As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2016

File No. 333-206627

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-14

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

¨ Pre-Effective Amendment No.

x Post-Effective Amendment No. 1

 

 

NUVEEN ENHANCED AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Address of Principal Executive Offices: Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)

(800) 257-8787

(Area Code and Telephone Number)

 

 

Kevin J. McCarthy Vice President and Secretary Nuveen Investments 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Deborah Bielicke Eades
Vedder Price P.C.
222 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601
  Eric F. Fess
Chapman and Cutler LLP
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603

 

 

 


EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, each in the form filed on October 23, 2015 pursuant to Rule 497 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (File No. 333-206627), are incorporated herein by reference.

This amendment is being filed for the sole purpose of adding the following to Part C of the Registration Statement: (i) executed Certificate of Name Change Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant, effective as of April 11, 2016, as Exhibit 1(c), (ii) executed Investment Management Agreement, dated April 11, 2016, and executed Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated April 11, 2016, as Exhibit 6(a) and Exhibit 6(b), respectively, (iii) executed tax opinion of each of Vedder Price P.C., Sidley Austin LLP and Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, as Exhibit 12(a), Exhibit 12(b) and Exhibit 12(c), respectively, supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and (iv) executed power of attorney, dated February 15, 2016, as Exhibit 16(b).

 


PART C OTHER INFORMATION

Item 15. Indemnification

Section 4 of Article XII of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust provides as follows: “Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 4, every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”), shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof. No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person: (a) against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office; (b) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust; or (c) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication (as provided in paragraph (a) or (b)) and resulting in a payment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition or a reasonable determination, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that he did not engage in such conduct: (i) by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter); or (ii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel. The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel other than Covered Persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law. Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this Section 4 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 4, provided that either: (a) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances; or (b) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of the readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification. As used in this Section 4, a “Disinterested Trustee” is one (x) who is not an Interested Person of the Trust (including anyone, as such Disinterested Trustee, who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), and (y) 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. As used in this Section 4, the words “claim,” “action,” “suit” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include without limitation, attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.”

The trustees and officers of the Registrant are covered by the Mutual Fund Professional Liability policy in the aggregate amount of $70,000,000 against liability and expenses of claims of wrongful acts arising out of their position with the Registrant and other Nuveen funds, except for matters that involve willful acts, bad faith,

 

C-1


gross negligence and willful disregard of duty (i.e., where the insured did not act in good faith for a purpose he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the Registrant or where he or she had reasonable cause to believe this conduct was unlawful). The policy has a $2,500,000 deductible for operational failures and $1,000,000 deductible for all other claims.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Item 16.  Exhibits.

 

(1)(a)   Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated July 12, 1999. (1)
(1)(b)   Certificate of Name Change Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated December 9, 2011. (2)
(1)(c)   Certificate of Name Change Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant, effective as of April 11, 2016, is filed herewith.
(2)   Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant, dated November 18, 2009. (1)
(3)   Not applicable.
(4)   Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization is filed as Appendix A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration Statement. (4)
(5)   Not applicable.
(6)(a)   Investment Management Agreement, dated April 11, 2016, is filed herewith.
(6)(b)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated April 11, 2016, is filed herewith.
(7)   Not applicable.
(8)   Not applicable.
(9)(a)   Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between the Nuveen Investment Companies and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated July 15, 2015. (3)
(9)(b)   Appendix A to Custodian Agreement. (3)
(10)   Not applicable.
(11)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel. (3)

 

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(12)(a)   Opinion and Consent of Vedder Price P.C. supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is filed herewith.
(12)(b)   Opinion and Consent of Sidley Austin LLP supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is filed herewith.
(12)(c)   Opinion and Consent of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is filed herewith.
(13)(a)   Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 7, 2002. (1)
(13)(b)   Amendment and Schedule A to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement. (3)
(14)   Consent of Independent Auditor. (4)
(15)   Not applicable.
(16)(a)   Powers of Attorney, dated August 12-20, 2015. (2)
(16)(b)   Power of Attorney, dated February 15, 2016, is filed herewith.
(17)   Forms of Proxy appear following the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration Statement. (4)

 

(1) Filed on March 24, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-173036) and incorporated by reference herein.
(2) Filed on August 27, 2015 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-206627) and incorporated by reference herein.
(3) Filed on October 2, 2015 as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-206627) and incorporated by reference herein.
(4) Filed on October 16, 2015 with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-206627) and incorporated by reference herein.

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, the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

(2)        The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.

 

 

C-3


SIGNATURES

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this post-effective amendment no. 1 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, on the 19 th day of May, 2016.

 

NUVEEN ENHANCED AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL

CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND

By:

 

/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy

  Kevin J. McCarthy
  Vice President and Secretary

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this post-effective amendment no. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Capacity

       

Date

/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

   Chief Administrative Officer     May 19, 2016

Gifford R. Zimmerman

   (principal executive officer)    

/s/ Stephen D. Foy

   Vice President and Controller    

May 19, 2016

Stephen D. Foy

   (principal financial and
accounting officer)
   
William J. Schneider*    Chairman of the Board and Trustee)    
       )     
William Adams IV*    Trustee)     )     
       )     
Jack B. Evans*    Trustee)     )     
       )      By: /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman
William C. Hunter*    Trustee)     )                  Gifford R. Zimmerman
       )                  Attorney-in-Fact
David J. Kundert*    Trustee)     )                  May 19, 2016
       )     
John K. Nelson*    Trustee)     )     
       )     
Thomas S. Schreier, Jr.*    Trustee)     )     
       )     
Judith M. Stockdale*    Trustee)     )     
       )     
Carole E. Stone*    Trustee)     )     
       )     
Terence J. Toth*    Trustee)     )     
       )     
Margaret L. Wolff**    Trustee)     )     

 

* An original power of attorney authorizing, among others, Mark L. Winget, Kevin J. McCarthy and Gifford R. Zimmerman, to execute this registration statement, and amendments thereto, is filed, has been executed and is incorporated by reference herein.
** An original power of attorney authorizing, among others, Mark L. Winget, Kevin J. McCarthy and Gifford R. Zimmerman, to execute this registration statement, and amendments thereto, has been executed and is filed herewith as Exhibit 16(b).

 


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Name of Exhibit

1(c)   Certificate of Name Change Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant, effective as of April 11, 2016.
6(a)   Investment Management Agreement, dated April 11, 2016.
6(b)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated April 11, 2016.
12(a)   Opinion and Consent of Vedder Price P.C. supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
12(b)   Opinion and Consent of Sidley Austin LLP supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
12(c)   Opinion and Consent of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
16(b)   Power of Attorney, dated February 15, 2016.

CERTIFICATE OF NAME CHANGE AMENDMENT

TO

DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

NUVEEN DIVIDEND ADVANTAGE MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

The undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund (the “Trust”), acting pursuant to the authority granted to the Trustees under Article XIII, Section 4(ii) of the Declaration of Trust made on the 12th day of July, 1999 by the initial Trustee thereunder (as amended from time to time, the “Declaration”), do hereby amend the Declaration, effective as of 8:59 a.m., Eastern time, on the 11th day of April 2016, as follows:

1. Section 1 of Article I of the Declaration is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

Section 1. Name . This Trust shall be known as the “Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund,” and the Trustees shall conduct the business of the Trust under that name or any other name as they may from time to time determine.

All references to the name of the Trust in the Declaration are hereby amended accordingly.

2. Except as amended hereby, the Declaration remains in full force and effect.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, have executed this instrument as of this 1st day of April 2016.

