<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 6, 2000.
Securities Act File No.
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-14
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 /x/
---
Pre-Effective Amendment No. /____/ Post-Effective Amendment No. /____/
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
John Millette
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110-4103
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
(617) 295-1000
(Registrant's Area Code and Telephone Number)
with copies to:
Caroline Pearson, Esq. Sheldon A. Jones, Esq.
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. Dechert Price & Rhoads
Two International Place Ten Post Office Square - South
Boston, MA 02110-4103 Boston, MA 02109-4603
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:
As soon as practicable after this
Registration Statement is
declared effective.
Title of Securities Being Registered:
Capital Stock ($.01 par value)
of Scudder International Fund, a series of the Registrant
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It is proposed that this filing will become effective on April 5, 2000
pursuant to Rule 488 under the Securities Act of 1933.
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No filing fee is required because the Registrant has previously registered an
indefinite number of its shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
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PART A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
AARP GROWTH TRUST
AARP INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND
Please take notice that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting")
of AARP International Stock Fund (the "Fund"), a series of AARP Growth Trust
(the "Trust"), will be held at the offices of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.,
Floor 13, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103, on July 11, 2000, at
2:00 p.m., Eastern time, for the following purposes:
Proposal 1: To elect Trustees of the Trust;
Proposal 2: To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization for the
Fund whereby all or substantially all of the assets and
liabilities of the Fund would be acquired by Scudder
International Fund in exchange for shares of the AARP Shares
class of Scudder International Fund; and
Proposal 3: To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
the independent accountants for the Fund for the Fund's
current fiscal year.
The appointed proxies will vote in their discretion on any other business
that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Holders of record of shares of the Fund at the close of business on April
17, 2000 are entitled to vote at the Meeting and at any adjournments thereof.
In the event that the necessary quorum to transact business or the vote
required to approve any Proposal is not obtained at the Meeting, the persons
named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting in
accordance with applicable law to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any
such adjournment as to a matter will require the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the Fund's shares present in person or by proxy at the Meeting.
The persons named as proxies will vote FOR any such adjournment those proxies
which they are entitled to vote in favor of that Proposal and will vote AGAINST
any such adjournment those proxies to be voted against that Proposal.
By Order of the Board,
[Signature]
Kathryn L. Quirk,
Secretary
[date]
IMPORTANT -- We urge you to sign and date the enclosed proxy card(s) and return
it in the enclosed envelope which requires no postage (or to take advantage of
the electronic or telephonic voting procedures described on the proxy card(s)).
Your prompt return of the enclosed proxy card(s) (or your voting by other
available means) may save the necessity and expense of further solicitations. If
you wish to attend the Meeting and vote your shares in person at that time, you
will still be able to do so.
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Table of Contents
Introduction....................
Proposal 1: Election of Trustees/Directors for the Acquired
Trust/Corporation........
Nominees for Election..............
Trustees/Directors Not Standing for Re-election............
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings........
Audit Committee........
Committee on Independent Trustees/Directors........
Attendance............
Honorary Trustees/Directors.........
Officers.............
Compensation of Trustees/Directors and Officers.........
Proposal 2: Approval of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization......
I. SYNOPSIS.........
Introduction.........
Background of the Reorganization...........
Reasons for the Proposed Transaction; Board Approval.......
Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions of the
Funds........
Portfolio Turnover..........
Performance...........
Investment Manager; Fees and Expenses......
Administrative Fee..........
Comparison of Expenses.........
Financial Highlights.........
Distribution of Shares........
Purchase, Redemption and Exchange Information.........
Dividends and other Distributions..........
Tax Consequences........
II. PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS......
III. THE PROPOSED TRANSCTION..........
Description of the Plan........
Board Approval of the Proposed Transaction......
Description of the Securities to be Issued.....
Federal Income Tax Consequences.........
Capitalization...........
Proposal 3: Ratification or Rejection of the Selection of Independent
Accountants
Additional Information
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Part B: Statement of Additional Information
Part C: Other Information
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PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
[DATE]
Relating to the acquisition of the assets of
AARP INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND (the "Acquired Fund"),
a separate series of
AARP GROWTH TRUST (the "Acquired Trust")
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103
(800) 253-2277
by and in exchange for shares of Capital Stock of
the AARP Shares class of
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND (the "Acquiring Fund"),
a separate series of
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC. (the "Acquiring Corporation")
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154
(800) 728-3337
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to shareholders of the
Acquired Fund in connection with three proposals (each a "Proposal"). Proposal 1
describes the election of Trustees, and Proposal 3 proposes the ratification of
the Acquired Fund's accountants.
