CUSTODIAN SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of , 2000 by and between PFPC TRUST
COMPANY, a limited purpose trust company incorporated under the laws of
Delaware ("PFPC Trust"), and FIRST DEFINED SECTOR FUND, a Massachusetts
business trust (the "Fund").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");
and
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to retain PFPC Trust to provide custodian
services, and PFPC Trust wishes to furnish custodian services, either directly
or through an affiliate or affiliates, as more fully described herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. Definitions. As Used in This Agreement:
(a) "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(b) "1934 Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(c) "Authorized Person" means any officer of the Fund and any
other person authorized by the Fund to give Oral or Written
Instructions on behalf of the Fund. An Authorized Person's
scope of authority may be limited by setting forth such
limitation in a written document signed by both parties
hereto.
(d) "Book-Entry System" means Federal Reserve Treasury
book-entry system for United States and federal agency
securities, its successor or successors, and its nominee or
nominees and any book-entry system maintained by an exchange
registered with the SEC under the 1934 Act.
(e) "CEA" means the Commodities Exchange Act, as amended.
(f) "Change of Control" means a change in ownership or control
(not including transactions between wholly-owned direct or
indirect subsidiaries of a common parent) of 25% or more of
the beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock or
shares of beneficial interest of an entity or its parent(s).
(g) "Oral Instructions" mean oral instructions received by PFPC
Trust from an Authorized Person or from a person reasonably
believed by PFPC Trust to be an Authorized Person. PFPC Trust
may, in its sole discretion in each separate instance,
consider and rely upon instructions it receives from an
Authorized Person via electronic mail as Oral Instructions.
(h) "PFPC Trust" means PFPC Trust Company or a subsidiary or
affiliate of PFPC Trust Company.
(i) "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(j) "Securities Laws" mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940
Act and the CEA.
(k) "Shares" mean the shares of beneficial interest of any series
or class of the Fund.
(l) "Property" means:
(i) any and all securities and other investment items
which the Fund may from time to time deposit, or
cause to be deposited, with PFPC Trust or which PFPC
Trust may from time to time hold for the Fund;
(ii) all income in respect of any of such securities or
other investment items;
(iii) all proceeds of the sale of any of such securities or
investment items; and
(iv) all proceeds of the sale of securities issued by
the Fund, which are received by PFPC Trust from
time to time, from or on behalf of the Fund.
(m) "Written Instructions" mean (i) written instructions signed by
two Authorized Persons and received by PFPC Trust or (ii)
trade instructions transmitted by means of an electronic
transaction reporting system which requires the use of a
password or other authorized identifier in order to gain
access. The instructions may be delivered electronically or by
hand, mail, tested telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending
device.
2. Appointment. The Fund hereby appoints PFPC Trust to provide
custodian services to the Fund, on behalf of each
of its investment portfolios (each, a "Portfolio"), and PFPC
Trust accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such services.
3. Delivery of Documents. The Fund has provided or, where applicable,
will provide PFPC Trust with the following:
(a) at PFPC Trust's request, certified or authenticated copies of the
resolutions of the Fund's Board of Directors, approving the appointment
of PFPC Trust or its affiliates to provide services;
(b) a copy of the Fund's most recent effective registration
statement;
(c) a copy of each Portfolio's advisory agreements;
(d) a copy of the distribution/underwriting agreement with respect
to each class of Shares;
(e) a copy of each Portfolio's administration agreement;
(f) copies of any distribution and/or shareholder servicing plans
and agreements made in respect of the Fund or a Portfolio; and
(g) certified or authenticated copies of any and all
amendments or supplements to the foregoing.
4. Compliance with Laws.
PFPC Trust undertakes to comply with material applicable requirements
of the Securities Laws and material laws, rules and regulations of
governmental authorities having jurisdiction with respect to the duties
to be performed by PFPC Trust hereunder. Except as specifically set
forth herein, PFPC Trust assumes no responsibility for such compliance
by the Fund or any other entity.
5. Instructions.
(a) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, PFPC Trust shall
act only upon Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.
(b) PFPC Trust shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instruction
or Written Instruction it receives from an Authorized Person
(or from a person reasonably believed by PFPC Trust to be an
Authorized Person) pursuant to this Agreement. PFPC Trust may
assume that any Oral Instructions or Written Instructions
received hereunder are not in any way inconsistent with the
provisions of organizational documents of the Fund or of any
vote, resolution or proceeding of the Fund's Board of
Directors or of the Fund's shareholders, unless and until PFPC
Trust receives Written Instructions to the contrary.
