TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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SUMMARY SECTION
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1
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
|
6
|
HOW TO BUY SHARES
|
9
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HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
|
12
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DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
|
15
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DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
|
16
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
|
18
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
|
20
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APPENDIX
|
21
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
|
Back Cover
|
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment
)
|
||||
Redemption Fees
|
None
|
|||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
||||
Management Fees
|
1.00 | % | ||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
|
0.00 | % | ||
Other Expenses
1
|
0.72 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
1.72 | % | ||
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement
|
(0.32 | %) | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
|
||||
Waiver / Expense Reimbursement
2
|
1.40 | % |
1.
|
Estimated for the first year of operations.
|
2.
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement reflect that the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until October 31, 2014, so that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.40%. This operating expense limitation does not apply to brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, 12b-1 fees; extraordinary expenses and indirect expenses (such as “acquired fund fees and expense”). The Adviser may be entitled to the reimbursement of any fees waived or expenses reimbursed pursuant to the agreement provided overall expenses fall below the limitations set forth above. The Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous three (3) years, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided total expenses do not exceed the limitation set forth above.
|
1 Year
|
3 Years
|
||
$143
|
$478
|
·
|
Mitchell A. Kovitz, CFA, CPA, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in 2011; Founder and Principal of the Adviser.
|
·
|
Jonathan A. Shapiro, MBA, CFA, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in 2011; Founder and Principal of the Adviser.
|
·
|
Joel D. Hirsh, CFA, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in 2011; Portfolio Manager of the Adviser.
|
Minimum Initial Investment
|
To Place Buy or Sell Orders
|
$2,500 for all account types
There is no minimum amount for
subsequent investments.
|
By Mail: Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund,
Huntington Asset Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 6110
Indianapolis, IN 46206
|
By Phone: (888) 695-3729
|
·
|
long-term investors seeking a fund with an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation
|
·
|
investors willing to accept price fluctuations in their investment.
|
·
|
a completed and signed investment application form; and
|
·
|
a personal check with name pre-printed (subject to the minimum amount) made payable to the Fund.
|
U.S. Mail: | Overnight: |
Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund
c/o Huntington Asset Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 6110
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6110
|
Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund
c/o Huntington Asset Services, Inc.
2960 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
|
|
1. Your name
|
|
2. The name on your account(s)
|
|
3. Your account number(s)
|
|
4. A check made payable to Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund
|
U.S. Mail: | Overnight: |
Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund
c/o Huntington Asset Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 6110
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6110
|
Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund
c/o Huntington Asset Services, Inc.
2960 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
|
·
|
Postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to the address of record;
|
·
|
Dividend and capital gain distribution checks are not cashed within 180 days; or
|
·
|
Bank account of record is no longer valid.
|
Net-of-Fees
|
Benchmark
|
|||||||
Period
|
Return
|
Return
|
||||||
One Year
|
16.15 | % | 15.08 | % | ||||
Three Year
|
1.25 | % | -2.84 | % | ||||
Five Year
|
2.20 | % | 2.29 | % | ||||
Ten Year
|
4.99 | % | 1.41 | % |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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|
Page
|
|
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND
|
1
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
|
2
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
|
7
|
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
|
8
|
INVESTMENT ADVISER
|
9
|
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
|
11
|
CONT
ROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
|
16
|
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
|
16
|
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
|
17
|
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
|
18
|
PROXY VOTING POLICY
|
19
|
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
|
20
|
REDEMPTION IN-KIND
|
21
|
STATUS AND TAXATION OF THE FUND
|
21
|
CUSTODIAN
|
34
|
FUND SERVICES
|
35
|
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
|
35
|
LEGAL COUNSEL
|
36
|
DISTRIBUTOR
|
36
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
36
|
EXHIBIT A (VALUED ADVISERS TRUST PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE)
|
37
|
EXHIBIT B (ADVISER’S PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE)
|
39
|
EXHIBIT C (GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER)
|
43
|
1.
|
Borrowing Money
. The Fund will not borrow money, except from: (a) a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) 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.
|
2.
|
Diversification
. The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any class of securities of any one issuer (except that securities of the U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumentalities and securities of other investment companies are not subject to this limitation).
|
3.
|
Senior Securities
. The Fund will not issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder .
|
4.
|
Underwriting
. The Fund will not act as underwriter of securities issued by other persons. This limitation is not applicable to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.
|
5.
|
Real Estate
. The Fund will not purchase or sell 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).
|
6.
|
Commodities
. The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options or futures contracts, from investing in securities or other instruments backed by commodities or from investing in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities.
|
7.
|
Loans
. The Fund will not make loans to other persons, except: (a) by loaning portfolio securities; (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements; or (c) by purchasing non-publicly offered debt securities. 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.
|
8.
|
Concentration
. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one particular industry. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities or repurchase agreements with respect thereto.
|
Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust
|
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships
|
Dr. Merwyn R. Vanderlind, 75 , Independent Trustee, August 2008 to present.
|
Retired; Consultant to Battelle Memorial Institute (International Science and Technology Research Enterprise) on business investments from 2001 to 2003; Formerly employed with Battelle Memorial Institute from 1966 to 2003 in various positions, including the Executive Vice President of Battelle Institute from 1991 to 2001, General Manager from 1985 to 1991, Director of the Battelle Industrial Technology Center (Geneva, Switzerland) from 1983 to 1985, and Practicing Researcher from 1966 to 1983.
|
Ira Cohen, 52
Independent Trustee, June 2010 to present.
|
Independent financial services consultant (Feb. 2005 - present); Senior Vice President, Dealer Services / Institutional Services, AIM Investment Services, Inc. (1992 – 2005).
|
Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust
|
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships
|
R. Jeffrey Young, 47 , Trustee and Chairman, June 2010 to present.
|
Principal Executive Officer and President, Valued Advisers Trust since February 2010; Senior Vice President, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. since January 2010; Chief Executive Officer, Huntington Funds since February 2010; President and Chief Executive Officer, Dreman Contrarian Funds since March 2011; Trustee, Valued Advisers Trust, August 2008 to January 2010; Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Professional Planning Consultants 2007 to 2010; Co-Founder of Kinwood Group, LLC July 2007 to March 2008; President and Chief Executive Officer of The Coventry Group from 2000 to 2007; President and Chief Executive Officer of the STI Classic Funds from 2004 to 2007; Trustee of the Coventry Group from 1999 to 2005; and Senior Vice President of BISYS Fund Services / The Winsbury Company October 1993 to June 2007.