In Proposal 2, shareholders are asked to approve a proposed reorganization
in which all or substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund would be
acquired by the Acquiring Fund, in exchange for shares of capital stock of the
AARP Shares class of the Acquiring Fund (known as "AARP Shares") and the
assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund,
as described more fully below (the "Reorganization"). Shares of the Acquiring
Fund thereby received would then be distributed to the shareholders of the
Acquired Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund. As a result of the
Reorganization, each shareholder of the Acquired Fund would receive that number
of AARP Shares having an aggregate net asset value equal to the aggregate net
asset value of such shareholder's shares of the Acquired Fund held as of the
close of business on the business day preceding the closing of the
Reorganization (the "Valuation Date"). Shareholders of the Acquired Fund will
vote on an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") pursuant to which
the Reorganization would be consummated. A copy of the Plan is attached hereto
as Exhibit A. The closing of the Reorganization (the "Closing") is contingent
upon shareholder approval of the Plan. The Reorganization is expected to occur
on or about August 28, 2000.
Proposals 1 and 2 relate to a restructuring program proposed by Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. ("Scudder Kemper" or the "Investment Manager") and
described in more detail below.
It is being proposed to shareholders of Scudder International Growth and
Income Fund, another fund advised by Scudder Kemper, the investment manager for
each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, that the Acquiring Fund
acquire the assets of that other fund. Each of the closing of this other
acquisition and the Closing is contingent upon the other.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES NOR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
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ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
In the descriptions of the Proposals below, the word "fund" is sometimes
used to mean investment companies or series thereof in general, and not the
Acquired Fund whose proxy statement this is. In addition, for simplicity,
actions are described in this Proxy Statement as being taken by either the
Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund (each a "Fund" and collectively the
"Funds"), although all actions are actually taken either by the Acquired Trust
or the Acquiring Corporation, on behalf of the applicable Fund.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about
the Acquiring Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing and
should be retained for future reference. For a more detailed discussion of the
investment objectives, policies, restrictions and risks of the Acquiring Fund,
see the Acquiring Fund's prospectus, dated January 1, 2000, as supplemented from
time to time, which is included herewith and incorporated herein by reference.
For a more detailed discussion of the investment objectives, policies,
restrictions and risks of the Acquired Fund, see the Acquired Fund's prospectus,
dated February 1, 2000, as supplemented from time to time, which is incorporated
herein by reference and a copy of which may be obtained upon request and without
charge by calling or writing the Acquired Fund at the telephone number or
address set forth on the preceding page.
The Acquiring Fund's Statement of Additional Information, dated January 1,
2000, is incorporated herein by reference and may be obtained upon request and
without charge by calling or writing the Acquiring Fund at the telephone number
or address set forth on the preceding page. A Statement of Additional
Information dated ___________________, containing additional information about
the Reorganization and the parties thereto has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" or the "Commission") and is incorporated by
reference into this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. A copy of the Statement of
Additional Information relating to the Reorganization is available upon request
and without charge by calling or writing the Acquiring Fund at the telephone
number or address set forth on the preceding page. Shareholder inquiries
regarding the Acquired Fund may be made by calling (800) 253-2277. Shareholder
inquiries regarding the Acquiring Fund may be made by calling (800) 728-3337.
The information contained herein concerning the Acquired Fund has been provided
by, and is included herein in reliance upon, the Acquired Fund. The information
contained herein concerning the Acquiring Fund has been provided by, and is
included herein in reliance upon, the Acquiring Fund. The AARP Shares will be a
newly-established class of shares of the Acquiring Fund and will be identical in
all material respects to the International Shares class of the Acquiring Fund
currently offered and sold, as described in the prospectus and statement of
additional information for the Acquiring Fund, dated January 1, 2000, except as
otherwise described herein.
The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund are diversified series of capital
stock, in the case of the Acquiring Fund, and shares of beneficial interest, in
the case of the Acquired Fund, of, respectively, the Acquiring Corporation and
the Acquired Trust. The Acquiring Corporation and the Acquired Trust are each an
open-end management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation and a
Massachusetts business trust, respectively.
The Board of Trustees (except as otherwise noted, "Trustees" refers to the
Trustees of the Acquired Trust and "Board" refers to the Board of Trustees of
the Acquired Trust) is soliciting proxies from shareholders of the Acquired
Fund, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, for the Special Meeting of Shareholders to
be held on July 11, 2000, at Scudder Kemper's offices, at Floor 13, Two
International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103, at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time), or at
such later time made necessary by adjournment (the "Meeting").
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The Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust recommends that shareholders
vote for the nominees listed in Proposal 1, and for Proposals 2 and 3.