(c) The Fund agrees to forward to PFPC Trust Written
Instructions confirming Oral Instructions (except where
such Oral Instructions are given by PFPC Trust or its
affiliates) so that PFPC Trust receives the Written
Instructions by the close of business on the same day that
such Oral Instructions are received. The fact that such
confirming Written Instructions are not received by PFPC
Trust or differ from the Oral Instructions shall in no way
invalidate the transactions or enforceability of the
transactions authorized by the Oral Instructions or PFPC
Trust's ability to rely upon such Oral Instructions. Where
Oral Instructions or Written Instructions reasonably
appear to have been received from an Authorized Person,
PFPC Trust shall incur no liability to the Fund in acting
upon such Oral Instructions or Written Instructions
provided that PFPC Trust's actions comply with the other
provisions of this Agreement.
6. Right to Receive Advice.
(a) Advice of the Fund. If PFPC Trust is in doubt as to any action
it should or should not take, PFPC Trust may request
directions or advice, including Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, from the Fund.
(b) Advice of Counsel. If PFPC Trust shall be in doubt as to any
question of law pertaining to any action it should or should
not take, PFPC Trust may request advice from counsel of its
own choosing (who may be counsel for the Fund, the Fund's
investment adviser or PFPC Trust, at the option of PFPC
Trust).
(c) Conflicting Advice. In the event of a conflict between
directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions PFPC Trust receives from the Fund, and the advice
it receives from counsel, PFPC Trust shall be entitled to rely
upon and follow the advice of counsel.
(d) Protection of PFPC Trust. PFPC Trust shall be protected in
any action it takes or does not take in reliance upon
directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions it receives from the Fund or from counsel and
which PFPC Trust believes, in good faith, to be consistent
with those directions or advice or Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions. Nothing in this section shall be
construed so as to impose an obligation upon PFPC Trust
(i) to seek such directions or advice or Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions, or (ii) to act in accordance with such
directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions unless, under the terms of other provisions of
this Agreement, the same is a condition of PFPC Trust's
properly taking or not taking such action.
7. Records; Visits. The books and records pertaining to the Fund and any
Portfolio, which are in the possession or under the control of PFPC
Trust, shall be the property of the Fund. Such books and records shall
be prepared and maintained as required by the 1940 Act and other
applicable securities laws, rules and regulations. The Fund and
Authorized Persons shall have access to such books and records at all
times during PFPC Trust's normal business hours. Upon the reasonable
request of the Fund, copies of any such books and records shall be
provided by PFPC Trust to the Fund or to an authorized representative
of the Fund, at the Fund's expense.
8. Confidentiality. Each party shall keep confidential any information
relating to the other party's business ("Confidential Information").
Confidential Information shall include (a) any data or
information that is competitively sensitive material, and not generally
known to the public, including, but not limited to, information about
product plans, marketing strategies, finances, operations, customer
relationships, customer profiles, customer lists, sales estimates,
business plans, and internal performance results relating to the past,
present or future business activities of the Fund or PFPC Trust,
their respective subsidiaries and affiliated companies and the
customers, clients and suppliers of any of them; (b) any scientific
or technical information, design, process, procedure, formula, or
improvement that is commercially valuable and secret in the sense that
its confidentiality affords the Fund or PFPC Trust a competitive
advantage over its competitors; (c) all confidential or proprietary
concepts, documentation, reports, data, specifications, computer
software, source code, object code, flow charts, databases, inventions,
know-how, and trade secrets, whether or not patentable or copy-
rightable; and (d) anything designated as confidential. Notwith-
standing the foregoing, information shall not be subject to such
confidentiality obligations if it: (a) is already known to the
receiving party at the time it is obtained; (b) is or becomes
publicly known or available through no wrongful act of the receiving
party; (c) is rightfully received from a third party who, to the best
of the receiving party's knowledge, is not under a duty of
confidentiality; (d) is released by the protected party to a third
party without restriction; (e) is required to be disclosed by the
receiving party pursuant to a requirement of a court order, subpoena,
governmental or regulatory agency or law (provided the receiving
party will provide the other party written notice of such
requirement, to the extent such notice is permitted); (f) is relevant
to the defense of any claim or cause of action asserted against the
receiving party; or (g) has been or is independently developed or
obtained by the receiving party.
