As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012
1933 Act File No. 333- 177597
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-14
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
o Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ] x Post-Effective Amendment No. 2
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
Touchstone Strategic Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
513-878-4066
(Area Code and Telephone Number)
303 Broadway, Suite 1100
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(Address of Principal Executive Offices: Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
Jill T. McGruder
303 Broadway, Suite 900
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
John Ford, Esq.
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Two Logan Square
Eighteenth and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-981-4009
It is proposed that this filing will become effective immediately pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 under the Securities Act of 1933.
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, as amended.
This post-effective amendment is being filed solely for the purpose of filing exhibits to the registration statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-177597), filed with the Commission on October 28, 2011 (the Registration Statement). Part A is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, filed on December 6, 2011 and Part B is incorporated herein by reference to post-effective amendment no. 1 to the Registration Statement, filed with the Commission on November 30, 2011 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 1).
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION
(a) Article VI of the Registrants Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification of officers and Trustees as follows:
Section 6.4 Indemnification of Trustees, Officers, etc.
The Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers, including persons who serve at the Trusts request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a Covered Person) against all liabilities, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and expenses, including reasonable accountants and counsel fees, incurred by any Covered Person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or legislative body, in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which such person may be or may have been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having been such a Trustee or officer, director or trustee, and except that no Covered Person shall be indemnified against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders to which such Covered Person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Persons office (disabling conduct). Anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, no Covered Person shall be indemnified for any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders to which such Covered Person would otherwise be subject unless (1) a final decision on the merits is made by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the Covered Person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or, (2) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination is made, based upon a review of the facts, that the Covered Person was not liable by reason of disabling conduct, by (a) the vote of a majority of a quorum of Trustees who are neither interested persons of the Company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 nor parties to the proceeding disinterested, non-party Trustees), or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
Section 6.5 Advances of Expenses.
The Trust shall advance attorneys fees or other expenses incurred by a Covered Person in defending a proceeding, upon the undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay the advance unless it is ultimately determined that such Covered Person is entitled to indemnification, so long as one of the following conditions is met: (i) the Covered Person shall provide security for his undertaking, (ii) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (iii) a majority of a quorum of the disinterested non-party Trustees of the Trust, or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
Section 6.6 Indemnification Not Exclusive, etc.
The right of indemnification provided by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any such Covered Person may be entitled. As used in this Article VI, Covered Person shall include such persons heirs, executors and administrators, an interested Covered Person is one against whom the action, suit or other proceeding in question or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending or threatened, and a disinterested person is a person
against whom none of such actions, suits or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending or threatened. Nothing contained in this article shall affect any rights to indemnification to which personnel of the Trust, other than Trustees and officers, and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law, nor the power of the Trust to purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of any such person.
(b) The Registrant maintains a mutual fund and investment advisory professional and directors and officers liability policy. The policy provides coverage to the Registrant, its trustees and officers and includes losses by reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty. The Registrant may not pay for insurance that protects the Trustees and officers against liabilities rising from action involving willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their offices.
The Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreements provide that Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (or a Subadvisor) shall not be liable for any act or omission in the course of rendering services, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard by Touchstone (or a Subadvisor) of its obligations under the Agreement.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
(1) CHARTER OF THE REGISTRANT
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Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and Amendment No. 1 dated May 24, 1994, Amendment No. 2 dated February 28, 1997 and Amendment No. 3 dated August 11, 1997, are herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-80859), filed with the SEC on July 31, 1998. |
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(b) |
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Amendment No. 4 to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 12, 1998 and Amendments to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated March 16, 2000 and April 6, 2000 are herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-80859), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2000. |
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(c) |
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Amendments to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 21, 2000 and March 27, 2001 are herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2001. |
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Amendment to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 28, 2002 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on September 6, 2002. |
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(e) |
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Amendment to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated November 7, 2002 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2003. |
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(f) |
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Amendment to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated April 14, 2004 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to Registrants |
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Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on July 30, 2004. |
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(g) |
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Amendment to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 3, 2006 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006. |
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(h) |
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Amendment to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 30, 2004 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(8) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on February 2, 2009. |
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(i) |
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Amendment to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 22, 2006 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(9) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on February 2, 2009. |
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(j) |
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Amendment to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 15, 2006 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on February 2, 2009. |
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(k) |
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Amendment to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated March 22, 2007 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(11) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on February 2, 2009. |
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(l) |
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Amendments to Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1)(l) of Post Effective No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-177597), filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011. |
(2) BY-LAWS OF THE REGISTRANT
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By-Laws and Amendments to By-Laws dated July 17, 1984 and April 5, 1989 are herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on July 31, 1998. |
(3) VOTING TRUST AGREEMENT
Not applicable.
(4) AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
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Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to Old Mutual Funds I and Touchstone Strategic Trust is filed herewith. |
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(b) |
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Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to Old Mutual Funds II and Touchstone Strategic Trust is filed herewith. |
(5) INSTRUMENTS DEFINING RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
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Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders are herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
(6) INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACTS
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Advisory Agreement with Touchstone Advisors, Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2007. |
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(b) |
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Form of Amended and Restated Schedule I to the Advisory Agreement with Touchstone Advisors, Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28(d)(1)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on October 24, 2011. |
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(c) |
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Form of Amendment to the Advisory Agreement with Touchstone Advisors, Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28(d)(1)(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on October 24, 2011. |
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(d) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. with respect to the Mid Cap Growth Fund is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on July 29, 2010. |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Navellier & Associates, Inc. for the Large Cap Growth Fund is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on July 29, 2009. |
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Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement with Navellier & Associates, Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(vi)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on June 2, 2005. |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. with respect to the Growth Opportunities Fund is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(11) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2008. |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Diversified Small Cap Growth Fund is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(15) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2007. |
(i) |
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Addendum to Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Diversified Small Cap Growth Fund is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(16) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2007. |
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(j) |
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Addendum to Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Diversified Small Cap Growth Fund is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(14) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2008. |
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(k) |
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Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Ibbotson Associates, Inc. with respect to the Balanced Allocation Fund, Conservative Allocation Fund, Growth Allocation Fund and Moderate Growth Allocation Fund is filed herewith. |
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(l) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Analytic Investors, LLC with respect to the Dynamic Equity Fund is filed herewith. |
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(m) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Analytic Investors, LLC with respect to the U.S. Long/Short Fund is filed herewith. |
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(n) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC with respect to the Value Fund is filed herewith. |
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(o) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Copper Rock Capital Partners, LLC with respect to the International Small Cap Fund is filed herewith. |
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(p) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Copper Rock Capital Partners, LLC with respect to the Emerging Growth Fund is filed herewith. |
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(q) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC with respect to the Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund is filed herewith. |
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(r) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC with respect to the Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund is filed herewith. |
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(s) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Fort Washington Investment Advisers, Inc. with respect to the Focused Fund is filed herewith. |
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(t) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Acadian Asset Management LLC with respect to the International Equity Fund is filed herewith. |
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(u) |
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Sub-Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Ashfield Capital Partners, LLC with respect to the Capital Growth Fund is filed herewith. |
(7) UNDERWRITING AND DISTRIBUTION CONTRACTS
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Distribution Agreement with Touchstone Securities, Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2001. |
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(b) |
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Form of Underwriters Dealer Agreement is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on September 10, 2004. |
(8) BONUS OR PROFIT SHARING PLAN
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Touchstone Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (f) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on July 29, 2009. |
(9) CUSTODIAN AGREEMENTS
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Custodian Agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2008. |
(10) RULE 12B-1 PLAN AND RULE 18F-3 PLAN
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Registrants Plans of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A Shares and Class C Shares are herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2000. |
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Registrants Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class B Shares is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2001. |
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(c) |
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Registrants Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A Shares with respect to the Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund, Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund, Touchstone International Equity Fund, Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund, Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund, Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund, Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund, Touchstone U.S. Long/Short Fund, Touchstone Value Fund, Touchstone International Small Cap Fund, Touchstone Capital Growth Fund, Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund, Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund and Touchstone Focused Fund is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28(m)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
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(d) |
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Registrants Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class C Shares with respect to the Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund, Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund, Touchstone International Equity Fund, Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund, Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund, Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund, Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund, Touchstone U.S. Long/Short Fund, Touchstone Value Fund, Touchstone International Small Cap Fund, Touchstone Capital Growth Fund, Touchstone Mid Cap Value |
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Opportunities Fund, Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund and Touchstone Focused Fund is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28(m)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
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(e) |
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Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28(n) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
(11) AN OPINION AND CONSENT OF COUNSEL (AS TO LEGALITY OF THE SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED)
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Opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP, as to legality of securities being registered, is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (11) of Post Effective No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-177597), filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011. |
(12) AN OPINION AND CONSENT OF COUNSEL (AS TO CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES)
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Opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP, as to certain tax consequences, with respect to Old Mutual Funds I and Touchstone Strategic Trust, is filed herewith. |
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Opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP, as to certain tax consequences, with respect to Old Mutual Funds II and Touchstone Strategic Trust, is filed herewith. |
(13) OTHER MATERIAL CONTRACTS OF THE REGISTRANT
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Recordkeeping Agreement is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(vii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on March 5, 2004. |
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(b) |
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Amended Administration Agreement with Touchstone Advisors, Inc. dated January 1, 2007 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(8) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on August 1, 2007. |
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(c) |
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Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
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(d) |
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Amendment to the Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. is filed herewith. |
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(e) |
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Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement with BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
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Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement and Shareholder Services Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between the Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. is filed |
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herewith. |
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(g) |
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State Filing Services Agreement between the Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., dated December 5, 2011 is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(5) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
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(h) |
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Amended and Restated Schedule A to the State Filing Services Agreement dated April 16, 2012 between the Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. is filed herewith. |
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(i) |
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Allocation Agreement for Allocation of Fidelity Bond Proceeds is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
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(j) |
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Amended Expense Limitation Agreement with Touchstone Advisors, Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (13)(h) of Form N-14 (File Nos. 333-168093 and 811-03651) filed with the SEC on July 14, 2010. |
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Amendment to Amended Expense Limitation Agreement with Touchstone Advisors, Inc. is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(9) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on July 29, 2009. |
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(l) |
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Expense Limitation Agreement with Touchstone Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund, Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund, Touchstone International Equity Fund, Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund, Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund, Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund, Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund, Touchstone U.S. Long/Short Fund, Touchstone Value Fund, Touchstone International Small Cap Fund, Touchstone Capital Growth Fund, Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund, Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund and Touchstone Focused Fund is filed herewith. |
(14) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
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Consent of Ernst & Young LLP is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (14)(a) of Form N-14 (File Nos. 333-177597) filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011. |
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(b) |
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Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (14)(b) of Form N-14 (File Nos. 333-177597) filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011. |
(15) OMITTED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not Applicable.
(16) POWERS OF ATTORNEY
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Powers of Attorney are herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (q) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-80859 and 811-03651), filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. |
(17) ADDITIONAL EXHIBITS
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Form of Proxy Card is herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit (17)(a) of Form N-14 (File No. 333-177597) filed with the SEC on October 28, 2011. |
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(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 this 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 of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for the 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 1933 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.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrants registration statement on Form N-14 under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrants registration statement on Form N-14 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Cincinnati and State of Ohio on the 27 th day of April 2012.
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Touchstone Strategic Trust |
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By: |
/s/ Jill T. McGruder |
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Jill T. McGruder |
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President |
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrants registration statement on Form N-14 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Trustee |
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April 27, 2012 |
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Phillip R. Cox |
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Trustee |
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April 27, 2012 |
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Donald C. Siekmann |
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Trustee |
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April 27, 2012 |
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H. Jerome Lerner |
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Trustee |
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April 27, 2012 |
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John P. Zanotti |
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Trustee |
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April 27, 2012 |
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Susan J. Hickenlooper |
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/s/ Jill T. McGruder |
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Trustee and President |
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April 27, 2012 |
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Jill T. McGruder |
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/s/ Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Controller, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
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April 27, 2012 |
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Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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*By: |
/s/ Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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(Attorney-in-Fact Pursuant to Power of Attorney) |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO. |
|
DESCRIPTION |
(4)(a) |
|
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to Old Mutual Funds I and Touchstone Strategic Trust |
(4)(b) |
|
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to Old Mutual Funds II and Touchstone Strategic Trust |
(6)(k) |
|
Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Ibbotson Associates, Inc. with respect to the Balanced Allocation Fund, Conservative Allocation Fund, Growth Allocation Fund and Moderate Growth Allocation Fund |
(6)(l) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Analytic Investors, LLC with respect to the Dynamic Equity Fund |
(6)(m) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Analytic Investors, LLC with respect to the U.S. Long/Short Fund |
(6)(n) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC with respect to the Value Fund |
(6)(o) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Copper Rock Capital Partners, LLC with respect to the International Small Cap Fund |
(6)(p) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Copper Rock Capital Partners, LLC with respect to the Emerging Growth Fund |
(6)(q) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC with respect to the Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund |
(6)(r) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC with respect to the Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund |
(6)(s) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Fort Washington Investment Advisers, Inc. with respect to the Focused Fund |
(6)(t) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Acadian Asset Management LLC with respect to the International Equity Fund |
(6)(u) |
|
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Ashfield Capital Partners, LLC with respect to the Capital Growth Fund |
(12)(a) |
|
Tax Opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP with respect to Old Mutual Funds I and Touchstone Strategic Trust |
(12)(b) |
|
Tax Opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP with respect to Old Mutual Funds II and Touchstone Strategic Trust |
(13)(d) |
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Amendment to the Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. |
(13)(f) |
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Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement and Shareholder Services Agreement between the Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. |
(13)(h) |
|
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the State Filing Services Agreement between the Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. |
(13)(l) |
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Expense Limitation Agreement |
Exhibit 99.(4)(a)
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (this Agreement ) dated as of December 9, 2011, by and among: (i) OLD MUTUAL FUNDS I , a Delaware statutory trust ( Acquired Trust ), on behalf of each of the series reflected below in the table contained in Recital A (each an Acquired Fund ); and (ii) TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST , a Massachusetts business trust (Acquiring Trust), on behalf of each of the series reflected below in the table contained in Recital A (each an Acquiring Fund ) (collectively, the Parties and each, a Party ). Old Mutual Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Old Mutual Capital ), joins this Agreement solely for purposes of paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.5, 10.13 and 10.14 and Article VII; Touchstone Advisors, Inc., an Ohio corporation ( Touchstone ), joins this Agreement solely for purposes of paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.5, 10.13 and 10.14 and Article VII. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in Article XI hereof.
RECITALS:
A. The following chart shows (i) each Acquired Fund and its classes of shares and (ii) the corresponding Acquiring Fund with its classes of shares:
Acquired Fund, each a series of Old Mutual
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Acquiring Fund, each a series of Touchstone
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Old Mutual Analytic Fund |
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Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund |
Class A |
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Class A |
Class C |
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Class C |
Class Z |
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Class Y |
Institutional Class |
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Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Asset Allocation Balanced Portfolio |
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Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund |
Class A |
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Class A |
Class C |
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Class C |
Class Z |
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Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
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Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund |
Class A |
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Class A |
Class C |
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Class C |
Class Z |
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Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
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Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund |
Class A |
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Class A |
Class C |
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Class C |
Class Z |
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Class Y |
Institutional Class |
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Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Asset Allocation Moderate Growth |
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Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund |
Portfolio |
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Class A |
Class A |
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Class C |
Class C |
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Class Y |
Acquired Fund, each a series of Old Mutual
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Acquiring Fund, each a series of Touchstone
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Class Z |
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Institutional Class |
Institutional Class |
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Old Mutual International Equity Fund |
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Touchstone International Equity Fund |
Class A |
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Class A |
Class Z |
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Class Y |
Institutional Class |
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Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Copper Rock Emerging Growth Fund |
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Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund |
Class A |
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Class A |
Class Z |
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Class Y |
Institutional Class |
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Institutional Class |
B. Each Acquired Fund and each Acquiring Fund are each a separate series of an open-end, registered investment company of the management type.
C. Each Acquired Fund and each Acquiring Fund are each authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest.
D. The Parties intend this Agreement to be, and adopt it as, a plan of reorganization within the meaning of the regulations under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code ).
E. Each reorganization shall consist of: (1) all of the Fund Assets (as defined below) of an Acquired Fund will be transferred to the corresponding Acquiring Fund in exchange for the corresponding class of the Acquiring Fund as set forth on Exhibit A to this Agreement (each, a Corresponding Class ) and the assumption by the corresponding Acquiring Fund of all of the Acquired Funds Liabilities (as defined below), and (2) Corresponding Class shares of the corresponding Acquiring Fund of equal value to the net assets of the Acquired Fund being acquired will be distributed to holders of shares of the Acquired Fund in the manner set forth in Exhibit A of this Agreement, in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (each a Reorganization ).
F. The Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust (the Old Mutual Board ), including a majority of trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act )) ( Independent Trustees ) of the Acquired Trust, has determined with respect to each Acquired Fund that: (1) participation in the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders, and (2) the value of the interests of existing shareholders of the Acquired Fund will not be diluted as a result of its effecting the Reorganization.
G. The Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust (the Touchstone Board ), including a majority of Independent Trustees of the Acquiring Trust, has determined with respect
to each Acquiring Fund that: (1) participation in the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and its shareholders, if any, and (2) the value of the interests of existing shareholders, if any, of the Acquiring Fund will not be diluted as a result of its effecting the Reorganization.
H. The consummation of any Reorganization shall not be contingent on the consummation of any other Reorganization and it is the intention of the parties hereto that each Reorganization described herein shall be conducted separately of the others.
I. For convenience, the balance of this Agreement refers only to a single Reorganization, one Acquired Fund and one Acquiring Fund, but the terms and conditions hereof shall apply separately to each Reorganization and the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund participating therein.
AGREEMENT:
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, representations, and warranties made herein, covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Parties, and Old Mutual Capital and Touchstone to the extent indicated above, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE REORGANIZATION
1.1 The Reorganization . In accordance with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Amended and Restated By-laws, as they may be amended from time to time, of the Acquired Trust (the Old Mutual Governing Documents ), at the Effective Time (as defined below), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, the Acquired Fund shall assign, deliver and otherwise transfer all Fund Assets, subject to all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund (the Liabilities ), to the Acquiring Fund, and the Acquiring Fund shall assume all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund. In consideration of the foregoing, the Acquiring Fund, at the Effective Time shall deliver to the Acquired Fund full and fractional (to the third decimal place) shares of the Acquiring Fund. The aggregate number of shares of the Acquiring Fund shall be determined as set forth in paragraph 2.3 by dividing (a) the value of the Fund Assets attributable to the Acquired Fund, net of the Acquired Funds Liabilities (computed as of the Valuation Time (as defined below) in the manner set forth in paragraph 2.1), by (b) the net asset value of one share of the corresponding class of the Acquiring Fund shares (computed as of the Valuation Time in the manner set forth in paragraph 2.2). Holders of each class of shares of the Acquired Fund will receive shares of the Corresponding Class, as set forth in Section E of the Recitals and Exhibit A to this Agreement, of the Acquiring Fund, as set forth in Section A of the Recitals. At and after the Effective Time, all of the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund shall become and be included in the Fund Assets of the Acquiring Fund and the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund shall become and be the Liabilities of and shall attach to the Acquiring Fund. At and after the Effective Time, the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund may be enforced only against the Acquiring Fund to the
same extent as if such Liabilities had been incurred by the Acquiring Fund subject to any defense and/or set off that the Acquired Fund was entitled to assert immediately prior to the Effective Time and further subject to any defense and/or setoff that the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund may from time to time be entitled to assert.
1.2 The Acquired Fund Assets .
(a) At least ten Business Days prior to the Valuation Time, the Acquired Fund will provide the Acquiring Fund with a schedule of the securities and other assets and Liabilities of the Acquired Fund. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund has provided the Acquired Fund with a copy of its current investment objective, investment policies, principal investment strategies, and restrictions and will provide the Acquired Fund with a written notice of any changes thereto through the Valuation Time. The Acquired Fund reserves the right to sell any of the securities or other assets shown on the schedule it provides to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to this paragraph 1.2(a) in the ordinary course as necessary to meet distribution and redemption requirements prior to the Valuation Time but will not, without the prior approval of the Acquiring Fund, acquire any additional securities other than securities which the Acquiring Fund may purchase in accordance with its stated investment objective and policies.
(b) At least five Business Days prior to the Valuation Time, the Acquiring Fund will advise the Acquired Fund of any investments of the Acquired Fund shown on the Acquired Funds schedule provided pursuant to paragraph 1.2(a) which the Acquiring Fund would not be permitted to hold (i) under its investment objective, principal investment strategies or investment restrictions; (ii) under applicable Law; or (iii) because the transfer of such investments would result in material operational or administrative difficulties to the Acquiring Fund in connection with facilitating the orderly transition of the Acquired Funds Fund Assets. Under such circumstances, to the extent practicable, the Acquired Fund will, if requested by the Acquiring Fund and, to the extent permissible and consistent with its own investment objectives and policies and the fiduciary duties of the investment adviser or sub-adviser responsible for the portfolio management of the Acquired Fund, dispose of such investments prior to the Valuation Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein will require the Acquired Fund to dispose of any portfolio securities or other investments of the Acquired Fund, if, in the reasonable judgment of the Old Mutual Board or the Acquired Funds investment adviser or sub-adviser, such disposition would adversely affect the tax-free nature of the Reorganization for federal income tax purposes or would otherwise not be in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders.
1.3 Assumption of Liabilities . The Acquired Fund will, to the extent permissible and consistent with its own investment objectives and policies, use its best efforts to discharge all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund prior to or at the Effective Time. The Acquiring Fund will assume all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund.
1.4 Distribution of Acquiring Fund Shares . Immediately upon receipt, the Acquired Fund will distribute the Corresponding Class shares of the Acquiring Fund received by the Acquired Fund from the Acquiring Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.1 pro rata to the record holders of shares of the Acquired Fund. Such distribution will be accomplished by transferring the Acquiring Fund Shares then credited to the Acquired Funds account on the Books and Records of the Acquiring Fund to open accounts on the Books and Records of the Acquiring Fund established and maintained by the Acquiring Funds transfer agent in the names of record holders of the Acquired Fund and representing the respective pro rata number of the Acquiring Fund Shares due to such record holder. All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will, without further notice, be cancelled promptly by the Acquired Fund on the Acquired Funds Books and Records. Any such shares issued and outstanding prior to such cancellation shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Acquiring Fund Shares issued to the Acquired Fund in accordance with paragraph 1.1 above. In addition, each record holder of the Acquired Fund shall have the right to receive any unpaid dividends or other distributions which were declared with respect to his/her or its shares of the Acquired Fund at or before the Valuation Time.
1.5 Liquidation of the Acquired Fund . As soon as conveniently practicable after the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares pursuant to paragraph 1.4 has been made, the Acquired Fund shall take, in accordance with Delaware law, the 1940 Act and the Old Mutual Governing Documents, all such other steps as may be necessary or appropriate to effect a complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund.
1.6 Transfer Taxes . Any transfer taxes payable on issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares in a name other than that of the record holder of the Acquired Fund shares on the Acquired Funds Books and Records shall be paid by the Person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are issued and transferred, as a condition of that transfer.
ARTICLE II
VALUATION
2.1 Net Asset Value of the Acquired Fund . The net asset value of a share of each class of the Acquired Fund shall be the net asset value computed as of the Valuation Time, after the declaration and payment of any dividends and/or other distributions on the date thereof, using the valuation procedures described in the then-current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund as supplemented from time to time, or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
2.2 Net Asset Value of the Acquiring Fund . The net asset value per share of each Corresponding Class of the Acquiring Fund shall be the net asset value per share of the Corresponding Class of the Acquired Fund as of the Valuation Time. The net asset value of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will be determined by using the valuation procedures described in the then-current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund as supplemented from time to time, or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
2.3 Calculation of Number of Acquiring Fund Shares . The number of Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued (including fractional shares (to the third decimal place), if any) in connection with the Reorganization shall be the number of outstanding Acquired Fund Shares as of the Valuation Time.