|
Name of Trustee
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Registered Investment Companies Overseen by the Trustees in Family of Investment Companies
|
Non-Interested Trustees
|
||
Dr. Merwyn R. Vanderlind
|
A
|
A
|
Ira Cohen
|
A
|
A
|
Interested Trustee
|
||
R. Jeffrey Young
|
A
|
A
|
Independent Trustees
|
Aggregate Compensation
from the Fund
|
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses
|
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement
|
Total Compensation from Trust*
|
Dr. Merwyn R. Vanderlind
|
$2000
|
$0
|
$0
|
$18,000
|
Ira Cohen
|
$2000
|
$0
|
$0
|
$18,000
|
·
|
a citizen or individual resident of the United States (including certain former citizens and former long-term residents);
|
·
|
a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
|
·
|
an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
|
·
|
a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. shareholders have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or the trust has made a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
|
·
|
For clients for whom KIG has accepted the responsibility to vote proxies:
|
-
|
In order to discharge its obligations, guided by the primary objective of maximization of shareholder wealth, the investment team or the lead portfolio manager or analyst for a portfolio company will review proxies for that company, and make a recommendation as to how KIG should vote its shares with respect to that proxy. KIG will vote its shares and its clients’ shares with respect to such proxies.
|
-
|
On issues of corporate governance, KIG will generally vote proxies in accordance with the following general guidelines:
|
·
|
Ratify auditors unless previous auditor was dismissed for a disagreement with management;
|
·
|
Ratify directors unless governance issue has been raised or there is a lack of diversity on the board;
|
·
|
Vote against golden parachutes for executives;
|
·
|
Vote for proposals requiring a majority of independent directors;
|
·
|
Vote for proposals requiring nominating and/or compensation committees to be composed exclusively of independent directors;
|
·
|
Vote against incentive payments not related to financial performance;
|
·
|
Vote against incentive payments that are tied to social and environmental performance;
|
·
|
Vote against proposals to approve multiple amendments to charter or by-laws if the amendment reduces shareholders’ rights;
|
·
|
Vote against proposals to adopt or ratify shareholders rights plan (poison pill) and for management proposal to redeem a shareholders rights plan (poison pill);
|
·
|
Vote against proposals recognizing the standing of stakeholders other than shareholders in governance and control.
|
-
|
KIG will generally engage the use of a third-party service provider to assist it in discharging its proxy voting responsibilities, and in this regard, may adopt the proxy voting guidelines of such third-party service provider.
|
-
|
Notwithstanding the use of a third-party service provider, KIG may direct such third-party service provider to vote in a particular manner on certain proxy matters (on an “ad hoc” basis) and in the best interests of its clients (including investment company shareholders) and in accordance with guidelines set forth above .
|
-
|
KIG will disclose to its clients and investment company shareholders how clients and such shareholders can obtain information from KIG about how KIG has voted its proxies.
|
-
|
KIG will disclose to such clients and shareholders KIG’s Proxy Policy and furnish a copy to a client and shareholder upon request.
|
·
|
For other (generally, non-institutional) clients:
|
-
|
KIG discloses its proxy voting policy of not voting proxies in its (ADV) Disclosure Document, advisory agreement or other client information.
|
-
|
KIG's advisory agreements provide that KIG has no proxy voting responsibilities and that the advisory clients expressly retain such voting authority.
|
-
|
KIG's new client information materials may also indicate that advisory clients retain proxy voting authority.
|
-
|
KIG has verified that provisions have been made (through its affiliated broker-dealer’s clearing firm) to ensure that clients receive proxy materials directly.
|
·
|
KIG will first determine if it has a material business relationship with the issuer;
|
·
|
If a material business relationship exists, KIG will research the specific proxy matter and ascertain how the third-party service provider, if engaged, intends to vote such proxies;
|
·
|
If the third-party service provider’s intended vote is not in the best interests of the clients and shareholders, subject to the applicable proxy voting policy of the Board of Trustees of the investment company, KIG will “override” or direct the third-party service provider to vote in a manner that is consistent with the clients’ and shareholders’ best interests; and
|
·
|
KIG will disclose to such clients and shareholders if a material business relationship exists with a particular issuer. If a conflict of interest exists with respect to a specific proxy matter, KIG will disclose the conflict to the client and shareholder and how it (or the third-party service provider) intends to vote on such matter.
|
1.
|
The Governance and Nominating Committee of Valued Advisers Trust (“Trust”) shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees.
|
1.
|
The Committee shall make nominations for Trustee membership on the Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees. The Committee shall evaluate candidates’ qualifications for Board membership and their independence from the investment advisers to the Trust’s series portfolios and the Trust’s other principal service providers. Persons selected as Independent Trustees must not be “interested person” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor shall Independent Trustee have and affiliations or associations that shall preclude them from voting as an Independent Trustee on matters involving approvals and continuations of Rule 12b-1 Plans, Investment Advisory Agreements and such other standards as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g., business, financial or family relationships with managers or service providers. See Appendix A for Procedures with Respect to Nominees to the Board.
|
2.
|
The Committee shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board of Trustees.
|
3.
|
The Committee shall periodically review the composition of the Board of Trustees to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those already on the Board.
|
4.
|
The Committee shall periodically review trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Independent Trustees as a group.
|
1.
|
The Committee shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review committee assignments at least annually.
|
2.
|
The Committee shall review, as necessary, the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the full Board.
|
1.
|
The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Trust.
|
2.
|
The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board of Trustees.
|
I.
|
Identification of Candidates
. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees exists or is anticipated, and such vacancy is to be filled by an Independent Trustee, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall identify candidates by obtaining referrals from such sources as it may deem appropriate, which may include current Trustees, management of the Trust, counsel and other advisors to the Trustees, and shareholders of the Trust who submit recommendations in accordance with these procedures. In no event shall the Governance and Nominating Committee consider as a candidate to fill any such vacancy an individual recommended by any investment adviser of any series portfolio of the Trust, unless the Governance and Nominating Committee has invited management to make such a recommendation.
|
II.
|
Shareholder Candidates.
The Governance and Nominating Committee shall, when identifying candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider any such candidate recommended by a shareholder if such recommendation contains: (i) sufficient background information concerning the candidate, including evidence the candidate is willing to serve as an Independent Trustee if selected for the position; and (ii) is received in a sufficiently timely manner as determined by the Governance and Nominating Committee in its discretion. Shareholders shall be directed to address any such recommendations in writing to the attention of the Governance and Nominating Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Trust. The Secretary shall retain copies of any shareholder recommendations which meet the foregoing requirements for a period of not more than 12 months following receipt. The Secretary shall have no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any shareholder recommendations.
|
III.
|
Evaluation of Candidates
. In evaluating a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, including any candidate recommended by shareholders of the Trust, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall consider the following: (i) the candidate’s knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) any experience possessed by the candidate as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) the candidate’s educational background; (iv) the candidate’s reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) any specific financial, technical or other expertise possessed by the candidate, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board’s existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) the candidate’s perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the candidate’s ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the candidate’s ability to qualify as an Independent Trustee and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the candidate and the Trust; and (viii) such other factors as the Governance and Nominating Committee determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board and any anticipated vacancies. Prior to making a final recommendation to the Board, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall conduct personal interviews with those candidates it concludes are the most qualified candidates.
|
(c)
|
Certificates for shares are not issued. Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust define the rights of holders of shares of the Trust.
