whether the transactions contemplated by this Agreement occur, and this paragraph 9.1 shall survive the Closing and any termination of this Agreement pursuant to paragraph 11.1.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in a failure by either the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund to qualify for treatment as a RIC within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Reorganization from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or otherwise result in the imposition of tax on either the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund or on any of their respective shareholders.
9.2 At the Closing, FPA (or any affiliate thereof) shall pay the estimated Reorganization Expenses to be paid by it pursuant to paragraph 9.1, and any remaining balance shall be paid by FPA (or any affiliate thereof) within thirty (30) days after the Closing.
ARTICLE X
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL
10.1 The FPA Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and the Northern Lights Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, agree that neither party has made to the other party any representation, warranty and/or covenant not set forth herein and that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
10.2 The representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, including, without limitation, the indemnification obligations under paragraph 5.7, shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder. The covenants to be performed after the Closing Date, and the obligations of the Acquiring Fund, shall continue in effect beyond the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION
11.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of the FPA Trust and the Northern Lights Trust. In addition, either the FPA Trust or the Northern Lights Trust may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date due to:
(a) a breach by the other of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date, if not cured within 30 days or, in the sole discretion of the non-breaching party’s Board of Trustees, prior to the Closing Date;
(b) a condition herein expressed to be precedent to the obligations of the terminating party that has not been met and it reasonably appears to the terminating party’s Board of Trustees that it will not or cannot be met; or
(c) a determination by the terminating party’s Board of Trustees that the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein is not in the best interest of the party, and to give notice to the other party hereto.
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 Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Fund, the FPA Trust, the Northern Lights Trust, or the respective Trustees or officers to the other party or its Trustees or officers, but paragraph 9.1 shall continue to apply.
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ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS
12.1 This Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the authorized officers of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund; provided, however, that following the meeting of the Acquired Fund’s shareholders pursuant to paragraph 5.2 of this Agreement, no such amendment may have the effect of changing any provisions to the detriment of such shareholders.
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 Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
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 It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Acquiring Fund hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, officers, agents, or employees of the FPA Trust personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Acquiring Fund, as provided in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the FPA Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees of the FPA Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund and signed by authorized officers of the FPA Trust, acting as such. Such authorization by such Trustees and such execution and delivery by such officers shall not be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Acquiring Fund as provided in the FPA Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
13.6 It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Acquired Fund hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, officers, agents, or employees of the Northern Lights Trust personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Acquired Fund, as provided in the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Northern Lights Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees of the Northern Lights Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund and signed by authorized officers of the Northern Lights Trust, acting as such. Such authorization by such Trustees and such execution and delivery by such officers shall not be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Acquired Fund as provided in the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Northern Lights Trust.
13.7 Each of the FPA Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and the Northern Lights Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, specifically acknowledges and agrees that any liability under this Agreement with
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respect to the Acquiring Fund or Acquired Fund or in connection with the transactions contemplated herein with respect to the Acquiring Fund or Acquired Fund shall be discharged only out of the assets of the Acquiring Fund or Acquired Fund and that no other series of the FPA Trust or the Northern Lights Trust shall be liable with respect thereto.
ARTICLE XIV
CONFIDENTIALITY
14.1 Each Fund agrees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the other Fund all records and other information, including any information relating to portfolio holdings, of such other Fund and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that after prior notification of and written approval by such other Fund (which approval shall not be withheld if the disclosing Fund would be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities having proper jurisdiction, and which approval shall not be withheld unreasonably in any other circumstance), a Fund may disclose such records and/or information as so approved.
ARTICLE XV
COOPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
15.1 The Northern Lights Trust and the FPA Trust will provide each other and their respective representatives with such cooperation, assistance and information as either of them reasonably may request of the other in filing any Tax returns, amended Tax returns or claims for Tax refunds, determining a liability for Taxes or a right to a refund of Taxes, requesting a closing agreement or similar relief from a taxing authority or participating in or conducting any audit or other proceeding in respect of Taxes, or in determining the financial reporting of any Tax position. Each party or its respective agents will retain for a period of six (6) years following the Closing all returns, schedules and work papers and all material records or other documents relating to Tax matters and financial reporting of Tax positions of the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund for its taxable period first ending after the Closing and for prior taxable periods for which the party is required to retain records as of the Closing, provided that the Acquired Fund shall not be required to maintain any such documents that it has delivered to the Acquiring Fund.
15.2 Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired Fund is and shall remain the responsibility of the Acquired Fund, up to and including the date of the Closing, and such later date on which the Acquired Fund is terminated including, without limitation, responsibility for (i) preparing and filing any Tax returns relating to Tax periods ending on or prior to the date of the Closing (whether due before or after the Closing); and (ii) preparing and filing other documents with the SEC, any state securities commission, and any federal, state or local tax authorities or any other relevant regulatory authority, except as otherwise is mutually agreed by the parties.
***Signature Page Follows.***
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement, all as of the date first written above.
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III on behalf of the Acquired Fund |
FPA FUNDS TRUST on behalf of the Acquiring Fund |
||
By: | By: | ||
Name: | Name: | ||
Title: | Title: | ||
FIRST PACIFIC ADVISORS, LP solely with respect to Article IX |
|||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
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APPENDIX B – MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUIRING FUND
For this section, the Acquiring Fund is referred to as the “Fund.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The Fund is a series of FPA Funds Trust (the “Trust”) and is regulated as an “investment company” under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless an investment policy is identified as being fundamental, all investment policies included in this prospectus and the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) without shareholder approval. If there is a material change to the Fund’s investment objective or principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Advisor expects to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 95% of the Fund’s assets in equity securities. The Fund invests primarily in publicly traded common stocks of mid- and large-cap U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including companies in emerging market countries. The Fund defines mid- and large-cap companies to be those with market capitalizations equal to or greater than $10 billion at the time of initial purchase. These securities may be traded on major stock exchanges, regional stock exchanges, over-the-counter markets and other quotation systems. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to hold approximately 20-50 positions. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers (i.e., if the issuer is headquartered outside the United States, if at least 50% of its assets are outside the United States, or if at least 50% of its gross income is from non-U.S. sources).
Although the Advisor expects to invest at least 95% of the Fund’s assets in equity securities under normal circumstances, the Fund has adopted a policy to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. The Fund may change its 80% policy upon 60 days’ written notice to its shareholders.
The equity securities held by the Fund include common stocks, preferred stocks, American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). ADRs and GDRs are negotiable receipts similar to stock certificates issued by a depositary bank. The receipts evidence depositary securities, which in turn evidence underlying securities of a foreign issuer deposited with a custodian bank in the foreign issuer’s home country.
The Advisor manages the Fund’s portfolio according to its Contrarian Value Equity Strategy, which seeks to invest in companies that currently appear out of favor or are undervalued by the stock market, including those mired in bad news according to media headlines, but have a favorable outlook for growth in the Advisor’s estimation over five to ten years. The Advisor conducts deep research into the underlying financial condition and prospects of individual companies, including potential future earnings, cash flow, and dividends. The Advisor consults with Wall Street professionals, industry consultants and the target company’s customers, competitors and executives to understand the company’s potential. The Advisor may, as part of its research, review current and historic SEC filings, conference call transcripts, and relevant periodicals to gain a full picture of the company. Various other factors, including financial strength, economic condition, competitive advantage, quality of the business franchise, and the reputation, experience, and competence of a company’s management are also considered in developing the Advisor’s outlook.
The Advisor looks for businesses that are generally leaders in their industries, with significant competitive strengths, solid balance sheets, and shareholder-centric managements (“Compounder Investments”) to meet the Fund’s investment objective. The Advisor also looks for and considers companies that may be of a lesser
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quality than Compounder Investments but that it believes possess upside potential that exceeds downside potential. The Advisor may also consider investing in special situations such as spin-offs, holding companies, and various other long opportunities.
After identifying target companies for the Fund, the Advisor selects the companies the equity securities of which are offered at a “substantial discount” to the Advisor’s estimate of the company’s worth or intrinsic value. In seeking a “substantial discount,” the Advisor does not just seek securities that are priced lower than others, but looks for genuine bargains by seeking securities it believes have a compelling economic risk/reward proposition on an absolute basis. The Advisor may sell a security if its market price exceeds the Advisor’s estimate of its intrinsic value, if its economic risk/reward proposition is no longer compelling or less compelling than that of other investments identified by the Advisor. In seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective, the Advisor may, at times, accept market volatility in the Fund’s share price and short-term Fund underperformance.
Temporary Defensive Positions
To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may invest 100% of its total assets, without limitation, in cash, cash equivalents, high-quality short-term debt securities, and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include: shares of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. government securities and repurchase agreements. While the Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited. Furthermore, to the extent that the Fund invests in money market mutual funds for cash positions, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund pays a proportional amount of such money market funds’ advisory fees and operational fees. The Fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies.
Principal Risks
Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Market Risk. The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, natural disasters, climate related events, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. For example, the financial crisis that began in 2007 caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities; in particular, the values of some sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that invest in sovereign debt and related investments fell, credit became more scarce worldwide and there was significant uncertainty in the markets. More recently, higher inflation, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, the financial health of individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Such environments could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the Advisor. In response to the crises, the United States and other
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governments have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support or failure of efforts in response to a crisis could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are changing many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
ETF Structure Risks. The Fund is an ETF, and, as a result of an ETF’s structure, it is exposed to the following risks:
● | Authorized Participant Concentration Risk. Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that act as authorized participants on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other authorized participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares may trade at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value and possibly face delisting. |
● | Market Maker Risk. If the Fund has lower average daily trading volumes, it may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of Fund shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund’s NAV and the price at which the Fund shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund shares. In addition, decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the Fund’s NAV and the Fund’s market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to NAV and also in greater than normal intra-day bid-ask spreads for Fund shares. |
● | Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk. As with all ETFs, shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market prices of shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market prices of shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount). Differences in market price and NAV may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. These differences can be especially pronounced during times of market volatility or stress. During these periods, the demand for Fund shares may decrease considerably and cause the market price of Fund shares to deviate significantly from the Fund’s NAV. |
● | Trading Issues Risk. Although the Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such Fund shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Fund shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. Market makers are under no obligation to make a market in the Fund shares, and authorized participants are not obligated to submit purchase or redemption orders for Creation Units. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. Initially, due to the small asset size of the Fund, it may have difficulty maintaining its listings on the Exchange. |
● | Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers, as determined by that broker. Brokerage |
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commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of shares. In addition, secondary market investors will also incur the cost of the difference between the price at which an investor is willing to buy Shares (the “bid” price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Shares (the “ask” price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “spread” or “bid-ask spread.” The bid-ask spread varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and the spread is generally lower if shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Further, a relatively small investor base in the Fund, asset swings in the Fund, and/or increased market volatility may cause increased bid-ask spreads. Due to the costs of buying or selling shares, including bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
Equity Risk. The value of equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. The price of common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the financial condition of the issuer declines. Common stock is subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority with respect to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns.
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk. The value of investments in larger companies may not rise as much as smaller companies, or larger companies may be unable to respond quickly to competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk. The stocks of mid-capitalization companies involve substantial risk. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, and they may be dependent on a limited management group. Stocks of these companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.
Foreign Securities Risk. To the extent the underlying funds invest in foreign securities, the Fund could be subject to greater risks because the Fund’s performance may depend on issues other than the performance of a particular company or U.S. market sector. Changes in foreign economies and political climates are more likely to affect the Fund than a mutual fund that invests exclusively in U.S. companies. The value of foreign securities is also affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar. There may also be less government supervision of foreign markets, resulting in non-uniform accounting practices and less publicly available information. The values of foreign investments may be affected by changes in exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy (in this country or abroad) or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions, custody fees and other costs of investing in foreign securities are generally higher than in the United States. Investments in foreign issues could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to greater risk and will be more dependent on the Advisor’s ability to assess such risk than if the Fund invested solely in more developed countries.
Emerging Market Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in countries with newly organized or less developed securities markets. There are typically greater risks involved in investing in emerging markets securities. Generally, economic structures in these countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries
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and their political systems tend to be less stable. There may also be less reliable or publicly-available information about emerging markets due to non-uniform regulatory, auditing or financial recordkeeping standards, which could cause errors in the implementation of the Fund’s investment strategy. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries, therefore security issuers, including governments, may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market countries also may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. The Fund’s performance may depend on issues other than those that affect U.S. companies and may be adversely affected by different rights and remedies associated with emerging market investments, or the lack thereof, compared to those associated with U.S. companies. Investments in emerging markets countries may be affected by government policies that restrict foreign investment in certain issuers or industries. The potentially smaller size of their securities markets and lower trading volumes can make investments relatively illiquid and potentially more volatile than investments in developed countries, and such securities may be subject to abrupt and severe price declines. Due to this relative lack of liquidity, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell a portfolio security at all. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to meet cash obligations or take advantage of other investment opportunities.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are equity securities traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges that are generally issued by banks or trust companies to evidence ownership of foreign equity securities. Depositary receipts may be issued in sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities trade in the form of depositary receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Investing in depositary receipts may involve risks in addition to the risks in domestic investments, including less regulatory oversight and less publicly-available information, less stable government and economies, and non-uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Additionally, unsponsored depositary receipts held by the Fund are frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer, and there is even less information publicly-available about unsponsored depositary receipts than sponsored depositary receipts; unsponsored depositary receipts are also not obligated to pass through voting rights to the Fund.
Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. The market value of preferred stock is subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities and is sensitive to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness, the ability of the issuer to make payments on the preferred stock and changes in interest rates, typically declining in value if interest rates rise. In addition, a company’s preferred stock generally pays dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. Therefore, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects.
Active Management Risk. The Advisor’s judgments about the growth, value or potential appreciation of an investment may prove to be incorrect or fail to have the intended results, which could adversely impact the Fund’s performance and cause it to underperform relative to other funds with similar investment goals, or not to achieve its investment goal.
Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently than the value of the market as a whole.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk as an actively managed investment portfolio. The Advisor’s skill in choosing appropriate investments for the Fund will determine, in part, the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses
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in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results. The portfolio managers’ opinions about the intrinsic worth or creditworthiness of a company or security may be incorrect, the portfolio managers may not make timely purchases or sales of securities for the Fund, the Fund’s investment objective may not be achieved, or the market may continue to undervalue the Fund’s securities. In addition, the Fund may not be able to quickly dispose of certain securities holdings. The frequency of trading within the Fund impacts portfolio turnover rates, which are shown in the financial highlights table. A higher rate of portfolio turnover could produce higher trading costs and taxable distributions, which would detract from the Fund’s performance. Moreover, there can be no assurance that all of the Advisor’s personnel will continue to be associated with the Advisor for any length of time. The loss of services of one or more key employees of the Advisor, including a portfolio manager, could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. Certain securities or other instruments in which the Fund seeks to invest may not be available in the quantities desired. In such circumstances, the portfolio managers may determine to purchase other securities or instruments as substitutes. Such substitute securities or instruments may not perform as intended, which could result in losses to the Fund.
Company-Specific Risk. A particular stock may lose value due to factors specific to the company itself, including deterioration of its fundamental characteristics, an occurrence of adverse events at the company, or a downturn in its business prospects.
Headline Risk. The Fund may invest in companies that are at the center of controversy because of negative media attention regarding its operations, long-term prospects, or management which may cause short-term underperformance.
Non-Diversified Risk. Investments focused in sectors, industries, or issuers that are subject to the same or similar risk factors and investments whose prices are closely correlated are subject to greater overall risk than investments that are more diversified or whose prices are not as closely correlated. The Fund intends to invest in a variety of securities and instruments, but the Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer or a smaller number of issuers than a fund that invests more widely. This may increase the Fund’s volatility and cause the performance of a relatively smaller number of issuers to have a greater impact on the Fund’s performance.
Value Investing Risk. The stocks in which the Fund invests may not be undervalued as expected. The Advisor’s assessment of an equity security’s intrinsic value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, and an equity security judged to be undervalued or overvalued may actually be appropriately priced or its price may move in the wrong direction. Because different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, value-oriented funds may underperform when growth investing is in favor.
Volatility Risk. The Fund may have investments that appreciate or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. This may cause the Fund’s NAV per share to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Because the Advisor seeks to invest in companies that have a favorable outlook for long-term growth, generally over five to ten years, short-term investors may not reap the full benefits of the Fund’s investment strategy.
Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. The COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and higher inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets, economic downturns around the world, and severe losses, particularly to some sectors of the economy and individual issuers, and reduced liquidity of certain instruments. These events have caused significant disruptions to business operations, including business closures; strained healthcare systems; disruptions to supply chains and employee availability;
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large fluctuations in consumer demand; large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of such events; and widespread uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of such events.
Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the United States, took extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels for an extended period. The Federal Reserve concluded its market support activities in 2022 and began to raise interest rates in an effort to fight inflation. The Federal Reserve may determine to raise interest rates further. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the pandemic, inflation, or other significant events in the future, may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results.
Such events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Other market events may cause similar disruptions and effects.
Cybersecurity Risk. The computer systems, networks and devices used by the Fund and its service providers to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized by the Fund and its service providers, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach. Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions and impact the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV per share; impediments to trading; the inability of the Fund, the Advisor and other service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.
Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invest; counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for the Fund’s shareholders); and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.
Like with operational risk in general, the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security. However, there are inherent limitations in these plans and systems, including that certain risks may not have been identified, in large part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. As such, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers in which the Fund may invest, trading counterparties or service providers to the Fund. Such entities have experienced cyber-attacks and other attempts to gain unauthorized access to systems from time to time, and there is no guarantee that efforts to prevent or mitigate the effects of such attacks or other attempts to gain unauthorized access will be successful. There is also a risk that cyber security breaches may not be detected. The Fund and its shareholders may suffer losses as a result of a cyber security breach related to the Fund, its service providers, trading counterparties or the issuers in which the Fund invests.
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Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The Fund’s portfolio holdings will be disclosed each day on its website at https://fpag.fpa.com. A description of the Trust’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s SAI, which is available at https://fpag.fpa.com.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund is a series of FPA Funds Trust, an investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund is treated as a separate fund with its own investment objectives and policies. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust. The Board is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Trust. The Board elects the Trust’s officers and approves all significant agreements, including those with the Advisor, custodian and fund administrative and accounting agent.
Investment Advisor
First Pacific Advisors, LP, located at 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90025, is the investment advisor for the Fund. The Advisor is registered with the SEC as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Advisor manages accounts for individuals and institutions as well as the Fund. As of September 30, 2023, it had approximately $23 billion in assets under management. Subject to the oversight of the Board, the Advisor is responsible for managing the Fund’s investments, placing trade orders and providing related administrative services and facilities under an advisory agreement between the Fund and the Advisor (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”).
Portfolio Managers
The Fund is managed on a day-to-day basis by Steven Romick, CFA, Managing Partner of the Advisor; Mark Landecker, CFA, Partner of the Advisor; and Brian A. Selmo, CFA, Partner of the Advisor (collectively, the “Portfolio Managers”).
Mr. Romick joined the Advisor in 1996. Prior to joining the Advisor, he was chairman of Crescent Management and a consulting security analyst for Kaplan, Nathan & Co. Mr. Romick earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Northwestern University. He is a CFA charterholder.
Mr. Landecker joined the Advisor in 2009. Prior to joining the Advisor, he served as portfolio manager at both Kinney Asset Management and Arrow Investments, Inc., and as associate at TD Capital and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Landecker earned a BBA (with honors) from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto. He is a CFA charterholder.
Mr. Selmo joined the Advisor in 2008 where he serves as Director of Research in addition to his role as portfolio manager. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Selmo was founder and managing member of Eagle Lake Capital, LLC and a portfolio manager of its predecessor. Prior to that, he was an analyst at Third Avenue Management and Rothschild, Inc. Mr. Selmo earned a bachelor’s degree in economics (with honors) from The John Hopkins University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He is a CFA charterholder.
The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation structure, other accounts managed and ownership of Shares.
Management Fee
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor an annual advisory fee of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets to be paid on a monthly basis. In addition to investment advisory fees,
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the Fund pays other expenses including costs incurred in connection with the maintenance of securities law registration, printing and mailing prospectuses and statements of additional information to shareholders, certain financial accounting services, taxes or governmental fees, custodial, transfer and shareholder servicing agent costs, expenses of outside counsel and independent accountants, preparation of shareholder reports and expenses of trustee and shareholders meetings.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated March 31, 2024.
The Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Advisor))), to 0.49% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for through January 31, 2026. The Advisor may recoup operating expenses in excess of these limits from the Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits and the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. This agreement may be terminated by the Board of Trustees. In addition, the Advisor may seek reimbursement from the Fund of fees waived or payments made by the Advisor to the Predecessor Fund prior to the Predecessor Fund’s reorganization for a period ending three years after the date of the waiver or payment if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limited and the expense limits in place at the time of the recoupment.
During the period ended September 30, 2023, the Predecessor Fund paid an aggregate percentage of its average net assets to the Advisor of 0.01% (after fee waivers and reimbursements).
BUYING AND SELLING FUND SHARES
Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange. When you buy or sell the Fund’s shares on the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. You may incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. The shares of the Fund will trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the daily NAV of such shares. A “Business Day” with respect to the Fund is any day on which the Exchange is open for business. The Exchange is generally open Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Fund’s NAV is calculated as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the normal close of regular trading on the NYSE, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If for example, the NYSE closes at 1:00 p.m. New York time, the Fund’s NAVs would still be determined as of 4:00 p.m. New York time. In this example, portfolio securities traded on the NYSE would be valued at their closing prices unless the Advisor determines that a “fair value” adjustment is appropriate due to subsequent events. The NAV is determined by dividing the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities, cash and other assets (including accrued interest), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses), by the total number of outstanding shares. The Fund’s NAV may be calculated earlier if permitted by the SEC. The NYSE is closed on weekends and most U.S. national holidays. However, foreign securities listed primarily on non-U.S. markets may trade on weekends or other days on which the Fund does not value its shares, which may significantly affect the Fund’s NAV on those days.
The Fund’s securities generally are valued at market price. Securities are valued at fair value when market quotations are not readily available. The Board has designated the Advisor as the Fund’s valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) to make all fair value determinations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio
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investments, subject to the Board’s oversight. As the Valuation Designee, the Advisor has adopted and implemented policies and procedures to be followed when the Fund must utilize fair value pricing, including when reliable market quotations are not readily available, when the Fund’s pricing service does not provide a valuation (or provides a valuation that, in the judgment of the Advisor, does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Advisor, events have rendered the market value unreliable (see, for example, the discussion of fair value pricing of foreign securities in the paragraph below). Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on the judgment of the Advisor, and may result in a different price being used in the calculation of the Fund’s NAV from quoted or published prices for the same securities. Fair value determinations are made by the Advisor, in good faith, in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. There can be no assurance that the Fund will obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it sells the security.
Other types of portfolio securities that the Advisor may fair value include, but are not limited to: (1) investments that are illiquid or traded infrequently, including “restricted” securities and private placements for which there is no public market; (2) investments for which, in the judgment of the Advisor, the market price is stale; (3) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (4) securities for which trading has been halted or suspended; and (5) fixed income securities for which there is not a current market value quotation.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
The Fund does not impose any restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions of Creation Units; however, the Fund reserves the right to reject or limit purchases at any time as described in the SAI. When considering that no restriction or policy was necessary, the Board evaluated the risks posed by arbitrage and market timing activities, such as whether frequent purchases and redemptions would interfere with the efficient implementation of the Fund’s investment strategy, or whether they would cause the Fund to experience increased transaction costs. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of the Fund are issued and redeemed only in large quantities of shares known as Creation Units available only from the Fund directly to Authorized Participants, and that most trading in the Fund occurs on the Exchange at prevailing market prices and does not involve the Fund directly. Given this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that trading due to arbitrage opportunities or market timing by shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or its shareholders. In addition, frequent trading of shares of the Fund done by Authorized Participants and arbitrageurs is critical to ensuring that the market price remains at or close to NAV.
Availability of Information
Each Business Day, the following information will be available at https://fpag.fpa.com with respect to the Fund: (i) information for each portfolio holding that will form the basis of the next calculation of the Fund’s net asset value per share; (ii) the Fund’s net asset value per share, market price, and premium or discount, each as of the end of the prior Business Day; (iii) a table showing the number of days the Fund’s shares traded at a premium or discount during the most recently completed calendar year and the most recently completed calendar quarter since that year; (iv) a line graph showing Fund share premiums or discounts for the most recently completed calendar year and the most recently completed calendar quarter since that year; (v) the Fund’s median bid-ask spread over the last thirty calendar days; and (vi) if during the past year the Fund’s premium or discount was greater than 2% for more than seven consecutive trading days, a statement that the Fund’s premium or discount, as applicable, was greater than 2% and a discussion of the factors that are reasonably believed to have materially contributed to the premium or discount.
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DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Fund Distributions
The Fund pays out dividends from its net investment income quarterly and distributes its net capital gains, if any, to investors at least annually. The Fund may also make additional payments of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at any other time during the year.
Dividend Reinvestment Service
No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Fund. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Fund for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Shares makes such option available.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion is very general and does not address investors subject to special rules, such as investors who hold Fund shares through an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged account. The SAI contains further information about taxes. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax advisor about your investment in the Fund.
You will generally have to pay federal income taxes, as well as any state or local taxes, on distributions received from the Fund, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. If you sell Fund shares, it is generally considered a taxable event. Distributions of net investment income, other than distributions the Fund reports as “qualified dividend income,” are taxable for federal income tax purposes at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions of net short-term capital gains are also generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions from the Fund’s net capital gain (i.e., the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss) are taxable for federal income tax purposes as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares.
Dividends paid by the Fund (but none of the Fund’s capital gain distributions) may qualify in part for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.. Distributions that the Fund reports as “qualified dividend income” may be eligible to be taxed to non-corporate shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gain if derived from the Fund’s qualified dividend income and/or if certain other requirements are satisfied. “Qualified dividend income” generally is income derived from dividends paid by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that the Fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market.
You may want to avoid buying shares of the Fund just before it declares a distribution (on or before the record date), because such a distribution will be taxable to you even though it may effectively be a return of a portion of your investment.
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Although distributions are generally taxable when received, dividends declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record as of a date in such month and paid during the following January are treated as if received on December 31 of the calendar year when the dividends were declared.
Information on the federal income tax status of dividends and distributions is provided annually.
Dividends and distributions from the Fund and net gain from sales of Fund shares will generally be taken into account in determining a shareholder’s “net investment income” for purposes of the Medicare contribution tax applicable to certain individuals, estates and trusts.
If you do not provide the Fund with your correct taxpayer identification number and any required certifications, you will be subject to backup withholding on your dividends and other distributions. The backup withholding rate is currently 24%.
Dividends and certain other payments made by the Fund to a non-U.S. shareholder are subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be determined in accordance with any applicable treaty). Dividends that are reported by the Fund as “interest-related dividends” or “short-term capital gain dividends” are generally exempt from such withholding. In general, the Fund may report interest-related dividends to the extent of its net income derived from U.S.-source interest and the Fund may report short-term capital gain dividends to the extent its net short-term capital gain for the taxable year exceeds its net long-term capital loss. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax described in this paragraph.
Under legislation commonly referred to as “FATCA,” unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to dividends payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the United States and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement.
Some of the Fund’s investment income may be subject to foreign income taxes that are withheld at the country of origin. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes, but there can be no assurance that the Fund will qualify for treaty benefits.
An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of any cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.
Any gain or loss realized upon a creation of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the securities exchanged therefor as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Similarly, any gain or loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the shares of the Fund comprising the Creation Units as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of the Fund comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and
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otherwise, will generally be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units held for 6 months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).
The Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares of the Fund so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in any securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the shares of the Fund so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.
Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.
DISTRIBUTOR
UMB Distribution Services, LLC, located at 235 West Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, is the distributor for the shares of the Fund. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Co-Administrators. UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”), 235 West Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC (“MFAC”), 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740 (collectively the “Co-Administrators”), act as co-administrators for the Fund. Pursuant to the Co-Administration Agreement, the Co-Administrators receive a fee for administration services based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, which is paid by the Advisor.
Transfer Agent. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Fund’s transfer agent. The transfer agent provides record keeping and shareholder services.
Custodian. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Fund’s custodian. The custodian holds the securities, cash and other assets of the Fund.
Fund Accounting Agent. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the fund accounting agent for the Fund. The fund accounting agent calculates the Fund’s daily NAV.
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Legal Counsel. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (“Morgan Lewis”), 600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800, Costa Mesa, California 92626, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and to the Independent Trustees.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, 50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Investments by Other Registered Investment Companies
For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment company. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of the Fund. Rule 12d1-4 permits other investment companies to invest in the Fund beyond the limits in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions, including that such registered investment companies enter into an agreement with the Trust.
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units are purchased and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the Prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the transfer agent, breaks them down into individual shares, and sells such shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares of the Fund, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares of the Fund, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available with respect to such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker dealer-firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with shares of the Fund that are part of an unsold allotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to shares of the Fund are reminded that under Rule 153 under the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that the Fund’s Prospectus is available on the SEC’s electronic filing system. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
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Appendix C - Financial Highlights of the Acquired Fund
The following table is intended to help you understand the Acquired Fund’s financial performance. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Acquired Fund share. The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the Fund would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Acquired Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The financial information for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 and for the period ended September 30, 2022 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Acquired Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.
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The table below sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period.
Period Ended | Period* Ended | |||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | $ | 18.59 | $ | 24.99 | ||||
Increase/(Decrease) From Operations: | ||||||||
Net investment income (1) | 0.40 | 28 0. | ||||||
Net gain/(loss) from investments (both realized and unrealized) | 5.14 | (6.49 | ) | |||||
Total from operations | 5.54 | (6.21 | ) | |||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||
From net investment income | (0.34 | ) | (0.19 | ) | ||||
Total Distributions | (0.34 | ) | (0.19 | ) | ||||
Net Asset Value, End of Period | $ | 23.79 | $ | 18.59 | ||||
Market Price, End of Period (2) | $ | 23.77 | $ | 18.69 | ||||
Total Return (3) | 29.82 | % | (24.92 | )%4 | ||||
Market Price Total Return (3) | 29.02 | % | (24.52 | )%4 | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | $ | 39,249 | $ | 18,592 | ||||
Ratio to average net assets: | ||||||||
Gross expenses (5,8) | 1.17 | % | 2.25 | %7 | ||||
Net expenses (6,8) | 0.49 | % | 0.49 | %7 | ||||
Net investment income (8,9) | 1.76 | % | 1.61 | %7 | ||||
Portfolio turnover rate (10) | 26 | % | 28 | %4 |
*The FPA Global Equity ETF commenced operations on December 16, 2021. |
(1) Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method, which appropriately presents the per share data for the year/period. |
(2) Market Price is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which shares of the Fund are listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. |
(3) Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, investment of dividends and capital gains distributions if any. |
(4) Not annualized. |
(5) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Advisor. |
(6) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets inclusive of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Advisor. |
(7) Annualized. |
(8) Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(9) The recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(10) Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered from in-kind transactions. |
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APPENDIX D – SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A table showing the fees of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, and the fees and expenses of the Acquiring Fund on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the proposed Reorganization, is included in the “Comparison Fee Tables and Examples” section of the Proxy Statement.
The Reorganization will not result in a material change to the Acquired Fund’s investment portfolio due to the investment restrictions of the Acquiring Fund. In particular, each security held by the Acquired Fund is eligible to be held by the Acquiring Fund. As a result, a schedule of investments of the Acquired Fund modified to show the effects of the change is not required and is not included.
There are no material differences in accounting policies of the Acquired Fund as compared to those of the Acquiring Fund.
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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED [ ], 2024
Acquisition of Substantially All of the Assets of
FPA Global Equity ETF
a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
1-800-982-4372
By and in exchange for shares of
FPA Global Equity ETF,
a series of FPA Funds Trust
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53232
1-[ ]
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is being furnished to shareholders of FPA Global Equity ETF, a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III (the “Acquired Fund”). This SAI relates specifically to the proposed reorganization of the Acquired Fund into a corresponding newly created shell series of FPA Funds Trust (the “Acquiring Fund”) (the “Reorganization”).
This SAI consists of this Cover Page and the following documents, each of which was filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is incorporated by reference herein (is legally considered to be part of this SAI):
● | Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Acquired Fund, each dated February 1, 2023 filed with the SEC on January 27, 2023 (Accession No. 0001580642-23-000480); |
First Pacific Advisors, LP, located at 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, California 90025, serves as the investment advisor to the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund.
This SAI is not a prospectus, and should be read in conjunction with the Combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus, dated [ ], 2024, relating to the Reorganization. The Combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus and any of the materials incorporated by reference into this SAI are available upon request, without charge, by (i) contacting Northern Lights Distributors, LLC at 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkorn, Nebraska 68022, or (ii) by calling (310) 473-0225 or (800) 982-4372 (except from Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands).
S-1 |
The Acquired Fund’s Prospectus dated February 1, 2023, and Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, containing audited financial statements, have been previously mailed to shareholders. Copies of these documents are available upon request and without charge by writing to the Northern Lights Fund Trust III or by calling 1-(800) 982-4372.
S-2 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Financial Information | S4 |
S-3 |
Financial Information
Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Acquired Fund. Deloitte conducts annual audits of the Acquired Fund’s financial statements and provides assistance in connection with the preparation of various SEC filings.
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP will serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization.
Because the Acquiring Fund was created for purposes of this transaction, it has not published an Annual or Semi-Annual Report to shareholders. The Acquiring Fund, which has no assets or liabilities, will commence operations upon the completion of the Reorganization and will continue the operations of the Acquired Fund. The Acquiring Fund will adopt the financial statements, including the financial highlights, of the Acquired Fund following the Reorganization.
The following documents, each of which has been filed with the SEC and will be sent to any shareholder upon request and without charge, are incorporated by reference herein (is legally considered to be part of this SAI):
● | Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Acquired Fund, each dated February 1, 2023 filed with the SEC on January 27, 2023 (Accession No. 0001580642-23-000480); |
S-4 |
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 15. | Indemnification |
Reference is made to Article VI of Registrant’s Declaration of Trust, which is incorporated herein by reference. Registrant hereby also makes the undertaking consistent with Rule 484 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between Registrant and UMB Distribution Services, LLC (“Provider”), Registrant shall indemnify, defend and hold Provider, and each of its present or former directors, members, officers, employees, representatives and any person who controls or previously controlled Provider within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act (“Provider Indemnitees”), free and harmless from and against: (1) any and all losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, charges, payments, costs and expenses (including the costs of investigating or defending any alleged losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, charges, payments, fines, penalties, costs or expenses and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) of any and every nature (“Losses”) which Provider and each of the Provider Indemnitees may incur under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 and any other statute (including Blue Sky laws) or any rule or regulation thereunder, or under common law or otherwise arising out of or based upon any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus, an annual or interim report to shareholders or sales literature, or any amendments or supplements thereto, or arising out of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that Registrant’s obligation to indemnify Provider and any of the foregoing Provider Indemnitees shall not be deemed to cover any Losses arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to Provider and furnished to Registrant or its counsel by Provider in writing for the purpose of, and used in, the preparation thereof; or (2) any and all Losses which Provider and each of the Provider Indemnitees may incur in connection with this Agreement, Provider’s performance hereunder, or Provider’s acting in accordance with instructions from Registrant or its representatives, except to the extent the Losses result from Provider’s breach of this Agreement or from Provider’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
ITEM 16. | EXHIBITS |
(5) | Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders is incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. | |
(6) | Investment Advisory Agreements: | |
(a) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of the FPA Global Equity ETF and First Pacific Advisors, LP (“FPA”) – filed herewith. | |
(b) | Form of Expense Limit Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of FPA Global Equity ETF, and FPA – filed herewith. |
(7) | Distribution Agreements: |
(10) | Distribution Plan and Rule 18f-3 Plan: | |
(a) | Rule 12b-1 Plan - Not applicable. | |
(b) | Rule 18f-3 Plan – Not applicable. | |
(11) | Opinion of Counsel: | |
(a) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel – filed herewith. | |
(12) | Form of Tax Opinion – filed herewith. | |
(13) |
Other Material Contracts | |
(a) | Co-Administration Agreement among Registrant, UMBFS and Mutual Fund Administration LLC (“MFAC”) – filed herewith. |
1. |
The undersigned registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through the use of a prospectus which is a part of the registration statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act, the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form. |
2. | The undersigned registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them. |
3. | Within a reasonable amount of time following the reorganization, the undersigned registrant undertakes to file an opinion of counsel supporting the tax consequences to shareholders discussed in the combined proxy statement and prospectus in a post-effective amendment to this registration statement. |
SIGNATURES
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed on behalf of the Registrant, duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 27th day of December, 2023.
FPA FUNDS TRUST | ||
By: | /s/ Maureen Quill | |
Maureen Quill President and Principal Executive Officer |
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed on the 27th day of December, 2023 by the following persons in the capacities indicated below.