2.4 Determination of Net Asset Value . All computations of net asset value and the value of securities transferred under this Article II shall be made by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (BNY Mellon), sub-administrator for the Acquired Fund, in accordance with its regular practice and the requirements of the 1940 Act.
2.5 Valuation Time . Valuation Time shall mean 4:00 PM Eastern Time of the Business Day preceding the Effective Time.
ARTICLE III
EFFECTIVE TIME AND CLOSING
3.1 Effective Time and Closing . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Reorganization shall occur immediately prior to the opening of business on April 16, 2012, or on such other date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer of each Party (the Effective Time ). To the extent any Fund Assets are, for any reason, not transferred at the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall cause such Fund Assets to be transferred in accordance with this Agreement at the earliest practical date thereafter. The closing of the Reorganization shall be held in person, by facsimile, by e-mail or by such other communication means as may be mutually agreed by the Parties, at the Effective Time (the Closing ).
3.2 Transfer and Delivery of Fund Assets . The Acquired Fund shall direct The Bank of New York Mellon ( Acquired Fund Custodian ), as custodian for the Acquired Fund, to deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing, or promptly thereafter, consistent with commercially reasonable standards, a certificate of an authorized officer certifying that: (a) Acquired Fund Custodian delivered the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund at the Effective Time; and (b) all necessary taxes in connection with the delivery of such Fund Assets, including all applicable foreign, federal and state stock transfer stamps and any other stamp duty taxes, if any, have been paid or provision (as reasonably estimated) for payment has been made.
3.3 Acquiring Fund Share Records . The Acquiring Fund shall deliver to an officer of the Acquired Trust at the Closing a confirmation evidencing that: (a) the appropriate number of Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to the account of the Acquired Fund on the Books and Records of the Acquired Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.1 prior to the actions contemplated by paragraph 1.4, and (b) the appropriate number of Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to the accounts of record holders of the Acquired Fund shares on the Books and Records of the Acquiring Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.4.
3.4 Postponement of Valuation Time and Effective Time . If immediately prior to the Valuation Time: (a) the NYSE or another primary trading market for portfolio securities of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund is closed to trading, or trading thereupon is restricted, or
(b) trading or the reporting of trading on such market is disrupted so that, in the judgment of an appropriate officer of the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, accurate appraisal of the value of the net assets of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund is impracticable, the Valuation Time and Effective Time shall be postponed until the first Business Day that is a Friday after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored or such later date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer of each Party.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Representations and Warranties of the Acquired Trust . The Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, hereby represents and warrants to the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, as follows, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on the date hereof and agrees to confirm the continuing accuracy and completeness of the following at the Effective Time:
(a) The Acquired Trust is a statutory trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware and is duly qualified, licensed or admitted to do business and is in good standing as a foreign association under the Laws of each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification, licensing or admission necessary, except in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified, licensed or admitted and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on its properties or assets or the properties or assets of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund has full power under the Old Mutual Governing Documents to conduct its business as it is now being conducted and to own the properties and assets it now owns. The Acquired Fund has all necessary authorizations, licenses and approvals from any applicable Governmental or Regulatory Body necessary to carry on its business as such business is now being carried on except authorizations, licenses and approvals that the failure to so obtain would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will have been duly and validly authorized by the Old Mutual Board, and the Old Mutual Board has approved the Reorganization and has resolved to recommend the Reorganization to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and to call a meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund for the purpose of approving this Agreement and the Reorganization contemplated hereby. Other than the approval by the requisite vote of the shareholders of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Old Mutual Governing Documents, applicable Delaware Law and the 1940 Act, no other action on the part of the Acquired Fund or its shareholders is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund or the consummation of the Reorganization contemplated herein. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, is a legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Acquired Trust, as it relates to the Acquired Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws relating to or affecting creditors rights, to general equity principles and to any limitations on indemnity as may be required under federal and state securities Laws).
(c) The authorized capital of the Acquired Fund consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $0.001 per share. Each share represents a fractional undivided interest in the Acquired Fund. The issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. There are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights of any kind to acquire from the Acquired Fund any shares of any series or equity interests of the Acquired Fund or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or which otherwise confer on the holder thereof any right to acquire, any such additional shares, nor is the Acquired Fund committed to issue any share appreciation or similar rights or options, warrants, rights or securities in connection with any series of shares. The Acquired Fund has no share certificates outstanding.
(d) The Acquired Fund has no subsidiaries.
(e) Except for consents, approvals, or waivers to be received prior to the Effective Time, including shareholder approval by the Acquired Fund, and upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (as defined below), the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund does not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not: (i) violate or conflict with the terms, conditions or provisions of the Old Mutual Governing Documents, or of any material contract, agreement, indenture, instrument, or other undertaking to which the Acquired Trust is a party or by which the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund is bound, (ii) result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Trust is a party or by which the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund is bound, (iii) result in a breach or violation by the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund of any terms, conditions, or provisions of any Law or Order, or (iv) require any consent or approval of, filing with or notice to, any Governmental or Regulatory Body other than such documents as are necessary to terminate the Acquired Funds as a series of a Delaware statutory trust.
(f) (i) Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Acquired Fund has delivered to the Acquiring Trust true and complete copies of the Acquired Funds audited statements of assets and liabilities of as of July 31, 2011, or a later date if available prior to the date hereof, and the related audited schedules of investments, statements of income and changes in net assets and financial highlights for the periods then ended.
(ii) Except as set forth in the notes thereto, all such financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied throughout the periods then ended, and fairly present the financial condition
and results of operations of the Acquired Fund as of the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods covered thereby subject, in the case of the unaudited financial statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments.
(iii) To the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge, except as reflected or reserved against in the statement of assets and liabilities included in the Acquired Funds audited financial statements as of July 31, 2011, or in the notes thereto, or as previously disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Trust, there are no liabilities against, relating to or affecting the Acquired Fund, other than those incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund. In particular, since July 31, 2011 to the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge and except as disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Trust, there has not been any change in the financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities or business of the Acquired Fund that would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund or its properties or assets other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business.
(g) As of the date hereof, except as previously disclosed to the Acquiring Fund in writing, and except as have been corrected as required by applicable Law, and to the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge, there have been no material miscalculations of the net asset value of the Acquired Fund during the twelve-month period preceding the date hereof which would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund or its properties or assets, and all such calculations have been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
(h) The minute books and other similar records of the Acquired Trust as made available to the Acquiring Trust prior to the execution of this Agreement contain a true and complete record in all material respects of all material action taken at all meetings and by all written consents in lieu of meetings of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund, the Old Mutual Board and committees of the Old Mutual Board. The stock transfer ledgers and other similar records of the Acquired Fund as made available to the Acquiring Trust prior to the execution of this Agreement accurately reflect all record transfers prior to the execution of this Agreement in the shares of the Acquired Fund.
(i) The Acquired Fund has maintained, or caused to be maintained on its behalf, in all material respects, all Books and Records required of a registered investment company in compliance with the requirements of Section 31 of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder.
(j) Except as set forth in writing to the Acquiring Fund, there is no Action or Proceeding pending against the Acquired Fund or, to the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge, threatened against, relating to or affecting, the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund.
(k) No agent, broker, finder or investment or commercial banker, or other Person or firm engaged by or acting on behalf of the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund in connection with the negotiation, execution or performance of this
Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, is or will be entitled to any brokers or finders or similar fees or other commissions as a result of the consummation of such transactions.
(l) The Acquired Trust is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and its registration with the SEC as such an investment company is in full force and effect and the Acquired Fund is a separate series of the Acquired Trust duly designated in accordance with applicable provisions of the Old Mutual Governing Documents and in compliance in all material respects with the 1940 Act and its rules and regulations.
(m) With respect to periods on or after December 31, 2005, all federal and other tax returns and reports of the Acquired Fund and, with respect to periods prior to December 31, 2005, to the Knowledge of the Acquired Fund all federal and other tax returns and reports of the Acquired Fund, required by Law to have been filed were timely filed (giving effect to extensions) and are or were true, correct and complete in all material respects as of the time of their filing. With respect to periods on or after December 31, 2005, all known taxes of the Acquired Fund which are due and payable (whether or not shown on any tax return) and, with respect to periods prior to December 31, 2005, to the Knowledge of the Acquired Fund all taxes of the Acquired Fund which are or were due and payable (whether or not shown on any tax return), have been timely paid in full or provision has been made for payment thereof. The Acquired Fund is not liable for taxes of any person other than itself and is not a party to or otherwise bound by any tax sharing, allocation, assumption or indemnification agreement or arrangement. With respect to periods on or after December 31, 2005, all of the Acquired Funds tax liabilities and, with respect to periods prior to December 31, 2005, to the Knowledge of the Acquired Fund the Acquired Funds tax liabilities, shall have been adequately provided for on its Books and Records in respect of all periods ended on or before the date of such Books and Records. With respect to periods on or after December 31, 2005, the Acquired Fund has not and, with respect to periods prior to December 31, 2005, to the Knowledge of the Acquired Fund the Acquired Fund has not, had any tax deficiency or liability asserted against it or question with respect thereto raised, and no dispute, audit, investigation, proceeding or claim concerning any tax liabilities of the Acquired Fund has been raised by the Internal Revenue Service or by any other governmental authority in writing, and to the Acquired Funds Knowledge, no such dispute, audit, investigation, proceeding or claim is pending, being conducted or claimed.
(n) The Acquired Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company within the meaning of Sections 851 et seq. of the Code in respect of each taxable year since the commencement of operations, and shall continue to meet such requirements at all times through the Effective Time. The Acquired Fund has not at any time since its inception been liable for and is not now liable for any material income or excise tax pursuant to Section 852 or 4982 of the Code. The Acquired Fund has no other tax liability (foreign, state, local), except as accrued on the Acquired Funds Books and
Records. The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated with respect to any taxable year in which the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply.
(o) The Acquired Fund is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or similar case (within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Code).
(p) Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Fund is in compliance in all material respects with the Code and applicable regulations promulgated under the Code pertaining to the reporting of dividends and other distributions on and redemptions of its capital stock and has withheld in respect of dividends and other distributions and paid to the proper taxing authority all taxes required to be withheld, and is not liable for any penalties which could be imposed thereunder.
(q) The Acquired Fund has not granted any waiver, extension or comparable consent regarding the application of the statute of limitations with respect to any taxes or tax return that is outstanding, nor has any request for such waiver or consent been made.
(r) The Acquired Fund does not own any converted property (as that term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.337(d)-7(a)(1)) that is subject to the rules of Section 1374 of the Code as a consequence of the application of Section 337(d)(1) of the Code and Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(s) Except as otherwise disclosed to the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Fund has not previously been a party to a tax-free reorganization under the Code within the preceding twelve months.
(t) The Acquired Fund has not received written notification from any tax authority that asserts a position contrary to any of the above representations.
(u) All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund have been offered and sold by the Acquired Fund in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities Laws, are registered under the 1933 Act and under the Laws of all jurisdictions in which registration is or was required, except as may have been previously disclosed to the Acquiring Fund in writing. Such registrations are, in all material respects, complete, current and have been continuously effective, and all fees required to be paid have been paid. The Acquired Fund is not subject to any stop order and is, and was, fully qualified to sell its shares in each jurisdiction in which such shares are being, or were, registered and sold.
(v) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund, including amendments and supplements thereto, and each prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund used at all times during the past three years prior to the date of this Agreement conform, or conformed at the time of its or their use, in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC
thereunder, and do not, or did not, as of their dates of distribution to the public, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any 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 materially misleading. The Acquired Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by the Acquired Fund.
(w) The combined proxy statement and prospectus and statement of additional information (collectively, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus ) to be included in the Acquiring Trusts registration statement on Form N-14 (the Registration Statement ) and filed in connection with this Agreement, and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto insofar as they relate to the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund, each comply or will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder on the effective date of such Registration Statement. Each of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto, insofar as it relates to the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading on the effective date of such Registration Statement; provided , however , that the Acquired Trust makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund, including information furnished by the Acquiring Trust to the Acquired Fund specifically for use in connection with the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto or otherwise publicly available on the Acquiring Trusts website or the SECs public disclosure system.
(x) Except as previously disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Trust, at the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to the Fund Assets and full right, power, and authority to sell, assign, transfer and, upon delivery and payment for the Fund Assets, deliver such Fund Assets, free and clear of all liens, mortgages, pledges, encumbrances, charges, claims and equities, and subject to no restrictions on the subsequent transfer thereof (other than any Fund Assets consisting of restricted securities) or as otherwise disclosed to the Acquiring Trust at least fifteen Business Days prior to the Effective Time, provided that the Acquiring Fund will acquire Fund Assets that are segregated or pledged as collateral for the Acquired Funds short sale and derivative positions (if any), including without limitation, as collateral for swap positions and as margin for futures positions, subject to such segregation and liens that apply to such Fund Assets.
(y) The Acquired Trust has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.
(z) Except as disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund, to the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge, no events have occurred and no issues, conditions or facts have arisen which either individually or in the aggregate have had a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund or its properties or assets other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business.
4.2 Representations and Warranties of the Acquiring Trust . The Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, hereby represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund as follows, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on the date hereof and agrees to confirm the continuing accuracy and completeness of the following at the Effective Time:
(a) The Acquiring Trust is a business trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is duly qualified, licensed or admitted to do business and is in good standing as a foreign association under the Laws of each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification, licensing or admission necessary, except in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified, licensed or admitted and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on its properties or assets or the properties or assets of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund has full power under the Acquiring Trusts Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time, and By-laws ( Touchstone Governing Documents ) to conduct its business as it is now being conducted and to own properties and assets for itself. The Acquiring Fund will prior to the Effective Time have all necessary authorizations, licenses and approvals from any applicable Governmental or Regulatory Body necessary to carry on its business.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been duly and validly authorized by the Touchstone Board and the Touchstone Board has approved the Reorganization. No action on the part of the shareholders of the Acquiring Fund is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund or the consummation of the Reorganization. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Trust, as it relates to the Acquiring Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws relating to or affecting creditors rights, to general equity principles and to any limitations on indemnity as may be required under federal and state securities Laws).
(c) The authorized capital of the Acquiring Fund consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest without par value. As of the date of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund has no outstanding shares of any class. As of the Valuation Time, the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund will consist solely of shares having the characteristics described in the Acquiring Funds
prospectus effective at such time. There are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights of any kind to acquire from the Acquiring Fund any shares of any series or equity interests of the Acquiring Fund or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or which otherwise confer on the holder thereof any right to acquire, any such additional shares, nor is the Acquiring Fund committed to issue any share appreciation or similar rights or options, warrants, rights or securities in connection with any series of shares.
(d) Except for consents, approvals, or waivers to be received prior to the Effective Time, including shareholder approval by the Acquired Fund, and upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund does not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not: (i) violate or conflict with the terms, conditions or provisions of the Touchstone Governing Documents, or of any material contract, agreement, indenture, instrument, or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Trust is a party or by which the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund is bound, (ii) result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Trust is a party or by which the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund is bound, (iii) result in a breach or violation by the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund of any terms, conditions, or provisions of any Law or Order, or (iv) require any consent or approval of, filing with or notice to, any Governmental or Regulatory Body.
(e) Except as set forth in writing to the Acquired Fund, there is no Action or Proceeding pending against the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund or, to the best of the Acquiring Trusts Knowledge, threatened against, relating to or affecting, the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund.
(f) No agent, broker, finder or investment or commercial banker, or other Person or firm engaged by or acting on behalf of the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund in connection with the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, is or will be entitled to any brokers or finders or similar fees or other commissions as a result of the consummation of such transactions.
(g) The Acquiring Trust is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and its registration with the SEC as such an investment company is in full force and effect, and the Acquiring Fund is a separate series of the Acquiring Trust duly designated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Touchstone Governing Documents and in and compliance in all material respects with the 1940 Act and its rules and regulations.
(h) The Acquiring Fund is, and will at the Effective Time be, a new series portfolio of the Acquiring Trust created within the last 12 months, and such Acquiring Fund will not have had any assets (other than assets required to meet the requirements of Section 14(a) of the 1940 Act or other seed capital) or operations at any time prior to the Effective Time.
(i) The Acquiring Fund was established in order to effect the transactions described in this Agreement, and, prior to the Effective Time, shall not have carried on any business activity (other than such activities as are customary to the organization of a new series prior to its commencement of investment operations). It has not yet filed its first federal income tax return and, thus, has not yet elected to be treated as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. However, upon filing its first federal income tax return at the completion of its first taxable year, the Acquiring Fund shall elect to be a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code and until such time shall take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that it qualifies for taxation as a regulated investment company under Sections 851 and 852 of the Code. The Acquiring Fund is and will at the Effective Time be treated as a separate corporation under Section 851(g) of the Code.
(j) The shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued and delivered to the Acquired Fund for the account of the Acquired Fund (and to be distributed immediately thereafter to its shareholders) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will have been duly authorized at the Effective Time and, when so issued and delivered, will be registered under the 1933 Act, duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have any statutory or contractual preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof. In regard to the statement above that the Acquiring Fund shares will be non-assessable, it is noted that the Acquiring Trust is a Massachusetts business trust and under Massachusetts Law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund; however, the Acquiring Fund has included appropriate provisions disclaiming such liability in all material contracts entered into between the Acquiring Fund and any third-party.
(k) As of the Valuation Time, the Acquiring Funds prospectus and statement of additional information will conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder and will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any 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 materially misleading.
(l) The Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be included in the Registration Statement and filed in connection with this Agreement, and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto insofar as they relate to the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund, each comply or will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder on the effective date of such Registration Statement. Each of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto, insofar as it relates to the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading on the effective
date of such Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Acquiring Trust makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund and furnished by the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Trust specifically for use in connection with the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto.
(m) The Acquiring Trust has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.
(n) The Acquiring Fund has maintained, or caused to be maintained on its behalf, in all material respects, all Books and Records required of a registered investment company in compliance with the requirements of Section 31 of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder.
(o) Except as disclosed in writing to the Acquired Fund, to the best of the Acquiring Funds Knowledge, no events have occurred and no issues, conditions or facts have arisen which either individually or in the aggregate have had a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquiring Fund other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business.
(p) The Acquiring Trust is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or similar case (within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Code).
(q) The Acquiring Fund has no unamortized or unpaid organizational fees or expenses for which it does not expect to be reimbursed by Touchstone or its Affiliates.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
5.1 Conduct of Business . After the date of this Agreement and at or prior to the Effective Time, the Parties will conduct the businesses of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund only in the ordinary course and in accordance with this Agreement. It is understood that such ordinary course of business with respect to the Acquired Fund shall include (a) the declaration and payment of customary dividends and other distributions; (b) shareholder purchases and redemptions; (c) the continued good faith performance by the investment adviser, sub-adviser, administrator, distributor and other service providers of their respective responsibilities in accordance with their agreements with the Acquired Fund and applicable Law; and (d) the continued compliance with the Acquired Funds prospectus and statement of additional information. It is understood that such ordinary course of business with respect to the Acquiring Fund shall be limited to such actions as are customary to the organization of a new
series prior to its commencement of investment operations. No Party shall take any action that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in any of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect. It is the intention of the parties that the transaction contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. None of the Parties to this Agreement shall take any action or cause any action to be taken that is inconsistent with such treatment or that results in the failure of the transaction to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
5.2 Shareholders Meeting . The Acquired Trust will call, convene and hold a meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund as soon as practicable, in accordance with applicable Law and the Old Mutual Governing Documents, for the purpose of approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein as set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and for such other purposes as may be necessary or desirable. In the event that, insufficient votes are received from shareholders, the meeting may be adjourned as permitted under the Old Mutual Governing Documents and applicable Law, and as set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in order to permit further solicitation of proxies.
5.3 Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement . The Parties will cooperate with each other in the preparation of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement and cause the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC in a form satisfactory to the Parties and their respective counsel as promptly as practicable. Upon effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Acquired Fund will cause the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be delivered to shareholders of the Acquired Fund entitled to vote on this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein in accordance with the Old Mutual Governing Documents. Each Party will provide the materials and information necessary to prepare the Registration Statement, for inclusion therein, in connection with the shareholder meeting of the Acquired Fund to consider the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, a Party becomes aware of any untrue statement of material fact or omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made, the Party discovering the item shall notify the other Parties and the Parties shall cooperate in promptly preparing, filing and clearing with the SEC and, if appropriate, distributing to shareholders appropriate disclosure with respect to the item.
5.4 Information . The Parties will furnish to each other, and each others accountants, legal counsel and other representatives, as appropriate, throughout the period prior to the Effective Time, all such documents and other information concerning the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, respectively, and their business and properties as may reasonably be requested by the other Party. Such cooperation shall include providing copies of reasonably requested documents and other information. Each Party shall make its employees and officers available on a mutually convenient basis to provide an explanation of any documents or information provided hereunder to the extent that such Partys employees are familiar with such documents or information.
5.5 Notice of Material Changes . Each Party will notify the other Parties of any event causing a Material Adverse Effect to such Party as soon as practicable following such Partys Knowledge of any event causing such a Material Adverse Effect.
5.6 Financial Statements . At the Closing, the Acquired Fund will deliver to the Acquiring Fund an unaudited statement of assets and liabilities of the Acquired Fund, together with a schedule of portfolio investments as of and for the interim period ending at the Valuation Time. These financial statements will present fairly in all material respects the financial position and portfolio investments of the Acquired Fund as of the Valuation Time in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and there will be no material contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund not disclosed in said financial statements. These financial statements shall be certified by the Treasurer of the Acquired Trust as, to the best of his or her Knowledge, complying with the requirements of the preceding sentence. The Acquired Fund also will deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Effective Time (i) the detailed tax-basis accounting records for each security or other investment to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund hereunder, which shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements for specific identification tax-lot accounting and clearly reflect the basis used for determination of gain and loss realized on the partial sale of any security to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund and (ii) a statement of earnings and profits of the Acquired Fund for federal income tax purposes that shall be carried over by the Acquired Fund as a result of Code Section 381 and which shall be certified by an officer of the Acquired Fund.
5.7 Other Necessary Action . The Parties will each take all necessary action and use their reasonable best efforts to complete all filings, obtain all governmental and other consents and approvals and satisfy any other provision required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.8 Books and Records . Upon reasonable notice, each Party will make available to each other Party for review any Books and Records which are reasonably requested by such other Party in connection with this Reorganization.
5.9 Issued Shares . The Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to the Acquired Fund for the account of the Acquired Fund (and to be distributed immediately thereafter to its shareholders) pursuant to this Agreement, will have been duly authorized at the Effective Time. Said shares when issued and delivered will be registered under the 1933 Act, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. No shareholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have any statutory or contractual preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof. The shareholders of the Acquired Fund shall not pay any front-end or deferred sales charge in connection with the Reorganization. The contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) applicable to Class A and Class C shares of the Acquiring Fund issued in connection with the Reorganization will be calculated based on the CDSC schedule of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, of the Acquired Fund and, for purposes of calculating the CDSC, recipients of such Class A and Class C shares of the Acquiring Fund shall be deemed to have acquired such shares on the date(s) that the corresponding shares of the Acquired Fund were acquired by the shareholder.
5.10 Liquidation of Acquired Fund . The Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund agree that the liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund shall be effected in the manner provided in the Old Mutual Governing Documents in accordance with applicable Law, and that on and after the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall not conduct any business except in connection with its liquidation and termination, or the satisfaction of any provisions of this Agreement as set forth in Section 10.5.
5.11 Final Tax Returns and Forms 1099 of Acquired Fund . After the Effective Time, except as otherwise agreed to by the parties, the Acquired Fund shall or shall cause its agents to prepare any federal, state or local returns, including any Forms 1099, required to be filed by the Acquired Fund with respect to the taxable year ending on or prior to the Effective Time and for any prior periods or taxable years and shall further cause such tax returns and Forms 1099 to be duly filed with the appropriate taxing authorities.
5.12 Regulatory Filings . The Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund agree to file all necessary or appropriate reports with the SEC, Internal Revenue Service or other regulatory or tax authority covering any reporting period ending prior to or at the Effective Time with respect to the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund.
