Exhibit (h)(1)
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this day of ________________, 2001 between THE WILLAMETTE
FUNDS (the "Trust"), a Delaware business trust having its principal place of
business at ___________________________________, and BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
("BISYS"), a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 3435
Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219.
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that BISYS perform certain services for each
currently existing series of the Trust and such additional series that are
hereafter created (individually referred to herein as a "Fund" and collectively
as the "Funds");
WHEREAS, BISYS is willing to perform such services on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants
herein set forth, the parties agree as follows:
1. Services.
BISYS shall perform for the Funds the transfer agent services set
forth in Schedule A hereto. BISYS also agrees to perform for the Funds such
special services incidental to the performance of the services enumerated herein
as agreed to by the parties from time to time. BISYS shall perform such
additional services as are provided on an amendment to Schedule A hereof, in
consideration of such fees as the parties hereto may agree.
BISYS may, in its discretion, appoint in writing other parties
qualified to perform transfer agency services reasonably acceptable to the Trust
(individually, a "Sub-transfer Agent") to carry out some or all of its
responsibilities under this Agreement with respect to a Fund; provided, however,
that the Sub-transfer Agent shall be the agent of BISYS and not the agent of the
Trust or such Fund, and that BISYS shall be fully responsible for the acts of
such Sub-transfer Agent and shall not be relieved of any of its responsibilities
hereunder by the appointment of such Sub-transfer Agent.
2. Fees.
The Trust shall pay BISYS for the services to be provided by BISYS
under this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in,
Schedule B hereto. Fees for any additional services to be provided by BISYS
pursuant to an amendment to Schedule A hereto shall be subject to mutual
agreement at the time such amendment to Schedule A is proposed.
<PAGE>
3. Reimbursement of Expenses.
In addition to paying BISYS the fees described in Section 2 hereof,
the Trust agrees to reimburse BISYS for BISYS' out-of-pocket expenses in
providing services hereunder, including without limitation, the following:
(a) All freight and other delivery and bonding charges incurred by
BISYS in delivering materials to and from the Trust and in
delivering all materials to shareholders;
(b) All direct telephone, telephone transmission and telecopy or
other electronic transmission expenses incurred by BISYS in
communication with the Trust, the Trust's investment adviser
or custodian, dealers, shareholders or others as required for
BISYS to perform the services to be provided hereunder;
(c) Costs of postage, couriers, stock computer paper, statements,
labels, envelopes, checks, reports, letters, tax forms,
proxies, notices or other form of printed material which shall
be required by BISYS for the performance of the services to be
provided hereunder;
(d) The cost of microfilm or microfiche of records or other
materials; and
(e) Any expenses BISYS shall incur at the written direction of an
officer of the Trust thereunto duly authorized.
4. Effective Date.
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written
above (the "Effective Date").
5. Term.
This Agreement shall continue in effect for a three year period
following the Effective Date (the "Initial Term"). Thereafter, unless otherwise
terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for
successive two-year periods ("Rollover Periods"). This Agreement may be
terminated without penalty (i) by provision of a notice of nonrenewal in the
manner set forth below, (ii) by mutual agreement of the parties or (iii) for
"cause," as defined below, upon the provision of 60 days advance written notice
by the party alleging cause. Written notice of nonrenewal must be provided
within 60 days of the end of the Initial Term or any Rollover Period, as the
case may be.
For purposes of this Agreement, "cause" shall mean (a) a material
breach of this Agreement that has not been cured within thirty (30) days
following written notice of such breach from the non-breaching party; (b) a
final, unappealable judicial, regulatory or administrative ruling or order in
which the party to be terminated has been found guilty of criminal or unethical
behavior in the conduct of its business; or (c) financial difficulties on the
part of the party to be terminated which are evidenced by the authorization or
commencement of, or involvement by way of pleading, answer, consent or
acquiescence in, a voluntary or involuntary case under Title 11 of the United
States Code, as from time to time is in effect, or any applicable law, other
than said Title 11, of any jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or
reorganization of debtors or to the modification or alteration of the rights of
creditors.