 

/s/ William Adams

    

/s/ Jack B. Evans

  

William Adams IV
as Trustee

    

Jack B. Evans,
as Trustee

  

333 West Wacker Drive

    

333 West Wacker Drive

  

Chicago, Illinois 60606

    

Chicago, Illinois 60606

  

/s/ William C. Hunter

    

/s/ David J. Kundert

  

William C. Hunter,
as Trustee

    

David J. Kundert,
as Trustee

  

333 West Wacker Drive

    

333 West Wacker Drive

  

Chicago, Illinois 60606

    

Chicago, Illinois 60606

  

/s/ John K. Nelson

    

/s/ William J. Schneider

  

John K. Nelson,
as Trustee

    

William J. Schneider,
as Trustee

  

333 West Wacker Drive

    

333 West Wacker Drive

  

Chicago, Illinois 60606

    

Chicago, Illinois 60606

  

/s/ Thomas S. Schreier

    

/s/ Judith M. Stockdale

  

Thomas S. Schreier, Jr.,
as Trustee

    

Judith M. Stockdale,
as Trustee

  

333 West Wacker Drive

    

333 West Wacker Drive

  

Chicago, Illinois 60606

    

Chicago, Illinois 60606

  

/s/ Carole E. Stone

    

 

  

Carole E. Stone,
as Trustee

    

Terence J. Toth,
as Trustee

  

333 West Wacker Drive

    

333 West Wacker Drive

  

Chicago, Illinois 60606

    

Chicago, Illinois 60606

  

/s/ Margaret L. Wolff

       

Margaret L. Wolff,
as Trustee

       

333 West Wacker Drive

       

Chicago, Illinois 60606

       

 

2

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT made this 11th day of April 2016, by and between NUVEEN ENHANCED AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Fund”), and NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”).

W I T N E S S E T H

In consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, it is hereby agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:

1. The Fund hereby employs the Adviser to act as the investment adviser for, and to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies and limitations, and to administer the Fund’s affairs to the extent requested by and subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for the period and upon the terms herein set forth. The investment of the Fund’s assets shall be subject to the Fund’s policies, restrictions and limitations with respect to securities investments as set forth in the Fund’s then current registration statement under the Investment Company Act of l940, and all applicable laws and the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the management of registered closed-end, diversified management investment companies.

The Adviser accepts such employment and agrees during such period to render such services, to furnish office facilities and equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services (other than such services, if any, provided by the Fund’s transfer agent) for the Fund, to permit any of its officers or employees to serve without compensation as trustees or officers of the Fund if elected to such positions, and to assume the obligations herein set forth for the compensation herein provided. The Adviser shall, for all purposes herein provided, be deemed to be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, shall have no authority to act for nor represent the Fund in any way, nor otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund.

2. For the services and facilities described in Section l, the Fund will pay to the Adviser, at the end of each calendar month, an investment management fee equal to the sum of a Fund-Level Fee and a Complex-Level Fee.

A. The Fund Level Fee shall be computed by applying the following annual rate to the average total daily managed assets of the Fund:

 

Average Total Daily Managed Assets (1)

  

Rate

 

For the first $125 million

     .5000

For the next $125 million

     .4875

For the next $250 million

     .4750

For the next $500 million

     .4625

For the next $1 billion

     .4500

For the next $3 billion

     .4250

For managed assets over $5 billion

     .4125

 

1

Managed assets” for this purpose means the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than Fund liabilities incurred for the express purpose of creating leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Fund’s use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for purposes of U.S. generally


  accepted accounting principles).

B. The Complex-Level Fee for the Fund shall be computed by applying the Complex-Level Fee Rate, expressed as a daily equivalent, to the average daily managed assets of the Fund. The Complex-Level Fee Rate shall be determined based upon the total daily net assets of all Eligible Funds, as defined below (with such daily net assets to include — in the case of Eligible Funds whose advisory fees are calculated by reference to net assets that include net assets attributable to preferred stock issued by or borrowings by the Eligible Fund — such leveraging net assets), pursuant to the annual fee schedule shown below in this section, with the following exclusions (as adjusted, “Complex-Level Assets”):

 

  i) in the case of Eligible Funds that invest in other Eligible Funds (“Funds of Funds”), that portion of the net assets of such Funds of Funds attributable to investments in such other Eligible Funds;

 

  ii) that portion of the net assets of each Eligible Fund comprising the daily “Fund Asset Limit Amount” (as defined below).

The Complex-Level Fee Rate shall be calculated in such a manner that it results in the effective rate at the specified Complex-Level Asset amounts shown in the following annual fee schedule:

 

Complex-Level Asset

Breakpoint Level

($ million)

  

Effective Rate

at Breakpoint

Level

(%)

 
  
  

55,000

     0.2000   

56,000

     0.1996   

57,000

     0.1989   

60,000

     0.1961   

63,000

     0.1931   

66,000

     0.1900   

71,000

     0.1851   

76,000

     0.1806   

80,000

     0.1773   

91,000

     0.1691   

125,000

     0.1599   

200,000

     0.1505   

250,000

     0.1469   

300,000

     0.1445   

C. “Eligible Funds,” for purposes of the Agreement, shall mean all Nuveen-branded closed-end and open-end registered investment companies organized in the United States. Any open-end or closed-end funds that subsequently become a Nuveen-branded fund because either (a) Nuveen Investments, Inc. or its affiliates acquire the investment adviser to such funds (or the adviser’s parent), or (b) Nuveen Investments, Inc. or its affiliates acquire the fund’s adviser’s rights under the management agreement for such fund (in either case, such acquisition an “Acquisition” and such fund an “Acquired Fund”), will

 

2


be evaluated by both Nuveen management and the Nuveen Funds’ Board, on a case-by-case basis, as to whether or not the assets of such Acquired Funds would be included in Complex-Level Assets and, if so, whether there would be a basis for any adjustments to the complex-level breakpoint schedule and/or its application.

D. The “Fund Asset Limit Amount” as of any calculation date shall for each Fund be equal to the lesser of (i) the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount (defined below), and (ii) the Eligible Fund’s current net assets. The “Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount” for an Eligible Fund shall be determined as follows:

 

  i) In the case of Nuveen-branded Funds that qualified as Eligible Funds on or prior to June 30, 2010, as well as Eligible Funds launched thereafter that are not Acquired Funds, the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount shall be equal to zero, except to extent that such Fund may later participate in a subsequent Fund consolidation as described in (iii) below;

 

  ii) In the case of Acquired Funds, the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount is equal to the product of (i) 1 minus the Aggregate Eligible Asset Percentage (defined below), and (ii) an Acquired Fund’s net assets as of the effective date of such Fund’s Acquisition;

 

  iii) In the event of a consolidation or merger of one or more Eligible Funds, the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount of the combined fund will be equal to the sum of the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amounts of each individual Eligible Fund.

E. Following are additional definitions of terms used above:

 

  i) “Acquisition Assets”: With respect to an Acquisition, the aggregate net assets as of the effective date of such Acquisition of all Acquired Funds.

 

  ii) “Aggregate Eligible Asset Amount”: With respect to an Acquisition, that portion of the aggregate net assets of Acquired Funds as of the effective date of such Acquisition that is included in Complex-Level Assets. With respect to the series of First American Investment Funds, Inc. that became Acquired Funds as of December 31, 2010, the Aggregate Eligible Asset Amount is $2 billion.

 

  iii) “Aggregate Eligible Asset Percentage”: The ratio of the Aggregate Eligible Asset Amount to Acquisition Assets.

F. For the month and year in which this Agreement becomes effective, or terminates, there shall be an appropriate proration on the basis of the number of days that the Agreement shall have been in effect during the month and year, respectively. The services of the Adviser to the Fund under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Adviser shall be free to render similar services or other services to others so long as its services hereunder are not impaired thereby.

 

3


3. The Adviser shall arrange for officers or employees of the Adviser to serve, without compensation from the Fund, as trustees, officers or agents of the Fund, if duly elected or appointed to such positions, and subject to their individual consent and to any limitations imposed by law.

4. Subject to applicable statutes and regulations, it is understood that officers, trustees, or agents of the Fund are, or may be, interested in the Adviser as officers, directors, agents, shareholders or otherwise, and that the officers, directors, shareholders and agents of the Adviser may be interested in the Fund otherwise than as trustees, officers or agents.

