SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14 (a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of
Commission Only [as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e) (2)]
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Soliciting Materal Under Rule 14a-12
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IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was determined):
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a) (2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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3) Filing Party:
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4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS
570 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716
(Toll-Free) 1-888-233-4339
NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
December 15, 2000
To the shareholders of IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth and IDEX Pilgrim
Baxter Technology funds of IDEX Mutual Funds:
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the shareholders of the IDEX
Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth and IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology funds (each a
"Fund", collectively, the "Funds") of IDEX Mutual Funds ("IDEX") will be held at
570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, on the 15th day of December
2000 at 10:00 a.m., local time, or any adjournment(s) thereof, for the following
purposes:
1. To approve a new Sub-Advisory Agreement between Idex Management,
Inc. ("IMI") and Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd. ("Pilgrim
Baxter") with respect to the Funds;
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The Board of Trustees of IDEX (the "Board") has fixed the close of business on
September 12, 2000 as the record date for the determination of shareholders of
the Funds that are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. You are
entitled to vote at the meeting and any adjournment(s) thereof if you owned
shares of either Fund at the close of business on September 12, 2000. If you
attend the meeting, you may vote your shares in person. If you do not expect to
attend the meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy
card in the enclosed postage paid envelope. If your shares are held in the name
of your brokerage firm (a street name account), please complete your proxy card
and return it to your broker. Your vote is still important. If you mail your
vote by proxy ballot and then decide to attend the meeting, you may change your
vote in person at the meeting. The proposal set forth above has been unanimously
approved by the Board with respect to each Fund. The Board recommends that you
vote shares that you are entitled to vote "FOR" each proposal. This Notice and
accompanying Proxy Statement will be mailed on or about September 25, 2000.
We look forward to your participation, and we thank you for your continued
confidence in IDEX.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
John K. Carter, Secretary
IDEX Mutual Funds
St. Petersburg, Florida
September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN
Please indicate your voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card, date and
sign the card, and return it in the envelope provided. If you sign, date and
return the proxy card but give no voting instructions, your shares will be voted
"FOR" each proposal presented above.
IDEX will furnish, without charge, a copy of its most recent annual report to
shareholders upon request. Any such request should be directed to IDEX by
calling (888) 233-4339 or by writing to IDEX at P.O. Box 9015, Clearwater, FL
33758-9015.
Shareholders of the Fund are invited to attend the meeting in person. If you do
not expect to attend the meeting, please indicate your voting instructions on
the enclosed proxy card, date and sign the proxy card, and return it in the
envelope provided, which is addressed for your convenience and needs no postage
if mailed in the United States.
In order to avoid the additional expense and delay of further solicitation, we
ask that you mail your proxy promptly.
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT DATED September 25, 2000
IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS
570 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716
(Toll Free) 1-888-233-4339
This is a proxy statement for the IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth fund and
the IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology fund (each a "Fund", collectively, the
"Funds") of IDEX Mutual Funds ("IDEX"), a series mutual fund consisting of
several separate investment funds. This proxy statement is being furnished in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Trustees of IDEX
(the "Board") to be used at the IDEX special meeting of shareholders of the
Funds or any adjournment(s) thereof (the "Meeting"). The Meeting will be held on
December 15, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at 570 Carillon Parkway, St.
Petersburg, Florida 33716.
The primary purpose of the Meeting is to permit the shareholders of each Fund to
consider a proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement between Idex Management, Inc. ("IMI")
and Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd. ("Pilgrim Baxter") with respect to the
Funds ("Proposed Advisory Agreement") to take effect upon the later to occur of
December 15, 2000 or obtaining shareholder approval.
INTRODUCTION
Currently, IMI acts as investment adviser to the Funds pursuant to investment
advisory agreements dated March 1, 1999, on behalf of IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid
Cap Growth, and dated March 1, 2000, on behalf of IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology
(the "Current Advisory Agreements"). Under the Current Advisory Agreements, IMI
is responsible for providing investment management and supervision services to
each Fund. With respect to each Fund, IMI has in turn entered into Sub-Advisory
Agreements with Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd. ("Pilgrim Baxter") dated March
1, 1999, on behalf of IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth, and March 1, 2000, on
behalf of IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology (the "Current Sub-Advisory
Agreements").
The Acquisition. On June 16, 2000, United Asset Management Corporation ("UAM"),
the parent corporation of Pilgrim Baxter, entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger for Old Mutual plc to acquire UAM through a tender offer and merger (the
"Acquisition"). The Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including
(but not limited to): (i) a tender by holders of a majority of UAM's outstanding
shares; (ii) the absence of any legal restraint or prohibition preventing the
Acquisition; and (iii) the expiration of any waiting period required by
antitrust laws. The Acquisition is expected to close prior to the end of 2000,
although there is no assurance that the Acquisition will be consummated.