After such termination, for so long as BISYS, with the written
consent of the Trust, in fact continues to perform any one or more of the
services contemplated by this Agreement or any Schedule or exhibit hereto, the
provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation the provisions
dealing with indemnification, shall continue in full force and effect. Fees and
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by BISYS but unpaid by the Trust upon such
termination shall be immediately due and payable upon and notwithstanding such
termination. BISYS shall be entitled to collect from the Trust, in addition to
the fees and disbursements provided by Sections 2 and 3 hereof, the amount of
all of BISYS' cash disbursements in connection with BISYS' activities in
effecting such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the
Trust and/or its distributor or investment adviser and/or other parties,
<PAGE>
of the Trust's property, records, instruments and documents, or any copies
thereof. To the extent that BISYS may retain in its possession copies of any
Trust documents or records subsequent to such termination which copies had not
been requested by or on behalf of the Trust in connection with the termination
process described above, BISYS, for a reasonable fee, will provide the Trust
with reasonable access to such copies.
If, for any reason other than (i) nonrenewal, (ii) mutual agreement
of the parties (iii) "cause," as defined above, or (iv) the termination of a
Fund's operations for legitimate economic reasons (e.g., diminished asset size),
BISYS is replaced as transfer agent, or if a third party is added to perform all
or a part of the services provided by BISYS under this Agreement (excluding any
Sub-transfer Agent appointed by BISYS as provided in Section 1 hereof), then the
Company shall make a one-time cash payment, in consideration of the fee
structure and services to be provided under this Agreement, and not as a
penalty, to BISYS equal to the balance due BISYS for the remainder of the
then-current term of this Agreement, assuming for purposes of calculation of the
payment that such balance shall be based upon the average number of Company
shareholder accounts for the twelve months prior to the date BISYS is replaced
or a third party is added.
In the event the Company is merged into another legal entity in part
or in whole pursuant to any form of business reorganization or is liquidated in
part or in whole prior to the expiration of the then-current term of this
Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that the liquidated damages
provision set forth above shall be applicable in those instances in which BISYS
is not retained to provide transfer agency services consistent with this
Agreement, including the level of assets subject to such services. The one-time
cash payment referenced above shall be due and payable on the day prior to the
first day in which BISYS is replaced or a third party is added.
The parties further acknowledge and agree that, in the event BISYS
is replaced, or a third party is added, as set forth above, (i) a determination
of actual damages incurred by BISYS would be extremely difficult, and (ii) the
liquidated damages provision contained herein is intended to adequately
compensate BISYS for damages incurred and is not intended to constitute any form
of penalty.
6. Uncontrollable Events.
BISYS assumes no responsibility hereunder, and shall not be liable
for any damage, loss of data, delay or any other loss whatsoever caused by
events beyond its reasonable control.
7. Legal Advice.
BISYS shall notify the Trust at any time BISYS believes that it is
in need of the advice of counsel (other than counsel in the regular employ of
BISYS or any affiliated companies) with regard to BISYS' responsibilities and
duties pursuant to this Agreement; and after so notifying the Trust, BISYS, at
its discretion, shall be entitled to seek, receive and act upon advice of legal
counsel of its choosing, such advice to be at the expense of the Trust or Funds
unless relating to a matter involving BISYS' willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard with respect to BISYS' responsibilities
and duties hereunder and BISYS shall in no event be liable to the Trust or any
Fund or any shareholder or beneficial owner of the Trust for any action
reasonably taken pursuant to such advice.
8. Instructions.
Whenever BISYS is requested or authorized to take action hereunder
pursuant to instructions from a shareholder, or a properly authorized agent of a
shareholder ("shareholder's agent"), concerning an account in a Fund, BISYS
shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate, letter or other instrument or
communication, believed by BISYS to be genuine and to have been properly made,
signed or authorized by an officer or other authorized agent of the Trust or by
the shareholder or shareholder's agent, as the case may be, and shall be
entitled to receive as conclusive proof of any fact or matter required to be
ascertained by it hereunder a certificate signed by an officer of the Trust or
any other person authorized by the Trust's Board of Trustees or by the
shareholder or shareholder's agent, as the case may be.
<PAGE>
As to the services to be provided hereunder, BISYS may rely
conclusively upon the terms of the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional
Information of the Trust relating to the Funds to the extent that such services
are described therein unless BISYS receives written instructions to the contrary
in a timely manner from the Trust.
9. Standard of Care; Reliance on Records and Instructions;
Indemnification.