5. The Adviser shall not be liable for any loss sustained by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security, whether or not such purchase, sale or retention shall have been based upon the investigation and research made by any other individual, firm or corporation, if such recommendation shall have been selected with due care and in good faith, except loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its obligations and duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

6. The Adviser currently manages other investment accounts and funds, including those with investment objectives similar to the Fund, and reserves the right to manage other such accounts and funds in the future. Securities considered as investments for the Fund may also be appropriate for other investment accounts and funds that may be managed by the Adviser. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the Adviser will attempt to allocate equitably portfolio transactions among the portfolios of its other investment accounts and funds purchasing securities whenever decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund and one or more of such other accounts or funds simultaneously. In making such allocations, the main factors to be considered by the Adviser will be the respective investment objectives of the Fund and such other accounts and funds, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment by the Fund and such other accounts and funds, the size of investment commitments generally held by the Fund and such accounts and funds, and the opinions of the persons responsible for recommending investments to the Fund and such other accounts and funds.

7. This Agreement shall continue in effect until August 1, 2016, unless and until terminated by either party as hereinafter provided, and shall continue in force from year to year thereafter, but only as long as such continuance is specifically approved, at least annually, in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.

This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment, and may be terminated at any time without the payment of any penalty by the Fund or by the Adviser upon no less than sixty (60) days’ written notice to the other party. The Fund may effect termination by action of the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, accompanied by appropriate notice.

This Agreement may be terminated, at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Fund, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in the event that it shall have been established by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Adviser, or any officer or director of the Adviser, has taken any action which results in a breach of the covenants of the Adviser set forth herein.

 

4


Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the right of the Adviser to receive payments on any unpaid balance of the compensation, described in Section 2, earned prior to such termination.

8. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder shall not be thereby affected.

9. Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate for receipt of such notice.

10. The Fund’s Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Agreement is executed on behalf of the Fund by the Fund’s officers as officers and not individually and the obligations imposed upon the Fund by this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Fund’s Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.

 

5


11. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with applicable federal law and (except as to Section 10 hereof which shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Massachusetts) the laws of the State of Illinois.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund and the Adviser have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year above written.

 

NUVEEN ENHANCED AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL
CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND
by:  

/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy

  Vice President

 

Attest:  

/s/ Virginia O’Neal

 

NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC
by:  

/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

  Managing Director

 

Attest:  

/s/ Virginia O’Neal

 

6

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

(Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (NVG))

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 11th day of April 2016, between Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”), and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sub-Adviser”).

WHEREAS, the Adviser acts as the investment adviser for the Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to retain the Sub-Adviser to furnish investment advisory services for the Fund, upon the terms and conditions hereafter set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Appointment of Sub-Adviser . The Adviser desires to engage and hereby appoints the Sub-Adviser to provide certain sub-investment advisory services to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser accepts the appointment and agrees to furnish the services described herein for the compensation set forth below.

2. Duties of Sub-Adviser .

The Sub-Adviser is hereby employed and authorized to conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and reinvestment of the assets in the Fund. In connection therewith, the Sub-Adviser will (a) make investment decisions for the Fund; (b) place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions in the Fund; (c) employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts to provide research services relating to the Fund; (d) employ qualified personnel to assist in the supervision of the Fund’s investment program and to monitor the level of risk incurred by the Fund in connection with its investment program; (e) provide input requested by the Adviser with respect to the possible forms and levels of leverage employed by the Fund, and help monitor the Fund’s compliance with leverage limits imposed under the 1940 Act; (f) provide assistance in connection with determining dividend and distribution levels for the Fund and preparing and reviewing dividend and distribution notices to shareholders; and (g) discuss with the Adviser, and take into account, tax issues arising in connection with management of the Fund’s portfolio. Subject to the supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser will manage the assets in the Fund in accordance with (a) the Fund’s investment objective(s), policies and restrictions, to the extent the Sub-Adviser has been notified of such objectives, policies and restrictions, (b) the Charter Documents (as such term is defined below) of the Fund, to the extent that they have been provided to the Sub-Adviser, and (c) applicable laws and regulations.

The Adviser has furnished to the Sub-Adviser the Fund’s compliance procedures pursuant to Rules 10f-3, 17a-7, and 17e-1 under the 1940 Act (collectively, the “Compliance Procedures”), the Articles of Incorporation or Declaration of Trust and Bylaws of the Fund, each as amended to date (the “Charter Documents”), and the Fund’s investment objective(s), policies and restrictions. The Adviser agrees, on an ongoing basis, to provide to the Sub-Adviser, as

 

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promptly as practicable, copies of all amendments and supplements to the Compliance Procedures, all amendments to the Charter Documents and all revisions to a Fund’s investment objective(s), policies and restrictions.

3. Brokerage . In selecting brokers or dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Fund, the Sub-Adviser will seek the best overall terms available. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Sub-Adviser will consider factors it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In selecting brokers or dealers to execute a particular transaction, and in evaluating the best overall terms available, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to consider brokerage and research services (within the meaning of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Sub-Adviser will not execute any portfolio transactions with a broker or dealer which is an “affiliated person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Sub-Adviser or the Adviser, except pursuant to the any 17e-1 Policies and Procedures for affiliated brokerage transactions that have been approved by Board for such Fund. The Adviser will provide the Sub-Adviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are “affiliated persons” of the Adviser.

4. Proxy Voting . The Sub-Adviser shall vote all proxies with respect to securities held in a Fund in accordance with the Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting guidelines and procedures in effect from time to time. In the event material changes are made to such proxy voting guidelines, the Sub-Adviser agrees to provide the Adviser with a copy of the revised proxy voting guidelines. The Adviser agrees to instruct the Fund’s custodian to forward all proxy materials and related shareholder communications to the Sub-Adviser promptly upon receipt. The Sub-Adviser agrees to promptly inform the Adviser and the Fund of any conflict of interest of which the Sub-Adviser is aware that the Sub-Adviser has in voting proxies with respect to securities held in such Fund. The Sub-Adviser shall not be liable with regard to voting of proxies or other corporate actions if the proxy materials and related communications are not received in a timely manner.

5. Information Provided to the Adviser .

(a) The Sub-Adviser will keep the Adviser informed of developments materially affecting the Fund and will, on its own initiative, furnish the Adviser from time to time with whatever information the Sub-Adviser believes is appropriate for this purpose.

(b) The Sub-Adviser will confer with the Adviser as the Adviser may reasonably request regarding the investment and management of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser will not be required to advise the Adviser or act for the Adviser or the Fund in any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies or class actions, involving securities in the Fund or the issuers of the securities.

(c) The Sub-Adviser agrees to comply with all reporting requirements that the Board or the Adviser reasonably adopt and communicate to the Sub-Adviser in writing, including reporting requirements related to performance of the Fund, brokerage practices, and proxy voting.

 

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(d) The Sub-Adviser will monitor the pricing of portfolio securities, and events relating to the issuers of those securities and the markets in which the securities trade in the ordinary course of managing the portfolio securities of the Fund, and will notify the Adviser promptly of any issuer-specific or market events or other situations that occur that may materially impact the pricing of one or more securities in the Fund. In addition, upon the request of Adviser, the Sub-Adviser will assist the Adviser in evaluating the impact that such an event may have on the net asset value of the Fund and in determining a recommended fair value of the affected security or securities. Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for any valuation determined or adopted by the Fund, unless such determination is made based upon information provided by the Sub-Adviser that is materially incorrect or incomplete as a result of the Sub-Adviser’s gross negligence.