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF TRUSTEES FOR THE ACQUIRED TRUST
At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to elect nine individuals to
constitute the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust. These individuals were
nominated after a careful and deliberate selection process by the present Board
of Trustees of the Acquired Trust. The nominees for election, who are listed
below, include seven persons who currently serve as Independent Trustees (as
defined below) of the Acquired Trust, the Acquiring Trust or as independent
trustees or directors of other no-load funds advised by Scudder Kemper and who
have no affiliation with Scudder Kemper or AARP. The nominees listed below are
also being nominated for election as Trustees of the Acquiring Trust and
trustees or directors of most of the other no-load funds advised by Scudder
Kemper.
Currently five different boards of trustees or directors are responsible
for overseeing different groups of no-load funds advised by Scudder Kemper. As
part of a broader restructuring effort described below under Proposal 2, Scudder
Kemper has recommended, and the Board of Trustees has agreed, that shareholder
interests can more effectively be represented by a single board with
responsibility for overseeing substantially all of the Scudder no-load funds.
Creation of a single, consolidated board should also provide certain
administrative efficiencies and potential future cost savings for both the Funds
and Scudder Kemper.
Election of each of the listed nominees for Trustee on the Board of the
Acquired Trust requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at
the Meeting, in person or by proxy. The persons named as proxies on the enclosed
proxy card will vote for the election of the nominees named below unless
authority to vote for any or all of the nominees is withheld in the proxy. Each
Trustee so elected will serve as a Trustee of the Acquired Trust until the next
meeting of shareholders, if any, called for the purpose of electing Trustees and
until the election and qualification of a successor or until such Trustee sooner
dies, resigns or is removed as provided in the governing documents of the
Acquired Trust. Each of the nominees has indicated that he or she is willing to
serve as a Trustee. If any or all of the nominees should become unavailable for
election due to events not now known or anticipated, the persons named as
proxies will vote for such other nominee or nominees as the Trustees may
recommend. The following paragraphs and table set forth information concerning
the nominees and the Trustees not standing for re-election. Each nominee's or
Trustee's age is in parentheses after his or her name. Unless otherwise noted,
(i) each of the nominees and Trustees has engaged in the principal occupation
listed in the following paragraphs and table for more than five years, but not
necessarily in the same capacity, and (ii) the address of each nominee is c/o
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, MA
02110-4103.
Nominees for Election as Trustees:
Henry P. Becton, Jr. (56)
Henry P. Becton, Jr. graduated from Yale University in 1965, where he was
elected to Phi Beta Kappa and was Chairman of the Yale Broadcasting Corporation.
He received his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School in 1968. He joined the staff
of WGBH Educational Foundation in 1970, was appointed General Manager in 1978,
and was elected President and General Manager in 1984. Mr. Becton is a member of
the PBS Board of Directors, a Trustee of American Public Television, the New
England Aquarium, the Boston Museum of Science, Concord Academy, and the
Massachusetts Corporation for Educational Telecommunications, an Overseer of the
Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Banff
International Television Festival Foundation. He is also a Director of Becton
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Dickinson and Company and A.H. Belo Company, a Trustee of the Committee for
Economic Development, and a member of the Board of Visitors of the Dimock
Community Health Center, the Dean's Council of Harvard University's Graduate
School of Education, and the Massachusetts Bar. Mr. Becton has served as a
trustee of various mutual funds advised by Scudder Kemper, since 1990.
Linda C. Coughlin (48)*
Linda C. Coughlin, a Managing Director of Scudder Kemper, is head of Scudder
Kemper's U.S. Retail Mutual Funds Business. Ms. Coughlin joined Scudder Kemper
in 1986 and was a member of the firm's Board of Directors. She currently
oversees the marketing, service and operations of Scudder Kemper retail
businesses in the United States, which include the Scudder, Kemper, AARP, and
closed-end fund families, and the direct and intermediary channels. She also
serves as Chairperson of the AARP Investment Program from Scudder and as a
Trustee of the Program's mutual funds. Ms. Coughlin is also a member of the
Mutual Funds Management Group. Previously, she served as a regional Marketing
Director in the retail banking division of Citibank and at the American Express
Company as Director of Consumer Marketing for the mutual fund group. Ms.
Coughlin received a B.A. degree in economics (summa cum laude) from Fordham
University. Ms. Coughlin has served on the boards of various funds advised by
Scudder Kemper, including the AARP Investment Program Funds since 1996.
Dawn-Marie Driscoll (53)
Dawn-Marie Driscoll is an Executive Fellow and Advisory Board member of the
Center for Business Ethics at Bentley College, one of the nation's leading
institutes devoted to the study and practice of business ethics. Ms. Driscoll is
also president of Driscoll Associates, a consulting firm. She is a member of the
Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute and serves as Chairman of
the Directors Services Committee. She has been a director, trustee and overseer
of many civic and business institutions, including The Massachusetts Bay United
Way and Regis College. Ms. Driscoll was formerly a law partner at Palmer & Dodge
in Boston and served for over a decade as Vice President of Corporate Affairs
and General Counsel of Filene's, the Boston-based department store chain. Ms.