2
|
(d)(1)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Golub Group, LLC.
3
|
(d)(2)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and TEAM Financial Asset Management, LLC.
6
|
(d)(3)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC.
9
|
(d)(4)
|
Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Long Short Advisors, LLC and Independence Capital Asset Partners, LLC.
9
|
(d)(5)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Geier Asset Management, Inc.
10
|
(d)(6)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC.
12
|
(d)(7)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Longview Capital Management, LLC.
14
|
(d)(8)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Cloud Capital, LLC.
15
|
(d)(9)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group, LLC.
20
|
(d)(10)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc.
19
|
(d)(11)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Todd Veredus Asset Management, LLC.
19
|
(e)
|
Form of Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Unified Financial Securities, Inc.
4
|
(f)
|
Not applicable.
|
(g)(1)
|
Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank.
2
|
(g)(2)
|
Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank.
20
|
(g)(3)
|
Amended Appendix D to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank.
9
|
(g)(4)
|
Custody Agreement between the Trust and Citibank, N.A.
10
|
(g)(5)
|
Custody Agreement between the Trust and FOLIO
fn
Investments, Inc.
15
|
(h)(1)
|
Mutual Fund Services Agreement between the Trust and Unified Fund Services, Inc.
2
|
(h)(2)
|
Amended Exhibit A to the Mutual Fund Services Agreement between the Trust and Unified Fund Services, Inc.
9
|
(h)(3)
|
Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Geier Asset Management, Inc.
10
|
(h)(4)
|
Form of Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC.
12
|
(h)(5)
|
Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Longview Capital Management, LLC.
14
|
(h)(6)
|
Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Cloud Capital, LLC.
15
|
(h)(7)
|
Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Kovitz Investment Group, LLC.
19
|
(h)(8)
|
Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc.
19
|
(h)(9)
|
Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Todd Verdedus Asset Management, LLC.
19
|
(h)(10)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC.
9
|
(h)(11)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Golub Group, LLC.
13
|
(h)(12)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and TEAM Financial Asset Management, LLC
.
11
|
|
(h)(13)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Geier Asset Management, Inc.
10
|
(h)(14)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC.
16
|
(h)(15)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Longview Capital Management, LLC.
14
|
(h)(16)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Cloud Capital, LLC.
15
|
(h)(17)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group, LLC
20
|
(h)(18)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc.
19
|
(h)(19)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Todd Veredus Asset Management, LLC.
19
|
(i)(1)
|
Opinion and Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund.
3
|
(i)(2)
|
Opinion and Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to TEAM Asset Strategy Fund.
5
|
(i)(3)
|
Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund.
9
|
(i)(4)
|
Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Geier Strategic Total Return Fund.
10
|
(i)(5)
|
Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund.
12
|
(i)(6)
|
Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the TEAM Asset Strategy Fund.
11
|
|
(i)(7)
|
Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Longview Global Allocation Fund.
14
|
(i)(8)
|
Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund.
15
|
(i)(9)
|
Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Golub Group Equity Fund.
13
|
(i)(10)
|
Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund.
20
|
(i)(11)
|
Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the LS Opportunity Fund.
17
|
(i)(12)
|
Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Granite Value Fund.
19
|
(i)(13)
|
Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the TVAM International Intrinsic Value Fund.
19
|
(j)(1)
|
Consent of BBD, LLP, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to Golub Group Equity
Fund
.
13
|
(j)(2)
|
Consent of BBD, LLP, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to TEAM Asset Strategy
Fund
.
11
|
(j)(3)
|
Consent of BBD, LLP, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund.
17
|
|
(j)(4)
|
Consent of Ashland Partners & Company, LLP, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund.
13
|
(j)(5)
|
Consent of Ashland Partners & Company, LLP, with respect to TEAM Asset Strategy Fund.
11
|
|
(j)(6)
|
Consent of BBD, LLP, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Geier Strategic Total Return Fund.
10
|
(j)(7)
|
Consent of BBD, LLP, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund.
12
|
(j)(8)
|
Consent of BBD, LLP, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Longview Global Allocation Fund.
14
|
(j)(9)
|
Consent of BBD, LLP, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund.
15
|
(j)(10)
|
Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund.
19
|
(j)(11)
|
Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Granite Value Fund.
19
|
(j)(12)
|
Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the TVAM International Intrinsic Value Fund.
19
|
(k)
|
Not applicable.
|
(l)
|
Initial Capital Agreement.
2
|
(m)(6)
|
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund.
15
|
(n)(1)
|
Rule 18f-3 Plan for Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund.
15
|
(n)(2)
|
Rule 18f-3 Plan for TEAM Asset Strategy Fund.
16
|
1.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 16, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
|
2.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
|
3.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
|
4.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 filed July 6, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
|
5.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 filed September 24, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
|
6.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 filed December 9, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
|
7.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed March 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
|
8.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 filed June 18, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
|
9.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-222080.
|
10.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed December 16, 2010 (File No. 811-222080).
|
11.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 filed February 28, 2011 (File No. 811-222080).
|
12.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 filed April 18, 2011 (File No. 811-222080).
|
13.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 filed May 31, 2011 (File No. 811-222080).
|
14.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 filed June 6, 2011 (File No. 811-222080).
|
15.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-222080).
|
16.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 filed September 22, 2011 (File No. 811-222080).
|
17.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 filed September 28, 2011 (File No. 811-222080).
|
18.
|
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 filed October 26, 2011 (File No. 811-222080).
|
19.
|
To be filed.
|
20.
|
Filed herewith.
|
ITEM 29.
|
Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant
.
|
ITEM 30.
|
Indemnification
.
|
ITEM 31.
|
Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser
.
|
ITEM 32.
|
Principal Underwriters
.
|
|
(a)
|
Unified Financial Securities, Inc. also serves as a principal underwriter for the following investment companies: American Pension Investors Trust, Appleton Funds, Bruce Fund, Inc., Dividend Growth Trust, Dreman Contrarian Funds, Grand Prix Investors Trust, H C Capital Trust, Huntington Funds, and Unified Series Trust.
|
|
(b) The directors and officers of Unified Financial Securities, Inc. are as follows:
|
Name
|
Title
|
Position with Trust
|
Daniel B. Benhase*
|
Director
|
None
|
Anna Maria Spurgin**
|
President
|
None
|
John C. Swhear**
Edward J. Kane*
A. Dawn Story*
|
Chief Compliance Officer
Vice President
Vice President
|
Vice President and
Chief Compliance
Officer
None
None
|
Varanont O. Ruchira**
|
Assistant Vice President
|
None
|
Karyn E. Cunningham**
Richard A. Cheap*
Larry D. Case*
|
Controller
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
|
None
None
None
|
|
*
|
The principal business address of these individuals is 41 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
|
|
** The principal business address of these individuals is 2960 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208
|
(a)
|
Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 (records relating to its functions as custodian for Golub Group Equity Fund, TEAM Asset Strategy Fund, Geier Strategic Total Return Fund, Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Longview Global Allocation Fund, Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund, Granite Value Fund, and TVAM International Intrinsic Value Fund).