BISYS shall use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of all
services performed under this Agreement, but shall not be liable to the Trust
for any action taken or omitted by BISYS in the absence of bad faith, willful
misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and
duties. The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BISYS, its employees,
agents, directors, officers and nominees from and against any and all claims,
demands, actions and suits, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and
against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges,
counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character arising out of or
in any way relating to BISYS' actions taken or nonactions with respect to the
performance of services under this Agreement or based, if applicable, upon
reasonable reliance on information, records, instructions or requests given or
made to BISYS by the Trust, the investment adviser and on any records provided
by any fund accountant or custodian thereof; provided that this indemnification
shall not apply to actions or omissions of BISYS in cases of its own bad faith,
willful misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its
obligations and duties; and further provided that prior to confessing any claim
against it which may be the subject of this indemnification, BISYS shall give
the Trust written notice of and reasonable opportunity to defend against said
claim in its own name or in the name of BISYS.
10. Record Retention and Confidentiality.
BISYS shall keep and maintain on behalf of the Trust all books and
records which the Trust or BISYS is, or may be, required to keep and maintain
pursuant to any applicable statutes, rules and regulations, including without
limitation Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), relating to the maintenance of books and records in
connection with the services to be provided hereunder. BISYS further agrees that
all such books and records shall be the property of the Trust and to make such
books and records available for inspection by the Trust or by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") at reasonable times and otherwise to keep
confidential all books and records and other information relative to the Trust
and its shareholders, except when requested to divulge such information by
duly-constituted authorities or court process, or requested by a shareholder or
shareholder's agent with respect to information concerning an account as to
which such shareholder has either a legal or beneficial interest or when
requested by the Trust, the shareholder, or shareholder's agent, or the dealer
of record as to such account.
11. Reports.
BISYS will furnish to the Trust and to its properly-authorized
auditors, investment advisers, examiners, distributors, dealers, underwriters,
salesmen, insurance companies and others designated by the Trust in writing,
such reports at such times as are prescribed in Schedule C attached hereto, or
as subsequently agreed upon by the parties pursuant to an amendment to Schedule
C. The Trust agrees to examine each such report or copy promptly and will report
or cause to be reported any errors or discrepancies therein not later than three
business days from the receipt thereof. In the event that errors or
discrepancies, except such errors and discrepancies as may not reasonably be
expected to be discovered by the recipient within three days after conducting a
diligent examination, are not so reported within the aforesaid period of time, a
report will for all purposes be accepted by and be binding upon the Trust and
any other recipient, and BISYS shall have no liability for errors or
discrepancies therein and shall have no further responsibility with respect to
such report except to perform reasonable corrections of such errors and
discrepancies within a reasonable time after requested to do so by the Trust.
<PAGE>
12. Rights of Ownership.
All computer programs and procedures developed to perform services
required to be provided by BISYS under this Agreement are the property of BISYS.
All records and other data except such computer programs and procedures are the
exclusive property of the Trust and all such other records and data will be
furnished to the Trust in appropriate form as soon as practicable after
termination of this Agreement for any reason.
13. Return of Records.
BISYS may at its option at any time, and shall promptly upon the
Trust's demand, turn over to the Trust and cease to retain BISYS' files, records
and documents created and maintained by BISYS pursuant to this Agreement which
are no longer needed by BISYS in the performance of its services or for its
legal protection. If not so turned over to the Trust, such documents and records
will be retained by BISYS for six years from the year of creation. At the end of
such six-year period, such records and documents will be turned over to the
Trust unless the Trust authorizes in writing the destruction of such records and
documents.
14. Bank Accounts.
The Trust and the Funds shall establish and maintain such bank
accounts with such bank or banks as are selected by the Trust, as are necessary
in order that BISYS may perform the services required to be performed hereunder.
To the extent that the performance of such services shall require BISYS directly
to disburse amounts for payment of dividends, redemption proceeds or other
purposes, the Trust and Funds shall provide such bank or banks with all
instructions and authorizations necessary for BISYS to effect such
disbursements.
15. Representations of the Trust.
The Trust certifies to BISYS that: (a) as of the close of business
on the Effective Date, each Fund which is in existence as of the Effective Date
has authorized unlimited shares, and (b) by virtue of its Declaration of Trust,
shares of each Fund which are redeemed by the Trust may be sold by the Trust
from its treasury, and (c) this Agreement has been duly authorized by the Trust
and, when executed and delivered by the Trust, will constitute a legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against the Trust in accordance
with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors and secured parties.