The Acquisition could be deemed to result in a "change of control" of Pilgrim
Baxter and, therefore, an "assignment," as defined in the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), of the Current Sub-Advisory Agreements between IMI and
Pilgrim Baxter with respect to each Fund. As required by the 1940 Act, each
Current Sub-Advisory Agreement provides for its automatic termination in the
event of its assignment. Shareholders of the Funds are not being asked to
approve the Acquisition; rather, they are being asked to continue the existing
sub-advisory relationships for the Funds under a new sub-advisory contract.
Therefore, in connection with the Acquisition, the IDEX Board of Trustees is
proposing that shareholders of each Fund VOTE FOR the Proposed Sub-Advisory
Agreement.
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The Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement as it relates to each Fund is substantially
identical to the corresponding Current Sub-Advisory Agreements.
The following factors should be considered by shareholders in determining
whether to approve the Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement:
o The Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement was unanimously approved by the Board of
Trustees.
o There will be no change in the investment objectives or policies of the
Funds.
o With respect to each Fund, there will be no increase in the fees payable to
the Sub-Adviser as a result of the approval and implementation of the
Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement.
o No significant changes are contemplated in the personnel of the Sub-Adviser
who are responsible for managing the investments of the Funds.
VOTING INFORMATION
Shareholders of record of the Funds who own shares of beneficial interest at the
close of business on September 12, 2000 (the "Record Date") will be entitled to
vote at the Meeting, including any adjournment(s) thereof, with respect to the
Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement. With respect to the proposal presented herein,
shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and fractional votes
for fractional shares held with no share having cumulative voting rights. With
respect to the Funds, a majority of the shares of beneficial interest
outstanding on the Record Date, represented in person or by proxy, will
constitute a quorum for the Meeting, and therefore must be present for the
transaction of business at the Meeting. Only proxies that are voted, abstentions
and "broker non-votes" (as defined below) will be counted towards establishing a
quorum. In the event that a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or a quorum is
present but sufficient votes to approve the proposals are not received, the
persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to
permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Funds' shares represented at the Meeting
in person or by proxy (excluding abstentions and "broker non-votes," as defined
below).
The person named as proxies will vote those proxies that they are entitled to
vote FOR any proposal in favor of an adjournment of the Meeting, and will vote
those proxies required to be voted AGAINST any proposal for the Funds against
such adjournment. A shareholder vote may be taken on any proposal prior to any
such adjournment if sufficient votes have been received and it is otherwise
appropriate.
The individuals named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card will vote in
accordance with your directions, if your proxy is received in a timely manner
and is properly executed. If we receive your proxy, and it is executed properly,
but you give no voting instructions with respect to any proposal, your shares
will be voted FOR the proposal set forth herein. The duly appointed proxies may,
in their discretion, vote upon such other matters as may properly come before
the Meeting.
Abstentions and "broker non-votes" (as defined below) are counted as shares
eligible to vote at the Meeting in determining whether a quorum is present, but
do not represent votes cast with respect to the proposal. "Broker non-votes" are
shares held by a broker or nominee as to which instructions have not been
received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and the broker
or nominee does not have discretionary voting power.
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You may revoke your proxy: (a) at any time prior to its exercise by written
notice of its revocation to the Secretary of IDEX at the above address prior to
the Meeting; (b) by the subsequent execution and return of another proxy prior
to the Meeting; or (c) by being present and voting in person at the Meeting and
giving oral notice of revocation to the Chairman of the Meeting.
As of the Record Date, each Fund had the following outstanding shares of
beneficial interest:
IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth Shares 5,774,456.463
IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology Shares 11,764,098.721
Beneficial Owners. Occasionally, the number of shares of each Fund held in the
"street name" accounts of various securities dealers for the benefit of their
clients may exceed 5% of the total shares outstanding. As of September 12, 2000,
no person owned of record or was known by each Fund to own beneficially 5% or
more of each Fund's outstanding Class A, Class B, Class C or Class M shares
except the following:
IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth:
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation Inc., P.O. Box
2052, Jersey City, NJ 07087, which owned 13.74% of the outstanding
shares of the Fund.
IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology:
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation Inc., P.O. Box
2052, Jersey City, NJ 07087, which owned 16.53% of the outstanding
shares of the Fund.