Signatures | Title | |
/s/ Maureen Quill | Trustee, President and Principal Executive Officer | |
Maureen Quill | ||
/s/ John P. Zader* | Trustee | |
John P. Zader | ||
/s/ Sandra Brown* | Trustee | |
Sandra Brown | ||
/s/ Robert F. Goldrich* | Trustee | |
Robert F. Goldrich | ||
/s/ J. Richard Atwood* | Trustee | |
J. Richard Atwood | ||
/s/ Rita Dam | Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer and | |
Rita Dam | Principal Financial Officer |
*By: | /s/ Rita Dam | |
Rita Dam | ||
as Attorney-in-fact, pursuant to power of attorney filed herewith. |
Exhibit Index
EX 16.6(a)
FPA GLOBAL
EQUITY ETF
Form of INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of ________________ by and between FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Fund”), a series of the FPA Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), and First Pacific Advisors, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Fund is engaged in business as an open-end management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”);
WHEREAS, the Adviser is engaged in the business of providing investment advice and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended;
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to retain the Adviser to render investment advisory and management services; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser is willing to perform such services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the Fund and the Adviser agree as follows:
1. Appointment.
(a) The Trust hereby employs the Adviser to provide investment advisory and management services for the Fund. This engagement is for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Adviser hereby accepts such employment and agrees to render the services and to provide, at its own expense, the office space, furnishings and equipment and the personnel required by it to perform the services on the terms and set forth in this Agreement, for the compensation provided below.
2. Advisory and Management Services. The Adviser, subject to the direction and supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees and in conformity with applicable law, the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, as such documents are amended from time to time, Registration Statement, Prospectus and stated investment objectives, policies and restrictions, and the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures shall:
(a) Manage the investment of the Fund’s assets including, by way of illustration, the evaluation of pertinent economic, statistical, financial and other data, the determination of the industries and companies to be represented in the Fund’s portfolio, the formulation and implementation of the Fund’s investment program, the determination from time to time of the securities and other investments to be purchased, retained or sold by the Fund, and the voting, exercising consents and exercising all other rights appertaining to such securities and other assets on behalf of the Fund;
(b) Place orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities for the Fund’s account with broker-dealers selected by the Adviser;
1
(c) Supervise and administer the day-to-day operations of the Fund, including providing, arranging for or supervising the provision of certain services for the Fund necessary or appropriate for operating as an open-end investment company to the extent such services are not provided by persons not parties to this Agreement including, but not limited to:
(1) | monitoring the preparation of the Fund’s required filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and other regulatory and self-regulatory organizations ; |
(2) | filing of the Fund’s federal, state and local tax returns; |
(3) | providing assistance with investor and public relations matters; |
(4) | monitoring the valuation of portfolio securities; |
(5) | monitoring the liquidity of portfolio securities; |
(6) | monitoring the determination of net asset values, including fair valuations, of portfolio securities; |
(7) | monitoring the registration of shares of the Fund under applicable federal and state securities laws; |
(8) | notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to shift to the Adviser or to diminish the obligations of any agent of the Fund or any other person not a party to this Agreement which is employed to provide services to the Fund, and to the extent another agent or person provides such services to the Fund, the Adviser will supervise the provision of such services and not provide such services itself; |
(d) Furnish the Fund with reports, statements and other data on securities, economic conditions and other pertinent subjects which the Trust’s Board of Trustees may reasonably request;
(e) Furnish to the Fund office space at such place as may be agreed upon from time to time, and all office facilities, business equipment, supplies, utilities and telephone services necessary for managing the affairs and investments and keeping those accounts and records of the Fund that are not maintained by the Fund’s transfer agent, custodian, accounting or subaccounting agent;
(f) Pay such expenses as are incurred by it in connection with providing the foregoing services, except as provided in Section 3 below
(g) Respond to the reasonable requests of the Board of Trustees, including provision of full copies of all letters received by the Adviser during the term of this Agreement from the staff of the SEC regarding its examination of the activities of the Adviser as they relate to the Fund, unless such disclosure is prohibited by the SEC or, in the reasonable advice of
2
Adviser’s counsel, is determined it should not be disclosed due to potential litigation or privilege concerns;
(h) .
(i) May, in performing its duties under this Section 2, choose to delegate some or all of its duties and obligations under this Agreement to one or more investment sub-advisers. If the Adviser chooses to do so, such delegation may include but is not limited to delegating the voting of proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities in accordance with the proxy voting policies and procedures of such investment sub-adviser; provided, however, that any such delegation shall be pursuant to an agreement with terms agreed upon by the Trust and approved in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act; and provided, further, that no such delegation shall relieve the Adviser from its duties and obligations of management and supervision of the management of the Fund’s assets pursuant to this Agreement and to applicable law. In connection with the Adviser’s responsibilities with respect to the Fund, if sub-advised, the Adviser shall (i) assess the Fund’s investment focus and investment strategy for each sub-advised portfolio of the Fund; (ii) perform diligence on and monitor the investment performance and adherence to compliance procedures of each investment sub-adviser providing services to the Fund; and (iii) seek to implement decisions with respect to the allocation and reallocation of the Fund’s assets among one or more current or additional investment sub-advisers from time to time, as the Adviser deems appropriate, to enable the Fund to achieve its investment goals.
(h)
3. Fund Expenses. The Fund assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid all expenses of the Fund, including, without limitation: (a) all costs and expenses incident to the public offering of securities of the Fund, including those relating to the issuance and registration of its securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any filings required under state securities laws and any fees payable in connection therewith; (b) the charges and expenses of any custodian appointed by the Fund for the safekeeping of the cash, portfolio securities and other property of the Fund; (c) the charges and expenses of independent accountants; (d) the charges and expenses of stock transfer and dividend disbursing agent or agents and registrar or registrars appointed by the Fund; I the charges and expenses of any accounting or subaccounting agent appointed by the Fund to provide accounting services; (f) brokerage commissions, dealer spreads, and other costs incurred in connection with proposed or consummated portfolio securities transactions; (g) all taxes, including securities issuance and transfer taxes, and corporate fees payable by the Trust to federal, state, local or other governmental agencies; (h) the cost and expense of printing and issuing certificates representing securities of the Trust; (i) fees involved in registering and maintaining registrations of the Trust under the 1940 Act; (j) all expenses of shareholders’ and trustees’ meetings, and of preparing, printing and mailing proxy, prospectuses and statements of additional information of the Funds or other communications for distribution to existing shareholders; (k) fees and expenses of trustees of the Trust who are not officers or employees of the Adviser; (1) all fees and expenses incident to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan; (m) charges and expenses of legal counsel to the independent trustees and to the Trust; (n) charges and expenses of legal counsel related to a transaction for the benefit of the Fund; (o) trade association dues; (p) interest payable on Fund borrowings; (q) any shareholder relations expense; (r) premiums for a fidelity bond and any errors and omissions insurance
3
maintained by the Fund; and (s) any other ordinary or extraordinary expenses (including litigation expenses not incurred in the Fund’s ordinary course of business) incurred by the Fund in the course of its business. To the extent the Adviser incurs any costs by assuming expenses which are an obligation of the Fund as set forth herein, such Fund shall promptly reimburse the Adviser for such costs and expenses, except to the extent the Adviser has otherwise agreed to bear such expenses. To the extent the services for which the Fund is obligated to pay are performed by the Adviser, the Adviser shall be entitled to recover from the Fund to the extent of the Adviser’s actual costs for providing such services.
4. Compensation. As compensation for the services performed with respect to the Fund, the Fund shall pay the Adviser as soon as practicable after the last day of each month a fee for such month computed at an annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s net asset value, as may be amended from time to time.
For the purpose of calculating such fee, the Fund’s net asset value for a month shall be the average of the net asset values as determined for each business day of the month. If this Agreement becomes effective after the first day of a month, or terminates before the last day of a month, the compensation provided shall be prorated.
The Adviser may, but is not required to, reduce all or a portion of the compensation or reimbursement of expenses due to it pursuant to this Agreement and may agree to make payments to limit the expenses which are the responsibility of the Fund under this Agreement. Any such reduction, reimbursement, or payment (collectively, “subsidies”) shall be applicable only to such specific subsidy and shall not constitute an agreement to continue such subsidy in the future. Any such subsidy will be agreed to prior to accrual of the related expense or fee and will be estimated daily and reconciled and paid on a monthly basis. The Adviser may also agree contractually to limit the operating expenses of the Fund. The Adviser may seek reimbursement of any subsidies made by the Adviser either voluntarily or pursuant to a contract. The reimbursement of any subsidy must be sought no later than the end of the third fiscal year following the year to which the subsidy relates. The Adviser may not request or receive reimbursement for any subsidies before payment of the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund for the current fiscal year and cannot cause the Fund to exceed the limitation to which the Adviser has agreed in making such reimbursement.
The Adviser may agree not to require payment of any portion of the compensation or reimbursement of expenses otherwise due to it pursuant to this Agreement prior to the time such compensation or reimbursement has accrued as a liability of the Fund. Any such agreement shall be applicable only with respect to the specific items covered thereby and shall not constitute an agreement not to require payment of any future compensation or reimbursement due to the Adviser hereunder.
5. Services Not Exclusive. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser from acting as investment adviser or manager for any other person, firm or corporation (including any other investment company), whether or not the investment objectives or policies of any such other person, firm or corporation are similar to those of a Fund, and shall not in any way bind or restrict the Adviser or any such affiliated person from buying, selling or trading any securities or commodities for their own accounts or
4
for the account of others for whom the Adviser or any such affiliated person may be acting. While information and recommendations supplied to the Fund shall, in the Adviser’s judgment, be appropriate under the circumstances and in light of the investment objectives and policies of the Fund, they may be different from the information and recommendations supplied by the Adviser or its affiliates to other investment companies, funds and advisory accounts. The Fund shall be entitled to equitable treatment under the circumstances in receiving information, recommendations and any other services, but the Fund recognizes that it is not entitled to receive preferential treatment as compared with the treatment given by the Adviser to any other investment company, fund or advisory account.
6. Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage. In placing portfolio transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the Adviser shall endeavor to obtain on behalf of the Fund the best overall terms available and shall comply with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Adviser shall consider all factors it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the size of and difficulty in executing an order, the value of the expected contribution of the broker or dealer to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, and/or compensation, both for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In evaluating the best overall terms available and in selecting the broker or dealer to execute a particular transaction, the Adviser may also consider the “brokerage and research services” provided to the Fund and/or other accounts over which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer which provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if, but only if, the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of the overall responsibilities of the Adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is further authorized to allocate the orders placed by it on behalf of the Fund to such brokers and dealers who also provide research or statistical material, or other services to the Fund or the Adviser. Such allocation shall be in such amounts and proportions as the Adviser shall determine and the Adviser will report on said allocations regularly to the Board of Trustees indicating the brokers to whom such allocations have been made and the basis therefor. On occasions when the Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Fund as well as of other clients, the Adviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may aggregate the securities to be so purchased or sold in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and the most efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Adviser in the manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients.
7. Agency Cross and Rule 17a-7 Transactions. The Adviser or its affiliates may participate in agency cross transactions involving the Fund provided that the Adviser acts in
5
accordance with the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act, and the Trust’s applicable policies and procedures.
8. Reports by Fund to Adviser. The Fund will from time to time furnish to the Adviser detailed statements of its investments and assets, and information as to its investment objective and needs, and will make available to the Adviser such financial reports, proxy statements, legal and other information relating to the Fund’s investments as may be in its possession or available to it, together with such other information as the Adviser may reasonably request.
Errors and Omissions Insurance. The Adviser will maintain errors and omissions insurance in an amount at least equal to that disclosed to the Board of Trustees in connection with its approval of this Agreement, or will provide the Trust with at least 30 days’ advance written notice if the Adviser obtains such insurance in a lesser amount.
9. Books and Records. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 3la-3 under the 1940 Act, the Adviser agrees that all records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund’s request. The Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 3la-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 3la-l under the 1940 Act.
10. Limitation of Liability; Indemnification. Neither the Adviser, nor any director, partner, manager, officer, agent or employee of the Adviser, shall be liable or responsible to the Fund or any of its shareholders for any error of judgment, mistake of law or any loss arising out of any investment, or for any other act or omission in the performance by such person or persons of their respective duties, except for liability resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their respective duties. The Adviser shall discharge all of its duties enumerated under this Agreement in the interest of the Fund with the care, skill, prudence and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so. The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser and its directors, partners, managers, officers, agents, and employees from all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims and liabilities (including, without limitation, liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the 1940 Act, and any state and foreign securities laws, all as amended from time to time) and expenses, including (without limitation) reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, arising out of any investment, or for any other act or omission in the performance by such person or persons of their respective duties, except that such person shall not be indemnified against any liability resulting from such person’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
11. Nature of Relationship. The Fund and the Adviser are not partners or joint venturers with each other and nothing herein shall be construed so as to make them such partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such on either of them. The Adviser is an
6
independent contractor and, except as expressly provided or authorized in this Agreement, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Fund.
12. Duration and Termination. This Agreement shall become effective upon its execution and shall continue in effect until two years from the date hereof, provided it is approved by the vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in effect from year to year, provided its continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund or by vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, and (b) by vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” of any party to this Agreement, cast in person or by such other means and pursuant to such terms as permitted by the SEC by regulation, exemptive order or otherwise, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Trust (either by vote of its Board of Trustees or by vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Trust) may, at any time and without payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement upon sixty days’ written notice to the Adviser. This Agreement shall automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its “assignment.” The Adviser may terminate this Agreement without payment of any penalty on sixty days’ written notice to the Trust.
13. Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, the terms “assignment,” “interested person,” and “majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall have their respective meanings defined in the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC, or such interpretive positions as may be taken by the SEC or its staff under said Act, and the term “brokerage and research services” shall have the meaning given in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Rules and Regulations thereunder.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including all Schedules hereto, as the same may be amended from time to time, shall constitute the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, relating to the subject matter hereof.
15. Amendment of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be amended by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto. Any amendment of this Agreement shall be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and the terms hereof.
16. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
17. Notices. Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing, addressed and delivered to the party to this Agreement entitled to receive such notice at such address as such party may designate in writing and shall be deemed to be received on the earlier of the date actually received or on the fourth day after the postmark if such notice is mailed first class postage prepaid.
7
18. Name of Adviser. The parties agree that the Adviser has a proprietary interest in the name “FPA,” and the Fund agrees to promptly take such action as may be necessary to delete from its corporate name and/or the name of the Funds any reference to the name of the Adviser or the name “FPA,” promptly after receipt from the Adviser of a written request therefore.
19. Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
20. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent applicable law of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein conflict with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
22. Additional Limitation of Liability. The parties hereto are expressly put on notice that a Certificate of Trust, referring to the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Certificate”), is on file with the Secretary of the State of Delaware. The Certificate was executed by a trustee of the Trust on behalf of the Trust as trustee, and not individually, and, as provided in the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the obligations of the Trust are not binding on the Trust’s trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust, or the particular series in question, as the case may be. Further, the liabilities and obligations of any series of the Trust shall be enforceable only against the assets belonging to such series, and not against the assets of any other series.
8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this agreement as of the day and year first above written in Los Angeles, California.
FPA GLOBAL
EQUITY ETF, a Series of FPA Funds Trust | |
By: ________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: | |
FIRST PACIFIC ADVISORS, LP | |
BY: FPA GP, Inc. | |
Its: General Partner | |
By: ________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: |
9
EX 16.6(b)
FPA GLOBAL EQUITY ETF
OPERATING EXPENSES LIMITATION AGREEMENT
THIS OPERATING EXPENSES LIMITATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is dated as of ______________, 20__, by and between FPA FUNDS TRUST, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Fund”), a series of the Trust, , as amended from time to time, and the investment advisor of the Fund, First Pacific Advisors, L.P. (the “Advisor”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Advisor renders advice and services to the Fund pursuant to the terms and provisions of an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Advisor dated ___________, 20__ (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Fund is responsible for, and has assumed the obligation for, payment of certain expenses of such Fund pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement that have not been assumed by the Advisor; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to limit the Operating Expenses (as defined in Paragraph 2 herein) of the Fund (or as applicable each class of the Fund set forth in Appendix A (each a “Class”)), for the Expense Limitation Period (as defined in Paragraph 2 herein) pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and the Trust (on behalf of the Fund) desires to allow the Advisor to implement those limits;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties, intended to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:
1. | Limit on Operating Expenses. |
a. | The Advisor hereby agrees to limit current Operating Expenses of the Fund (or as applicable each Class of the Fund), to an annual rate, expressed as a percentage of average annual net assets, to the amounts listed in Appendix A (the “Annual Limits”) with respect to the Fund (or Class, as applicable). In the event that the current Operating Expenses for the Fund (or Class, as applicable), as accrued each month, exceed the Annual Limit, the Advisor will pay to the Fund (for the benefit of such Class, as applicable) on a monthly basis, the excess expense within 30 days of being notified that an excess expense payment is due. Such payment may include waiving all or a portion of the Advisor’s investment advisory fee. |
2. | Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, with respect to the Fund (and each Class of shares thereof): |
a. | The term “Operating Expenses” is defined to include all expenses necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Fund (or Class, as applicable), including the Advisor’s investment advisory or management fee detailed in the Investment Advisory Agreement and any Rule 12b-1 fees and other expenses described in the Investment Advisory Agreement, but does not include taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund |
fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses.
b. | For each Fund, the term “Expense Limitation Period” is defined as the period of time commencing on the Effective Date (as defined in Paragraph 4 herein) and ending on the date specified in Appendix A. |
3. Reimbursement of Fees and Expenses. Any payments to the Fund by the Advisor (with respect to a Class, as applicable) (each a “Subsidy”) pursuant to this Agreement are subject to reimbursement by the Fund (or Class, as applicable) to the Advisor for a period ending three (3) years after the date of the Subsidy, if so requested by the Advisor. The reimbursement may be paid by the Fund (or Class, as applicable) if the aggregate amount of the Fund’s (or Class’) Operating Expenses for the fiscal year in which the request for reimbursement is made, taking into account the reimbursement, does not exceed the Annual Limit in place at the time of the Subsidy or the current limitation on the Fund’s (or Class’) Operating Expenses, if less. In no case will the reimbursement amount exceed the total amount of Subsidies made by the Advisor with respect to the Fund (or Class, as applicable) pursuant to this Agreement and no reimbursement will include any amounts previously reimbursed. No reimbursement may be paid prior to the Fund’s payment of current Operating Expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the provisions of this Paragraph 3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, provided this Agreement shall terminate simultaneously with the Investment Advisory Agreement. In such event, the Annual Limits for purposes of this Paragraph 3 shall continue to be the amounts listed in Appendix A.
4. Term. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to the Fund (or Class, as applicable), on the date specified in Appendix A (the “Effective Date”) and shall remain until the earlier of i) the end of the Fund’s Expense Limitation Period and ii) upon the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
5. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to the Fund or Class, and without payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Advisor. This Agreement will automatically terminate with respect to the Fund listed in Appendix A if the Investment Advisory Agreement for the Fund is terminated, with such termination effective upon the effective date of the Investment Advisory Agreement’s termination for the Fund.
6. Assignment. This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the other party.
7. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to preempt, or to be inconsistent with, any federal law, regulation or rule, including the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and attested by their duly authorized officers, all on the day and year first above written.
FPA FUNDS TRUST | FIRST PACIFIC ADVISORS, L.P. |
By: FPA GP, Inc. | |
Its: General Partner | |
By: | By: |
Print Name: | Print Name: |
Title: | Title: |
Appendix A
Fund | Annual Operating Expense Limit | Effective Date | Termination Date |
FPA Global Equity ETF | 0.49% | __/__/2024 | 01/31/2026 |
EX 16.7(c)
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is effective as of this [ ] day of [ ], by and between FPA Funds Trust, a Delaware business trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of each of the separate investment funds listed on Appendix D hereto (the “Funds”), First Pacific Advisors, LP (f/k/a First Pacific Advisors, LLC), a Delaware limited partnership (the “Advisor”), UMB Fund Services, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation (“UMBFS”), UMB Distribution Services, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“UMBDS”) and UMB Bank, N.A., a national banking Association (the “Bank”).
WHEREAS, the Trust and UMBFS have entered into a Transfer Agency Agreement (the “TA Agreement”) dated as of November 7, 2011;
WHEREAS, the Trust and UMBDS have entered into a Distribution Agreement dated as of September 28, 2012 (the “Distribution Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Advisor and UMBDS have entered into two agreements, each dated as of September 28, 2012 (the “Side Agreement” and the “Merrill Indemnification Agreement”) and an Inbound Call Management and Fulfillment Agreement dated November 7, 2011 (the “Call Management Agreement”) (the TA Agreement, Distribution Agreement, Side Agreement, Merrill Indemnification Agreement, and Call Management Agreement collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements”);
WHEREAS, UMBFS, the Bank and the Trust have entered into a Retirement Plan Agreement dated December 1, 2011 (the “Retirement Plan Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Agreements as set forth herein by entering into this Amendment.
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and such other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Schedule A to each of the Agreements shall be hereby amended, restated and superseded in its entirely by the respective amended Schedule A attached hereto.
2. Appendix D to the Retirement Plan Agreement shall be hereby amended, restated and superseded in its entirety by Appendix D attached hereto.
4. Any reference to any Agreement shall be a reference to such Agreement as amended hereby. All rights, obligations and liabilities in respect of the Agreements shall continue to exist save as varied herein. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Amendment and the Agreements, the terms of this Amendment shall prevail.
5. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.
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6. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, excluding the laws on conflicts of laws.
[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
2 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed in counterparts by their respective officers, thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
FPA FUNDS TRUST | |
(the “Trust”) |
By: | ||
Maureen Quill | ||
President |
FIRST PACIFIC ADVISORS, LP | |
(The “Advisor”) |
By: | ||
J. Richard Atwood | ||
Director of FPA GP, Inc. | ||
General Partner of the Advisor |
UMB FUND SERVICES, INC. | |
(“UMBFS”) |
By: | ||
Maureen A. Quill | ||
Executive Vice President |
UMB DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, LLC | |
(“UMBDS”) |
By: | ||
Scott Schulenburg | ||
President |
UMB BANK, N.A. | |
(the “Bank”) |
By: | ||
Kevin Hammers | ||
Senior Vice President |
3 |
Fourth Amended and Restated
Schedule A
to the
Transfer Agency Agreement
by and between
FPA Funds Trust
and
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
NAMES OF FUNDS
FPA Crescent Fund
FPA Flexible Fixed Income Fund
FPA New Income Fund
FPA Queens Road Value Fund
FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund
FPA Global Equity Fund
4 |
Third Amended and Restated
Schedule A
to the
Distribution Agreement
by and between
the Funds
and
UMB Distribution Services, LLC
NAMES OF FUNDS
FPA Crescent Fund
FPA Flexible Fixed Income Fund
FPA New Income Fund
FPA Queens Road Value Fund
FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund
FPA Global Equity Fund
FPA Global Equity ETF
5 |
Third Amended and Restated
Schedule A
to the
Agreement
(“Side Agreement”)
by and between
First Pacific Advisors, LP
(f/k/a First Pacific Advisors, LLC)
and
UMB Distribution Services, LLC
FUNDS
FPA New Income Fund
FPA Crescent Fund
FPA Flexible Fixed Income Fund
FPA Queens Road Value Fund
FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund
FPA Global Equity Fund
FPA Global Equity ETF
6 |
Third Amended and Restated
Schedule A
to the
Agreement
(“Merrill Indemnification Agreement”)
by and between
First Pacific Advisors, LP
(f/k/a First Pacific Advisors, LLC)
and
UMB Distribution Services, LLC
FUNDS
FPA New Income Fund
FPA Crescent Fund
FPA Flexible Fixed Income Fund
FPA Queens Road Value Fund
FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund
FPA Global Equity Fund
FPA Global Equity ETF
7 |
Third Amended and Restated
Schedule A
to the
Inbound Call Management and Fulfillment Services Agreement
by and between
First Pacific Advisors, LP
(f/k/a First Pacific Advisors, LLC)
and
UMB Distribution Services, LLC
NAMES OF FUNDS
FPA New Income Fund
FPA Crescent Fund
FPA Flexible Fixed Income Fund
FPA Queens Road Value Fund
FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund
FPA Global Equity Fund
FPA Global Equity ETF
8 |
Appendix D
FUNDS
FPA New Income Fund
FPA Crescent Fund
FPA Flexible Fixed Income Fund
FPA Queens Road Value Fund
FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund
FPA Global Equity Fund
FPA Global Equity ETF
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EX 16.7(d)
FORM OF AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
FPA Funds Trust
This authorized participant agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into by UMB Distribution Services, LLC (the “Distributor”), [Name of Participant] (the “Participant”), Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Transfer Agent”), and FPA Funds Trust (the “Trust” and, together with the Distributor, Participant, and Transfer Agent, the “Parties”), a series trust offering a number of portfolios of securities (collectively, the “Funds”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein are defined in the current prospectus for each Fund and included in the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as it may be amended or otherwise filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (together with such Fund’s Statement of Additional Information incorporated therein, the “Prospectus”).
The Distributor provides services as principal underwriter of the Funds acting on an agency basis in connection with the distribution of shares of beneficial interest of each Fund (“Shares”). The Transfer Agent has been retained to provide certain transfer agency services and to be the order taker with respect to the purchase and redemption of Creation Units of Shares.
This Agreement is intended to set forth certain procedures by which the Participant may purchase and/or redeem Creation Units through the Federal Reserve/Treasury Automated Debt Entry System maintained at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Federal Reserve Book-Entry System”) and the Continuous Net Settlement (“CNS”) clearing processes of National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) (as such processes have been enhanced to effect purchases and redemptions of Creation Units, the “CNS Clearing Process”) or, outside of the CNS Clearing Process, the manual process of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”).
Nothing in this Agreement shall obligate the Participant to create or redeem one or more Creation Units of Shares, to facilitate a creation or redemption through it by a participant client, or to sell (or offer to sell) Shares.
The Parties agree as follows:
1. | Status, Representations, and Warranties of Participant. |
(a) The Participant represents and warrants that it has (and during the term of this Agreement will continue to have) the ability to:
(i) transact through the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System; and
(ii) with respect to orders for the purchase of Creation Units (“Purchase Orders”) or orders for redemption of Creation Units (“Redemption Orders” and, together with Purchase Orders, the “Orders”) transact (A) through the CNS Clearing Process, because it is a member of NSCC and a participant in the CNS System of NSCC and/or (B) outside the CNS Clearing Process, because it is a DTC participant (a “DTC Participant”). The Participant shall give prompt written notice of any change in the foregoing status of the Participant to the Distributor and the Transfer Agent, and any such change shall automatically and immediately terminate this Agreement.
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The Participant may place Orders either through the CNS Clearing Process or outside the CNS Clearing Process, subject to the procedures for purchase and redemption set forth in the Prospectus and Section 2 of this Agreement.
(b) The Participant represents and warrants that it is (i) a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or it is exempt from registration (or otherwise not required to be registered as a broker-dealer or a member of FINRA); (ii) registered and/or licensed to act as a broker or dealer, as required under all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in the states or other jurisdictions in which the Participant conducts its activities, or it is otherwise exempt; and (iii) a Qualified Institutional Buyer, as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”).
The Participant shall (i) maintain such registrations, licenses, qualifications, and memberships in good standing and in full force and effect throughout the term of this Agreement; (ii) comply with applicable FINRA rules and regulations and the securities laws of any jurisdiction in which it sells Shares (directly or indirectly) to the extent such laws, rules, and regulations relate to the Participant’s transactions in (and activities with respect to) the Shares; and (iii) not offer or sell Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction where such Shares may not lawfully be offered and/or sold. The Participant shall give prompt written notice of any change in the foregoing status of the Participant to the Distributor and the Transfer Agent, and any such change shall automatically and immediately terminate this Agreement.
(c) In the event Shares are authorized for sale in jurisdictions outside the several states, territories, and possessions of the United States (and the Participant offers and sells Shares in such jurisdictions and is not otherwise required to be registered or qualified as a broker or dealer or to be a member of FINRA as set forth above), the Participant shall nevertheless (i) observe the applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which such offer and/or sale is made to comply with any applicable disclosure requirements of the 1933 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) conduct its business in accordance with applicable FINRA rules and regulations, to the extent the foregoing relates to the Participant’s transactions in (and activities with respect to) the Shares.
(d) The Participant understands and acknowledges that (i) the method by which Creation Units will be created and traded may raise certain issues under certain interpretations of applicable U.S. federal securities laws (for example, because new Creation Units of Shares may be issued and sold by a Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution”, as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur at any point); (ii) depending on the circumstances, some activities on its part may result in it being deemed a participant in a distribution in a manner which could, under certain interpretations of applicable law, render it a statutory underwriter and subject it to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act; and (iii) dealers who are not “underwriters,” but who effect transactions in Shares (whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares) are generally required to deliver a prospectus. For the avoidance of doubt, the Participant does not admit to being an underwriter of the Shares. Upon written request by the Participant, Distributor and Trust will make available to appropriate representatives of the Participant access to such information and personnel as is reasonable and customary to enable parties to establish a due diligence defense under the 1933 Act; provided that Distributor need not disclose any non-public information to any such representative unless such representative has entered into a confidentiality agreement with Distributor.
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(e) The Participant shall (subject to any contractual obligations or obligations arising under the federal or state securities laws that the Participant may have to its customers) provide reasonable assistance to the Trust or its designee in ascertaining certain information regarding sales of Shares made by or through the Participant necessary for a Fund to comply with its obligations to distribute information to its shareholders (as may be required under applicable state or federal securities laws, rules, and regulations).
2. Execution of Purchase and Redemption Orders.
(a) All Orders must comply with the procedures for Orders set forth in the Prospectus and in this Agreement (including Attachment A). The Participant, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent shall each comply with the provisions of the Prospectus, this Agreement, and the laws, rules, and regulations that are applicable to it in its role under this Agreement. With respect to procedures for Orders, if there is a conflict between the terms of the Prospectus and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Prospectus control.
(b) Phone lines used in connection with Orders will be recorded. The Participant hereby consents to the recording of all calls in connection with the Orders; provided that the Participant may reasonably request that the recording party promptly provide the Participant with copies of recordings of any such calls, which have been retained in accordance with the recording party’s usual document retention policy. If a recording party becomes legally compelled to disclose to any third party any recording involving communications with the Participant, to the extent legally permitted to do so, such recording party shall provide the Participant with reasonable advance written notice identifying the recordings to be disclosed, together with copies of such recordings, so that the Participant may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy with respect to the recordings or waive its right to do so.
(c) Delivery of any Order shall be irrevocable; provided that the Trust, Transfer Agent, and the Distributor each reserve the right to reject any Order for any reason.
(d) The Participant understands that a Creation Unit generally will not be issued until the requisite cash (the “Cash Component”) and/or the designated basket of securities and instruments (the “Deposit Securities”), as well as applicable transaction fee (the “Transaction Fee”) and taxes, are transferred to the Trust on or before the settlement date in accordance with the Prospectus.
(e) With respect to any Redemption Order, the Participant shall return to a Fund any dividend, distribution, or other corporate action paid to it (or to a party for which it is acting) in respect of any security that is transferred to the Participant in connection with such Redemption Order (“Fund Security”) that, based on the valuation of such Fund Security at the time of transfer, should have been paid to the Fund. Also, a Fund is entitled to reduce the amount of money or other proceeds due to the Participant (or any party for which it is acting) by an amount equal to any dividend, distribution, or other corporate action to be paid in respect of any Fund Security that is transferred to the Participant that, based on the valuation of such Fund Security at the time of transfer, should be paid to the Fund. With respect to any Purchase Order, any dividend, distribution, or other corporate action paid to the Fund in respect of any Deposit Security that is transferred to the Fund that, based on the valuation of such Deposit Security at the time of transfer, should have been paid to the Participant (or any party for which it is acting) will be returned to the Participant.
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3. Authorization of Transfer Agent. With respect to Orders submitted through the CNS Clearing Process, the Participant hereby authorizes the Transfer Agent (or its designee) to transmit to the NSCC on behalf of the Participant such instructions (including share and cash amounts as are necessary with respect to the purchase and redemption of Creation Units) and Orders consistent with the instructions and Orders issued by the Participant to the Transfer Agent. The Participant shall be bound by the terms of such instructions and Orders as reported by the Transfer Agent (or its designee) to the NSCC as though such instructions were issued by the Participant directly to the NSCC, except to the extent that such instructions do not accurately reflect the instructions communicated by the Participant to the Transfer Agent (or its designee) in all material respects.
4. Marketing Materials and Representations.
(a) The Participant represents and warrants that it will not make any representations concerning a Fund, Creation Units, or Shares, other than those consistent with the Prospectus or any Marketing Materials (as defined below) furnished to the Participant by the Distributor and pursuant to or in accordance with applicable laws and regulations (including FINRA Rules).
(b) The Participant shall not furnish (nor cause to be furnished by it or its employees) to any person (nor display or publish) any information or materials relating to a Fund or the Shares, including, without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature, advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters, signs, or other similar materials (“Marketing Materials”), unless such Marketing Materials:
(i) are provided to the Participant by the Distributor or Trust; or
(ii) if prepared by the Participant, (A) reference only the Fund and make no reference to any third parties (including the Transfer Agent or their products or services); (B) are consistent in all material respects with the Prospectus and clearly indicate that such Marketing Materials are prepared and distributed by the Participant; (C) comply with applicable FINRA rules and regulations; and (D) are filed with FINRA (if required by applicable laws, rules, or regulations).
(c) The Trust represents and warrants that (i) the Prospectus is effective, no stop order of the SEC or any other federal, state, or foreign regulatory authority or self-regulatory authority with respect thereto has been issued, no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or (to its knowledge) are being contemplated; (ii) the Prospectus conforms in all material respects to the requirements of all applicable law (and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder) and does not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 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; (iii) the Shares (when issued and delivered against payment of consideration thereof, as provided in this Agreement) will be duly and validly authorized, issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free of statutory and contractual preemptive rights, rights of first refusal, and similar rights; (iv) no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration, or qualification of or with any court or governmental agency or body is required for the issuance and sale of the Shares, except the registration of the Shares under the 1933 Act; (v) Shares will be approved for listing on a national securities exchange; (vi) it will not lend Fund securities pursuant to any securities lending arrangement that would prevent the Trust from settling a Redemption Order when due; (vii) any and all Marketing Materials prepared by the Trust and provided to the Participant in connection with the offer and sale of Shares shall comply with applicable
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law (including without limitation, the provisions of the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and applicable requirements of FINRA) and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact related to a Fund or the Shares (or omit to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading); and (viii) it will not name the Participant in the Prospectus, Marketing Materials, or on the Fund’s website without the prior written consent of Participant, unless such naming is required by law, rule, or regulation.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the term Marketing Materials shall not include (i) written materials of any kind that generally mention a Fund without recommending the Fund (including in connection with a list of products sold through Participant or in the context of asset allocations); (ii) materials prepared and used for the Participant’s internal use only; (iii) brokerage communications, including correspondence and institutional communications (as defined under FINRA rules) prepared by the Participant in the normal course of its business; and (iv) research reports; provided however that any such materials prepared by Participant comply with applicable FINRA rules and regulations and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
5. Title to Securities; Restricted Shares. The Participant represents and warrants on behalf of itself and any party for which it acts that (a) Deposit Securities delivered by it to the custodian and/or any relevant sub-custodian in connection with a Purchase Order will not be “restricted securities” (as such term is used in Rule 144(a)(3)(i) of the 1933 Act) and (b) at the time of delivery, the Fund will acquire good and unencumbered title to such Deposit Securities, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges, and encumbrances, and not be subject to any adverse claims.
6. Cash Component. The Participant shall, in connection with a Purchase Order (whether for itself or any party for which it acts) make available on or before the contractual settlement date (the “Contractual Settlement Date”), by means satisfactory to the Trust and in accordance with the provisions of the Prospectuses, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Trust to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after acceptance of the Purchase Order, together with the applicable Transaction Fee. Any excess funds will be returned following settlement of the Purchase Order. The Participant shall ensure that the Cash Component will be received by the issuing Fund in accordance with the terms of the applicable Prospectus (but in any event on or before the Contractual Settlement Date). In the event payment of such Cash Component has not been made in accordance with the provisions of the Prospectuses or by such Contractual Settlement Date, the Participant shall, in connection with a Purchase Order, pay the amount of the Cash Component plus interest (computed at such reasonable rate as may be specified by the Fund). The Participant shall be liable to the custodian, any sub-custodian, or the Trust for any amounts advanced by the custodian or any sub-custodian in its sole discretion to the Participant for payment of the amounts due and owing for the Cash Component. Computation of the Cash Component shall exclude any taxes, duties, or other fees and expenses payable upon the transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Participant and not the Trust.
7. Payment of Certain Fees and Taxes.
(a) In connection with Orders of Creation Units, the Participant shall pay the Transaction Fee applicable to the transaction as set forth in the Prospectus. The Trust reserves the right to adjust the Transaction Fee subject to any limitations in the Prospectus and upon reasonable advance notice to the Participant.