Driscoll received a B.A. from Regis College, a J.D. from Suffolk University Law
School, a D.H.L. (honorary) from Suffolk University and a D.C.S. (honorary) from
Bentley College Graduate School of Business. Ms. Driscoll has served as a
trustee of various mutual funds advised by Scudder Kemper since 1987.
Edgar R. Fiedler (70)
Edgar R. Fiedler is Senior Fellow and Economic Counsellor at The Conference
Board. He served as the Board's Vice President, Economic Research from 1975 to
1986 and as Vice President and Economic Counsellor from 1986 to 1996. Mr.
Fiedler's business experience includes positions at Eastman Kodak in Rochester
(1956-59), Doubleday and Company in New York City (1959-60), and Bankers Trust
Company in New York City (1960-69). He also served as Assistant Secretary of the
Treasury for Economic Policy from 1971 to 1975. Mr. Fiedler graduated from the
University of Wisconsin in 1951. He received his M.B.A. from the University of
Michigan and his doctorate from New York University. During the 1980's, Mr.
Fiedler was an Adjunct Professor of Economics at the Columbia University
Graduate School of Business. From 1990 to 1991, he was the Stephen Edward Scarff
Distinguished Professor at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. Mr. Fiedler is a
Director of The Stanley Works, Harris Insight Funds, Brazil Fund, and PEG
Capital Management, Inc. He has served as a board member of various mutual funds
advised by Scudder Kemper, including the AARP Investment Program Funds, since
1984.
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Keith R. Fox (46)
Keith R. Fox is the managing partner of the Exeter Group of Funds, a series of
private equity funds with offices in New York and Boston, which he founded in
1986. The Exeter Group invests in a wide range of private equity situations,
including venture capital, expansion financings, recapitalizations and
management buyouts. Prior to forming Exeter, Mr. Fox was a director and vice
president of BT Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of Bankers Trust New York
Corporation organized as a small business investment company and based in New
York City. Mr. Fox graduated from Oxford University in 1976, and in 1981
received an M.B.A. degree from the Harvard Business School. Mr. Fox is also a
qualified accountant. He is a board member and former Chairman of the National
Association of Small Business Investment Companies, and a director of Golden
State Vintners, K-Communications, Progressive Holding Corporation and Facts On
File, as well as a former director of over twenty companies. Mr. Fox has served
as a trustee of various mutual funds advised by Scudder Kemper since 1996.
Joan Edelman Spero (55)
Joan E. Spero is the president of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, a
position to which she was named in January 1997. From 1993 to 1997, Ms. Spero
served as Undersecretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural
Affairs under President Clinton. From 1981 to 1993, she was an executive at the
American Express Company, where her last position was executive vice president
for Corporate Affairs and Communications. Ms. Spero served as U.N. Ambassador to
the United Nations Economic and Social Council under President Carter from 1980
to 1981. She was an assistant professor at Columbia University from 1973 to
1979. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Wisconsin and holds a
master's degree in international affairs and a doctorate in political science
from Columbia University. Ms. Spero is a member of the Council on Foreign
Relations and the Council of American Ambassadors. She also serves as a trustee
of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, The Brookings Institution and
Columbia University and is a Director of First Data Corporation. Ms. Spero has
served as a trustee of various mutual funds advised by Scudder Kemper since
1998.
Jean Gleason Stromberg (56)
Ms. Stromberg acts as a consultant on regulatory matters. From 1996 to 1997, Ms.
Stromberg represented the U.S. General Accounting Office before Congress and
elsewhere on issues involving banking, securities, securities markets, and
government-sponsored enterprises. Prior to that, Ms. Stromberg was a corporate
and securities law partner at the Washington, D.C. law office of Fulbright and
Jaworski, a national law firm. She served as Associate Director of the SEC's
Division of Investment Management from 1977 to 1979 and prior to that was
Special Counsel for the Division of Corporation Finance from 1972 to 1977. Ms.
Stromberg graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wellesley College and received her law
degree from Harvard Law School. From 1988 to 1991 and 1993 to 1996, she was a
Trustee of the American Bar Retirement Association, the funding vehicle for
American Bar Association-sponsored retirement plans. Ms. Stromberg serves on the
Wellesley College Business Leadership Council and the Council for Mutual Fund
Director Education at Northwestern University Law School and was a panelist at
the SEC's Investment Company Director's Roundtable. Ms. Stromberg has served as
a board member of the AARP Investment Program Funds since 1997.