PaineWebber, P.O. Box 3321, Weehawken, NJ 07087-8154, which owned 8.78%
of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
The principal solicitation of proxies will be by the mailing of this Proxy
Statement on or about September 25, 2000, but proxies may also be solicited by
telephone and/or in person by representatives of IDEX and its affiliates.
Arrangements will be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees,
and fiduciaries to forward proxies and proxy materials to their principals. The
costs of the Meeting, including the preparation and mailing of the notice, Proxy
Statement and proxy, and the solicitation of proxies, including reimbursement to
broker-dealers and others who forward proxy materials to their clients, will be
borne by the shareholders of the Funds.
As the date of the Meeting approaches, certain shareholders of the Funds may
receive a call from a representative of IDEX if IDEX has not yet received their
votes. Authorization to permit the IDEX representative to execute proxies may be
obtained from shareholders by telephonic instructions. Proxies that are obtained
telephonically in the solicitation process will be recorded in accordance with
the procedures set forth below.
If a telephonic proxy is solicited by a representative of IDEX, the
representative is required to ask the shareholder for such shareholder's full
name, address, social security or employer identification number, title (if the
person giving the proxy is authorized to act on behalf of an entity, such as a
corporation), the number of shares owned, and to confirm that the shareholder
has received the Proxy Statement in the mail. If the information solicited
agrees with the information provided to the representative of IDEX, then the
IDEX representative has the responsibility to explain the process, read the
proposal listed on the proxy card, and ask for the shareholder's instructions on
such proposal. Although the IDEX representative is permitted to answer questions
about the solicitation process, he or she is not permitted to recommend to the
shareholder how to vote, other than to read the recommendation set forth in the
Proxy
3
<PAGE>
Statement. The IDEX representative will record the shareholder's instructions on
the card. Within 72 hours, IDEX will send the shareholder a letter or mailgram
to confirm the shareholder's vote and ask the shareholder to call immediately if
the shareholder's instructions are not correct in the confirmation.
If a shareholder wishes to participate in the Meeting, but does not wish to give
a proxy by telephone, such shareholder may still submit the proxy card
originally sent with the Proxy Statement or attend the Meeting in person. Any
proxy given by a shareholder, whether in writing or by telephone, is revocable.
A shareholder may revoke the accompanying proxy or a proxy given telephonically
at any time prior to its use by filing with IDEX a written revocation or duly
executed proxy bearing a later date. In addition, any shareholder that attends
the Meeting in person may vote by ballot at the Meeting, thereby canceling any
proxy previously given.
PROPOSAL 1: APPROVAL OF NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
IMI, on behalf of each Fund, has entered into the Current Sub-Advisory
Agreements with Pilgrim Baxter pursuant to which Pilgrim Baxter provides
investment management services with respect to assets of each Fund.
In anticipation of the Acquisition, and in order for Pilgrim Baxter to continue
to serve as the sub-adviser to each Fund after the closing of the Acquisition,
the Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement must be approved as it relates to each Fund
(i) by a majority of the Trustees of IDEX who are not parties to the Proposed
Sub-Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party or interested
persons of IDEX as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act ("Disinterested
Trustees") and (ii) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities (as defined by Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act ("voting securities")
of each Fund.
Prior to and at a meeting on September 11, 2000, the Board, including a majority
of Disinterested Trustees, reviewed and, at the Board meeting, unanimously
approved the terms of the Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement, which appears as
Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement.
The shareholders of each Fund are being asked to approve the Proposed
Sub-Advisory Agreement between IMI and Pilgrim Baxter with respect to each Fund
that will take effect upon the later to occur of (a) obtaining shareholder
approval or (b) December 15, 2000. The terms and conditions of the Proposed
Sub-Advisory Agreement are substantially identical to the terms and conditions
of each Current Sub-Advisory Agreement, except the date of effectiveness will be
the later to occur of (a) obtaining shareholder approval or (b) December 15,
2000; the initial term of the agreement terminates on April 30, 2002; and the
Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement relates to both Funds. The Proposed Sub-Advisory
Agreement appears as Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement.
Compensation earned by Pilgrim Baxter under an Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement is
held in an interest-bearing escrow account pending shareholder approval of the
Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement for a period of up to 150 days from the
termination of the Current Sub-Advisory Agreements. If shareholders approve the
Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement, the amount held in the escrow account, plus
interest, will be paid to Pilgrim Baxter. If shareholders do not approve the
Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement, Pilgrim Baxter will be paid the lesser of the
costs incurred in performing its services under the Interim Sub-Advisory
Agreement or the total amount in the escrow account, plus interest earned. The
form of Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement is attached to this proxy statement as
Exhibit A. The Proposed Sub-
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Advisory Agreement will be identical in all material respects to each Fund's
Current Sub-Advisory Agreement. In addition, each Fund's advisory fee rate will
remain unchanged.