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(b) In connection with Orders of Creation Units, the computation of any cash amount to be paid by or to the Participant shall exclude any taxes or other fees and expenses payable upon the transfer of beneficial ownership of Shares or Fund Securities. The Participant shall be responsible for any transfer tax, sales or use tax, stamp tax, recording tax, value added tax, or any other similar tax, fee, or government charge (collectively, “Taxes”) applicable to and imposed upon the purchase or redemption of any Creation Units made pursuant to this Agreement. To the extent the Trust or its agents pay any such Taxes (or they are otherwise imposed in connection with transactions effected by the Participant), the Participant shall promptly reimburse and pay such party for any such payment, together with any applicable penalties, additions to tax, or interest thereon. This Section 7(b) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
8. Role of Participant.
(a) Each Party acknowledges and agrees that, for all purposes of this Agreement, the Participant will be deemed to be an independent contractor and will have no authority to act as agent for the Trust, Funds, or the Distributor in any matter or in any respect under this Agreement. The Participant shall make itself and its employees available, upon reasonable request, during normal business hours to consult with the Trust, the Distributor, or their designees concerning the performance of the Participant’s responsibilities under this Agreement.
(b) The Participant (as a DTC Participant and in connection with any purchase or redemption transactions in which it acts on behalf of a third party) shall extend to such party all of the rights (and shall be bound by all of the obligations) of a DTC Participant in addition to any obligations that it undertakes hereunder or in accordance with the Prospectuses.
(c) The Participant represents that it may be a “Beneficial Owner” (as that term is defined in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of Shares. To the extent that it is a Beneficial Owner, the Participant shall irrevocably appoint the Distributor as its attorney and proxy with full authorization and power to vote (or abstain from voting) the Participant’s beneficially owned Shares with no input from the Participant. The Distributor will vote (or abstain from voting) the Participant’s beneficially owned Shares in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the applicable Fund or the Trust. The Distributor, as attorney and proxy for the Participant hereunder: (i) is hereby given full power of substitution and revocation; (ii) may act through such agents, nominees, or attorneys as it may appoint; and (iii) may provide voting instructions to such agents, nominees, or substitute attorneys. This irrevocable proxy terminates upon termination of the Agreement. This irrevocable proxy shall automatically terminate with respect to any Fund or the Trust as a whole if the Distributor ceases to act as Distributor to any Fund or the Trust, as applicable. In connection with this grant by the Participant to the Distributor of its irrevocable proxy, which the Distributor hereby accepts, the Distributor represents and warrants to the Participant that it has an interest in the Fund sufficient to support this irrevocable proxy as provided under applicable law.
(d) The Participant represents and warrants that it has implemented (and shall maintain and implement on an on-going basis) an anti-money laundering program designed to comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and any rules adopted thereunder and/or any applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations of other jurisdictions where the Participant conducts
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business, and any rules adopted thereunder or guidelines issued, administered, or enforced by any governmental agency.
9. Authorized Persons of the Participant.
(a) Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Participant shall deliver to the Trust, Transfer Agent, and Distributor a certificate in the format of Attachment A to this Agreement, duly certified by the Participant’s Secretary or other duly authorized officer of Participant, setting forth the names and signatures of all persons authorized by the Participant (each an “Authorized Person”) to give Orders and instructions relating to any activity contemplated by this Agreement on behalf of the Participant. Such certificate may be relied upon by the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, and the Trust as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Trust, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent of a superseding certificate or of written notice from the Participant that an individual should be added to (or removed from) the certificate. Whenever the Participant wants to add an Authorized Person, revoke the authority of an Authorized Person, or change or cancel a PIN (as defined below), the Participant shall give prompt written notice of such fact to the Trust, Transfer Agent, and Distributor, and such notice shall be effective upon receipt.
(b) The Transfer Agent shall issue to each Authorized Person a unique personal identification number (a “PIN”) by which (i) the Participant and such Authorized Person shall be identified and (ii) instructions issued by the Participant through the Authorized Person shall be authenticated. Each Authorized Person shall keep his/her PIN confidential, and only those Authorized Persons who were issued a PIN shall use such PIN to identify himself/herself and to submit instructions for the Participant. If an Authorized Person’s PIN is changed, the new PIN will become effective on a date mutually agreed upon in writing by the Participant and the Transfer Agent. If an Authorized Person’s PIN is compromised, the Participant shall contact the Transfer Agent promptly in writing in order for a new one to be issued. Upon receipt of written notice as set forth in Section 9(a), the Transfer Agent shall promptly issue a PIN when the Participant adds an Authorized Person and shall promptly cancel a PIN when the Participant revokes a person’s authority to act for it.
(c) The Transfer Agent and Distributor shall not have any obligation to verify instructions or Orders given using a PIN and may assume that all instructions and Orders issued to it using an Authorized Person’s PIN have been properly placed, unless the Transfer Agent and Distributor have actual knowledge to the contrary (e.g. they received from the Participant written notice as set forth in Section 9(a) that such person is no longer authorized to act on behalf of Participant). None of the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, the Trust, or the Funds shall be liable (absent gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct) for any Loss (as defined below) incurred by the Participant as a result of the unauthorized use of an Authorized Person’s PIN, unless the Transfer Agent, Distributor, and the Trust previously received from Participant written notice to revoke such Authorized Person’s PIN as set forth in Section 9(a). This Section 9(c) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
10. Redemptions.
(a) Redemption Orders may be submitted only on days that the Trust is open for business, as required by Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
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(b) The Participant represents and warrants that it will not attempt to place a Redemption Order for the purpose of redeeming any Creation Units, unless it first ascertains or has reasonable grounds to believe that as of the time of the Contractual Settlement Date (i) it or its customer, as the case may be, will own outright or have full legal authority and legal and beneficial right to tender for redemption the requisite number of Shares to be redeemed and (ii) such Shares have not been loaned or pledged to another party and are not the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement, or any other agreement that would preclude the delivery of such Shares to the Fund on such Contractual Settlement Date.
(c) The Participant understands that Shares of any Fund may be redeemed only when one or more Creation Units are held in its account.
(d) In the event that the Distributor, Transfer Agent, and/or the Trust reasonably believes that the Participant would not be able to deliver the requisite number of Shares to be redeemed as a Creation Unit on the settlement date, the Trust and/or the Distributor or Transfer Agent, may reject the Participant’s Redemption Order without liability.
(e) In the event that the Participant receives Fund Securities the value of which exceeds the net asset value of the applicable Fund Shares at the time of redemption, the Participant shall pay to the applicable Fund an amount in cash equal to the difference (or return such Fund Securities to the Fund) on the same business day it is notified (or cause the Participant client to pay on such day).
11. Beneficial Ownership.
(a) The Participant represents and warrants that, based upon the number of outstanding Shares of any particular Fund, either (i) it does not (and will not in the future as the result of one or more Purchase Orders) hold for the account of any single Beneficial Owner, or group of related Beneficial Owners, 80 percent or more of the currently outstanding Shares of such Fund, so as to cause the Fund to have a basis in the portfolio securities deposited with the Fund different from the market value of such portfolio securities on the date of such deposit, pursuant to sections 351 and 362 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or (ii) it is carrying some or all of the Deposit Securities as a dealer and as inventory in connection with its market making activities.
(b) A Fund, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent have the right to require, as a condition to the acceptance of a deposit of Deposit Securities, information from the Participant regarding ownership of the Fund Shares by such Participant and its customers, and to rely thereon to the extent necessary to make a determination regarding ownership of 80 percent or more of the Fund’s currently outstanding Fund Shares by a Beneficial Owner.
12. Obligations of Participant.
(a) Pursuant to its obligations under the federal securities laws, the Participant shall maintain all books and records of all sales of Shares made by or through it as required by law and to furnish copies of such records to the Trust, Transfer Agent, and/or the Distributor upon their reasonable request, subject to any obligations under the federal or state securities laws that the Participant owes to its clients, as applicable to each client, or the applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization. This Section 12(a) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
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(b) The Participant affirms that it (i) has procedures in place designed to protect the privacy of non-public personal consumer/customer financial information to the extent required by applicable law, rule, and regulation and (ii) will maintain such procedures throughout the term of this Agreement.
(c) The Participant represents, covenants, and warrants that it has taken affirmative steps, so that the Participant will not be an affiliated person of a Fund, a promoter or principal underwriter of a Fund, or an affiliated person of such persons due to ownership of Shares (including through its grant of an irrevocable proxy relating to the Shares to the Distributor).
13. Indemnification. This Section 13 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
(a) The Participant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor, the Trust, the Funds, the Transfer Agent, their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, trustees, partners, officers, employees, and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (each a “Participant Indemnified Party”), from and against any loss, liability, cost, or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (“Loss”) incurred by such Participant Indemnified Party as a result of (i) any breach by the Participant of any provision of this Agreement that relates to the Participant; (ii) any failure on the part of the Participant to perform any of its obligations set forth in this Agreement (except to the extent that such failure was caused by the Participant’s reasonable reliance on instructions given or representations made by a Participant Indemnified Party); (iii) any failure by the Participant to comply with applicable laws, including rules and regulations of self-regulatory organizations (“SROs”) in relation to its role as Participant under this Agreement; (iv) actions of a Participant Indemnified Party taken in reasonable reliance upon any instructions given in accordance with this Agreement and reasonably believed by the Trust, the Distributor, and/or the Transfer Agent to be genuine and to have been given by the Participant; (v) the Participant’s failure to complete an Order that has been accepted; or (vi) any representation by the Participant (or its employees, agents, or other representatives) that is not consistent with the Trust’s then-current Prospectus made in connection with the offer or sale of Shares.
(b) The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Participant, its respective affiliates, directors, partners, members, officers, employees, and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (each a “Distributor Indemnified Party”) from and against any Loss incurred by such Distributor Indemnified Party as a result of: (i) any breach by the Distributor of any provision of this Agreement that relates to the Distributor; (ii) any failure on the part of the Distributor to perform any of its obligations set forth in this Agreement; or (iii) any failure by the Distributor to comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (including rules and regulations of SROs, in relation to its role as distributor of Shares).
(c) The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the Participant, its respective affiliates, directors, partners, members, officers, employees, and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (each a “Trust Indemnified Party”) from and against any Loss, as may be limited by Section 14 hereof, incurred by such Trust Indemnified Party as a result of any breach by the Trust of its representations in Section 4(c). All Shares represent interests in their underlying series, the assets and liabilities of which are separate and distinct. Any indemnification provided by the Trust in connection with the Shares of a Fund shall be limited to the corresponding assets of such Fund. The Trust shall not be liable under the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 13(c) with respect to any claim made against any Trust Indemnified Party, unless the Trust Indemnified Party
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shall have notified the Trust in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Trust Indemnified Party (or after the Trust Indemnified Party shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Trust of any claim shall not relieve the Trust from any liability that it may have to any Trust Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 13(c) and shall only release it from liability under this Section 13(c) to the extent it has been materially prejudiced by such failure to receive reasonable notice.
14. Limitation of Liability. This Section 14 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
(a) In no event shall any Party be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, exemplary, punitive, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to loss of revenue, loss of actual or anticipated profit, loss of contracts, loss of the use of money, loss of anticipated savings, loss of business, loss of opportunity, loss of market share, loss of goodwill, or loss of reputation), even if such Party has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. In no event shall any Party be liable for the acts or omissions of DTC, NSCC, or any other securities depository or clearing corporation.
(b) No Party shall be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused (directly or indirectly) by any acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wind; explosions; wars; civil or military disturbances; terrorism; sabotage; pandemics; epidemics; public health emergencies or outbreaks (including by not limited to COVID-19), or any corporate or governmental order or requirement relating thereto; any provision of any present or future law, regulation, or order of a U.S., federal, state, municipal, local, territorial, provincial, or other governmental department, regulatory authority, self-regulatory organization, or legislative, judicial, or administrative body (including any political subdivision thereof), or of any securities depositary or clearing agency; any provision of any order or judgement of any court of competent jurisdiction; riots; interruptions; loss or malfunction of utilities, computers (hardware or software), or communications service, including but not limited to as a result of computer viruses; accidents, strikes, or other labor disputes, whether partial or total; acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; or any other causes or events beyond its reasonable control (regardless of whether such causes or events are foreseeable or are of a nature or type described above).
(c) The Distributor, the Trust, and the Transfer Agent may conclusively rely upon (and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon) any communication authorized under this Agreement and upon any written or oral instruction, notice, request, direction, or consent reasonably believed by them to be genuine and to have been given by the Participant; provided that (i) such action or inaction is materially consistent with such communication, written or oral instruction, notice, request, direction, or consent and (ii) such authorization was not previously revoked in writing by the Participant in accordance with Section 9 herein, with such revocation having been received by the Transfer Agent and the Distributor reasonably prior to the receipt of such communication, written or oral instruction, notice, request, direction, or consent.
(d) In the absence of bad faith, gross negligence, or willful misconduct on its part, the Transfer Agent (whether acting directly or through its agents, affiliates, or attorneys) shall not be liable for any
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action taken, suffered, or omitted or for any error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties hereunder. The Transfer Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith unless in exercising such it shall have been grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts necessary to make such judgment.
(e) Neither the Trust, the Distributor, nor the Transfer Agent/Index Receipt shall be liable to the Participant or to any other person for any damages arising out of mistakes or errors in data provided to the Trust, the Distributor, or the Transfer Agent/Index Receipt by a third party, or out of interruptions or delays of electronic means of communications with the Trust, the Distributor, or the Transfer Agent/Index Receipt. The Distributor shall not be liable for any action or failure to take any action with respect to the voting matters set forth in Section 8(c), unless caused by the Distributor’s gross negligence.
(f) The Transfer Agent shall not be required to advance, expend or risk its own funds, or otherwise incur or become exposed to financial liability in the performance of its duties hereunder, except as may be required as a result of its own gross negligence, willful misconduct, or bad faith.
15. Information About Deposit Securities. On each day that the Trust is open for business, through the facilities of the NSCC, the names and amounts of Deposit Securities to be included in the current Fund Deposit for each Fund will be published.
16. Receipt of Prospectuses by Participant. The Participant acknowledges receipt of the Prospectuses and represents that it has reviewed and understands the terms thereof.
17. Consent to Electronic Delivery of Prospectuses. The Participant consents to the delivery of the Prospectus, annual or semi-annual report, or other shareholder information (each, a “Shareholder Document”) electronically at the e-mail address under Participant’s signature. The Distributor will deliver Shareholder Documents electronically by sending consenting persons an e-mail message informing them that the applicable Shareholder Document has been posted and is available on the Fund’s website and providing a hypertext link to the document. The Distributor will notify the Participant when a revised, supplemented, or amended Prospectus for any Fund is available and deliver (or otherwise make available) to the Participant copies of such revised, supplemented, or amended Prospectus at such time and in such numbers as to enable the Participant to comply with any obligation it may have to deliver such Prospectus to its customers. As a general matter, the Distributor will make such revised, supplemented, or amended Prospectuses available to the Participant no later than its effective date.
The Participant shall (i) maintain the e-mail address set forth on the signature page to this Agreement and (ii) promptly notify the Distributor if its e-mail address changes. The Distributor shall electronically deliver all Shareholder Documents to the Participant at such e-mail address, unless and until the Participant provides written notice to the Distributor requesting otherwise. The Participant may revoke the consent to electronic delivery of the Prospectuses at any time by providing written notice to the Distributor. Until such notice is provided, the Participant can only obtain access to the Shareholder Documents electronically.
18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, all notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery; by Federal Express or other similar delivery service; by registered or certified United States first class mail, return receipt requested; or by facsimile, electronic mail, or similar means of same day
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delivery. Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices to the Fund or the Trust shall be at the address, telephone number, facsimile numbers, or electronic mail address indicated below its signature of the Distributor, with a copy provided to the Trust via electronic mail. All notices to the Participant, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent shall be directed to the address, telephone number, or electronic mail address indicated below the signature line of such Party.
19. Effectiveness, Termination, and Amendment of Agreement.
(a) This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth below and may be terminated at any time by any Party upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other Parties, and may be terminated earlier by the Trust, the Participant, or the Distributor at any time in the event of a material breach by another Party of any provision of this Agreement.
(b) No Party may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement (in whole or in part) without the prior written consent of the other Parties, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(c) This Agreement may not be amended except by a writing signed by each Party. This Agreement is intended to, and shall apply to, each of the current and future Funds of the Trust, such that no amendment shall be required in the event that the Trust creates new Funds or terminates existing Funds; provided however that notice shall be provided to the Participant of such creation or termination of Funds.
20. Governing Law. This Section 20 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. The Parties irrevocably submit to the personal jurisdiction and service and venue of any New York State or United States Federal court sitting in New York, New York having subject matter jurisdiction, for the purposes of any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
22. Severance. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason by any court (or any act, regulation, rule, or decision of any other governmental or supra-national body or authority or regulatory or self-regulatory organization), (i) it shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable only to the extent so held and shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement and (ii) this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
23. Headings. Headings and sub-headings are included solely for convenient reference and shall not affect the meaning, construction, operation, or effect of the terms of this Agreement.
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24. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (includes the attachments) supersedes any prior agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein and constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the matters contained herein.
The duly authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Agreement, the effective date of which shall be the date of the most recent signature below.
UMB Distribution Services, LLC
By: |
Name:
Title:
Address:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
E-mail:
Date: |
[Name of Participant]
DTC/NSCC Clearing Participant Code:
By: |
Name:
Title:
Address:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
E-mail:
Date: |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
By: |
Name:
Title:
Address:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
E-mail:
Date: |
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FPA Funds Trust
By: |
Name:
Title:
Address:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
E-mail:
Date: |
14 |
ATTACHMENT A
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
[Insert AP Form of Certification for Authorized Persons]
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EX 16.9(a)
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT (this Agreement), dated as of __________, 202_, between FPA Funds Trust (the Fund, including its separate series, the Portfolios), an open-end management investment company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and registered with the Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), and BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO., a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of New York (BBH&Co. or, when referring to BBH&Co. in its capacity as custodian, the Custodian, and when referring to BBH&Co. in its capacity as transfer agent, TA). For purposes of this Agreement, reference hereafter to the “Fund” shall mean the Fund and/or the respective Portfolio(s), as the context requires.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to employ BBH&Co. to act as custodian and transfer agent for the Fund and to provide related services, all as provided herein, and BBH&Co. is willing to accept such employment, subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Fund and BBH&Co. hereby agree, as follows:
1. | Appointment of Custodian and Transfer Agent. |
1.1 The Fund hereby appoints BBH&Co. as the Fund’s custodian, and BBH&Co. hereby accepts such appointment. All Investments of the Fund delivered to the Custodian or its agents or Subcustodians shall be dealt with as provided in this Agreement. The duties of the Custodian with respect to the Fund’s Investments shall be only as set forth expressly in this Agreement, including any attachments or schedules thereto, which duties are generally comprised of safekeeping and various administrative duties that will be performed in accordance with Instructions and as reasonably required to effect Instructions. The terms of this Agreement shall apply separately and respectively to each Portfolio for which a separate account is maintained on the books of the Custodian. The Parties agree that Sections 2.1-9 and 11-17 and Schedules I and II of the Agreement contain the provisions related to BBH&Co.’s performance as Custodian.
1.2 The Fund hereby engages BBH as its transfer agent to perform the obligations set forth in this Agreement, and BBH accepts such engagement. The Parties agree that Sections 2.1, 3 and 10-17 and Schedule III of the Agreement and the Transfer Agency Services Schedule attached hereto contain the provisions related to BBH&Co.’s performance as TA.
2. | Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Fund. The Fund hereby represents, warrants and covenants each of the following: |
With respect to BBH&Co’s appointment as Custodian and TA:
2.1 This Agreement has been, and at the time of delivery of each Instruction, such Instruction will have been, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund. Neither this Agreement, nor any Instruction issued hereunder violates any Applicable Law or conflicts with or constitutes a default under the applicable Portfolio’s prospectus, the Fund’s articles of organization or other constitutive documents or any agreement, judgment, order or decree to which the Fund is a party or by which the Fund or its Investments is bound.
With respect to BBH&Co’s appointment as Custodian:
2.2 By providing an Instruction with respect to the first acquisition of an Investment in a jurisdiction other than the United States of America, the Fund shall be deemed to have confirmed to the Custodian that the Fund has (a) assessed and accepted all material Country, Sanctions or Sovereign Risks and accepted responsibility for their occurrence, (b) made all determinations required to be made by the Fund under the 1940 Act, and (iii) appropriately and adequately disclosed to the respective Portfolio’s shareholders, other investors and all persons who have rights in or to such Investments, all material investment risks, including those relating to the custody and settlement infrastructure or the servicing of securities in such jurisdiction.
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2.3 The Fund shall safeguard and shall solely be responsible for the safekeeping of any testkeys, identification codes, passwords, other security devices or statements of account with which the Custodian provides it. If the Fund uses any on-line or similar communications service made available by the Custodian, the Fund shall be solely responsible for ensuring the security of its access to the service and for the use of the service, and shall only attempt to access the service and the Custodian’s computer systems as directed by the Custodian. If the Custodian provides any computer software to the Fund relating to the services described in this Agreement, the Fund will only use the software for the purposes for which the Custodian provided the software to the Fund, and will abide by the license agreement accompanying the software and any other security policies which the Custodian provides to the Fund.
2.4 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to contrary effect, the Fund specifically represents and warrants to the Custodian that it shall at all times be principally liable for the repayment of any Advance made by the Custodian under this Agreement.
2.5 By providing an Instruction in respect of an Investment (which Instruction may relate to among other things, the processing of orders and/or settlement of transactions in funds), the Fund hereby (i) authorizes BBH&Co. to complete such documentation as may be required or appropriate to carry out the Instruction, and agrees to be contractually bound to the terms of such documentation “as is” without recourse against BBH&Co.; (ii) represents, warrants and covenants that it has accepted and agreed to comply with all Applicable Law, terms and conditions to which it and/or its Investment may be bound, including without limitation, requirements imposed by the Investment prospectus or offering circular, subscription agreement, any application or other documentation relating to an Investment (e.g., compliance with suitability requirements and eligibility restrictions and requirements that all such documentation relating to the investment has been received, read and understood by the Fund (for itself and its Portfolio)); (iii) acknowledges and agrees that BBH&Co. will not be responsible for the accuracy of any information provided to it by or on behalf of the Fund, or for any underlying commitment or obligation inherent to an Investment; (iv) represents, warrants and covenants that it will not effect any sale, transfer or disposition of Investment(s) held in BBH&Co.’s name by any means other than the issuance of an Instruction by the Fund to BBH&Co.; (v) acknowledges that collective investment schemes (and/or their agent(s)) in which the Fund invests may pay to BBH&Co. certain fees (including without limitation, shareholder servicing and/or trailer fees) in respect of the Fund’s investments in such schemes; (vi) agrees that BBH&Co. shall have no obligation or responsibility whatsoever to respond to, or provide capital in connection with any capital calls, letters of intent or other requirements as set out in the prospectus or offering circular of an Investment; (vii) represents, warrants and covenants that it will provide BBH&Co. with such information as is necessary or appropriate to enable BBH&Co.’s performance pursuant to an Instruction or under this Agreement; (viii) undertakes to inform BBH&Co. and to keep the same updated as to any tax withholding or benefit to which an Investment may be subject; (ix) authorizes BBH&Co. to furnish the customer due diligence records maintained by BBH&Co. on the Fund and its beneficial owners upon request of the transfer agent or other agent of an issuer of an Investment; (x) represents and warrants that to the extent the Fund provides BBH&Co. with any personal data or personally identifiable information in connection with an Investment, the Fund will have obtained the consent of the applicable individuals to provide such data and information to BBH&Co. and the fund and to the use of such data and information as described in the applicable account opening, subscription and related fund documentation; (xi) acknowledges that BBH&Co. shall have no obligation to fund any order placed by the Fund for which the Fund does not have sufficient cash on deposit with BBH&Co.; and (xii) agrees that BBH&Co. shall be held harmless for the acts, omissions or any unlawful activity of any agent of the Fund, or any transfer agent or other agent of an Investment in which the Fund may invest.
2.6 The Fund represents and warrants that it is not resident in or organized under the laws of any country with which transactions or dealings are prohibited under a Sanctions Regime. The Fund further warrants that it is not owned or controlled by: (i) the government of any country with which transactions or dealings by any person are prohibited under a Sanctions Regime; (ii) a person or entity resident in or organized under the laws of any country with which transactions or dealings by any person are prohibited under a Sanctions Regime; or (iii) any person or entity on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons published by OFAC or any comparable Sanctions Regime lists.
2.6.1 The Fund represents and warrants that it conducts ongoing screening of its holdings, relevant transactional activity, and service providers engaged by the Fund, including but not limited to
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Authorized Participants and distributors, against lists promulgated by a Sanctions Regime, as such lists are amended from time to time.
2.6.2 The Fund represents and warrants that it has implemented adequate risk management, control and compliance procedures and systems to ensure that it will not instruct or otherwise cause Custodian to hold any assets in custody that would violate a Sanctions Regime. The Fund further represents it will not instruct Custodian to invest in any asset, nor engage in or facilitate any transaction that would cause Custodian to violate any Sanctions Regime, including any transaction or dealing involving: (i) any country with which transactions or dealings by any person are prohibited under a Sanctions Regime; (ii) any person or entity subject to any Sanctions Regime; or (iii) any assets owned or controlled by a person or entity that is subject to any Sanctions Regime (collectively, “Sanctioned Property”). The Fund further represents and warrants that it has confirmed that relevant service providers engaged by the Fund, including but not limited to Authorized Participants and distributors, have implemented equivalent controls as stated above. The Fund further represents and warrants that it will promptly notify the Custodian in writing if either it or any of the above relevant service providers becomes subject to a Sanctions Regime or if any of the assets custodied by BBH subsequently becomes Sanctioned Property.
2.7 The Fund represents and warrants that it has developed and implemented an anti-money laundering (“AML”) program (“AML Program”) that is designed to comply with all applicable AML and terrorist financing laws and regulations, including but not limited to: the United States Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and the regulations promulgated thereunder; the 4th European Union Anti-Money Laundering Directive; or Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) standards against money laundering and terrorist financing (collectively, “applicable AML laws”). The Fund represents and warrants that its AML Program includes proper due diligence on relevant service providers, including but not limited to Authorized Participants and distributors, and confirmation that such service providers have implemented their own policies and procedures designed to comply with applicable AML Laws. The Fund further represents and warrants that it creates and maintains all records and documentation required by applicable AML laws, including identification and verification records of the Fund’s customers.
2.7.1 The Fund acknowledges that the Custodian is obligated under applicable US AML Laws to obtain, verify and record identifying information about its customers prior to opening an account.
2.7.2 The Fund represents and warrants that upon request, it will provide the Custodian with information that the Custodian requires to comply with applicable AML Laws and Sanctions Regimes, including but not limited to, verification regarding the AML and Sanctions Regime controls implemented by the above relevant service providers.
2.7.3 The Fund further represents and warrants that it will not instruct or otherwise cause Custodian to hold any assets in custody or engage in or facilitate any transaction that would cause Custodian to violate any applicable AML laws.
2.8 The Fund represents and warrants that neither it nor any Portfolio is a “Plan” (which term includes (1) employee benefit plans that are subject to the United States (“US”) Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements that are subject to Section 4975 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (2) plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements that are subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, and (3) entities the underlying assets of which are considered to include “plan assets” of such plans, accounts and arrangements), or an entity purchasing shares on behalf of, or with the “plan assets” of, a Plan, and further undertakes to inform BBH&Co. and to keep the same updated as to the status under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, each as amended, of the Fund, including its Portfolios, or (4) the assets of any plan or other retirement arrangement or account that is not subject to Section 4975 of the Code or Title I of ERISA but is subject to any U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation or any non-U.S. or other law or regulation that contains one or more provisions that are similar to any of the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions under Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
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2.9 The Fund represents and warrants that it will promptly notify the Custodian in writing if any of the above representations cease to be true.
3. Representation and Warranty of BBH&Co. as Custodian and TA. BBH&Co. hereby represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by BBH&Co. and does not and will not violate any Applicable Law or conflict with or constitute a default under BBH&Co.'s limited partnership agreement or any agreement, instrument, judgment, order or decree to which BBH&Co. is a party or by which it is bound.
4. Instructions. Unless otherwise explicitly indicated herein, the Custodian shall perform its duties pursuant to Instructions. As used herein, the term Instruction shall mean a directive initiated by the Fund, acting through its board of directors or trustees, officers or other Authorized Person, which directive shall conform to the requirements of this Section 4.
4.1 Authorized Persons. For purposes hereof, an Authorized Person shall be a person or entity authorized by the Fund to give Instructions to the Custodian by written notices or otherwise for or on behalf of the Fund or Portfolio, as applicable, in accordance with procedures delivered to and acknowledged by the Custodian. The Custodian may treat any Authorized Person as having the full authority of the Fund to issue Instructions hereunder unless the notice of authorization contains explicit limitations as to said authority. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon the authority of designated Authorized Persons to give Instructions with respect to the Fund or a Portfolio until it receives appropriate written notice from the Fund to the contrary.
4.2 Form of Instruction. Each Instruction shall be transmitted by such secured or authenticated electro-mechanical means as the Custodian shall make available to the Fund from time to time unless the Fund shall elect to transmit such Instruction in accordance with Subsections 4.2.1 through 4.2.3 of this Section.
4.2.1 Fund Designated Secured-Transmission Method. Instructions may be transmitted through a secured or tested electro-mechanical means identified by the Fund or by an Authorized Person entitled to give Instruction and acknowledged and accepted by the Custodian, it being understood that such acknowledgment shall authorize the Custodian to accept such means of delivery but shall not represent a judgment by the Custodian as to the reasonableness or security of the means utilized by the Authorized Person.
4.2.2 Written Instructions. Instructions may be transmitted in a writing that bears the manual signature of Authorized Persons.
4.2.3 Other Forms of Instruction. Instructions may also be transmitted by another means determined by the Fund or Authorized Persons and acknowledged and accepted by the Custodian (subject to the same limits as to acknowledgements as are contained in Subsection 4.2.1, above) including Instructions given orally or by SWIFT or telefax (whether tested or untested).
When an Instruction is given by means established under Subsections 4.2.1 through 4.2.3, it shall be the responsibility of the Custodian to use reasonable care to adhere to any security or other procedures established in writing between the Custodian and the Authorized Person with respect to such means of Instruction, but the Authorized Person shall be solely responsible for determining that the particular means chosen is reasonable under the circumstances. Oral Instructions shall be binding upon the Custodian only if and when the Custodian takes action with respect thereto. With respect to telefax instructions, the parties agree and acknowledge that receipt of legible instructions cannot be assured, that the Custodian cannot verify that authorized signatures on telefax instructions are original or properly affixed, and that the Custodian shall not be liable for losses or expenses incurred through actions taken in reliance on inaccurately stated, illegible or unauthorized telefax instructions. The provisions of Section 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code shall apply to Funds Transfers performed in accordance with Instructions. The Funds Transfer Services Agreement and the BBH Online Terms and Conditions shall each comprise a designation of a means of delivering Instructions for purposes of this Section 4.2.
4.3 Completeness and Contents of Instructions. The Authorized Person shall be responsible for assuring the adequacy and accuracy of Instructions. Particularly, upon any acquisition or disposition or other dealing in the Fund's Investments and upon any delivery and transfer of any Investment or moneys, the Authorized Person
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initiating the Instruction shall give the Custodian an Instruction with appropriate detail, including, without limitation:
4.3.1 The transaction date and the date and location of settlement;
4.3.2 The specification of the type of transaction;
4.3.3 A description of the Investments or moneys in question, including, as appropriate, quantity, price per unit, amount of money to be received or delivered and currency information. Where an Instruction is communicated by electronic means, or otherwise where an Instruction contains an identifying number such as a CUSIP, SEDOL or ISIN number, the Custodian shall be entitled to rely on such number as controlling notwithstanding any inconsistency contained in the Instruction, particularly with respect to Investment description; and
4.3.4 The name of the broker or similar entity concerned with execution of the transaction.
If the Custodian determines that an Instruction is either unclear or incomplete, the Custodian may give prompt notice of such determination to the Fund and the Fund shall thereupon amend or otherwise reform the Instruction. In such event, the Custodian shall have no obligation to take any action in response to the Instruction initially delivered until the redelivery of an amended or reformed Instruction.
4.4 Timeliness of Instructions. In giving an Instruction, the Fund shall take into consideration delays which may occur due to the involvement of a Subcustodian or agent, differences in time zones, and other factors particular to a given market, exchange or issuer. When the Custodian has established specific timing requirements or deadlines with respect to particular classes of Instruction, or when an Instruction is received by the Custodian at such a time that it could not reasonably be expected to have acted on such instruction due to time zone differences or other factors beyond its reasonable control, the execution of any Instruction received by the Custodian after such deadline or at such time (including any modification or revocation of a previous Instruction) shall be at the risk of the Fund.
5. Safekeeping of Fund Assets. The Custodian shall hold Investments delivered to it or Subcustodians for the Fund in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The Custodian shall not be responsible for (a) the safekeeping of Investments not delivered or that are not caused to be issued to it or its Subcustodians; or, (b) pre-existing faults or defects in Investments that are delivered to the Custodian or its Subcustodians. The Custodian is hereby authorized to hold with itself or a Subcustodian, and to record in one or more accounts, all Investments delivered to and accepted by the Custodian, any Subcustodian or their respective agents pursuant to an Instruction or in consequence of any corporate action or income event. The Custodian shall hold Investments for the account of the Fund and shall segregate Investments from assets belonging to the Custodian and shall cause its Subcustodians to segregate Investments from assets belonging to the Subcustodian in an account held for the Fund or in an account maintained by the Subcustodian generally for non-proprietary assets of the Custodian.
5.1 Use of Securities Depositories. The Custodian may deposit and maintain Investments in any Securities Depository, either directly or through one or more Subcustodians appointed by the Custodian. Investments held in a Securities Depository shall be held (a) subject to the agreement, rules, statement of terms and conditions or other document or conditions effective between the Securities Depository and the Custodian or the Subcustodian, as the case may be, and (b) in an account for the Fund or in bulk segregation in an account maintained for the non-proprietary assets of the entity holding such Investments in the Depository. If market practice or the rules and regulations of the Securities Depository prevent the Custodian, the Subcustodian or any agent of either from holding its client assets in such a separate account, the Custodian, the Subcustodian or any agent of either shall as appropriate segregate such Investments for benefit of the Fund or for benefit of clients of the Custodian generally on its own books.
5.2 Certificated Assets. Investments which are certificated may be held in registered or bearer form: (a) in the Custodian's vault; (b) in the vault of a Subcustodian or agent of the Custodian or a Subcustodian; or (c) in an account maintained by the Custodian, Subcustodian or agent at a Securities Depository; all in accordance with customary market practice in the jurisdiction in which any Investments are held.
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5.3 Registered Assets. Investments which are registered may be registered in the name of the Custodian, a Subcustodian, or in the name of the Fund, a Portfolio or a nominee for any of the foregoing, and may be held in any manner set forth in Section 5.2 above.
5.4 Book Entry Assets. Investments which are represented by book-entry may be so held in an account maintained by the Book-Entry Agent on behalf of the Custodian, a Subcustodian, an Agent of the Custodian, or a Securities Depository.
5.5 Replacement of Lost Investments. In the event of a loss of Investments for which loss the Custodian is responsible under the terms of this Agreement, the Custodian shall replace such Investment, or in the event that such replacement cannot be effected, the Custodian shall pay to the Fund the fair market value of such Investment based on the last available price as of the close of business in the relevant market on the date that a claim was first made to the Custodian with respect to such loss or such other lesser amount as shall be agreed by the parties.
6. Administrative Duties of the Custodian. The Custodian shall perform the following administrative duties with respect to Investments of the Fund.
6.1 Purchase of Investments. Pursuant to Instruction, Investments purchased for the account of the Fund shall be paid for (a) against delivery thereof to the Custodian or a Subcustodian, as the case may be, either directly or through a Clearing Corporation or a Securities Depository (in accordance with the rules of such Securities Depository or such Clearing Corporation), or (b) otherwise in accordance with an Instruction, Applicable Law, generally accepted trade practices, or the terms of the instrument representing such Investment.
6.2 Sale of Investments. Pursuant to Instruction, Investments sold for the account of the Fund shall be delivered (a) against payment therefor in cash, by check or by bank wire transfer, (b) by credit to the account of the Custodian or the applicable Subcustodian, as the case may be, with a Clearing Corporation or a Securities Depository (in accordance with the rules of such Securities Depository or such Clearing Corporation), or (c) otherwise in accordance with an Instruction, Applicable Law, generally accepted trade practices, or the terms of the instrument representing such Investment.
6.3 Delivery and Receipt in Connection with Borrowings of the Fund or other Collateral and Margin Requirements. Pursuant to Instruction, the Custodian may deliver or receive Investments or cash of the Fund in connection with borrowings or loans by the Fund and other collateral and margin requirements.
6.4 Futures and Options. If, pursuant to an Instruction, the Custodian shall become a party to an agreement with the Fund and a futures commission merchant regarding margin (Tri-Party Agreement), the Custodian shall (a) receive and retain, to the extent the same are provided to the Custodian, confirmations or other documents evidencing the purchase or sale by the Fund of exchange-traded futures contracts and commodity options, (b) when required by such Tri-Party Agreement, deposit and maintain in an account opened pursuant to such Agreement (Margin Account), segregated either physically or by book-entry in a Securities Depository for the benefit of any futures commission merchant, such Investments as the Fund shall have designated as initial, maintenance or variation "margin" deposits or other collateral intended to secure the Fund's performance of its obligations under the terms of any exchange-traded futures contracts and commodity options; and (c) thereafter pay, release or transfer Investments into or out of the margin account in accordance with the provisions of such Agreement. Alternatively, the Custodian may deliver Investments, in accordance with an Instruction, to a futures commission merchant for purposes of margin requirements in accordance with Rule 17f-6 under the 1940 Act. The Custodian shall in no event be responsible for the acts and omissions of any futures commission merchant to whom Investments are delivered pursuant to this Section; for the sufficiency of Investments held in any Margin Account; or, for the performance of any terms of any exchange-traded futures contracts and commodity options.