|
(b)
|
Citibank, N.A., 388 Grenwich Street, New York, New York 10013 (records relating to its functions as custodian for LS Opportunity Fund).
|
(c)
|
IndexEdge Investment Consulting, LLC, 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1400, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to IndexEdge® Long-Term Portfolio Fund – terminated fund on December 9, 2009).
|
(d)
|
Golub Group, LLC, 1850 Gateway Drive, Suite 600, San Mateo, CA 94404 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to Golub Group Equity Fund).
|
(e)
|
TEAM Financial Asset Management, LLC, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 106, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to TEAM Asset Strategy Fund).
|
(f)
|
Long Short Advisors, LLC, 1818 Market Street, Suite 3323, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to LS Opportunity Fund).
|
(g)
|
Independence Capital Asset Partners, LLC, 1400 16th Street, Suite 520, Denver, Colorado 80202 (records relating to its function as investment sub-adviser to LS Opportunity Fund).
|
(h)
|
Unified Financial Securities, Inc., 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (records relating to its function as distributor to the Fund).
|
(i)
|
Huntington Asset Services, Inc., 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (records relating to its function as transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator for the Fund).
|
(j)
|
Geier Asset Management, Inc., 2205 Warwick Way, Suite 200, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Geier Strategic Total Return Fund).
|
(k)
|
Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC, One Buckhead Plaza, 3060 Peachtree Rd. NW, Suite 1080, Atlanta, Georgia 30342 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund).
|
(l)
|
Longview Capital Management, LLC, 2 Mill Road, Suite 105, Wilmington, Delaware 19806 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Longview Global Allocation Fund).
|
|
(m) Cloud Capital, LLC, 5514 South Yale, Suite 606, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund).
|
|
(n)
|
FOLIO
fn
Investments, Inc., 8180 Greensboro Drive, 8
th
Floor, McLean, Virginia 22102 (records relating to its function as custodian for Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund).
|
|
(o)
|
Kovitz Investment Group, LLC, 115 S. LaSalle Street, 27
th
Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60603 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund).
|
|
(p)
|
Granite Investment Advisors, Inc., 11 S. Main St., Suite 501, Concord, New Hampshire 03302 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Granite Value Fund).
|
|
(q)
|
Todd Veredus Asset Management, LLC, 101 South 5
th
Street, Louisville, KY 40202 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to TVAM International Intrinsic Value Fund).
|
(a)
|
Discretionary Investment Management Services
. The Adviser shall act as investment adviser with respect to each Fund. In such capacity, the Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board, regularly provide each Fund with investment research, advice and supervision and shall furnish continuously an investment program for each Fund, consistent with the respective investment objectives and policies of each Fund. The Adviser shall determine, from time to time, what securities shall be purchased for each Fund, what securities shall be held or sold by each Fund and what portion of each Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested in cash, subject always to the provisions of the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”), as amended and supplemented (the “Declaration of Trust”), Bylaws and its registration statement on Form N-1A (the “Registration Statement”) under the 1940 Act, and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), and with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of each Fund, as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect. To carry out such obligations, and to the extent not prohibited by any of the foregoing, the Adviser shall exercise full discretion and act for each Fund in the same manner and with the same force and effect as each Fund itself might or could do with respect to purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other such things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other transactions. No reference in this Agreement to the Adviser having full discretionary authority over each Fund’s investments shall in any way limit the right of the Board, in its sole discretion, to establish or revise policies in connection with the management of a Fund’s assets or to otherwise exercise its right to control the overall management of a Fund.
|
(b)
|
Compliance
. The Adviser agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. The Adviser also agrees to comply with the objectives, policies and restrictions set forth in the Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented, of each Fund, and with any policies, guidelines, instructions and procedures approved by the Board and provided in writing to the Adviser. In selecting each Fund’s portfolio securities and performing the Adviser’s obligations hereunder, the Adviser shall cause the Fund to comply with the diversification and source of income requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company. The Adviser shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure its compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Board shall limit the Adviser’s full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
|
(c)
|
Recordkeeping
. The Adviser agrees to preserve any Trust records that it creates or possesses that are required to be maintained under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder (“Fund Books and Records”) with respect to the services provided hereunder for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Adviser agrees that all such records are the property of the Trust and will surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request, provided that the Adviser may retain a copy of such records.
|
(d)
|
Holdings Information and Pricing
. The Adviser shall provide regular reports regarding Fund holdings, and shall, on its own initiative, furnish the Trust and its Board from time to time with whatever information the Adviser believes is appropriate for this purpose, and at the request of the Board, such information and reports requested by the Board. The Adviser agrees to notify the Trust as soon as practicable if the Adviser reasonably believes that the value of any security held by a Fund may not reflect fair value. The Adviser agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Adviser is aware to the Trust, its Board and/or any Fund pricing agent to assist in the determination of the fair value of any Fund holdings for which market quotations are not readily available or as otherwise required in accordance with the 1940 Act or the Trust’s valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Fund net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board.
|
(e)
|
Cooperation with Agents of the Trust
. The Adviser agrees to cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Trust, any Trust custodian or foreign sub-custodians, any Trust pricing agents and all other agents and representatives of the Trust with respect to such information regarding each Fund as such entities may reasonably request from time to time in the performance of their obligations, provide prompt responses to reasonable requests made by such persons and use appropriate interfaces established by such persons so as to promote the efficient exchange of information and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
|
(f)
|
Delegation of Authority
. Any of the duties, responsibilities and obligations of the Adviser specified in this Section 1 and throughout the remainder of this Agreement with respect to one or more Funds may be delegated by the Adviser, at the Adviser’s expense, to an appropriate party (a “Sub-Adviser”), subject to such approval by the Board and shareholders of the applicable Funds to the extent required by the 1940 Act. The Adviser shall oversee the performance of delegated duties by any Sub-Adviser and shall furnish the Board with periodic reports concerning the performance of delegated responsibilities by such Sub-Adviser. The retention of a Sub-Adviser by the Adviser pursuant to this Paragraph 1(f) shall in no way reduce the responsibilities and obligations of the Adviser under this Agreement and the Adviser shall be responsible to the Trust for all acts or omissions of any Sub-Adviser to the same extent the Adviser would be liable hereunder. Insofar as the provisions of this Agreement impose any restrictions, conditions, limitations or requirements on the Adviser, the Adviser shall take measures through its contract with, or its oversight of, the Sub-Adviser that attempt to impose similar (insofar as the circumstances may require) restrictions, conditions, limitations or requirements on the Sub-Adviser.