Information Concerning IMI. IMI, a Delaware corporation, located at 570 Carillon
Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 is a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of
AUSA Holding Company ("AUSA"). AUSA is a holding company which is wholly-owned
by AEGON USA, Inc. ("AEGON USA"), a financial services holding company. The
primary emphasis of the subsidiary companies of AUSA is generally the sale and
servicing of life and health insurance, and annuity and investment products.
AEGON USA is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of AEGON N.V., a Netherlands
corporation and publicly traded international insurance group.
IMI does not currently act as an investment adviser with respect to any
registered investment company other than IDEX. IMI has served as investment
adviser of the Funds since each fund's inception.
IMI's directors and principal officer, together with their principal
occupations, are listed below. The address of each is 570 Carillon Parkway, St.
Petersburg, Florida 33716.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Name and Position with IMI Principal Occupation
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
John R. Kenney Trustee/Chairman of IDEX Mutual Funds; Director/
Director Chairman of WRL Series Fund, Inc.; Director of ISI
Insurance Agency, Inc.; Chairman & Chief Executive
Officer of Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio;
Senior Vice President of AEGON USA, Inc.; Director,
Chairman and Co-CEO of Great Companies, L.L.C.
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Jerome C. Vahl Executive Vice President of IDEX Mutual Funds and WRL
Director Series Fund, Inc., President of Western Reserve Life
Assurance Co. of Ohio; Director of Idex Investor
Services, Inc. and Vice President of AEGON USA, Cedar
Rapids, Iowa.
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Thomas R. Moriarty Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Principal
Director, President and CEO Financial Officer of IDEX Mutual Funds; President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director of
InterSecurities, Inc. (ISI); Senior Vice President of
ISI Insurance Agency, Inc.; President, Director and CEO
of Idex Investor Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President
of Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio; and
President and CEO of AEGON Asset Management Services,
Inc.
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
All officers and directors as set forth above, serve as officers or trustees of
IDEX. No officer or trustee of IDEX (who is not a director of IMI) owns
securities or has any other material direct or indirect interest in IMI or is a
person controlling, controlled by or under common control with IMI.
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<PAGE>
Information Concerning Pilgrim Baxter. Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd., the
current sub-adviser to the Funds, is located at 825 Duportail Road, Wayne,
Pennsylvania 19087-5593.
None of the officers or Trustees of IMI of IDEX is an officer, employee,
director, or shareholder of Pilgrim Baxter.
Pilgrim Baxter's investment advisers provide investment management and related
services to other mutual funds and individual, corporate and retirement
accounts. The following are registered investment company funds advised by
Pilgrim Baxter with an investment objective similar to that of the Funds; the
table identifies and sets forth the size of such fund as of August 31, 2000,
along with the management fee expressed as a percentage of average daily net
assets for the fund. Pilgrim Baxter receives the fees in exchange for providing
investment services, which are comprised of investment advisory services or
administrative services, or both.
IDEX PILGRIM BAXTER MID CAP GROWTH:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Name of Pilgrim Baxter Fund with Net Assets as of August 31, 2000 Annual Management Fee Rate
Similar Investment Objective
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
0.90% of the first $100 million
WRL Pilgrim Baxter of the portfolio's average daily
Mid Cap Growth $272.4 M net assets and 0.80% of the
portfolio's average daily net
assets over $100 million
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
PBHG Growth II $ 566.4 M 0.85%
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
</TABLE>
IDEX PILGRIM BAXTER TECHNOLOGY:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Name of Pilgrim Baxter Fund with Net Assets as of June 30, 2000 Annual Management Fee Rate
Similar Investment Objective
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
PBHG Technology & Communications
Fund $3834.2 M 0.85%
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
PBHG Technology & Communications
Portfolio $2604.8 M 0.85%
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the principal
executive officers and directors of Pilgrim Baxter:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Occupation/Position with
Name Pilgrim Baxter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Harold J. Baxter Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Gary L. Pilgrim Chief Investment Officer and Director
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
Current Sub-Advisory Agreements. Under each Fund's Current Advisory Agreement,
and subject to review and supervision by IMI and the IDEX Board, Pilgrim Baxter
is responsible for the actual management of each Fund and for making decisions
to buy, sell or hold any particular security, and Pilgrim Baxter places orders
to buy or sell securities on behalf of each Fund. Pilgrim Baxter bears all of
its expenses in connection with the performance of its services, such as
compensating and furnishing office space for its officers and employees
connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment
management of each Fund. Pilgrim Baxter is also responsible for selecting the
broker-dealers who execute each Fund's portfolio transactions. Each Agreement
was last submitted to shareholders on March 1, 1999 on behalf of IDEX Pilgrim
Baxter Mid Cap Growth, and on March 1, 2000 on behalf of IDEX Pilgrim Baxter
Technology, the date of each Agreement's initial approval.