(e) The Sub-Adviser has provided the Adviser with a true and complete copy of its compliance policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the “federal securities laws” (as such term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) (the “Sub-Adviser Compliance Policies”). The Sub-Adviser’s chief compliance officer (the “Sub-Adviser CCO”) shall provide to the Fund’s chief compliance officer (the “Fund CCO”) or his or her delegate, promptly (and in no event more than 10 business days) after the occurrence of the triggering event, the following:

(i) a report of any material changes to the Sub-Adviser Compliance Policies;

(ii) a report of any “material compliance matters,” as defined by Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, that have occurred in connection with the Sub-Adviser Compliance Policies;

(iii) a copy of a summary of the Sub-Adviser CCO’s report with respect to the annual review of the Sub-Adviser Compliance Policies pursuant to Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; and

(iv) an annual (or more frequently as the Fund CCO may request) certification regarding the Sub-Adviser’s compliance with Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act and Section 38a-1 under the 1940 Act as well as the foregoing sub-paragraphs (i) - (iii).

(f) The Sub-Adviser will timely notify the Adviser of any material violations by the Sub-Adviser of the Fund’s investment policies or restrictions or any applicable law or regulation.

6. Standard of Care . The Sub-Adviser shall exercise its best judgment in rendering the services described in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 above. The Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Adviser in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Sub-Adviser’s part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the Sub-Adviser of its obligations and duties under this Agreement (each such act or omission shall be referred to as “Disqualifying Conduct”). Neither the Sub-Adviser nor its members, partners, officers, employees and agents shall be liable to the Adviser, the Fund, its shareholders or any other person (a) for the acts, omissions, errors of judgment or mistakes of law of any other fiduciary or other person with respect to a Fund or (b)

 

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for any failure or delay in performance of the Sub-Adviser’s obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdowns, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails, transportation, communication or power supply.

The Sub-Adviser does not guarantee the future performance of the Fund or any specific level of performance, the success of any investment decision or strategy that the Sub-Adviser may use, or the success of the Sub-Adviser’s overall management of the Fund. The Adviser understands that investment decisions made for a Fund by the Sub-Adviser are subject to various market, currency, economic, political and business risks, and that those investment decisions will not always be profitable.

7. Compensation . In consideration of the services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, the Adviser will pay the Sub-Adviser on the fifth business day of each month a fee equal to 42.8572% of the fees (net of applicable breakpoints, waivers and reimbursements) paid by the Fund to the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund. The fee for the period from the date of this Agreement to the end of the calendar month shall be prorated according to the proportion that such period bears to the full monthly period. Upon any termination of this Agreement before the end of a month, the fee for such part of that month shall be prorated according to the proportion that such period bears to the full monthly period and shall be payable upon the date of termination of this Agreement.

8. Expenses . The Sub-Adviser will bear all of its expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement. All other expenses to be incurred in the operation of the Fund will be borne by the Fund, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser. The expenses to be borne by a Fund include, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, (a) brokerage and commission expenses; (b) Federal, state, local and foreign taxes, including issue and transfer taxes incurred by or levied on the Fund; (c) interest charges on borrowings; (d) the Fund’s organizational and offering expenses; (e) fees and expenses of registering the Fund’s shares under the appropriate Federal securities laws and qualifying the Fund’s shares under applicable state securities laws; (f) fees and expenses of listing and maintaining the listing of the Fund’s shares on the principal securities exchanges where listed, or, if the Fund’s shares are not so listed, fees and expenses of listing and maintaining the quotation of the Fund’s shares on the principal securities market where traded; (g) expenses of printing and distributing reports to shareholders; (h) expenses of shareholders’ meetings and proxy solicitation; (i) charges and expenses of the Fund’s administrator, custodian and registrar, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent; (j) compensation of the Fund’s officers, directors and employees that are not affiliated persons or interested persons (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and the rules, regulations and releases relating thereto) of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser; (k) legal and auditing expenses; (l) cost of certificates representing shares of the Fund; (m) costs of stationery and supplies; (n) insurance expenses; and (o) association membership dues.

9. Services to Other Companies or Accounts . The Adviser understands that the Sub-Adviser now acts, will continue to act and may act in the future as investment adviser to fiduciary and other managed accounts and as investment adviser to other investment companies,

 

4


and the Adviser has no objection to the Sub-Adviser so acting, provided that whenever a Fund and one or more other accounts or investment companies advised by the Sub-Adviser have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in accordance with a methodology believed to be equitable to each entity. The Sub-Adviser agrees to similarly allocate opportunities to sell securities. The Adviser recognizes that, in some cases, this procedure may limit the size of the position that may be acquired or sold for a Fund. In addition, the Adviser understands that the persons employed by the Sub-Adviser to assist in the performance of the Sub-Adviser’s duties hereunder will not devote their full time to such service and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict the right of the Sub-Adviser or any affiliate of the Sub-Adviser to engage in and devote time and attention to other business or to render services of whatever kind or nature.

10. Books and Records . In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Sub-Adviser hereby agrees that all records which it specifically maintains for a Fund are the property of the Fund and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund copies of any of such records upon the Fund’s or the Adviser’s request. The Sub-Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records relating to its activities hereunder required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and to preserve the records relating to its activities hereunder required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act for the period specified in said Rule.

11. Term of Agreement . Unless sooner terminated, this Agreement shall become effective on such date and shall continue in effect until August 1, 2016. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of the Fund in the manner required by the 1940 Act. This Agreement is terminable, without penalty, on 60 days’ written notice (the date of termination may be less than 60 days after the written notice of termination so long as the duration of the notice period is agreed upon by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser) by the Adviser, by a Fund’s Board, by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, or by the Sub-Adviser, and will immediately terminate upon termination of the Advisory Agreement with respect to a Fund. This Agreement also will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). Any termination of this Agreement with respect to a Fund or Funds will not result in the termination of this Agreement with respect to any other Fund or Funds.

12. Trade Settlement at Termination . Termination will be without prejudice to the completion of any transaction already initiated. On, or after, the effective date of termination, the Sub-Adviser shall be entitled, without prior notice to the Adviser or a Fund, to direct the Fund’s custodian to retain and/or realize any assets of the Fund as may be required to settle transactions already initiated. Following the date of effective termination, any new transactions will only be executed by mutual agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser.

13. Indemnification . (a) The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Adviser and its members, partners, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns (each a “Sub-Adviser Indemnified Person”) from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and other related expenses) to which any Sub-Adviser Indemnified Person may become subject as a result of the Adviser’s material breach of

 

5


this Agreement or as a result of the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder or violation of applicable law; provided , however , that no Sub-Adviser Indemnified Person shall be indemnified for any claim, loss, liability or damage that may be sustained as a result of the Sub-Adviser’s Disqualifying Conduct.

(b) The Sub-Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser and the Fund and its respective shareholders, members, partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns (each an “Adviser Indemnified Person”) from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) to which any Adviser Indemnified Person may become subject as a result of the Sub-Adviser’s material breach of this Agreement or as a result of the Sub-Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder or violation of applicable law; provided , however , that no Adviser Indemnified Person shall be indemnified for any claim, loss, liability or damage that may be sustained as a result of the Adviser’s Disqualifying Conduct.

14. Delegation to Third Parties . Except where prohibited by applicable law or regulation, the Sub-Adviser may delegate or may employ a third party to perform any accounting, administrative, reporting and ancillary services required to enable the Sub-Adviser to perform its functions under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, the Sub-Adviser may provide information about the Adviser and the Fund to any such third party for the purposes of this paragraph, provided that the third party is subject to a confidentiality agreement that specifically prevents the misuse of any such information, including portfolio holdings. The Sub-Adviser will act in good faith and with due diligence in the selection, use and monitoring of third parties and shall be solely responsible for any loss, mistake, gross negligence or misconduct caused by such third party.