6.5 Contractual Obligations and Similar Investments. From time to time, the Fund's Investments may include Investments that are not ownership interests as may be represented by certificate (whether registered or bearer), by entry in a Securities Depository or by Book-Entry Agent, registrar or similar agent for recording ownership interests in the relevant Investment. If the Fund shall at any time acquire such Investments, including without limitation deposit obligations, loan participations, repurchase agreements and derivative arrangements, the Custodian shall (a) receive and retain, to the extent the same are provided to the Custodian, confirmations or other documents evidencing the arrangement; and (b) perform on the Fund's account in accordance with the
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terms of the applicable arrangement, but only to the extent directed to do so by Instruction. The Custodian shall have no responsibility for agreements running to the Fund as to which it is not a party other than to retain, to the extent the same are provided to the Custodian, documents or copies of documents evidencing the arrangement and, in accordance with Instruction, to include such arrangements in reports made to the Fund.
6.6 Exchange of Securities. Unless otherwise directed by Instruction, the Custodian shall: (a) exchange securities held for the account of the Fund for other securities in connection with any reorganization, recapitalization, conversion, stock split, change of par value of shares or similar event, and (b) deposit any such securities in accordance with the terms of any reorganization or protective plan.
6.7 Surrender of Securities. Unless otherwise directed by Instruction, the Custodian may surrender securities: (a) in temporary form for definitive securities; (b) for transfer into the name of an entity allowable under Section 5.3; and (c) for a different number of certificates or instruments representing the same number of shares or the same principal amount of indebtedness.
6.8 Rights, Warrants, Etc. Pursuant to Instruction, the Custodian shall (a) deliver warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof, or to any agent of the issuer or trustee, for purposes of exercising such rights or selling such securities, and (b) deliver securities in response to any tender offer.
6.9 Mandatory Corporate Actions. Unless otherwise directed by Instruction, the Custodian shall: (a) comply with the terms of all mandatory or compulsory exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions or similar rights of securities ownership affecting securities held on the Fund’s account and promptly notify the Fund of such action; and (b) collect all stock dividends, rights and other items of like nature with respect to such securities.
6.10 Income Collection. Unless otherwise directed by Instruction, the Custodian shall collect any amount due and payable to the Fund with respect to Investments and promptly credit the amount collected to a Principal or Agency Account; provided, however, that the Custodian shall not be responsible for: (a) the collection of amounts due and payable with respect to Investments that are in default or (b) the collection of cash or share entitlements with respect to Investments that are not registered in the name of the Custodian or its Subcustodians. The Custodian is hereby authorized to endorse and deliver any instrument required to be so endorsed and delivered to effect collection of any amount due and payable to the Fund with respect to Investments.
6.11 Corporate Action Information. In fulfilling the duties set forth in Sections 6.6 through 6.10 above, the Custodian shall provide to the Fund such material information pertaining to a corporate action which the Custodian actually receives; provided that the Custodian shall not be responsible for the completeness or accuracy of such information. Information relative to any pending corporate action made available to the Fund via any of the services described in the BBH Online Terms and Conditions shall constitute the delivery of such information by the Custodian. Any advance credit of cash or shares expected to be received as a result of any corporate action shall be subject to actual collection and may be reversed by the Custodian.
6.12 Proxy Materials. The Custodian shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Fund proxy forms, notices of meeting, and any other notices or announcements materially affecting or relating to Investments received by the Custodian. Information relative to any pending proxy, meeting or other announcement described in the preceding sentence made available to the Fund via any of the services described in the BBH Online Terms and Conditions shall constitute the delivery of such information by the Custodian.
6.13 Ownership Certificates and Disclosure of the Fund's Interest. The Custodian is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Fund ownership certificates, affidavits or other disclosure required under Applicable Law or established market practice in connection with the receipt of income, capital gains or other payments by the Fund with respect to Investments, or in connection with the sale, purchase or ownership of Investments.
With respect to securities issued in the United States of America, the Custodian [ ] may [ ] may not release the identity of the Fund to an issuer which requests such information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985 for the specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer and the Fund. IF NO BOX IS CHECKED, THE CUSTODIAN SHALL RELEASE SUCH INFORMATION UNTIL IT RECEIVES CONTRARY INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE FUND. With respect to securities issued outside
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of the United States of America, information shall be released in accordance with law or custom of the particular country in which such security is located.
6.14. Taxes. The Custodian shall, where applicable, assist the Fund in the reclamation of taxes withheld on dividends and interest payments received by the Fund. In the performance of its duties with respect to tax withholding and reclamation, the Custodian shall be entitled to rely on the advice of counsel and upon information and advice regarding the Fund’s tax status that is received from or on behalf of the Fund without duty of separate inquiry.
6.15 Other Dealings. The Custodian shall otherwise act as directed by Instruction, including without limitation effecting the free payments of moneys or the free delivery of securities, provided that such Instruction shall indicate the purpose of such payment or delivery and that the Custodian shall record the party to whom the payment or delivery is made.
6.16 Nondiscretionary Details and Minor Expenses. The Custodian shall attend to all nondiscretionary details in connection with the sale or purchase or other administration of Investments, except as otherwise directed by Instruction, and may make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of administering Investments under this Agreement, provided that the Fund shall have the right to request an accounting with respect to such expenses.
6.17 Use of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other affiliate, bank, trust company or subcontractor as its agent (each an “Agent” and collectively, the “Agents”), in addition to Subcustodians, to carry out such provisions of this Agreement as it may from time to time direct, including in connection with use of any Securities System. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care in the selection and monitoring of such Agents and Subcustodians. The appointment of an Agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its obligations under this Agreement.
6.18 Registration Document Completion Service. The Fund may appoint the Custodian to further provide registration document completion services for account openings, name changes, conversions, mergers, market-specific licensing renewals, account closings and other events, and for such markets, as may be agreed between each Fund and the Custodian from time to time (the “Registration Services”). The Fund shall pay Custodian such fees as may be agreed between the parties from time to time with respect to the Registration Services in accordance with Section 15 hereof. The Fund further acknowledges and agrees that: (i) as part of the Registration Services, the Custodian will complete registration documentation for the agreed markets on behalf of the Fund and then forward such documentation to the Fund or an Authorized Person for final review and signature on behalf of the Fund; (ii) by the Fund or an Authorized Person signing and submitting the aforementioned documentation to the Custodian on behalf of the Fund (the "Submitted Documents"), the Fund shall be deemed to have confirmed to the Custodian that the Fund has reviewed the Submitted Documents and has determined that all of the information contained therein is accurate and complete; (iii) the submission of the Submitted Documents to the Custodian, shall be deemed an Instruction under Section 4 hereof to open one or more accounts in the referenced market (in accordance with the information provided in the Submitted Documents) and to provide the Submitted Documents and/or the information contained therein to the Subcustodian in the referenced market (and where applicable, for further submission to the relevant Securities Depository, exchanges, regulatory and tax authorities, tax agents and/or brokers in the referenced market).
7. Cash Accounts, Deposits and Money Movements. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 7, the Fund hereby authorizes the Custodian to open and maintain, with itself or with Subcustodians, cash accounts in United States Dollars, in such other currencies as are the currencies of the countries in which the Fund maintains Investments or in such other currencies as the Fund shall from time to time request by Instruction, including standing Instructions for Principal Accounts to participate in a BBH&Co. cash management vehicle. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund shall be liable as principal for any overdrafts occurring in any cash accounts.
7.1 Types of Cash Accounts. Cash accounts opened on the books of the Custodian (Principal Accounts) shall be opened in the name of the Fund. Such accounts collectively shall be a deposit obligation of the Custodian and shall be subject to the terms of this Section 7 and the general liability provisions contained in Section 9. Cash accounts opened on the books of a Subcustodian may be opened in the name of the Fund or in the name of the Custodian for the Fund or in the name of the Custodian for its customers generally (Agency Accounts). Such
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deposits shall be obligations of the Subcustodian and shall be treated as an Investment of the Fund. Accordingly, the Custodian shall be responsible for exercising reasonable care in the administration of such accounts, but shall not be liable for their repayment in the event the Subcustodian, by reason of its bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise, fails to make repayment.
7.1.1 Administrative Accounts. In connection with the services provided hereunder, the Custodian is hereby directed to open cash accounts on its books and records from time to time for the purposes of receiving subscriptions and/or processing redemptions on behalf of the Fund and/or for the purposes of aggregating, netting and/or clearing transactions (including, without limitation foreign exchange, repurchase agreements, capital stock activity, expense payment) or other administrative purposes, each on behalf of the Fund (each an “Account”). Each such Account shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Fund shall be liable for the satisfaction of its obligations in connection with each Account.
7.2 Payments and Credits with Respect to the Cash Accounts. The Custodian shall make payments from or deposits to any of the cash accounts in the course of carrying out its administrative duties, including but not limited to income collection with respect to the Fund’s Investments, and otherwise in accordance with Instructions. The Custodian and its Subcustodians shall be required to credit amounts to the cash accounts only when moneys are actually received in cleared funds in accordance with banking practice in the country and currency of deposit. Any credit made to any Principal or Agency Account before actual receipt of cleared funds shall be provisional and may be reversed by the Custodian in the event such payment is not actually collected. Unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing by the Custodian or any Subcustodian, all deposits shall be payable only at the branch of the Custodian or Subcustodian where the deposit is made or carried.
7.3 Currency and Related Risks. The Fund bears the risks of holding or transacting in any currency, including any mark to market exposure associated with a foreign exchange transaction undertaken with the Custodian. The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the applicability of any law or regulation now or hereafter in effect, or from the occurrence of any event, which may delay or affect the transferability, convertibility or availability of any currency in the country (a) in which such Principal or Agency Accounts are maintained or (b) in which such currency is issued, and in no event shall the Custodian be obligated to make payment of a deposit denominated in a currency during the period during which its transferability, convertibility or availability has been affected by any such law, regulation or event. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian shall be required to repay any deposit made at a foreign branch of either the Custodian or Subcustodian if such branch cannot repay the deposit due to a cause for which the Custodian would not be responsible in accordance with the terms of Section 9 of this Agreement unless the Custodian or such Subcustodian expressly agrees in writing to repay the deposit under such circumstances. All currency transactions in any account opened pursuant to this Agreement are subject to exchange control regulations of the United States and of the country where such currency is the lawful currency or where the account is maintained. Any taxes, costs, charges or fees imposed on the convertibility of a currency held by the Fund shall be for the account of the Fund.
7.4 Foreign Exchange Transactions. The Custodian shall, subject to the terms of this Section, settle foreign exchange transactions (including contracts, futures, options and options on futures) on behalf and for the account of the Fund with such currency brokers or banking institutions, including Subcustodians, as the Fund may direct pursuant to Instructions. The Custodian may act as principal in any foreign exchange transaction with the Fund in accordance with Section 7.4.2 of this Agreement. The obligations of the Custodian in respect of all foreign exchange transactions (whether or not the Custodian shall act as principal in such transaction) shall be contingent on the free, unencumbered transferability of the currency transacted on the actual settlement date of the transaction.
7.4.1 Third Party Foreign Exchange Transactions. The Custodian shall process foreign exchange transactions (including without limitation contracts, futures, options, and options on futures), where any third party acts as principal counterparty to the Fund on the same basis it performs duties as agent for the Fund with respect to any other of the Fund's Investments. Accordingly the Custodian shall only be responsible for delivering or receiving currency on behalf of the Fund in respect of such contracts pursuant to Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the failure of any counterparty (including any Subcustodian) in such agency transaction to perform its obligations thereunder. The
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Custodian (a) shall transmit cash and Instructions to and from the currency broker or banking institution with which the Fund has executed a foreign exchange contract or option, (b) may make free outgoing payments of cash in the form of Dollars or foreign currency without receiving confirmation of a foreign exchange contract or option or confirmation that the countervalue currency completing the foreign exchange contract has been delivered or received or that the option has been delivered or received, (c) may, in connection with cash payments made to third party currency brokers/dealers for settlement of the Fund’s foreign exchange spot or forward transactions, foreign currency swap transactions and similar foreign exchange transactions, process settlements using the facilities of the CLS Bank according to CLS Bank’s standard terms and conditions, and (d) shall hold in safekeeping all confirmations, certificates and other documents and agreements received by the Custodian and evidencing or relating to such foreign exchange transactions. The Fund accepts full responsibility for its use of third-party foreign exchange dealers and for execution of the foreign exchange contracts and options and understands that the Fund shall be responsible for any and all costs and interest charges which may be incurred by the Fund or the Custodian as a result of the failure or delay of third parties to deliver foreign exchange.
7.4.2 Foreign Exchange with the Custodian as Principal. The Custodian may enter into foreign exchange transactions with the Fund. If a foreign exchange transaction with the Custodian as principal is initiated by Instruction and the parties have not otherwise entered into an agreement specific to such transaction(s), the transaction will be performed and subject to the FX Terms and Conditions (available at: http://www.bbh.com/fxtermsandconditions) incorporated into the BBH Online Terms and Conditions ( the "FX Terms and Conditions"), which terms may be updated from time to time in accordance with the procedures set forth in the BBH Online Terms and Conditions. Foreign exchange transactions that occur or are placed on or after the effective date of such updates, as stated in the applicable notice, shall be governed by the FX Terms and Conditions, as so modified. The Fund represents and warrants, each and every time an Instruction to execute a foreign exchange transaction with the Custodian as principal is initiated, that it is an eligible contract participant, as that term is used under the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time.
7.5 Delays. If no event of Force Majeure shall have occurred and be continuing and in the event that a delay shall have been caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian in carrying out an Instruction to credit or transfer cash, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund: (a) with respect to Principal Accounts, for interest to be calculated at the rate customarily paid on such deposit and currency by the Custodian on overnight deposits at the time the delay occurs for the period from the day when the transfer should have been effected until the day it is in fact effected; and, (b) with respect to Agency Accounts, for interest to be calculated at the rate customarily paid on such deposit and currency by the Subcustodian on overnight deposits at the time the delay occurs for the period from the day when the transfer should have been effected until the day it is in fact effected. The Custodian shall not be liable for delays in carrying out Instructions to transfer cash which are not due to the Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct.
7.6 Advances. If, for any reason in connection with this Agreement the Custodian or any Subcustodian makes an Advance to facilitate settlement or otherwise for the benefit of the Fund (whether or not any Principal or Agency Account shall be overdrawn either during, or at the end of, any Business Day), the Fund hereby does:
7.6.1 acknowledge that the Fund shall have no right, title or interest in or to any Investments purchased with such Advance or proceeds of such Investments, and that any credit of Investments to an account of Fund shall be provisional, until: (a) the debit of the Principal or Agency Account by Custodian for an amount equal to Advance Costs; and/or (b) if such debit produces an overdraft in such account, reimbursement to the Custodian or Subcustodian for the amount of such overdraft;
7.6.2 acknowledge that the Custodian has an automatically perfected statutory security interest in Investments purchased with any such Advance pursuant to Section 9-206 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York from time to time;
In addition, in order to secure the obligations of the Fund to pay or perform any and all obligations of the Fund pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation to repay any Advance made pursuant to this
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Agreement, the Fund grants to the Custodian a security interest in all Investments and proceeds thereof (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as currently in effect in the State of New York); and agrees to take, and agrees that the Custodian may take, in respect of the security interest referenced above, any further actions that the Custodian may reasonably require.
7.7 Custodian’s Rights Neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian shall be obligated to make any Advance or to allow an Advance to occur to the Fund, and in the event that the Custodian or any Subcustodian does make or allow an Advance, any such Advance and any transaction giving rise to such Advance shall be for the account and risk of the Fund and shall not be deemed to be a transaction undertaken by the Custodian for its own account and risk. If such Advance shall have been made or allowed by a Subcustodian or any other person, the Custodian may assign all or part of its security interest referenced above and any other rights granted to the Custodian hereunder to such Subcustodian or other person. If the Fund shall fail to repay the Advance Costs when due, the Custodian or its assignee, as the case may be, shall be entitled to a portion of the available cash balance in any Agency or Principal Account equal to such Advance Costs, and the Fund authorizes the Custodian, on behalf of the Fund or Portfolio, to pay an amount equal to such Advance Costs irrevocably to such Subcustodian or other person, and to dispose of any property in such Account to the extent necessary to make such payment. Any Investments credited to accounts subject to this Agreement created pursuant hereto shall be treated as financial assets credited to securities accounts under Articles 8 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York from time to time. Accordingly, the Custodian and any Subcustodian shall have the rights and benefits of a secured creditor that is a securities intermediary under such Articles 8 and 9.
7.8 Integrated Account. For purposes hereof, deposits maintained in all Principal Accounts (whether or not denominated in Dollars) shall collectively constitute a single and indivisible current account with respect to the Fund's obligations to the Custodian or its assignee, and balances in the Principal Accounts shall be available for satisfaction of the Fund's obligations under this Section 7. The Custodian shall further have a right of offset against the balances in any Agency Account maintained hereunder to the extent that the aggregate of all Principal Accounts is overdrawn.
8. Subcustodians and Securities Depositories. Subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth in this Section 8, the Fund hereby authorizes the Custodian to utilize Securities Depositories to act on behalf of the Fund and to appoint from time to time and to utilize Subcustodians. With respect to securities and cash held by a Subcustodian, either directly or indirectly (including by a Securities Depository or Clearing Corporation), notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, payment for securities purchased and delivery of securities sold may be made prior to receipt of securities or payment, respectively, and securities or payment may be received in a form in accordance with (a) governmental regulations, (b) rules of Securities Depositories and Clearing Corporations, (c) generally accepted trade practice in the applicable local market, (d) the terms and characteristics of the particular Investment, or (e) the terms of Instructions.
8.1 Domestic Subcustodians and Securities Depositories. The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain, either directly or through one or more Agents appointed by the Custodian, Investments of the Fund in any Securities Depository in the United States, including The Depository Trust Company, provided such Depository meets applicable requirements of the Federal Reserve Bank or of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian may, from time to time, appoint any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder to act on behalf of the Fund as a Subcustodian for purposes of holding Investments of the Fund in the United States.
8.2 Foreign Subcustodians and Securities Depositories. Unless instructed otherwise by the Fund, the Custodian may deposit and/or maintain non-U.S. Investments of the Fund in any non-U.S. Securities Depository provided such Securities Depository meets the requirements of an "eligible securities depository" under Rule 17f-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act, or any successor rule or regulation ("Rule 17f-7") or which by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission is exempted therefrom. Prior to the time that securities are placed with such depository, but subject to the provisions of Section 8.5 below, the Custodian shall have prepared an assessment of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Securities Depository and shall have established a system to monitor such risks on a continuing basis in accordance with Section 8.5. Additionally, the Custodian may, from time to time, appoint (a) any bank, trust company or other entity meeting the requirements of an “eligible foreign custodian” under Rule 17f-5 or which by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission is exempted therefrom, or (b) any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act
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meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, to act on behalf of the Fund as a Subcustodian for purposes of holding Investments of the Fund outside the United States.
8.3 Delegation of Board Review of Subcustodians. From time to time, the Custodian may agree to perform certain reviews of Subcustodians and of Subcustodian Contracts as the delegate of the Fund's Board. In such event, the Custodian's duties and obligations with respect to this delegated review will be performed in accordance with the terms of the attached 17f-5 Delegation Schedule to this Agreement.
8.4 Board Approval of Foreign Subcustodians. Unless and except to the extent that the Board of Trustees has delegated to the Custodian and the Custodian has accepted delegation of review of certain matters concerning the appointment of Subcustodians pursuant to Subsection 8.3, the Custodian shall, prior to the appointment of any Subcustodian for purposes of holding Investments of the Fund outside the United States, obtain written confirmation of the approval of the Board of Trustees or Directors of the Fund with respect to (a) the identity of a Subcustodian, and (b) the Subcustodian agreement which shall govern such appointment, such approval to be signed by an Authorized Person. An Instruction to open an account in a given country shall comprise authorization of the Custodian to hold assets in such country in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Custodian shall not be required to make independent inquiry as to the authorization of the Fund to invest in such country.
8.5 Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Securities Depositories. Prior to the placement of any assets of the Fund with a non-U.S. Securities Depository, the Custodian: (a) shall provide to the Fund or its authorized representative an assessment of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets within such Securities Depository; and (b) shall have established a system to monitor the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with such Securities Depository on a continuing basis and to promptly notify the Fund or its Investment Adviser of any material changes in such risk. In performing its duties under this subsection, the Custodian shall use reasonable care and may rely on such reasonable sources of information as may be available including but not limited to: (i) published ratings; (ii) information supplied by a Subcustodian that is a participant in such Securities Depository; (iii) industry surveys or publications; (iv) information supplied by the depository itself, by its auditors (internal or external) or by the relevant Foreign Financial Regulatory Authority. It is acknowledged that information procured through some or all of these sources may not be independently verifiable by the Custodian and that direct access to Securities Depositories is limited under most circumstances. Accordingly, the Custodian shall not be responsible for errors or omissions in its duties hereunder provided that it has performed its monitoring and assessment duties with reasonable care. The risk assessment shall be provided to the Fund or its Investment Advisor by such means as the Custodian shall reasonably establish. Advices of material change in such assessment may be provided by the Custodian in the manner established as customary between the Fund and the Custodian for transmission of material market information.
8.6 Responsibility for Subcustodians. Except as provided in the last sentence of this Section 8.6, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund caused by or resulting from the acts or omissions of any Subcustodian to the extent that such acts or omissions would be deemed to be negligence, gross negligence or willful misconduct in accordance with the terms of the relevant subcustodian agreement under the laws, circumstances and practices prevailing in the place where the act or omission occurred. The liability of the Custodian in respect of the countries and Subcustodians designated by the Custodian, from time to time on the Global Custody Network Listing shall be subject to the additional condition that the Custodian actually recovers such loss or damage from the Subcustodian.
8.7 New Countries. The Fund shall be responsible for informing the Custodian sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment which is to be held in a country in which no Subcustodian is authorized to act in order that the Custodian shall, if it deems appropriate to do so, have sufficient time to establish a subcustodial arrangement in accordance herewith. In the event the Custodian is unable to establish such arrangements prior to the time the investment is to be acquired, the Custodian is authorized to designate at its discretion a local safekeeping agent, and the use of the local safekeeping agent shall be at the sole risk of the Fund, and accordingly the Custodian shall be responsible to the Fund for the actions of such agent if and only to the extent the Custodian shall have recovered from such agent for any damages caused the Fund by such agent.
9. Responsibility of the Custodian. In performing its duties and obligations hereunder, the Custodian shall use
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reasonable care under the facts and circumstances prevailing in the market where performance is effected, but shall not be required to take any action which, in the Custodian’s reasonable judgment, is in contravention of any Applicable Law, rule or regulation or any order or judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction. Subject to the specific provisions of this Section, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any direct damage incurred by the Fund in consequence of the Custodian's negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. In no event shall the Custodian be liable hereunder for any special, indirect, punitive or consequential damages arising out of, pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement even if the Custodian has been advised of the possibility of such damages. It is agreed that the Custodian shall have no duty to assess the risks inherent in the Fund’s Investments or to provide investment advice with respect to such Investments and that the Fund including its Portfolios as principal shall bear any risks attendant to particular Investments such as failure of counterparty or issuer.
9.1 Limitations of Performance.
9.1.1 Force Majeure. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, BBH&Co. shall not be responsible or liable for any failure, hindrance or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of, or for any damages caused by, a Force Majeure event. BBH&Co. will use reasonable efforts to perform its obligations under this Agreement notwithstanding such Force Majeure event.
9.1.2 Country Risk; Sovereign Risk; AML and Sanctions Risk. The Custodian shall not be responsible under this Agreement for any failure to perform its duties, and shall not be liable hereunder for any loss or damage in association with such failure to perform, for or in consequence of the following causes: Country Risk, Sovereign Risk or AML and Sanctions Risk.
Country Risk shall mean, with respect to the acquisition, ownership, settlement or custody of Investments in a jurisdiction, all risks relating to, or arising in consequence of, systemic and markets factors affecting the acquisition, payment for or ownership of Investments including (a) the prevalence of crime and corruption, (b) the inaccuracy or unreliability of business and financial information, (c) the instability or volatility of banking and financial systems, or the absence or inadequacy of an infrastructure to support such systems, (d) custody and settlement infrastructure of the market in which such Investments are transacted and held, (e) the acts, omissions and operation of any Securities Depository, (f) the risk of the bankruptcy or insolvency of banking agents, counterparties to cash and securities transactions, registrars or transfer agents, and (g) the existence of market conditions which prevent the orderly execution or settlement of transactions or which affect the value of assets.
Sovereign Risk shall mean, in respect of any jurisdiction, including the United States of America, where an Investment is acquired or held hereunder or under a subcustody agreement, (a) any act of war, terrorism, riot, insurrection or civil commotion, (b) the imposition of any investment, repatriation or exchange control restrictions by any Governmental Authority, (c) the confiscation, expropriation or nationalization of any Investments or cash deposits by any Governmental Authority, whether de facto or de jure, (d) any devaluation or revaluation of the currency, (e) the imposition of taxes, levies or other charges affecting Investments or cash deposits, (f) any change in the Applicable Law, or (g) any other economic or political risk incurred or experienced.
AML and Sanctions Risk shall mean, with respect to the acquisition, ownership, settlement or custody of Investments, all risks relating to, or arising in consequence of the Custodian complying with one or more Sanctions Regimes or applicable AML Laws, including, but not limited to, the risk that if Custodian reasonably believes it has come in contact with a sanctioned party, or has come into possession or control of any Sanctioned Property as a result of its performance of this Agreement, Custodian may be required by one or more Sanctions Regime to block (i.e. prevent further movement of) such Sanctioned Property and report any related activity to relevant government authorities. The Fund acknowledges that if multiple Sanctions Regimes apply (including OFAC), the Custodian will comply with the most restrictive of the applicable regimes. The Fund also acknowledges that the Custodian shall not be liable hereunder for any loss or damage caused by any delays or refusals to process a transaction that result from Custodian’s obligation to ensure compliance with applicable AML Laws and Sanctions Regimes.
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9.2. Limitations on Liability.
9.2.1 Failure of Third Parties. The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, claim, damage or other liability arising from the failure of any third party including: (a) any issuer of Investments or Book-Entry Agent or other agent of an issuer; (b) any counterparty with respect to any Investment, including any issuer of exchange-traded or other futures, option, derivative or commodities contract; (c) failure of an Investment Advisor, third party foreign custody manager or other agent of the Fund ; or (d) failure of other third parties similarly beyond the control or choice of the Custodian.
9.2.2 Information Sources. The Custodian may rely upon information received from issuers of Investments or agents of such issuers, information received from Subcustodians and from other commercially reasonable sources such as commercial data bases and the like, but shall not be responsible for specific inaccuracies in such information, provided that the Custodian has relied upon such information in good faith, or for the failure of any commercially reasonable information provider.
9.2.3 Reliance on Instruction; Restricted Securities. The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, claim, damage or other liability arising from (a) action by the Custodian or the Subcustodian in accordance with an Instruction, even when such action conflicts with, or is contrary to any provision of, the Fund's trust instrument, certificate of trust or by-laws or other constitutive documents, Applicable Law, or actions by the trustees, directors or shareholders of the Fund, or (b) limitations inherent in the rights, transferability or similar investment characteristics of a given Investment of the Fund.
10. Transfer Agency Services. Subject to the specific provisions of this Section, the TA shall not be liable to the Fund for any damage incurred by the Fund or a Portfolio unless such damages arise from the TA's (or its employees’, officers’ or other agents’) negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. In no event shall the TA be liable hereunder for any special, indirect, punitive or consequential damages arising out of, pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement even if advised of the possibility of such damages. BBH&Co. will provide the transfer agency services described in Schedule III hereto pursuant to the following terms and conditions:
10.1 Limitations on Liability
10.1.1 TA shall not be held accountable or liable to the Fund, or any third party if TA is unable to perform its responsibilities in accordance with this Agreement as a result of (i) any errors in the Services based upon or arising out of information received in a timely or untimely manner by TA either (a) from a source which TA was authorized to rely upon pursuant to a relevant Schedule hereto, or (b) from a source which in TA’s reasonable judgment was as an appropriate source for such information, (ii) relevant information known to the Fund which would impact the Services but which is not communicated by the Fund or its agent to TA, or (iii) the suspension, discontinuance or termination of the transmission of information by information providers for any reason, provided TA shall have made reasonable commercial efforts to procure such transmission. The Fund hereby acknowledges and agrees that TA shall neither guarantee nor make any warranties whatsoever, with respect to the sources referenced above and to the accuracy or completeness of their information.
10.1.2 The Fund acknowledges and agrees that nothing herein is intended to diminish the responsibility of third parties, including without limitation, its clients, custodian banks, brokers, and pricing and administrative agents, under their respective contractual and/or business arrangements with the Fund.
10.1.3 TA shall incur no liability with respect to any telecommunications, equipment or power failures, or any failures to perform or delays in performance by postal or courier services or third-party information providers.
10.1.4 TA shall in no event be required to advance or expend its own funds in connection with the services provided hereunder, or take any action which is in contravention of any applicable law, rule or regulation or any order or judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction.
10.1.5 The Fund shall review the Services performed by TA under this Agreement promptly and periodically and shall notify TA of any improper performance, discrepancy or error therein. Unless the
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Fund provides written notice of any such discrepancy or error within a reasonable time after such Services are performed, the Services shall be deemed to have met the duties and standards set forth herein.
10.1.6 In no event shall the TA be liable for the acts or omission of the CNS Clearing Process, DTC, NSCC or any securities depository, clearing corporation, exchange or communications service.
10.1.7 Without limiting the generality of any of the foregoing provisions, in no event shall TA be liable for any taxes, penalties, fines, costs, charges or fees imposed on the Fund in connection with the Services hereunder unless otherwise agreed between the Parties.
10.1.8 In no event shall TA be responsible for providing investment management services or advice or legal advice under this Agreement, nor shall TA be liable for the investment management services and advice received or given by the Fund or the legal advice received by the Fund from its counsel or other legal counsel.
10.1.9 Without limiting the generality of any of the foregoing provisions, the TA shall have no liability for any damages arising out of (i) the failure of any Authorized Participant to perform its obligations under a Participant Agreement (“Participant Agreement” defined for this purpose as any Participant Agreement between the Distributor and an Authorized Participant acknowledged by the Administrator); (ii) activities or statements of sales or wholesaler personnel who are employed by any distributor (or its affiliates); or (iii) the failure of any Authorized Participant to deposit with the Custodian sufficient collateral, or to provide additional collateral upon request by the TA, in connection with the monitoring services provided for herein on Schedule III; or (b) any errors in the computation of collateral requirements based upon or arising out of quotations or information received by the TA from the Fund’s accounting agent or any other source on which the TA reasonably relies.
10.2 Instructions. TA shall not be liable for, and shall be indemnified by the Fund against any and all losses, costs, damages or expenses arising from or as a result of, any action taken or omitted in reliance upon Instructions (as hereinafter defined) or upon any other written notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or other instrument believed by it to be genuine and signed or authorized by the proper party or parties.
10.2.1 Instructions shall mean a written request, direction, instruction or certification signed or initialed on behalf of the Fund by one or more Authorized Persons. Authorized Persons may be identified by name, title or position. Telephonic and other oral instructions or instructions given by facsimile transmission may be given by any one of the Authorized Persons. Such instructions shall be considered Instructions if TA reasonably believes them to have been given by an Authorized Person. In no event shall Instructions be in the form of electronic mail.
10.2.2 Where Instructions are conveyed through facsimile transmissions, the Fund hereby acknowledges that (i) receipt of legible instructions cannot be assured, (ii) TA cannot verify that authorized signatures on facsimile Instructions are original, and (iii) TA shall not be responsible for losses or expenses incurred through actions taken in reliance on such Instructions. The Fund agrees that such facsimile Instructions shall be conclusive evidence of the Fund’s Instruction to TA to act or to omit to act.
10.2.3 Instructions given orally will be confirmed by written Instructions in the manner set forth above in Section 10.2.1, including by facsimile, but the lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by TA in reliance upon such oral Instructions. The Fund authorizes TA to tape record any and all telephonic or other oral Instructions given to TA by or on behalf of the Fund (including any of its officers, directors, trustees, employees or agents or any investment manager or adviser or person or entity with similar responsibilities which is authorized to give Instructions on behalf of the Fund to TA). The Fund agrees to solicit valid written or other consent from any of its employees in respect to telephonic recordings to the extent such consent is required by applicable law.
10.3 Representations of TA.
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10.3.1 TA represents that it is a registered transfer agent under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
10.3.2 TA has established pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, and other U.S. laws and regulations applicable to it, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance programs, including but not limited to: (1) the development of internal policies, procedures, and controls; (2) the designation of a compliance officer; (3) the implementation of ongoing employee training programs; and (4) the creation of an independent audit function to test such programs.
10.3.3 TA has a customer identification program (CIP) consistent with the rules under section 326 of the USA Patriot Act. TA. For the avoidance of doubt, DTC is exempt from CIP requirements.
10.3.4 TA: (i) has in place policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the transfer agent rules of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (ii) and will maintain appropriate records in accordance with said transfer agent rules.
11. Indemnification. The Fund hereby indemnifies BBH&Co. as TA and Custodian (and each Subcustodian), and their respective Agents, nominees and the partners, employees, officers and directors, and agrees to hold each of them harmless from and against all claims and liabilities, including counsel fees and taxes, incurred or assessed against any of them in connection with the performance of this Agreement and any Instruction. If a Subcustodian or any other person indemnified under the preceding sentence, gives written notice of claim to the Custodian, the Custodian shall promptly give written notice to the Fund.
12. Reports and Records. BBH&Co. shall:
12.1 create and maintain records relating to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement;
12.2 make available to the Fund, its auditors, agents and employees, upon reasonable request and during normal business hours of the Fund and BBH&Co., all records maintained by BBH&Co. pursuant to Section 12.1 above, subject, however, to all reasonable security requirements of BBH&Co. then applicable to the records of its customers generally; and
12.3 make available to the Fund all Electronic Reports; it being understood that BBH&Co. shall not be liable hereunder for the inaccuracy or incompleteness thereof or for errors in any information included therein.
12.4 The Fund shall examine all records, howsoever produced or transmitted, promptly upon receipt and notify BBH&Co. promptly of any discrepancy or error. Unless the Fund delivers written notice of any such discrepancy or error within a reasonable time after its receipt of the records, the records shall be deemed to be true and accurate.
12.5 The Fund acknowledges that the Custodian obtains information on the value of assets from outside sources which may be utilized in certain reports made available to the Fund. The Custodian deems such sources to be reliable but the Fund acknowledges and agrees that the Custodian does not verify such information nor make any representations or warrantees as to its accuracy or completeness and accordingly shall be without liability in selecting and using such sources and furnishing such information.
13. Miscellaneous.
13.1 Powers of Attorney, etc. The Fund will promptly execute and deliver, upon request, such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as may be necessary or desirable for the Custodian to provide, or to cause any Subcustodian to provide, custody services.
13.2 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes any other oral or written agreements heretofore in effect between the Fund and BBH&Co. with respect to the subject matter hereof. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or terminated except by a statement in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the amendment or termination is sought, provided, however, that an Instruction shall, whether or not such Instruction shall constitute a waiver, amendment or modification for purposes hereof, be deemed to have been accepted by
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BBH&Co. when it commences actions pursuant thereto or in accordance therewith. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of a service level agreement or other operating agreement in place between the parties from time to time, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
13.3 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of BBH&Co. and the Fund and their successors and assignees, provided that the Fund may not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of BBH&Co. Each party agrees that only the parties to this Agreement and/or their successors in interest shall have a right to enforce the terms of this Agreement. Accordingly, no client of the Fund or other third party shall have any rights under this Agreement and such rights are explicitly disclaimed by the parties.
13.4 GOVERNING LAW, JURISDICTION AND VENUE. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES OF SUCH STATE. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN. THE FUND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY OF THE AFORESAID COURTS AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. Furthermore, each party hereto hereby irrevocably waives any right that it may have to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
13.5 Notices. Notices and other writings contemplated by this Agreement, other than Instructions, shall be delivered (a) by hand, (b) by first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) by a nationally recognized overnight courier, or (d) by facsimile transmission, provided that any notice or other writing sent by facsimile transmission shall also be mailed, postage prepaid, to the party to whom such notice is addressed. All such notices shall be addressed, as follows:
If to the Fund: | FPA Funds Trust |
235 West Galena Street | |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 | |
Attn: Maureen Quill, President | |
Telephone: [ ] | |
Facsimile [ ] | |
If to BBH&Co.: | Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. |
50 Post Office Square | |
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1548 | |
Attn: Office of the General Counsel | |
Telephone: (617) 772-1818 | |
Facsimile: (617) 772-2235, |
or such other address as the Fund or BBH&Co. may have designated in writing to the other. Notices given by BBH&Co. pursuant to Section 13.13 may also be given by electronic mail to the email address of any Authorized Person. The Fund agrees that such notices given by electronic mail shall be conclusively presumed to have been delivered and received by the Fund as of the date such electronic mail was sent by BBH&Co., as recorded by BBH&Co.’s systems.