|
2.
|
CODE OF ETHICS
. (a) The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics (“Adviser’s Code of Ethics”) that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it has provided to the Trust. The Adviser has adopted procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Trust with a (i) copy of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and any proposed amendments thereto that the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of the Trust determines should be presented to the Board, and (ii) certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Annually, the Adviser shall furnish a written report to the Board, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. The Adviser shall respond to requests for information from the Trust as to violations of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Adviser. The Adviser shall notify the Trust as soon as practicable after it becomes aware of any material violation of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by any Fund.
|
3.
|
INFORMATION AND REPORTING
. The Adviser shall provide the Trust and its respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Adviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust may from time to time reasonably request.
|
(a)
|
Notification of Breach / Compliance Reports
. The Adviser shall notify the Trust’s CCO promptly upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage any Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law, or (ii) any material breach of any of each Fund’s or the Adviser’s policies, guidelines or procedures with respect to the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall respond to quarterly requests for information concerning the Fund’s compliance with its investment objectives and policies, applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act and Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund’s policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Adviser’s obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. Upon request, the Adviser shall also provide the officers of the Trust with supporting certifications in connection with such certifications of Fund financial statements and disclosure controls pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a form mutually agreed by the parties. The Adviser will promptly notify the Trust in the event (x) the Adviser is served or otherwise receives written notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board, or body, involving the affairs of the Trust (excluding class action suits in which a Fund is a member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Fund’s ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Adviser with the federal or state securities laws, or (y) of an actual change in control of the Adviser resulting in an “assignment” (as defined in Section 14) that has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
|
(b)
|
Board and Filings Information
. The Adviser will also provide the Trust with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of each Fund required for any meeting of the Board, or for any shareholder report on Form N-CSR, Form N-Q, Form N-PX, Form N-SAR, Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, proxy statement, prospectus supplement, or other form or document to be filed by the Trust with the Commission. The Adviser will make its officers and employees available to meet with the Board from time to time on a reasonable basis on due notice to review its investment management services to each Fund in light of current and prospective economic and market conditions and shall furnish to the Board such information as may reasonably be necessary in order for the Board to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed amendments thereto.
|
(c)
|
Transaction Information
. The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust such information concerning portfolio transactions as may be necessary to enable the Trust or its designated agent to perform such compliance testing on each Fund and the Adviser’s services as the Trust may, in its sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. The provision of such information by the Adviser to the Trust or its designated agent in no way relieves the Adviser of its own responsibilities under this Agreement.
|
(a)
|
Principal Transactions
. In connection with purchases or sales of securities for the account of a Fund, neither the Adviser nor any of its directors, officers or employees will act as a principal or agent or receive any commission except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
|
(b)
|
Placement of Orders
. The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for each Fund’s account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser. The Adviser will not execute transactions with a broker dealer which is an "affiliated person" of the Trust except in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and provided in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to each Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act) to each Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for each Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board shall periodically review the commissions paid by each Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits received by each Fund.
|
5.
|
CUSTODY
. Nothing in this Agreement shall permit the Adviser to take or receive physical possession of cash, securities or other investments of a Fund.
|
(a)
|
Properly Registered
. The Adviser is registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of the Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation pending or threatened in writing that is reasonably likely to result in the Adviser being prohibited from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Trust of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser to an investment company. The Adviser is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its investment management operations.
|
(b)
|
ADV Disclosure
. The Adviser has provided the Board with a copy of its Form ADV and will, promptly after amending its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendments to the Trust. The information contained in the Adviser’s Form ADV is accurate and complete in all material respects and does not omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
|
(c)
|
Fund Disclosure Documents
. The Adviser has reviewed and will in the future review the Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto, the annual or semi-annual reports to shareholders, other reports filed with the Commission and any marketing material of a Fund (collectively the “Disclosure Documents”) and represents and warrants that with respect to disclosure about the Adviser, the manner in which the Adviser manages the Fund or information relating directly or indirectly to the Adviser, such Disclosure Documents contain or will contain, as of the date thereof, no untrue statement of any material fact and do not and will not omit any statement of material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.
|
(d)
|
Use of the Name “Green Owl”
. To its knowledge, the Adviser has the right to use the name “Green Owl” or any derivation thereof in connection with its services to the Trust and, subject to the terms set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement, the Trust shall have the right to use the names “Green Owl” in connection with the management and operation of each Fund. The Adviser is not aware of any actions, claims, litigation or proceedings existing or threatened in writing that would adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the Adviser or the Trust to use the names “Green Owl.”
|
(e)
|
Insurance
. The Adviser maintains errors and omissions insurance coverage in the amount disclosed to the Trust in connection with the Board’s approval of the Agreement and shall provide prior written notice to the Trust (i) of any material changes in its insurance policies or insurance coverage, or (ii) if any material claims will be made on its insurance policies. Furthermore, the Adviser shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
|
(f)
|
No Detrimental Agreement
. The Adviser represents and warrants that it has no arrangement or understanding with any party, other than the Trust, that would influence the decision of the Adviser with respect to its selection of securities for a Fund and its management of the assets of the Fund, and that all selections shall be done in accordance with what is in the best interest of the Fund.
|
(g)
|
Conflicts
. The Adviser shall act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of its clients and the Fund. The Adviser maintains a Code of Ethics which defines the standards by which the Adviser conducts its operations consistent with its fiduciary duties and other obligations under applicable law.
|
(h)
|
Representations
. The representations and warranties in this Section shall be deemed to be made on the date this Agreement is executed and at the time of delivery of the quarterly compliance report required by Section 3(a), whether or not specifically referenced in such report.
|
8.
|
THE NAME “GREEN OWL”
. The Adviser grants to the Trust a license to use the name “Green Owl” (the “Name”) as part of the name of any Fund during the term of this Agreement. The foregoing authorization by the Adviser to the Trust to use the Name as part of the name of any Fund is not exclusive of the right of the Adviser itself to use, or to authorize others to use, the Name; the Trust acknowledges and agrees that, as between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser has the right to use, or authorize others to use, the Name. The Trust shall: (i) only use the Name in a manner consistent with uses approved by the Adviser; (ii) use its best efforts to maintain the quality of the services offered using the Name; and (iii) adhere to such other specific quality control standards as the Adviser may from time to time promulgate. At the request of the Adviser, the Trust will (i) submit to the Adviser representative samples of any promotional materials using the Name, and (ii) change the name of any Fund within three months of its receipt of the Adviser’s request, or such other shorter time period as may be required under the terms of a settlement agreement or court order, so as to eliminate all reference to the Name and will not thereafter transact any business using the Name in the name of any Fund. As soon as practicable following the termination of this Agreement, but in no event longer than three months, the Trust shall cease the use of the Name and any related logos or any confusingly similar name and/or logo in connection with the marketing or operation of the Funds.