Jean C. Tempel (56)
Jean C. Tempel is a venture partner for Internet Capital Group, a strategic
network of Internet partnership companies whose principal offices are in Wayne,
Pennsylvania. Ms. Tempel concentrates on investment opportunities in the Boston
area. She spent 25 years in technology/operations executive management at
various New England banks, building custody operations and real time
financial/securities processing
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systems, most recently as Chief Operations Officer at The Boston Company. From
1991 until 1993 she was president/COO of Safeguard Scientifics, a Pennsylvania
technology venture company. In that role she was a founding investor, director
and vice chairman of Cambridge Technology Partners. She is a director of
XLVision, Inc., Marathon Technologies, Inc., Aberdeen Group and Sonesta Hotels
International, and is a Trustee of Northeastern University, Connecticut College,
and The Commonwealth Institute. She received a B.A. from Connecticut College, an
M.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of New York, and attended Harvard
Business School's Advanced Management Program. Ms. Tempel has served as a
trustee of various mutual funds advised by Scudder Kemper since 1994.
Steven Zaleznick (45)*
Steven Zaleznick is President and CEO of AARP Services, Inc., a wholly-owned and
independently-operated subsidiary of AARP which manages a range of products and
services offered to AARP members, provides marketing services to AARP and its
member service providers and establishes an electronic commerce presence for
AARP members. Mr. Zaleznick previously served as AARP's general counsel for nine
years. He was responsible for the legal affairs of the AARP, which included tax
and legal matters affecting non-profit organizations, contract negotiations,
publication review and public policy litigation. In 1979, he joined the AARP as
a legislation representative responsible for issues involving taxes, pensions,
age discrimination, and other national issues affecting older Americans. Mr.
Zaleznick is President of the Board of Cradle of Hope Adoption Center in
Washington, D.C. He is a former treasurer and currently a board member of the
National Senior Citizens Law Center. Mr. Zaleznick received his B.A. in
economics from Brown University. He received his J.D. degree from Georgetown
University Law Center and is a member of the District of Columbia Bar
Association.
Trustees Not Standing for Re-election:
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Name Present Office with the Acquired
- ---- Trust; Principal Occupation or
Employment and Directorships
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Horace B. Deets (61)* Vice Chairperson and Trustee;
Executive Director, AARP (1989 -
Present). Mr. Deets serves on the
Boards of an additional 4 trusts whose
funds are advised by Scudder Kemper.
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Carole Lewis Anderson (55) Trustee; Principal, Suburban Capital
Markets, Inc. (1995 - Present). Ms.
Anderson serves on the Boards of an
additional 4 trusts whose funds are
advised by Scudder Kemper.
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Adelaide Attard (69) Trustee; Member, NYC Department of
Aging Advisory Council (1995 -
Present); Consultant, Gerontology
Commissioner, County of Nassau, New
York, Department of Senior Citizen
Affairs (1971-1991). Ms. Attard
serves on the Boards of an additional
4 trusts whose funds are advised by
Scudder Kemper.
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Robert N. Butler, M.D. (73) Trustee; Director, International
Longevity Center and Professor of
Geriatrics and Adult Development;
Chairman, Henry L. Schwartz Department
of Geriatrics and Adult Development,
Mount Sinai Medical Center (1982 -
present). Dr. Butler serves on the
Boards of an additional 4 trusts whose
funds are advised by Scudder Kemper.
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Lt. Gen. Eugene P. Forrester (73) Trustee; Lt. General (Retired), U.S.
Army; International Trade Counselor
(1983 - present); Consultant. Lt.
Gen. Forrester serves on the Boards of
an additional 4 trusts whose funds are
advised by Scudder Kemper.
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George L. Maddox, Jr. (74) Trustee; Professor Emeritus and
Director, Long Term Care Resources
Program, Duke University Medical
Center; Professor Emeritus of
Sociology, Departments of Sociology
and Psychiatry, Duke University. Mr.
Maddox serves on the Boards of an
additional 4 trusts whose funds are
advised by Scudder Kemper.
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Robert J. Myers (87) Trustee; Actuarial Consultant (1983 -
present). Mr. Myers serves on the
Boards of an additional 4 trusts whose
funds are advised by Scudder Kemper.
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James H. Schulz (63) Trustee; Professor of Economics and
Kirstein Professor of Aging Policy,
Policy Center on Aging, Florence
Heller School, Brandeis University.
Mr. Schulz serves on the Boards of an
additional 4 trusts whose funds are
advised by Scudder Kemper.
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Gordon Shillinglaw (74) Trustee; Professor Emeritus of
Accounting, Columbia University
Graduate School of Business. Dr.
Shillinglaw serves on the Boards of an
additional 4 trusts whose funds are
advised by Scudder Kemper.
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* Nominee or Trustee considered by the Acquired Trust and its counsel to be
an "interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Acquired Trust, the Investment Manager
or AARP because of his or her employment by the Investment Manager or
AARP, and, in some cases, holding offices with the Acquired Trust.
Appendix 1 hereto sets forth the number of shares of each series of the
Acquired Trust owned directly or beneficially by the Trustees of the Acquired
Trust and by the nominees for election.