5.13 Compliance Section 15(f) . The Acquiring Trust agrees that, for the minimum time periods specified in Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act it shall take (or refrain from taking, as the case may be) such actions as are necessary to ensure that: (i) at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund shall not be interested persons (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Acquiring Funds investment adviser or the Acquired Funds investment adviser; (ii) no unfair burden (as that term is defined in Section 15(f)(2)(B) of the 1940 Act) shall be imposed on the Acquiring Fund; and (iii) each vacancy among the trustees of the Acquiring Fund which must be filled by a person who is an interested person neither of the Acquiring Funds investment adviser nor of the Acquired Funds investment adviser so as to comply with Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act, as if such Section were applicable, shall be filled in the manner specified by Section 16(b) of the 1940 Act. The Acquiring Trust may elect, in lieu of the covenants set forth in the preceding sentence, to apply for and obtain an exemptive order under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act from the provisions of Section 15(f)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Acquired Funds investment adviser.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
6.1 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of the Acquired Trust . The obligation of the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund to conclude the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund of all of the obligations to be performed by it hereunder at or before the Effective Time, and, in addition thereto, to the following further conditions unless waived by the Acquired Trust in writing:
(a) All representations and warranties of the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Effective Time with the same force and effect as if made at and as of the Effective Time; provided that the Acquiring Trust shall be given a period of 10 Business Days from the date on which any such representation or warranty shall not be true and correct in all material respects to cure such condition.
(b) The Acquiring Fund shall have furnished to the Acquired Fund the opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP dated as of the Effective Time, substantially to the effect that:
(i) the Acquiring Trust is a business trust, validly existing under Massachusetts Law, and has power under the Touchstone Governing Documents to conduct its business and own its assets as described in its currently effective registration statement on Form N-1A;
(ii) the Acquiring Trust is registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company and its registration with the SEC is in full force and effect;
(iii) the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered by the Acquiring Trust pursuant to this Agreement have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered as provided herein, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable under Massachusetts Law and no preemptive rights of shareholders exist with respect to any such shares or the issue or delivery thereof;
(iv) except as disclosed in writing to the Acquired Fund, such counsel knows of no material legal proceedings pending or threatened in writing against the Acquiring Trust;
(v) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, enforceable against the Acquiring Trust in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws relating to or affecting creditors rights generally, fraudulent conveyance, receivership, and to general equity principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and to an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;
(vi) the Registration Statement has become effective under the 1933 Act and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued under the 1933 Act and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or threatened by the SEC;
(vii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement did not and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a material breach of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a material default under, the
Touchstone Governing Documents or any material agreement or instrument pertaining to the Acquiring Fund identified as an Exhibit in Part C of the registration statement on Form N-1A last filed by the Acquiring Trust;
(viii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement did not and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a material violation by the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund of any terms, conditions, or provisions of any federal securities Law or Massachusetts Law as it relates to voluntary associations commonly referred to as Massachusetts business trusts; and
(ix) to the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization, or other action by or filing with any Governmental or Regulatory Body is required in connection with the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated, except such as have been obtained or made under the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder and Massachusetts Law.
In rendering such opinion, Pepper Hamilton LLP may rely upon certificates of officers of the Acquiring Trust and of public officials as to matters of fact.
(c) The Acquiring Fund shall have furnished to the Acquired Fund a certificate of the Acquiring Fund, signed by the President or Vice President and Treasurer of the Acquiring Trust, dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that they have examined the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement (and any supplement thereto) and this Agreement and that:
(i) To the best of their Knowledge, the representations and warranties of the Acquiring Trust in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Time and the Acquiring Trust has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Effective Time; and
(ii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose are pending or, to the Acquiring Trusts Knowledge, threatened in writing.
(d) An officer of the Acquired Trust shall have received the confirmation from the Acquiring Fund required under paragraph 3.3 of this Agreement.
(e) The Acquiring Fund shall have duly executed and delivered to the Acquired Fund such assumptions of Liabilities and other instruments as the Acquired Fund may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to evidence the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the assumption of all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund.
6.2 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of the Acquiring Trust . The obligation of the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, to conclude the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund of all of their obligations to be performed by them hereunder at or before the Effective
Time, and, in addition thereto, to the following further conditions unless waived by the Acquiring Trust in writing:
(a) All representations and warranties of the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Effective Time with the same force and effect as if made at and as of the Effective Time; provided that the Acquired Fund and the Acquired Trust shall be given a period of 10 Business Days from the date on which any such representation or warranty shall not be true and correct in all material respects to cure such condition.
(b) The Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund the opinion of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP dated as of the Effective Time, substantially to the effect that:
(i) the Acquired Trust is a statutory trust, validly existing and in good standing under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, and has power under the Old Mutual Governing Documents to conduct its business and own its assets as described in its currently effective registration statement on Form N-1A;
(ii) the Acquired Trust is registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company and its registration with the SEC is in full force and effect;
(iii) all issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund as of the Effective Time are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable under Delaware Law and no preemptive rights of shareholders exist with respect to any such shares or the issue or delivery thereof;
(iv) except as disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund, such counsel knows of no material legal proceedings pending or threatened in writing against the Acquired Trust;
(v) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, enforceable against the Acquired Trust in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws relating to or affecting creditors rights generally, fraudulent conveyance, receivership, and to general equity principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and to an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;
(vi) to the knowledge of such counsel, as of the date of its mailing, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and as of the date of its filing, the Registration Statement (other than the financial statements and other financial and statistical information contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all material respects with
the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder;
(vii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement did not and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not result in a material breach of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a material default under, the Old Mutual Governing Documents or any material agreement or instrument pertaining to the Acquired Fund identified as an Exhibit in Part C of the registration statement on Form N-1A last filed by the Acquired Trust;
(viii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement did not and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not result in a material violation by the Acquired Fund of any terms, conditions, or provisions of any federal securities Law or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act; and
(ix) to the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization or other action by or filing with any Governmental or Regulatory Body is required in connection with the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated, except such as have been obtained or made under the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder and Delaware Law and such authorizations and filings as are necessary to terminate the Acquired Funds as series of a Delaware statutory trust.
In rendering such opinion, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP may rely upon certificates of officers of the Acquired Trust and of public officials as to matters of fact.
(c) The Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund the unaudited statements required by paragraph 5.6.
(d) The Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund a certificate of the Acquired Fund, signed by the President or Vice President and Treasurer of the Acquired Trust, dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that they have examined the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement (and any supplement thereto) and this Agreement and that:
(i) to the best of their Knowledge, the representations and warranties of the Acquired Trust in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Time and the Acquired Trust has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Effective Time; and
(ii) since the date of the most recent financial statements of the Acquired Fund included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (or any supplement thereto), there has been no Material Adverse Effect on the business of the Acquired Fund (other than changes in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, dividends and other distributions in the ordinary course and changes in net asset value per share), except as set forth in or contemplated in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (or any supplement thereto).
(e) The Acquired Fund shall have duly executed and delivered to the Acquiring Trust such bills of sale, assignments, certificates and other instruments of
transfer, including transfer instructions to the Acquired Funds custodian and instructions to the Acquiring Trusts transfer agent ( Transfer Documents ) as the Acquiring Trust may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to evidence the transfer to the Acquiring Fund of all of the right, title and interest of the Acquired Fund in and to the respective Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund. In each case, the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund shall be accompanied by all necessary state stock transfer stamps or cash for the appropriate purchase price therefor.
(f) The Acquiring Fund shall have received: (i) a certificate of an authorized signatory of Acquired Fund Custodian, as custodian for the Acquired Fund, stating that the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund have been delivered to the Acquiring Fund; (ii) a certificate of an authorized signatory from Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., as custodian for the Acquiring Fund, stating that the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund have been received; and (iii) a certificate of an authorized signatory of the Acquired Fund confirming that the Acquired Fund has delivered its records containing the names and addresses of the record holders of each series of the Acquired Fund shares and the number and percentage (to three decimal places) of ownership of each series of the Acquired Fund shares owned by each such holder as of the close of business at the Valuation Time.
(g) At the Valuation Time and Effective Time, except as previously disclosed to the Acquiring Fund in writing, and except as have been corrected as required by applicable Law, there shall have been no material miscalculations of the net asset value of the Acquired Fund during the twelve-month period preceding the Valuation Time and Effective Time, and all such calculations shall have been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. At the Valuation Time and Effective Time, all Liabilities chargeable to the Acquired Fund which are required to be reflected in the net asset value per share of a share class of the Acquired Fund in accordance with applicable Law will be reflected in the net asset value per share of the Acquired Fund.
(h) Except for those agreements set forth on Schedule 6.2(h), the Acquired Funds agreements with each of its service contractors shall have terminated at the Effective Time, and each Party has received assurance that no claims for damages (liquidated or otherwise) will arise as a result of such termination.
6.3 Other Conditions Precedent . Unless waived in writing by the Parties with the consent of their respective boards of trustees, the consummation of the Reorganization is subject to the fulfillment, prior to or at the Effective Time, of each of the following conditions:
(a) This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Old Mutual Governing Documents, applicable Delaware Law and the 1940 Act. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquired Trust nor the Acquiring Trust may waive the conditions set forth in this paragraph 6.3(a).
(b) The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act, and no stop order suspending effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been pending or threatened in writing.
(c) Each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund shall have received a favorable opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP substantially to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes:
(i) The acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Funds assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares, followed by the distribution of such Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund in liquidation to the Acquired Fund shareholders in exchange for their Acquired Fund shares, all as provided in this Agreement, will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund each will be a party to a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
(ii) Under Code Section 361, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund (i) upon the transfer of its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund or (ii) upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund to the Acquired Fund shareholders in liquidation, as contemplated in this Agreement;
(iii) Under Code Section 1032, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares as contemplated in this Agreement;
(iv) Under Code Section 362(b), the tax basis of the assets of the Acquired Fund acquired by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization;
(v) Under Code Section 1223(2), the holding periods of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the periods during which such assets were held by the Acquired Fund;
(vi) Under Code Section 354, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Acquired Fund shares solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares in the Reorganization;
(vii) Under Code Section 358, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received by each Acquired Fund shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor;
(viii) Under Code Section 1223(1), an Acquired Fund shareholders holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received will include the period during which
the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor were held, provided that the Acquired Fund shareholder held the Acquired Fund shares as a capital asset on the date of the Reorganization.
No opinion will be expressed as to (1) the effect of the Reorganization on (A) the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund with respect to any asset as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the end of a taxable year (or on the termination or transfer thereof) under a mark-to-market system of accounting and (B) any Acquired Fund shareholder or Acquiring Fund shareholder that is required to recognize unrealized gains and losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes under a mark-to-market system of accounting, or (C) the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund with respect to any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code or (2) any other federal tax issues (except those set forth above) and all state, local or foreign tax issues of any kind.
Such opinion shall be based on customary assumptions, limitations and such representations as Pepper Hamilton LLP may reasonably request, and the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund will cooperate to make and certify the accuracy of such representations. Such opinion may contain such assumptions and limitations as shall be in the opinion of such counsel appropriate to render the opinions expressed therein. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this paragraph 6.3(c).
(d) At the Effective Time, the SEC shall not have issued an unfavorable report under Section 25(b) of the 1940 Act, and there shall be no proceedings pending that would seek to enjoin the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under Section 25(c) of the 1940 Act. No Action or Proceeding against the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Trust or their respective officers or trustees shall be threatened in writing or pending before any court or other Governmental or Regulatory Body in which it will seek, or seeks to restrain or prohibit any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to obtain damages or other relief in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(e) Closing of the purchase agreement by and among Touchstone Advisors, Inc., Old Mutual Capital, Inc. and Old Mutual (US) Holdings Inc., dated October 4, 2011 shall have occurred.
ARTICLE VII
EXPENSES
7.1 Touchstone (or any Affiliate thereof) and/or Old Mutual Capital (or any Affiliate thereof) will bear and pay, in such proportion as may be agreed upon by such parties, all fees and expenses associated with the Parties participation in the Reorganization without regard to whether the Reorganization is consummated. Reorganization expenses include, without limitation, obtaining shareholder approval of the Reorganization.
7.2 All such fees and expenses so borne and paid by Touchstone, Old Mutual Capital and/or their Affiliates shall be solely and directly related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall be paid directly by Touchstone, Old Mutual Capital and/or their Affiliates to the relevant providers of services or other payees in accordance with the principles set forth in the Internal Revenue Service Rev. Ruling 73-54, 1973-1 C.B. 187. The responsibility for payment shall be allocated between Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital (or any Affiliate thereof) as may be agreed by and between Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
8.1 Amendments . The Parties may amend this Agreement in such manner as may be agreed upon, whether before or after the meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund at which action upon this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby is to be taken; provided, however, that after the requisite approval of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund has been obtained, this Agreement shall not be amended or modified so as to change the provisions with respect to the transactions herein contemplated in any manner that would materially and adversely affect the rights of such shareholders without their further shareholder approval. Nothing in this paragraph 8.1 shall be construed to prohibit the Parties from amending this Agreement to change the Valuation Time or Effective Time.
8.2 Termination . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time:
(a) by the mutual written consent of the Parties;
(b) by the Acquired Trust (i) following a material breach by the Acquiring Trust of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement, provided that the Acquiring Trust shall have been given a period of 10 Business Days from the date of the occurrence of such material breach to cure such breach and shall have failed to do so; (ii) if any of the conditions set forth in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.3 are not satisfied as specified in said paragraphs on or before the Effective Time; or (iii) upon the occurrence of an event which has a Material Adverse Effect upon the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund;
(c) by the Acquiring Trust (i) following a material breach by the Acquired Trust of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement, provided that the Acquired Trust shall have been given a period of 10 Business Days from the date of the occurrence of such material breach to cure such breach and shall have failed to do so; (ii) if any of the conditions set forth in paragraphs 6.2 and 6.3 (other than 6.3(a) if the shareholder meeting has been duly adjourned to a date prior to the Final Effective Time) are not satisfied as specified in said paragraphs on or before the Effective Time; or (iii) upon the occurrence of an event which has a Material Adverse Effect upon the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund;
(d) by either the Acquiring Trust or the Acquired Trust by written notice to the other following a determination by the terminating Partys Board that the consummation of the Reorganization is not in the best interest of its shareholders; or
(e) by either the Acquiring Trust or the Acquired Trust if the Effective Time does not occur by June 29, 2012 (the Final Effective Time ), unless extended by mutual agreement and evidenced by a writing signed by an authorized officer of each Party.
If a Party terminates this Agreement in accordance with this paragraph 8.2, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of any Party, or the trustees or officers of such Party.
ARTICLE IX
PUBLICITY; CONFIDENTIALITY
9.1 Publicity . Any public announcements or similar publicity with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein will be made at such time and in such manner as the Parties mutually shall agree in writing, provided that nothing herein shall prevent either Party from making such public announcements as may be required by Law or otherwise reasonably deemed necessary or appropriate by authorized officers of the Funds, on the written advice of counsel, in which case the Party issuing such statement or communication shall advise the other Parties prior to such issuance.
9.2 Confidentiality . (a) The Parties, Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital (for purposes of this paragraph 9.2, the Protected Persons ) will hold, and will cause their board members, officers, employees, representatives, agents and Affiliated Persons to hold, in strict confidence, and not disclose to any other Person, and not use in any way except in connection with the transactions herein contemplated, without the prior written consent of the other Protected Persons, all confidential information obtained from the other Protected Persons in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such information may be disclosed: (i) to Governmental or Regulatory Bodies, and, where necessary, to any other Person in connection with the obtaining of consents or waivers as contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) if required by court order or decree or applicable Law; (iii) if it is publicly available through no act or failure to act of such Party; (iv) if it was already known to such Party on a non-confidential basis on the date of receipt; (v) during the course of or in connection with any litigation, government investigation, arbitration, or other proceedings based upon or in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the failure of the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated; or (vi) if it is otherwise expressly provided for herein.
(b) In the event of a termination of this Agreement, the Parties, Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital agree that they along with their board members, employees, representative agents and Affiliated Persons shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, except with the prior written consent of the other Protected Persons, keep secret and retain in strict confidence, and not use for the benefit of itself or themselves, nor disclose to any other Persons, any and all confidential or proprietary information
relating to the other Protected Persons and their related parties and Affiliates, whether obtained through their due diligence investigation, this Agreement or otherwise, except such information may be disclosed: (i) if required by court order or decree or applicable Law; (ii) if it is publicly available through no act or failure to act of such Party; (iii) if it was already known to such Party on a non-confidential basis on the date of receipt; (iv) during the course of or in connection with any litigation, government investigation, arbitration, or other proceedings based upon or in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the failure of the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated; or (v) if it is otherwise expressly provided for herein.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including any schedules delivered pursuant hereto, which are a part hereof) constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the matters covered by this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all prior understandings, written or oral, between the Parties and may be amended, modified, waived, discharged or terminated only by an instrument in writing signed by an authorized executive officer of the Party against which enforcement of the amendment, modification, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.
10.2 Notices . All notices or other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally, by overnight courier, by facsimile, telecopied (if confirmed) or sent via registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows (notices or other communication sent via e-mail shall not constitute notice):
If to the Acquired Trust:
Joan R. Gulinello, Esq.
Old Mutual Asset Management
200 Clarendon Street
53rd Floor
Boston, MA 02116
Telephone No.: (617) 369-7379
Facsimile No.: (617) 369-7479
E-mail: jgulinello@oldmutualus.com
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Matthew R. DiClemente, Esq.
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
2005 Market Street, Suite 2600
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Telephone: (215) 564-8173
Facsimile No.: (215) 564-8120
E-mail: mdiclemente@stradley.com
If to the Acquiring Trust:
Touchstone Strategic Trust
303 Broadway, Suite 1100
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Attention: Steven M. Graziano
Telephone No.: (513) 362-8292
Facsimile No.: (513) 362-8315
E-mail: steve.graziano@touchstoneinvestments.com
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Law Department
Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc.
400 Broadway
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Attention: Kevin L. Howard, Esq.
Telephone No.: (513) 361-6675
Facsimile No.: (513) 629-1044
E-mail: kevin.howard@wslife.com
John M. Ford, Esq.
Pepper Hamilton LLP
3000 Two Logan Square
Eighteenth and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2799
Telephone No.: (215) 981-4009
Facsimile No.: (215) 981-4750
E-mail: fordjm@pepperlaw.com
10.3 Waiver . The failure of either Party hereto to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement or any part hereof or the right of either Party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. Except as provided in paragraph 6.3(a), a Party may waive any condition to its obligations hereunder (such waiver to be in writing and authorized by an authorized officer of the waiving Party).
10.4 Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any Party without the written consent of all other Parties. Nothing herein express or implied is intended to or shall confer any rights, remedies or benefits upon any Person other than the Parties hereto.
10.5 Survival . Except as provided in the next sentence, the respective representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement and in any certificates or other instruments exchanged at the Effective Time as provided in Article VI hereto shall not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder. The covenants in paragraphs 1.3, 1.5, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.9, 10.13 and 10.14, this paragraph 10.5 and Article VII shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
10.6 Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
10.7 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
10.8 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to its principles of conflicts of Laws.
10.9 Further Assurances . Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, each of the Parties hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, such action to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional documents and instruments and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under the provisions of this Agreement and under applicable Law to consummate and make effective the Reorganization contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, delivering and/or causing to be delivered to each Party hereto each of the items required under this Agreement as a condition to such Partys obligations hereunder. In addition, the Acquired Fund shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Acquiring Trust at the Closing, the Books and Records of the Acquired Fund (regardless of whose possession they are in).
10.10 Beneficiaries . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to create rights in Persons not Parties (including, without limitation, any shareholder of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund).
10.11 Validity . Whenever possible, each provision and term of this Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner to be effective and valid, but if any provision or term of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by Law or invalid, then such provision or term shall be ineffective only in the jurisdiction or jurisdictions so holding and only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating or affecting in any manner whatsoever the remainder of such provision or term or the remaining provisions or terms of this Agreement.
10.12 Effect of Facsimile Signature . A facsimile signature of an authorized officer of a Party hereto on any Transfer Document shall have the same effect as if executed in the original by such officer.
10.13 The Acquiring Trust Liability . The name Touchstone Strategic Trust is the designation of the trustees for the time being under a Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated May 19, 1993, as amended through November 17, 2011, and all Persons dealing with the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund must look solely to the property of the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund for the enforcement of any claims as none of its trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Acquiring Trust. No other portfolio of the Acquiring Trust shall be liable for any claims against the Acquiring Fund. The Parties, along with Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital, specifically acknowledge and agree that any liability of the Acquiring Trust under this Agreement with respect to the Acquiring Fund, or in connection with the transactions contemplated herein with respect to the Acquiring Fund, shall be discharged only out of the assets of the Acquiring Fund and that no other portfolio of the Acquiring Trust shall be liable with respect thereto.
10.14 The Acquired Trust Liability . The name Old Mutual Funds I is the designation of the trustees for the time being under an Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated May 27, 2004, as amended through May 18, 2010, and all Persons dealing with the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund must look solely to the property of the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund for the enforcement of any claims as none of its trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Acquired Trust. No other portfolio of the Acquired Trust shall be liable for any claims against the Acquired Fund. The Parties, along with Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital, specifically acknowledge and agree that any liability of the Acquired Trust under this Agreement with respect to the Acquired Fund, or in connection with the transactions contemplated herein with respect to the Acquired Fund, shall be discharged only out of the assets of the Acquired Fund and that no other portfolio of the Acquired Trust shall be liable with respect thereto.
ARTICLE XI
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
Action or Proceeding means any action, suit or proceeding by any Person, or any investigation or audit by any Governmental or Regulatory Body.
Acquiring Fund has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Acquiring Fund Shares has the meaning specified in paragraph 1.4.
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such first Person.
Affiliated Person shall mean, with respect to any Person, an affiliated person of such Person as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act.
Agreement has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Books and Records means a Parties accounts, books, records or other documents (including but not limited to minute books, stock transfer ledgers, financial statements, tax returns and related work papers and letters from accountants, and other similar records) required to be maintained by the Parties with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, as applicable, pursuant to Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and Rules 31a-1 to 31a-3 thereunder.
Business Day means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York City are authorized or obligated to close.
Closing has the meaning specified in paragraph 3.1.
Code has the meaning specified in the recitals.
Old Mutual Capital has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Effective Time has the meaning specified in paragraph 3.1.
Fund Assets means all properties and assets of every kind and description whatsoever, including, without limitation, all cash, cash equivalents, securities, claims (whether absolute or contingent, known or unknown, accrued or unaccrued and including, but not limited to, any claims that the Acquired Fund may have against any Person), litigation proceeds of any type (including, without limitation, proceeds resulting from litigation involving portfolio securities as well as market timing/late trading actions or settlements) and receivables (including dividend and interest receivable), goodwill and other intangible property, Books and Records, and all interests, rights, privileges and powers, owned by the Acquired Fund, and any prepaid expenses shown on the Acquired Funds books at the Valuation Time, excluding the Acquired Funds rights under this Agreement.
Governmental or Regulatory Body means any court, tribunal, or government or political subdivision, whether federal, state, county, local or foreign, or any agency, authority, official or instrumentality of any such government or political subdivision.
Independent Trustees has the meaning specified in the recitals.
BNY Mellon has the meaning specified in paragraph 2.4.
Knowledge means (i) with respect to the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund, the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of the Acquired Trusts trustees or officers and Old Mutual Capital in its capacity as adviser to the Acquired Fund; and (ii) with respect to the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund, the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of the Acquiring Trusts trustees or officers, or Touchstone in its respective capacity as a service provider to the Acquiring Trust.
Law means any law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance of any Governmental or Regulatory Body.
Liabilities means all liabilities of the Acquired Fund.
Material Adverse Effect as to any Person means a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of such Person. For purposes of this definition, a decline in net asset value of the Acquired Fund or Acquiring Fund arising out of its investment operations or declines in market values of securities in its portfolio, the discharge of liabilities, or the redemption of shares representing interests in such fund, shall not constitute a Material Adverse Effect.