For its services, Pilgrim Baxter receives the following compensation:
IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth - 0.50% of the first $100 M of
the fund's average daily net assets and 0.40% of the fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $100 M (from first
dollar)
IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology - 0.55% of first $500 M of the
fund's average daily net assets and 0.50% of the fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $500 M
For the IDEX fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap
Growth received compensation in the amount of $10,925.00. IDEX Pilgrim Baxter
Technology had not commenced operations as of October 31, 1999.
Evaluation by the Board. Prior to and at the meeting of the Board on September
11, 2000, the Trustees of IDEX, including the Disinterested Trustees, reviewed
information regarding the Acquisition and the Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement as
it relates to each Fund. The Board also discussed the Acquisition, and its
possible effects on each Fund.
In evaluating the Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement as it relates to each Fund,
the Board took into account that each Fund's Current Sub-Advisory Agreement,
including the terms relating to the services provided thereunder by Pilgrim
Baxter and the expenses payable by each Fund, is substantially identical to the
Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement, except for the effective date and the initial
term. The Board gave greatest weight to ensuring continuity of management of
each Fund. In light of the capabilities, resources, and personnel of Pilgrim
Baxter, the Board concluded that such continuity was in the best interests of
shareholders. After consideration of all factors and information that the Board
deemed relevant, the Board, including Disinterested Trustees, unanimously
approved the Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement and voted to recommend approval of
the agreement to shareholders of each Fund.
Vote Required. As provided under the 1940 Act, approval of the Proposed
Sub-Advisory Agreement will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of each Fund. Such a majority is defined in the 1940 Act as
the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of the shares present at such meeting, if the
holders of more than 50% of the outstanding share of each Fund are present or
represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the total outstanding shares of
each Fund.
In the event that the Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement is not approved by the
shareholders of each Fund, the Board will consider such alternative measures as
the Board deems prudent and in the best interest of the Fund and its
shareholders.
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<PAGE>
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THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT
YOU VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 1
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Shareholder Proposals
As a general matter, IDEX does not hold annual meetings of shareholders.
Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement or
for submission to shareholders for a subsequent shareholders' meeting should
send their written proposals to the Secretary of IDEX Mutual Funds, 570 Carillon
Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. Such proposals must be submitted within
a reasonable time prior to the solicitation.
Annual Reports
IDEX will furnish, without charge, a copy of its most recent annual report to
shareholders upon request. Any such request should be directed to IDEX by
calling (888) 233-4339 or by writing to IDEX at P.O. Box 9015, Clearwater, FL
33758-9015.
Additional Information
The Fund's investment adviser, Idex Management, Inc., its transfer agent, Idex
Investor Services, Inc., and its principal underwriter/distributor,
InterSecurities, Inc., are located at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg,
Florida 33716.
Other Business
Management knows of no business to be presented to the Meeting other than the
matter set forth in this Proxy Statement, but should any other matter requiring
a vote of shareholders arise, the proxies will vote thereon according to their
best judgment in the interests of IDEX and its shareholders.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
John K. Carter, Esq., Secretary
IDEX Mutual Funds
St. Petersburg, Florida
Exhibit A - Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into as of _________________ between IDEX
MANAGEMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (referred to herein as "Idex
Management"), and Pilgrim Baxter and Associates, Ltd. a Delaware corporation
(referred to herein as "Pilgrim Baxter").
WHEREAS, Idex Management entered into Management and Investment
Advisory Agreements (referred to herein as the "Advisory Agreements"), dated as
of March 1, 1999 and March 1, 2000, respectfully, with IDEX Mutual Funds, a
Massachusetts business trust (referred to herein as "IDEX"), an open-end
management investment company registered under The Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"), on behalf of the funds listed on schedule A (each a
"Fund, collectively, the "Funds"), under which Idex Management has agreed, among
other things, to act as investment adviser to the Funds.
WHEREAS, the Advisory Agreement provides that Idex Management may
engage Pilgrim Baxter to furnish investment information and advice to assist
Idex Management in carrying out its responsibilities under the Advisory
Agreement as investment adviser to each Fund.