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Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings
A fund's board is responsible for the general oversight of fund business.
The board that is proposed for shareholder voting at this Meeting is comprised
of two individuals who are considered "interested" Trustees, and seven
individuals who have no affiliation with Scudder Kemper and who are called
"independent" Trustees (the "Independent Trustees"). The SEC has recently
proposed a rule that would require a majority of the board members of a fund to
be "independent" if the fund were to take advantage of certain exemptive rules
under the 1940 Act. On the proposed Board of Trustees, if approved by
shareholders, nearly 78% will be Independent Trustees. The Independent Trustees
have been nominated solely by the current Independent Trustees of the Acquired
Trust, a practice also favored by the SEC. The Independent Trustees have primary
responsibility for assuring that the Acquired Fund is managed in the best
interests of its shareholders.
The Trustees meet several times during the year to review the investment
performance of each fund of the Acquired Trust and other operational matters,
including policies and procedures designed to assure compliance with regulatory
and other requirements. Furthermore, the Independent Trustees review the fees
paid to the Investment Manager and its affiliates for investment advisory
services and other administrative and shareholder services. The Trustees have
adopted several policies and practices which help ensure their effectiveness and
independence in reviewing fees and representing shareholders. Many of these are
similar to those suggested in the 1999 Advisory Group Report on Best Practices
for Fund Directors (the "Advisory Group Report"). For example, the Independent
Trustees select independent legal counsel to work with them in reviewing fees,
advisory and other contracts and overseeing fund matters. The Trustees are also
assisted in this regard by the funds' independent public accountants and other
independent experts retained for this purpose. The Independent Trustees
regularly meet privately with their counsel and other advisors. In addition, the
Independent Trustees from time to time have appointed task forces and
subcommittees from their members to focus on particular matters.
The Board of the Acquired Trust has an Audit Committee and a Committee on
Independent Trustees, the responsibilities of which are described below. In
addition, the Acquired Trust has an Executive Committee, a Shareholder Service
Committee and a Valuation Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee reviews with management and the independent public
accountants for each series of the Acquired Trust, among other things, the scope
of the audit and the internal controls of each series of the Acquired Trust and
its agents, reviews and approves in advance the type of services to be rendered
by independent accountants, recommends the selection of independent accountants
for each series of the Acquired Trust to the Board, reviews the independence of
such firm and, in general, considers and reports to the Board on matters
regarding the accounting and financial reporting practices of each series of the
Acquired Trust.
As suggested by the Advisory Group Report, the Acquired Trust's Audit
Committee is comprised entirely of Independent Trustees, meets privately with
the independent accountants of each series of the Acquired Trust, will receive
annual representations from the accountants as to their independence, and has a
written charter that delineates the committee's duties and powers.
Committee on Independent Trustees
The Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust has a Committee on Independent
Trustees, comprised solely of Independent Trustees, charged with the duty of
making all nominations of
-13-
<PAGE>
Independent Trustees, establishing Trustees' compensation policies and reviewing
matters relating to the Independent Trustees.
Attendance
The full Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust met six times, the Audit
Committee met two times and the Committee on Independent Trustees met two times
during calendar year 1999. Each then current Trustee attended 100% of the total
meetings of the Board and each committee on which he or she served as a regular
member that were held during that period, except Horace B. Deets, Robert J.
Myers and James H. Schulz, who attended 90%, 94% and 92%, respectively, of those
meetings. In addition to these Board and committee meetings, the Trustees of the
Acquired Trust attended various other meetings on behalf of the Acquired Trust
during the year, including meetings with their independent legal counsel and
informational meetings.
Officers
The following persons are officers of the Acquired Trust:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Office with the
Acquired Trust; Principal Year First Became
Name (Age) Occupation or Employment(1) an Officer(2)
- ---------- --------------------------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda C. Coughlin (48) Trustee and President; Managing 2000
Director of Scudder Kemper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William Glavin (41) Vice President; 1997
Senior Vice President of
Scudder Kemper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ann M. McCreary (43) Vice President, Managing 1998
Director of Scudder
Kemper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Masur (39) Vice President; Senior 1999
Vice President of Scudder
Kemper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Millette (37) Vice President and 1999
Assistant Secretary;
Assistant Vice President
of Scudder Kemper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------
1 Unless otherwise stated, all of the officers have been associated with
their respective companies for more than five years, although not
necessarily in the same capacity.
2 The President, Treasurer and Secretary each holds office until his or her
successor has been duly elected and qualified, and all other officers hold
offices in accordance with the By-laws of the Acquired Trust.