15. Disclosure . (a) Neither the Adviser, on its own behalf or on behalf of the Fund, or the Sub-Adviser shall disclose information of a confidential nature acquired in consequence of this Agreement, except for information that they may be entitled or bound to disclose by law, regulation or that is disclosed to their advisors where reasonably necessary for the performance of their professional services or, in the case of the Sub-Adviser, as permitted in accordance with Section 14 of this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 15(a), to the extent that any market counterparty with whom the Sub-Adviser deals requires information relating to the Fund (including, but not limited to, the identity of the Adviser or the Fund and market value of the Fund), the Sub-Adviser shall be permitted to disclose such information to the extent necessary to effect transactions on behalf of the Fund in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections 15(a) and 15(b), the Sub-Adviser acknowledges that the Adviser and the Fund intend to rely on Rule 17a-7, Rule 17a-10, Rule 10f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, and the Sub-Adviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other sub-adviser to a fund under common control with a Fund with respect to transactions for a Fund in securities or other assets.

 

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16. Instructions to Custodian . The Sub-Adviser shall have authority to issue to the Fund’s custodian such instructions as it may consider appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction relating to a Fund that it has initiated. The Adviser shall ensure that the Fund’s custodian is obliged to comply with any instructions of the Sub-Adviser given in accordance with this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser will not be responsible for supervising a Fund’s custodian.

17. Representations and Warranties . (a) The Adviser represents and warrants to the Sub-Adviser that the Adviser:

(i) has full power and authority to appoint the Sub-Adviser to manage a Fund in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

(ii) this Agreement is valid and has been duly authorized by appropriate action of the Adviser, the Board of the Fund and the Fund’s shareholders, does not violate any obligation by which the Adviser is bound, and when so executed and delivered, will be binding upon the Adviser in accordance with its terms subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity.

(b) The Sub-Adviser represents and warrants to the Adviser that the Sub-Adviser:

(i) is registered as an “investment adviser” under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect;

(ii) is not currently the subject of, and has not been the subject of during the last three (3) years, any enforcement action by a regulator, except as previously disclosed to the Adviser; and

(iii) maintains insurance coverage in an appropriate amount and shall upon request provide to the Adviser any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.

18. Miscellaneous .

(a) Notices . All notices provided for by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when received, against appropriate receipt, by the General Counsel of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as the case may be, or such other person as a party shall designate by notice to the other parties.

(b) Amendment . This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, which amendment must be approved by the Board of each affected Fund in the manner required by the 1940 Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to approval by the Board of a new Fund in the manner required by the 1940 Act, this Agreement may be amended at any time to add additional Funds to Appendix A and the compensation to the Sub-Adviser for such additional Funds to Appendix B, such mutual agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser to be evidenced by a revised Appendix A

 

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and Appendix B and performance of each parties obligations hereunder with respect to such new Funds.

(c) Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

(d) Severability . If any provision of this Agreement will be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not be affected thereby.

(e) Headings . The paragraph headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference and do not constitute a part hereof.

(f) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Illinois, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws.

(g) Use of Sub-Adviser’s Name . The Adviser shall furnish to the Sub-Adviser all prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to shareholders, sales literature or other material prepared for distribution which refers to the Sub-Adviser by name prior to the use thereof. The Adviser shall not use or cause the Fund to use any such materials if the Sub-Adviser reasonably objects to such use. This paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above.

 

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC
By:  

/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

Name:   Gifford R. Zimmerman
Title:   Managing Director
Nuveen Asset Management, LLC
By:  

/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy

Name:   Kevin J. McCarthy
Title:   Executive Vice President

 

9

LOGO     

222 NORTH LASALLE STREET

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601

T: +1 (312) 609 7500

F: +1 (312) 609 5005

 

CHICAGO NEW YORK WASHINGTON, DC

LONDON SAN FRANCISCO LOS ANGELES

 

April 11, 2016

 

Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal
Credit Opportunities Fund

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

 

Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

 

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

 

  Re: Reorganizations of Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc. and Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. into Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (formerly known as Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested our opinion regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the reorganizations (each a “Reorganization” and collectively, the “Reorganizations”) by and between Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Quality Municipal”), Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Quality Income”), and Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Municipal Opportunity” and together with Quality Municipal and Quality Income, each a “Target Fund” and collectively, the “Target Funds”), and Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (formerly known as Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund), a Massachusetts business trust (the “Acquiring Fund”). The Target Funds and the Acquiring Fund are each referred to herein as a “Fund.”

Each Reorganization contemplates the transfer of substantially all the assets of the Target Fund to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for (i) voting common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of the Acquiring Fund (“Acquiring Fund Common Shares”), (ii) either (a) voting Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Shares”), par value $0.01 per share and liquidation preference $100,000 per share, of the Acquiring Fund having all the various rights, preferences and privileges set forth in the Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Series 2 Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares and the Statement


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Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund

Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.

April 11, 2016

Page 2

 

Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Series 3 Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares, as applicable (“Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares”), or (b) voting Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“VMTP Shares”), par value $0.01 per share and liquidation preference $100,000 per share, of the Acquiring Fund having all the various rights, preferences and privileges set forth in the Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares” and together with Acquiring Fund Common Shares and Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares, the “Acquiring Fund Shares”), and (iii) the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund. As part of the Reorganization, each Target Fund will immediately thereafter distribute to its shareholders of record all the Acquiring Fund Shares so received in complete liquidation of the Target Fund, and the Target Fund as soon as practicable thereafter will be dissolved under applicable state law. The foregoing will be accomplished pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of October 22, 2015 (the “Plan”), entered into by the Target Funds and the Acquiring Fund. VRDP Shares and VMTP Shares are collectively referred to herein as “Preferred Shares.”

In rendering this opinion, we have examined the Plan and have reviewed and relied upon (i) representations made to us by duly authorized officers of the Funds in letters dated April 11, 2016, (ii) the opinion of Sidley Austin LLP dated April 11, 2016 regarding the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares issued in the Quality Income and Municipal Opportunity Reorganizations being treated as stock for federal income tax purposes (the “Sidley Opinion”) and (iii) the opinion of Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLP dated April 11, 2016 regarding the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares issued in the Quality Municipal Reorganization being treated as equity for federal income tax purposes (the “Stradley Opinion” and together with the Sidley Opinion, the “Equity Opinions”). We have also examined such other agreements, documents and corporate records that have been made available to us and such other materials as we have deemed relevant for purposes of this opinion. In such review and examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.

Our opinion is based, in part, on the assumptions that (i) each Reorganization described herein will occur in accordance with the terms of the Plan (without the waiver or modification of any terms or conditions thereof and without taking into account any amendment thereof that we have not approved) and the facts and representations set forth or referred to in this opinion letter, and that such facts and representations, as well as the facts and representations set forth in the Plan, are accurate as of the date hereof and will be accurate as of the date and time of the Closing (as defined in the Plan) (the “Effective Time”) and (ii) the Acquiring Fund Preferred Shares


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Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

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April 11, 2016

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issued in the Reorganizations will be treated as equity for federal income tax purposes, which assumption is consistent with the Equity Opinions. You have not requested that we undertake, and we have not undertaken, any independent investigation of the accuracy of the facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to herein.

For the purposes indicated above, and based upon the facts, assumptions and representations set forth or referred to herein, it is our opinion, with respect to each Reorganization, that for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

1. The transfer by the Target Fund of substantially all its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund, immediately followed by the distribution of all the Acquiring Fund Shares so received by the Target Fund to the Target Fund’s shareholders of record in complete liquidation of the Target Fund and the dissolution of the Target Fund as soon as practicable thereafter, will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of section 368(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization,” within the meaning of section 368(b) of the Code, with respect to the Reorganization.

2. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of substantially all the Target Fund’s assets solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund. (Section 1032(a) of the Code).

3. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Target Fund upon the transfer of substantially all its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund or upon the distribution (whether actual or constructive) of such Acquiring Fund Shares to the Target Fund’s shareholders solely in exchange for such shareholders’ shares of the Target Fund in complete liquidation of the Target Fund. (Sections 361(a) and (c) and 357(a) of the Code).

4. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Target Fund’s shareholders upon the exchange, pursuant to the Reorganization, of all their shares of the Target Fund solely for Acquiring Fund Shares, except to the extent the Target Fund’s common shareholders receive cash in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share. (Section 354(a) of the Code).

5. The aggregate basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by each Target Fund shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization (including any fractional Acquiring Fund Common


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Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund

Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.