WHEREAS, it is the purpose of this Agreement to express the mutual
agreements of the parties hereto with respect to the services to be provided by
Pilgrim Baxter to Idex Management and the terms and conditions under which such
services will be rendered.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Services of Pilgrim Baxter. Pilgrim Baxter shall act as investment
adviser to Idex Management with respect to each Fund. In this capacity, Pilgrim
Baxter shall have the following responsibilities:
(a) to provide a continuous investment program for each Fund including
management of the acquisition, holding or disposition of any or
all of the securities or other assets which each Fund may own or
contemplate acquiring from time to time;
(b) Pilgrim Baxter will place orders for the purchase and sale of
securities primarily with or through such persons, brokers or
dealers whom it believes will provide the most favorable price and
efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy and in
accordance with Section 28(e) of the Securities & Exchange Act of
1934, Pilgrim Baxter may consider the financial responsibility,
research and investment information and other services provided by
brokers or dealers who may effect or be a party to any such
transaction or other transactions to which Pilgrim Baxter's other
clients may be a party. It is understood that it is desirable for
each Fund that Pilgrim Baxter have access to supplemental
investment and market research and security and economic analysis
provided by brokers who may execute brokerage transactions at a
higher cost to each Fund that may result when allocating brokerage
to other brokers solely on the basis of seeking the most favorable
price. Therefore, Pilgrim Baxter is authorized to place orders for
the purchase and sale of securities for each Fund with such
brokers, subject to review by Idex Management and the IDEX Board
of Trustees, from time to time, with respect to the extent and
continuation of this practice. It is understood that the
9
<PAGE>
services provided by such brokers also may be useful to Pilgrim
Baxter in connection with Pilgrim Baxter's services to other
clients.
On occasions when Pilgrim Baxter deems the purchase or sale of a
security to be in the best interest of each Fund as well as other
clients of Pilgrim Baxter, to the extent permitted by applicable
laws and regulations, Pilgrim Baxter may, but shall be under no
obligation to, aggregate the securities to be so purchased or sold
in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage
commissions and efficient execution. In such event, allocation of
the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses
incurred in the transaction, will be made by Pilgrim Baxter in the
manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with
its fiduciary obligations to each Fund and to such other clients.
(c) to cause its officers to attend meetings of Idex Management or
each Fund and furnish oral or written reports, as Idex Management
may reasonably require, in order to keep Idex Management and its
officers and the Trustees of IDEX and appropriate officers of IDEX
fully informed as to the condition of the investment portfolio of
each Fund, the investment recommendations of Pilgrim Baxter, and
the investment considerations which have given rise to those
recommendations;
(d) to furnish such statistical and analytical information and reports
as may reasonably be required by Idex Management from time to
time; and
(e) to supervise the purchase and sale of securities.
2. Obligations of Idex Management. Idex Management shall have the
following obligations under this Agreement:
(a) to keep Pilgrim Baxter continuously and fully informed as to the
composition of each Fund's investment portfolio and the nature of
each Fund's assets and liabilities from time to time;
(b) to furnish Pilgrim Baxter with a certified copy of the IDEX
By-laws and with a certified copy of any financial statement or
report prepared for each Fund by certified or independent public
accountants, and with copies of any financial statements or
reports made by each Fund to its shareholders or to any
governmental body or securities exchange;
(c) to promptly furnish Pilgrim Baxter with copies of each Fund's
current prospectus and statement of additional information,
together with any investment restrictions or limitations imposed
upon the management of the assets of each Fund by the IDEX Board
of Trustees or officers, or those imposed by Idex Management, and
copies of any or all Exemptive Orders or no-action letters
received by the Trust from the Securities and Exchange Commission
which may apply to each Fund.
(d) to furnish Pilgrim Baxter with any further materials or
information which Pilgrim Baxter may reasonably request to enable
it to perform its functions under this Agreement;
(e) to compensate Pilgrim Baxter for its services provided, and the
expenses assumed under this Agreement, by (i) the payment of a
monthly fee as set forth on schedule A attached
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<PAGE>
to this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time in
accordance with Section 10 below. In the event that this Agreement
shall be effective for only part of a period to which any such fee
received by Idex Management is attributable, then an appropriate
pro-ration of the fee that would have been payable hereunder if
this Agreement had remained in effect until the end of such period
shall be made, based on the number of calendar days in such period
and the number of calendar days during the period in which this
Agreement was in effect. The fees payable to Pilgrim Baxter
hereunder shall be payable upon receipt by Idex Management from
each Fund of fees payable to Idex Management under Section 6 of
the Advisory Agreement; and
3. Treatment of Investment Advice. Idex Management may direct Pilgrim
Baxter to furnish its investment information, advice and recommendations
directly to officers of IDEX.