Acquired Fund has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Old Mutual Board has the meaning specified in the recitals.
Acquired Trust has the meaning specified in the preamble.
NYSE means New York Stock Exchange.
1940 Act means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
1933 Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
1934 Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Order means any writ, judgment, decree, injunction or similar order of any Government or Regulatory Body, in each case whether preliminary or final.
Party and Parties each has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental or Regulatory Body or other entity.
Protected Persons has the meaning specified in paragraph 9.2.
Proxy Statement/Prospectus has the meaning specified in paragraph 4.1(p).
Registration Statement has the meaning specified in paragraph 4.1(p).
Reorganization has the meaning specified in the recitals.
Acquired Fund has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Old Mutual Governing Documents has the meaning specified in paragraph 1.1.
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Acquiring Trust has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Touchstone Board has the meaning specified in the recitals.
Touchstone Governing Documents has the meaning specified in paragraph 4.3(a).
Transfer Documents has the meaning specified in paragraph 6.2(e).
Valuation Time has the meaning specified in paragraph 2.5.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties, Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
OLD MUTUAL FUNDS I, on behalf of each of the following of its separate series identified on Exhibit A hereto
By: |
/s/ Julian F. Sluyters |
|
Name: |
Julian F. Sluyters |
|
Title: |
President, PEO |
|
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST, on behalf of each of its separate series identified on Exhibit A hereto
By: |
/s/ Steve Graziano |
|
Name: |
Steve Graziano |
|
Title: |
Vice President |
|
OLD MUTUAL CAPITAL, INC.
By: |
/s/ Julian F. Sluyters |
|
Name: |
Julian F. Sluyters |
|
Title: |
President |
|
Solely for purposes of Article VII and
Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.5, 10.13 and 10.14
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
By: |
/s/ Steve Graziano |
|
Name: |
Steve Graziano |
|
Title: |
President |
|
By: |
/s/ Tim Paulin |
|
Name: |
Tim Paulin |
|
Title: |
VP, Investment Research and Product Mgt. |
|
Solely for purposes of Article VII and
Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.5, 10.13 and 10.14
EXHIBIT A
The following chart shows (i) each Acquired Fund and its classes of shares and (ii) the corresponding Acquiring Fund with its classes of shares:
Acquired Fund, each a series of Old
|
|
Acquiring Fund, each a series of Touchstone
|
|
Old Mutual Analytic Fund
|
|
Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund
|
|
Old Mutual Asset Allocation Balanced Portfolio
|
|
Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund
|
|
Old Mutual Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio Class A
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|
Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund
|
|
Old Mutual Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio
|
|
Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund
|
|
Old Mutual Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio Class A
|
|
Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund
|
|
Old Mutual International Equity Fund
|
|
Touchstone International Equity Fund
|
|
Old Mutual Copper Rock Emerging Growth Fund
|
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Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund
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Exhibit 99.(4)(b)
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (this Agreement ) dated as of December 9, 2011, by and among: (i) OLD MUTUAL FUNDS II , a Delaware statutory trust ( Acquired Trust ), on behalf of each of the series reflected below in the table contained in Recital A (each an Acquired Fund ); and (ii) TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST , a Massachusetts business trust (Acquiring Trust), on behalf of each of the series reflected below in the table contained in Recital A (each an Acquiring Fund ) (collectively, the Parties and each, a Party ). Old Mutual Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Old Mutual Capital ), joins this Agreement solely for purposes of paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.5, 10.13 and 10.14 and Article VII; Touchstone Advisors, Inc., an Ohio corporation ( Touchstone ), joins this Agreement solely for purposes of paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.5, 10.13 and 10.14 and Article VII. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in Article XI hereof.
RECITALS:
A. The following chart shows (i) each Acquired Fund and its classes of shares and (ii) the corresponding Acquiring Fund with its classes of shares:
Acquired Fund, each a series of Old Mutual
|
|
Acquiring Fund, each a series of Touchstone
|
Old Mutual Analytic U.S. Long/Short Fund |
|
Touchstone US Long/Short Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Barrow Hanley Value Fund |
|
Touchstone Value Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Copper Rock International Small Cap Fund |
|
Touchstone International Small Cap Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Focused Fund |
|
Touchstone Focused Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Large Cap Growth Fund |
|
Touchstone Capital Growth Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual TS&W Small Cap Value Fund |
|
Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Acquired Fund, each a series of Old Mutual
|
|
Acquiring Fund, each a series of Touchstone
|
Old Mutual TS&W Mid-Cap Value Fund |
|
Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
B. Each Acquired Fund and each Acquiring Fund are each a separate series of an open-end, registered investment company of the management type.
C. Each Acquired Fund and each Acquiring Fund are each authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest.
D. The Parties intend this Agreement to be, and adopt it as, a plan of reorganization within the meaning of the regulations under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code ).
E. Each reorganization shall consist of: (1) all of the Fund Assets (as defined below) of an Acquired Fund will be transferred to the corresponding Acquiring Fund in exchange for the corresponding class of the Acquiring Fund as set forth on Exhibit A to this Agreement (each, a Corresponding Class ) and the assumption by the corresponding Acquiring Fund of all of the Acquired Funds Liabilities (as defined below), and (2) Corresponding Class shares of the corresponding Acquiring Fund of equal value to the net assets of the Acquired Fund being acquired will be distributed to holders of shares of the Acquired Fund in the manner set forth in Exhibit A of this Agreement, in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (each a Reorganization ).
F. The Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust (the Old Mutual Board ), including a majority of trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act )) ( Independent Trustees ) of the Acquired Trust, has determined with respect to each Acquired Fund that: (1) participation in the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders, and (2) the value of the interests of existing shareholders of the Acquired Fund will not be diluted as a result of its effecting the Reorganization.
G. The Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust (the Touchstone Board ), including a majority of Independent Trustees of the Acquiring Trust, has determined with respect to each Acquiring Fund that: (1) participation in the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and its shareholders, if any, and (2) the value of the interests of existing shareholders, if any, of the Acquiring Fund will not be diluted as a result of its effecting the Reorganization.
H. The consummation of any Reorganization shall not be contingent on the consummation of any other Reorganization and it is the intention of the parties hereto that each Reorganization described herein shall be conducted separately of the others.
I. For convenience, the balance of this Agreement refers only to a single Reorganization, one Acquired Fund and one Acquiring Fund, but the terms and conditions hereof shall apply separately to each Reorganization and the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund participating therein.
AGREEMENT:
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, representations, and warranties made herein, covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Parties, and Old Mutual Capital and Touchstone to the extent indicated above, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE REORGANIZATION
1.1 The Reorganization . In accordance with the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Amended and Restated By-laws, as they may be amended from time to time, of the Acquired Trust (the Old Mutual Governing Documents ), at the Effective Time (as defined below), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, the Acquired Fund shall assign, deliver and otherwise transfer all Fund Assets, subject to all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund (the Liabilities ), to the Acquiring Fund, and the Acquiring Fund shall assume all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund. In consideration of the foregoing, the Acquiring Fund, at the Effective Time shall deliver to the Acquired Fund full and fractional (to the third decimal place) shares of the Acquiring Fund. The aggregate number of shares of the Acquiring Fund shall be determined as set forth in paragraph 2.3 by dividing (a) the value of the Fund Assets attributable to the Acquired Fund, net of the Acquired Funds Liabilities (computed as of the Valuation Time (as defined below) in the manner set forth in paragraph 2.1), by (b) the net asset value of one share of the corresponding class of the Acquiring Fund shares (computed as of the Valuation Time in the manner set forth in paragraph 2.2). Holders of each class of shares of the Acquired Fund will receive shares of the Corresponding Class, as set forth in Section E of the Recitals and Exhibit A to this Agreement, of the Acquiring Fund, as set forth in Section A of the Recitals. At and after the Effective Time, all of the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund shall become and be included in the Fund Assets of the Acquiring Fund and the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund shall become and be the Liabilities of and shall attach to the Acquiring Fund. At and after the Effective Time, the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund may be enforced only against the Acquiring Fund to the same extent as if such Liabilities had been incurred by the Acquiring Fund subject to any defense and/or set off that the Acquired Fund was entitled to assert immediately prior to the Effective Time and further subject to any defense and/or setoff that the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund may from time to time be entitled to assert.
1.2 The Acquired Fund Assets .
(a) At least ten Business Days prior to the Valuation Time, the Acquired Fund will provide the Acquiring Fund with a schedule of the securities and
other assets and Liabilities of the Acquired Fund. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund has provided the Acquired Fund with a copy of its current investment objective, investment policies, principal investment strategies, and restrictions and will provide the Acquired Fund with a written notice of any changes thereto through the Valuation Time. The Acquired Fund reserves the right to sell any of the securities or other assets shown on the schedule it provides to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to this paragraph 1.2(a) in the ordinary course as necessary to meet distribution and redemption requirements prior to the Valuation Time but will not, without the prior approval of the Acquiring Fund, acquire any additional securities other than securities which the Acquiring Fund may purchase in accordance with its stated investment objective and policies.
(b) At least five Business Days prior to the Valuation Time, the Acquiring Fund will advise the Acquired Fund of any investments of the Acquired Fund shown on the Acquired Funds schedule provided pursuant to paragraph 1.2(a) which the Acquiring Fund would not be permitted to hold (i) under its investment objective, principal investment strategies or investment restrictions; (ii) under applicable Law; or (iii) because the transfer of such investments would result in material operational or administrative difficulties to the Acquiring Fund in connection with facilitating the orderly transition of the Acquired Funds Fund Assets. Under such circumstances, to the extent practicable, the Acquired Fund will, if requested by the Acquiring Fund and, to the extent permissible and consistent with its own investment objectives and policies and the fiduciary duties of the investment adviser or sub-adviser responsible for the portfolio management of the Acquired Fund, dispose of such investments prior to the Valuation Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein will require the Acquired Fund to dispose of any portfolio securities or other investments of the Acquired Fund, if, in the reasonable judgment of the Old Mutual Board or the Acquired Funds investment adviser or sub-adviser, such disposition would adversely affect the tax-free nature of the Reorganization for federal income tax purposes or would otherwise not be in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders.
1.3 Assumption of Liabilities . The Acquired Fund will, to the extent permissible and consistent with its own investment objectives and policies, use its best efforts to discharge all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund prior to or at the Effective Time. The Acquiring Fund will assume all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund.
1.4 Distribution of Acquiring Fund Shares . Immediately upon receipt, the Acquired Fund will distribute the Corresponding Class shares of the Acquiring Fund received by the Acquired Fund from the Acquiring Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.1 pro rata to the record holders of shares of the Acquired Fund. Such distribution will be accomplished by transferring the Acquiring Fund Shares then credited to the Acquired Funds account on the Books and Records of the Acquiring Fund to open accounts on the Books and Records of the Acquiring Fund established and maintained by the Acquiring Funds transfer agent in the names of record holders of the Acquired Fund and representing the respective pro rata number of the Acquiring Fund Shares due to such record holder. All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will, without further notice, be cancelled promptly by the Acquired Fund on the Acquired Funds
Books and Records. Any such shares issued and outstanding prior to such cancellation shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Acquiring Fund Shares issued to the Acquired Fund in accordance with paragraph 1.1 above. In addition, each record holder of the Acquired Fund shall have the right to receive any unpaid dividends or other distributions which were declared with respect to his/her or its shares of the Acquired Fund at or before the Valuation Time.
1.5 Liquidation of the Acquired Fund . As soon as conveniently practicable after the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares pursuant to paragraph 1.4 has been made, the Acquired Fund shall take, in accordance with Delaware law, the 1940 Act and the Old Mutual Governing Documents, all such other steps as may be necessary or appropriate to effect a complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund.
1.6 Transfer Taxes . Any transfer taxes payable on issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares in a name other than that of the record holder of the Acquired Fund shares on the Acquired Funds Books and Records shall be paid by the Person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are issued and transferred, as a condition of that transfer.
ARTICLE II
VALUATION
2.1 Net Asset Value of the Acquired Fund . The net asset value of a share of each class of the Acquired Fund shall be the net asset value computed as of the Valuation Time, after the declaration and payment of any dividends and/or other distributions on the date thereof, using the valuation procedures described in the then-current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund as supplemented from time to time, or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
2.2 Net Asset Value of the Acquiring Fund . The net asset value per share of each Corresponding Class of the Acquiring Fund shall be the net asset value per share of the Corresponding Class of the Acquired Fund as of the Valuation Time. The net asset value of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will be determined by using the valuation procedures described in the then-current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund as supplemented from time to time, or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
2.3 Calculation of Number of Acquiring Fund Shares . The number of Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued (including fractional shares (to the third decimal place), if any) in connection with the Reorganization shall be the number of outstanding Acquired Fund Shares as of the Valuation Time.
2.4 Determination of Net Asset Value . All computations of net asset value and the value of securities transferred under this Article II shall be made by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (BNY Mellon), sub-administrator for the Acquired Fund, in accordance with its regular practice and the requirements of the 1940 Act.
2.5 Valuation Time . Valuation Time shall mean 4:00 PM Eastern Time of the Business Day preceding the Effective Time.
ARTICLE III
EFFECTIVE TIME AND CLOSING
3.1 Effective Time and Closing . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Reorganization shall occur immediately prior to the opening of business on April 16, 2012, or on such other date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer of each Party (the Effective Time ). To the extent any Fund Assets are, for any reason, not transferred at the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall cause such Fund Assets to be transferred in accordance with this Agreement at the earliest practical date thereafter. The closing of the Reorganization shall be held in person, by facsimile, by e-mail or by such other communication means as may be mutually agreed by the Parties, at the Effective Time (the Closing ).
3.2 Transfer and Delivery of Fund Assets . The Acquired Fund shall direct The Bank of New York Mellon ( Acquired Fund Custodian ), as custodian for the Acquired Fund, to deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing, or promptly thereafter, consistent with commercially reasonable standards, a certificate of an authorized officer certifying that: (a) Acquired Fund Custodian delivered the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund at the Effective Time; and (b) all necessary taxes in connection with the delivery of such Fund Assets, including all applicable foreign, federal and state stock transfer stamps and any other stamp duty taxes, if any, have been paid or provision (as reasonably estimated) for payment has been made.
3.3 Acquiring Fund Share Records . The Acquiring Fund shall deliver to an officer of the Acquired Trust at the Closing a confirmation evidencing that: (a) the appropriate number of Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to the account of the Acquired Fund on the Books and Records of the Acquired Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.1 prior to the actions contemplated by paragraph 1.4, and (b) the appropriate number of Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to the accounts of record holders of the Acquired Fund shares on the Books and Records of the Acquiring Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.4.
3.4 Postponement of Valuation Time and Effective Time . If immediately prior to the Valuation Time: (a) the NYSE or another primary trading market for portfolio securities of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund is closed to trading, or trading thereupon is restricted, or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on such market is disrupted so that, in the judgment of an appropriate officer of the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, accurate appraisal of the value of the net assets of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund is impracticable, the Valuation Time and Effective Time shall be postponed until the first Business Day that is a Friday after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored or such later date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer of each Party.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Representations and Warranties of the Acquired Trust . The Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, hereby represents and warrants to the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, as follows, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on the date hereof and agrees to confirm the continuing accuracy and completeness of the following at the Effective Time:
(a) The Acquired Trust is a statutory trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware and is duly qualified, licensed or admitted to do business and is in good standing as a foreign association under the Laws of each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification, licensing or admission necessary, except in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified, licensed or admitted and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on its properties or assets or the properties or assets of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund has full power under the Old Mutual Governing Documents to conduct its business as it is now being conducted and to own the properties and assets it now owns. The Acquired Fund has all necessary authorizations, licenses and approvals from any applicable Governmental or Regulatory Body necessary to carry on its business as such business is now being carried on except authorizations, licenses and approvals that the failure to so obtain would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will have been duly and validly authorized by the Old Mutual Board, and the Old Mutual Board has approved the Reorganization and has resolved to recommend the Reorganization to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and to call a meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund for the purpose of approving this Agreement and the Reorganization contemplated hereby. Other than the approval by the requisite vote of the shareholders of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Old Mutual Governing Documents, applicable Delaware Law and the 1940 Act, no other action on the part of the Acquired Fund or its shareholders is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund or the consummation of the Reorganization contemplated herein. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Acquired Trust, as it relates to the Acquired Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws relating to or affecting creditors rights, to general equity principles and to any limitations on indemnity as may be required under federal and state securities Laws).
(c) The authorized capital of the Acquired Fund consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $0.001 per share. Each share represents a fractional undivided interest in the Acquired Fund. The issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. There are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights of any kind to acquire from the Acquired Fund any shares of any series or equity interests of the Acquired Fund or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or which otherwise confer on the holder thereof any right to acquire, any such additional shares, nor is the Acquired Fund committed to issue any share appreciation or similar rights or options, warrants, rights or securities in connection with any series of shares. The Acquired Fund has no share certificates outstanding.
(d) The Acquired Fund has no subsidiaries.
(e) Except for consents, approvals, or waivers to be received prior to the Effective Time, including shareholder approval by the Acquired Fund, and upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (as defined below), the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund does not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not: (i) violate or conflict with the terms, conditions or provisions of the Old Mutual Governing Documents, or of any material contract, agreement, indenture, instrument, or other undertaking to which the Acquired Trust is a party or by which the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund is bound, (ii) result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Trust is a party or by which the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund is bound, (iii) result in a breach or violation by the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund of any terms, conditions, or provisions of any Law or Order, or (iv) require any consent or approval of, filing with or notice to, any Governmental or Regulatory Body other than such documents as are necessary to terminate the Acquired Funds as a series of a Delaware statutory trust.
(f) (i) Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Acquired Fund has delivered to the Acquiring Trust true and complete copies of the Acquired Funds audited statements of assets and liabilities of as of March 31, 2011, and unaudited statements of assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2011, or a later date if available prior to the date hereof, and the related audited schedules of investments, statements of income and changes in net assets and financial highlights for the periods then ended.
(ii) Except as set forth in the notes thereto, all such financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied throughout the periods then ended, and fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of the Acquired Fund as of the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods covered thereby subject, in the case of the unaudited financial statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments.
(iii) To the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge, except as reflected or reserved against in the statement of assets and liabilities included in the Acquired Funds audited financial statements as of March 31, 2011, and unaudited financial statements as of September 30, 2011, or in the notes thereto, or as previously disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Trust, there are no liabilities against, relating to or affecting the Acquired Fund, other than those incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund. In particular, since September 30, 2011 to the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge and except as disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Trust, there has not been any change in the financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities or business of the Acquired Fund that would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund or its properties or assets other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business.
(g) As of the date hereof, except as previously disclosed to the Acquiring Fund in writing, and except as have been corrected as required by applicable Law, and to the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge, there have been no material miscalculations of the net asset value of the Acquired Fund during the twelve-month period preceding the date hereof which would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund or its properties or assets, and all such calculations have been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
(h) The minute books and other similar records of the Acquired Trust as made available to the Acquiring Trust prior to the execution of this Agreement contain a true and complete record in all material respects of all material action taken at all meetings and by all written consents in lieu of meetings of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund, the Old Mutual Board and committees of the Old Mutual Board. The stock transfer ledgers and other similar records of the Acquired Fund as made available to the Acquiring Trust prior to the execution of this Agreement accurately reflect all record transfers prior to the execution of this Agreement in the shares of the Acquired Fund.
(i) The Acquired Fund has maintained, or caused to be maintained on its behalf, in all material respects, all Books and Records required of a registered investment company in compliance with the requirements of Section 31 of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder.
(j) Except as set forth in writing to the Acquiring Fund, there is no Action or Proceeding pending against the Acquired Fund or, to the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge, threatened against, relating to or affecting, the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund.
(k) No agent, broker, finder or investment or commercial banker, or other Person or firm engaged by or acting on behalf of the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund in connection with the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, is or will be entitled to any brokers or finders or similar fees or other commissions as a result of the consummation of such transactions.
(l) The Acquired Trust is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and its registration with the SEC as such an investment company is in full force and effect and the Acquired Fund is a separate series of the Acquired Trust duly designated in accordance with applicable provisions of the Old Mutual Governing Documents and in compliance in all material respects with the 1940 Act and its rules and regulations.
(m) With respect to periods on or after December 31, 2005, all federal and other tax returns and reports of the Acquired Fund and, with respect to periods prior to December 31, 2005, to the Knowledge of the Acquired Fund all federal and other tax returns and reports of the Acquired Fund, required by Law to have been filed were timely filed (giving effect to extensions) and are or were true, correct and complete in all material respects as of the time of their filing. With respect to periods on or after December 31, 2005, all known taxes of the Acquired Fund which are due and payable (whether or not shown on any tax return) and, with respect to periods prior to December 31, 2005, to the Knowledge of the Acquired Fund all taxes of the Acquired Fund which are or were due and payable (whether or not shown on any tax return), have been timely paid in full or provision has been made for payment thereof. The Acquired Fund is not liable for taxes of any person other than itself and is not a party to or otherwise bound by any tax sharing, allocation, assumption or indemnification agreement or arrangement. With respect to periods on or after December 31, 2005, all of the Acquired Funds tax liabilities and, with respect to periods prior to December 31, 2005, to the Knowledge of the Acquired Fund the Acquired Funds tax liabilities, shall have been adequately provided for on its Books and Records in respect of all periods ended on or before the date of such Books and Records. With respect to periods on or after December 31, 2005, the Acquired Fund has not and, with respect to periods prior to December 31, 2005, to the Knowledge of the Acquired Fund the Acquired Fund has not, had any tax deficiency or liability asserted against it or question with respect thereto raised, and no dispute, audit, investigation, proceeding or claim concerning any tax liabilities of the Acquired Fund has been raised by the Internal Revenue Service or by any other governmental authority in writing, and to the Acquired Funds Knowledge, no such dispute, audit, investigation, proceeding or claim is pending, being conducted or claimed.
(n) The Acquired Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company within the meaning of Sections 851 et seq. of the Code in respect of each taxable year since the commencement of operations, and shall continue to meet such requirements at all times through the Effective Time. The Acquired Fund has not at any time since its inception been liable for and is not now liable for any material income or excise tax pursuant to Section 852 or 4982 of the Code. The Acquired Fund has no other tax liability (foreign, state, local), except as accrued on the Acquired Funds Books and Records. The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated with respect to any taxable year in which the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply.
(o) The Acquired Fund is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or similar case (within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Code).
(p) Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Fund is in compliance in all material respects with the Code and applicable regulations promulgated under the Code pertaining to the reporting of dividends and other distributions on and redemptions of its capital stock and has withheld in respect of dividends and other distributions and paid to the proper taxing authority all taxes required to be withheld, and is not liable for any penalties which could be imposed thereunder.
(q) The Acquired Fund has not granted any waiver, extension or comparable consent regarding the application of the statute of limitations with respect to any taxes or tax return that is outstanding, nor has any request for such waiver or consent been made.
(r) The Acquired Fund does not own any converted property (as that term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.337(d)-7(a)(1)) that is subject to the rules of Section 1374 of the Code as a consequence of the application of Section 337(d)(1) of the Code and Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(s) Except as otherwise disclosed to the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Fund has not previously been a party to a tax-free reorganization under the Code within the preceding twelve months.
(t) The Acquired Fund has not received written notification from any tax authority that asserts a position contrary to any of the above representations.
(u) All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund have been offered and sold by the Acquired Fund in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities Laws, are registered under the 1933 Act and under the Laws of all jurisdictions in which registration is or was required, except as may have been previously disclosed to the Acquiring Fund in writing. Such registrations are, in all material respects, complete, current and have been continuously effective, and all fees required to be paid have been paid. The Acquired Fund is not subject to any stop order and is, and was, fully qualified to sell its shares in each jurisdiction in which such shares are being, or were, registered and sold.
(v) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund, including amendments and supplements thereto, and each prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund used at all times during the past three years prior to the date of this Agreement conform, or conformed at the time of its or their use, in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, and do not, or did not, as of their dates of distribution to the public, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any 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 materially misleading. The Acquired Fund currently
complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by the Acquired Fund.