9. Cooperation with Accountants. PFPC Trust shall cooperate with
the Fund's independent public accountants and shall take all
reasonable action to make any requested information
available to such accountants as reasonably requested by the Fund.
10. PFPC System. PFPC Trust shall retain title to and ownership of any and
all data bases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats,
interactive design techniques, derivative works, inventions,
discoveries, patentable or copyrightable matters, concepts, expertise,
patents, copyrights, trade secrets, and other related legal rights
utilized by PFPC Trust in connection with the services provided by PFPC
Trust to the Fund.
11. Disaster Recovery. PFPC Trust shall enter into and shall maintain in
effect with appropriate parties one or more agreements making
reasonable provisions for emergency use of electronic data processing
equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. In the
event of equipment failures, PFPC Trust shall, at no additional expense
to the Fund, take reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions.
PFPC Trust shall have no liability with respect to the loss of data
or service interruptions caused by equipment failure provided such
loss or interruption is not caused by PFPC Trust's own willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
duties or obligations under this Agreement.
12. Compensation. As compensation for custody services rendered by PFPC
Trust during the term of this Agreement, the Fund, on behalf of each of
the Portfolios, will pay to PFPC Trust a fee or fees as may be agreed
to in writing from time to time by the Fund and PFPC Trust. The Fund
acknowledges that PFPC Trust may receive float benefits in connection
with maintaining certain accounts required to provide services under
this Agreement.
13. Indemnification. The Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio, agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless PFPC Trust and its affiliates from all
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims and liabilities
(including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements and
liabilities arising under the Securities Laws and any state and
foreign securities and blue sky laws) arising directly or indirectly
from any action or omission to act which PFPC Trust takes in
connection with the provision of services to the Fund. Neither PFPC
Trust, nor any of its affiliates, shall be indemnified against any
liability (or any expenses incident to such liability) caused by PFPC
Trust's or its affiliates' own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under
this Agreement.
14. Responsibility of PFPC Trust.
(a) PFPC Trust shall be under no duty to take any action hereunder
on behalf of the Fund or any Portfolio except as specifically
set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by PFPC
Trust and the Fund in a written amendment hereto. PFPC Trust
shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the
performance of its duties hereunder and to act in good faith
in performing services provided for under this Agreement. PFPC
Trust shall be liable only for any damages arising out of PFPC
Trust's failure to perform its duties under this Agreement to
the extent such damages arise out of PFPC Trust's willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of its duties under this Agreement.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or of any
other provision of this Agreement, (i) PFPC Trust shall not be
liable for losses beyond its control, including without
limitation (subject to Section 11), delays or errors or loss
of data occurring by reason of circumstances beyond PFPC
Trust's control, provided that PFPC Trust has acted in accord-
ance with the standard set forth in Section 14(a) above; and
(ii) PFPC Trust shall not be under any duty or obligation to
inquire into and shall not be liable for the validity or
invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any Oral
Instruction or Written Instruction, notice or other instrument
which PFPC Trust reasonably believes to be genuine.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
(i) neither PFPC Trust nor its affiliates shall be liable
for any consequential, special or indirect losses or damages,
whether or not the likelihood of such losses or damages was
known by PFPC Trust or its affiliates and (ii) PFPC Trust's
cumulative liability to the Fund for all losses, claims,
suits, controversies, breaches or damages for any cause
whatsoever (including but not limited to those arising out
of or related to this Agreement) and regardless of the form
of action or legal theory shall not exceed the lesser of
$100,000 or the fees received by PFPC Trust for services
provided hereunder during the 12 months immediately prior to
the date of such loss or damage.
(d) No party may assert a cause of action against PFPC Trust
or any of its affiliates that allegedly occurred more than 12
months immediately prior to the filing of the suit (or, if
applicable, commencement of arbitration proceedings) alleging
such cause of action.
(e) Each party shall have a duty to mitigate damages for which the
other party may become responsible.
15. Description of Services.
(a) Delivery of the Property. The Fund will deliver or arrange for
delivery to PFPC Trust, all the Property owned by the
Portfolios, including cash received as a result of the
distribution of Shares, during the term of this Agreement.