16. Representations of BISYS.
BISYS represents and warrants that: (a) BISYS has been in, and shall
continue to be in, substantial compliance with all provisions of law, including
Section 17A(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), required in connection with the performance of its duties under this
Agreement; and (b) the various procedures and systems which BISYS has
implemented with regard to safekeeping from loss or damage attributable to fire,
theft or any other cause of the blank checks, records, and other data of the
Trust and BISYS' records, data, equipment, facilities and other property used in
the performance of its obligations hereunder are adequate and that it will make
such changes therein from time to time as are required for the secure
performance of its obligations hereunder.
17. Insurance.
BISYS shall notify the Trust should its insurance coverage with
respect to professional liability or errors and omissions coverage be canceled
or reduced. Such notification shall include the date of change and the reasons
therefor. BISYS shall notify the Trust of any material claims against it with
respect to services performed under this Agreement, whether or not they may be
covered by insurance, and shall notify the Trust from time to time as may be
appropriate of the total outstanding claims made by BISYS under its insurance
coverage.
<PAGE>
18. Information to be Furnished by the Trust and Funds.
The Trust has furnished to BISYS the following:
(a) Copies of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust and of any
amendments thereto, certified by the proper official of the
state in which such Declaration has been filed.
(b) Copies of the following documents:
1. The Trust's By-Laws and any amendments thereto;
2. Certified copies of resolutions of the Board of Trustees
covering the following matters:
A. Approval of this Agreement and authorization of a
specified officer of the Trust to execute and
deliver this Agreement and authorization for
specified officers of the Trust to instruct BISYS
hereunder; and
B. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent
for the Trust on behalf of the Funds.
(c) A list of all officers of the Trust, together with specimen
signatures of those officers, who are authorized to instruct
BISYS in all matters.
(d) Two copies of the following (if such documents are employed by
the Trust):
1. Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information;
2. Distribution Agreement; and
3. All other forms commonly used by the Trust or its
Distributor with regard to their relationships and
transactions with shareholders of the Funds.
(e) A certificate as to shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
authorized, issued, and outstanding as of the Effective Date
of BISYS' appointment as Transfer Agent (or as of the date on
which BISYS' services are commenced, whichever is the later
date) and as to receipt of full consideration by the Trust for
all shares outstanding, such statement to be certified by the
Treasurer of the Trust.
19. Information Furnished by BISYS.
BISYS has furnished to the Trust the following:
(a) BISYS' Articles of Incorporation.
(b) BISYS' Bylaws and any amendments thereto.
(c) Certified copies of actions of BISYS covering the following
matters:
1. Approval of this Agreement, and authorization of a
specified officer of BISYS to execute and deliver this
Agreement;
2. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent for the
Trust.
(d) A copy of the most recent independent accountants' report
relating to internal accounting control systems as filed with
the Commission pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 under the Exchange
Act.
<PAGE>
20. Amendments to Documents.
The Trust shall furnish BISYS written copies of any amendments to,
or changes in, any of the items referred to in Section 18 hereof forthwith upon
such amendments or changes becoming effective. In addition, the Trust agrees
that no amendments will be made to the Prospectuses or Statement of Additional
Information of the Trust which might have the effect of changing the procedures
employed by BISYS in providing the services agreed to hereunder or which
amendment might affect the duties of BISYS hereunder unless the Trust first
obtains BISYS' approval of such amendments or changes.
21. Reliance on Amendments.
BISYS may rely on any amendments to or changes in any of the
documents and other items to be provided by the Trust pursuant to Sections 18
and 20 of this Agreement and the Trust hereby indemnifies and holds harmless
BISYS from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments,
liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and other expenses of
every nature and character which may result from actions or omissions on the
part of BISYS in reasonable reliance upon such amendments and/or changes.
Although BISYS is authorized to rely on the above-mentioned amendments to and
changes in the documents and other items to be provided pursuant to Sections 18
and 20 hereof, BISYS shall be under no duty to comply with or take any action as
a result of any of such amendments or changes unless the Trust first obtains
BISYS' written consent to and approval of such amendments or changes.
22. Compliance with Law.
Except for the obligations of BISYS set forth in Section 10 hereof,
the Trust assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents, and
distribution of each prospectus of the Trust as to compliance with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act"), the 1940 Act, and any other laws, rules and regulations of governmental
authorities having jurisdiction. BISYS shall have no obligation to take
cognizance of any laws relating to the sale of the Trust's shares. The Trust
represents and warrants that no shares of the Trust will be offered to the
public until the Trust's registration statement under the 1933 Act and the 1940
Act has been declared or becomes effective.