(w) The combined proxy statement and prospectus and statement of additional information (collectively, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus ) to be included in the Acquiring Trusts registration statement on Form N-14 (the Registration Statement ) and filed in connection with this Agreement, and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto insofar as they relate to the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund, each comply or will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder on the effective date of such Registration Statement. Each of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto, insofar as it relates to the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading on the effective date of such Registration Statement; provided , however , that the Acquired Trust makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund, including information furnished by the Acquiring Trust to the Acquired Fund specifically for use in connection with the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto or otherwise publicly available on the Acquiring Trusts website or the SECs public disclosure system.
(x) Except as previously disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Trust, at the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to the Fund Assets and full right, power, and authority to sell, assign, transfer and, upon delivery and payment for the Fund Assets, deliver such Fund Assets, free and clear of all liens, mortgages, pledges, encumbrances, charges, claims and equities, and subject to no restrictions on the subsequent transfer thereof (other than any Fund Assets consisting of restricted securities) or as otherwise disclosed to the Acquiring Trust at least fifteen Business Days prior to the Effective Time, provided that the Acquiring Fund will acquire Fund Assets that are segregated or pledged as collateral for the Acquired Funds short sale and derivative positions (if any), including without limitation, as collateral for swap positions and as margin for futures positions, subject to such segregation and liens that apply to such Fund Assets.
(y) The Acquired Trust has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.
(z) Except as disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund, to the best of the Acquired Funds Knowledge, no events have occurred and no issues, conditions or facts have arisen which either individually or in the aggregate have had a Material
Adverse Effect on the Acquired Fund or its properties or assets other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business.
4.2 Representations and Warranties of the Acquiring Trust . The Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, hereby represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund as follows, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on the date hereof and agrees to confirm the continuing accuracy and completeness of the following at the Effective Time:
(a) The Acquiring Trust is a business trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is duly qualified, licensed or admitted to do business and is in good standing as a foreign association under the Laws of each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification, licensing or admission necessary, except in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified, licensed or admitted and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on its properties or assets or the properties or assets of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund has full power under the Acquiring Trusts Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time, and By-laws ( Touchstone Governing Documents ) to conduct its business as it is now being conducted and to own properties and assets for itself. The Acquiring Fund will prior to the Effective Time have all necessary authorizations, licenses and approvals from any applicable Governmental or Regulatory Body necessary to carry on its business.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been duly and validly authorized by the Touchstone Board and the Touchstone Board has approved the Reorganization. No action on the part of the shareholders of the Acquiring Fund is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund or the consummation of the Reorganization. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Trust, as it relates to the Acquiring Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws relating to or affecting creditors rights, to general equity principles and to any limitations on indemnity as may be required under federal and state securities Laws).
(c) The authorized capital of the Acquiring Fund consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest without par value. As of the date of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund has no outstanding shares of any class. As of the Valuation Time, the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund will consist solely of shares having the characteristics described in the Acquiring Funds prospectus effective at such time. There are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights of any kind to acquire from the Acquiring Fund any shares of any series or equity interests of the Acquiring Fund or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or
which otherwise confer on the holder thereof any right to acquire, any such additional shares, nor is the Acquiring Fund committed to issue any share appreciation or similar rights or options, warrants, rights or securities in connection with any series of shares.
(d) Except for consents, approvals, or waivers to be received prior to the Effective Time, including shareholder approval by the Acquired Fund, and upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund does not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not: (i) violate or conflict with the terms, conditions or provisions of the Touchstone Governing Documents, or of any material contract, agreement, indenture, instrument, or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Trust is a party or by which the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund is bound, (ii) result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Trust is a party or by which the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund is bound, (iii) result in a breach or violation by the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund of any terms, conditions, or provisions of any Law or Order, or (iv) require any consent or approval of, filing with or notice to, any Governmental or Regulatory Body.
(e) Except as set forth in writing to the Acquired Fund, there is no Action or Proceeding pending against the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund or, to the best of the Acquiring Trusts Knowledge, threatened against, relating to or affecting, the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund.
(f) No agent, broker, finder or investment or commercial banker, or other Person or firm engaged by or acting on behalf of the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund in connection with the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, is or will be entitled to any brokers or finders or similar fees or other commissions as a result of the consummation of such transactions.
(g) The Acquiring Trust is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and its registration with the SEC as such an investment company is in full force and effect, and the Acquiring Fund is a separate series of the Acquiring Trust duly designated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Touchstone Governing Documents and in and compliance in all material respects with the 1940 Act and its rules and regulations.
(h) The Acquiring Fund is, and will at the Effective Time be, a new series portfolio of the Acquiring Trust created within the last 12 months, and such Acquiring Fund will not have had any assets (other than assets required to meet the requirements of Section 14(a) of the 1940 Act or other seed capital) or operations at any time prior to the Effective Time.
(i) The Acquiring Fund was established in order to effect the transactions described in this Agreement, and, prior to the Effective Time, shall not
have carried on any business activity (other than such activities as are customary to the organization of a new series prior to its commencement of investment operations). It has not yet filed its first federal income tax return and, thus, has not yet elected to be treated as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. However, upon filing its first federal income tax return at the completion of its first taxable year, the Acquiring Fund shall elect to be a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code and until such time shall take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that it qualifies for taxation as a regulated investment company under Sections 851 and 852 of the Code. The Acquiring Fund is and will at the Effective Time be treated as a separate corporation under Section 851(g) of the Code.
(j) The shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued and delivered to the Acquired Fund for the account of the Acquired Fund (and to be distributed immediately thereafter to its shareholders) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will have been duly authorized at the Effective Time and, when so issued and delivered, will be registered under the 1933 Act, duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have any statutory or contractual preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof. In regard to the statement above that the Acquiring Fund shares will be non-assessable, it is noted that the Acquiring Trust is a Massachusetts business trust and under Massachusetts Law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund; however, the Acquiring Fund has included appropriate provisions disclaiming such liability in all material contracts entered into between the Acquiring Fund and any third-party.
(k) As of the Valuation Time, the Acquiring Funds prospectus and statement of additional information will conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder and will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any 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 materially misleading.
(l) The Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be included in the Registration Statement and filed in connection with this Agreement, and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto insofar as they relate to the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund, each comply or will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder on the effective date of such Registration Statement. Each of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto, insofar as it relates to the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading on the effective date of such Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Acquiring Trust makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund and furnished by the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Trust specifically for use in connection with the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, Registration Statement and the documents incorporated therein by reference and any amendment or supplement thereto.
(m) The Acquiring Trust has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.
(n) The Acquiring Fund has maintained, or caused to be maintained on its behalf, in all material respects, all Books and Records required of a registered investment company in compliance with the requirements of Section 31 of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder.
(o) Except as disclosed in writing to the Acquired Fund, to the best of the Acquiring Funds Knowledge, no events have occurred and no issues, conditions or facts have arisen which either individually or in the aggregate have had a Material Adverse Effect on the Acquiring Fund other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business.
(p) The Acquiring Trust is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or similar case (within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Code).
(q) The Acquiring Fund has no unamortized or unpaid organizational fees or expenses for which it does not expect to be reimbursed by Touchstone or its Affiliates.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
5.1 Conduct of Business . After the date of this Agreement and at or prior to the Effective Time, the Parties will conduct the businesses of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund only in the ordinary course and in accordance with this Agreement. It is understood that such ordinary course of business with respect to the Acquired Fund shall include (a) the declaration and payment of customary dividends and other distributions; (b) shareholder purchases and redemptions; (c) the continued good faith performance by the investment adviser, sub-adviser, administrator, distributor and other service providers of their respective responsibilities in accordance with their agreements with the Acquired Fund and applicable Law; and (d) the continued compliance with the Acquired Funds prospectus and statement of additional information. It is understood that such ordinary course of business with respect to the Acquiring Fund shall be limited to such actions as are customary to the organization of a new series prior to its commencement of investment operations. No Party shall take any action that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in any of its representations and warranties set
forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect. It is the intention of the parties that the transaction contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. None of the Parties to this Agreement shall take any action or cause any action to be taken that is inconsistent with such treatment or that results in the failure of the transaction to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
5.2 Shareholders Meeting . The Acquired Trust will call, convene and hold a meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund as soon as practicable, in accordance with applicable Law and the Old Mutual Governing Documents, for the purpose of approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein as set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and for such other purposes as may be necessary or desirable. In the event that, insufficient votes are received from shareholders, the meeting may be adjourned as permitted under the Old Mutual Governing Documents and applicable Law, and as set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in order to permit further solicitation of proxies.
5.3 Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement . The Parties will cooperate with each other in the preparation of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement and cause the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC in a form satisfactory to the Parties and their respective counsel as promptly as practicable. Upon effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Acquired Fund will cause the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be delivered to shareholders of the Acquired Fund entitled to vote on this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein in accordance with the Old Mutual Governing Documents. Each Party will provide the materials and information necessary to prepare the Registration Statement, for inclusion therein, in connection with the shareholder meeting of the Acquired Fund to consider the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, a Party becomes aware of any untrue statement of material fact or omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made, the Party discovering the item shall notify the other Parties and the Parties shall cooperate in promptly preparing, filing and clearing with the SEC and, if appropriate, distributing to shareholders appropriate disclosure with respect to the item.
5.4 Information . The Parties will furnish to each other, and each others accountants, legal counsel and other representatives, as appropriate, throughout the period prior to the Effective Time, all such documents and other information concerning the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, respectively, and their business and properties as may reasonably be requested by the other Party. Such cooperation shall include providing copies of reasonably requested documents and other information. Each Party shall make its employees and officers available on a mutually convenient basis to provide an explanation of any documents or information provided hereunder to the extent that such Partys employees are familiar with such documents or information.
5.5 Notice of Material Changes . Each Party will notify the other Parties of any event causing a Material Adverse Effect to such Party as soon as practicable following such Partys Knowledge of any event causing such a Material Adverse Effect.
5.6 Financial Statements . At the Closing, the Acquired Fund will deliver to the Acquiring Fund an unaudited statement of assets and liabilities of the Acquired Fund, together with a schedule of portfolio investments as of and for the interim period ending at the Valuation Time. These financial statements will present fairly in all material respects the financial position and portfolio investments of the Acquired Fund as of the Valuation Time in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and there will be no material contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund not disclosed in said financial statements. These financial statements shall be certified by the Treasurer of the Acquired Trust as, to the best of his or her Knowledge, complying with the requirements of the preceding sentence. The Acquired Fund also will deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Effective Time (i) the detailed tax-basis accounting records for each security or other investment to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund hereunder, which shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements for specific identification tax-lot accounting and clearly reflect the basis used for determination of gain and loss realized on the partial sale of any security to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund and (ii) a statement of earnings and profits of the Acquired Fund for federal income tax purposes that shall be carried over by the Acquired Fund as a result of Code Section 381 and which shall be certified by an officer of the Acquired Fund.
5.7 Other Necessary Action . The Parties will each take all necessary action and use their reasonable best efforts to complete all filings, obtain all governmental and other consents and approvals and satisfy any other provision required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.8 Books and Records . Upon reasonable notice, each Party will make available to each other Party for review any Books and Records which are reasonably requested by such other Party in connection with this Reorganization.
5.9 Issued Shares . The Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to the Acquired Fund for the account of the Acquired Fund (and to be distributed immediately thereafter to its shareholders) pursuant to this Agreement, will have been duly authorized at the Effective Time. Said shares when issued and delivered will be registered under the 1933 Act, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. No shareholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have any statutory or contractual preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof. The shareholders of the Acquired Fund shall not pay any front-end or deferred sales charge in connection with the Reorganization. The contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) applicable to Class A and Class C shares of the Acquiring Fund issued in connection with the Reorganization will be calculated based on the CDSC schedule of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, of the Acquired Fund and, for purposes of calculating the CDSC, recipients of such Class A and Class C shares of the Acquiring Fund shall be deemed to have acquired such shares on the date(s) that the corresponding shares of the Acquired Fund were acquired by the shareholder.
5.10 Liquidation of Acquired Fund . The Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund agree that the liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund shall be effected in the manner provided in the Old Mutual Governing Documents in accordance with applicable Law, and that on and after the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall not conduct any business except in
connection with its liquidation and termination, or the satisfaction of any provisions of this Agreement as set forth in Section 10.5.
5.11 Final Tax Returns and Forms 1099 of Acquired Fund . After the Effective Time, except as otherwise agreed to by the parties, the Acquired Fund shall or shall cause its agents to prepare any federal, state or local returns, including any Forms 1099, required to be filed by the Acquired Fund with respect to the taxable year ending on or prior to the Effective Time and for any prior periods or taxable years and shall further cause such tax returns and Forms 1099 to be duly filed with the appropriate taxing authorities.
5.12 Regulatory Filings . The Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund agree to file all necessary or appropriate reports with the SEC, Internal Revenue Service or other regulatory or tax authority covering any reporting period ending prior to or at the Effective Time with respect to the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund.
5.13 Compliance Section 15(f) . The Acquiring Trust agrees that, for the minimum time periods specified in Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act it shall take (or refrain from taking, as the case may be) such actions as are necessary to ensure that: (i) at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund shall not be interested persons (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Acquiring Funds investment adviser or the Acquired Funds investment adviser; (ii) no unfair burden (as that term is defined in Section 15(f)(2)(B) of the 1940 Act) shall be imposed on the Acquiring Fund; and (iii) each vacancy among the trustees of the Acquiring Fund which must be filled by a person who is an interested person neither of the Acquiring Funds investment adviser nor of the Acquired Funds investment adviser so as to comply with Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act, as if such Section were applicable, shall be filled in the manner specified by Section 16(b) of the 1940 Act. The Acquiring Trust may elect, in lieu of the covenants set forth in the preceding sentence, to apply for and obtain an exemptive order under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act from the provisions of Section 15(f)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Acquired Funds investment adviser.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
6.1 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of the Acquired Trust . The obligation of the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund to conclude the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund of all of the obligations to be performed by it hereunder at or before the Effective Time, and, in addition thereto, to the following further conditions unless waived by the Acquired Trust in writing:
(a) All representations and warranties of the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Effective Time with the same force and effect as if made at and as of the Effective Time; provided that the Acquiring Trust shall be given a period of 10 Business Days from the date on which any such
representation or warranty shall not be true and correct in all material respects to cure such condition.
(b) The Acquiring Fund shall have furnished to the Acquired Fund the opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP dated as of the Effective Time, substantially to the effect that:
(i) the Acquiring Trust is a business trust, validly existing under Massachusetts Law, and has power under the Touchstone Governing Documents to conduct its business and own its assets as described in its currently effective registration statement on Form N-1A;
(ii) the Acquiring Trust is registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company and its registration with the SEC is in full force and effect;
(iii) the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered by the Acquiring Trust pursuant to this Agreement have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered as provided herein, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable under Massachusetts Law and no preemptive rights of shareholders exist with respect to any such shares or the issue or delivery thereof;
(iv) except as disclosed in writing to the Acquired Fund, such counsel knows of no material legal proceedings pending or threatened in writing against the Acquiring Trust;
(v) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, enforceable against the Acquiring Trust in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws relating to or affecting creditors rights generally, fraudulent conveyance, receivership, and to general equity principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and to an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;
(vi) the Registration Statement has become effective under the 1933 Act and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued under the 1933 Act and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or threatened by the SEC;
(vii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement did not and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a material breach of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a material default under, the Touchstone Governing Documents or any material agreement or instrument pertaining to the Acquiring Fund identified as an Exhibit in Part C of the registration statement on Form N-1A last filed by the Acquiring Trust;
(viii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement did not and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a material violation by the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund of any terms, conditions, or provisions of any federal securities Law or Massachusetts Law as it relates to voluntary associations commonly referred to as Massachusetts business trusts; and
(ix) to the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization, or other action by or filing with any Governmental or Regulatory Body is required in connection with the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated, except such as have been obtained or made under the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder and Massachusetts Law.
In rendering such opinion, Pepper Hamilton LLP may rely upon certificates of officers of the Acquiring Trust and of public officials as to matters of fact.
(c) The Acquiring Fund shall have furnished to the Acquired Fund a certificate of the Acquiring Fund, signed by the President or Vice President and Treasurer of the Acquiring Trust, dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that they have examined the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement (and any supplement thereto) and this Agreement and that:
(i) To the best of their Knowledge, the representations and warranties of the Acquiring Trust in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Time and the Acquiring Trust has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Effective Time; and
(ii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose are pending or, to the Acquiring Trusts Knowledge, threatened in writing.
(d) An officer of the Acquired Trust shall have received the confirmation from the Acquiring Fund required under paragraph 3.3 of this Agreement.
(e) The Acquiring Fund shall have duly executed and delivered to the Acquired Fund such assumptions of Liabilities and other instruments as the Acquired Fund may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to evidence the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the assumption of all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund.
6.2 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of the Acquiring Trust . The obligation of the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, to conclude the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund of all of their obligations to be performed by them hereunder at or before the Effective Time, and, in addition thereto, to the following further conditions unless waived by the Acquiring Trust in writing:
(a) All representations and warranties of the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Effective Time with the same force and effect as if made at and as of the Effective Time; provided that the Acquired Fund and the Acquired Trust shall be given a period of 10 Business Days from the date on which any such representation or warranty shall not be true and correct in all material respects to cure such condition.
(b) The Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund the opinion of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP dated as of the Effective Time, substantially to the effect that:
(i) the Acquired Trust is a statutory trust, validly existing and in good standing under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, and has power under the Old Mutual Governing Documents to conduct its business and own its assets as described in its currently effective registration statement on Form N-1A;
(ii) the Acquired Trust is registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company and its registration with the SEC is in full force and effect;
(iii) all issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund as of the Effective Time are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable under Delaware Law and no preemptive rights of shareholders exist with respect to any such shares or the issue or delivery thereof;
(iv) except as disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund, such counsel knows of no material legal proceedings pending or threatened in writing against the Acquired Trust;
(v) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, enforceable against the Acquired Trust in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws relating to or affecting creditors rights generally, fraudulent conveyance, receivership, and to general equity principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and to an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;
(vi) to the knowledge of such counsel, as of the date of its mailing, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and as of the date of its filing, the Registration Statement (other than the financial statements and other financial and statistical information contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder;
(vii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement did not and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not result in a material breach of the
terms or provisions of, or constitute a material default under, the Old Mutual Governing Documents or any material agreement or instrument pertaining to the Acquired Fund identified as an Exhibit in Part C of the registration statement on Form N-1A last filed by the Acquired Trust;
(viii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement did not and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not result in a material violation by the Acquired Fund of any terms, conditions, or provisions of any federal securities Law or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act; and
(ix) to the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization or other action by or filing with any Governmental or Regulatory Body is required in connection with the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated, except such as have been obtained or made under the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder and Delaware Law and such authorizations and filings as are necessary to terminate the Acquired Funds as series of a Delaware statutory trust.
In rendering such opinion, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP may rely upon certificates of officers of the Acquired Trust and of public officials as to matters of fact.
(c) The Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund the unaudited statements required by paragraph 5.6.
(d) The Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund a certificate of the Acquired Fund, signed by the President or Vice President and Treasurer of the Acquired Trust, dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that they have examined the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement (and any supplement thereto) and this Agreement and that:
(i) to the best of their Knowledge, the representations and warranties of the Acquired Trust in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Time and the Acquired Trust has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Effective Time; and
(ii) since the date of the most recent financial statements of the Acquired Fund included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (or any supplement thereto), there has been no Material Adverse Effect on the business of the Acquired Fund (other than changes in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, dividends and other distributions in the ordinary course and changes in net asset value per share), except as set forth in or contemplated in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (or any supplement thereto).
(e) The Acquired Fund shall have duly executed and delivered to the Acquiring Trust such bills of sale, assignments, certificates and other instruments of transfer, including transfer instructions to the Acquired Funds custodian and instructions to the Acquiring Trusts transfer agent ( Transfer Documents ) as the Acquiring Trust may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to evidence the transfer to the Acquiring Fund of all of the right, title and interest of the Acquired Fund in and to
the respective Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund. In each case, the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund shall be accompanied by all necessary state stock transfer stamps or cash for the appropriate purchase price therefor.
(f) The Acquiring Fund shall have received: (i) a certificate of an authorized signatory of Acquired Fund Custodian, as custodian for the Acquired Fund, stating that the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund have been delivered to the Acquiring Fund; (ii) a certificate of an authorized signatory from Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., as custodian for the Acquiring Fund, stating that the Fund Assets of the Acquired Fund have been received; and (iii) a certificate of an authorized signatory of the Acquired Fund confirming that the Acquired Fund has delivered its records containing the names and addresses of the record holders of each series of the Acquired Fund shares and the number and percentage (to three decimal places) of ownership of each series of the Acquired Fund shares owned by each such holder as of the close of business at the Valuation Time.
(g) At the Valuation Time and Effective Time, except as previously disclosed to the Acquiring Fund in writing, and except as have been corrected as required by applicable Law, there shall have been no material miscalculations of the net asset value of the Acquired Fund during the twelve-month period preceding the Valuation Time and Effective Time, and all such calculations shall have been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. At the Valuation Time and Effective Time, all Liabilities chargeable to the Acquired Fund which are required to be reflected in the net asset value per share of a share class of the Acquired Fund in accordance with applicable Law will be reflected in the net asset value per share of the Acquired Fund.
(h) Except for those agreements set forth on Schedule 6.2(h), the Acquired Funds agreements with each of its service contractors shall have terminated at the Effective Time, and each Party has received assurance that no claims for damages (liquidated or otherwise) will arise as a result of such termination.
6.3 Other Conditions Precedent . Unless waived in writing by the Parties with the consent of their respective boards of trustees, the consummation of the Reorganization is subject to the fulfillment, prior to or at the Effective Time, of each of the following conditions:
(a) This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Old Mutual Governing Documents, applicable Delaware Law and the 1940 Act. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquired Trust nor the Acquiring Trust may waive the conditions set forth in this paragraph 6.3(a).
(b) The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act, and no stop order suspending effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been pending or threatened in writing.
(c) Each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund shall have received a favorable opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP substantially to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes:
(i) The acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Funds assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares, followed by the distribution of such Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund in liquidation to the Acquired Fund shareholders in exchange for their Acquired Fund shares, all as provided in this Agreement, will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund each will be a party to a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
(ii) Under Code Section 361, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund (i) upon the transfer of its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund or (ii) upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund to the Acquired Fund shareholders in liquidation, as contemplated in this Agreement;
(iii) Under Code Section 1032, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares as contemplated in this Agreement;
(iv) Under Code Section 362(b), the tax basis of the assets of the Acquired Fund acquired by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization;
(v) Under Code Section 1223(2), the holding periods of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the periods during which such assets were held by the Acquired Fund;
(vi) Under Code Section 354, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Acquired Fund shares solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares in the Reorganization;
(vii) Under Code Section 358, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received by each Acquired Fund shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor;
(viii) Under Code Section 1223(1), an Acquired Fund shareholders holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received will include the period during which the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor were held, provided that the Acquired Fund shareholder held the Acquired Fund shares as a capital asset on the date of the Reorganization.
No opinion will be expressed as to (1) the effect of the Reorganization on (A) the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund with respect to any asset as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the end of a taxable year (or on
the termination or transfer thereof) under a mark-to-market system of accounting and (B) any Acquired Fund shareholder or Acquiring Fund shareholder that is required to recognize unrealized gains and losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes under a mark-to-market system of accounting, or (C) the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund with respect to any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code or (2) any other federal tax issues (except those set forth above) and all state, local or foreign tax issues of any kind.
Such opinion shall be based on customary assumptions, limitations and such representations as Pepper Hamilton LLP may reasonably request, and the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund will cooperate to make and certify the accuracy of such representations. Such opinion may contain such assumptions and limitations as shall be in the opinion of such counsel appropriate to render the opinions expressed therein. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this paragraph 6.3(c).