PFPC Trust will not be responsible for such property until
actual receipt.
(b) Receipt and Disbursement of Money. PFPC Trust, acting upon
Written Instructions, shall open and maintain separate
accounts in the Fund's name using all cash received from or
for the account of the Fund, subject to the terms of this
Agreement. In addition, upon Written Instructions, PFPC Trust
shall open separate custodial accounts for each separate
Portfolio of the Fund (collectively, the "Accounts") and shall
hold in the Accounts all cash received from or for the
Accounts of the Fund specifically designated to each separate
Portfolio. PFPC Trust shall make cash payments from or for the
Accounts of a Portfolio only for:
(i) purchases of securities in the name of a Portfolio,
PFPC Trust, PFPC Trust's nominee or a sub-custodian
or nominee thereof as provided in sub-section (j) and
for which PFPC Trust has received a copy of the
broker's or dealer's confirmation or payee's invoice,
as appropriate;
(ii) purchase or redemption of Shares of the Fund
delivered to PFPC Trust;
(iii) payment of, subject to Written Instructions, in-
terest, taxes, administration, accounting,
distribution, advisory, management fees or similar
expenses which are to be borne by a Portfolio;
(iv) payment to, subject to receipt of Written
Instructions, the Fund's transfer agent, as agent for
the shareholders, of an amount equal to the amount of
dividends and distributions stated in the Written
Instructions to be distributed in cash by the
transfer agent to shareholders, or, in lieu of paying
the Fund's transfer agent, PFPC Trust may arrange for
the direct payment of cash dividends and
distributions to shareholders in accordance with
procedures mutually agreed upon from time to time by
and among the Fund, PFPC Trust and the Fund's
transfer agent.
(v) payments, upon receipt of Written Instructions, in
connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender
of securities owned or subscribed to by the Fund and
held by or delivered to PFPC Trust;
(vi) payments of the amounts of dividends received with
respect to securities sold short;
(vii) payments made to a sub-custodian pursuant to
provisions in sub-section (c) of this
Section; and
(viii) other payments, upon Written Instructions.
PFPC Trust is hereby authorized to endorse and collect all checks,
drafts or other orders for the payment of money received as custodian
for the Accounts.
(c) Receipt of Securities; Subcustodians.
(i) PFPC Trust shall hold all securities received
by it for the Accounts in a separate account that
physically segregates such securities from those
of any other persons, firms or corporations,
except for securities held in a Book-Entry System.
All such securities shall be held or disposed of only
upon Written Instructions of the Fund pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement. PFPC Trust shall have
no power or authority to assign, hypothecate, pledge
or otherwise dispose of any such securities or
investment, except upon the express terms of this
Agreement or upon Written Instructions authorizing
the transaction. In no case may any member of the
Fund's Board of Directors, or any officer, employee
or agent of the Fund withdraw any securities.
At PFPC Trust's own expense and for its own
convenience, PFPC Trust may enter into sub-custodian
agreements with other banks or trust companies to
perform duties described in this sub-section (c) with
respect to domestic assets. Such bank or trust
company shall have an aggregate capital, surplus and
undivided profits, according to its last published
report, of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000),
if it is a subsidiary or affiliate of PFPC Trust, or
at least twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) if such
bank or trust company is not a subsidiary or
affiliate of PFPC Trust. In addition, such bank or
trust company must be qualified to act as custodian
and agree to comply with the relevant provisions of
applicable rules and regulations. Any such
arrangement will not be entered into without prior
written notice to the Fund (or as otherwise provided
in the 1940 Act).
In addition, PFPC Trust may enter into arrangements
with sub-custodians with respect to services
regarding foreign assets. Any such arrangement will
be entered into with prior written notice to the Fund
(or as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act).
PFPC Trust shall remain responsible for the
performance of all of its duties as described in this
Agreement and shall hold the Fund and each Portfolio
harmless from its own acts or omissions, under the
standards of care provided for herein, or the acts
and omissions of any sub-custodian chosen by PFPC
Trust under the terms of this sub-section (c).