4. Purchases by Affiliates. Neither Pilgrim Baxter nor any of its
officers or Directors shall take a long or short position in the securities
issued by each Fund. This prohibition, however, shall not prevent the purchase
from each Fund of shares issued by each Fund on behalf of each Fund by the
officers and Directors of Pilgrim Baxter (or deferred benefit plans established
for their benefit) at the current price available to the public, or at such
price with reductions in sales charge as may be permitted in each Fund's current
prospectus in accordance with Section 22(d) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
5. Liability of Pilgrim Baxter. Pilgrim Baxter may rely on information
provided to it by Idex Management or IDEX reasonably believed by it to be
accurate and reliable. Except as may otherwise be provided by the 1940 Act,
neither Pilgrim Baxter nor its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be
subject to any liability to each Fund or any shareholders of each Fund or to
Idex Management for any error of judgment, mistake of law or any loss arising
out of any investment or other act or omission in the course of, connected with
or arising out of any service to be rendered hereunder, except by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under
this Agreement.
6. Compliance With Laws. Pilgrim Baxter represents that it is, and will
continue to be throughout the term of this Agreement, an investment adviser
registered under all applicable federal and state laws. In all matters relating
to the performance of this Agreement, Pilgrim Baxter will act in conformity with
the IDEX Declaration of Trust, Bylaws, and current prospectus and with the
instructions and direction of Idex Management and IDEX Trustees, and will
conform to and comply with the 1940 Act and all other applicable federal or
state laws and regulations.
7. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate automatically with
respect to each Fund upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement with respect
to such Fund. This Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to each
Fund, without penalty, by Idex Management or by IDEX by giving 60 days' written
notice of such termination to Pilgrim Baxter at its principal place of business,
provided that, if terminated by IDEX, such termination is approved by the Board
of Trustees of IDEX or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities (as that phrase is defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act) of
each Fund. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by Pilgrim Baxter by
giving 60 days' written notice of such termination to IDEX and Idex Management
at their respective principal places of business.
8. Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the
event of any assignment (as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940
Act) of this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
9. Term. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless sooner
terminated in accordance with its terms, for an initial term ending April 30,
2002, and shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter so long as such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of a majority
of the Trustees of IDEX who are not parties hereto or interested persons (as
that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of any such party,
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of
the terms of such renewal, and by either the Trustees of IDEX or the affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund (as that
phrase is defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act).
10. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended with respect to each Fund
only with the approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities (as that phrase is defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940
Act) of such Fund and the approval by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of
IDEX who are not parties hereto or interested persons (as that term is defined
in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of such amendment,
unless otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act.
11. Prior Agreements. This agreement supersedes all prior agreements
between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and all such prior
agreements are deemed terminated upon the effectiveness of this agreement.
12. Miscellaneous.
(a) Pilgrim Baxter shall not be required to pay any expenses of
each Fund. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Pilgrim Baxter shall not be responsible for the following expenses of each Fund:
organization and certain offering expenses of each Fund, legal expenses;
auditing and accounting expenses; interest expenses; telephone, telex,
facsimile, postage and other communications expenses; taxes and governmental
fees; fees, dues and expenses incurred by or with respect to each Fund in
connection with membership in investment company trade organization; costs of
insurance relating to fidelity coverage for each Fund's officers and employees;
fees and expenses of each Fund's custodian, any subcustodian, transfer agent
registrar, or dividend disbursing agent; payments to Idex Management for
maintaining each Fund's financial books and records and calculating the daily
net asset value; other payments for portfolio pricing or valuation services to
pricing agents, accountants, bankers and other specialists, if any; expenses of
preparing share certificates; other expenses in connection with the issuance,
offering, distribution, sale or redemption of securities issued by each Fund;
expenses relating to investor and public relations; expenses of registering and
qualifying shares of each Fund for sale; freight, insurance and other charges in
connection with the shipment of each Fund's portfolio securities; brokerage
commissions or other costs of acquiring or disposing of any portfolio securities
or other assets of each Fund, or of entering into other transactions or engaging
in any investment practices with respect to each Fund; expenses of printing and
distributing prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information, reports,
notices and dividends to stockholders; costs of stationery; any litigation
expenses; and costs of stockholders' meetings; costs relating to meetings of the
Board of Trustees of IDEX except for travel expenses for representatives of
Pilgrim Baxter to the extent that such expenses relate to attendance at meetings
of the Board of Trustees of IDEX with respect to matters concerning each Fund,
or any committees thereof or advisers thereto.