April 11, 2016

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Share to which a shareholder would be entitled) will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Target Fund shares exchanged therefor by such shareholder. (Section 358(a)(1) of the Code).

6. The holding period of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by each Target Fund shareholder in the Reorganization (including any fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share to which a shareholder would be entitled) will include the period during which the shares of the Target Fund exchanged therefor were held by such shareholder, provided such Target Fund shares were held as capital assets at the Effective Time of the Reorganization. (Section 1223(1) of the Code).

7. The basis of the assets of the Target Fund received by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the basis of such assets in the hands of the Target Fund immediately before the Effective Time of the Reorganization. (Section 362(b) of the Code).

8. The holding period of the assets of the Target Fund received by the Acquiring Fund will include the period during which such assets were held by the Target Fund. (Section 1223(2) of the Code).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, we express no opinion as to (i) the federal income tax consequences of payments to shareholders of a Target Fund who exercise dissenters’ rights or (ii) the effect of the Reorganizations on the Target Funds, the Acquiring Fund or any Target Fund shareholder with respect to any asset (including without limitation any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in section 1297(a) of the Code) as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized under federal income tax principles (a) at the end of a taxable year or upon the termination thereof, or (b) upon the transfer of such asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-taxable transaction under the Code.

FACTS

Our opinion is based upon the facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to above and the following facts and assumptions, any alteration of which could adversely affect our conclusions.

Each Target Fund has been registered and operated, since it commenced operations, as a closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Quality Municipal’s common shares are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NQI. Quality Income’s common shares are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NQU. Municipal Opportunity’s


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Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.

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common shares are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NIO. Quality Income and Municipal Opportunity currently each have outstanding VRDP Shares, Series 1. Quality Municipal currently has outstanding VMTP Shares, Series 2018. All the outstanding common shares and Preferred Shares of each Target Fund are treated as equity for federal income tax purposes. Each Target Fund is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company under section 851 of the Code for all its taxable years, including without limitation the taxable year in which its respective Reorganization occurs, and has qualified and will continue to qualify for the tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Code for each of its taxable years, including without limitation the taxable year in which its respective Reorganization occurs.

The Acquiring Fund similarly has been registered and operated since it commenced operations as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act. After the Effective Time, Acquiring Fund Common Shares will be listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NVG. In addition, the Acquiring Fund currently has outstanding VRDP Shares. As part of the Reorganizations, the Acquiring Fund will issue two new series of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares, Series 2 and Series 3, and one new series of Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares, Series 2018. The Acquiring Fund Common Shares and Acquiring Fund Preferred Shares to be issued in the Reorganizations will be treated as equity for federal income tax purposes. The Acquiring Fund is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company under section 851 of the Code for all its taxable years, including without limitation the taxable year in which each Reorganization occurs, and has qualified and will continue to qualify for the tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Code for each of its taxable years, including without limitation the taxable year in which each Reorganization occurs.

Upon satisfaction of certain terms and conditions set forth in the Plan on or before the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund will acquire substantially all the assets of each Target Fund solely in exchange for newly issued Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of each Target Fund. Immediately thereafter, each Target Fund will distribute to its shareholders of record all the Acquiring Fund Shares so received in complete liquidation of the Target Fund, and as soon as practicable thereafter, the Target Fund will be dissolved under applicable state law. The assets of each Target Fund to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund will include, without limitation, cash, securities, commodities, interests in futures, and dividends or interest receivables owned by the Target Fund and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as an asset on the books of the Target Fund as of the Closing of the Reorganization. Each Target Fund will retain assets sufficient to pay its liabilities that will not be assumed by the Acquiring Fund, including, without limitation, all accumulated and unpaid


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Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund

Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.

April 11, 2016

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dividends on all outstanding Preferred Shares of the Target Fund, all declared but unpaid dividends on all outstanding common shares of the Target Fund, and all liabilities of the Target Fund relating to the exercise of dissenters’ rights. In each Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund will acquire at least ninety percent (90%) of the fair market value of the Target Fund’s net assets and at least seventy percent (70%) of the fair market value of the Target Fund’s gross assets held immediately prior to the Reorganization.

The Acquiring Fund Common Shares issued to each Target Fund will have the same aggregate net asset value, as of the Valuation Time (as defined in the Plan), as the aggregate value of the net assets of the Target Fund transferred to the Acquiring Fund (net of the liquidation preference of all the outstanding Preferred Shares of such Target Fund) as of such time. Assuming no shareholder of a Target Fund exercises dissenters’ rights, the number of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares issued to Quality Income will be equal to the number of Quality Income VRDP Shares, Series 1, outstanding immediately prior to the Reorganization and shall consist solely of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares, Series 2; the number of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares issued to Municipal Opportunity will be equal to the number of Municipal Opportunity VRDP Shares, Series 1, outstanding immediately prior to the Reorganization and shall consist solely of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares, Series 3; and the number of Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares issued to Quality Municipal will be equal to the number of Quality Municipal VMTP Shares, Series 2018, outstanding immediately prior to the Reorganization and shall consist solely of Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares, Series 2018. No Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares will be issued to Quality Municipal and no Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares will be issued to Quality Income or Municipal Opportunity. The Acquiring Fund Preferred Shares issued to each Target Fund will have the same liquidation preference and substantially identical terms (with respect to VMTP Shares) or substantially similar terms (with respect to VRDP Shares) as the Preferred Shares of such Target Fund outstanding at the Effective Time.

After the Effective Time of its respective Reorganization, each Target Fund will be liquidated and will distribute the newly issued Acquiring Fund Common Shares it received pro rata to its common shareholders of record in exchange for such shareholders’ Target Fund common shares and, in the case of Quality Income, will distribute one Acquiring Fund VRDP Share, Series 2, to its VRDP shareholders of record (other than VRDP shareholders who exercise dissenters’ rights) for each VRDP Share, Series 1, held by such shareholder; in the case of Municipal Opportunity, will distribute one Acquiring Fund VRDP Share, Series 3, to its VRDP shareholders of record (other than VRDP shareholders who exercise dissenters’ rights) for each VRDP Share, Series 1, held by such shareholder; and in the case of Quality Municipal, will distribute one Acquiring Fund VMTP Share, Series 2018, to its VMTP shareholders of record (other than VMTP shareholders who exercise dissenters’ rights) for each VMTP Share, Series


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Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.

April 11, 2016

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2018, held by such shareholder. In such distributions, Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares shall be distributed only to holders of, and in exchange for, VRDP Shares of Quality Income or Municipal Opportunity and Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares shall be distributed only to holders of, and in exchange for, VMTP Shares of Quality Municipal. No fractional Acquiring Fund Common Shares will be issued in connection with the Reorganizations. In lieu thereof, the Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent, on behalf of the shareholders entitled to receive fractional Acquiring Fund Common Shares, will aggregate all fractional Acquiring Fund Common Shares and sell the resulting whole on the New York Stock Exchange for the account of all shareholders of fractional interests, and each such shareholder will be entitled to a pro rata share of the proceeds from such sale.

As a result of each Reorganization, every common shareholder of the Target Fund will own Acquiring Fund Common Shares (including for this purpose any fractional shares to which they would be entitled) that will have an aggregate per share net asset value as of the Valuation Time equal to the aggregate per share net asset value of the Target Fund common shares held by such shareholder as of the Valuation Time and each holder of Target Fund Preferred Shares will own Acquiring Fund Preferred Shares with an aggregate liquidation preference and value as of the Effective Time equal to the aggregate liquidation preference and value of the Target Fund Preferred Shares held by such shareholder as of the Effective Time.