(d) At the Effective Time, the SEC shall not have issued an unfavorable report under Section 25(b) of the 1940 Act, and there shall be no proceedings pending that would seek to enjoin the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under Section 25(c) of the 1940 Act. No Action or Proceeding against the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Trust or their respective officers or trustees shall be threatened in writing or pending before any court or other Governmental or Regulatory Body in which it will seek, or seeks to restrain or prohibit any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to obtain damages or other relief in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(e) Closing of the purchase agreement by and among Touchstone Advisors, Inc., Old Mutual Capital, Inc. and Old Mutual (US) Holdings Inc., dated October 4, 2011 shall have occurred.
ARTICLE VII
EXPENSES
7.1 Touchstone (or any Affiliate thereof) and/or Old Mutual Capital (or any Affiliate thereof) will bear and pay, in such proportion as may be agreed upon by such parties, all fees and expenses associated with the Parties participation in the Reorganization without regard to whether the Reorganization is consummated. Reorganization expenses include, without limitation, obtaining shareholder approval of the Reorganization.
7.2 All such fees and expenses so borne and paid by Touchstone, Old Mutual Capital and/or their Affiliates shall be solely and directly related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall be paid directly by Touchstone, Old Mutual Capital and/or their Affiliates to the relevant providers of services or other payees in accordance with the principles set forth in the Internal Revenue Service Rev. Ruling 73-54, 1973-1 C.B. 187. The responsibility for
payment shall be allocated between Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital (or any Affiliate thereof) as may be agreed by and between Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
8.1 Amendments . The Parties may amend this Agreement in such manner as may be agreed upon, whether before or after the meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund at which action upon this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby is to be taken; provided, however, that after the requisite approval of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund has been obtained, this Agreement shall not be amended or modified so as to change the provisions with respect to the transactions herein contemplated in any manner that would materially and adversely affect the rights of such shareholders without their further shareholder approval. Nothing in this paragraph 8.1 shall be construed to prohibit the Parties from amending this Agreement to change the Valuation Time or Effective Time.
8.2 Termination . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time:
(a) by the mutual written consent of the Parties;
(b) by the Acquired Trust (i) following a material breach by the Acquiring Trust of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement, provided that the Acquiring Trust shall have been given a period of 10 Business Days from the date of the occurrence of such material breach to cure such breach and shall have failed to do so; (ii) if any of the conditions set forth in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.3 are not satisfied as specified in said paragraphs on or before the Effective Time; or (iii) upon the occurrence of an event which has a Material Adverse Effect upon the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund;
(c) by the Acquiring Trust (i) following a material breach by the Acquired Trust of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement, provided that the Acquired Trust shall have been given a period of 10 Business Days from the date of the occurrence of such material breach to cure such breach and shall have failed to do so; (ii) if any of the conditions set forth in paragraphs 6.2 and 6.3 (other than 6.3(a) if the shareholder meeting has been duly adjourned to a date prior to the Final Effective Time) are not satisfied as specified in said paragraphs on or before the Effective Time; or (iii) upon the occurrence of an event which has a Material Adverse Effect upon the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund;
(d) by either the Acquiring Trust or the Acquired Trust by written notice to the other following a determination by the terminating Partys Board that the consummation of the Reorganization is not in the best interest of its shareholders; or
(e) by either the Acquiring Trust or the Acquired Trust if the Effective Time does not occur by June 29, 2012 (the Final Effective Time ), unless
extended by mutual agreement and evidenced by a writing signed by an authorized officer of each Party.
If a Party terminates this Agreement in accordance with this paragraph 8.2, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of any Party, or the trustees or officers of such Party.
ARTICLE IX
PUBLICITY; CONFIDENTIALITY
9.1 Publicity . Any public announcements or similar publicity with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein will be made at such time and in such manner as the Parties mutually shall agree in writing, provided that nothing herein shall prevent either Party from making such public announcements as may be required by Law or otherwise reasonably deemed necessary or appropriate by authorized officers of the Funds, on the written advice of counsel, in which case the Party issuing such statement or communication shall advise the other Parties prior to such issuance.
9.2 Confidentiality . (a) The Parties, Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital (for purposes of this paragraph 9.2, the Protected Persons ) will hold, and will cause their board members, officers, employees, representatives, agents and Affiliated Persons to hold, in strict confidence, and not disclose to any other Person, and not use in any way except in connection with the transactions herein contemplated, without the prior written consent of the other Protected Persons, all confidential information obtained from the other Protected Persons in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such information may be disclosed: (i) to Governmental or Regulatory Bodies, and, where necessary, to any other Person in connection with the obtaining of consents or waivers as contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) if required by court order or decree or applicable Law; (iii) if it is publicly available through no act or failure to act of such Party; (iv) if it was already known to such Party on a non-confidential basis on the date of receipt; (v) during the course of or in connection with any litigation, government investigation, arbitration, or other proceedings based upon or in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the failure of the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated; or (vi) if it is otherwise expressly provided for herein.
(b) In the event of a termination of this Agreement, the Parties, Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital agree that they along with their board members, employees, representative agents and Affiliated Persons shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, except with the prior written consent of the other Protected Persons, keep secret and retain in strict confidence, and not use for the benefit of itself or themselves, nor disclose to any other Persons, any and all confidential or proprietary information relating to the other Protected Persons and their related parties and Affiliates, whether obtained through their due diligence investigation, this Agreement or otherwise, except such information may be disclosed: (i) if required by court order or decree or applicable Law; (ii) if it is publicly available through no act or failure to act of such Party; (iii) if it was already known to such Party on a non-confidential basis on the date of receipt; (iv) during the course of or in connection with any litigation, government investigation,
arbitration, or other proceedings based upon or in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the failure of the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated; or (v) if it is otherwise expressly provided for herein.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including any schedules delivered pursuant hereto, which are a part hereof) constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the matters covered by this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all prior understandings, written or oral, between the Parties and may be amended, modified, waived, discharged or terminated only by an instrument in writing signed by an authorized executive officer of the Party against which enforcement of the amendment, modification, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.
10.2 Notices . All notices or other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally, by overnight courier, by facsimile, telecopied (if confirmed) or sent via registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows (notices or other communication sent via e-mail shall not constitute notice):
If to the Acquired Trust:
Joan R. Gulinello, Esq.
Old Mutual Asset Management
200 Clarendon Street
53rd Floor
Boston, MA 02116
Telephone No.: (617) 369-7379
Facsimile No.: (617) 369-7479
E-mail: jgulinello@oldmutualus.com
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Matthew R. DiClemente, Esq.
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
2005 Market Street, Suite 2600
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Telephone: (215) 564-8173
Facsimile No.: (215) 564-8120
E-mail: mdiclemente@stradley.com
If to the Acquiring Trust:
Touchstone Strategic Trust
303 Broadway, Suite 1100
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Attention: Steven M. Graziano
Telephone No.: (513) 362-8292
Facsimile No.: (513) 362-8315
E-mail:steve.graziano@touchstoneinvestments.com
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Law Department
Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc.
400 Broadway
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Attention: Kevin L. Howard, Esq.
Telephone No.: (513) 361-6675
Facsimile No.: (513) 629-1044
E-mail: kevin.howard@wslife.com
John M. Ford, Esq.
Pepper Hamilton LLP
3000 Two Logan Square
Eighteenth and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2799
Telephone No.: (215) 981-4009
Facsimile No.: (215) 981-4750
E-mail: fordjm@pepperlaw.com
10.3 Waiver . The failure of either Party hereto to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement or any part hereof or the right of either Party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. Except as provided in paragraph 6.3(a), a Party may waive any condition to its obligations hereunder (such waiver to be in writing and authorized by an authorized officer of the waiving Party).
10.4 Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any Party without the written consent of all other Parties. Nothing herein express or implied is intended to or shall confer any rights, remedies or benefits upon any Person other than the Parties hereto.
10.5 Survival . Except as provided in the next sentence, the respective representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement and in any certificates or other instruments exchanged at the Effective Time as provided in Article VI hereto shall not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder. The covenants in paragraphs 1.3, 1.5, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.9, 10.13 and 10.14, this paragraph 10.5 and Article VII shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
10.6 Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
10.7 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
10.8 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to its principles of conflicts of Laws.
10.9 Further Assurances . Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, each of the Parties hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, such action to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional documents and instruments and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under the provisions of this Agreement and under applicable Law to consummate and make effective the Reorganization contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, delivering and/or causing to be delivered to each Party hereto each of the items required under this Agreement as a condition to such Partys obligations hereunder. In addition, the Acquired Fund shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Acquiring Trust at the Closing, the Books and Records of the Acquired Fund (regardless of whose possession they are in).
10.10 Beneficiaries . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to create rights in Persons not Parties (including, without limitation, any shareholder of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund).
10.11 Validity . Whenever possible, each provision and term of this Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner to be effective and valid, but if any provision or term of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by Law or invalid, then such provision or term shall be ineffective only in the jurisdiction or jurisdictions so holding and only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating or affecting in any manner whatsoever the remainder of such provision or term or the remaining provisions or terms of this Agreement.
10.12 Effect of Facsimile Signature . A facsimile signature of an authorized officer of a Party hereto on any Transfer Document shall have the same effect as if executed in the original by such officer.
10.13 The Acquiring Trust Liability . The name Touchstone Strategic Trust is the designation of the trustees for the time being under a Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated May 19, 1993, as amended through November 17, 2011, and all Persons dealing with the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund must look solely to the property of the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund for the enforcement of any claims as none of its trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Acquiring Trust. No other portfolio of the Acquiring Trust shall be liable for any claims against the Acquiring Fund. The Parties, along with Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital, specifically acknowledge and agree that any liability of the Acquiring Trust under this Agreement with respect to the Acquiring Fund, or in connection with the transactions
contemplated herein with respect to the Acquiring Fund, shall be discharged only out of the assets of the Acquiring Fund and that no other portfolio of the Acquiring Trust shall be liable with respect thereto.
10.14 The Acquired Trust Liability . The name Old Mutual Funds II is the designation of the trustees for the time being under an Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated March 1, 2006, as amended through May 20, 2011, and all Persons dealing with the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund must look solely to the property of the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund for the enforcement of any claims as none of its trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Acquired Trust. No other portfolio of the Acquired Trust shall be liable for any claims against the Acquired Fund. The Parties, along with Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital, specifically acknowledge and agree that any liability of the Acquired Trust under this Agreement with respect to the Acquired Fund, or in connection with the transactions contemplated herein with respect to the Acquired Fund, shall be discharged only out of the assets of the Acquired Fund and that no other portfolio of the Acquired Trust shall be liable with respect thereto.
ARTICLE XI
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
Action or Proceeding means any action, suit or proceeding by any Person, or any investigation or audit by any Governmental or Regulatory Body.
Acquiring Fund has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Acquiring Fund Shares has the meaning specified in paragraph 1.4.
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such first Person.
Affiliated Person shall mean, with respect to any Person, an affiliated person of such Person as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act.
Agreement has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Books and Records means a Parties accounts, books, records or other documents (including but not limited to minute books, stock transfer ledgers, financial statements, tax returns and related work papers and letters from accountants, and other similar records) required to be maintained by the Parties with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, as applicable, pursuant to Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and Rules 31a-1 to 31a-3 thereunder.
Business Day means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York City are authorized or obligated to close.
Closing has the meaning specified in paragraph 3.1.
Code has the meaning specified in the recitals.
Old Mutual Capital has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Effective Time has the meaning specified in paragraph 3.1.
Fund Assets means all properties and assets of every kind and description whatsoever, including, without limitation, all cash, cash equivalents, securities, claims (whether absolute or contingent, known or unknown, accrued or unaccrued and including, but not limited to, any claims that the Acquired Fund may have against any Person), litigation proceeds of any type (including, without limitation, proceeds resulting from litigation involving portfolio securities as well as market timing/late trading actions or settlements) and receivables (including dividend and interest receivable), goodwill and other intangible property, Books and Records, and all interests, rights, privileges and powers, owned by the Acquired Fund, and any prepaid expenses shown on the Acquired Funds books at the Valuation Time, excluding the Acquired Funds rights under this Agreement.
Governmental or Regulatory Body means any court, tribunal, or government or political subdivision, whether federal, state, county, local or foreign, or any agency, authority, official or instrumentality of any such government or political subdivision.
Independent Trustees has the meaning specified in the recitals.
BNY Mellon has the meaning specified in paragraph 2.4.
Knowledge means (i) with respect to the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund, the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of the Acquired Trusts trustees or officers and Old Mutual Capital in its capacity as adviser to the Acquired Fund; and (ii) with respect to the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund, the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of the Acquiring Trusts trustees or officers, or Touchstone in its respective capacity as a service provider to the Acquiring Trust.
Law means any law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance of any Governmental or Regulatory Body.
Liabilities means all liabilities of the Acquired Fund.
Material Adverse Effect as to any Person means a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of such Person. For purposes of this definition, a decline in net asset value of the Acquired Fund or Acquiring Fund arising out of its investment operations or declines in market values of securities in its portfolio, the discharge of liabilities, or the redemption of shares representing interests in such fund, shall not constitute a Material Adverse Effect.
Acquired Fund has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Old Mutual Board has the meaning specified in the recitals.
Acquired Trust has the meaning specified in the preamble.
NYSE means New York Stock Exchange.
1940 Act means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
1933 Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
1934 Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Order means any writ, judgment, decree, injunction or similar order of any Government or Regulatory Body, in each case whether preliminary or final.
Party and Parties each has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental or Regulatory Body or other entity.
Protected Persons has the meaning specified in paragraph 9.2.
Proxy Statement/Prospectus has the meaning specified in paragraph 4.1(p).
Registration Statement has the meaning specified in paragraph 4.1(p).
Reorganization has the meaning specified in the recitals.
Acquired Fund has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Old Mutual Governing Documents has the meaning specified in paragraph 1.1.
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Acquiring Trust has the meaning specified in the preamble.
Touchstone Board has the meaning specified in the recitals.
Touchstone Governing Documents has the meaning specified in paragraph 4.3(a).
Transfer Documents has the meaning specified in paragraph 6.2(e).
Valuation Time has the meaning specified in paragraph 2.5.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties, Touchstone and Old Mutual Capital have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
OLD MUTUAL FUNDS II, on behalf of each of the following of its separate series identified on Exhibit A hereto
By: |
/s/ Julian F. Sluyters |
|
Name: |
Julian F. Sluyters |
|
Title: |
President, PEO |
|
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST, on behalf of each of its separate series identified on Exhibit A hereto
By: |
/s/ Steve Graziano |
|
Name: |
Steve Graziano |
|
Title: |
Vice President |
|
OLD MUTUAL CAPITAL, INC.
By: |
/s/ Julian F. Sluyters |
|
Name: |
Julian F. Sluyters |
|
Title: |
President |
|
Solely for purposes of Article VII and
Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.5, 10.13 and 10.14
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
By: |
/s/ Steve Graziano |
|
Name: |
Steve Graziano |
|
Title: |
President |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Tim Paulin |
|
Name: |
Tim Paulin |
|
Title: |
VP, Investment Research and Product Mgt. |
|
Solely for purposes of Article VII and
Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, 9.2, 10.5, 10.13 and 10.14
EXHIBIT A
The following chart shows (i) each Acquired Fund and its classes of shares and (ii) the corresponding Acquiring Fund with its classes of shares:
Acquired Fund, each a series of Old Mutual
|
|
Acquiring Fund, each a series of Touchstone
|
Old Mutual Analytic U.S. Long/Short Fund |
|
Touchstone US Long/Short Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Barrow Hanley Value Fund |
|
Touchstone Value Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Copper Rock International Small Cap Fund |
|
Touchstone International Small Cap Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Focused Fund |
|
Touchstone Focused Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual Large Cap Growth Fund |
|
Touchstone Capital Growth Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual TS&W Small Cap Value Fund |
|
Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Old Mutual TS&W Mid-Cap Value Fund |
|
Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund |
Class A |
|
Class A |
Class Z |
|
Class Y |
Institutional Class |
|
Institutional Class |
Exhibit 99.(6)(k)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE ALLOCATION FUNDS
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and Ibbotson Associates, Inc., an Illinois corporation (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 (as amended) and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the following funds:
Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund
Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund
Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund
Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund
(individually a Fund, and collectively the Funds); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Funds, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Funds;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Employment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Funds allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such employment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and
federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Funds.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Funds and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Funds. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Funds and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, the individual primarily responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the trustees of the Trust.
b. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisers obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor shall cause the Funds 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 Sub-Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act,
which it will provide to the Advisor and the Funds. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Funds with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Funds and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by any Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately 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 the Funds or the Advisers policies, guidelines or procedures. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub-Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor 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. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub-Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Funds) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Funds, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records ). The Fund Books and Records shall be
available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Funds are open for business.
c. The Sub-Advisor shall provide support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Funds, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub-Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Funds, (iii) access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management of the Funds for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Funds, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
d. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Funds, effect all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time.
e. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an appropriate amount 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 Sub-Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
f. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
g. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Funds pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee as set forth in Exhibit B without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the
compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub-Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Funds for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and prospects of the Sub-Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions affecting the Funds that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Funds and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Funds, the Funds performance, the services provided by the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor to the Funds as compared to its other accounts and the plans of, and the capability of, the Sub-Advisor with respect to providing future services to the Funds and its other accounts. The Sub-Advisor agrees to submit to the Trust a statement defining its policies with respect to the allocation of business among the Funds and its other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all amendments or restatements of such document.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub-Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and all affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act) and all controlling persons (as described in Section 15 of the 1933 Act) (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation
or any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence generally in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or any of its affiliates and the directors, officers and employees of the Sub-Advisor and/or any of its affiliates.
7. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Funds, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
8. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
9. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Funds or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor less than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub-Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not less than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meaning set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
10. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
11. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 22 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602.
12. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement.. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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Title: |
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IBBOTSON ASSOCIATES, INC.
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Attest: |
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EXHIBIT B
Compensation pursuant to Paragraph 3 of this Agreement shall be calculated in accordance with the following schedule:
Name of Series |
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Average Daily Net Assets |
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Annual Fee Rate |
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Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund |
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$0 to $250 Million |
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0.08 |
% |
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$250 Million to $500 Million |
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0.07 |
% |
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$500 Million to $750 Million |
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0.06 |
% |
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$750 Million to $1 Billion |
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0.05 |
% |
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$1 Billion to $2 Billion |
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0.04 |
% |
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Over $2 Billion |
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0.03 |
% |
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Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund |
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$0 to $250 Million |
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0.08 |
% |
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$250 Million to $500 Million |
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0.07 |
% |
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$500 Million to $750 Million |
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0.06 |
% |
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$750 Million to $1 Billion |
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0.05 |
% |
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$1 Billion to $2 Billion |
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0.04 |
% |
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Over $2 Billion |
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0.03 |
% |
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Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund |
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$0 to $250 Million |
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0.08 |
% |
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$250 Million to $500 Million |
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0.07 |
% |
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$500 Million to $750 Million |
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0.06 |
% |
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$750 Million to $1 Billion |
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0.05 |
% |
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$1 Billion to $2 Billion |
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0.04 |
% |
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Over $2 Billion |
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0.03 |
% |
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Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund |
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$0 to $250 Million |
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0.08 |
% |
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$250 Million to $500 Million |
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0.07 |
% |
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$500 Million to $750 Million |
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0.06 |
% |
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$750 Million to $1 Billion |
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0.05 |
% |
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$1 Billion to $2 Billion |
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0.04 |
% |
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Over $2 Billion |
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0.03 |
% |
On an ongoing basis, there will be a minimum annual fee of $200,000. If as of the end of the last billing quarter of the year, as determined by the commencement of the Portfolios operations under this agreement, the total fees paid have been less than the minimum annual fee in that contract year, the difference between the amount paid and the minimum annual fee shall be due and payable as of the last day of the year.
Exhibit 99.(6)(l)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and ANALYTIC INVESTORS, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub- Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment
objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in
any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub-
Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the Sub- Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.45% the first $300 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.40% of the next $200 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.35% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.30% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.25% of the next $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.20% of the next $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $2 billion without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub-Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 555 West Fifth Street, 50 th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90013.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter expressly set forth herein.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. |
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/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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Tim Paulin |
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Senior Vice President |
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ANALYTIC INVESTORS, LLC |
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/s/ Michael Brogan |
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/s/ Amy Stueve |
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Michael Brogan |
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Chief Financial Officer and |
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General Counsel |
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Amy Stueve |
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Chief Compliance Officer |
Exhibit 99.(6)(m)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE U.S. LONG/SHORT FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and ANALYTIC INVESTORS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone U.S. Long/Short Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub- Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment
objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in
any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub-
Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the Sub- Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.45% the first $300 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.40% of the next $200 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.35% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.30% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.25% of the next $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.20% of the next $500 million of average daily net assets of the fund and 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the fund in excess of $2 billion without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub- Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 555 West Fifth Street, 50 th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90013.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter expressly set forth herein.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
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/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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/s/ Tim Paulin |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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Tim Paulin |
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Senior Vice President |
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ANALYTIC INVESTORS, LLC |
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/s/ Michael Brogan |
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/s/ Amy Stueve |
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Michael Brogan |
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Chief Financial Officer and |
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General Counsel |
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Amy Stueve |
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Chief Compliance Officer |
Exhibit 99.(6)(n)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE VALUE FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and BARROW, HANLEY, MEWHINNEY & STRAUSS, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone Value Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub-
Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has
adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the
Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub- Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the Sub-
Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.40% the first $300 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.38% of the next $200 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.37% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.35% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.33% of the next $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.32% of the next $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.31% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $2 billion without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub- Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with
the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the
Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all
Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the
1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be JP Morgan Chase Tower, 2200 Ross Avenue,
31 st Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter expressly set forth herein.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
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/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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/s/ Tim Paulin |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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Tim Paulin |
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Senior Vice President |
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BARROW, HANLEY, MEWHINNEY |
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& STRAUSS, LLC |
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/s/ James P. Barrow |
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/s/ Patricia B. Andrews |
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James P. Barrow |
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President |
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Patricia B. Andrews |
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Chief Compliance Officer |
Exhibit 99.(6)(o)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and COPPER ROCK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub- Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone International Small Cap Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub-
Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has
adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the
Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub- Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the Sub-
Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.50% the first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.45% of the next $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.40% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $1 billion without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub-Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 200 Clarendon Street, 51 st Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter expressly set forth herein.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
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BY: |
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BY: |
/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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/s/ Tim Paulin |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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Tim Paulin |
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Title: |
Senior Vice President |
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COPPER ROCK CAPITAL
PARTNERS, LLC
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/s/ Michael Forrester |
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Michael Forrester |
/s/ Jill Burnie |
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Chief Operating Officer |
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Jill Burnie |
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Assistant to M. Forrester |
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Exhibit 99.(6)(p)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE EMERGING GROWTH FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and COPPER ROCK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub- Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub-
Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has
adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the
Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub- Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the
Sub-Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub- Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial
condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 200 Clarendon Street, 51 st Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter expressly set forth herein.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
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/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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/s/ Tim Paulin |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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Tim Paulin |
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Senior Vice President |
COPPER ROCK CAPITAL
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/s/ Michael Forrester |
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/s/ Jill Burnie |
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Michael Forrester |
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Chief Operating Officer |
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Jill Burnie |
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Assistant to M. Forrester |
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Exhibit 99.(6)(q)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE MID CAP VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and THOMPSON, SIEGEL & WALMSLEY LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub- Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment
objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in
any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub-
Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the Sub- Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.45% the first $300 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.40% of the next $200 million of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $500 million without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub-Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial
condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 6806 Paragon Place, Suite 300, Richmond, Virginia 23230.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
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/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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/s/ Tim Paulin |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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Tim Paulin |
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Senior Vice President |
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THOMPSON, SIEGEL & |
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WALMSLEY, LLC |
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/s/ Horace P. Whitworth |
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/s/ Jessica L. Thompson |
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Horace P. Whitworth |
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Co-chief Executive Officer |
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Jessica L. Thompson, Esq. |
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Chief Compliance Officer |
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Exhibit 99.(6)(r)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE SMALL CAP VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and THOMPSON, SIEGEL & WALMSLEY LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub- Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment
objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in
any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub-
Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the Sub- Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.55% the first $300 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.50% of the next $200 million of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.45% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $500 million without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub-Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial
condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 6806 Paragon Place, Suite 300, Richmond, Virginia 23230.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter expressly set forth herein.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. |
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/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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/s/ Tim Paulin |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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Tim Paulin |
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Senior Vice President |
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THOMPSON, SIEGEL & WALMSLEY, LLC |
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Attest: |
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/s/ Horace P. Whitworth |
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/s/ Jessica L. Thompson |
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Name: Horace P. Whitworth |
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Title: Co-chief Executive Officer |
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Jessica L. Thompson, Esq. |
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Chief Compliance Officer |
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Exhibit 99.(6)(s)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE FOCUSED FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and FORT WASHINGTON INVESTMENT ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 (as amended) and registered as an open-end non-diversified management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone Focused Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Employment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such employment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, the individual primarily responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the trustees of the Trust.
b. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub-Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board.
c. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisers obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub-Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by any Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately 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 the Funds or the Advisers policies, guidelines or procedures. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub-Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor 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. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub-Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the
periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records ). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall provide support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub-Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
e. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions, which may not be the lowest available but ordinarily should not be higher than the generally prevailing competitive range), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a
written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
f. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an appropriate amount 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 Sub-Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
g. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
h. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.40% the first $100 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.35% of the next $400 million of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub-Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and prospects of the Sub-Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions affecting the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising
by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, the Funds performance, the services provided by the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor to the Fund as compared to its other accounts and the plans of, and the capability of, the Sub-Advisor with respect to providing future services to the Fund and its other accounts. The Sub-Advisor agrees to submit to the Trust a statement defining its policies with respect to the allocation of business among the Fund and its other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all amendments or restatements of such document.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub-Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and all affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act) and all controlling persons (as described in Section 15 of the 1933 Act) (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation or any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence generally in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or any of its affiliates and the directors, officers and employees of the Sub-Advisor and/or any of its affiliates.
7. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
8. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
9. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor less than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub-Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not less than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meaning set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
10. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
11. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the
Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
12. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
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/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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Exhibit 99.(6)(t)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone International Equity Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub- Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment
objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in
any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub-Advisor
with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the Sub- Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.60% of the first $300 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.55% of the next $200 million of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $500 million without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub- Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial
condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be One Post Office Square, 20 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter expressly set forth herein.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC |
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Exhibit 99.(6)(u)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE CAPITAL GROWTH FUND
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
This SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of April 16, 2012, by and between TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the Advisor), and ASHFIELD CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Advisor is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and has been retained by Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated May 19, 1993 and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), to provide investment advisory services with respect to certain assets of the Touchstone Capital Growth Fund (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor also is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to retain the Sub-Advisor to furnish it with portfolio management services in connection with the Advisors investment advisory activities on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Advisor is willing to furnish such services to the Advisor and the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
1. Appointment of the Sub-Advisor. In accordance with and subject to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Advisory Agreement), the Advisor hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to manage the investment and reinvestment of that portion of the assets of the Fund allocated to it by the Advisor (the Fund Assets), in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and subject to the control and direction of the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees, for the period and on the terms hereinafter set forth. The Sub-Advisor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render the services and to perform the duties called for by this Agreement for the compensation herein provided. The Sub-Advisor shall at all times maintain its registration as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal. The Sub-Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Fund.
2. Duties of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will provide the following services and undertake the following duties:
a. The Sub-Advisor will manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Assets, subject to and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund and in conformity with the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any directions which the Advisor or the Trusts Board of Trustees may give from time to time with respect to the Fund. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Sub-Advisor will make all determinations with respect to the investment of the Fund Assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and shall take such steps as may be necessary or advisable to implement the same. The Sub-Advisor also will determine the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities will be exercised. The Sub-Advisor will render regular reports to the Trusts Board of Trustees and to the Advisor (or such other advisor or advisors as the Advisor shall engage to assist it in the evaluation of the performance and activities of the Sub-Advisor). Such reports shall be made in such form and manner and with respect to such matters regarding the Fund and the Sub-Advisor as the Trust or the Advisor shall from time to time request; provided, however, that in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a senior member of the Sub-Advisors portfolio management team responsible for management of Fund Assets for the Sub-Advisor will not be required to attend in person more than one meeting per year with the Trustees of the Trust. The Sub-Advisor may utilize the services of a third-party to research and vote proxies on its behalf and on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall not have custody of any of the assets of the Fund, is not authorized to provide the Fund with legal or tax advice and is not authorized to engage the Fund in any legal proceedings, including responding to class action claims; provided, however, that the Sub-Advisor shall promptly forward any notices it receives relating to class action claims to the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent. The Sub-Advisor shall assist the custodian or other duly designated Fund agent in evaluating such securities litigation claims, as reasonably requested in writing, but the Sub-Advisor will not be responsible for filing such claims. The Advisor acknowledges that the Funds custodian or other duly designated Fund agent will be responsible for evaluating and making all decisions regarding securities litigation claims involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund.
b. In addition, the Sub-Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate purchase and sale orders of securities placed with respect to the assets of the Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates, if, in the Sub-Advisors reasonable judgment, such aggregation shall result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. In the event that a purchase or sale of an asset of the Fund occurs as part of any aggregate sale or purchase order, the objective of the Sub-Advisor and any of its affiliates involved in such transaction shall be to allocate the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, among the Fund and other accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Sub- Advisor to be equitable to each. Moreover, it is possible that due to differing investment
objectives or for other reasons, the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may purchase securities of an issuer for one client and at approximately the same time recommend selling or sell the same or similar types of securities for another client, including the Fund.
c. The Sub-Advisor will not arrange purchases or sales of securities between the Fund and other accounts advised by the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law and regulation (including Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act) and the Funds policies and procedures, (b) the Sub- Advisor determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund, and (c) the Funds Board of Trustees has approved these types of transactions.
d. The Sub-Advisor shall promptly notify the Advisor if the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes that the value of any security held by the Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Advisor agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub- Advisor is aware to the Advisor 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 Funds valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Funds net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board. The parties hereto recognize that the Sub-Advisor is not an official pricing source.
e. Regulatory Compliance.
(i) The Sub-Advisor agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. In selecting the Funds portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Advisors obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor 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 Sub- Advisor shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Advisor shall limit the Sub-Advisors full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Sub-Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Advisor and the Fund. The Sub-Advisor shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Advisors current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in
any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics. No less frequently than annually, the Sub-Advisor shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Advisors Code of Ethics to the Fund and the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall respond to requests for information from the Advisor as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Sub- Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall immediately notify the Advisor of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(iii) The Sub-Advisor shall notify the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Advisor immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds or the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as set forth in the Funds currently effective Registration Statement, prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or as provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing. In addition, the Sub-Advisor shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Funds compliance with its investment objectives and policies and applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act, the Code, and the Funds and the Advisors policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Advisors obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges and agrees that the Advisor may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance certifications to the Board. The Sub- Advisor agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the Advisor may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The Sub-Advisor will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Sub-Advisor is served or otherwise receives 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 Funds ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub- Advisor with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of the Sub-Advisor changes or an actual change in control resulting in an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(iv) The Sub-Advisor shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to the Funds assets advised by the Sub-Advisor required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the Advisor, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the Fund Books and Records). The Fund Books and Records shall be available to the Advisor and the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during any day the Fund is open for business.
f. The Sub-Advisor shall provide reasonable support to the Advisor with respect to the marketing of the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) permission to use the Sub-Advisors name as provided in Section 5, (ii) upon reasonable request from the Advisor, permission to use the past performance and investment history of the Sub-
Advisor with respect to a composite of other funds managed by the Sub-Advisor that are comparable, in investment objective and composition, to the Fund, (iii) reasonable access to the individual(s) responsible for day-to-day management as well as for servicing of the Fund for marketing conferences, teleconferences and other activities involving the promotion of the Fund, subject to the reasonable request of the Advisor from time to time, (iv) permission to use biographical and historical data of the Sub-Advisor and individual manager(s), and (v) permission to use the names of those clients pre-approved by the Sub-Advisor to which the Sub-Advisor provides investment management services, subject to receipt of the consent of such clients to the use of their names.
g. The Sub-Advisor will, in the name of the Fund, place orders for the execution of all portfolio transactions in accordance with the policies with respect thereto set forth in the Trusts registration statements under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statements may be in effect from time to time. When placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Sub-Advisors primary objective shall be to obtain the most favorable price and execution available for the Fund, and in placing such orders the Sub-Advisor may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Fund (including commissions), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and subject to seeking most favorable price and execution and compliance with Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Advisor may select brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions of the Fund that promote or sell shares of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, to the extent authorized by law (including, without limitation, Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), to pay a broker or dealer who provides research services to the Sub-Advisor an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting such transaction, in recognition of such additional research services rendered by the broker or dealer, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of the particular transaction or the Sub-Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to discretionary accounts that it manages, and that the Fund derives or will derive a reasonable benefit from such research services. The Sub-Advisor will present a written report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, indicating total brokerage expenses, actual or imputed, as well as the services obtained in consideration for such expenses, broken down by broker-dealer and containing such information as the Board of Trustees reasonably shall request.
h. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount consistent with industry practice and standards and shall provide annual certificates of insurance to the Trust evidencing such coverage. Furthermore, the Sub- Advisor shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
i. In the event of any reorganization or other change in the Sub-Advisor, its investment principals, supervisors or members of its investment (or comparable) committee, the Sub-Advisor shall give the Advisor and the Trusts Board of Trustees written notice of such reorganization or change within a reasonable time (but not later than 30 days) after such reorganization or change.
j. The Sub-Advisor will bear its expenses of providing services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement except such expenses as are expressly undertaken by the Advisor or the Trust.
3. Compensation of the Sub-Advisor.
a. As compensation for the services to be rendered and duties undertaken hereunder by the Sub-Advisor, the Advisor will pay to the Sub-Advisor a monthly fee equal on an annual basis to 0.35% the first $300 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.335% of the next $200 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.325% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.325% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.275% of the next $500 million of the average daily net asset of the Fund, 0.225% of the next $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.175% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $2 billion without regard to any total expense limitation of the Trust or the Advisor. Such fee shall be computed and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears. If the Sub-Advisor serves in such capacity for less than the whole of any period specified in this Section 3a, the compensation to the Sub-Advisor shall be prorated. For purposes of calculating the Sub-Advisors fee, the daily value of the Fund Assets shall be computed by the same method as the Trust uses to compute the net asset value of the Fund for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares thereof.
b. The Sub-Advisor reserves the right to waive all or a part of its fees hereunder.
4. Activities of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor will report to the Board of Trustees of the Trust (at regular quarterly meetings and at such other times as such Board of Trustees reasonably shall request, subject to the limitation on personal attendance at such meetings set forth in Section 2a) (i) the financial condition and financial prospects of the Sub- Advisor, (ii) the nature and amount of transactions that may be reasonably expected to affect the Fund that involve the Sub-Advisor and affiliates of the Sub-Advisor, (iii) information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising by reason of its continuing provision of advisory services to the Fund and to its other accounts, and (iv) such other information as the Board of Trustees shall reasonably request regarding the Fund, including but not limited to the performance of the specific strategy used to manage the assets of the Fund, and the capacity of the Sub-Advisor as it relates to the continuing ability of the Sub-Advisor to accept additional cash flow from the Advisor into the Fund. Upon request, the Sub-Advisor agrees to discuss with the Board its plans for the allocation of remaining capacity in the strategy used to manage the Fund, with respect to the Fund and to the Sub-Advisors other clients.
The Sub-Advisor has supplied to the Advisor and the Trust copies of its Form ADV with all exhibits and attachments thereto (including the Sub-Advisors statement of financial condition) and will hereafter supply to the Advisor, promptly upon the preparation thereof, copies of all material amendments or restatements of such document. Advisor consents to receipt of all such disclosure documents via electronic delivery.
5. Use of Names. Neither the Advisor nor the Trust shall use the name of the Sub- Advisor in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Advisor or the Trust in any manner not approved in advance by the Sub-Advisor; provided, however, that the Sub- Advisor will approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Advisor shall not use the name of the Advisor or the Trust in any material relating to the Sub-Advisor in any manner not approved in advance by the Advisor or the Trust, as the case may be; provided, however, that the Advisor and the Trust shall each approve all uses of their respective names which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Sub-Advisor hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and, provided further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
6. Liability of the Sub-Advisor. The Sub-Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Advisor that provides material financial support to the Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Sub-Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (together, Losses) by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Sub-Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation in connection with the services provided to the Trust hereunder, including as a result of any violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in the Funds Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction provided to the Sub-Advisor in writing by the Board, or (b) the Sub-Advisors willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 6, the term Sub-Advisor shall include the Sub-Advisor and/or, its directors, officers and employees, but not any third-parties, including unaffiliated brokers, engaged by Sub-Advisor to provide services under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sub-Advisor will be obligated by this paragraph to indemnify any Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for any and all such Losses that the Sub-Advisor Indemnitee incurs either directly or in connection with reimbursing or otherwise making whole another Sub-Advisor Indemnitee for such Losses.
7. Liability of the Advisor. The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, any affiliated entity of the Sub-Advisor that provides material financial support to the Sub-Advisor with respect to the Fund, and any officer, director or employee of the Sub- Advisor, or such an affiliated entity (collectively, the Advisor Indemnitees) against any and all Losses by reason of or arising out of: (a) the Advisor being in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, or (b) the Advisors willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8. Limitation of Trusts Liability. The Sub-Advisor acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations upon the Trusts liability set forth in its Declaration of Trust. The Sub-Advisor agrees that (i) the Trusts obligations to the Sub-Advisor under this Agreement (or indirectly under the Advisory Agreement) shall be limited in any event to the Fund Assets and (ii) the Sub-Advisor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the holders of shares of the Fund, other than the Advisor, nor from any Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.
9. Force Majeure. The Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of equipment breakdowns beyond its control, the Sub-Advisor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions but shall have no liability with respect thereto.
10. Renewal, Termination and Amendment.
a. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, until April 1, 2014; and it shall continue thereafter provided that such continuance is specifically approved by the parties and, in addition, at least annually by (i) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as herein defined) of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Trusts Board of Trustees and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
b. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, (i) by the Advisor upon not more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than thirty (30) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Sub- Advisor; (ii) by the Sub-Advisor upon not fewer than sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Advisor; or (iii) by the Trust upon either (y) the majority vote of its Board or (z) the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
c. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties hereto, subject to approval by the Trusts Board of Trustees and, if required by applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such change.
d. The terms assignment, interested persons and majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall become or shall be found to be invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Notice. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed and delivered personally (or by telecopy or e-mail) or mailed postage-paid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate in accordance with this paragraph for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust and that of the Advisor for this purpose shall be 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 and that the address of the Sub-Advisor shall be 750 Battery Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, California 94111.
13. Miscellaneous. Each party agrees to perform such further actions and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the Sub-Advisor consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Ohio, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter expressly set forth herein
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
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Exhibit 99.(12)(a)
3000 Two Logan Square
Eighteenth and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2799
215.981.4000
Fax 215.981.4750
April 16, 2012
Touchstone Strategic Trust
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Old Mutual Funds I
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Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences to (i) the Old Mutual Analytic Fund, Old Mutual Asset Allocation Balanced Portfolio, Old Mutual Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Old Mutual Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio, Old Mutual Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio, Old Mutual International Equity Fund, Old Mutual Copper Rock Emerging Growth Fund (the Acquired Funds), each a series of Old Mutual Funds I (Acquired Trust), a Delaware statutory trust, (ii) the holders (the Acquired Fund Shareholders) of voting shares of common stock of the Acquired Funds (the Acquired Fund Shares), and (iii) Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund, Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund, Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund, Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund, Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund, Touchstone International Equity Fund, Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund (the Acquiring Funds, and together with the Acquired Funds, the Funds), each a separate series of Touchstone Strategic Trust (Acquiring Trust), a Massachusetts business trust, in connection with the transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Funds to the respective Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for voting shares of common stock of such Acquiring Fund (the Acquiring Fund Shares) and the assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Funds by the respective Acquiring Fund, followed by the distribution of such Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Funds in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Funds (these transactions taken together are referred to as, the Reorganizations), all pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the Agreement) dated as of December 9, 2011, executed by Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Funds and
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www.pepperlaw.com
Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Funds. The Acquiring Funds are currently shell series of the Acquiring Trust, without assets or liabilities, created for the purpose of acquiring the assets and liabilities of its corresponding Acquiring Fund.
For the purpose of rendering this opinion, we have examined and are relying, with your permission (without any independent investigation or review thereof other than such investigation and review as we have deemed necessary to comply with our professional obligations under IRS Circular 230 or otherwise), upon the truth and accuracy, at all relevant times, of the statements, covenants, representations and warranties contained in the following documents (the Documents):
1. The Agreement;
2. The registration statement of Acquiring Trust on Form N-14 to which this opinion is an exhibit, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued in connection with the Reorganizations (the Registration Statement), and the proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement (the Prospectus/Proxy Statement);
3. The representations made to us by each of the Funds in their letters to us dated the date hereof; and
4. Such other instruments and documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of rendering this opinion.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed, with your permission and without independent investigation (other than such investigation as we have deemed necessary to comply with our professional obligations under IRS Circular 230 or otherwise), that (i) the Reorganizations will be consummated in the manner contemplated by the Prospectus/Proxy Statement and in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement without the waiver of any conditions to any partys obligation to effect the Reorganizations, (ii) the original documents (including signatures) are authentic, (iii) the documents submitted to us as copies conform to the original documents, (iv) there has been (or will be by the date of the Reorganizations) due execution and delivery of all documents where due execution and delivery are prerequisites to the effectiveness of those documents, (v) the statements and representations contained in the Documents are accurate, (vi) the covenants and warranties set forth in the Documents will be complied with, and (vii) the Reorganizations will be effective under applicable law.
Furthermore, we have assumed, with your permission and without independent investigation (other than such investigation as we have deemed necessary to comply with our professional obligations under IRS Circular 230 or otherwise), that, as to all matters in which a person or entity making a
representation has represented that such person or entity or a related party is not a party to, does not have, or is not aware of, any plan, intention, understanding or agreement to take action, there is in fact no plan, intention, understanding or agreement and such action will not be taken, and we have further assumed that any statement made to the knowledge of or otherwise similarly qualified is correct without such qualification.
Subject to the foregoing and any other assumptions, limitations and qualifications specified herein, it is our opinion, although not free from doubt, that, with respect to each of the Reorganizations, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
1. The acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Funds assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and the issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares, followed by the distribution of such Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund in complete liquidation to the Acquired Fund Shareholders in exchange for their Acquired Fund Shares, all as provided in the Agreement, will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund each will be a party to a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
2. Under Code Section 361, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund (i) upon the transfer of its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund or (ii) upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund to the Acquired Fund Shareholders in complete liquidation, as contemplated in the Agreement;
3. Under Code Section 1032, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and the issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares as contemplated in the Agreement;
4. Under Code Section 362(b), the tax basis of the assets of the Acquired Fund acquired by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization;
5. Under Code Section 1223(2), the holding periods of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the periods during which such assets were held by the Acquired Fund;
6. Under Code Section 354, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Acquired Fund Shares solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares in the Reorganization;
7. Under Code Section 358, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received by each Acquired Fund Shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefore;
8. Under Code Section 1223(1), an Acquired Fund Shareholders holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received will include the period during which the Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefor were held, provided that the Acquired Fund Shareholder held the Acquired Fund Shares as a capital asset on the date of the Reorganization.
We express no opinion as to (1) the effect of the Reorganizations on (A) the Acquired Funds or the Acquiring Funds with respect to any asset as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the end of a taxable year (or on the termination or transfer thereof) under a mark-to-market system of accounting and (B) any Acquired Fund Shareholder or Acquiring Fund Shareholder that is required to recognize unrealized gains and losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes under a mark-to-market system of accounting, or (C) the Acquired Funds or the Acquiring Funds with respect to any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code or (2) any other federal tax issues (except those set forth above) and all state, local or foreign tax issues of any kind.
This opinion is based upon the Code, regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative pronouncements and judicial authority, all as in effect as of the date hereof. It represents our best legal judgment as to the matters addressed herein but is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service would agree with the opinion expressed herein or, if contested, the opinion would be sustained by a court. Furthermore, the authorities upon which we rely may be changed at any time, potentially with retroactive effect. No assurances can be given as to the effect of any such changes on the conclusions expressed in this opinion. We undertake no responsibility to advise you of any new developments in the application or interpretation of relevant federal tax laws. If any of the facts or assumptions pertinent to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Reorganizations specified herein or any of the statements, covenants, representations or warranties contained in the Documents are, or later become, inaccurate, such inaccuracy may adversely affect the conclusions expressed in this opinion. In addition, our opinion is limited to the tax matters specifically covered hereby, and we have not been asked to address, nor have we addressed, any other tax consequences of the Reorganizations or any other transactions.
This opinion is being provided solely for the benefit of the Acquiring Funds and the Acquired Funds. No other person or party shall be entitled to rely on this opinion.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us in the section captioned Proposal: Approval of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization Federal Income Tax Consequences therein. In giving this consent we do not hereby 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, |
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/s/ Pepper Hamilton LLP |
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Pepper Hamilton LLP |
Exhibit 99.(12)(b)
3000 Two Logan Square
Eighteenth and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2799
215.981.4000
Fax 215.981.4750
April 16, 2012
Touchstone Strategic Trust Touchstone US Long/Short Fund Touchstone Value Fund Touchstone International Small Cap Fund Touchstone Focused Fund Touchstone Capital Growth Fund Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund 303 Broadway, Suite 1100 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 |
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Old Mutual Funds II Old Mutual Analytic U.S. Long/Short Fund Old Mutual Barrow Hanley Value Fund Old Mutual Copper Rock International Small Cap Fund Old Mutual Focused Fund Old Mutual Large Cap Growth Fund Old Mutual TS&W Small Cap Value Fund Old Mutual TS&W Mid-Cap Value Fund 4643 South Ulster Street, Suite 700 Denver, CO 80237 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences to (i) the Old Mutual Analytic U.S. Long/Short Fund, Old Mutual Barrow Hanley Value Fund, Old Mutual Copper Rock International Small Cap Fund, Old Mutual Focused Fund, Old Mutual Large Cap Growth Fund, Old Mutual TS&W Small Cap Value Fund, Old Mutual TS&W Mid-Cap Value Fund (the Acquired Funds), each a series of Old Mutual Funds II (Acquired Trust), a Delaware statutory trust, (ii) the holders (the Acquired Fund Shareholders) of voting shares of common stock of the Acquired Funds (the Acquired Fund Shares), and (iii) Touchstone US Long/Short Fund, Touchstone Value Fund, Touchstone International Small Cap Fund, Touchstone Focused Fund, Touchstone Capital Growth Fund, Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund, Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund (the Acquiring Funds, and together with the Acquired Funds, the Funds), each a separate series of Touchstone Strategic Trust (Acquiring Trust), a Massachusetts business trust, in connection with the transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Funds to the respective Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for voting shares of common stock of such Acquiring Fund (the Acquiring Fund Shares) and the assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Funds by the respective Acquiring Fund, followed by the distribution of such Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Funds in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Funds (these transactions taken together are referred to as, the Reorganizations), all pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the Agreement) dated as of December 9, 2011, executed by Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired Funds and Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring Funds. The Acquiring Funds are currently shell series of the Acquiring Trust, without assets or
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www.pepperlaw.com
liabilities, created for the purpose of acquiring the assets and liabilities of its corresponding Acquired Fund.