-14-
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James W. Pasman (47) Vice President; Senior 1996
Vice President of Scudder
Kemper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kathryn L. Quirk (47) Vice President and 1997
Secretary; Managing
Director of Scudder
Kemper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Hebble (41) Treasurer; Senior Vice 1997
President, Scudder Kemper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation of Trustees and Officers
The Acquired Trust pays each Independent Trustee an annual Trustee's fee
for each series of the Acquired Trust plus specified amounts for Board and
committee meetings attended and reimburses expenses related to the business of
any series of the Acquired Trust. As of April 1, 1999, each Independent Trustee
receives an annual Trustee's fee of $12,000. (Prior to April 1, 1999, the annual
Trustee's fee was $10,000.) Each Independent Trustee also receives fees of $175
per fund for attending each meeting of the Board and between $80 and $150 per
fund (depending on meeting type) for attending each committee meeting, or
meeting held for the purpose of considering arrangements between the Acquired
Trust and Scudder Kemper, or any of its other affiliates. The newly-constituted
Board may determine to change its compensation structure.
The Independent Trustees of the Acquired Trust are not entitled to
benefits under any pension or retirement plan. A one-time benefit, however,
will be provided to those Independent Trustees who are not standing for
re-election in an amount equal to twice a Trustee's calendar year 1999
compensation from the Acquired Trust. Inasmuch as Scudder Kemper will also
benefit from the administrative efficiencies of a consolidated board, Scudder
Kemper has agreed to bear one-half of the cost of any such benefit.
Scudder Kemper supervises the Acquired Trust's investments, pays the
compensation and certain expenses of its personnel who serve as Trustees and
officers of the Acquired Trust and receives a management fee for its services.
Several of the Acquired Trust's officers and Trustees are also officers,
directors, employees or stockholders of Scudder Kemper and participate in the
fees paid to that firm, although the Acquired Trust makes no direct payments to
them other than for reimbursement of travel expenses in connection with their
attendance at Board and committee meetings.
The following Compensation Table provides in tabular form the following
data:
Column (1) All Trustees who receive compensation from the Acquired Trust.
Column (2) Aggregate compensation received by each Trustee of the Acquired
Trust during calendar year 1999.
Column (3) Total compensation received by each Trustee from funds managed
by Scudder Kemper (collectively, the "Fund Complex") during calendar year 1999.
-15-
<PAGE>
Compensation Table
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustees Aggregate Total Compensation
Compensation (number from Fund Complex
of funds) Paid to Trustee*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carole Lewis Anderson $20,280 (5 funds) $40,935 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adelaide Attard $19,013 (5 funds) $38,375 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert N. Butler $17,271 (5 funds) $34,855 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edgar R. Fiedler $16,013 (5 funds) $54,495 (17 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eugene P. Forrester $20,280 (5 funds) $40,935 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George L. Maddox, Jr. $20,280 (5 funds) $40,935 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Myers $18,838 (5 funds) $38,200 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James H. Schulz $18,381 (5 funds) $37,095 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Shillinglaw $23,208 (5 funds) $44,280 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jean Gleason Stromberg $20,276 (5 funds) $40,935 (16 funds)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The Fund Complex includes two funds for which the Trustees serve without
compensation.
The Board of Trustees of AARP Growth Trust recommends that the
shareholders of AARP International Stock Fund vote for each nominee.
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
I. SYNOPSIS
The following is a summary of certain information contained in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus relating to the Reorganization. This summary is qualified
by reference to the more complete information contained elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information
of the Funds, and the Plan. Shareholders should read this entire Proxy
Statement/Prospectus carefully.
Introduction
The Board of the Acquired Trust, including all of the Independent
Trustees, approved the Plan at a meeting held on February 7, 2000. Subject to
its approval by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund, the Plan provides for (a)
the transfer of all or substantially all of the assets and all of the
liabilities of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for AARP
Shares; (b) the distribution of such shares to the shareholders of the Acquired
Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund; and (c) the abolition of the
Acquired Fund as a series of the Acquired Trust. As a result of the
Reorganization, each shareholder of the Acquired Fund will become a shareholder
of the AARP Shares and will hold, immediately after the Reorganization, AARP
Shares having an aggregate net asset value equal to the aggregate net asset
value of such shareholder's shares of the Acquired Fund on the Valuation Date.
Scudder Kemper is the investment manager of both Funds. If the
Reorganization is completed, the Acquired Fund's shareholders will continue to
enjoy many of the same shareholder privileges as they currently enjoy, such as
the ability to buy, exchange and sell shares without paying a sales commission,
access to professional service representatives, and automatic dividend
reinvestment. See "Purchase, Redemption and Exchange Information."
-16-
<PAGE>
Background of the Reorganization
The Reorganization is part of a broader restructuring program proposed by
Scudder Kemper to respond to changing industry conditions and investor needs.
Scudder Kemper seeks to offer the full lineup of the Scudder Family of no-load
funds to members of the AARP Investment Program. The expanded offering should
position the AARP Investment Program to meet the increasingly diverse needs of
current and prospective AARP members.