(b) It is understood that the services of Pilgrim Baxter are not
exclusive, and that nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Pilgrim Baxter from
providing similar services to other investment companies or to other series of
investment companies, or from engaging in other activities, provided such other
services and activities do not, during the term of the Agreement, interfere in a
material manner with
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<PAGE>
Pilgrim Baxter's ability to meet its obligations to each Fund hereunder. When
Pilgrim Baxter recommends the purchase or sale of the same security for each
Fund, it is understood that in light of its fiduciary duty to each Fund, such
transactions will be executed on a basis that is fair and equitable to each
Fund. In connection with purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the
account of each Fund, neither Pilgrim Baxter nor any of its directors, officers
or employees shall act as principal or agent or receive any commission, provided
that portfolio transactions for each Fund may be executed through firms
affiliated with Pilgrim Baxter in accordance with applicable legal requirements,
and procedures adopted by the Trustees of each Fund.
(c) During the term of this Agreement, Idex Management agrees to
furnish Pilgrim Baxter, at its principal office, all prospectuses, proxy
statements, reports to shareholders, sales literature or other materials
prepared for distribution to shareholders of each Fund, IDEX or the public that
refer to Pilgrim Baxter or its clients in any way.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date first above written.
ATTEST: THE PILGRIM BAXTER & ASSOCIATES, LTD.
__________________________________ By:___________________________________
Secretary Title:
ATTEST: IDEX MANAGEMENT, INC.
__________________________________ By:___________________________________
Secretary Thomas R. Moriarty
President and Chief Executive Officer
13
<PAGE>
Sub-Advisory Agreement
SCHEDULE A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------- --------------------------
FUND ANNUAL PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY TERMINATION DATE
NET ASSETS
------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth 0.50% of the first $100 million of April 30, 2002
the fund's average daily net assets;
0.40% of the fund's average daily net
assets in excess of $100 million
(from first dollar)
------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------- --------------------------
IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology 0.55% of the first $500 million of April 30, 2002
the fund's average daily net assets;
0.50% of the fund's average daily net
assets in excess of $500 million
------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------- --------------------------
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
FORM OF PROXY CARD
IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS
570 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716
The undersigned hereby appoints Thomas R. Moriarty and John K. Carter,
or any of them, as proxies each with the power to appoint his substitute, and
hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all shares
of the IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth fund (the "fund") of IDEX Mutual Funds
("IDEX"), that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of
Shareholders to be held Friday, December 15, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard
Time, at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, and at any and all
adjournments thereof, with respect to the matters set forth below and described
in the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement dated September 25, 2000, receipt
of which is hereby acknowledged:
(1) To approve a Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement between Idex
Management, Inc. and Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd. with
respect to the IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Mid Cap Growth fund.
____ For _____ Against _____ Abstain
(2) In the discretion of IDEX, transact such other business as
may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
____ For _____ Against _____ Abstain
THIS PROXY IS SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS
I hereby revoke any and all proxies with respect to such shares, if
any, previously given by me. I acknowledge receipt of the Proxy Statement dated
September 25, 2000. This instruction will be voted as specified. If no
specification is made, this instruction will be voted "FOR" each proposal.
___________________________ __________
Authorized signature Date
<PAGE>
FORM OF PROXY CARD
IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS
570 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716
The undersigned hereby appoints Thomas R. Moriarty and John K. Carter,
or any of them, as proxies each with the power to appoint his substitute, and
hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all shares
of the IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology fund (the "fund") of IDEX Mutual Funds
("IDEX"), that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of
Shareholders to be held Friday, December 15, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard
Time, at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, and at any and all
adjournments thereof, with respect to the matters set forth below and described
in the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement dated September 25, 2000, receipt
of which is hereby acknowledged:
(1) To approve a Proposed Sub-Advisory Agreement between Idex
Management, Inc. and Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd. with
respect to the IDEX Pilgrim Baxter Technology fund.
____ For _____ Against _____ Abstain
(2) In the discretion of IDEX, transact such other business as
may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
____ For _____ Against _____ Abstain
THIS PROXY IS SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS
I hereby revoke any and all proxies with respect to such shares, if
any, previously given by me. I acknowledge receipt of the Proxy Statement dated
September 25, 2000. This instruction will be voted as specified. If no
specification is made, this instruction will be voted "FOR" each proposal.
_________________________ ___________
Authorized signature Date