For the purpose of rendering this opinion, we have examined and are relying, with your permission (without any independent investigation or review thereof other than such investigation and review as we have deemed necessary to comply with our professional obligations under IRS Circular 230 or otherwise), upon the truth and accuracy, at all relevant times, of the statements, covenants, representations and warranties contained in the following documents (the Documents):
1. The Agreement;
2. The registration statement of Acquiring Trust on Form N-14 to which this opinion is an exhibit, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued in connection with the Reorganizations (the Registration Statement), and the proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement (the Prospectus/Proxy Statement);
3. The representations made to us by each of the Funds in their letters to us dated the date hereof; and
4. Such other instruments and documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of rendering this opinion.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed, with your permission and without independent investigation (other than such investigation as we have deemed necessary to comply with our professional obligations under IRS Circular 230 or otherwise), that (i) the Reorganizations will be consummated in the manner contemplated by the Prospectus/Proxy Statement and in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement without the waiver of any conditions to any partys obligation to effect the Reorganizations, (ii) the original documents (including signatures) are authentic, (iii) the documents submitted to us as copies conform to the original documents, (iv) there has been (or will be by the date of the Reorganizations) due execution and delivery of all documents where due execution and delivery are prerequisites to the effectiveness of those documents, (v) the statements and representations contained in the Documents are accurate, (vi) the covenants and warranties set forth in the Documents will be complied with, and (vii) the Reorganizations will be effective under applicable law.
Furthermore, we have assumed, with your permission and without independent investigation (other than such investigation as we have deemed necessary to comply with our professional obligations under IRS Circular 230 or otherwise), that, as to all matters in which a person or entity making a representation has represented that such person or entity or a related party is not a party to, does not
have, or is not aware of, any plan, intention, understanding or agreement to take action, there is in fact no plan, intention, understanding or agreement and such action will not be taken, and we have further assumed that any statement made to the knowledge of or otherwise similarly qualified is correct without such qualification.
Subject to the foregoing and any other assumptions, limitations and qualifications specified herein, it is our opinion, although not free from doubt, that, with respect to each of the Reorganizations, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
1. The acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Funds assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and the issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares, followed by the distribution of such Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund in complete liquidation to the Acquired Fund Shareholders in exchange for their Acquired Fund Shares, all as provided in the Agreement, will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund each will be a party to a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
2. Under Code Section 361, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund (i) upon the transfer of its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund or (ii) upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund to the Acquired Fund Shareholders in complete liquidation, as contemplated in the Agreement;
3. Under Code Section 1032, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and the issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares as contemplated in the Agreement;
4. Under Code Section 362(b), the tax basis of the assets of the Acquired Fund acquired by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization;
5. Under Code Section 1223(2), the holding periods of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the periods during which such assets were held by the Acquired Fund;
6. Under Code Section 354, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Acquired Fund Shares solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares in the Reorganization;
7. Under Code Section 358, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received by each Acquired Fund Shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefore;
8. Under Code Section 1223(1), an Acquired Fund Shareholders holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received will include the period during which the Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefor were held, provided that the Acquired Fund Shareholder held the Acquired Fund Shares as a capital asset on the date of the Reorganization.
We express no opinion as to (1) the effect of the Reorganizations on (A) the Acquired Funds or the Acquiring Funds with respect to any asset as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the end of a taxable year (or on the termination or transfer thereof) under a mark-to-market system of accounting and (B) any Acquired Fund Shareholder or Acquiring Fund Shareholder that is required to recognize unrealized gains and losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes under a mark-to-market system of accounting, or (C) the Acquired Funds or the Acquiring Funds with respect to any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code or (2) any other federal tax issues (except those set forth above) and all state, local or foreign tax issues of any kind.
This opinion is based upon the Code, regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative pronouncements and judicial authority, all as in effect as of the date hereof. It represents our best legal judgment as to the matters addressed herein but is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service would agree with the opinion expressed herein or, if contested, the opinion would be sustained by a court. Furthermore, the authorities upon which we rely may be changed at any time, potentially with retroactive effect. No assurances can be given as to the effect of any such changes on the conclusions expressed in this opinion. We undertake no responsibility to advise you of any new developments in the application or interpretation of relevant federal tax laws. If any of the facts or assumptions pertinent to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Reorganizations specified herein or any of the statements, covenants, representations or warranties contained in the Documents are, or later become, inaccurate, such inaccuracy may adversely affect the conclusions expressed in this opinion. In addition, our opinion is limited to the tax matters specifically covered hereby, and we have not been asked to address, nor have we addressed, any other tax consequences of the Reorganizations or any other transactions.
This opinion is being provided solely for the benefit of the Acquiring Funds and the Acquired Funds. No other person or party shall be entitled to rely on this opinion.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us in the section captioned Proposal: Approval of an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization Federal Income Tax Consequences therein. In giving this consent we do not hereby 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, |
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/s/ Pepper Hamilton LLP |
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Pepper Hamilton LLP |
Exhibit 99.(13)(d)
Execution Copy
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC.
AMENDMENT
TO
SUB-ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment (the Amendment) is effective as of the 16th day of April, 2012, by and between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (the Administrator) and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (BNYM).
BACKGROUND:
A. BNYM and the Administrator entered into a Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement, dated and effective as of November 5, 2011 (the Agreement), relating to BNYMs provision of certain sub-administration and accounting services with respect to each registered investment company (each a Fund) and each Funds investment portfolios (each a Portfolio) listed on Exhibit A attached thereto, as such Exhibit A may be amended from time to time.
B. The Administrator and BNYM desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
C. This Background section is incorporated by reference into and made a part of this Amendment.
TERMS:
The parties hereby agree that:
1. The Administrator and BNYM hereby amend the Agreement by adding new Section 4(c) as follows:
(c) For those Portfolios of the Touchstone Strategic Trust that were acquired by the Touchstone Strategic Trust on or about April 16, 2012 (the Acquired Portfolios);
(i) the Administrator hereby directs BNYM to safekeep or arrange to have safekept, certain electronic accounting records prepared by former service providers, excluding those created by BNYM, to the Acquired Portfolios, which records may include the books, accounting records and other information of the Acquired Portfolios (Archival Electronic Records). All Archival Electronic Records received by BNYM for safekeeping shall be held in the form provided for the exclusive use and benefit of the Administrator.
(ii) It is understood and agreed that BNYM shall have no duty or responsibility to access (except upon the reasonable request of the Administrator), review, examine or otherwise inspect any Archival Electronic Records, nor shall BNYM be responsible to verify the
accessibility, validity, legality, sufficiency or genuineness of any record or other data contained in the Archival Electronic Records. BNYM has agreed to hold the Archival Electronic Records solely as an accommodation to the Administrator and it shall have no liability whatsoever for any damage to, loss or impairment of the Archival Electronic records, provided that BNYM at all times has acted in good faith.
(iii) BNYM is hereby authorized, upon receipt of Written Instructions from the Administrator, to release and deliver to the Administrator or any person identified in such Written Instructions, at the Administrators cost and expense, the Archival Electronic Records. BNYM will release and deliver the specified Archival Electronic Records within ten (10) business days of BNYMs receipt of a Written Instruction, and shall have no liability whatsoever for such release of the specified Archival Electronic Records if in accordance with such Written Instructions.
2. The Administrator and BNYM hereby amend the Agreement by adding revising Section 12 as follows:
(a) The word and is hereby deleted from the end of Section 12(xvi).
(b) The . at the end of Section 12(xvii) is hereby deleted and replaced with ; and.
(c) The following language is hereby added following Section 12(xvii):
(xviii) Allocate the cash flow amount to securities within the fund of funds based on a pre-selected methodology.
3. Exhibit A to the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with Exhibit A attached hereto.
4. Miscellaneous .
(a) As amended and supplemented hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
(b) This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The facsimile signature of any party to this Amendment shall constitute the valid and binding execution hereof by such party.
(c) This Amendment shall be deemed to be a contract made in Delaware and governed by Delaware law, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
(d) The Administrator hereby represents and warrants to BNY Mellon that (i) the terms of this Amendment and (ii) the fees and expenses associated with this Amendment have been or will be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund to the extent required by applicable law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the day and year so noted below.
TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
SVP/CFO |
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By: |
/s/Jill McGruder |
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Name: |
Jill McGruder |
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Title: |
President |
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BNY MELLON INVESTMENT SERVICING (US) INC. |
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By: |
/s/Jay Nusblatt |
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Name: |
Jay Nusblatt |
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Title: |
Managing Director |
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Dated: |
April 19, 2012 |
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EXHIBIT A
THIS EXHIBIT A, dated as of April 16, 2012 is hereby Exhibit A to that certain Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement dated as of November 5, 2011 between BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. and Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
Fund Name |
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Portfolio |
Touchstone Strategic Trust (3/31 FYE)
(12/31 FYE)
(6/30 FYE) |
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Touchstone Focused Fund Touchstone Diversified Small Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Growth Opportunities Fund Touchstone Large Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund Touchstone International Equity Fund Touchstone Capital Growth Fund Touchstone International Small Cap Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund Touchstone U.S. Long/Short Fund Touchstone Value Fund |
Touchstone Tax-Free Trust (6/30 FYE) |
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Touchstone Ohio Tax-Free Bond Fund Touchstone Ohio Tax-Free Money Market Fund* Touchstone Tax-Free Money Market Fund* |
Touchstone Investment Trust (9/30 FYE) |
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Touchstone Core Bond Fund Touchstone High Yield Fund Touchstone Institutional Money Market Fund* Touchstone Money Market Fund* |
Touchstone Institutional Funds Trust (12/31 FYE) |
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Touchstone Sands Capital Institutional Growth Fund |
Touchstone Variable Series Trust (12/31 FYE) |
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Touchstone VT Baron Small Cap Growth Fund Touchstone VT Core Bond Fund Touchstone VT High Yield Fund Touchstone VT Large Cap Core Equity Fund Touchstone VT Mid Cap Growth Fund Touchstone VT Money Market Fund* Touchstone VT Third Avenue Value Fund Touchstone VT Aggressive ETF Fund Touchstone VT Conservative ETF Fund Touchstone VT Enhanced ETF Fund |
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Touchstone VT Moderate ETF Fund |
Touchstone Funds Group Trust (9/30 FYE) |
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Touchstone Emerging Markets Equity Fund Touchstone Emerging Markets Equity Fund II Touchstone Focused Equity Fund Touchstone Global Equity Fund Touchstone Global Real Estate Fund Touchstone Intermediate Fixed Income Fund Touchstone International Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Large Cap Relative Value Fund Touchstone Market Neutral Equity Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Value Fund Touchstone Premium Yield Equity Fund Touchstone Sands Capital Select Growth Fund Touchstone Short Duration Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Small Cap Core Fund Touchstone Small Cap Value Fund Touchstone Total Return Bond Fund Touchstone Ultra Short Duration Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Merger Arbitrage Fund |
*Money Market Fund Services.
Exhibit 99.(13)(f)
Execution Copy
AMENDMENT
TO
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment (the Amendment) is effective as of the 16th day of April, 2012, by and between each of the investment trusts on the signature page to this Amendment (each a Fund and collectively the Funds) and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (BNYM).
BACKGROUND:
A. BNY Mellon and each Fund entered into a Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement dated December 5, 2011 (the Agreement) relating to BNY Mellons provision of certain transfer agency services on behalf of each Fund and each Funds investment portfolios (each a Portfolio) listed on Schedule B attached thereto, as such Schedule B may be amended from time to time.
B. The Funds and BNY Mellon desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
C. This Background section is incorporated by reference into and made a part of this Amendment.
TERMS:
The parties hereby agree that:
1. The Funds and BNYM hereby amend the Agreement by adding the following new paragraph to the end of Section 2; Records; Visits , as follows:
For those Portfolios that were acquired by the Funds on or about April 16, 2012 (the Acquired Portfolios), the Funds hereby direct BNYM to safekeep or arrange to have safekept, certain files containing the books and records of the Acquired Portfolios which also contain information related to portfolios that are not Acquired Portfolios (the Non-Acquired Records). The Non-Acquired Records include books and records and other information related to a certain portfolio of the FundVantage Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (FundVantage), as well as, certain liquidated portfolios. It is understood and agreed that BNYM shall hold the Non-Acquired Records as an accommodation to the Funds. It is further understood and agreed that for Non-Acquired Records that do not contain information regarding the Acquired Portfolios, the Funds shall enter into a separate agreement with FundVantage, and/or such other entity, as applicable, to address any applicable legal and regulatory requirements, which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be the responsibility of BNYM. BNYM is hereby authorized, upon receipt of written instructions (which when regarding, and only when regarding, Non-Acquired Records containing the information of FundVantage, may be Written Instructions from a Fund as contemplated herein or directly from a party who represents that they have made such request on behalf of FundVantage), to release and deliver to the Funds, to the administrator to the Funds, Touchstone Advisors, Inc., and/or to FundVantage, as applicable, the specified Non-Acquired Records, with the cost and expense borne as agreed to between the parties hereto and FundVantage. BNYM shall release and deliver the specified Non-Acquired Records within ten (10) business days of BNYMs receipt of such written instructions, and shall have no liability whatsoever for such release and delivery of the Non-Acquired Records if in accordance with such written instructions.
2. Schedule B to the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule B attached hereto.
3. Miscellaneous .
(a) Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Agreement.
(b) As amended and supplemented hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
(c) This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The facsimile signature of any party to this Amendment shall constitute the valid and binding execution hereof by such party.
(d) This Amendment shall be deemed to be a contract made in Delaware and governed by Delaware law, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
(e) Each Fund hereby represents and warrants to BNY Mellon that (i) the terms of this Amendment and (ii) the fees and expenses associated with this Amendment have been or will be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund to the extent required by applicable law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the day and year so noted below.
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. |
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Touchstone Funds Group Trust |
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By: |
/s/Michael Denofrio |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Michael DeNofrio |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
Sr. Managing Director |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Date: |
April 16, 2012 |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Touchstone Strategic Trust |
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Touchstone Investment Trust |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Touchstone Tax-Free Trust |
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Touchstone Variable Series Trust |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Touchstone Institutional Funds Trust |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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SCHEDULE B
(Dated: April 16, 2012)
THIS SCHEDULE B is Schedule B to that certain Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement dated as of December 5, 2011 between BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. and the Investment Trusts listed on the signature page thereto.
Portfolios
Investment Company Name |
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Fund |
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Touchstone Strategic Trust
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Touchstone Focused Fund Touchstone Diversified Small Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Growth Opportunities Fund Touchstone Large Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund Touchstone International Equity Fund Touchstone Capital Growth Fund Touchstone International Small Cap Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund Touchstone U.S. Long/Short Fund Touchstone Value Fund |
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Touchstone Tax-Free Trust (6/30 FYE) |
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Touchstone Ohio Tax-Free Bond Fund Touchstone Ohio Tax-Free Money Market Fund Touchstone Tax-Free Money Market Fund |
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Touchstone Investment Trust (9/30 FYE) |
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Touchstone Core Bond Fund Touchstone High Yield Fund Touchstone Institutional Money Market Fund Touchstone Money Market Fund |
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Touchstone Institutional Funds Trust (12/31 FYE) |
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Touchstone Sands Capital Institutional Growth Fund |
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Touchstone Variable Series Trust (12/31 FYE) |
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Touchstone VT Baron Small Cap Growth Fund Touchstone VT Core Bond Fund Touchstone VT High Yield Fund Touchstone VT Large Cap Core Equity Fund Touchstone VT Mid Cap Growth Fund Touchstone VT Money Market Fund |
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Touchstone VT Third Avenue Value Fund Touchstone VT Aggressive ETF Fund Touchstone VT Conservative ETF Fund Touchstone VT Enhanced ETF Fund Touchstone VT Moderate ETF Fund |
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Touchstone Funds Group Trust (9/30 FYE) |
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Touchstone Emerging Markets Equity Fund Touchstone Emerging Markets Equity Fund II Touchstone Focused Equity Fund Touchstone Global Equity Fund Touchstone Global Real Estate Fund Touchstone Intermediate Fixed Income Fund Touchstone International Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Large Cap Relative Value Fund Touchstone Market Neutral Equity Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Value Fund Touchstone Premium Yield Equity Fund Touchstone Sands Capital Select Growth Fund Touchstone Short Duration Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Small Cap Core Fund Touchstone Small Cap Value Fund Touchstone Total Return Bond Fund Touchstone Ultra Short Duration Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Merger Arbitrage Fund |
Exhibit 99.(13)(h)
SCHEDULE A
LIST OF FUNDS
THIS SCHEDULE A, amended and restated effective as of April 16, 2012 is Schedule A to that certain ClearSky SM State Filing Services Agreement effective as of December 5, 2011 by and between each of Touchstone Funds Group Trust, Touchstone Strategic Trust, Touchstone Investment Trust, Touchstone Tax-Free Trust, Touchstone Variable Series Trust, and Touchstone Institutional Funds Trust and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
Fund Name |
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Portfolio |
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Touchstone Strategic Trust |
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Touchstone Diversified Small Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Growth Opportunities Fund Touchstone Large Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Growth Fund Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund Touchstone Capital Growth Fund Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund Touchstone Focused Fund Touchstone International Equity Fund Touchstone International Small Cap Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund Touchstone U.S. Long/Short Fund Touchstone Value Fund |
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Touchstone Tax-Free Trust
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Touchstone Ohio Tax-Free Bond Fund Touchstone Ohio Tax-Free Money Market Fund* Touchstone Tax-Free Money Market Fund* |
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Touchstone Investment Trust
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Touchstone Core Bond Fund Touchstone High Yield Fund Touchstone Institutional Money Market Fund* Touchstone Money Market Fund* |
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Touchstone Institutional Funds Trust |
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Touchstone Sands Capital Institutional Growth Fund |
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Touchstone Variable Series Trust
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Touchstone VT Baron Small Cap Growth Fund Touchstone VT Core Bond Fund Touchstone VT High Yield Fund Touchstone VT Large Cap Core Equity Fund Touchstone VT Mid Cap Growth Fund Touchstone VT Money Market Fund* Touchstone VT Third Avenue Value Fund |
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Toucshtone VT Aggressive ETF Fund Touchstone VT Conservative ETF Fund Touchstone VT Enhanced ETF Fund Touchstone VT Moderate ETF Fund |
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Touchstone Funds Group Trust
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Touchstone Emerging Markets Equity Fund Touchstone Emerging Markets Equity Fund II Touchstone Focused Equity Fund Touchstone Global Equity Fund Touchstone Global Real Estate Fund Touchstone Intermediate Fixed Income Fund Touchstone International Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Large Cap Relative Value Fund Touchstone Market Neutral Equity Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Fund Touchstone Mid Cap Value Fund Touchstone Premium Yield Equity Fund Touchstone Sands Capital Select Growth Fund Touchstone Short Duration Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Small Cap Core Fund Touchstone Small Cap Value Fund Touchstone Total Return Bond Fund Touchstone Ultra Short Duration Fixed Income Fund Touchstone Merger Arbitrage Fund |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this amended and restated Schedule A to be executed by their officers designated below effective as of the date and year first above written.
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. |
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Touchstone Funds Group Trust |
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By: |
/s/Kevin Caravella |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Kevin L. Caravella |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
Managing Director |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Date: |
April 16, 2012 |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Touchstone Strategic Trust |
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Touchstone Investment Trust |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
Touchstone Tax-Free Trust |
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Touchstone Variable Series Trust |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Touchstone Institutional Funds Trust |
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By: |
/s/Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Name: |
Terrie Wiedenheft |
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Title: |
Treasurer |
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Date: |
April 12, 2012 |
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Exhibit 99.(13)(l)
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT, effective as of April 16, 2012 by and between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (the Advisor) and Touchstone Strategic Trust (the Trust), on behalf of certain series of the Trust set forth in Schedule A attached hereto (each a Fund, and collectively, the Funds).
WHEREAS, the Trust is a Massachusetts business trust organized under a Declaration of Trust (Declaration of Trust), and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management company of the series type, and each Fund is a series of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Advisor have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2000, as amended (the Advisory Agreement), pursuant to which the Advisor provides investment advisory and other management services to each series of the Trust for compensation based on the value of the average daily net assets of each series; and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Advisor have entered into this Expense Limitation Agreement (the Agreement) in order to limit the Fund Operating Expenses, as defined below, from exceeding the levels specified in Schedule A attached hereto.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree that the Agreement provides as follows:
1. Expense Limitation .
1.1 Expense Limit . The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to ensure the Funds total annual operating expenses (excluding dividend expenses relating to short sales, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the cost of Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business, amounts, if any, payable pursuant to a shareholder servicing plan and amounts, if any, payable pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act) (Fund Operating Expenses) do not exceed the contractual limits set forth in Schedule A . The contractual limits on Fund Operating Expenses (Operating Expense Limit) set forth in Schedule A below have been adjusted for each class of each Fund to include the effect of Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees and other anticipated class specific expenses, if applicable.
1. 2 Recoupment . The Advisor shall be entitled to recover, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, such amounts reduced or reimbursed for a period of up to three (3) years from the year in which the Advisor reduced its compensation and/or assumed expenses for a Fund. No recoupment will occur unless a Funds expenses are below the Operating Expense Limit for the relevant Fund set forth in Schedule A . Amounts reduced or reimbursed for periods prior to the effective date of this Agreement are not eligible for recoupment by the Advisor.
1.3 Method of Computation . To determine the Advisors liability with respect to waivers or reimbursements, each month the Fund Operating Expenses for each Fund shall be annualized as of the last day of the month. If, for any month, a Funds annualized Fund Operating Expenses exceed the Operating Expense Limit of such Fund, the Advisor shall waive or reduce its advisory fee for such month by an amount, or remit an amount to the appropriate Fund, sufficient to reduce the annualized Fund Operating Expenses to an amount no higher than the Operating Expense Limit; provided, however, that any waiver or reduction of the advisory fee is applied equally across the classes, if any, of the Fund.
2. Term and Termination of Agreement .
This Agreement shall terminate (i) with respect to a Fund listed on Schedule A on the dates listed on Schedule A ; (ii) upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement with respect to a Fund; or (iii) at an earlier date by a vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust if they deem the termination to be beneficial to shareholders of a Fund,
unless extended, terminated, modified, or revised by the mutual agreement of the parties by amending Schedule A to this Agreement or otherwise as provided for in writing.
3. Miscellaneous .
3.1 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.
3.2 Interpretation . Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Funds to take any action contrary to the Trusts 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 Trusts Board of Trustees of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Funds.
3.3 Definitions . Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to the 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 Investment Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to such Investment Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly, as of the day and year first above written.
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TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST |
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By: |
/s/ Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Controller and Treasurer |
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TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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By: |
/s/ Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Chief Financial Officer |
Schedule A
Dated April 16, 2012
To The
Expense Limitation Agreement
Dated April 16, 2012
Between
Touchstone Strategic Trust and Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
Fund |
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Contractual Limit on
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Termination Date |
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Touchstone U.S. Long/Short Fund
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1.30 2.05 1.05 0.90 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Value Fund
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1.20 1.95 0.95 0.85 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone International Small Cap Fund
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1.55 2.30 1.30 1.05 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Capital Growth Fund
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1.25 2.00 1.00 0.90 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund
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1.29 2.04 1.04 0.89 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Small Cap Value Opportunities Fund
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1.50 2.25 1.25 1.10 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Focused Fund
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1.20 1.95 0.95 0.80 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Dynamic Equity Fund
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1.55 2.30 1.30 1.25 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Emerging Growth Fund
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1.39 2.14 1.14 0.99 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone International Equity Fund
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1.39 2.14 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Class Y Institutional |
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1.14 0.99 |
%
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Touchstone Conservative Allocation Fund
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0.61 1.36 0.36 0.36 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Balanced Allocation Fund
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0.64 1.39 0.39 0.39 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Moderate Growth Allocation Fund
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0.57 1.32 0.32 0.32 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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Touchstone Growth Allocation Fund
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0.57 1.32 0.32 0.32 |
%
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April 16, 2014 |
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This Schedule A to the Expense Limitation Agreement is hereby executed as of the date first set forth above.
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TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC TRUST |
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By: |
/s/ Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Controller and Treasurer |
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TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Steven M. Graziano |
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Steven M. Graziano |
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President |
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By: |
/s/ Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Terrie A. Wiedenheft |
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Chief Financial Officer |
Signature Page Schedule A to Expense Limitation Agreement