23. Notices.
Any notice provided hereunder shall be sufficiently given when sent
by registered or certified mail to the party required to be served with such
notice at the following address: _____ _________________________________, or at
such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the
other party pursuant to this Section.
24. Headings.
Paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience
only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
25. Assignment.
This Agreement and the rights and duties hereunder shall not be
assignable by either of the parties hereto except by the specific written
consent of the other party. This Section 25 shall not limit or in any way affect
BISYS' right to appoint a Sub-transfer Agent pursuant to Section 1 hereof. This
Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties
hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
<PAGE>
THE WILLAMETTE FUNDS
By:
--------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
By:
--------------------------------
Title:
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Dated: , 2001
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<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE WILLAMETTE FUNDS
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
1. Shareholder Transactions
a. Process shareholder purchase and redemption orders with respect to
the Funds.
b. Set up Fund account information, including address, dividend option,
taxpayer identification numbers and wire instructions.
c. Issue confirmations in compliance with Rule 10b-10 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
d. Issue periodic statements for Fund shareholders.
e. Process transfers and exchanges.
f. Process dividend payments, including the purchase of new shares,
through dividend reimbursement.
2. Shareholder Information Services
a. Make information available to shareholder servicing unit and other
remote access units regarding trade date, share price, current
holdings, yields, and dividend information.
b. Produce detailed history of transactions through duplicate or
special order statements upon request.
c. Provide mailing labels for distribution of financial reports,
prospectuses, proxy statements or marketing material to current
shareholders.
<PAGE>
3. Compliance Reporting
a. Provide reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
National Association of Securities Dealers and the States in which
the Funds are registered.
b. Prepare and distribute appropriate Internal Revenue Service forms
for corresponding Fund and shareholder income and capital gains.
c. Issue tax withholding reports to the Internal Revenue Service.
4. Dealer/Load Processing (if applicable)
a. Provide reports for tracking rights of accumulation and purchases
made under a Letter of Intent.
b. Account for separation of shareholder investments from transaction
sale charges for purchase of Fund shares.
c. Calculate fees due under 12b-1 plans for distribution and marketing
expenses.
d. Track sales and commission statistics by dealer and provide for
payment of commissions on direct shareholder purchases in a load
Fund.
5. Shareholder Account Maintenance
a. Maintain all shareholder records for each Fund account.
b. Issue customer statements on scheduled cycle, providing duplicate
second and third party copies if required.
c. Record shareholder account information changes.
d. Maintain account documentation files for each Fund shareholder.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE WILLAMETTE FUNDS
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
TRANSFER AGENT FEES
Annual Per Fund Fee:
$20,000/CUSIP (class)
Annual Per Shareholder Fee:
$25.00
Additional Services:
Additional services such as IRA processing, development of interface
capabilities, servicing of 403(b) and 408(c) accounts, management of cash sweeps
between DDAs and mutual fund accounts and coordination of the printing and
distribution of prospectuses, annual reports and semi-annual reports are subject
to additional fees which will be quoted upon request. Programming costs or
database management fees for special reports or specialized processing will be
quoted upon request.
Multiple Classes of Shares:
Classes of shares which have different net asset values or pay different daily
dividends will be treated as separate classes, and the fee schedule above,
including the appropriate minimums, will be charged for each separate class.
Out-of-pocket Expenses:
BISYS shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses including, but not limited to, the expenses set forth in Section 3 of
the Transfer Agency Agreement to which this Schedule B is attached.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE C
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE WILLAMETTE FUNDS
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
REPORTS
1. Daily Shareholder Activity Journal
2. Daily Fund Activity Summary Report
a. Beginning Balance
b. Dealer Transactions
c. Shareholder Transactions
d. Reinvested Dividends
e. Exchanges
f. Adjustments
g. Ending Balance
3. Daily Wire and Check Registers
4. Monthly Dealer Processing Reports
5. Monthly Dividend Reports
6. Sales Data Reports for Blue Sky Registration
7. A copy of the most recent report by independent public accountants
describing control structure policies and procedures relating to transfer
agency operations pursuant to AICPA Statement on Auditing Standards Number
70.