(d) Transactions Requiring Instructions. Upon receipt of Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions and not otherwise,
PFPC Trust, directly or through the use of the Book-Entry
System, shall:
(i) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio
against the receipt of payment for the sale of such
securities;
(ii) execute and deliver to such persons as may be
designated in such Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, proxies, consents, authorizations, and
any other instruments whereby the authority of a
Portfolio as owner of any securities may be
exercised;
(iii) deliver any securities to the issuer thereof, or its
agent, when such securities are called, redeemed,
retired or otherwise become payable at the option of
the holder; provided that, in any such case, the cash
or other consideration is to be delivered to PFPC
Trust;
(iv) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio against
receipt of other securities or cash issued or paid in
connection with the liquidation, reorganization,
refinancing, tender offer, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of any corporation, or the exercise
of any conversion privilege;
(v) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio to any
protective committee, reorganization committee or
other person in connection with the reorganization,
refinancing, merger, consolidation, recapitalization
or sale of assets of any corporation, and receive and
hold under the terms of this Agreement such
certificates of deposit, interim receipts or other
instruments or documents as may be issued to it to
evidence such delivery;
(vi) make such transfer or exchanges of the assets of the
Portfolios and take such other steps as shall be
stated in said Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions to be for the purpose of effectuating a
duly authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the
Fund;
(vii) release securities belonging to a Portfolio to
any bank or trust company for the purpose of a
pledge or hypothecation to secure any loan incurred
by the Fund on behalf of that Portfolio; provided,
however, that securities shall be released only
upon payment to PFPC Trust of the monies borrowed,
except that in cases where additional collateral
is required to secure a borrowing already made
subject to proper prior authorization, further
securities may be released for that purpose; and
repay such loan upon redelivery to it of the
securities pledged or hypothecated therefor and
upon surrender of the note or notes evidencing the
loan;
(viii) release and deliver securities owned by a Portfolio
in connection with any repurchase agreement entered
into on behalf of the Fund, but only on receipt of
payment therefor; and pay out moneys of the Fund in
connection with such repurchase agreements, but only
upon the delivery of the securities;
(ix) release and deliver or exchange securities owned by
the Fund in connection with any conversion of such
securities, pursuant to their terms, into other
securities;
(x) release and deliver securities to a broker in
connection with the broker's custody of margin
collateral relating to futures and options
transactions;
(xi) release and deliver securities owned by the Fund for
the purpose of redeeming in kind shares of the Fund
upon delivery thereof to PFPC Trust; and
(xii) release and deliver or exchange securities owned by
the Fund for other purposes.
PFPC Trust must also receive a certified resolution
describing the nature of the corporate purpose and
the name and address of the person(s) to whom
delivery shall be made when such action is pursuant
to sub-paragraph d(xii).
(e) Use of Book-Entry System. PFPC Trust is authorized and
instructed, on a continuous basis, to deposit in the
Book-Entry System all securities belonging to the Portfolios
eligible for deposit therein and to utilize the Book-Entry
System to the extent possible in connection with settlements
of purchases and sales of securities by the Portfolios, and
deliveries and returns of securities loaned, subject to
repurchase agreements or used as collateral in connection with
borrowings. PFPC Trust shall continue to perform such duties
until it receives Written Instructions or Oral Instructions
authorizing contrary actions.
PFPC Trust shall administer the Book-Entry System as follows:
(i) With respect to securities of each Portfolio which
are maintained in the Book-Entry System, the records
of PFPC Trust shall identify by Book-Entry or
otherwise those securities belonging to each
Portfolio.
(ii) Assets of each Portfolio deposited in the Book-Entry
System will at all times be segregated from any
assets and cash controlled by PFPC Trust in other
than a fiduciary or custodian capacity but may be
commingled with other assets held in such capacities.
PFPC Trust will provide the Fund with such reports on its own
system of internal control as the Fund may reasonably request
from time to time.
(f) Registration of Securities. All Securities held for a
Portfolio which are issued or issuable only in bearer form,
except such securities held in the Book-Entry System,
shall be held by PFPC Trust in bearer form; all other
securities held for a Portfolio may be registered in the
name of the Fund on behalf of that Portfolio, PFPC
Trust, the Book-Entry System, a sub-custodian, or any
duly appointed nominee of the Fund, PFPC Trust, Book-Entry
System or sub-custodian. The Fund reserves the right to
instruct PFPC Trust as to the method of registration and
safekeeping of the securities of the Fund. The Fund agrees to
furnish to PFPC Trust appropriate instruments to enable
PFPC Trust to hold or deliver in proper form for
transfer, or to register in the name of its nominee or in the
name of the Book-Entry System or in the name of another
appropriate entity, any securities which it may hold for
the Accounts and which may from time to time be registered in
the name of the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio.