13.6 Headings. Paragraph headings included herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not modify, define, expand or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.
13.7 Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement is determined to be void or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue to be in force.
13.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be
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deemed an original. This Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed and delivered by the Fund and BBH&Co. A photocopy or telefax of the Agreement shall be acceptable evidence of the existence of the Agreement and BBH&Co. shall be protected in relying on the photocopy or telefax until BBH&Co. has received the original of the Agreement.
13.9 Confidentiality. The parties hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions of this Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other regarding its business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering or obtaining services pursuant to this Agreement (and offering, rendering or obtaining related BBH&Co. services) and, except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement (including, without limitation, disclosure to Subcustodians or Agents appointed by the Custodian), shall not be disclosed to any third party without the prior consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement, or that is required to be disclosed by or to any regulator of BBH&Co. or any Agent or Subcustodian, any Regulatory Authority, any auditor or attorney of the parties hereto, or by judicial or administrative process or otherwise by Applicable Law.
13.10 Tape-recording. The Fund on behalf of itself and its Customers authorizes BBH&Co. to tape record any and all telephonic or other oral instructions given to BBH&Co. by or on behalf of the Fund, including from any Authorized Person. This authorization will remain in effect until and unless revoked by the Fund in writing. The Fund further agrees to solicit valid written or other consent from any of its employees with respect to telephone communications to the extent such consent is required by applicable law.
13.11 Counsel/ Certified Public Accountant. In fulfilling its duties hereunder, BBH&Co. shall be entitled to receive and act upon the advice of (i) counsel and/or a certified public accountant regularly retained by BBH&Co. in respect of such matters, (ii) counsel and/or a certified public accountant for the Fund or (iii) such counsel or certified public accountant as the Fund and BBH&Co. may agree upon, with respect to all matters, and BBH&Co. shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
13.12 Conflict. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent BBH&Co. and its associates from (i) dealing as a principal or an intermediary in the sale, purchase or loan of the Fund’s Investments to, or from BBH&Co. or its associates; (ii) acting as a custodian, a subcustodian, a trustee, an agent, securities dealer, an investment manager or in any other capacity for any other client whose interests may be adverse to the interest of the Fund; or (iii) buying, holding, lending, and dealing in any way in any assets for the benefit of its own account, or for the account of any other client whose interests may be adverse to the Fund notwithstanding that the same or similar assets may be held or dealt in by, or for the account of the Fund by BBH&Co.. The Fund hereby voluntarily consents to, and waives any potential conflict of interest between BBH&Co. and/or its associates and the Fund, and agrees that:
(a) BBH&Co. and/or its associates’ engagement in any such transaction shall not disqualify the Custodian from continuing to perform as the custodian of the Fund, including its Portfolios, under this Agreement;
(b) BBH&Co. and/or its associates shall not be under any duty to disclose any information in connection with any such transaction to the Fund;
(c) BBH&Co. and/or its associates shall not be liable to account to the Fund, including its Portfolios, for any profits or benefits made or derived by or in connection with any such transaction,; and
(d) the Fund shall use all reasonable efforts to disclose this provision, among other provisions in this Agreement, to its shareholders.
13.13 BBH Online Terms and Conditions. Use of the BBH Infuse™ (f/k/a WorldView®) portal, any future release thereof or successor thereto (the “Portal”), and the products and services available through the Portal (the “Online Services”) are subject to additional terms and conditions, which are available at: bbh.com/onlineterms, as such may be updated from time to time (the “BBH Online Terms and Conditions”) and which are incorporated herein by reference. Without limiting any provision of this Agreement or the BBH Online Terms and Conditions, the Fund is responsible for all use of the Online Services by its authorized users (including employees, officers, directors, agents, consultants, contractors and any third parties given access to the Online Services by or on
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behalf of the Fund), and for ensuring that all such persons comply with the BBH Online Terms and Conditions. BBH&Co. will inform the Fund of any updates to the BBH Online Terms and Conditions in accordance with the procedures set forth therein.
14. Definitions. The following defined terms will have the respective meanings set forth below.
14.1 Advance(s) shall mean any extension of credit by or through the Custodian or by or through any Subcustodian and shall include, without limitation, amounts due to the Custodian as the principal counterparty to any foreign exchange transaction with the Fund as described in Section 7.4.2 hereof, or paid to third parties for account of the Fund or in discharge of any expense, tax or other item payable by the Fund.
14.2 Advance Costs shall mean any Advance, interest on the Advance and any related expenses, including without limitation any mark to market loss of the Custodian or Subcustodian on any Investment to which Section 7.6.1 applies.
14.3 Agency Account(s) shall mean any deposit account opened on the books of a Subcustodian or other banking institution in accordance with Section 7.1 hereof.
14.4 Agent(s) shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.17 hereof.
14.5 Applicable Law shall mean with respect to each jurisdiction, all (a) laws, statutes, treaties, regulations, guidelines (or their equivalents); (b) orders, interpretations, licenses and permits; and (c) judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders and similar actions by a court of competent jurisdiction; compliance with which is required or customarily observed in such jurisdiction.
14.6 Authorized Person(s) shall mean any person or entity authorized to give Instructions on behalf of the Fund in accordance with Section 4.1 or 10.2.1 hereof.
14.7 BBH Online Terms and Conditions shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.13 hereof
14.8 Book-Entry Agent(s) shall mean an entity acting as agent for the issuer of Investments for purposes of recording ownership or similar entitlement to Investments, including without limitation a transfer agent or registrar.
14.9 Clearing Corporation shall mean any entity or system established for purposes of providing securities settlement and movement and associated functions for a given market(s).
14.10 Delegation Schedule shall mean the separate schedule attached hereto with respect to certain matters concerning the appointment and administration of Subcustodians delegated to the Custodian pursuant to Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act.
14.11 Electronic Reports shall mean any reports prepared by the Custodian and remitted to the Fund or its authorized representative via the internet or electronic mail.
14.12 Force Majeure shall mean (a) acts of God, earthquakes, fires, floods, storms, water or wind damage, or other elements of nature; accidents or explosions; wars or acts of war, enemy actions, insurrections, rebellions, riots, terrorism, sabotage, revolutions, or civil commotions or disorders or other acts attributable to economic or political factors or other civil or military disturbances; outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics (including but not limited to COVID-19), public health emergencies, any governmental order or corporate order or any requirement relating thereto; interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, transportation, computer (hardware or software), or communications service(s); any strikes, lock-outs, work stoppages, or other labor disputes; governmental actions; any provision of any present or future law, regulation or order of a federal, state, municipal, local, territorial, provincial or other governmental department, regulatory authority, self-regulatory organization or legislative, judicial or administrative body, including any political subdivision thereof, or of any securities depository or clearing agency; inability to obtain material, equipment or transportation; any disruption of, or suspension of trading in, the securities, commodities or foreign exchange markets or transactions; or any encumbrance on the transferability of, convertibility, or ability to hold a currency or a currency position; or any
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delay or disruption resulting from or reflecting the occurrence of any Country, AML and Sanctions or Sovereign Risk, or (b) any other circumstance or event which is unforeseeable or beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian, regardless of whether such circumstance or event is of a nature or type described in (a) above.
14.13 Foreign Custody Manager shall mean the Fund’s foreign custody manager appointed pursuant to Rule 17f-5 of the 1940 Act.
14.14 Foreign Financial Regulatory Authority shall have the meaning given by Section 2(a)(50) of the 1940 Act.
14.15 Funds Transfer Services Agreement shall mean any separate agreement entered into between the Custodian and the Fund with respect to certain matters concerning the processing of payment orders from Principal Accounts of the Fund.
14.16 Global Custody Network Listing shall mean the Countries and Subcustodians approved for Investments in non-U.S. Markets.
14.17 Instruction(s) shall have the meaning assigned in Section 4 hereof.
14.18 Investment Advisor shall mean any person or entity who is an Authorized Person to give Instructions with respect to the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's Investments.
14.19 Investment(s) shall mean any investment asset of the Fund, including its Portfolios,, including without limitation securities, bonds, notes, and debentures as well as receivables, derivatives, contractual rights or entitlements and other intangible assets, but shall not include any Principal Account.
14.20 Margin Account shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4 hereof.
14.21 OFAC shall mean the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
14.22 Principal Account(s) shall mean deposit accounts of the Fund or a Portfolio carried on the books of BBH&Co. as principal in accordance with Section 7 hereof.
14.23 Sanctions or Sanctions Regime(s) shall mean any governmental sanctions against countries, persons and entities that are imposed at any time by the US, the European Union and its member states, the UK, the United Nations or any other jurisdiction, which Custodian must comply with.
14.24 Securities Depository shall mean a central or book entry system or agency established under Applicable Law for purposes of recording the ownership and/or entitlement to investment securities for a given market that, if a foreign Securities Depository, meets the definitional requirements of Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act.
14.25 Subcustodian(s) shall mean each foreign bank appointed by the Custodian pursuant to Section 8 hereof, but shall not include Securities Depositories.
14.26 Tri-Party Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4 hereof.
14.27 1940 Act shall mean the Investment Company Act of 1940.
15. Compensation. The Fund agrees to pay to BBH&Co. a fee in an amount set forth in the fee letter between the Fund and BBH&Co. as Custodian and between the Fund and BBH&Co. as TA, in effect on the date hereof or as amended from time to time, and (b) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by BBH&Co, ,. for account or benefit of the Fund, including its Portfolios, and payable from time to time, including the fee and expense of all Subcustodians and other amounts paid by the Custodian to a third party. Amounts payable by the Fund under and pursuant to this section shall be payable by wire transfer to the Custodian at BBH&Co. in New York, New York.
16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either party in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The provisions of this Agreement and any other rights or obligations incurred or accrued by any party hereto
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prior to termination of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
16.1 Term, Notice and Effect. This Agreement shall have an initial term of three (3) years from the date hereof. Thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods unless either party terminates this Agreement by written notice effective no sooner than seventy-five (75) days following the date that notice to such effect shall be delivered to the other party at its address set forth in Section 13.5 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, either party may terminate this Agreement at any time (a) for cause, which is a material breach of the Agreement not cured within 60 days, in which case termination shall be effective upon written receipt of notice by the non-terminating party, or (b) upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party in the event that either party is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, or there shall be commenced against such party a case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law now or hereafter in effect.
16.2 Notice and Succession. In the event a termination notice is given by a party hereto, all reasonable costs and expenses associated with any required systems, facilities, procedures, personnel, and other resourced modifications as well as the movement of records and materials and the conversion thereof shall be paid by the Fund for which services shall cease to be performed hereunder. Furthermore, to the extent that it appears impracticable given the circumstances to effect an orderly delivery of the necessary and appropriate records of BBH&Co. to a successor within the time specified in the notice of termination as aforesaid, BBH&Co. and the Fund agree that this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for such reasonable period as may be required to complete necessary arrangements with a successor.
16.3 Successor Custodian. In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, it is agreed that the Investments of the Fund held by the Custodian or any Subcustodian shall be delivered to the successor custodian in accordance with reasonable Instructions. The Custodian agrees to cooperate with the Fund in the execution of documents and performance of other actions necessary or desirable in order to facilitate the succession of the new custodian. If no successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall in like manner transfer the Fund's Investments in accordance with Instructions.
16.4 Delayed Succession of Custodian. If no Instruction has been given as of the effective date of termination, Custodian may at any time on or after such termination date and upon ten (10) consecutive calendar days written notice to the Fund either (a) deliver the Investments of the Fund, including its Portfolios, held hereunder to the Fund at the address designated for receipt of notices hereunder; or (b) deliver any investments held hereunder to a bank or trust company having a capitalization of $2,000,000 USD equivalent and operating under the Applicable Law of the jurisdiction where such Investments are located, such delivery to be at the risk of the Fund. In the event that Investments or moneys of the Fund remain in the custody of the Custodian or its Subcustodians after the date of termination owing to the failure of the Fund to issue Instructions with respect to their disposition or owing to the fact that such disposition could not be accomplished in accordance with such Instructions despite diligent efforts of the Custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its services with respect to such Investments and moneys during such period as the Custodian or its Subcustodians retain possession of such items and the provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until disposition in accordance with this Section is accomplished.
17. Compliance Policies and Procedures. To assist the Fund in complying with Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act, BBH&Co. represents that it has adopted written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws in fulfilling its obligations under the Agreement and that it has in place a compliance program to monitor its compliance with those policies and procedures. BBH&Co will upon request provide the Fund with information about its compliance program.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
The undersigned acknowledges that (I/we) have received a copy of this document.
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. | FPA FUNDS TRUST | |||
By: | By: | |||
Name: | Name: Maureen Quill | |||
Title: | Title: President | |||
Date: | Date: |
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SCHEDULE I: 17f-5 DELEGATION SCHEDULE
By its execution of this Delegation Schedule dated as of _____________, 202_, between __________________________, a management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), acting through its Board of Directors/Trustees or its duly appointed representative (the Fund), hereby appoints BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO., a New York limited partnership with an office in Boston, Massachusetts (the Delegate) as its delegate to perform certain functions with respect to the custody of Fund's Assets outside the United States.
1. Maintenance of Fund's Assets Abroad. The Fund, acting through its Board or its duly authorized representative, hereby instructs the Delegate pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement dated as of the date hereof executed by and between the Fund and the Delegate (the Custodian Agreement) to place and maintain the Fund's Assets in countries outside the United States in accordance with Instructions received from the Fund’s Investment Advisor. Such instruction shall constitute an Instruction under the terms of the Custodian Agreement. The Fund acknowledges that (a) the Delegate shall perform services hereunder only with respect to the countries where it accepts delegation as Foreign Custody Manager as indicated on the Delegate’s Global Custody Network Listing; (b) depending on conditions in the particular country, advance notice may be required before the Delegate shall be able to perform its duties hereunder in or with respect to such country (such advance notice to be reasonable in light of the specific facts and circumstances attendant to performance of duties in such country); and (c) nothing in this Delegation Schedule shall require the Delegate to provide delegated or custodial services in any country, and there may from time to time be countries as to which the Delegate determines it will not provide delegation services.
2. Delegation. Pursuant to the provisions of Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act as amended, the Board hereby delegates to the Delegate, and the Delegate hereby accepts such delegation and agrees to perform only those duties set forth in this Delegation Schedule concerning the safekeeping of the Fund's Assets in each of the countries as to which it acts as the Board’s delegate. The Delegate is hereby authorized to take such actions on behalf of or in the name of the Fund as are reasonably required to discharge its duties under this Delegation Schedule, including, without limitation, to cause the Fund's Assets to be placed with a particular Eligible Foreign Custodian in accordance herewith. The Fund confirms to the Delegate that the Fund or its Investment Adviser has considered the Sovereign Risk and prevailing Country Risk as part of its continuing investment decision process, including such factors as may be reasonably related to the systemic risk of maintaining the Fund's Assets in a particular country, including, but not limited to, financial infrastructure, prevailing custody and settlement systems and practices (including the use of any Securities Depository in the context of information provided by the Custodian in the performance of its duties as required under Rule 17f-7 and the terms of the Custodian Agreement governing such duties), and the laws relating to the safekeeping and recovery of the Fund's Assets held in custody pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement.
3. Selection of Eligible Foreign Custodian and Contract Administration. The Delegate shall perform the following duties with respect to the selection of Eligible Foreign Custodians and administration of certain contracts governing the Fund's foreign custodial arrangements:
(a) Selection of Eligible Foreign Custodian. The Delegate shall place and maintain the Fund's Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian, provided that the Delegate shall have determined that the Fund's Assets will be subject to reasonable care based on the standards applicable to custodians in the relevant market after considering factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets including without limitation:
(i) The Eligible Foreign Custodian's practices, procedures, and internal controls, including, but not limited to, the physical protections available for certificated securities (if applicable), the controls and procedures for dealing with any Securities Depository, the method of keeping custodial records, and the security and data protection practices;
(ii) Whether the Eligible Foreign Custodian has the requisite financial strength to provide reasonable care for the Fund's Assets;
(iii) The Eligible Foreign Custodian's general reputation and standing; and
(iv) Whether the Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments against the Eligible Foreign Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of any offices of such Eligible Foreign Custodian in the United States or such Eligible Foreign Custodian's appointment of an agent for service of process in the United States or consent to jurisdiction in the United States.
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The Delegate shall be required to make the foregoing determination to the best of its knowledge and belief based only on information reasonably available to it.
(b) Contract Administration. The Delegate shall cause that the foreign custody arrangements with an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall be governed by a written contract that the Delegate has determined will provide reasonable care for Fund assets based on the standards applicable to custodians in the relevant market. Each such contract shall, except as set forth in the last paragraph of this subsection (b), include provisions that provide:
(i) For indemnification or insurance arrangements (or any combination of the foregoing) such that the Fund will be adequately protected against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance with such contract;
(ii) That the Fund's Assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Eligible Foreign Custodian or its creditors except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration or, in the case of cash deposits, liens or rights in favor of creditors of such Custodian arising under bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws;
(iii) That beneficial ownership of the Fund's Assets will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration;
(iv) That adequate records will be maintained identifying the Fund's Assets as belonging to the Fund or as being held by a third party for the benefit of the Fund;
(v) That the Fund's independent public accountants will be given access to those records described in (iv) above or confirmation of the contents of such records; and
(vi) That the Delegate will receive sufficient and timely periodic reports with respect to the safekeeping of the Fund's Assets, including, but not limited to, notification of any transfer to or from the Fund's account or a third party account containing the Fund's Assets.
Such contract may contain, in lieu of any or all of the provisions specified in this Section 3(b), such other provisions that the Delegate determines will provide, in their entirety, the same or a greater level of care and protection for the Fund's Assets as the specified provisions, in their entirety.
(c) Limitation to Delegated Selection. Notwithstanding anything in this Delegation Schedule to the contrary, the duties under this Section 3 shall apply only to Eligible Foreign Custodians selected by the Delegate and shall not apply to Securities Depositories or to any Eligible Foreign Custodian that the Delegate is directed to use pursuant to Section 7 of this Delegation Schedule.
4. Monitoring. The Delegate shall establish a system to monitor at reasonable intervals (but at least annually) the appropriateness of maintaining the Fund's Assets with each Eligible Foreign Custodian that has been selected by the Delegate pursuant to Section 3 of this Delegation Schedule. The Delegate shall monitor the continuing appropriateness of placement of the Fund's Assets in accordance with the criteria established under Section 3(a) of this Delegation Schedule. The Delegate shall monitor the continuing appropriateness of the contract governing the Fund's arrangements in accordance with the criteria established under Section 3(b) of this Delegation Schedule.
5. Reporting. At least annually and more frequently as mutually agreed between the parties, the Delegate shall provide to the Board written reports specifying placement of the Fund's Assets with each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Delegate pursuant to Section 3 of this Delegation Schedule and shall promptly report on any material changes to such foreign custody arrangements. Delegate will prepare such a report with respect to any Eligible Foreign Custodian that the Delegate has been instructed to use pursuant to Section 7 of this Delegation Schedule only to the extent specifically agreed with respect to the particular situation.
6. Withdrawal of Fund's Assets. If the Delegate determines that an arrangement with a specific Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Delegate under Section 3 of this Delegation Schedule no longer meets the requirements of said Section, Delegate shall withdraw the Fund's Assets from the non-complying arrangement as soon as reasonably practicable; provided, however, that if in the reasonable judgment of the Delegate, such withdrawal would require liquidation of any of the Fund's Assets or would materially impair the liquidity, value or other investment characteristics of the Fund's Assets, it shall be the duty of the Delegate to provide information regarding the particular circumstances and to act only in accordance with Instructions of the Fund or its Investment Advisor with respect to such liquidation or other withdrawal.
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7. Direction as to Eligible Foreign Custodian. Notwithstanding this Delegation Schedule, the Fund, acting through its Board, its Investment Advisor or its other Authorized Representative, may direct the Delegate to place and maintain the Fund's Assets with a particular Eligible Foreign Custodian, including without limitation with respect to investment in countries as to which the Custodian will not provide delegation services. In such event, the Delegate shall be entitled to rely on any such instruction as an Instruction under the terms of the Custodian Agreement and shall have no duties under this Delegation Schedule with respect to such arrangement save those that it may undertake specifically in writing with respect to each particular instance.
8. Standard of Care. In carrying out its duties under this Delegation Schedule, the Delegate agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for safekeeping the Fund's Assets would exercise.
9. Representations. The Delegate hereby represents and warrants that it is a U.S. Bank and that this Delegation Schedule has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Delegate and is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Delegate.
The Fund hereby represents and warrants that its Board of Trustees has determined that it is reasonable to rely on the Delegate to perform the delegated responsibilities provided for herein and that this Delegation Schedule has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund and is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Fund.
10. Effectiveness; termination. This Delegation Schedule shall be effective as of the date on which this Delegation Schedule shall have been accepted by the Delegate, as indicated by the date set forth below the Delegate's signature. This Delegation Schedule may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by written notice from the terminating party to the non-terminating party. Such termination shall be effective on the 30th calendar day following the date on which the non-terminating party shall receive the foregoing notice. The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, this Delegation Schedule shall be deemed to have been terminated concurrently with the termination of the Custodian Agreement.
11. Notices. Notices and other communications under this Delegation Schedule are to be made in accordance with the arrangements designated for such purpose under the Custodian Agreement unless otherwise indicated in a writing referencing this Delegation Schedule and executed by both parties.
12. Definitions. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Delegation Schedule have the following meanings:
a. Country Risk – shall have the meaning set forth in the Custodian Agreement.
b. Eligible Foreign Custodian - shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-5(a)(1) of the 1940 Act and shall also include a U.S. Bank.
c. Fund's Assets - shall mean any of the Fund's investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States, and such cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Fund's transactions in such investments.
d. Instructions - shall have the meaning set forth in the Custodian Agreement.
e. Securities Depository - shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act.
f. Sovereign Risk - shall have the meaning set forth in the Custodian Agreement.
g . U.S. Bank - shall mean a bank which qualifies to serve as a custodian of assets of investment companies under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act.
13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction. This Delegation Schedule shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. The parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal courts sitting in the State of New York or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or of the state courts of either such State or such Commonwealth.
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14. Fees. Delegate shall perform its functions under this Delegation Schedule for the compensation determined under the Custodian Agreement.
15. Integration. This Delegation Schedule sets forth all of the Delegate's duties with respect to the selection and monitoring of Eligible Foreign Custodians, the administration of contracts with Eligible Foreign Custodians, the withdrawal of assets from Eligible Foreign Custodians and the issuance of reports in connection with such duties. The terms of the Custodian Agreement shall apply generally as to matters not expressly covered in this Delegation Schedule, including dealings with the Eligible Foreign Custodians in the course of discharge of the Delegate's obligations under the Custodian Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this 17f-5 Delegation Schedule to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
The undersigned acknowledges that (I/we) have received a copy of this document.
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. | [FUND] | |||
By: | By: | |||
Name: | Name: | |||
Title: | Title: |
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SCHEDULE
II: US MONEY MARKET FUND INVESTMENTS SCHEDULE TO CUSTODIAN
AGREEMENT
TERMS & CONDITIONS
FOR PROCESSING ORDERS IN U.S. MONEY MARKET FUNDS (“US MMF T&C”)
This US MMF T&C supplements the Custodian Agreement between ______________ (“Client”) and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”) dated __________, 202_, as amended from time to time (the “Custodian Agreement”), and provides terms and conditions related to Instructions to BBH thereunder to process orders in and custody shares of U.S. registered investment companies that hold themselves out as money market funds (“MMFs”), if any. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Custodian Agreement.
US MMFs are subject to various requirements under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 23, 2014 (as further amended from time-to-time, “Rule 2a-7”).
The MMFs will disclose in their prospectus and statement of additional information, as amended from time to time, that the MMFs are subject to certain limitations and restrictions pursuant to amendments to Rule 2a-7, including provisions relating to the calculation of net asset values (“NAVs”), imposition of liquidity fees on redemptions (“liquidity fees”) or the temporary suspension of redemptions (a “redemption gate”), and shareholder eligibility requirements.
If Client provides BBH with an Instruction to process orders for transactions in MMFs and/or requires BBH to service shares of MMFs, Client shall assist and cooperate with BBH, the MMFs and the MMFs’ agents to comply with Rule 2a-7. Without limitation on the foregoing, fund order processing and custody of shares of MMFs are subject to the following additional terms and conditions.
1) | Orders in MMFs. |
a) | Any Instruction by the Client to purchase any MMF shall be based on the gross dollar amount of the value of shares to be purchased. |
b) | Any Instruction by the Client for subscriptions, exchanges or redemption orders in any MMF shall be made gross and shall not net any subscription, exchange or redemption orders in any MMF, including any orders originating from underlying customers of the Client, if any. |
2) | Liquidity Fees and Gates. |
a) | Client (and not BBH) will be responsible for reviewing any disclosure on a MMF website providing notice to shareholders and prospective shareholders of liquidity of the MMF and when liquidity fees or redemption gates are imposed or lifted and Client agrees that BBH is not responsible for notifying the Client of the imposition by an MMF of any such event or re-confirming the Client’s intent to transact in a MMF when a liquidity fee or redemption gate is in effect. |
b) | If a liquidity fee is implemented by a MMF, BBH will not be directly responsible for calculating or withholding the liquidity fee, but will apply any liquidity fee calculated and withheld by the MMF from any order as notified by the MMF or Distributor to BBH. |
c) | If a redemption gate is implemented by a MMF, Client acknowledges and agrees that any redemption or exchange orders in the MMF made by Client while the redemption gate is in effect may be rejected by the MMF, and that BBH is responsible for rejecting only those orders that BBH has been notified have been rejected by the MMF or its agents. Client shall endeavor not to instruct BBH to place an order for a redemption in a MMF when a redemption gate is in effect for such MMF. |
3) | Retail MMFs. |
BBH does not support and is not responsible for the order processing, purchase, exchange, redemption, settlement, custody or other servicing of shares of Retail MMFs (as defined in Rule 2a-7(a)(25)). Client shall establish policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to ensure that it does not, and shall not, submit any request or other instruction to BBH to purchase or exchange shares of a Retail MMF.
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4) | No Agency. |
With respect to orders in a MMF:
a) | BBH generally elects not serve as the MMF’s dealer, agent, or designee for purposes of Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act in connection with the receipt of orders; |
b) | Accordingly, the MMF will apply a NAV calculation based on the time that the MMF accepts the order in good form from BBH, and not the time the Client instructs BBH to process the order; and |
c) | Neither BBH nor the MMF or its distributor is responsible for any losses arising from orders accepted by BBH before, but received and accepted by the MMF after, a NAV calculation time, or imposition of a liquidity fee or redemption gate. |
Any order for shares in a MMF placed and held in custody by BBH will be made in reliance upon the terms hereof.
*** *** ***
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SCHEDULE III: TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES SCHEDULE
BBH&Co. shall perform the following transfer agency services for the Fund and, where applicable, the Fund’s Portfolios. As used herein, the term Fund incorporates and includes the term Portfolio:
I. Issuance and Redemption of Unit Baskets. It is agreed and understood that the Fund, and TA on the Fund’s behalf, shall issue and redeem Share Baskets of the Fund in blocks of __________ shares (“Shares”) (“Creation Baskets” and “Redemption Baskets,” respectively, and generically, “Baskets”) to and from such persons as are identified by the Fund as “Authorized Participants.”
A. Pursuant to such purchase orders that BBH&Co. as the Index Receipt Agent shall receive from [Insert Distributor Name], LLC (“Distributor”) and pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement entered into by the Fund, TA shall transfer appropriate trade instructions to the Custodian and pursuant to such orders register the appropriate number of book entry only Shares in the name of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee as a unitholder (each an Authorized Participant) of the Fund and deliver the Basket.
B. Pursuant to such redemption orders that Index Receipt Agent shall receive from the Distributor, pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement entered into by the Fund, TA shall transfer appropriate trade instructions to the Custodian and, pursuant to such orders, redeem the appropriate number of Shares that are delivered to the designated DTC Participant Account of the Custodian for redemption and debit such Shares from the account of the Authorized Participant on the register of the Fund.
C. On behalf of the Fund, TA shall issue Creation Baskets for settlement with purchasers through DTC as the purchaser is authorized to receive. Beneficial ownership of Shares shall be shown on the records of DTC and DTC Participants and not on any records maintained by TA. In issuing Shares through DTC to an Authorized Participant, TA shall be entitled to rely upon the latest Instructions that are received from the Distributor by TA as Index Receipt Agent concerning the issuance and delivery of such Shares for settlement.
D. TA shall not issue on behalf of the Fund any Shares where it has received an Instruction from the Fund or the Distributor or written notification from any federal or state authority that the sale of the Shares has been suspended or discontinued, and TA shall be entitled to rely upon such Instructions or written notification.
E. Upon the issuance of Shares as provided herein, TA shall not be responsible for the payment of any original issue or other taxes, if any, required to be paid by the Fund or the Distributor in connection with such issuance.
F. Shares may be redeemed in accordance with the procedures set forth in the relevant Authorized Participant Agreement and TA shall duly process all redemption requests.
G. TA will act only upon Instruction from the Fund and/or the Distributor in addressing any failure in the delivery of cash, securities and/or Shares in connection with the issuance and redemption of Shares.
II. Recordkeeping.
A. In satisfying its obligations under the Agreement, TA shall record the issuance of Creation Baskets and maintain, pursuant to Rule 17Ad6(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a record of the total number of Creation Baskets that are authorized, issued and outstanding based upon data provided to TA by the Fund or the Distributor. TA shall also provide the Fund on a regular basis with the total number of Shares authorized, issued and outstanding; provided however that TA shall not be responsible for monitoring the issuance of such Shares or compliance with any laws relating to the validity of the issuance or the legality of the sale of such Shares.
III. Services Related to the Monitoring of Cash Collateral.
(a) | Monitor the collateralization levels as set forth in Authorized Participant Agreements in connection with cash collateral posted by Authorized Participants in connection with Creation Basket activity. |
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(b) | Mark to market daily the value of such cash collateral using a pricing source from the Fund’s accounting agent or any other source on which the TA reasonably relies. |
(c) Monitor collateral levels daily and communicate calls for additional collateral to the Authorized Participants as necessary based upon daily collateral requirement calculations using ratios set forth in Participant Agreements.
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FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICES AGREEMENT
(“FTSA”)
Date: __________, 202_
In accordance with any custodian agreement, administration agreement, and/or any other agreement in which funds transfers are contemplated (as amended, restated, supplemented, modified, and otherwise in effect from time to time, each an “Agreement”, and collectively, the “Agreements”) between [CLIENT] (“Client”), and BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. and/or any of its affiliates (collectively, “BBH”), the Client acknowledges and accepts the following terms and conditions in respect of all funds transfers effected by BBH and BBH is willing to effect such funds transfers subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this FTSA. References to UCC 4A shall mean Article 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code as currently in effect in the State of New York.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Client and BBH hereby agree, as follows:
1. Definitions. As used in this FTSA, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined). Terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings accorded to them in the applicable Agreement.
“Authorized Instructors” refers to individuals designated by the Client or its agent in the APD as authorized to give FT Instructions.
“Authorized Person” refers collectively to any individual authorized by the Client or its agent to give (i.e., Authorized Instructor) and/or verify (i.e., Authorized Verifier) FT Instructions, on the relevant cash account as set forth in the APD.
“Authorized Persons Document” or “APD” means a form acceptable to BBH whereby the Client or its agent designates Authorized Person(s) and the entitlements the Client or its agent has granted such person(s) with respect to the relevant cash account. The APD includes the names, phone numbers, email addresses, and/or fax numbers of Authorized Instructors and/or Authorized Verifiers (as applicable), and any other information that BBH may require from time to time.
“Authorized Verifiers” refers to individuals designated by the Client or its agent in the APD as authorized to verify FT Instructions.
“BBH Designated Security Procedure” means the security procedures that BBH makes available to the Client as set forth in Appendix A attached hereto (as amended from time to time by BBH, “Appendix A”).
“Callback Procedure” has the meaning set forth in Appendix A.
“Client Designated Security Procedure” means an alternate security procedure, as set forth in Appendix A, that the Client elects to use to transmit and authenticate an FT Instruction in lieu of a BBH Designated Security Procedure.
“Designated Security Procedure” refers, collectively, to Client Designated Security Procedures and BBH Designated Security Procedures.
“FT Instructions” refers to Instructions or Proper Instructions, as applicable and as defined in an applicable Agreement, made in the name of the Client in relation to a payment order as defined in UCC 4A, whether such payment order is a Fed wire payment order or other funds transfer, including a book transfer.
2. Execution of Payment Orders. BBH will execute each FT Instruction, whether denominated in United States dollars or other applicable currency, received by BBH, provided that the Client has sufficient available funds on deposit at BBH and provided that the FT Instruction: (a) is received by BBH in the manner specified herein; (b) complies with any written instructions and restrictions set forth in the APD; (c) is verified in accordance with a Designated Security Procedure; and (d) contains sufficient data to enable BBH to process such FT Instruction.
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3. Transmission of Payment Orders and Designated Security Procedures. An FT Instruction must be transmitted by secured or authenticated means; set forth in Appendix A are the “security procedures” within the meaning of UCC 4A for verifying the authenticity of payment orders within the meaning of UCC 4A. BBH offers to the Client BBH Designated Security Procedures which Client may elect from time to time in a separate election form (each an “Election Form”). Alternatively, the Client may elect in an Election Form to transmit an FT Instruction in accordance with a Client Designated Security Procedure. In electing to transmit an FT Instruction via a Client Designated Security Procedure, Client (a) agrees to be bound by the transaction(s) or payment order(s) specified on said FT Instruction, whether or not authorized, and accepted by BBH in compliance with such Client Designated Security Procedure, and (b) accepts the risk associated with such Client Designated Security Procedure and confirms it is commercially reasonable for the transmission and authentication of the FT Instruction. BBH may accept a Client Designated Security Procedure but takes no responsibility for the reasonableness or security of the means utilized by Client.
The Client and BBH agree that BBH will verify the authenticity of the Client’s FT Instructions pursuant to the Designated Security Procedures elected by the Client. Client agrees that, so long as BBH acts in good faith and complies with the Designated Security Procedure selected by the Client, an FT Instruction issued in the Client’s name and accepted by BBH in compliance with the Designated Security Procedure selected by the Client shall be binding on the Client and the Client shall be responsible for payment of the transferred amount, even if the transfer request was not actually initiated or authorized by the Client or its Authorized Person.
The Client may elect, in the Election Form, to choose the relevant Designated Security Procedures for FT Instructions for itself and each of Client’s Authorized Persons, or to permit its Authorized Persons to select the Designated Security Procedures such Authorized Person(s) will use for FT Instructions in an Election Form, in which case the Client agrees that any such selection by an Authorized Person shall be deemed to have been chosen by the Client, even if the Client had not chosen such Designated Security Procedure for its own use. The Client agrees that the totality of the Designated Security Procedures elected by the Client and its Authorized Persons are authorized by the Client for FT Instructions. Subject to any set-up requirements set forth in the Designated Security Procedure, a new, or changes to an existing, Election Form shall be effective once BBH has a reasonable opportunity to act thereon (which shall be not later than two (2) banking days after receipt by BBH).
4. Rejection of Payment Orders; Rescission of Designated Security Procedure. BBH will notify the Client of BBH’s rejection of an FT Instruction. Such notice may be given in writing, electronically (including via email, BBH’s online portal InfuseTM, etc.) or orally by telephone. In the event BBH fails to execute a properly executable FT Instruction and fails to give the Client notice of BBH’s non-execution, BBH shall be liable only for the Client’s actual damages and only to the extent that such damages are recoverable under UCC 4A. BBH may decide to no longer accept FT Instructions using a particular Designated Security Procedure, or to do so only on revised terms. In such a case, BBH will provide prior written notice to the Client or such Authorized Person of such decision or revision of terms.
5. Cancellation or Amendment of Payment Orders. The Client may cancel or amend an FT Instruction but BBH shall have no liability for BBH’s failure to act on a cancellation or amendment of an FT Instruction unless BBH has received such cancellation FT Instruction or amendment FT Instruction at a time and in a manner affording BBH reasonable opportunity to act prior to BBH’s execution of the original FT Instruction. Any cancellation or amendment of an FT Instruction shall be sent and verified by a Designated Security Procedure elected by the Client or an Authorized Person.
6. Preauthorized Repetitive Payment Orders. The Client may establish with BBH a process to preauthorize certain repetitive payments or transfers. The Client acknowledges that prior to the issuance of any repetitive payment order, an Authorized Person must (a) request that BBH approve and set-up an appropriate repetitive payment order, and (b) complete such documentation as BBH may require, including a separate Preauthorized Repetitive Payment Order (PPO) form. The PPO shall be delivered to BBH in writing through a Designated Security Procedure, and will become effective after (i) the PPO has been authenticated in the manner required under the Designated Security Procedure and (ii) BBH shall have had a reasonable opportunity to act thereon (which shall be no later than two (2) banking days after receipt by BBH). BBH will perform a callback in accordance with the Callback Procedure to verify the authorization and details of the payment order at the time an Authorized Person establishes the repetitive payment order, but shall not perform a callback (or other authentication) prior to executing an individual payment order thereunder.