|
9.
|
ADVISER’S COMPENSATION
. Each Fund shall pay to the Adviser, as compensation for the Adviser’s services hereunder, a fee, determined as described in
Schedule A
that is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Such fee shall be computed daily and paid not less than monthly in arrears by each Fund. The method for determining net assets of a Fund for purposes hereof shall be the same as the method for determining net assets for purposes of establishing the offering and redemption prices of Fund shares as described in the Fund’s Registration Statement. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month.
|
10.
|
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
. In the performance of its duties hereunder, the Adviser is and shall be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or any Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed to be an agent of the Trust or any Fund. If any occasion should arise in which the Adviser gives any advice to its clients concerning the shares of a Fund, the Adviser will act solely as investment counsel for such clients and not in any way on behalf of the Fund.
|
11.
|
ASSIGNMENT AND AMENDMENTS
. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without the payment of any penalty, in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in Section 14). This Agreement may not be added to or changed orally and may not be modified or rescinded except by a writing signed by the parties hereto and in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, when applicable.
|
12.
|
DURATION AND TERMINATION
.
|
(a)
|
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall remain in full force and effect continually thereafter, subject to renewal as provided in Section 11(a)(ii) hereof and unless terminated automatically as set forth in Section 10 hereof or until terminated as follows:
|
|
(i)
|
Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other, terminate this Agreement, without payment of any penalty. With respect to a Fund, termination may be authorized by action of the Board or by an “affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund” (as defined in Section 14); or
|
|
(ii)
|
This Agreement shall automatically terminate two years from the date of its execution unless the terms of such contract and any renewal thereof is specifically approved at least annually thereafter by (i) a majority vote of the Trustees, including a majority vote of such Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in Section 14) of the Trust or the Adviser, at an in-person meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund; provided, however, that if the continuance of this Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of each Fund for their approval and such shareholders fail to approve such continuance of this Agreement as provided herein, the Adviser may continue to serve hereunder as to each Fund in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
|
(b)
|
In the event of termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Adviser shall, immediately upon notice of termination or on such later date as may be specified in such notice, cease all activity on behalf of the Fund and with respect to any of its assets, except as otherwise required by any fiduciary duties of the Adviser under applicable law. In addition, the Adviser shall deliver the Fund Books and Records to the Trust by such means and in accordance with such schedule as the Trust shall direct and shall otherwise cooperate, as reasonably directed by the Trust, in the transition of portfolio asset management to any successor of the Adviser.
|
13.
|
NOTICE
. Any notice or other communication required by or permitted to be given in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be delivered in person or sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the respective parties at their last known address, or by e-mail or fax to a designated contact of the other party. Oral instructions may be given if authorized by the Board and preceded by a certificate from the Trust’s Secretary so attesting. Notices to the Trust shall be directed to Huntington Asset Services, Inc., 2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208, Attention: Mr. John C. Swhear; and notices to the Adviser shall be directed to Kovitz Investment Group, LLC, 115 South LaSalle Street, 27th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603, Attention: Chief Compliance Officer.
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14.
|
CONFIDENTIALITY
. The Adviser agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially all records and other information relative to the Trust and its shareholders received by the Adviser in connection with this Agreement, including any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P, and that it shall not use or disclose any such information except for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser may disclose such information as required by law or in connection with any requested disclosure to a regulatory authority with appropriate jurisdiction after prior notification to the Trust.
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15.
|
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
. For the purpose of this Agreement, the terms “affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund,” “assignment” and “interested person” shall have their respective meanings as defined in the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the Commission under the 1940 Act or any interpretations of the Commission staff..
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16.
|
LIABILITY OF THE ADVISER
. Neither the Adviser nor its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliated persons or controlling persons or assigns shall be liable 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 execution of securities transactions of a Fund; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to a Fund or its shareholders to which the Adviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or obligations hereunder or by reason of its reckless disregard of its duties or obligations hereunder.
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17.
|
RELATIONS WITH THE TRUST
. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested persons of the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become interested persons of the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested persons of the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.
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18.
|
ENFORCEABILITY
. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid. This Agreement shall be severable as to each Fund.
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19.
|
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
. The Adviser is expressly put on notice of the limitation of liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other Trust organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by each Fund pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to each Fund and each Fund’s respective assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from shareholders or any shareholder of each Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees of the Trust or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any of and all other Funds.
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20.
|
NON-EXCLUSIVE SERVICES
. The services of the Adviser to the Trust are not deemed exclusive, and the Adviser shall be free to render similar services to others, to the extent that such service does not affect the Adviser’s ability to perform its duties and obligations hereunder.
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21.
|
GOVERNING LAW
. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed to be in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without preference to choice of law principles thereof, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to any interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by the Commission or its staff. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is revised by rule, regulation, order or interpretation of the Commission or its staff, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such revised rule, regulation, order or interpretation.
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22.
|
PARAGRAPH HEADINGS; SYNTAX
. All Section headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, do not form a part of this Agreement and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender specifically used, will be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine, or neuter, as the contract requires.
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23.
|
COUNTERPARTS
. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
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Signature Page to Follow
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(a)
Applicable Expense Limit
. To the extent that the aggregate expenses of every character, including but not limited to investment advisory fees of the Adviser (but excluding (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, and (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act), incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year (“Fund Operating Expenses”), that exceed the Operating Expense Limit, as defined in Section 1(b) below, such excess amount (the “Excess Amount”) shall be the liability of the Adviser. In determining the Fund Operating Expenses, expenses that the Fund would have incurred but did not actually pay because of expense offset or brokerage/service arrangements shall be added to the aggregate expenses so as not to benefit the Adviser. Additionally, fees reimbursed to the Fund relating to brokerage/services arrangements shall not be taken into account in determining the Fund Operating Expenses so as to benefit the Adviser. Finally, the Operating Expense Limit described in this Agreement exclude any “acquired fund fees and expenses” as that term is described in the prospectus of the Fund.
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|
(b)
Operating Expense Limit
. The Fund’s maximum operating expense limits (each an “Operating Expense Limit”) in any year shall be that percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund as set forth on
Schedule A
attached hereto and incorporated by this reference.
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|
(c)
Method of Computation
. To determine the Adviser’s liability with respect to the Excess Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund shall be annualized as of the last day of the month. If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses for any month exceeds the Operating Expense Limit of the Fund, the Adviser shall first waive or reduce its investment advisory fee for such month by an amount sufficient to reduce the annualized Fund Operating Expenses to an amount no higher than the Operating Expense Limit. If the amount of the waived or reduced investment advisory fee for any such month is insufficient to pay the Excess Amount, the Adviser shall also remit to the Fund an amount that, together with the waived or reduced investment advisory fee, is sufficient to pay such Excess Amount.