(g) Voting and Other Action. Neither PFPC Trust nor its nominee
shall vote any of the securities held pursuant to this
Agreement by or for the account of a Portfolio, except in
accordance with Written Instructions. PFPC Trust, directly or
through the use of the Book-Entry System, shall execute in
blank and promptly deliver all notices, proxies and proxy
soliciting materials received by PFPC Trust as custodian of
the Property to the registered holder of such securities. If
the registered holder is not the Fund on behalf of a
Portfolio, then Written Instructions or Oral Instructions must
designate the person who owns such securities.
(h) Transactions Not Requiring Instructions. In the absence of
contrary Written Instructions, PFPC Trust is authorized to
take the following actions:
(i) Collection of Income and Other Payments.
(A) collect and receive for the account of each
Portfolio, all income, dividends,
distributions, coupons, option premiums,
other payments and similar items, included
or to be included in the Property, and, in
addition, promptly advise each Portfolio of
such receipt and credit such income, as
collected, to each Portfolio's custodian
account;
(B) endorse and deposit for collection, in the
name of the Fund, checks, drafts,
or other orders for the payment of money;
(C) receive and hold for the account of each
Portfolio all securities received as a
distribution on the Portfolio's securities
as a result of a stock dividend, share
split-up or reorganization,
recapitalization, readjustment or other
rearrangement or distribution of rights or
similar securities issued with respect to
any securities belonging to a Portfolio and
held by PFPC Trust hereunder;
(D) present for payment and collect the amount
payable upon all securities which may mature
or be, on a mandatory basis, called,
redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become
payable on the date such securities become
payable; and
(E) take any action which may be necessary and
proper in connection with the collection and
receipt of such income and other payments
and the endorsement for collection of
checks, drafts, and other negotiable
instruments.
(ii) Miscellaneous Transactions.
(A) PFPC Trust is authorized to deliver or cause
to be delivered Property against payment or
other consideration or written receipt
therefor in the following cases:
(1) for examination by a broker or
dealer selling for the account of
a Portfolio in accordance with
street delivery custom;
(2) for the exchange of interim
receipts or temporary securities
for definitive securities; and
(3) for transfer of securities into the
name of the Fund on behalf of a
Portfolio or PFPC Trust or a
sub-custodian or a nominee of one of
the foregoing, or for exchange of
securities for a different number of
bonds, certificates, or other
evidence, representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of
units bearing the same interest
rate, maturity date and call
provisions, if any; provided that,
in any such case, the new securities
are to be delivered to PFPC Trust.
(B) unless and until PFPC Trust receives Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions to the
contrary, PFPC Trust shall:
(1) pay all income items held by it
which call for payment upon
presentation and hold the cash
received by it upon such payment for
the account of each Portfolio;
(2) collect interest and cash dividends
received, with notice to the Fund,
to the account of each Portfolio;
(3) hold for the account of each
Portfolio all stock dividends,
rights and similar securities issued
with respect to any securities held
by PFPC Trust; and
(4) execute as agent on behalf of the
Fund all necessary ownership
certificates required by the
Internal Revenue Code or the Income
Tax Regulations of the United States
Treasury Department or under the
laws of any state now or hereafter
in effect, inserting the Fund's
name, on behalf of a Portfolio, on
such certificate as the owner of the
securities covered thereby, to the
extent it may lawfully do so.
(i) Segregated Accounts.
(i) PFPC Trust shall upon receipt of Written Instructions
or Oral Instructions establish and maintain
segregated accounts on its records for and on behalf
of each Portfolio. Such accounts may be used to
transfer cash and securities, including securities in
the Book-Entry System:
(A) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund
with the procedures required by a securities
or option exchange, providing such
procedures comply with the 1940 Act and any
releases of the SEC relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies; and
(B) upon receipt of Written Instructions, for
other purposes.
(ii) PFPC Trust shall arrange for the establishment of IRA
custodian accounts for such shareholders holding
Shares through IRA accounts, in accordance with the
Fund's prospectuses, the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (including regulations promulgated
thereunder), and with such other procedures as are
mutually agreed upon from time to time by and among
the Fund, PFPC Trust and the Fund's transfer agent.