The PPO may take the form of either:
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(i) | A standing instruction in which the Client provides in the PPO all required information for an FT Instruction (except for the transfer date and amount) on a “standing instructions” basis. The Client may from time-to-time instruct BBH to make a payment under the PPO, through a Designated Security Procedure, which instruction shall reference the repetitive line number (a number assigned to it by BBH after execution of the PPO), details of the payment, the transfer date and the amount of the transfer. BBH will verify the authenticity of this standing instruction in a manner required under the Designated Security Procedure elected by the Client or Authorized Person (but will not perform a callback or other authentication prior to executing individual payments thereunder). An instruction from the Client confirming the transfer date and the amount to be paid pursuant to the PPO shall be an FT Instruction for purposes of this FTSA; or |
(ii) | A recurring instruction in which the Client provides all required information for an FT Instruction with an instruction to process such payments with a specific frequency. Such a recurring instruction shall be an FT Instruction for purposes of this FTSA. BBH will not perform a callback prior to executing a payment under a recurring instruction. |
7. Errors in Payment Orders; Liability of the Parties. The purpose of using a Designated Security Procedure is to verify the authenticity of any FT Instruction and not to detect errors or omissions. Therefore, BBH is not responsible for detecting any Client error or omission contained in any FT Instruction. In the event that the FT Instruction either (a) identifies the beneficiary by both a name and an identifying bank or account number and the name and number identify different persons or entities, or (b) identifies any bank by both a name and an identifying number and the number identifies a person or entity different from the bank identified by name, then execution of the relevant payment order, payment to the beneficiary, cancellation of the payment order or actions taken by BBH or any bank in respect of such payment order may be made solely on the basis of the number.
BBH shall not be liable for interest on the amount of any FT Instruction that was not authorized or was erroneously executed unless the Client so notifies BBH within thirty (30) calendar days following the Client’s receipt of notice that such FT Instruction was processed. Any compensation payable in the form of interest shall be payable in accordance with UCC 4A. If BBH receives and acts upon an FT Instruction issued in the name of the Client that was not authorized by the Client, the liability of the parties will be governed by the applicable provisions of UCC 4A. Notwithstanding anything in this FTSA and the Agreements to the contrary, BBH shall in no event be liable for any consequential, indirect, special or punitive damages under this FTSA, including any loss of profits, whether or not such damages relate to services covered by UCC 4A, even if BBH was advised of the possibility of such damages.
8. Cut-Off Time. If an FT Instruction is not received prior to BBH’s respective published deadline for funds transfers or is received on a non-banking day in the country of the currency instructed, it will be treated as received on the next banking day.
9. Miscellaneous. The Client hereby agrees on behalf of itself and its Authorized Persons, including any respective agent, employee, or officer thereof, that BBH may (but has no obligation to) record, without further notice, telephone calls that relate to any FT Instruction. BBH does not recommend the sending of FT Instructions by facsimile, telephonic, e-mail or other Client Designated Security Procedure. In addition, to the extent the Client uses email to transmit FT Instructions or any other information under this FTSA, the Client is solely responsible to ensure emails are sent via secure means, such as by way of example only, via transport layer security. BY ELECTING TO SEND FT INSTRUCTIONS BY FACSIMILE, TELEPHONIC, E-MAIL OR OTHER CLIENT DESIGNATED SECURITY PROCEDURE, THE CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE LIMITATIONS OF LIABLITY APPLICABLE TO BBH, THE INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATION, AND HOLD HARMLESS TERMS GIVEN BY THE CLIENT IN THIS FTSA AND IN THE AGREEMENTS INCLUDE ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, DAMAGES AND COSTS (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ATTORNEYS’ FEES) ARISING THEREFROM OR RELATING THERETO.
The Client hereby indemnifies BBH, and its respective agents, nominees and the partners, employees, officers and directors, and agrees to hold each of them harmless from and against all claims and liabilities, including counsel fees and taxes, incurred or assessed against any of them in connection with the performance of this FTSA and the execution of any FT Instruction to the extent not covered under UCC 4A.
THIS FTSA SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF, THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW OF SUCH STATE. THE
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PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN. THE CLIENT IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY OF THE AFORESAID COURTS AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. FURTHERMORE, EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT THAT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS FTSA OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
This FTSA, together with the Appendix A and Election Form (as may be amended from time to time), constitutes the entire agreement between the Client and BBH with respect to the subject matter hereof. Accordingly, this FTSA supersedes any other oral or written agreements heretofore in effect among the Client and BBH with respect to any funds transfers.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this FTSA to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. | [CLIENT] | |||
By: | By: | |||
Name: | Name: | |||
Title: | Title: |
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Appendix A
To The
FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICES AGREEMENT (“FTSA”)
Designated Security Procedures
Prior to the initiation of an FT Instruction, the Client will complete and sign an APD, in which the Client will provide to BBH: (a) required information about each Authorized Person, and (b) the entitlements granted to such person(s) by the Client. This Appendix A to the FTSA may be updated from time to time by BBH by electronic mail to the email address of any Authorized Person, in the event BBH determines it will no longer offer a particular Designated Security Procedure, will do so only on revised terms, or will offer a new Designated Security Procedure. The Client (or its Authorized Person(s)) will choose the Designated Security Procedure(s) in an Election Form. Terms not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the FTSA.
A. | BBH Designated Security Procedure. BBH offers the following BBH Designated Security Procedures to the Client for use in communicating FT Instructions to BBH: |
1. BBH Infuse™ Payment Products. The Client may submit FT Instructions through BBH Infuse™ Payment Products (or any successor thereto, “BBH Infuse”), which are BBH proprietary on-line payment order authorization facilities with built-in multi-factor authentication procedures. BBH and the Client shall each be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of passwords or other codes used by them in connection with BBH Infuse. BBH will act on FT Instructions received through BBH Infuse without duty of further verification unless the Client notifies BBH that its password is not secure. Access to, and use of, BBH Infuse are subject to the terms and conditions available at: www.bbh.com/onlineterms, as updated from time to time and which are incorporated herein by reference.
2. SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) Transmission. The Client may submit FT Instructions through SWIFT. BBH and the Client shall comply with SWIFT’s authentication procedures. The Client is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of passwords, codes and credentials, and for securing the systems and applications, used in connection with SWIFT authentication. BBH will act on FT Instructions received via SWIFT provided the instruction is authenticated by the SWIFT system until the Client notifies BBH in writing to cease acting on FT Instructions received via SWIFT.
3. sFTP (Secure File Transmission Protocol). The Client may upload FT Instructions through a secure file transmission protocol (“sFTP”), which includes multi-factor authentication processes and encryption of the complete transmission. The Client is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of passwords or other codes used in connection with sFTP. BBH will act on FT Instructions received through sFTP without duty of further verification unless the Client notifies BBH in writing that its credentials have been compromised. As a prerequisite to receiving FT Instructions via sFTP, BBH and the Client shall have conducted testing and confirmed that the FT Instructions sent via sFTP can be processed in good time and order; once such testing and confirmation is satisfactory to the Client and BBH, BBH will act on FT Instructions received via sFTP.
4. Written Instruction with PIN Verified Callback. The Client may elect to send an FT Instruction that bears the signature of an Authorized Instructor (a) in an original writing to an address designated by BBH from time-to-time for such purposes, (b) by fax to a fax number designated by BBH from time-to-time for such purposes, or (c) in PDF format by email to an email address designated by BBH from time-to-time for such purposes. The authenticity of that FT Instruction shall be deemed conclusive if verified by BBH as follows:
(i) | Upon BBH’s receipt of the document containing the FT Instruction, BBH shall identify the name of the instructor to verify if it is a named Authorized Instructor. BBH shall rely on the purported identity of the instructor but will not perform signature verification; |
(ii) | BBH will perform a callback to a telephone number set forth in the APD attributable to an Authorized Verifier during which the Authorized Verifier provides a personal identification |
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number, one-time identification code, or password (collectively, a “PIN”) or other authentication information to verify that the FT Instruction is properly authorized and to verify certain FT Instruction details (such as the account name or number, the amount, and/or the beneficiaries account name or number) (such an authentication process, a “Callback Procedure”); | ||
(iii) | If, however, (1) the FT Instruction does not on its face appear to originate from an Authorized Instructor (e.g., because the name of the instructor identified by BBH on the FT Instruction is not an Authorized Instructor) or (2) during the Callback Procedure, BBH is unable to reach an individual designated as an Authorized Verifier, or an Authorized Verifier cannot verify relevant FT Instruction details, BBH will reject the FT Instruction and shall notify the Client of the rejection (in accordance with the FTSA). |
B. | Client Designated Security Procedure - Client may send an FT Instruction through such other means, and subject to such additional security procedures, as may be elected by Client (or by an Authorized Person), if such means is acknowledged and accepted by BBH via the issuance of an updated Appendix A to Client (or an Authorized Person) referencing the relevant procedure (each a “Client Designated Security Procedure”); it being understood that BBH’s acknowledgment shall authorize it to accept such means of delivery but shall not represent a judgment by BBH as to the reasonableness or security of the means utilized by Client or such Authorized Person. |
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FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICES AGREEMENT DESIGNATED SECURITY PROCEDURES ELECTION FORM
Reference is made to the Funds Transfer Services Agreement dated as of _________, 202_ by and between [Client] (the “Client”) and BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. and/or any of its affiliates (“BBH”) (as amended, restated, supplemented, modified, and otherwise in effect from time to time, the “Agreement” or the “FTSA”). Terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings accorded to them in the FTSA.
By making a selection or selections below by affirmatively marking a checkbox, the Client is agreeing to the security procedures, as more fully described in the FTSA related to such method (collectively, the “Designated Security Procedures”), each of which is designed to verify the authenticity of an FT Instruction. By not affirmatively marking a checkbox below, Client is excluding such Designated Security Procedure with respect to FT Instructions.
BBH Designated Security Procedures.
¨ | BBH Infuse™ Payment Products. | |
¨ | Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) Transmission. | |
¨ | sFTP (Secure File Transmission Protocol). | |
¨ | Written Instruction with PIN Verified Callback. |
Client Designated Security Procedures.
Client agrees that there are currently no Client Designated Security Procedures selected.
Client Authorization / Agent Authorization.
Pursuant to Section 3 of the FTSA, the Client hereby confirms to BBH (select only one):
¨ | that Client has chosen all the permitted Designated Security Procedures for FT Instructions for itself and Client’s Authorized Persons; or | |
¨ | that Client’s Authorized Persons are permitted to select the Designated Security Procedures such Authorized Person will use for FT Instructions, Client acknowledges and consents to the Designated Security Procedure(s) selected by one or more such Authorized Person(s), and Client authorizes BBH to accept from such Authorized Person(s) the selection and use of such Designated Security Procedure or Designated Security Procedures. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Client has caused this Election Form to be duly executed as of _________, 202_.
[CLIENT] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Date: |
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FUNDS TRANSFER DESIGNATED SECURITY PROCEDURES ELECTION FORM
Third Party Authorized Persons
Reference is made to the funds transfer services arrangements (the “FT Arrangements”) the undersigned’s underlying client [____________] (the “Client”) has made with BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. and/or any of its affiliates (“BBH”) under a funds transfer services agreement, custody agreement and/or any other agreement which governs Client’s use of funds transfers (the “Agreements”).
By making a selection or selections below by affirmatively marking a checkbox, the undersigned, as the Client’s third party authorized person (an “Authorized Person”), is agreeing to the security procedures as more fully described in Exhibit A attached hereto (collectively, the “Designated Security Procedures”), each of which is designed to verify the authenticity of a funds transfer instruction delivered to BBH (“FT Instruction(s)”). By not affirmatively marking a checkbox below, the undersigned Authorized Person is excluding such Designated Security Procedure with respect to FT Instructions.
BBH Designated Security Procedures.
¨ | BBH Infuse™ Payment Products. | |
¨ | Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) Transmission. | |
¨ | sFTP (Secure File Transmission Protocol). | |
¨ | Written Instruction with PIN Verified Callback. |
Client Designated Security Procedures.
The undersigned Authorized Person agrees that there are currently no Client Designated Security Procedures selected.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this election form to be duly executed as of _________, 202_.
[Insert Legal entity name of Authorized Person] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Date: |
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Appendix A
To The
FUNDS TRANSFER DESIGNATED SECURITY PROCEDURES ELECTION FORM
THIRD PARTY AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Designated Security Procedures
Prior to the initiation of an FT Instruction, the Authorized Person will complete and sign an APD (defined below), in which the Authorized Person will provide to BBH: (a) required information about each person authorized to act on behalf of the Authorized Person, and (b) the entitlements granted to such person(s) by the Authorized Person. This Appendix A to the Funds Transfer Designated Security Procedures Election Form (“Election Form”) may be updated from time to time by BBH by electronic mail to the email address of any Authorized Person, in the event BBH determines it will no longer offer a particular Designated Security Procedure, will do so only on revised terms, or will offer a new Designated Security Procedure. The Authorized Person(s) will choose the Designated Security Procedure(s) in an Election Form. Terms not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Election Form.
A. | BBH Designated Security Procedure. BBH offers the following BBH Designated Security Procedures to the Authorized Person(s) for use in communicating FT Instructions to BBH: |
1. | BBH Infuse™ Payment Products. The Authorized Person(s) may submit FT Instructions through BBH Infuse™ Payment Products (or any successor thereto, “BBH Infuse”), which are BBH proprietary on-line payment order authorization facilities with built-in multi-factor authentication procedures. BBH and the Authorized Person(s) shall each be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of passwords or other codes used by them in connection with BBH Infuse. BBH will act on FT Instructions received through BBH Infuse without duty of further verification unless the Authorized Person(s) notifies BBH that its password is not secure. Access to, and use of, BBH Infuse are subject to the terms and conditions available at: www.bbh.com/onlineterms, as updated from time to time and which are incorporated herein by reference. |
2. | Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) Transmission. The Authorized Person(s) may submit FT Instructions through SWIFT. BBH and the Authorized Person(s) shall comply with SWIFT’s authentication procedures. The Authorized Person(s) is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of passwords, codes and credentials, and for securing the systems and applications, used in connection with SWIFT authentication. BBH will act on FT Instructions received via SWIFT provided the instruction is authenticated by the SWIFT system until the Authorized Person(s) notifies BBH in writing to cease acting on FT Instructions received via SWIFT. |
3. | sFTP (Secure File Transmission Protocol). The Authorized Person(s) may upload FT Instructions through a secure file transmission protocol (“sFTP”), which includes multi-factor authentication processes and encryption of the complete transmission. The Authorized Person(s) is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of passwords or other codes used in connection with sFTP. BBH will act on FT Instructions received through sFTP without duty of further verification unless the Authorized Person(s) notifies BBH in writing that its credentials have been compromised. As a prerequisite to receiving FT Instructions via sFTP, BBH and the Authorized Person(s) shall have conducted testing and confirmed that the FT Instructions sent via sFTP can be processed in good time and order; once such testing and confirmation is satisfactory to the Authorized Person(s) and BBH, BBH will act on FT Instructions received via sFTP. |
4. | Written Instruction with PIN Verified Callback. The Authorized Person(s) may elect to send an FT Instruction that bears the signature of an Authorized Instructor (a) in an original writing to an address designated by BBH from time-to-time for such purposes, (b) by fax to a fax number designated by BBH from time-to-time for such purposes, or (c) in PDF format by email to an email address designated by BBH from time-to-time for such purposes. The authenticity of that FT Instruction shall be deemed conclusive if verified by BBH as follows: |
(i) Upon BBH’s receipt of the document containing the FT Instruction, BBH shall identify the name of the instructor to verify if it is a named Authorized Instructor. BBH shall rely on the purported identity of the instructor but will not perform signature verification;
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(ii) BBH will perform a callback to a telephone number set forth in the APD attributable to an Authorized Verifier during which the Authorized Verifier provides a personal identification number, one-time identification code, or password (collectively, a “PIN”) or other authentication information to verify that the FT Instruction is properly authorized and to verify certain FT Instruction details (such as the account name or number, the amount, and/or the beneficiaries account name or number) (such an authentication process, a “Callback Procedure”); and
(iii) If, however, (1) the FT Instruction does not on its face appear to originate from an Authorized Instructor (e.g., because the name of the instructor identified by BBH on the FT Instruction is not an Authorized Instructor) or (2) during the Callback Procedure, BBH is unable to reach an individual designated as an Authorized Verifier, or an Authorized Verifier cannot verify relevant FT Instruction details, BBH will reject the FT Instruction and shall notify the Authorized Person(s) of the rejection.
B. Client Designated Security Procedure – The Authorized Person(s) may send an FT Instruction through a Client Designated Security Procedure, in lieu of a BBH Designated Security Procedure.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined). Terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings accorded to them in the applicable Agreement.
“Authorized Instructors” refers to individuals designated by the Client or its agent in the APD as authorized to give FT Instructions.
“Authorized Person” refers collectively to any individual authorized by the Client or its agent to give (i.e., Authorized Instructor) and/or verify (i.e., Authorized Verifier) FT Instructions, on the relevant cash account as set forth in the APD.
“Authorized Persons Document” or “APD” means a form acceptable to BBH whereby the Client or its agent designates Authorized Person(s) and the entitlements the Client or its agent has granted such person(s) with respect to the relevant cash account. The APD includes the names, phone numbers, email addresses, and/or fax numbers of Authorized Instructors and/or Authorized Verifiers (as applicable), and any other information that BBH may require from time to time.
“Authorized Verifiers” refers to individuals designated by the Client or its agent in the APD as authorized to verify FT Instructions.
“BBH Designated Security Procedure” means the security procedures that BBH makes available to the Client as set forth in Appendix A attached hereto (as amended from time to time by BBH, “Appendix A”).
“Callback Procedure” has the meaning set forth in Appendix A.
“Client Designated Security Procedure” means an alternate security procedure, as set forth in Appendix A, that the Client elects to use to transmit and authenticate an FT Instruction in lieu of a BBH Designated Security Procedure, which is subject to additional security procedures, if such means is acknowledged by BBH via the issuance of an updated Appendix A to Client (and the Authorized Person) referencing the relevant procedure; it being understood that BBH’s acknowledgment shall authorize it to accept such means of delivery but shall not represent a judgment by BBH as to the reasonableness or security of the means utilized by Client or such Authorized Person.
“Designated Security Procedure” refers, collectively, to Client Designated Security Procedures and BBH Designated Security Procedures.
“FT Instructions” refers to Instructions or Proper Instructions, as applicable, made in the name of the Client in relation to a payment order as defined in UCC 4A, whether such payment order is a Fed wire payment order or other funds transfers, including a book transfer.
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[Investment Adviser Letterhead]
CMS INSTRUCTION
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
140 Broadway
New York, New York 10005
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to a Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement between the entities whose accounts are identified on Exhibit A (each such entity, a Client”) and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”), dated [as of DATE] (the “Custodian Agreement).
The undersigned investment adviser (the “Adviser”), on behalf of each Client, agrees to participate in the Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Cash Management Services Sweep (“CMS Sweep”). The Adviser hereby instructs BBH to place, on each local business day (with respect to the applicable currencies, referred to herein as a “Business Day”), Client end-of-day demand deposit balances in the accounts and currencies identified in Exhibit A (“Excess Cash”) into overnight deposits (each, a “Deposit”) with one or more deposit institutions selected by the Adviser as set forth in Exhibit B, including BBH (the “Eligible Institutions”). Client acknowledges that BBH has other clients that participate in the CMS Sweep (together with Client, the “clients”) and that BBH can use the CMS Sweep to place BBH cash in Deposits.
The Adviser hereby instructs BBH to debit Excess Cash from each Client’s cash account(s) at the end of each Business Day, place the Excess Cash in the Deposits of one or more Eligible Institutions, and then credit Client’s cash account(s) after receipt from the Eligible Institution(s) of the Excess Cash the following Business Day. With respect to each Eligible Institution, Excess Cash debited from each Client’s cash account(s) will be placed in a pooled deposit designated as a client deposit, and will be marked on the books of the Eligible Institution as “Deposit for BBH RIC Customers” or similar name indicating BBH is acting in its capacity as agent for such clients. BBH will use sub-accounting to identify the principal and amount of interest each Client has earned and is payable with respect to each deposit placed with an Eligible Institution.
BBH will place each Client’s Excess Cash with an Eligible Institution based on, among other factors, any limitations identified in Exhibit B, as amended from time-to-time and accepted by BBH, the amount of Excess Cash available, the Eligible Institutions willing to accept Deposits and the deposit-taking capacity of each Eligible Institution. BBH then randomly allocates each Client’s Excess Cash among that Business Day’s participating Eligible Institutions.
Each Business Day, BBH calculates a base rate of return with respect to each currency placed in a Deposit (“Base Rate”). This calculation takes into account a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant overnight and short-term reference rates, the range of distribution between and among the interest rates paid by each Eligible Institution on their respective Deposits, and the weighted average distribution of interest rates on the Deposits. The net daily return to a Client is the Base Rate, less any then applicable commission charged by BBH to the Client and Client authorizes BBH to make such deductions. On a sweep to an Eligible Institution other than BBH (an agency sweep), BBH’s compensation is the commission, adjusted to reflect any difference between the Deposit yield and the Base Rate. On a sweep to BBH (a principal sweep), BBH earns as a bank of deposit.
At the request of the Adviser or other authorized party of the Client, BBH will credit earnings received (subject to deductions by BBH as authorized by Client in the above paragraph or as otherwise contemplated in connection with the custodian arrangement) on a daily or monthly basis or as otherwise agreed to with the Adviser or other authorized party of the Client. If monthly, BBH will post all daily client earnings to an omnibus demand deposit account (“Omnibus Deposit Account”). BBH will maintain records of the underlying ownership of each deposit representing the earnings due to each client and will transfer the value to each Client once each month or as otherwise instructed by the Adviser or other authorized party of the Client. At all times, each Client’s balance in the Omnibus Deposit Account will constitute a general deposit obligation of BBH.
The Adviser, on behalf of each Client, acknowledges and agrees that:
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(i) | The Adviser has full authority to execute this CMS Instruction on behalf of each Client. Each Client’s Board of Directors or Trustees, as the case may be, has made all determinations and each Client has received all approvals necessary to participate in the CMS Sweep and to hold cash in each account (identified in Exhibit A) with an Eligible Institution to which such Client’s Excess Cash is transferred pursuant to this CMS Instruction. |
(ii) | This CMS Instruction is not in conflict with, or contrary to (a) any provision(s) of the Adviser’s or Client’s documents of formation, and any other corporate or publicly available documents, (b) any contractual agreement or arrangement that may apply to the Excess Cash, or (c) any legal requirements relating to the custody or management of Client assets. |
(iii) | The Adviser is solely responsible for providing the information necessary for BBH to perform the services under this CMS Instruction and for assuring the adequacy, accuracy and timeliness of all such information, including, without limitation, any relevant investment limitations. |
(iv) | The list of Eligible Institutions set forth in Exhibit B represents those deposit institutions with which BBH has arranged the capability to place Deposits. The Adviser, and not BBH, is solely responsible for selecting the Eligible Institutions, and adding or removing an Eligible Institution, in each case, based on the Adviser’s determination as to the credit quality of and other risks associated with the Eligible Institution. BBH makes no representation or warranty with respect to the credit quality or risks associated with any deposit institution other than BBH. |
(v) | BBH can allocate Client’s Excess Cash to one, some or all of Client’s Eligible Institutions, including allocating all of Client’s Excess Cash to BBH, subject to, among other factors, any limitations identified in Exhibit B, as amended from time-to-time and accepted by BBH, as well as the availability of deposit-taking capacity at each Eligible Institution. |
(vi) | BBH is not liable to the Adviser or any Client for (a) any violation of a Client’s investment policies or guidelines, or of other limitations with respect to the Adviser’s or Client’s powers to invest, make expenditures, encumber securities, borrow or take similar actions affecting the Client, or (b) any special, indirect, punitive or consequential damages arising out of, pursuant to or in connection with, this CMS Instruction. |
(vii) | The Eligible Institutions are not serving as Subcustodians or Securities Depositories (each term as defined in the Custodian Agreement) of BBH. |
(viii) | This CMS Instruction (including the Exhibits thereto) is an Instruction (or Proper Instruction) (as defined in the Custodian Agreement) and all representations, warranties and covenants made by the Adviser and/or the Client in the Custodian Agreement with respect to an Instruction (or Proper Instruction) are incorporated herein. Each Deposit constitutes an Investment (as defined in the Custodian Agreement) subject to all provisions applicable to Investments in the Custodian Agreement. BBH’s services pursuant to this CMS Instruction do not constitute investment advice and BBH is not acting as an investment advisor. |
(ix) | The Custodian Agreement’s indemnification provisions are applicable to any actions taken by, or omissions of, BBH under this CMS Instruction (as if each Client was a signatory to the Custodian Agreement and this CMS Instruction). |
(x) | This CMS Instruction is a standing Instruction (or Proper Instruction), and the Adviser will notify BBH in writing of any and all amendments to this CMS Instruction, including but not limited to any changes to Exhibits A and B, which amendment will take effect on the next Business Day after BBH receives and accepts the written amendment. |
(xi) | Notwithstanding any other provision in this CMS Instruction and without limiting the terms under the Custodian Agreement, in addition to the terms and conditions imposed by each Eligible Institution |
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relative to its Deposits, Deposits placed in a particular jurisdiction, whether at BBH or one or more other Eligible Institutions, are subject to any and all risks associated with: opening an account (through BBH as agent) and holding cash in the relevant jurisdiction with one or more Eligible Institutions; creditor rights, banking, currency and related risks in that jurisdiction; and Country and Sovereign Risk (as each term is defined in the Custodian Agreement) in such jurisdiction. These risks are exclusively for, and at all times risks undertaken by, the Client. |
(xii) | For all Eligible Institutions listed in Exhibit B (other than BBH), Excess Cash placed with any such Eligible Institution is not a liability of, or guaranteed by, BBH, and BBH is not responsible for any losses or other damages incurred by the Client, the Adviser or any shareholder of the Client in the event of the insolvency or failure of any such Eligible Institution, or as a result of delays in repayment of, or failure to pay, principal or interest. Any such losses or damages are exclusively and at all times those of the Client. |
(xiii) | BBH conducts, or in the future may conduct, other activities and have other relationships with Eligible Institutions, and may place its own monies in Deposits at Eligible Institutions. Client may now, or in the future, enter into business relationships with the Eligible Institutions. Nothing in this CMS Instruction prevents BBH, the Adviser or the Client from entering into or maintaining such relationships with Eligible Institutions, even if they were to create an actual or potential conflict with the services provided or received pursuant to this CMS Instruction. |
This CMS Instruction shall be construed in accordance with, and is governed by, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws of such state. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this CMS Instruction and the Custodian Agreement, this CMS Instruction will prevail. The undersigned irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the federal courts located in New York City in the Borough of Manhattan. The parties hereby waive the right to trial by jury in any judicial proceedings involving any matter in any way arising out of, related to, or connected with this CMS Instruction.
BBH may terminate the CMS Sweep, and the Adviser may terminate this CMS Instruction, in either case, by providing the other party with prior written notice. Termination will become effective one business day after receipt. Representations (i)-(iv), (vi), (ix), (xi)-(xiii) and the provisions in this CMS Instruction regarding governing law, jurisdiction and dispute resolution will survive the termination of this CMS Instruction. Notices contemplated by this Instruction shall be delivered in accordance with the Notice delivery provisions in the Custodian Agreement and shall be addressed, as follows:
If to Adviser: | [________________] | If to Custodian: | Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. |
[________________] | 140 Broadway | ||
[________________] | New York, New York 10005 | ||
Telephone: [______] | Telephone: (212) 493-1818 | ||
Attn: [___________] | Attn: Treasury Department |
[NAME
OF INVESTMENT ADVISER]
By: ________________________
Name: ______________________
Title: _______________________
Date: _______________________
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Exhibit A: List of Accounts and Currencies
Account Name | Account Number | Currency | |
(1) | |||
(2) | |||
(3) | |||
(4) | |||
(5) | |||
(6) | |||
(7) | |||
(8) | |||
(9) | |||
(10) |
[NAME
OF INVESTMENT ADVISER]
By: ________________________
Name: ______________________
Title: _______________________
Date: _______________________
4 |
Exhibit B – Eligible Institutions Selected by the Client
[TO BE PROVIDED BY BBH]
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EX 16.11(a)
December 27, 2023
FPA Funds Trust
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Re: Registration Statement on Form N-14
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to FPA Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquiring Fund”), a newly created separate series of the Trust, in connection with the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-14 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on or about December 27, 2023 (the “Registration Statement”), with respect to the Acquiring Fund’s shares of beneficial interest (the “Shares”) to be issued in exchange for the transfer of assets and assumption of liabilities of the FPA Global Equity ETF, a separate series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III, as described in the Registration Statement (the “Reorganization”). You have requested that we deliver this opinion to you in connection with the Trust’s filing of the Registration Statement.
In connection with the furnishing of this opinion, we have examined the following documents:
(a) | A certificate of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Secretary of State”), dated as of a recent date, as to the existence and good standing of the Trust; |
(b) | A copy, certified by the Delaware Secretary of State, of the Trust’s Certificate of Trust dated April 26, 1994, and all amendments thereto, as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State (the “Certificate of Trust”); |
(c) | Copies of the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated April 26, 1994, and all amendments thereto (collectively, the “Declaration”), the Trust’s currently effective By-Laws (the “By-Laws”), and the resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust authorizing the Reorganization and the issuance of the Shares (the “Resolutions”), each certified by an authorized officer of the Trust; |
(d) | A printer’s proof of the Registration Statement; and |
(e) | A copy of the form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization to be entered into by the Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund (the “Agreement”). |
In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the conformity to the originals of all of the documents reviewed by us as copies, including conformed copies, the authenticity and completeness of all original documents reviewed by us in original or copy form, and the legal competence of each individual executing any document. We have assumed that the
FPA Funds Trust
December 27, 2023
Page 2
Registration Statement, as filed with the Commission, will be in substantially the form of the printer’s proof referred to in paragraph (d) above, and that the Agreement will be duly completed, executed and delivered by the parties thereto in substantially the form of the copy referred to in paragraph (e) above. We also have assumed for the purposes of this opinion that the Certificate of Trust, the Declaration, the By-Laws, the Resolutions, and the Agreement will not have been amended, modified, or withdrawn with respect to matters relating to the Shares, and will be in full force and effect on the date of the issuance of such Shares.
This opinion is based entirely on our review of the documents listed above and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion and such investigation of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate. We have made no other review or investigation of any kind whatsoever, and we have assumed, without independent inquiry, the accuracy of the information set forth in such documents.
This opinion is limited solely to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act to the extent that the same may apply to or govern the transactions referred to herein, and we express no opinion with respect to the laws of any other jurisdiction or to any other laws of the State of Delaware. Further, we express no opinion as to any state or federal securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Delaware. No opinion is given herein as to the choice of law or internal substantive rules of law that any tribunal may apply to such transactions. In addition, to the extent that the Declaration or the By-Laws refer to, incorporate or require compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), or any other law or regulation applicable to the Trust, except for the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, we have assumed compliance by the Trust with the 1940 Act and such other laws and regulations.
We understand that all of the foregoing assumptions and limitations are acceptable to you.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and to the further assumptions and limitations hereinafter set forth, it is our opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the Declaration, the By-Laws, the Registration Statement, and the Resolutions, and for the consideration described in the Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable by the Trust.
This opinion is given as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update this opinion to reflect any changes in law or any other facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In rendering this opinion and giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Ex 16.12
FORM OPINION |
[ ], 20[ ]
Northern Lights
Fund Trust III
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
FPA Funds Trust
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to paragraph 8.5 of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Agreement”), dated as of [ ], 20[ ], by and among Northern Lights Fund Trust III (“Northern Lights Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquired Fund”), and FPA Funds Trust (“FPA Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquiring Fund”). All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.
The Agreement contemplates the (i) transfer of all the Acquired Assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for (A) the Acquiring Fund Shares, and (B) the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the Assumed Liabilities; and (ii) the distribution, in accordance with paragraph 1.4 of the Agreement, of the Acquiring Fund Shares to the Acquired Fund Shareholders in exchange for their shares in the Acquired Fund and in liquidation of the Acquired Fund (such transfer, assumption, and distribution is referred to herein as the “Reorganization”).
In connection with this opinion we have examined and relied upon the originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to us to our satisfaction, of the Agreement, the Combined Proxy Statement and Prospectus for the Reorganization of the Acquired Fund into the Acquiring Fund, dated [ ], 2023, and related documents (collectively, the “Reorganization Documents”). In that examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the capacity and authority of each party executing a document to so execute the document, the authenticity and completeness of all documents purporting to be originals (whether reviewed by us in original or copy form) and the conformity to the originals of all documents purporting to be copies (including electronic copies). We have also assumed that each agreement and other instrument reviewed by us is valid and binding on the party or parties thereto and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, and that there are no contracts, agreements, arrangements, or understandings, either written or oral, that are inconsistent
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | ||
One Federal Street | ||
Boston, MA 02110-1726 | +1.617.341.7700 | |
United States | +1.617.341.7701 |
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
FPA Funds Trust
[ ], 20[ ]
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with or that would materially alter the terms of the Agreement or the other Reorganization Documents.
As to certain factual matters, we have relied with your consent upon, and our opinion is limited by, the representations of the various parties set forth in the Reorganization Documents and in certificates of Northern Lights Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, and FPA Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, each dated as of the date hereof (the “Certificates”). Our opinion assumes (i) that all representations set forth in the Reorganization Documents and in the Certificates will be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Reorganization (and that any such representations made “to the best knowledge of”, “to the knowledge of”, or “in the belief of”, or otherwise similarly qualified, are true and correct in all material respects without any such qualification), and (ii) that the Agreement is implemented in accordance with its terms and consistent with the representations set forth in the Reorganization Documents and Certificates. Our opinion is limited solely to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and as presently in effect (the “Code”), existing case law, existing permanent and temporary treasury regulations promulgated under the Code, and existing published revenue rulings and procedures of the Internal Revenue Service that are in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change and new interpretation, both prospectively and retroactively. We assume no obligation to update our opinion to reflect other facts or any changes in law or in the interpretation thereof that may hereafter occur.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, with respect to the Reorganization, we are of the opinion that, for United States federal income tax purposes:
1. | The transfer to the Acquiring Fund of all the Acquired Assets in exchange solely for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the Assumed Liabilities, followed by the distribution of the 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)(1) of the Code, and each of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. |
2. | No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the transfer of all the Acquired Assets to the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the Assumed Liabilities of the Acquired Fund, or upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares to the Acquired Fund Shareholders, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized upon the transfer of an asset |
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
FPA Funds Trust
[ ], 20[ ]
Page Three
regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code.
3. | The tax basis in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of each Acquired Asset transferred from the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as the tax basis of such Acquired Asset in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the transfer thereof, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by the Acquired Fund on the transfer. |
4. | The holding period in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of each Acquired Asset transferred from the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization, other than Acquired Assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the Acquired Fund’s holding period for such Acquired Asset (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset). |
5. | No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon its receipt of all the Acquired Assets solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the Assumed Liabilities of the Acquired Fund as part of the Reorganization. |
6. | 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 as part of the Reorganization. |
7. | The aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares that each Acquired Fund Shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefor. |
8. | Each Acquired Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares received in the Reorganization will include the Acquired Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefor, provided that the Acquired Fund Shareholder held such Acquired Fund Shares as capital assets on the date of the exchange. |
9. | The taxable year of the Acquired Fund will not end as a result of the Reorganization. |
This opinion is furnished to FPA Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and Northern Lights Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, in connection with the Reorganization and is not to be quoted, circulated, published, or otherwise referred to for any other purpose, in whole or in part, without our express prior written consent. This opinion may be disclosed to the
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
FPA Funds Trust
[ ], 20[ ]
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Acquired Fund Shareholders, and they may rely on it in connection with the Reorganization, it being understood that we are not establishing any attorney-client relationship with any shareholder. This letter is not to be relied upon for the benefit of any other person or for any other purpose.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the N-14 Registration Statement relating to the Reorganization and to the use of our name and any reference to our firm in such N-14 Registration Statement or in the prospectus constituting a part thereof. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
Morgan, lewis & bockius LLP
EX 16.13(a)
CO-ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
THIS CO-ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made as of this 28th day of July, 2023, by and between FPA Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), UMB Fund Services, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation (“UMBFS”), and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC, a California corporation (“MFAC”). UMBFS and MFAC are collectively referred to herein as the “Co-Administrators,” in singular or plural usage, as required by context.