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(d)
Year-End Adjustment
. If necessary, on or before the last day of the first month of each fiscal year, an adjustment payment shall be made by the appropriate party in order that the amount of the investment advisory fees waived or reduced and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund with respect to the previous fiscal year shall equal the Excess Amount.
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|
(a)
|
Reimbursement
. If in any year in which the Advisory Agreement is still in effect, the estimated aggregate Fund Operating Expenses of such Fund for the fiscal year are less than the Operating Expense Limit for that year, the Adviser may be entitled to reimbursement by such Fund, in whole or in part as provided below, of the fees or expenses waived or reduced by the Adviser and other payments remitted by the Adviser to such Fund pursuant to Section 1 hereof. The total amount of reimbursement to which the Adviser may be entitled (“Reimbursement Amount”) shall equal, at any time, the sum of all fees previously waived or reduced by the Adviser and all other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund pursuant to Section 1 hereof, during any of the previous three (3) fiscal years, less any reimbursement previously paid by such Fund to the Adviser pursuant to this Section 2, with respect to such waivers, reductions, and payments. The Reimbursement Amount shall not include any additional charges or fees whatsoever, including, e.g., interest accruable on the Reimbursement Amount.
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(b)
|
Method of Computation
. To determine a Fund’s accrual, if any, to reimburse the Adviser for the Reimbursement Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund shall be annualized as of the last day of the month. If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund for any month are less than the Operating Expense Limit of such Fund, such Fund, shall accrue into its net asset value an amount payable to the Adviser sufficient to increase the annualized Fund Operating Expenses of that Fund to an amount no greater than the Operating Expense Limit of that Fund, provided that such amount paid to the Adviser will in no event exceed the total Reimbursement Amount. For accounting purposes, when the annualized Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund are below the Operating Expense Limit, a liability will be accrued daily for these amounts.
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(c)
|
Year-End Adjustment
. If necessary, on or before the last day of the first month of each fiscal year, an adjustment payment shall be made by the appropriate party in order that the actual Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund for the prior fiscal year (including any reimbursement payments hereunder with respect to such fiscal year) do not exceed the Operating Expense Limit.
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(d)
|
Limitation of Liability
. The Adviser shall look only to the assets of the Fund for which it waived or reduced fees or, in the case of the Manager, remitted payments for reimbursement under this Agreement and for payment of any claim hereunder, and neither the Funds, nor any of the Trust’s directors, officers, employees, agents, or shareholders, whether past, present or future shall be personally liable therefor.
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(a)
|
Captions
. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no other way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
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(b)
|
Interpretation
. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Bylaws, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust’s Board of Trustees of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund.
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(c)
|
Definitions
. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to the investment advisory fee, the computations of net asset values, and the allocation of expenses, having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to such Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act.
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Fund
|
Operating Expense Limit
|
Effective Date
|
Expiration Date
|
Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund
|
1.40%
|
*
|
October 31, 2014
|
*
|
The Effective Date of the Operating Expense Limit for each Fund shall be the date on which the registration statement containing the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information is declared effective.
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John H. Lively
The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc .
A member firm of The 1940 Act Law Group
2041 West 141st Terrace, Suite 119
Leawood, KS 66224
Phone: 913.660.0778 Fax: 913.660.9157
john.lively@1940actlawgroup.com
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Valued Advisers Trust
2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46208
RE: Opinion of Counsel regarding the Registration Statement filed on Form N-1A under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (File Nos. 333-151672 and 811-22208)
|
(a)
|
all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic; all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents; all signatures on all documents submitted to us for examination are genuine; and all documents and public records reviewed are accurate and complete; and
|
(b)
|
all representations, warranties, certifications and statements with respect to matters of fact and other factual information (i) made by public officers; or (ii) made by officers or representatives of the Trust are accurate, true, correct and complete in all material respects.
|
(a)
|
The Shares to be offered for sale pursuant to the Prospectus are duly and validly authorized by all necessary actions on the part of the Trust; and
|
(b)
|
The Shares, when issued and sold by the Trust for consideration pursuant to and in the manner contemplated by the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust’s Registration Statement, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable, subject to compliance with the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, and the applicable state laws regulating the sale of securities
|
·
|
Be guided in their actions at all times by a moral compass and by what is best for our clients.
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·
|
Protect our clients’ interests, first and foremost.
|
·
|
Protect our firm’s reputation.
|
·
|
Detect and prevent the violation of the securities laws, and comply with securities laws.
|
·
|
Remain educated and familiar with this Code of Ethics and applicable securities laws, and attend all required applicable training sessions.
|
·
|
Ensure that their personal securities transactions are consistent with this Code of Ethics and applicable securities laws so as not to exploit (or give the appearance of exploiting) their position of trust, including with respect to possession of non-public information about clients, securities holdings or securities transactions.
|
·
|
In connection with any securities transaction for or on behalf of a client, refrain from misleading, engaging in manipulative conduct, or employing any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud such client.
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·
|
Identify, disclose and avoid conflicts of interest.
|
·
|
Not inappropriately favor the interests of one client over another (whether based on size of the account, revenue generated by the account, the potential for performance fees, accounts closely related to the employee, or otherwise).
|
·
|
Not recommend or participate in any investment advice or decision (including related to affiliated hedge fund and private equity offerings) without disclosing to the client any material personal (to the employee) beneficial ownership, relationship or other interest (i.e. in the issuer, the holding, etc.).
|
·
|
Keep confidential the identity, financial circumstances and all personal information of (and status as) clients, the identity of client security holdings and transactions, and the Company’s securities recommendations, trading strategies and client investment advice.
|
·
|
Refrain from making untrue statements of a material fact to such mutual fund clients, or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to such mutual fund clients, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
|
·
|
Refrain from engaging in any act, practice or course of business that operates as a fraud or deceit on the mutual fund client.
|
·
|
Refrain from engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to such mutual fund clients.
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1.
|
Reporting Obligation
|
·
|
Each supervised person/employee is required to promptly report each violation of this Code of Ethics of which he or she is aware to the Chief Compliance Officer. All such reports made in good faith will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law. Retaliation against a supervised person/employee who in good faith reports a violation of this Code of Ethics is a violation of this Code of Ethics and is prohibited.