Following the Reorganizations, the Acquiring Fund will continue each Target Fund’s historic business or use a significant portion of the Target Fund’s historic business assets in its business. At the Effective Time, with respect to each Reorganization, at least thirty-four percent (34%) of the total fair market value of the Target Fund’s portfolio assets will meet the investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks and restrictions of the Acquiring Fund as in effect, or as will be in effect, (i) immediately before the time the change to the Acquiring Fund’s non-fundamental investment policies that permits the Acquiring Fund to invest, under normal circumstances, up to fifty-five percent (55%) of its managed assets in municipal securities rated, at the time of investment Baa/BBB or below and requires the Acquiring Fund to invest, under normal circumstances, one hundred percent (100%) of its managed assets in securities that, at the time of investment, generate income exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals (the “Expanded Investment Mandate”) becomes effective, (ii) at the Effective Time, and (iii) immediately after the time the Expanded Investment Mandate becomes effective (collectively, the “34% Test”). No Target Fund will have altered its portfolio in connection with the Reorganizations to meet the 34% Test. None of the Target Funds modified any of their investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks or restrictions in connection with the Reorganizations. Except for the adoption of the Expanded Investment Mandate, the Acquiring


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Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.

April 11, 2016

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Fund has no plan or intention to change any of its investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks and restrictions after the Reorganizations.

In approving a Reorganization, the Board of Trustees or Directors, as applicable, of each Fund (the “Boards”) determined that the Plan and the transactions contemplated thereunder are in the best interests of its respective Fund and that the interests of the shareholders of its respective Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. In making such determination, the Boards considered that the Reorganizations may result in operating efficiencies as a result of the larger net asset size of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganizations.

CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion with respect to each Reorganization that the transfer of substantially all the assets of the Target Fund, pursuant to the Plan, to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund followed by the complete liquidation of the Target Fund immediately thereafter and the dissolution of the Target Fund as soon as practicable thereafter will qualify as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1) of the Code.

The opinions set forth above (subject to the limitations set forth above) with respect to (i) the nonrecognition of gain or loss by the Target Funds and the Acquiring Fund, (ii) the basis and holding period of the assets received by the Acquiring Fund, (iii) the nonrecognition of gain or loss by each Target Fund’s shareholders upon the receipt of the Acquiring Fund Shares, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share, and (iv) the basis and holding period of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by each Target Fund’s shareholders follow as a matter of law from the opinion that the transfers under the Plan will qualify as reorganizations under section 368(a)(1) of the Code.

The opinions expressed in this letter are based on the Code, the Income Tax Regulations promulgated by the Treasury Department thereunder and judicial authority reported as of the date hereof. We have also considered the positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “Service”) reflected in published and private rulings. Although we are not aware of any pending changes to these authorities that would alter our opinions, there can be no assurances that future legislative or administrative changes, court decisions or Service interpretations will not significantly modify the statements or opinions expressed herein. We do not undertake to make any continuing analysis of the facts or relevant law following the date of this letter or to notify you of any changes to such facts or law.


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Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund

Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.

April 11, 2016

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Our opinion is limited to those U.S. federal income tax issues specifically considered herein. We do not express any opinion as to any other federal tax issues, or any state, local or foreign tax law issues, arising from or related to the transactions contemplated by the Plan.

Although the discussion herein is based upon our best interpretation of existing sources of law and expresses what we believe a court would properly conclude if presented with these issues, no assurance can be given that such interpretations would be followed if they were to become the subject of judicial or administrative proceedings.

This opinion is furnished to the Funds solely for their benefit in connection with the Reorganizations and is not to be relied upon, quoted, circulated, published, or otherwise referred to for any other purpose, in whole or in part, without our express prior written consent. This opinion may be disclosed to shareholders of the Funds and they may rely on it, it being understood that we are not establishing any attorney-client relationship with any shareholder of any of the Funds. This letter is not to be relied upon for the benefit of any other person.

We hereby consent to the filing of a form of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-206627) containing the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated October 22, 2015 relating to the Reorganizations filed by the Acquiring Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Registration Statement”); to the discussion of this opinion in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement; and to the use of our name and to any reference to our firm in the Registration Statement, in the Joint Proxy Statement for holders of VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund, Quality Income and Municipal Opportunity, in the Proxy Statement for holders of VMTP Shares of Quality Municipal, in the Information Memorandum relating to the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares and in the Information Memorandum relating to the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are 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,

/s/ Vedder Price P.C.

VEDDER PRICE P.C.

 

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S IDLEY  A USTIN  LLP

787 SEVENTH AVENUE      
NEW YORK, NY 10019

(212) 839 5300

(212) 839 5599 FAX

 

BEIJING

BOSTON

BRUSSELS

CENTURY CITY

CHICAGO

DALLAS

GENEVA

 

FOUNDED 1866

 

HONG KONG

HOUSTON

LONDON

LOS ANGELES

NEW YORK

PALO ALTO

SAN FRANCISCO

 

SHANGHAI

SINGAPORE

SYDNEY

TOKYO

WASHINGTON, D.C.

April 11, 2016

Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund

333 West Wacker Drive

Suite 3300

Chicago, IL 60606

 

  Re: Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund
       (formerly, Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund) (NVG)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special tax counsel to Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (formerly, Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund), a Massachusetts business trust (the “Fund”), with respect to the Fund’s issuance of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (the “VRDP Shares”) in connection with the reorganizations (the “Reorganizations”) in which the Fund is the acquiring fund and Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc. and Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. are target funds.

As special tax counsel to the Fund, we have examined and relied, as to factual matters (but not as to any conclusions of law), upon originals, or copies certified to our satisfaction, of such records, documents, certificates of the Fund and of public officials and other instruments, and made such other inquiries, as, in our judgment, are necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinions expressed below.

The opinion herein is subject to and conditioned upon the representations made by the Fund concerning factual matters (but not conclusions of law). The initial and continuing truth and accuracy of such representations at all relevant times constitute an integral basis for the opinion expressed herein and this opinion is conditioned upon the initial and continuing truth and accuracy of such representations at all relevant times.

In connection with rendering this opinion, we have assumed to be true and are relying upon (without any independent investigation or review thereof):

1. The representations made in an officer’s certificate detailing the Fund’s operations to date and the Fund’s anticipated future operations;

2. The authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies, the


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authenticity of the originals of such documents, the conformity of final documents to all documents submitted to us as drafts, and the authenticity of such final documents;

3. The genuineness of all signatures and the authority and capacity of the individual or individuals who executed any such document on behalf of any person;

4. The accuracy of all factual representations, warranties and other statements made by all parties or as set forth in such documents;

5. The performance and satisfaction of all obligations imposed by any such documents by the parties thereto in accordance with their terms; and

6. The completeness and accuracy of all records made available to us.

We have further assumed the accuracy of the statements and descriptions of the Reorganizations and the Fund’s intended activities as described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated October 22, 2015. We have also assumed, without investigation, that all documents, certificates, representations, warranties and covenants upon which we have relied in rendering the opinion set forth below and that were given or dated earlier than the date of this opinion continue to remain accurate, insofar as relevant to the opinion set forth herein, from such earlier date through and including the date of this opinion.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, exceptions, assumptions and limitations expressed herein, we are of the opinion that the VRDP Shares issued by the Fund in connection with the Reorganizations will qualify as stock of the Fund for federal income tax purposes.

In addition to the assumptions set forth above, this opinion is subject to the following exceptions, limitations and qualifications:

1. Our opinion is based upon our interpretation of the current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and current judicial decisions, administrative regulations and published notices, rulings and procedures. Our opinion represents only our best judgment and is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or the courts and there is no assurance that the IRS will not successfully challenge the conclusions set forth herein. The IRS has not yet issued regulations or administrative interpretations with respect to various provisions of the Code relating to the definition of stock. Consequently, no assurance can be given that future legislative, judicial or administrative changes, on either a prospective or retroactive basis, would not adversely affect the accuracy of the conclusions stated herein. We undertake no obligation to advise you of changes in law which may occur after the date hereof.


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2. Our opinion is limited to the federal income tax matters addressed herein, and no other opinion is rendered with respect to any other matter not specifically set forth in the foregoing opinion, including without limitation with respect to any other federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences.