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interests (the “Shares”) in separate series with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Co-Administrators desire to enter into an agreement pursuant to which the Co-Administrators shall provide administration services to such investment portfolios of the Trust as are listed on Schedule A hereto and any additional investment portfolios the Trust and the Co-Administrators may agree upon and include on Schedule A, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time (such investment portfolios and any additional investment portfolios are individually referred to as a “Fund” and collectively as the “Funds”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. | Appointment |
The Trust hereby appoints the Co-Administrators as administrators of the Trust for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Co-Administrators accept such appointment and agree to render the Services (as defined in Section 2) herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. | Services as Co-Administrators |
(a) Subject to the direction and control of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board of Trustees”) and utilizing information provided by the Trust and its current and prior agents and service providers, the Co-Administrators will provide the administration services listed on Schedule B hereto and any additional administration services the Trust and the Co-Administrators may agree upon and include on Schedule B, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time (the “Services”). The duties of the Co-Administrators shall be confined to those expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the Co-Administrators hereunder.
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(b) The Trust, under the supervision of its Board of Trustees, shall cause its officers, investment adviser(s), legal counsel, independent accountants, transfer agent, fund accountant, custodian and other service providers and agents for the Trust to cooperate with the Co-Administrators and to provide the Co-Administrators with such information, documents and communications relating to the Trust as necessary and/or appropriate or as requested by the Co-Administrators, in order to enable the Co-Administrators to perform their duties hereunder. The Trust shall use its best efforts to cause any of its former officers, investment adviser(s) and sub-advisers, legal counsel, independent accountants, custodian or other service providers to provide the Co-Administrators with such information, documents and communications as necessary and/or appropriate to enable the Co-Administrators to perform their duties hereunder. In connection with their duties hereunder, each Co-Administrator shall (without investigation or verification) be reasonably entitled and is hereby instructed to, rely upon any and all instructions, communications, information or documents provided to the Co-Administrator by an authorized officer, representative agent of the Trust, the other Co-Administrator or by any of the aforementioned persons. A Co-Administrator shall be entitled to rely on any document that it reasonably believes to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party. Fees charged by such persons shall be an expense of the Trust. The Co-Administrators shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any officer, agent, representative or employee of the Trust, investment adviser(s) or service provider until receipt of written notice thereof from the Trust. As used in this Agreement, the term “investment adviser” shall mean a Fund’s investment adviser(s), all sub-adviser(s) or persons performing similar services.
(c) To the extent required by Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Co-Administrators hereby agree that all records which they maintain for the Trust pursuant to their duties hereunder are the property of the Trust and further agree to surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request. Subject to the terms of Section 6, and where applicable, the Co-Administrators further agree to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records described in Schedule B which are maintained by the Co-Administrators for the Trust.
(d) The Funds’ investment advisers have and retain primary responsibility for compliance matters relating to the Funds under the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the policies and limitations of each Fund, relating to the portfolio investments as set forth in the current prospectus and statement of additional information with respect to the Fund (including any applicable supplement) (the “Prospectus”). The Co-Administrators’ monitoring and other functions hereunder shall not relieve the investment adviser(s) of their primary day-to-day responsibility for assuring such compliance.
(e) The Trust hereby certifies that Shares of each Fund are lawfully eligible for sale in each jurisdiction indicated for such Fund on the list furnished to the Co-Administrators as of the date of this Agreement.
(f) The Co-Administrators shall maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans and adequate and reliable computer and other equipment necessary and appropriate to carry out their obligations under this Agreement. Upon the Trust’s reasonable request, the Co-Administrators shall provide supplemental information concerning the aspects of their disaster recovery and business continuity plans that are relevant to the Services provided hereunder.
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(g)(i) Each Co-Administrator has provided to the Trust a copy of the Co-Administrator’s written compliance policies and procedures as required by Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures”) for approval by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. With respect to the Services each Co-Administrator provides to the Trust hereunder, each such Co-Administrator certifies that its Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Federal Securities Laws by such Co-Administrator. For purposes of this section, Federal Securities Laws shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.
(g)(ii) Each Co-Administrator shall provide to the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer promptly any material changes to its Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures. Each Co-Administrator shall cooperate with the Trust in its annual review of the Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures (the “Annual Review”), such Annual Review to be conducted by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer to determine the adequacy of the Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures and the effectiveness of their implementation. Each Co-Administrator shall cooperate with the Trust in any interim reviews of its Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures to determine their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation in response to significant compliance events, changes in business arrangements, and/or regulatory developments (“Interim Review”). Such cooperation includes, without limitation, furnishing such certifications, sub-certifications, and documentation with respect to the Co-Administrator’s functions and responsibilities as the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer shall reasonably request from time to time and implementing changes to the Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures satisfactory to both the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer and the Co-Administrator.
(g)(iii) Each Co-Administrator shall provide the Trust with quarterly and annual certifications (on a calendar basis) with respect to the design and operational effectiveness of its Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures. Each Co-Administrator shall also provide the Trust with ongoing, direct, and prompt access to its compliance personnel and cooperate with the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer in order to provide assistance to the Trust in carrying out its obligations under Rule 38a-1.
(g)(iv) A Co-Administrator shall notify the Trust promptly in the event that a Material Compliance Matter, as defined under Rule 38a-1, occurs with respect to its Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures and will cooperate with the Trust in providing the Trust with periodic and special reports in the event any Material Compliance Matter occurs. A “Material Compliance Matter” has the same meaning as the term is defined in Rule 38a-1, and includes any compliance matters that involve: (1) a violation of the Federal Securities Laws by the Co-Administrator (or its officer, directors, employees, or agents); (2) a violation of its Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures; or (3) a weakness in the design or implementation of its Rule 38a-1 Policies and Procedures.
(g)(v) Each Co-Administrator (and anyone acting under the direction of the Co-Administrator) shall refrain from, directly or indirectly, taking any action to coerce, manipulate, mislead, or fraudulently influence the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer in the performance of her or his responsibilities under Rule 38a-1.
3. Fees; Delegation; Expenses
(a) In consideration of the Services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust will pay the Co-Administrators a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, plus out-of-pocket expenses, each as
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provided in Schedule C hereto. In addition, to the extent that the Co-Administrators correct, verify or address any prior actions or inactions by any Fund or by any prior service provider, the Co-Administrators shall be entitled to additional fees as provided in Schedule C. Fees shall be earned and paid monthly in an amount equal to at least 1/12th of the applicable annual fee. Basis point fees and minimum annual fees apply separately to each Fund, and average net assets are not aggregated in calculating the applicable basis point fee per Fund or the applicable minimum. Fees shall be adjusted in accordance with Schedule C or as otherwise agreed to by the parties from time to time. The parties may amend this Agreement to include fees for any additional services requested by the Trust, enhancements to current Services, or to add Funds for which the Co-Administrators have been retained.
(b) For the purpose of determining fees payable to the Co-Administrators, net asset value shall be computed in accordance with the Funds’ Prospectuses and resolutions of the Board of Trustees. The fee for the period from the day of the month this Agreement is entered into until the end of that month shall be pro-rated according to the proportion that such period bears to the full monthly period. Upon any termination of this Agreement before the end of any month, the fee for such part of a month shall be pro-rated according to the proportion which such period bears to the full monthly period and shall be payable upon the date of termination of this Agreement. Should the Trust be liquidated, merged with or acquired by another fund or investment company, any accrued fees shall be immediately payable.
(c) The Co-Administrators will bear all expenses incurred by them in connection with the performance of their Services under Section 2, except as otherwise provided herein. The Co-Administrators shall not be required to pay or finance any costs and expenses incurred in the operation of the Funds, including, but not limited to: taxes; interest; brokerage fees and commissions; salaries, fees and expenses of officers and Trustees; Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) fees and state Blue Sky fees; advisory fees; charges of custodians, transfer agents, fund accountants, dividend disbursing and accounting services agents and other service providers; security pricing services; insurance premiums; outside auditing and legal expenses; costs of organization and maintenance of corporate existence; taxes and fees payable to federal, state and other governmental agencies; preparation, typesetting, printing, proofing and mailing of Prospectuses, notices, forms and applications and proxy materials for regulatory purposes and for distribution to current shareholders; preparation, typesetting, printing, proofing and mailing and other costs of shareholder reports; expenses in connection with the electronic transmission of documents and information including electronic filings with the Commission and the states; research and statistical data services; expenses incidental to holding meetings of the Funds’ shareholders and Trustees; fees and expenses associated with internet, e-mail and other related activities; and extraordinary expenses. Expenses incurred for distribution of Shares, including the typesetting, printing, proofing and mailing of Prospectuses for persons who are not shareholders of a Fund, will be borne by the Fund’s investment adviser(s), except for such expenses permitted to be paid by the Trust under a distribution plan adopted for such Fund in accordance with applicable laws. The Co-Administrators shall not be required to pay any Blue Sky fees or take any related Blue Sky actions unless and until they have received the amount of such fees from the Trust.
(d) Except as otherwise specified, fees payable hereunder shall be calculated in arrears and billed on a monthly basis. The Trust agrees to pay all fees within thirty (30) days of receipt of each invoice.
4. Proprietary and Confidential Information
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(a) Each Co-Administrator agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust all records relative to the Funds’ Investors, not to use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of the Services, and not to disclose such information except where a Co-Administrator may be exposed to civil or criminal proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or court process, when subject to governmental or regulatory audit or investigation, or when so requested by the Fund. In case of any requests or demands for inspection of the records of the Funds, the Co-Administrators will endeavor to notify the Trust promptly and to secure instructions from a representative of the Trust as to such inspection, unless prohibited by law from making such notification. Records and information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Co-Administrators or any of their employees, agents or representatives, and information which was already in the possession of the Co-Administrator prior to the date hereof, shall not be subject to this Section.
(b) In connection with Co-Administrators’ provision of the Services, the Trust may have access to and become acquainted with confidential proprietary information of the Co-Administrators, including, but not limited to (a) client identities and relationships, compilations of information, records and specifications; (b) data or information that is competitively sensitive material, and not generally by the public; (c) confidential or proprietary concepts, documentation, reports, or data; (d) information regarding Co-Administrators’ information security programs; and (e) anything designated as confidential (collectively, “Co-Administrator Confidential Information”). Neither the Trust, the Funds, related investment advisors, nor any of their officers, employees or agents (collectively, the “Trust Recipients”) shall disclose any of the Co-Administrator Confidential Information, directly or indirectly, or use the Co-Administrator Confidential Information in any way, for its own benefit or for the benefit of others, either during the term of this Agreement or at any time thereafter, except as required in the course of performing the duties of each party under this Agreement. The term “Co-Administrator Confidential Information” does not include information that (a) becomes or has been generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure by a Trust Recipient; was available to the Trust Recipients on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure by the Administrator or any of its affiliates; or (c) independently developed or becomes available to the Trust Recipients on a non-confidential basis from a source other than a Co-Administrator or its affiliates. The Trust represents and warrants that it shall take and maintain adequate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards in connection with any use, storage, transmission, duplication or other process involving or derived from the Co-Administrator Confidential Information whether such storage, transmission, duplication or other process is by physical or electronic medium (including use of the Internet).
(c) The provisions of this Section 4 will survive termination of this Agreement and will inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and assigns.
5. Limitation of Liability
(a) Each Co-Administrator shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Funds in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except for a loss resulting from such Co-Administrator’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. Furthermore, each Co-Administrator shall not be liable for (i) any action taken or
5
omitted to be taken in accordance with or in reasonable reliance upon written or oral instructions, communications, data, documents or information (without investigation or verification) received by either of the Co-Administrators from an authorized officer, representative or agent of the Trust, or (ii) any action taken or omission by the Trust, investment advisers or any past or current service provider.
(b) The Co-Administrators assume no responsibility hereunder, and shall not be liable, for any default, damage, loss of data or documents, errors, delay or any other loss whatsoever caused by events beyond their reasonable control. The Co-Administrators will, however, take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues beyond their control.
(c) The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Co-Administrator, its employees, agents, officers, directors, affiliates and nominees (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims, demands, actions and suits, and from and against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character which may be asserted against or incurred by any Indemnified Party or for which any Indemnified Party may be held liable (a “Claim”) arising out of or in any way relating to (i) each Co-Administrator’s actions or omissions except to the extent a Claim against a Co-Administrator resulted from such Co-Administrator’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, or negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties hereunder; (ii) each Co-Administrator’s reasonable reliance on, implementation of or use of (without investigation or verification) communications, instructions, requests, directions, information, data, records and documents received by either Co-Administrator from an authorized officer, representative or agent of the Trust, or (iii) any action taken or omission by the Trust, investment adviser(s) or any past or current service provider.
(d) In no event and under no circumstances shall either Co-Administrator, its affiliates or any of its officers, directors, members, agents or employees be liable to anyone, including, without limitation, the other parties to this Agreement, under any theory of tort, contract, strict liability or other legal or equitable theory for lost profits, exemplary, punitive, special, indirect or consequential damages for any act or failure to act under any provision of this Agreement regardless of whether such damages were foreseeable and even if advised of the possibility thereof. The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 5 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement.
6. Term
(a) This Agreement shall become effective with respect to each Fund listed on Schedule A hereof as of the date this Agreement is executed and, with respect to each Fund not in existence on that date, on the date an amendment to Schedule A to this Agreement relating to that Fund is executed (each a Fund’s “Effective Date”). This Agreement shall continue for a two-year period beginning on a Fund’s Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Thereafter, if not terminated as provided herein, the Agreement shall continue automatically in effect as to the Fund for successive one-year periods (each a “Renewal Term”).
(b) In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Funds prior to the end of the Initial Term of any subsequent Renewal Term, the Fund shall be obligated to pay the Co-Administrators the remaining balance of the fees payable to the Co-Administrators under this Agreement through the end of the Initial
6
Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. Any party may terminate this Agreement at the end of the Initial Term or at the end of any Renewal Term (the “Termination Date”) by giving the other parties a written notice not less than ninety (90) days prior to the end of the respective term. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, upon the termination of the Agreement as provided herein or the liquidation of a Fund or the Trust, the Co-Administrators shall deliver the records of the Trust to the Trust or its successor administrator in a form that is consistent with the Co-Administrators’ applicable license agreements at the expense of the Trust, and thereafter the Trust or its designee shall be solely responsible for preserving the records for the periods required by all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Trust shall be responsible for all expenses associated with the movement (or duplication) of records and materials and conversion thereof to a successor administrative services agent, including all reasonable trailing expenses incurred by the Co-Administrators. In addition, in the event of termination of this Agreement, or the proposed liquidation or merger of the Trust or a Fund(s), and the Trust’s request that the Co-Administrators provide additional services in connection therewith, the Co-Administrators shall provide such services and be entitled to such compensation as the parties may mutually agree. The Co-Administrators shall not reduce the level of service provided to the Trust prior to termination following notice of termination by the Trust.
7. Non-Exclusivity
The Services of the Co-Administrators rendered to the Trust are not deemed to be exclusive. The Co-Administrators may render administration services and any other services to others, including other investment companies. The Trust recognizes that from time to time directors, officers and employees of the Co-Administrators may serve as trustees, directors, officers and employees of other entities (including other investment companies), and that the Co-Administrators or their affiliates may enter into other agreements with such other entities.
8. Governing Law; Invalidity
This Agreement shall be governed by Wisconsin law, excluding the laws on conflicts of laws. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Wisconsin, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the Commission thereunder. Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.
9. Notices
Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, as follows:
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UMBFS: UMB Fund Services, Inc.
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, WI 53122
Attention: Legal Department
MFAC: Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
2220 East Route 66, Suite 226
Glendora, CA 91741
Attention: Eric Banhazl
Trust: FPA Funds Trust
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, WI 53122
Attention: Legal Department
With a copy to:
Laurie Anne Dee
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7653
10. Entire Agreement
This Agreement, together with the Schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto.
11. Trust Limitations
This Agreement is executed by the Trust with respect to each of the Funds and the obligations hereunder are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders of the Trust individually but are binding only upon the Fund to which such obligations pertain and the assets and property of such Fund. All obligations of the Trust under this Agreement shall apply only on a Fund-by-Fund basis, and the assets of one Fund shall not be liable for the obligations of another Fund.
12. Miscellaneous
(a) This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original agreement but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The facsimile signature of any party to this Agreement shall constitute the valid and binding execution hereof by such party.
(b) The terms of this Agreement shall not be waived, altered, modified, amended or supplemented in any manner whatsoever except by a written instrument signed by the Co-Administrators and the Trust.
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(c) The Trust hereby grants to UMBFS the limited power of attorney on behalf of the Funds to sign Blue Sky forms and related documents in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
FPA FUNDS TRUST | |
(“Trust”) | |
By:/s/ J. Richard Atwood | |
J. Richard Atwood | |
President | |
UMB FUND SERVICES, INC. | |
(“UMBFS”) | |
By:/s/ Maureen Quill | |
Maureen Quill | |
Executive Vice President | |
MUTUAL FUND ADMINISTRATION, LLC | |
(“MFAC”) | |
By:/s/ Joy Ausili | |
Joy Ausili | |
Co-CEO |
10
Schedule A
to the
Co-Administration Agreement
by and between
FPA Funds Trust
and
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
and
Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
NAME OF FUNDS
FPA Crescent Fund
FPA Flexible Fixed Income Fund
FPA New Income Fund
FPA U.S. Core Equity Fund
FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund
FPA Queens Road Value Fund
11
Schedule B
to the
Co-Administration Agreement
by and between
FPA Funds Trust
and
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
and
Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
SERVICES
Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Trustees and utilizing information provided by the Trust and its agents, the Co-Administrators will:
General Fund Management | MFAC | UMBFS | ||
Act as liaison among all Fund service providers. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Supply corporate secretarial services. | ✓ | |||
Provide office facilities. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Supply non-investment related statistical and research data as needed. | ✓ | |||
Coordinate the Trust’s Board of Trustees’ (the “Board of Trustees” or the “Trustees”) communication: | ||||
Establish meeting agendas. | ✓ | |||
Compile Board of Trustee Meeting materials. | ✓ | |||
Prepare reports for the Trustees based on financial and administrative data. | ✓ | |||
Evaluate independent auditor. | ✓ | |||
Secure and monitor fidelity bond and Direct and Officer liability coverage, and make the necessary Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings relating thereto. | ✓ | |||
Prepare minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees and Fund shareholders. | ✓ | |||
Provide personnel to serve as officers of the Trust if so elected by the Board of Trustees, attend Board of Trustees meetings and present materials for Trustees’ review at such meetings. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
SEC Exams: | ||||
Facilitate audit process. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Provide information to the SEC, as requested. | ✓ | ✓ |
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Assist in overall operations of the Trust. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Assist with the "start-up" of new funds. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Compliance | ||||
Regulatory Compliance: | ||||
Monitor compliance with the 1940 Act requirements, including: | ||||
Review results of asset diversification tests for diversified funds | ✓ | |||
Maintenance of books and records under Rule 31a-3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Code of Ethics for the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. | ✓ | |||
Monitor Fund's compliance with the policies and investment limitations of the Trust as set forth in its current prospectus (the “Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (the “SAI”). | ✓ | |||
Monitor affiliated transactions under exemptive rules (17a-7, 17e-1, etc.) | ✓ | |||
Maintain awareness of applicable regulatory, reporting and operational service issues and recommend dispositions. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Blue Sky Compliance: | ||||
Prepare and file with the appropriate state securities’ authorities any and all required compliance filings relating to the registration of the securities of the Trust so as to enable the Trust to make a continuous offering of its shares in all states. | ✓ | |||
Monitor status and maintain registrations in each state. | ✓ | |||
Provide information regarding material developments in state securities regulation. | ✓ | |||
SEC Registration and Reporting: | ||||
Assist Trust counsel in updating the Prospectus and SAI and in preparing proxy statements. | ✓ | |||
File Form N1-A. | ✓ | |||
On an annual basis, compile and review data required to complete Form N-CEN and provide a draft of the report to the advisor for approval prior to filing | ✓ | |||
File Form N-CEN with the SEC by the required deadline. | ✓ | |||
On a monthly basis, extract the required N-PORT data from UMBFS’s fund accounting system and import into the financial reporting system. | ✓ | |||
Incorporate security reference and risk data into Form N-PORT, as necessary, from advisor or third-party provider approved by the advisor. | ✓ | |||
Review all N-PORT data and provide a draft of the report to the advisor for approval prior to filing. | ✓ | |||
On a monthly basis file Form N-PORT with the SEC, within the 30-day filing requirement. | ✓ | |||
Coordinate EDGAR processing of financials, including proofing. | ✓ |
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Complete and file Form N-CSR. | ✓ | |||
Prepare Schedules of Investments for Form N-Q or Part F: Exhibits to Form N-PORT. | ✓ | |||
File Form N-Q or Part F: Exhibits to Form N-PORT. | ✓ | |||
Coordinate the printing, filing and mailing of publicly disseminated Prospectuses and shareholder reports. | ✓ | |||
File fidelity bond under Rule 17g-1. | ✓ | |||
Prepare and file Rule 24f-2 notices. | ✓ | |||
Assist in coordination of filing proxy voting on Form N-PX. | ✓ | |||
IRS Compliance: | ||||
Monitor each Fund's status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M, including without limitation, review of the following: | ||||
Asset diversification requirements | ✓ | |||
90% gross income test under Subchapter M | ✓ | |||
Distribution requirements pursuant to Subchapter M and applicable excise tax laws. | ✓ | |||
Calculate year end and excise tax distribution. | ✓ | |||
Financial Reporting | ||||
Provide financial data required by the Fund’s Prospectus and SAI. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Compute the yield and total return of each class of each Fund. | ✓ | |||
Compute each Fund's portfolio turnover rate and expense ratio. | ✓ | |||
Monitor the expense accruals and notify the Advisor's management (and fund accountants) of any proposed adjustments. | ✓ | |||
Prepare Financial Statements (i.e., Statements of Assets & Liabilities, Statements of Operations, Statements of Changes in Net Assets, Statements of Cash Flow (if required), Schedules of Investments including graphical presentation of holdings, and Financial Highlights), including footnotes and Expense Example. Provide support to audit team with respect to these financial statements. | ✓ | |||
Review Financial Statements, including footnotes, prepared by UMBFS and provide comments. | ✓ | |||
Prepare information supplemental to Financial Statements necessary for annual and semi-annual reports including Board of Trustees information/table, disclosure regarding approval of advisory agreements and Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance including the line graph comparing account value of the fund against the benchmark index. | ✓ | |||
Coordinate printing process, including proofing. | ✓ | |||
Process payment of Fund expenses. | ✓ | |||
Authorize payments under Rule 12b-1 or similar plans. | ✓ |
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Year-end book to tax adjustments. | ✓ | |||
Prepare quarterly broker security transaction summaries. | ✓ | |||
Tax Services and Reporting | ||||
Work with independent auditors to file, on a timely basis, the appropriate federal and state tax returns as prepared by the Fund's auditors, including without limitation, Forms 1120/8613. | ✓ | |||
Prepare state income breakdowns where relevant. | ✓ | |||
Provide the data to UMB to complete Form 1099 Miscellaneous for payments to Trustees and other service providers. | ✓ | |||
Generate, file and mail Form 1099 Miscellaneous for payments to Trustees and other service providers. | ✓ | |||
Monitor wash sale losses, PFICs and other applicable book to tax basis adjustments. | ✓ | |||
Calculate eligible dividend income for corporate shareholders. | ✓ | |||
Estimate income through calendar year-end for year-end dividend calculation. | ✓ | |||
Submit dividend declarations and distributions to the Board of Trustees, prepare and distribute to appropriate parties notices announcing declaration of dividends and other distributions to shareholders. | ✓ | |||
Calculate monthly/quarterly dividends. | ✓ | |||
Review monthly/quarterly dividends. | ✓ |
The duties of the Co-Administrators shall be confined to those expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against any of the Co-Administrators hereunder. These Services do not include correcting, verifying or addressing any prior actions or inactions by any Fund or by any prior service provider. To the extent the Co-Administrators agree to take such actions, those actions taken shall be deemed part of this Schedule B.
15
Schedule C
to the
Co-Administration Agreement
by and between
FPA Funds Trust
and
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
and
Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
Combined Fund Accounting, Administration and Tax Fees
Fund Accounting, Administration and Tax Fees
This combined fee schedule for Fund Accounting, Administration and Tax services applies to all funds in the FPA Fund complex for the Fund and Tax Administration services contemplated by this Agreement and the Fund Accounting services contemplated by the separate Fund Accounting Agreement.
16
EX 16.13(b)
Amended and Restated
Schedule A
to the
Co-Administration Agreement
by and between
FPA Funds Trust
and
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
and
Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
NAME OF FUNDS
FPA Crescent Fund
FPA Flexible Fixed Income Fund
FPA New Income Fund
FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund
FPA Queens Road Value Fund
FPA Global Equity Fund
FPA Global Equity ETF
The undersigned, intending to be legally bound, hereby execute this Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Co-Administration Agreement by and between FPA Funds Trust, UMB Fund Services, Inc. and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC, to be effective as of the [ ] day of [ ].
FPA FUNDS TRUST | ||
(“Trust”) | ||
By: | ||
Maureen Quill | ||
President | ||
UMB FUND SERVICES, INC. | ||
(“UMBFS”) | ||
By: | ||
Maureen Quill | ||
Executive Vice President | ||
MUTUAL FUND ADMINISTRATION, LLC | ||
(“MFAC”) | ||
By: | ||
[ ] |
1
[ ] |
2
Schedule B
to the
Co-Administration Agreement
by and between
FPA Funds Trust, and
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
and
Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
SERVICES
Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Trustees and utilizing information provided by the Trust and its agents, the Co-Administrators will:
General Fund Management | MFAC | UMBFS | ||
Act as liaison among all Fund service providers. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Supply corporate secretarial services. | ✓ | |||
Provide office facilities. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Supply non-investment related statistical and research data as needed. | ✓ | |||
Coordinate the Trust’s Board of Trustees’ (the “Board of Trustees” or the “Trustees”) communication: | ||||
Establish meeting agendas. | ✓ | |||
Compile Board of Trustee Meeting materials. | ✓ | |||
Prepare reports for the Trustees based on financial and administrative data. | ✓ | |||
Evaluate independent auditor. | ✓ | |||
Secure and monitor fidelity bond and Direct and Officer liability coverage, and make the necessary Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings relating thereto. | ✓ | |||
Prepare minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees and Fund shareholders. | ✓ | |||
Provide personnel to serve as officers of the Trust if so elected by the Board of Trustees, attend Board of Trustees meetings and present materials for Trustees’ review at such meetings. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
SEC Exams: | ||||
Facilitate audit process. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Provide information to the SEC, as requested. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Assist in overall operations of the Trust. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Assist with the "start-up" of new funds. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Compliance |
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Regulatory Compliance: | ||||
Monitor compliance with the 1940 Act requirements, including: | ||||
Review results of asset diversification tests for diversified funds | ✓ | |||
Maintenance of books and records under Rule 31a-3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Code of Ethics for the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. | ✓ | |||
Monitor Fund's compliance with the policies and investment limitations of the Trust as set forth in its current prospectus (the “Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (the “SAI”). | ✓ | |||
Monitor affiliated transactions under exemptive rules (17a-7, 17e-1, etc.) | ✓ | |||
Maintain awareness of applicable regulatory, reporting and operational service issues and recommend dispositions. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Blue Sky Compliance: | ||||
Prepare and file with the appropriate state securities’ authorities any and all required compliance filings relating to the registration of the securities of the Trust so as to enable the Trust to make a continuous offering of its shares in all states. | ✓ | |||
Monitor status and maintain registrations in each state. | ✓ | |||
Provide information regarding material developments in state securities regulation. | ✓ | |||
SEC Registration and Reporting: | ||||
Assist Trust counsel in updating the Prospectus and SAI and in preparing proxy statements. | ✓ | |||
File Form N1-A. | ✓ | |||
On an annual basis, compile and review data required to complete Form N-CEN and provide a draft of the report to the advisor for approval prior to filing | ✓ | |||
File Form N-CEN with the SEC by the required deadline. | ✓ | |||
On a monthly basis, extract the required N-PORT data from UMBFS’s fund accounting system and import into the financial reporting system. | ✓ | |||
Incorporate security reference and risk data into Form N-PORT, as necessary, from advisor or third-party provider approved by the advisor. | ✓ | |||
Review all N-PORT data and provide a draft of the report to the advisor for approval prior to filing. | ✓ | |||
On a monthly basis file Form N-PORT with the SEC, within the 30-day filing requirement. | ✓ | |||
Coordinate EDGAR processing of financials, including proofing. | ✓ | |||
Complete and file Form N-CSR. | ✓ | |||
Prepare Schedules of Investments for Form N-Q or Part F: Exhibits to Form N-PORT. | ✓ | |||
File Form N-Q or Part F: Exhibits to Form N-PORT. | ✓ |
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Coordinate the printing, filing and mailing of publicly disseminated Prospectuses and shareholder reports. | ✓ | |||
File fidelity bond under Rule 17g-1. | ✓ | |||
Prepare and file Rule 24f-2 notices. | ✓ | |||
Assist in coordination of filing proxy voting on Form N-PX. | ✓ | |||
IRS Compliance: | ||||
Monitor each Fund's status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M, including without limitation, review of the following: | ||||
Asset diversification requirements | ✓ | |||
90% gross income test under Subchapter M | ✓ | |||
Distribution requirements pursuant to Subchapter M and applicable excise tax laws. | ✓ | |||
Calculate year end and excise tax distribution. | ✓ | |||
Financial Reporting | ||||
Provide financial data required by the Fund’s Prospectus and SAI. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Compute the yield and total return of each class of each Fund. | ✓ | |||
Compute each Fund's portfolio turnover rate and expense ratio. | ✓ | |||
Monitor the expense accruals and notify the Advisor's management (and fund accountants) of any proposed adjustments. | ✓ | |||
Prepare Financial Statements (i.e., Statements of Assets & Liabilities, Statements of Operations, Statements of Changes in Net Assets, Statements of Cash Flow (if required), Schedules of Investments including graphical presentation of holdings, and Financial Highlights), including footnotes and Expense Example. Provide support to audit team with respect to these financial statements. | ✓ | |||
Review Financial Statements, including footnotes, prepared by UMBFS and provide comments. | ✓ | |||
Prepare information supplemental to Financial Statements necessary for annual and semi-annual reports including Board of Trustees information/table, disclosure regarding approval of advisory agreements and Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance including the line graph comparing account value of the fund against the benchmark index. | ✓ | |||
Coordinate printing process, including proofing. | ✓ | |||
Process payment of Fund expenses. | ✓ | |||
Authorize payments under Rule 12b-1 or similar plans. | ✓ | |||
Year-end book to tax adjustments. | ✓ | |||
Prepare quarterly broker security transaction summaries. | ✓ | |||
Tax Services and Reporting | ||||
Work with independent auditors to file, on a timely basis, the appropriate federal and state tax returns as prepared by the | ✓ |
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Fund's auditors, including without limitation, Forms 1120/8613. | ||||
Prepare state income breakdowns where relevant. | ✓ | |||
Provide the data to UMB to complete Form 1099 Miscellaneous for payments to Trustees and other service providers. | ✓ | |||
Generate, file and mail Form 1099 Miscellaneous for payments to Trustees and other service providers. | ✓ | |||
Monitor wash sale losses, PFICs and other applicable book to tax basis adjustments. | ✓ | |||
Calculate eligible dividend income for corporate shareholders. | ✓ | |||
Estimate income through calendar year-end for year-end dividend calculation. | ✓ | |||
Submit dividend declarations and distributions to the Board of Trustees, prepare and distribute to appropriate parties notices announcing declaration of dividends and other distributions to shareholders. | ✓ | |||
Calculate monthly/quarterly dividends. | ✓ | |||
Review monthly/quarterly dividends. | ✓ |
The duties of the Co-Administrators shall be confined to those expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against any of the Co-Administrators hereunder. These Services do not include correcting, verifying or addressing any prior actions or inactions by any Fund or by any prior service provider. To the extent the Co-Administrators agree to take such actions, those actions taken shall be deemed part of this Schedule B.
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Ex 16.13(c)
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of [________] __, 202_, by and between BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the State of New York (the "Administrator"), and [Insert Fund/Trust Name] a [____________________] (the “Fund” on behalf of each series listed on Appendix A to this Agreement each a “Portfolio” and collectively, the "Portfolios") and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“the 1940 Act”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as a management investment company under the 1940 Act; and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Administrator to render certain services to the Fund and each Portfolio, and the Administrator is willing to render such services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Administrator. The Fund hereby employs and appoints the Administrator to act as its administrative agent on the terms set forth in this Agreement, and the Administrator accepts such appointment.
2. Delivery of Documents. The Fund will on a continuing basis provide the Administrator with:
2.1 properly certified or authenticated copies of resolutions of the Fund’s Board of Trustees authorizing the appointment of the Administrator as administrative agent of the Fund and approving this Agreement;
2.2 a copy of the Fund’s most recent registration statement;
2.3 copies of all agreements between the Fund and its service providers, including without limitation, advisory, distribution and administration agreements and distribution and/or shareholder servicing plans;
2.4 a copy of the Fund’s valuation procedures;
2.5 a copy of the Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-laws;
2.6 any other documents or resolutions (including but not limited to directions or resolutions of the Fund’s Board of Trustees) which relate to or affect the Administrator's performance of its duties
hereunder or which the Administrator may at any time reasonably request; and
2.7 copies of any and all amendments or supplements to the foregoing.
3. Duties as Administrator. Subject to the supervision and direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Administrator will perform the administrative services described in Appendix B hereto. Additional services may be provided by the Administrator upon the request of the Fund as mutually agreed from time to time. In performing its duties and obligations hereunder, the Administrator will act in accordance with the Fund’s instructions as defined in Section 5 (“Instructions”). It is agreed and understood that the Administrator shall not be responsible for the Fund’s compliance with any applicable documents, laws or regulations, or for losses, costs or expenses arising out of the Fund’s failure to comply with said documents, laws or regulations or the Fund’s failure or inability to correct any non-compliance therewith. The Administrator shall in no event be required to take any action, which is in contravention of any applicable law, rule or regulation or any order or judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction.
3.1 Records. The Administrator will maintain and retain such records as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable federal securities laws and created pursuant to the performance of the Administrator’s obligations under this Agreement. The Administrator will maintain such other records as requested by the Fund and received by the Administrator. The Administrator shall not be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of any records not created by the Administrator. The Administrator acknowledges that the records maintained and preserved by the Administrator pursuant to this Agreement are the property of the Fund and will be, at the Fund’s expense, surrendered promptly upon reasonable request. In performing its obligations under this Section, the Administrator may utilize micrographic and electronic storage media as well as independent third party storage facilities.
3.2 Use of Agents The Administrator may at any time or times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any affiliate, bank, or subcontractor as its agent (each an “Agent” and collectively, the “Agents”), to carry out the provisions of this Agreement as it may from time to time direct. The Administrator shall exercise reasonable care in the selection and monitoring of such Agents and the appointment of an Agent shall not relieve the Administrator of its obligations under this Agreement.
4. Duties of the Fund. The Fund shall notify the Administrator promptly of any matter affecting the performance by the Administrator of its services under this Agreement and where the Administrator is providing fund accounting services pursuant to this Agreement shall promptly notify the Administrator as to the accrual of liabilities of the Fund, liabilities of the Fund not appearing on the books of account kept by the Administrator as to the existence, status and proper treatment of reserves, if any, authorized by the Fund. [BBH Note: if
2
compliance testing is expected to be required, additional provisions may be required: Where the Administrator is providing portfolio compliance monitoring services pursuant to this Agreement, the Fund agrees to notify the Administrator in the event the Fund or any officer, employee or agent of the Fund detects a possible non-compliance of the Fund with its investment restrictions, policies and limitations. ]The Fund agrees to provide such information to the Administrator as may be requested under the banking and securities laws of the United States or other jurisdictions relating to “Know Your Customer” and money laundering prevention rules and regulations (collectively, the “KYC Requirements”). For purposes of this subsection, and in connection with all applicable KYC Requirements, the Fund and each Portfolio is the “client” or “customer” of the Administrator. The Fund further represents that it will perform all obligations required under applicable KYC Requirements with respect to its “customers” (as defined in the KYC Requirements) and that, because these customers do not constitute “customers” or “clients” of the Administrator under such applicable rules and regulations, the Administrator is under no such similar obligations.
5. Instructions.
5.1 The Administrator shall not be liable for, and shall be indemnified by the Fund against any and all losses, costs, damages or expenses arising from or as a result of, any action taken or omitted in reliance upon Instructions or upon any other written notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or other instrument believed by it to be genuine and signed or authorized by the proper party or parties. A list of persons so authorized by the Fund (“Authorized Persons”) is attached hereto as Appendix C and upon which the Administrator may rely until its receipt of notification to the contrary by the Fund.
5.2 Instructions shall include a written request, direction, instruction or certification signed or initialed on behalf of the Fund by one or more persons as the Board of Trustees of the Fund shall have from time to time authorized in writing. Those persons authorized to give Instructions may be identified by the Board of Trustees by name, title or position and will include at least one officer empowered by the Board to name other individuals who are authorized to give Instructions on behalf of the Fund.
5.3 Telephonic or other oral instructions or instructions given by telefax transmission may be given by any one of the above persons and will also be considered Instructions if the Administrator believes them to have been given by a person authorized to give such Instructions with respect to the transaction involved.