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2.
|
Acknowledgement of Receipt
|
·
|
Each supervised person/employee will be given a copy of this Code of Ethics and will be required to execute an acknowledgment of receipt (initially, and annually thereafter).
|
3.
|
Personal Securities Transactions
|
(a)
|
Holdings Reports
|
·
|
Within ten (10) days of becoming a supervised person/employee, each employee will submit to the Chief Compliance Officer an initial Holdings Report, which shall include the following:
|
·
|
the title, ticker symbol and type of reportable security (excludes money market funds and unaffiliated mutual funds) held, the CUSIP number, and the number of shares or principal amount of the security held (list of reportable securities)
|
·
|
the name of any broker-dealer or bank at which securities (not limited to “reportable” securities) accounts are held (list of accounts), and the date the account is opened (unless opened prior to joining the Company)
|
·
|
the date the Holdings Report is submitted
|
·
|
Each supervised person/employee must submit a Holdings Report containing the above-referenced information annually, as of December 31
st
of each year.
|
·
|
Holdings Reports must contain information about all securities held, whether or not they are held at Kovitz Securities.
|
|
(b)
|
Transaction Reports
|
·
|
Each supervised person/employee must submit a Transaction Report no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, which shall include the following with respect to transactions in reportable securities (the same securities covered by Holdings Reports) during the applicable calendar quarter:
|
·
|
transaction date, title, type, CUSIP number and ticker symbol of security, interest rate and maturity date, number of shares or principal amount
|
·
|
nature of transaction
|
·
|
price effected
|
·
|
name of effecting broker-dealer or bank
|
·
|
the date the Transactions Report is submitted
|
(c)
|
Miscellaneous
|
·
|
Supervised Persons/employees are to identify to the Chief Compliance Officer each personal investment account and each other account in which the supervised person/employee has a beneficial interest, including any accounts for immediate family and household members, upon hire, annually thereafter and upon opening or closing any such account(s).
|
·
|
Funds owned 25% or more by Company employees, officers and partners will be subject to this Code of Ethics and be deemed to be a proprietary account.
|
·
|
Holdings Reports may not contain securities information that is more than 45 days old; in addition, Transaction Reports may not contain securities information that is more than 30 days old.
|
·
|
Holdings and Transactions Reports must be submitted for all securities in which the supervised person/employee has direct or indirect beneficial ownership or control, and will include, at a minimum, securities owned by spouses and children, and any other family member that resides with the supervised person/employee.
|
·
|
The Chief Compliance Officer will review (evidenced by initialing a master review log or the reports reviewed) submitted Holdings and Transactions Reports for, among other things, evidence of the following, it being acknowledged that the Chief Compliance Officer will consider relevant factors (such as liquidity and market capitalization of the holdings, size of positions, type of holdings, etc.) in determining the scope of the review:
|
·
|
front running
|
·
|
trading on inside information
|
·
|
violation of this Code of Ethics (i.e., failure to obtain pre-clearance)
|
·
|
fraudulent activity (i.e., market timing)
|
·
|
violation of Company Ancillary Policies (i.e., Restricted Lists)
|
·
|
It is contemplated that securities account statements and trade confirmations will in part be used for Holdings and Transactions Reports submissions.
|
·
|
Transactions by supervised persons/employees (including by spouses) in hedge funds, IPOs and other investments in private placements, limited offerings and limited partnerships will be covered by this Code of Ethics, and must receive Chief Compliance Officer
prior approval
(any such transactions by the Chief Compliance Officer must be approved by a senior or independent person (currently, the CEO) – any such transactions by each of the Chief Compliance Officer and CEO will be submitted for review by an alternative Chief Compliance Officer (currently, Steve Hengst) – no person may approve his or her own such investment). The Chief Compliance Officer has approved transactions in CES Optical, LLC, Anchor Capital Partners I, L.P., New Millennium Fundamental Hedged Equity, L.P., New Millennium Fundamental Hedged Equity QP, L.P., Sandbox Ventures, L.P., and VK Industrial I, L.P. “Investment Personnel” includes supervised persons/employees who (i) make investment decisions for clients (i.e., portfolio managers), (ii) provide information/advice to portfolio managers (i.e., analysts), and (iii) implement/execute portfolio managers’ decisions (i.e., traders). The Chief Compliance Officer will take into consideration, among other things, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for clients and whether the employee received the investment opportunity by reason of his or her position with the Company.
|
·
|
No supervised person/employee may knowingly personally engage in a securities transaction with a client.
|
·
|
See also the Ancillary Policy “Personal Account Trading Guidelines” incorporated herein by reference.
|
4.
|
Risk Assessment
|
·
|
We will conduct an initial risk assessment, focusing on conflicts of interest specific to our business. The risk assessment will be updated no less frequently than annually.
|
5.
|
Ancillary Policies Incorporated by Reference
|
·
|
We have adopted and require compliance with the following Ancillary Policies, which are hereby incorporated as part of this Code of Ethics:
|
·
|
Account Review and Management Guidelines
|
·
|
Personal Account Trading Guidelines
|
·
|
The average pricing and prohibition on front running contained in our Ancillary Policy “Order Entry/Trade Execution Procedure” and disclosed in our ADV Part II.
|
·
|
Our Gifts, Insider Trading, Principal Trading, Trading, and Privacy procedures contained herein.
|
6.
|
Political Contributions
|
·
|
Supervised persons/employees (a) are prohibited from making political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with government entities, and (b) should not consider our current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in soliciting political or charitable donations.
|
7.
|
Outside Activities
|
|
Ÿ
|
Due to the significant potential for conflicts of interest, supervised persons/employees must obtain the prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer to serve on the Board of Directors of a publicly traded company.
|
|
Ÿ
|
Supervised persons/employees are discouraged from engaging in outside businesses or investment activities that may interfere with their duties to the Company or their fiduciary duty to clients, including directorships of private companies, consulting engagements, public/charitable positions, and acceptance as executor, trustee or power of attorney, and any such activity or position must be disclosed in advance to the Company.
|
|
Ÿ
|
Supervised persons/employees must disclose to the Company all activities and personal interests that might present a conflict of interest.
|
·
|
Violations of this Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, which could include warnings, fines, disgorgement of profit, suspension, regulatory disclosure, termination and referral to civil or criminal authorities, where appropriate.
|
·
|
All pre-clearance approvals will be given by the Chief Compliance Officer, unless expressly provided otherwise in an Ancillary Policy.
|
·
|
The Company will maintain the following records in accordance with the recordkeeping rules of the Investment Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act (where applicable) with respect to its Code of Ethics, for the required length of time (generally, 5 years):
|
·
|
A copy of each Code in effect at any time during the time period;
|
·
|
A list of the Company’s supervised persons/employees/Access Persons at any time during the time period;
|
·
|
Initial holdings reports, quarterly transaction reports, and annual holdings reports of the Company’s supervised persons/employees/Access Persons;
|
·
|
Acknowledgements of receipt of the Company’s Code of Ethics by each supervised person/employee/Access Person;
|
·
|
Records showing all Outside Activities of the Company’s supervised persons/employees/Access Persons;
|
·
|
Records showing investment accounts held by the Company’s supervised persons/employees/Access Persons (or accounts for which they have a beneficial interest) or by members of their immediate family and household, whether such accounts are held at the Company or elsewhere;
|
·
|
Records showing “pre-approval” (or disapproval) of personal securities transactions covered under this Code of Ethics;
|