(j) Purchases of Securities. PFPC Trust shall settle purchased
securities upon receipt of Oral Instructions or Written Instructions
that specify:
(i) the name of the issuer and the title of the
securities, including CUSIP number if applicable;
(ii) the number of shares or the principal amount
purchased and accrued interest, if any;
(iii) the date of purchase and settlement;
(iv) the purchase price per unit;
(v) the total amount payable upon such purchase;
(vi) the Portfolio involved; and
(vii) the name of the person from whom or the broker
through whom the purchase was made. PFPC Trust shall
upon receipt of securities purchased by or for a
Portfolio pay out of the moneys held for the account
of the Portfolio the total amount payable to the
person from whom or the broker through whom the
purchase was made, provided that the same conforms to
the total amount payable as set forth in such Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions.
(k) Sales of Securities. PFPC Trust shall settle sold
securities upon receipt of Oral Instructions or Written Instructions that
specify:
(i) the name of the issuer and the title of the
security, including CUSIP number if applicable;
(ii) the number of shares or principal amount sold, and
accrued interest, if any;
(iii) the date of trade and settlement;
(iv) the sale price per unit;
(v) the total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale;
(vi) the name of the broker through whom or the
person to whom the sale was made;
(vii) the location to which the security must be delivered
and delivery deadline, if any; and
(viii) the Portfolio involved.
PFPC Trust shall deliver the securities upon receipt of the total
amount payable to the Portfolio upon such sale, provided that the total
amount payable is the same as was set forth in the Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions. Notwithstanding the other provisions thereof,
PFPC Trust may accept payment in such form as shall be satisfactory to
it, and may deliver securities and arrange for payment in accordance
with the customs prevailing among dealers in securities.
(l) Reports; Proxy Materials.
(i) PFPC Trust shall furnish to the Fund the following
reports:
(A) such periodic and special reports
as the Fund may reasonably request;
(B) a monthly statement summarizing all
transactions and entries for the account of
each portfolio, listing each portfolio
security belonging to each Portfolio with
the adjusted average cost of each issue and
the market value at the end of such month
and stating the cash account of each
Portfolio including disbursements;
(C) the reports required to be furnished to the
Fund pursuant to Rule 17f-4 of the 1940 Act;
and
(D) such other information as may be agreed upon
from time to time between the Fund and PFPC
Trust.
(ii) PFPC Trust shall transmit promptly to the Fund any
proxy statement, proxy material, notice of a call or
conversion or similar communication received by it as
custodian of the Property. PFPC Trust shall be under
no other obligation to inform the Fund as to such
actions or events.
(m) Crediting of Accounts. If PFPC Trust in its sole discretion
credits an Account with respect to (a) income, dividends,
distributions, coupons, option premiums, other payments or
similar items on a contractual payment date or otherwise in
advance of PFPC Trust's actual receipt of the amount due,
(b) the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of assets
on the contractual settlement date or otherwise in advance
of PFPC Trust's actual receipt of the amount due or (c)
provisional crediting of any amounts due, and (i) PFPC Trust
is subsequently unable to collect full and final payment
for the amounts so credited within a reasonable time
period using reasonable efforts or (ii) pursuant to
standard industry practice, law or regulation PFPC Trust is
required to repay to a third party such amounts so credited,
or if any Property has been incorrectly credited, PFPC
Trust shall have the absolute right in its sole discretion
without demand to reverse any such credit or payment, to
debit or deduct the amount of such credit or payment from the
Account, and to otherwise pursue recovery of any such amounts
so credited from the Fund. Nothing herein or otherwise shall
require PFPC Trust to make any advances or to credit any
amounts until PFPC Trust's actual receipt thereof. The Fund
hereby grants a first priority contractual possessory security
interest in and a right of setoff against the assets main-
tained in an Account hereunder in the amount necessary to
secure the return and payment to PFPC Trust of any advance
or credit made by PFPC Trust (including charges related
thereto) to such Account.
(n) Collections. All collections of monies or other property
in respect, or which are to become part, of the Property
(but not the safekeeping thereof upon receipt by PFPC Trust)
shall be at the sole risk of the Fund. If payment is not
received by PFPC Trust within a reasonable time after
proper demands have been made, PFPC Trust shall notify the
Fund in writing, including copies of all demand letters,
any written responses and memoranda of all oral responses
and shall await instructions from the Fund. PFPC Trust shall
not be obliged to take legal action for collection unless
and until reasonably indemnified to its satisfaction. PFPC
Trust shall also notify the Fund as soon as reasonably
practicable whenever income due on securities is not
collected in due course and shall provide the Fund with
periodic status reports of such income collected after a
reasonable time.