5.4 With respect to telefax transmissions, the Fund hereby acknowledges that (i) receipt of legible instructions cannot be assured, (ii) the Administrator cannot verify that authorized signatures on telefax instructions are original, and (iii) the Administrator shall not be responsible for losses or expenses incurred through actions taken in reliance on such telefax instructions. The Fund agrees that such telefax
3
instructions shall be conclusive evidence of the Fund's Instruction to the Administrator to act or to omit to act.
5.5 Instructions given orally will not be confirmed in writing and the lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by the Administrator in reliance upon such oral Instructions. The Fund authorizes the Administrator to tape record any and all telephonic or other oral Instructions given to the Administrator by or on behalf of the Fund (including any of its officers, directors, trustees, employees or agents or any investment manager or adviser or person or entity with similar responsibilities which is authorized to give Instructions on behalf of the Fund to the Administrator.)
6. Expenses and Compensation. For the services to be rendered and the facilities to be furnished by the Administrator as provided for in this Agreement, the Fund shall pay the Administrator for its services rendered pursuant to this Agreement a fee based on such fee schedule as may from time to time be agreed upon in writing by the Fund and the Administrator. Additional services performed by the Administrator as requested by the Fund shall be subject to additional fees as mutually agreed from time to time. In addition to such fee, the Administrator shall bill the Fund separately for any out-of-pocket disbursements of the Administrator based on an out-of-pocket schedule as may from time to time be agreed upon in writing by the Fund and the Administrator. The foregoing fees and disbursements shall be billed to the Fund by the Administrator and shall be paid promptly by wire transfer or other appropriate means to the Administrator.
7. Standard of Care. The Administrator shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care and diligence in carrying out the provisions of this Agreement, provided that the Administrator shall not thereby be required to take any action which is in contravention of any applicable law, rule or regulation or any order or judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction.
8. General Limitations on Liability. The Administrator shall incur no liability with respect to any telecommunications, equipment or power failures, or any failures to perform or delays in performance by postal or courier services or third-party information providers (including without limitation those listed on Appendix D).
8.1 The Administrator shall also incur no liability under this Agreement if the Administrator or any agent or entity utilized by the Administrator shall be prevented, forbidden or delayed from performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this Agreement provides shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of causes or events beyond its control, including but not limited to:
8.1.1 any Sovereign Event. A "Sovereign Event" shall mean any nationalization;
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expropriation; devaluation; revaluation; confiscation; seizure; cancellation; destruction; strike; act of war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or any other act or event beyond the Administrator's reasonable control;
8.1.2 any provision of any present or future law, regulation or order of the United States or any state thereof, or of any foreign country or political subdivision thereof, or of any securities depository or clearing agency; and
8.1.3 any provision of any order or judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction.
8.2 The Administrator shall not be held accountable or liable for any losses, damages or expenses the Fund or any shareholder or former shareholder of the Fund or any other person may suffer or incur arising from acts, omissions, errors or delays of the Administrator in the performance of its obligations and duties as provided in Section 3 hereof, including without limitation any error of judgment or mistake of law, except a damage, loss or expense resulting from the Administrator’s willful malfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such Administrator’s obligations and duties.
8.3 The Administrator shall not be liable for any damages arising out of any misstatement or omission in the Fund’s registration statement, prospectus, shareholder report, offering document or other information filed or made public by the Fund or [Insert Distributor Name] (the “Distributor”).
8.4 In no event and under no circumstances shall the Administrator be held liable for consequential or indirect damages, loss of profits, damage to reputation or business or any other special or punitive damages arising under or by reason of any provision of this Agreement or for any act or omissions hereunder, even if the Administrator has been advised of the possibility of such damages or losses.
9. Specific Limitations on Liability. In addition to, and without limiting the application of the general limitations on liability contained in Section 8, above, the following specific limitations on the Administrator’s liability shall apply to the particular administrative services set forth on Appendix B hereto.
9.1 Portfolio Compliance Monitoring. The [secondary] compliance monitoring of the investments of the Fund and/or each Portfolio with respect to investment restrictions and policies is subject to parameters that may vary over time and which may be beyond the control or knowledge of the Administrator. Consequently, the results of the monitoring as notified by the Administrator to the Fund are to be considered merely as an indication of possible non-compliance with the investment restrictions
5
and policies of the Fund and/or Portfolio rather than an affirmative statement as to non-compliance with the investment restrictions and policies. Moreover, the Administrator may not detect a breach and consequently might not notify the Fund thereof if information or data in its possession is inaccurate, incomplete or ambiguous. The Board of Trustees of the Fund shall remain fully responsible for ensuring compliance of the investments of the Fund and each Portfolio with its investment restrictions and policies and the services provided by the Administrator in monitoring investment restrictions and policies shall not be deemed to be a delegation of the Board’s responsibility to the Administrator. In addition, the Fund agrees that the Administrator shall not be liable for the accuracy, completeness or use of any information or data that CRD (as defined in Appendix B hereof) or any other compliance system used by the Administrator generates in connection with such administrative compliance monitoring on any given date.
9.2 Liability for Fund Accounting Services. Without limiting the provisions in Section 8 hereof, the Administrator’s liability for acts, omissions, errors or delays relating to its fund accounting obligations and duties shall be limited to the amount of any expenses associated with a required recalculation of net asset value per share (“NAV”) or any direct damages suffered by shareholders in connection with such recalculation. The Administrator’s liability or accountability for such acts, omissions, errors or delays shall be further subject to clauses 9.2.1 through 9.2.4 below.
9.2.1. The parties hereto acknowledge that the Administrator's causing an error or delay in the determination of NAV may, but does not in and of itself, constitute negligence or reckless or willful misconduct. The parties further acknowledge that in accordance with industry practice, the Administrator shall be liable and the recalculation of NAV shall be performed only with regard to errors in the calculation of the NAV that are greater than or equal to $.01 per share of a Fund. If a recalculation of NAV occurs, the Fund agrees to reprocess shareholder transactions or take such other action(s) so as to eliminate or minimize to the extent possible the liability of the Administrator.
9.2.2. In no event shall the Administrator be liable or responsible to the Fund, any present or former shareholder of the Fund, or any other person for any error or delay that continued or was undetected after the date of an audit performed by the certified public accountants employed by the Fund if, in the exercise of reasonable care in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards, such accountants should have become aware of such error or delay in the course of performing such audit.
9.2.3 The Administrator shall not be held accountable or liable to the Fund, any shareholder or former shareholder thereof or any other person for any delays or losses, damages
6
or expenses any of them may suffer or incur resulting from (i) the Administrator's usage of a third party service provider for the purpose of storing records delivered to the Administrator by the Fund and which the Administrator did not create in the performance of its obligations hereunder; (ii) the Administrator’s failure to receive timely and suitable notification concerning quotations or corporate actions relating to or affecting portfolio securities of the Fund; or (iii) any errors in the computation of NAV based upon or arising out of quotations or information as to corporate actions if received by the Administrator either (a) from a source which the Administrator was authorized to rely upon (including, but not limited to, the fair value pricing procedures of any investment manager of adviser of the Fund and those sources listed on Appendix D), (b) from a source which in the Administrator's reasonable judgment was as reliable a source for such quotations or information as such authorized sources, or (c) relevant information known to the Fund or its service provider which would impact the calculation of NAV but which is not communicated by the Fund or its service providers to the Administrator. To the extent that Fund assets are not in the custody of the Administrator, the Administrator may conclusively rely on any reporting in connection with such assets provided to the Administrator by a third party on behalf of the Fund.
9.2.4. In the event of any error or delay in the determination of such NAV for which the Administrator may be liable, the Fund and the Administrator will consult and make good faith efforts to reach agreement on what actions should be taken in order to mitigate any loss suffered by the Fund or its present or former shareholders, in order that the Administrator's exposure to liability shall be reduced to the extent possible after taking into account all relevant factors and alternatives. It is understood that in attempting to reach agreement on the actions to be taken or the amount of the loss which should appropriately be borne by the Administrator, the Fund and the Administrator will consider such relevant factors as the amount of the loss involved, the Fund's desire to avoid loss of shareholder good will, the fact that other persons or entities could have been reasonably expected to have detected the error sooner than the time it was actually discovered, the appropriateness of limiting or eliminating the benefit which shareholders or former shareholders might have obtained by reason of the error, and the possibility that other parties providing services to the Fund might be induced to absorb a portion of the loss incurred.
9.3 Liability for ETF Transfer Agency and Related Services. Without limiting the provisions in Section 8 hereof, the Administrator shall have no liability for any damages arising out of (i) the failure of any Authorized Participant to perform its obligations under a Participant Agreement (“Participant Agreement” defined for this purpose as any Participant Agreement between the
7
Distributor and an Authorized Participant acknowledged by the Administrator); (ii) activities or statements of sales or wholesaler personnel who are employed by the Distributor or its affiliates; or (iii) (a) the failure of any Authorized Participant to deposit with the Fund’s Custodian sufficient collateral, or to provide additional collateral upon request by the Administrator, in connection with the monitoring services provided for herein on Appendix B; or (b) any errors in the computation of collateral requirements based upon or arising out of quotations or information received by the Administrator from a source which the Administrator was authorized to rely upon (including, but not limited to, those sources listed on Appendix D). Any losses sustained by the Fund as a result of or arising from errors in calculations performed by the Administrator in connection with the monitoring or maintenance of collateral positions relating to creation or redemption unit activity shall not exceed the total fees paid to the Administrator in any calendar year.
10. Indemnification. The Fund hereby agrees to indemnify the Administrator against and hold it harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from any act, omission, error or delay or any third party claim, demand, action or suit, in connection with or arising out of performance of the Administrator’s obligations and duties under this Agreement, not resulting from the willful malfeasance, bad faith or negligence of the Administrator in the performance of such obligations and duties. The provisions of this Section 10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
11. Reliance by the Administrator on Opinions of Counsel and Opinions of Certified Public Accountants.
The Administrator may consult with its counsel or the Fund's counsel in any case where so doing appears to the Administrator to be necessary or desirable. The Administrator shall not be considered to have engaged in any misconduct or to have acted negligently and shall be without liability in acting upon the advice of its counsel or of the Fund's counsel.
The Administrator may consult with a certified public accountant or the Fund's Treasurer in any case where so doing appears to the Administrator to be necessary or desirable. The Administrator shall not be considered to have engaged in any misconduct or to have acted negligently and shall be without liability in acting upon the advice of such certified public accountant or of the Fund's Treasurer.
12. Termination of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated by either party in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
8
12.1 This Agreement shall have an initial term of three (3) years from the date hereof. Thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods unless either party terminates this Agreement by written notice effective no sooner than seventy-five (75) days following the date that notice to such effect shall be delivered to the other party at its address set forth herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, either party may terminate this Agreement at any time (a) for cause, which is a material breach of the Agreement not cured within sixty (60) days, in which case termination shall be effective upon written receipt of notice by the non-terminating party, or upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party in the event that the either party is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, or there shall be commenced against such party a case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law now or hereafter in effect. In the event a termination notice is given by a party hereto, all expenses associated with the movement of records and materials and the conversion thereof shall be paid by the Fund for which services shall cease to be performed hereunder. The Administrator shall be responsible for completing all actions in progress when such termination notice is given unless otherwise agreed.
12.2. Upon termination of the Agreement in accordance with this Section 12, the Fund may request the Administrator to promptly deliver to the Fund or to any designated third party all records created and maintained by the Administrator pursuant to Section 3.1 of this Agreement, as well as any Fund records maintained but not created by the Administrator. If such request is provided in writing by the Fund to the Administrator within seventy-five (75) days of the date of termination of the Agreement, the Administrator shall provide to the Fund a certification that all records created by the Administrator pursuant to its obligations under Section 3.1 of this Agreement are accurate and complete. After seventy-five (75) days of the date of termination of this Agreement, no such certification will be provided to the Fund by the Administrator and the Administrator is under no further obligation to ensure that records created by the Administrator pursuant to Section 3.1 of this Agreement are maintained in a form that is accurate or complete.
13. Confidentiality. The parties hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions of this Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other regarding its business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering or obtaining services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party without the prior consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information that is publicly available when provided or
9
thereafter becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement, or that is required to be disclosed by or to any Regulatory Authority, any auditor or attorney of the parties hereto, or by judicial or administrative process or otherwise by Applicable Law.
14. Tape-recording. The Fund authorizes the Administrator to tape record any and all telephonic or other oral instructions given to the Administrator by or on behalf of the Fund, including from any Authorized Person. This authorization will remain in effect until and unless revoked by the Fund in writing. The Fund further agrees to solicit valid written or other consent from any of its employees with respect to telephone communications to the extent such consent is required by applicable law.
15. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes any other oral or written agreements heretofore in effect between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or terminated except by a statement in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the amendment or termination is sought.
16. Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement is determined to be void or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue to be in force.
17. Headings. The section headings in this Agreement are for the convenience of reference only and shall not modify, define, expand or limit any of the terms or provisions thereof.
18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without giving effect to conflicts of laws principles and each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the City of Boston and the federal courts located in the City of Boston. The fund irrevocably waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding in any of the aforesaid courts and any claim that any such action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Furthermore, each party hereto irrevocably waives any right that it may have to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of or related to this Agreement or the services contemplated hereby.
19. Notices. Notices and other writings delivered or mailed postage prepaid to the Fund addressed to the
10
Fund at [____________], Attention: General Counsel or to such other address as the Fund may have designated to the Administrator in writing, or to the Administrator at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, Attention: Manager, Fund Administration Department, or to such other address as the Administrator may have designated to the Fund in writing, shall be deemed to have been properly delivered or given hereunder to the respective addressee.
20. Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Fund and the Administrator and their respective successors and assigns, provided that no party hereto may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the written consent of the other party. Each party agrees that only the parties to this Agreement and/or their successors in interest shall have a right to enforce the terms of this Agreement. Accordingly, no client of the Fund or other third party shall have any rights under this Agreement and such rights are explicitly disclaimed by the parties.
21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be deemed to be an original. This Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed and delivered by each of the parties. A photocopy or telefax of the Agreement shall be acceptable evidence of the existence of the Agreement and the Administrator shall be protected in relying on the photocopy or telefax until the Administrator has received the original of the Agreement.
22. Exclusivity. The services furnished by the Administrator hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Administrator shall be free to furnish similar services to others.
23. Authorization. The Fund hereby represents and warrants that the Fund’s Board of Trustees has authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement and that an authorized officer of the Fund has signed this Agreement, Appendices A, B, C, and D and the fee schedule hereto.
11
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first written above.
The undersigned acknowledges that (I/we) have received a copy of this document .
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. |
By: ________________________________ |
Name: |
Title: |
Date: |
[Trust/Fund Name] |
By: ________________________________ |
Name: |
Title: |
Date: |
12
APPENDIX A
TO
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY AGREEMENT
Dated as of ___________, 202_
The following is a list of Portfolios for which the Administrator shall serve under an Administrative Agency Agreement dated as of ____________, 202_:
[Trust/Fund Name]
By: ________________________________ |
Name: |
Title: |
Date: |
13
APPENDIX B
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY AGREEMENT
Services1
Fund Accounting Services
The Administrator will provide the following fund accounting services to each Portfolio each day that such Portfolio and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open (each a “Business Day”): transaction processing and review, custodial reconciliation, securities pricing and investment accounting.
Transaction Processing and Review. The Administrator shall input and reconcile each Portfolio’s investment activity including with respect to:
· | Investment taxlots |
· | Income |
· | Dividends |
· | Principal paydowns |
· | Capital activity |
· | Expense accruals |
· | Cash activity |
· | Corporate Reorganizations |
Custodial Reconciliation. The Administrator shall reconcile the following positions of each Portfolio against the records of the Custodian:
· | Securities holdings |
· | Cash including cash transfers, fees assessed and other investment related cash transactions |
· | Trade settlements |
Securities Pricing. The Administrator shall update each security position of each Portfolio as to the following:
· | Market prices obtained from approved sources including those listed on Appendix D or Fair Valuations obtained from an Authorized Person of the Fund |
· | Mark to market of non-base receivables/payables utilizing approved foreign exchange quotations as quoted in Appendix D |
· | Mark to market of non-base currency positions utilizing the approved sources quoted in Appendix D or Fair Valuations obtained from an Authorized Person of the Fund |
Investment Accounting. The Administrator shall provide the following investment accounting services to each Portfolio:
· | Amortization/accretion at the individual tax lot level |
· | General ledger entries |
· | Book value calculations |
· | Trade Date + 1 accounting |
· | Calculation of Net Asset Value Per Share (“NAV”) as of the close of business of the NYSE |
Portfolio Composition File (PCF) Calculations and Dissemination. The Administrator shall provide the following PCF services for each Portfolio which would require such:
· | Calculation of the PCF cash components inclusive of applicable projections |
1 Service descriptions remain subject to review by the parties.
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· | Dissemination of the PCF to the NSCC |
Financial Reporting
· | The Administrator shall accumulate information for and prepare |
o | Within an agreed upon production cycle, reports for the Fund as agreed to by the parties, such preparation includes the coordination of all printer and author edits, the review of printer drafts and the coordination of the audit of the Fund by its independent public auditor (e.g. manage open items lists, host weekly audit meeting, etc.) |
Corporate
Secretary and Regulatory Reporting Services
The Administrator shall perform the following regulatory services for the Fund:
· | Maintain calendar for all regulatory matters |
· | Prepare one annual update per fiscal year end to the Fund’s registration statement and file the same with the SEC (includes coordination of the update with Fund personnel, Fund counsel and independent auditors) |
· | Prepare up to four supplements (“Stickers”) to the Fund’s registration statement per calendar year |
· | Assist the Fund with preparing the Fund’s fidelity bond filing with the SEC |
· | Assist the Fund in preparing one annual Form N-PX filing per calendar year |
· | Review and comment on shareholder reports and coordinate with BBH&Co.’s financial reporting personnel |
· | Prepare and file one annual report and one semi-annual report on Form N-CSR |
· | Prepare and file one annual Rule 24f-2 Notice |
· | Prepare monthly reports for Form N-PORT |
· | Prepare one annual report on Form N-CEN |
· | Assist in monitoring regulatory proposals and changes that may affect the Fund |
· | In accordance with Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act, maintain those records received or created by the Administrator, which are required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1(b)(4) under the 1940 Act |
The Corporate Secretary and Regulatory Reporting team shall perform the following additional services for the Fund, subject to mutually agreed upon fees:
· | Prepare Information statements and file such materials with the SEC. |
· | Prepare proxy statements, notices, scripts, agendas and file such materials with the SEC. |
· | Prepare shareholder meeting materials, resolutions, script and minutes and attend such meetings |
· | Prepare materials for and attend “Special” Board and Audit Committee meetings |
· | Prepare “off cycle” amendments to the Fund’s registration statement, including those for new series, Portfolios or classes, changes in advisory relationships, mergers and restructurings, as may be requested and agreed to between the Fund and Administrator |
· | Assist in the startup of any new Funds, including preparation of board materials and applicable filings with the SEC |
Expense Administration Services
The Administrator shall perform the following services as requested by the Fund’s Treasurer:
· | Prepare and obtain authorization of Fund expense invoices on a bi-monthly basis |
· | Prepare the Fund’s quarterly budget and make recommendations for adjustments as appropriate |
15
· | Prepare a monthly expense pro forma |
· | Provide consultative services with respect to financial matters of the Fund as may be requested and agreed to by the Fund and Administrator from time to time |
The Administrator shall perform the following additional services as requested by the Fund’s Treasurer:
· | Prepare Form 1099 reporting for the Fund’s independent Trustees/Directors |
· | Prepare budgets and expense pro formas for new series, Portfolios or classes and/or with respect to mergers, acquisitions and restructurings, as may be requested and agreed to between the Fund and Administrator |
Portfolio Compliance Monitoring Services
As described herein the Administrator is providing secondary portfolio compliance monitoring services (“Secondary Compliance Monitoring Services”) pursuant to this Agreement. The Fund acknowledges that the Secondary Compliance Services duplicate the compliance program in place for the Fund (i.e., all tests performed as part of Secondary Compliance Monitoring Services are also performed by the Fund or Investment Advisor independently of the Services provided by the Administrator), that the Secondary Compliance Monitoring Services are a double check or backup, and that the Administrator may not provide Secondary Compliance Monitoring Services unless they are duplicative to the compliance testing performed by the Fund, the Investment Advisor or Subadviser. Finally, the Fund understands that this is a condition precedent to the Administrator’s ability to provide Secondary Compliance Monitoring Services. Further, the Fund agrees to notify the Administrator in the event the Fund or any officer, employee or agent of the Fund detects any material non-compliance with regard to applicable investment restrictions, policies and limitations. The Fund understands that any printed material generated by the system employed by the Administrator to perform any Secondary Compliance Monitoring Services shall display the CRD brand and logo, as appropriate. The Administrator shall perform the following Secondary Compliance Monitoring Services with respect to the investments of each Portfolio on each Business Day unless otherwise specified:
The Administrator shall perform the following compliance monitoring services with respect to the investments of each Portfolio on each Business Day unless otherwise specified:
· | Trade date plus one monitoring of each Portfolio’s investments with respect to the investment restrictions, policies and limitations as described in the current registration statement (including a Portfolio’s most recent prospectus and statement of additional information), which shall be provided to the Administrator by the Fund, and agreed to by the Administrator and Fund |
o | Monitoring of policies, restrictions and limitations with respect to certain derivative investments is performed monthly (or as requested) |
· | Trade date plus one monitoring of each Portfolio’s investments with respect to the 1940 Act requirements and rules thereunder, applicable exchange listing rules and applicable Internal Revenue Code rules and regulations |
o | Rule 17g-1 monitoring shall be performed monthly as requested |
o | Qualifying income and diversification monitoring with respect to Subchapter M compliance shall be performed monthly |
· | Trade date plus one monitoring of other portfolio investment restrictions, policies and limitations at such times as may be agreed in writing by the Fund and Administrator |
· | The Administrator shall notify the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) or such other Authorized Person(s) as may be agreed to by the Fund in the event and at such times as the Administrator detects possible non-compliance with a Portfolio’s investment restrictions, policies and limitations (“Daily Exception Reporting”) |
16
· | Provide the Fund’s CCO or such other Authorized Person(s) as may be agreed to by the Fund a monthly report summarizing the results of the Portfolio Compliance Monitoring Services (“Monthly Summary Reporting”) |
· | Provide the Fund’s Board of Trustees/Directors a quarterly report summarizing the results of the Portfolio Compliance Monitoring Services (“Quarterly Board Summary Reporting”) |
· | Assist the Fund in producing quarterly brokerage-related reports for the Fund’s Board of Trustees as requested by the Fund and agreed to by the Administrator |
The Administrator shall perform the following additional compliance monitoring services with respect to each Portfolio one each Business Day:
· | Provide the Fund’s CCO or such other Authorized Person(s) as may be agreed to by the Fund a daily portfolio compliance summary report (“Daily Summary Reporting”) |
Tax Support Services
The Administrator shall provide the following tax support services to the Fund:
· | Prepare fiscal year-end and excise tax provisions and distribution calculations; |
· | Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual income distributions as described in each Fund’s or Portfolio’s prospectus |
· | Provide any tax analysis of portfolio transactions |
· | Prepare capital gain distribution(s) including spillback amounts as required |
· | Prepare tax-related ROCSOP entries for fund accounting purposes |
· | Provide foreign withholding tax service (custody and by country reports) |
· | Prepare FBAR filings |
· | Review required tax disclosures (such as tax cost, long-term capital gain, tax-exempt designation, foreign tax credits, dividend-received deductions, and qualified dividend income pass throughs) in the Fund’s financial statements |
· | Prepare federal, state and local (if any) income tax returns, including tax return extension requests, for signature by the Fund |
· | Prepare shareholder year-end tax information, including 1099-misc |
· | Calculate the amounts and characterizations of distributions declared during the calendar year for Form 1099/DIV reporting |
· | Provide analysis and necessary adjustments based on passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”) that have been identified by the Fund and communicated to the Administrator |
· | Consult with the Fund’s Authorized Persons on their management and/or investment strategy regarding straddles identified by the Fund and communicated to the Administrator and provide necessary adjustments |
Performance Measurement Services
The Administrator shall provide the following services related to calculating and reporting Fund performance:
· | If applicable, calculate 30-day SEC yields, 30 Day Distribution Yields and report such returns to the Fund on a monthly basis |
· | Provide and review each Portfolio’s performance information disclosed in its financial statements, prospectus and statement of additional information |
At the Fund’s request, report portfolio holdings to identified database companies
17
ETF Transfer Agency and Related Services
The Administrator shall perform the following ETF Transfer Agency and Related Services:
I. Creation and Redemption of Creation Units.
It is agreed and understood that the Administrator on the Fund’s behalf, shall process the issuance and redemption of Creation Units of the Fund in blocks of Shares as established in the Prospectus for the Fund (“Creation Units”) to and from such persons as are identified and approved by the Distributor as Authorized Participants and who have entered into a Participant Agreement.
A. | Accept from [the Distributor/Authorized Participants] creation and redemption orders for communication to the appropriate parties, approval (as may be agreed with the Distributor) and processing. |
B. | Pursuant to creation and redemption orders that the Administrator as transfer agent shall receive from [the Distributor/Authorized Participants (and which shall be confirmed by the Distributor, as required)] and pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, the Administrator shall communicate such orders to the Trust or Fund as appropriate. |
B. | Pursuant to such creation orders that the Administrator as the Index Receipt Agent shall receive (and which shall be confirmed by the Distributor) and pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, the Administrator shall transfer appropriate trade instructions to the Fund’s custodian, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“Custodian”) and pursuant to such orders register the appropriate number of book entry only Creation Units in the name of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee as a shareholder (each a “Authorized Participant”) of the Fund and deliver the Creation Units of the Fund to the appropriate Authorized Participant. |
C. | Pursuant to such redemption orders that Index Receipt Agent shall receive from the Authorized Participant and pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, the Administrator shall transfer appropriate trade instructions (which may be irrevocable in certain foreign markets) to the Custodian and, pursuant to such orders, redeem the appropriate number of Creation Units that are delivered to the designated DTC Participant Account of the Custodian for redemption and debit such Creation Units from the account of the Authorized Participant on the register of the Fund. |
D. | On behalf of the Fund, the Administrator shall issue Creation Units for settlement with purchasers through DTC as the purchaser is authorized to receive. Beneficial ownership of ETF Shares shall be shown on the records of DTC and DTC Participants and not on any records maintained by the Administrator. In issuing Creation Units through DTC to an Authorized Participant, the Administrator shall be entitled to rely upon the latest Instructions that are received from the Distributor by the Administrator as Index Receipt Agent concerning the issuance and delivery of such Creation Units for settlement. |
E. | The Administrator shall not issue on behalf of the Fund any Creation Units where it has received an Instruction from the Fund or the Distributor or written notification from any federal or state authority that the sale of the ETF Shares has been suspended or discontinued, and the Administrator shall be entitled to rely upon such Instructions or written notification. |
18
F. | Upon the issuance of Creation Units as provided herein, the Administrator shall not be responsible for the payment of any original issue or other taxes, if any, required to be paid by the Fund or the Distributor in connection with such issuance. |
G. | The Administrator will act only upon Instruction from the Fund and/or the Distributor in addressing any failure in the delivery of cash, securities and/or shares in connection with the creation and redemption of Creation Units. The Administrator shall not be required to advance, expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur or become exposed to financial liability in the performance of its duties hereunder. |
II. Recordkeeping.
A. | The Administrator shall record the creation and redemption of Creation Units and maintain, pursuant to Rule 17Ad-14(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a record of the total number of Creation Units that are authorized, issued and outstanding based upon data provided to the Administrator by the Fund or the Distributor. The Administrator shall also provide the Fund on a regular basis with the total number of Creation Units authorized, issued and outstanding; provided however that the Administrator shall not be responsible for monitoring the issuance of such Creation Units or compliance with any laws relating to the validity of the issuance or the legality of the sale of such Creation Units or shares. |
III. Services Related to the Monitoring of Cash Collateral.
The Fund acknowledges that accepting cash collateral or cash in lieu from Authorized Participants in connection with Creation Unit activity entails a variety of risks (including market risk, counterparty risk and settlement risk), which the Fund retains notwithstanding the provision by the Administrator of services related to monitoring of cash collateral. The services provided by the Administrator are administrative and do not change the nature of the relationship between the Fund and any Authorized Participant. The Fund agrees that it bears all investment risk of any cash collateral posted by any Authorized Participant and agrees further to participate in (including entering into required documentation) the Custodian’s CMS program with respect to cash collateral. The Administrator shall have no obligation with respect to determining adequacy or sufficiency of collateral required or received other than calling cash collateral in accordance with the terms set forth in the Participant Agreement and Operational Procedures. The Fund agrees to cooperate with the Administrator with respect to resolutions of issues or exceptions as they may arise with respect to collateral posted by Authorized Participants and agrees instruct the Administrator as to any realization by the Fund upon cash collateral posted, including any measures to be taken by the Fund or Investment Advisor, for example, buying in, of securities or ETF shares. The Administrator shall perform the following specific services:
(a) | Identify creation and redemption Creation Unit activity for which collateral is required, on a daily basis |
(b) | Calculate required collateral for creation and redemption on a daily basis in accordance with the collateral ratios set forth in the in Participant Agreements, utilizing a market price from a third party pricing source [as mutually agreed/set forth on Appendix D] |
(c) | Mark to market daily the value of such collateral positions using market prices from a third party pricing source [as mutually agreed/set forth on Appendix D] |
(d) | Communicate collateral requirements as determined in (b) and (c) to Authorized Participants as necessary |
(e) | Provide reporting as to open collateral positions and notify the Fund in the event of collateral delivered by Authorized Participants |
19
(f) | Establish Operational Procedures with the Fund and Authorized Participants (based upon the form provided by the Administrator) which set forth the detailed requirements in connection with the processing requirements as to cash collateral posted by Authorized Participants |
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. |
By: ________________________________ |
Name: |
Title: |
Date: |
[Trust/Fund Name] |
By: ________________________________ |
Name: |
Title: |
Date: |
20
APPENDIX C
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY AGREEMENT
List of Authorized Persons
[Trust/Fund Name] |
By: ________________________________ |
Name: |
Title: |
Date: |
21
APPENDIX D TO
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY AGREEMENT
AUTHORISED SOURCES
The Investment Manager and Fund hereby acknowledge that the Administrator is authorized to use the following authorized sources and their successors and assigns for financial reporting, compliance monitoring, performance measurement, pricing (including corporate actions, dividends and rights offering), and foreign exchange quotations, to assist it in fulfilling its obligations under the aforementioned Agreement.
BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL RESEARCH
BLOOMBERG
RUSSELL/MELLON
FUND MANAGERS / CLIENT DIRECTED
INTERCONTINENTAL EXCHANGE (“ICE”)
REPUTABLE BROKERS
REFINITIV
SUBCUSTODIAN BANKS
SIX FINANCIAL
REPUTABLE FINANCIAL PUBLICATIONS
STOCK EXCHANGES
STAT PRO
MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL
WALL STREET OFFICE*
PRICING DIRECT
IHS MARKIT
SUPER DERIVATIVES
S&P
DOW JONES
JP MORGAN
SQX (SECURITIES QUOTE EXCHANGE)
BARCLAYS
FITCH SOLUTIONS
MOODYS
FORD EQUITY RESEARCH
FTSE GROUP
INVESTMENT TECHNOLOGY GROUP (ITG)
WM COMPANY
WOLTERS KLUWER FINANCIAL SERVICES
DEPOSITORIES (DTC, EUROCLEAR, ETC)
CLEARING BANKS (JP MORGAN CHASE, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, ETC)
OeKB
CITIGROUP INDEX LLC
MORNINGSTAR INC.
* By using Wall Street Office (“WSO”) as an authorized information source, the Investment Manager and Fund are each authorizing the Administrator to share confidential information regarding bank loan transactions with WSO. Investment Manager and Fund each acknowledge and agree that, while WSO must maintain such information confidentially, WSO is permitted to utilize such information on an anonymous basis in furtherance of its products and services.
22
[Trust/Fund Name] |
By: ________________________________ |
Name: |
Title: |
Date: |
23
EX 16.14(a)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment to Registration Statement on Form N-14 of our report dated November 22, 2023, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Fund”), appearing in the Annual Report on Form N-CSR of the Fund for the period ended September 30, 2023, and to the references to us under the headings “Service Providers”, “Auditors” and "Financial Highlights of the Acquired Fund”, which are part of such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Costa Mesa, California
December 22, 2023
EX 16.14(b)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the references to our Firm in the Registration Statement on Form N-14 of FPA Funds Trust regarding the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of FPA Global Equity ETF, a series of FPA Funds Trust.
/s/ TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 27, 2023
EX 16.16(a)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
FOR SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND RELATED FILINGS
Each of the undersigned Trustees of FPA Funds Trust (the “Trust”) hereby appoints Rita Dam, Diane Drake, and Amy Centurioni (with full power to each of them to act alone) as his or her attorney-in-fact and agent, in all capacities, to execute and file a Registration Statement of the Trust on Form N-14 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, under the Securities Act of 1933, and under the laws of all states and other domestic and foreign jurisdictions, relating to the transaction listed below, and any and all amendments thereto, and any other documents related thereto, including all exhibits and any and all documents required to be filed with respect thereto with any regulatory authority. Each of the undersigned grants to each of said attorneys full authority to do every act necessary to be done in order to effectuate the same as fully, to all intents and purposes, as he or she could do if personally present, thereby ratifying all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
· | Reorganization of FPA Global Equity ETF, a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III, to the FPA Global Equity ETF, a newly created series of the Trust. |
This Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which taken together shall constitute one instrument.
Each undersigned Trustee hereby executes this Power of Attorney as of the 12th day of December 2023.
/s/ John P. Zader | /s/ Sandra Brown | |
John P. Zader | Sandra Brown | |
Trustee | Trustee | |
/s/ Robert Goldrich | /s/ J. Richard Atwood | |
Robert Goldrich | J. Richard Atwood | |
Trustee | Trustee | |
/a/ Maureen Quill | ||
Maureen A. Quill | ||
Trustee |
[PROXY ID NUMBER HERE] [BAR CODE HERE] [CUSIP HERE] SHAREHOLDER’S REGISTRATION PRINTED HERE ***BOXES FOR TYPSETTING PURPOSES ONLY*** THIS BOX AND THE BOX ABOVE ARE NOT PRINTED ON ACTUAL PROXY BALLOTS. THEY IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF WINDOWS ON OUTBOUND 9X12 ENVELOPES. FPA Global Equity ETF PROXY FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON [ ], 2024 The undersigned, revoking prior proxies, hereby appoints Brian Curley, President, Timothy Burdick, Vice President, and Rich Gleason, Treasurer, and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, granted in connection with the voting of the shares subject hereto. Each of them, with the full power of substitution, to vote shares held in the name of the undersigned on the record date at the Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) of FPA Global Equity ETF to be held at the offices of Northern Lights Fund Trust III, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, at 10:00 a.m. local time, or any adjournment thereof, upon the Proposals described in the Notice of Meeting and accompanying Proxy Statement, which has been received by the undersigned. Do you have questions? If you have any questions about how to vote your proxy or about the meeting in general, please call toll-free 1-800-967-5074. Representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for this Special Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held on [ ], 2024. The proxy statement for this meeting is available at: vote.proxyonline.com/fpa/docs/FPAG2024.pdf 1. MAIL your signed and voted proxy back in the postage paid envelope provided 2. ONLINE at vote.proxyonline.com using your proxy control number found below 3. By PHONE when you dial toll-free 1-888- 227-9349 to reach an automated touchtone voting line 4. By PHONE with a live operator when you call toll-free 1-800-967-5074 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time PROXY VOTING OPTIONS CONTROL NUMBER 12345678910 SIGN, DATE AND VOTE ON THE REVERSE SIDE PROXY CARD YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN. PLEASE CAST YOUR PROXY VOTE TODAY! |
[PROXY ID NUMBER HERE] [BAR CODE HERE] [CUSIP HERE] FPA Global Equity ETF This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, and the Proposals have been unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees and recommended for approval by shareholders. When properly executed, this proxy will be voted as indicated or “FOR” the proposals if no choice is indicated. The proxy will be voted in accordance with the proxy holders’ best judgment as to any other matters that may arise at the Special Meeting. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSALS. TO VOTE, MARK CIRCLES BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS. Example:● FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. Approval of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization providing for (i) the transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the FPA Global Equity ETF (the “Acquiring Fund”), a newly created series of FPA Funds Trust (the “FPA Trust”), in exchange for (a) shares of the Acquiring Fund with an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) equal to the aggregate NAV of the shares of the Acquired Fund, and (b) the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, followed by (ii) the liquidating distribution by the Acquired Fund to its shareholders of the shares of the Acquiring Fund in proportion to the shareholders’ respective holdings of shares of the Acquired Fund; and ○ ○ ○ 2. The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any continuations after an adjournment thereof. ○ ○ ○ THANK YOU FOR VOTING YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED. The signer(s) acknowledges receipt with this Proxy Statement of the Board of Trustees. Your signature(s) on this should be exactly as your name(s) appear on this Proxy (reverse side). If the shares are held jointly, each holder should sign this Proxy. Attorneys-in-fact, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians should indicate the full title and capacity in which they are signing. _______________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (AND TITLE IF APPLICABLE) DATE _______________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (IF HELD JOINTLY) DATE PROXY CARD |
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