3. In the event any one of the statements, representations, warranties, covenants or assumptions we have relied upon to issue this opinion is incorrect in a material respect, our opinion might be adversely affected and if so may not be relied on.

 

Very truly yours,

/s/ Sidley Austin LLP

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Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

 

1250 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500

 

Washington, DC 20036-2652

 

Telephone 202.822.9611

 

Fax 202.822.0140

 

www.stradley.com

April 11, 2016

Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

 

Re: Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares Issued in the Reorganization of
     Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. into
     Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund
     (formerly Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund)                            

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested our opinion regarding the treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), of certain Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“ VMTP Shares ”) described below. The VMTP Shares will be issued in the reorganization (“ Reorganization ”) of Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the “ Target Fund ”), with Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (formerly Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund), a Massachusetts business trust (the “ Acquiring Fund ”). 1 The Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund are each referred to herein as a “ Fund .”

The Reorganization contemplates (i) the transfer by the Target Fund of substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for (A) newly issued common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of the Acquiring Fund (“ Acquiring Fund Common Shares ”) and (B) newly issued VMTP Shares, Series 2018 of the Acquiring Fund, par value of $0.01 per share and liquidation preference of $100,000 per share (“ Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares ” and together with Acquiring Fund Common Shares, the “ Acquiring Fund Shares ”) and (C) Acquiring Fund’s assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund;

 

1   At or about the same time, Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. and Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., each a Minnesota corporation (the “Other Nuveen Funds”), will each undergo a similar reorganization with the Acquiring Fund. Our opinion does not address these reorganizations, because neither of the Other Nuveen Funds has any VMTP shares outstanding and thus no Acquiring Fund VMTP shares will be issued in connection with these reorganizations.

 

Philadelphia Washington New York Chicago

A Pennsylvania Limited Liability Partnership

 

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Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund

April 11, 2016

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(ii) Target Fund’s distribution of such newly issued Acquiring Fund Shares to its common shareholders and preferred shareholders (with cash being distributed in lieu of fractional common shares); and (iii) Target Fund’s liquidation, dissolution and termination in accordance with applicable law. The foregoing will be accomplished pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of October 22, 2015 (the “ Plan ”), entered into by the Acquiring Fund, the Target Fund, and the Other Nuveen Funds.

In rendering our opinion, we have examined the Plan and the registration statement containing the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the Reorganization on Form N-14 (File No. 333-206627) filed by the Acquiring Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Registration Statement ”). We have also examined such other agreements, documents and corporate records that have been made available to us and such other materials as we have deemed relevant for purposes of this opinion. In such review and examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. The opinion herein is subject to and conditioned upon the representations made by the Funds concerning factual matters (but not conclusions of law) in letters dated the date hereof. The initial and continuing truth and accuracy of such representations at all relevant times constitutes an integral basis for the opinion expressed herein and our opinion is conditioned upon the initial and continuing truth and accuracy of such representations at all relevant times. Our opinion is based, in part, on the assumption that the Reorganization described herein will occur in accordance with the terms of the Plan without the waiver or modification of any terms or conditions thereof and without taking into account any amendment thereof that we have not approved and the facts and representations set forth or referred to in this opinion letter, and that such facts and representations, as well as the facts and representations set forth in the Plan and in the Registration Statement, are accurate as of the date hereof and will be accurate on the effective date and at the time of the Reorganization (the “ Effective Time ”).

Facts

Our opinion is based upon the facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to above and the following facts and assumptions, any alteration of which could adversely affect our conclusion.

The Target Fund has been registered and operated, since it commenced operations, as a closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ 1940 Act ”). The Target Fund’s common shares are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“ NYSE ”). The Target Fund currently has outstanding VMTP Shares, with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share. All the outstanding common shares and VMTP Shares of the Target Fund are treated as equity for federal income tax purposes. The Target Fund is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company under section 851 of the


Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund

April 11, 2016

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Code for all its taxable years, including without limitation the taxable year in which the Reorganization occurs, and has qualified and will continue to qualify for the tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Code for each of its taxable years, including without limitation the taxable year in which the Reorganization occurs.

The Acquiring Fund has been registered and operated as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act. Acquiring Fund Common Shares are currently listed and traded on the NYSE MKT and after the Effective Time will be traded on the NYSE. As part of the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund will issue a new series of Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares. The Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued in the Reorganization will be treated as equity for federal income tax purposes. The Acquiring Fund is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, intends to elect to be taxed as a regulated investment company under section 851 of the Code for all its taxable years, including without limitation the taxable year in which the Reorganization occurs, and intends to qualify for the tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Code for each of its taxable years, including without limitation the taxable year in which the Reorganization occurs.

Upon satisfaction of certain terms and conditions set forth in the Plan on or before the Effective Time, pursuant to the Reorganization:

 

  (i) The aggregate net asset value of Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by the holders of Target Fund common shares in the Reorganization (including any fractional share interests to which such shareholders would be entitled) will equal, as of the Valuation Time (as defined in the Plan), the aggregate net asset value of the Target Fund common shares held by shareholders of the Target Fund as of such time. No fractional Acquiring Fund Common Shares will be distributed to Target Fund shareholders and, in lieu of such fractional shares, shareholders of such Target Fund common shares will receive cash.

 

  (ii) Each VMTP Share of the Target Fund issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be exchanged for the same number of Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares having (a) terms substantially identical to those of such Target Fund VMTP Shares as of the Closing Date (as defined in the Plan), (b) equal priority with other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation of the Acquiring Fund, and (c) along with any other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, preference with respect to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund over the Acquiring Fund Common Shares. The “Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares” of the Acquiring Fund accurately describes the features of the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares.


Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund

April 11, 2016

Page 4

 

Opinion

Based solely on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, exceptions, assumptions, and limitations expressed herein, we are of the opinion that (i) the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares will be treated as equity in the Acquiring Fund for federal income tax purposes and (ii) the distributions made with respect to such Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares will qualify as exempt-interest dividends to the extent they are reported as such by the Acquiring Fund and permitted by section 852(b )(5)(A) of the Code.

This opinion is furnished to the Funds solely for their benefit in connection with the Reorganization and is not to be relied upon, quoted, circulated, published, or otherwise referred to for any other purpose, in whole or in part, without our express prior written consent. This opinion may be disclosed to shareholders of the Funds and they may rely on it as if they were addressees of this opinion, it being understood that we are not establishing any lawyer-client relationship with any shareholder of the Funds. We understand that Vedder Price P.C. may rely on the conclusion of this opinion as a factual assumption for purposes of issuing certain other opinions in connection with the Reorganization. This letter is not to be relied upon for the benefit of any other person.

In addition to the assumptions set forth above, this opinion is subject to the following exceptions, limitations, and qualifications:

 

  1. Our opinion is based upon our interpretation of the current provisions of the Code and current judicial decisions, administrative regulations, and published notices, rulings, and procedures. We have considered the positions of the Internal Revenue Service in published and private rulings. We note that there is no authority directly on point dealing with securities like the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares. Our opinion only represents our best judgment and is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or courts and there is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not successfully challenge the conclusions set forth herein. Consequently, no assurance can be given that future legislative, judicial, or administrative changes, on either a prospective or retroactive basis, would not adversely affect the accuracy of the conclusions stated herein. We undertake no obligation to advise you of changes in law which may occur after the date hereof.

 

  2. Our opinion is limited to the federal income tax matters addressed herein, and no other opinions are rendered with respect to any other matter, whether federal, state, local or foreign, not specifically set forth in the foregoing opinion.

We hereby consent to the filing of a form of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the discussion of this opinion, to the use of our name and to any reference to


Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.

Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund

April 11, 2016

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our firm in the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are 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,

/s/ Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLP

STRADLEY, RONON, STEVENS & YOUNG, LLP

NUVEEN DIVIDEND ADVANTAGE MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENT, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for her on her behalf and in her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set her hand this 15th day of February 2016.

 

/s/ Margaret L. Wolff

Margaret L. Wolff