16. Duration and Termination. This Agreement shall continue until
terminated by the Fund or PFPC Trust on sixty (60) days' prior written
notice to the other party. In the event this Agreement is terminated
(pending appointment of a successor to PFPC Trust or vote of the
shareholders of the Fund to dissolve or to function without a custodian
of its cash, securities or other property), PFPC Trust shall not
deliver cash, securities or other property of the Portfolios to the
Fund. It may deliver them to a bank or trust company of PFPC Trust's
choice, having an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits, as
shown by its last published report, of not less than twenty million
dollars ($20,000,000), as a custodian for the Fund to be held under
terms similar to those of this Agreement. PFPC Trust shall not be re-
quired to make any delivery or payment of assets upon termination until
full payment shall have been made to PFPC Trust of all of its fees,
compensation, costs and expenses (such expenses include, without
limitation, expenses associated with movement (or duplication) of
records and materials and conversion thereof to a successor service
provider, or to a bank or trust company pending appointment of such
successor, and all trailing expenses incurred by PFPC Trust). PFPC
Trust shall have a security interest in and shall have a right of
setoff against the Property as security for the payment of such fees,
compensation, costs and expenses.
17. Change of Control. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, in the event of an agreement to enter into a transaction
that would result in a Change of Control of the Fund's adviser or
sponsor, the Fund's ability to terminate the Agreement pursuant to
Section 16 will be suspended from the time of such agreement until two
years after the Change of Control.
18. Notices. Notices shall be addressed (a) if to PFPC Trust at
8800 Tinicum Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Suite 200, Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania 19153, Attention: Sam Sparhawk; (b) if to the Fund,
at _____________________, Attention:___________ ; or (c) if to neither
of the foregoing, at such other address as shall have been given
by like notice to the sender of any such notice or other
communication by the other party. If notice is sent by confirming
telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending device, it shall be deemed
to have been given immediately. If notice is sent by first-class
mail, it shall be deemed to have been given five days after it has
been mailed. If notice is sent by messenger, it shall be deemed to
have been given on the day it is delivered.
19. Amendments. This Agreement, or any term hereof, may be changed or
waived only by a written amendment, signed by the party against whom
enforcement of such change or waiver is sought.
20. Delegation; Assignment. PFPC Trust may assign its rights and delegate
its duties hereunder to any affiliate of PFPC Trust or of The PNC
Financial Services Group, Inc., provided that PFPC Trust gives the
Fund 30 days' prior written notice of such assignment or delegation.
21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counter-
parts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
22. Further Actions. Each party agrees to perform such further acts and
execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the
purposes hereof.
23. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement
and understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter
hereof, provided that the parties may embody in one or more
separate documents their agreement, if any, with respect to
delegated duties.
(b) No Representations or Warranties. Except as expressly provided
in this Agreement, PFPC Trust hereby disclaims all
representations and warranties, express or implied, made to
the Fund or any other person, including, without limitation,
any warranties regarding quality, suitability,
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise
(irrespective of any course of dealing, custom or usage of
trade), of any services or any goods provided incidental to
services provided under this Agreement. PFPC Trust disclaims
any warranty of title or non-infringement except as otherwise
set forth in this Agreement.
(c) No Changes that Materially Affect Obligations. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund agrees
not to make any modifications to its registration statement or
adopt any policies which would affect materially the
obligations or responsibilities of PFPC Trust hereunder
without the prior written approval of PFPC Trust, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(d) Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for
convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit
any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their
construction or effect.
(e) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a
contract made in Delaware and governed by Delaware law,
without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
(f) Partial Invalidity. If any provision of this Agreement
shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute,
rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not
be affected thereby.
(g) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns.
(h) Facsimile Signatures. The facsimile signature of any party
to this Agreement shall constitute the valid and binding
execution hereof by such party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.
PFPC TRUST COMPANY
By:_________________________________________
Title:______________________________________
FIRST DEFINED SECTOR FUND
By:_________________________________________
Title:______________________________________