Scudder Kemper and AARP have advised the Board that they believe that the
proposed changes in the AARP Investment Program from Scudder are in the
interests of shareholders of the funds offered through the AARP Investment
Program (the "AARP Funds") and AARP members: the Program would consist of
forty-three no-load funds compared with the current sixteen and would retain its
separate identity with separate statements and lower minimum investments for
participating shareholders; six core funds would continue to have a risk managed
strategy; education will remain a focus of Scudder Kemper; and AARP will
continue to be involved with the Program and is proposed to have board
representation.
As part of this initiative, Scudder Kemper has sought ways to restructure
and streamline the management and operations of the funds it advises. Scudder
Kemper believes, and has advised the boards, that the consolidation of certain
funds advised by it would benefit fund shareholders. Scudder Kemper has,
therefore, proposed the consolidation of a number of no-load funds advised by it
that Scudder Kemper believes have similar or compatible investment objectives
and policies. In many cases, the proposed consolidations are designed to
eliminate the substantial overlap in current offerings by the Scudder Funds and
the AARP Funds, all of which are advised by Scudder Kemper. Consolidation plans
are proposed for other funds that have not gathered enough assets to operate
efficiently and, in turn, have relatively high expense ratios. Scudder Kemper
believes that these consolidations may help to enhance investment performance of
funds and increase efficiency of operations. The Reorganization is also expected
to result in lower operating expenses for Acquired Fund shareholders as
described in "Comparison of Expenses" below.
There are currently five different boards for the no-load funds advised by
Scudder Kemper. Scudder Kemper believes, and has proposed to the boards, that
creating a single board responsible for most of the no-load funds advised by
Scudder Kemper would increase efficiency and benefit fund shareholders. (See
Proposal 1 above.)
As part of this restructuring effort, Scudder Kemper has also proposed the
adoption of an administrative fee for most of the no-load funds advised by
Scudder Kemper. Under this fee structure, in exchange for payment by the
Acquiring Fund of an administrative fee, Scudder Kemper would agree to provide
or pay for substantially all services that a fund normally requires for its
operations, other than those provided under the fund's investment management
agreement and certain other expenses. Such an administrative fee would enable
investors to determine with greater certainty the expense level that a fund will
experience, and would transfer substantially all of the risk of increased costs
to Scudder Kemper. Scudder Kemper has proposed that the Acquiring Fund implement
such an administrative fee upon the Closing, as described in "Administrative
Fee" below.
The fund consolidations, the adoption of an administrative fee and the
creation of a single board are expected to have a positive impact on Scudder
Kemper, as well. These changes are likely to result in reduced costs (and the
potential for increased profitability) for Scudder Kemper in advising or
servicing funds.
-17-
<PAGE>
Reasons for the Proposed Reorganization; Board Approval
Since receiving Scudder Kemper's proposals on September 22, 1999, the
Independent Trustees have conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the
proposed restructuring program. They have been assisted in this regard by their
independent counsel and by independent consultants with special expertise in
financial and mutual fund industry matters. In the course of discussions with
representatives of Scudder Kemper, the Independent Trustees have requested, and
Scudder Kemper has accepted, numerous changes designed to protect and enhance
the interests of shareholders. See "Board Approval of the Proposed Transaction"
below.
The Trustees believe that the Reorganization will provide shareholders of
the Acquired Fund with the following benefits:
o LOWER EXPENSES. If the Reorganization is approved, Acquired Fund shareholders
may benefit from lower total Fund operating expenses.
o GREATER PREDICTABILITY OF EXPENSES. On or prior to Closing, the Acquiring
Fund and Scudder Kemper will enter into an administrative services agreement
pursuant to which Scudder Kemper will provide or pay others to provide
substantially all of the administrative services required by the Acquiring
Fund, and most Fund expenses, in return for payment by the Acquiring Fund of
a single administrative fee rate. This agreement, which has an initial three
year term, will protect the Acquiring Fund's shareholders from increases in
the Acquiring Fund's expense ratio attributed to any increases in the costs
of providing these services.
o OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGHER RETURN. The Acquiring Fund does not have reducing
downside risk as part of its objective. The Acquiring Fund may provide an
opportunity for a higher level of return, with more risk, than the Acquired
Fund, although there can be no assurance in this regard. The Acquiring Fund
has outperformed the Acquired Fund over the past one-year period, and has
been in the top quintile of all funds in the Lipper International Funds
category for each of those periods.
o SIMILAR INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES. Although the combined fund will
not have the Acquired Fund's current policy of seeking to reduce downside
risk, the combined fund will continue to seek long-term growth of capital by
investing mainly in foreign equities. The Funds are currently managed by the
same portfolio management teams and have similar investments.
o TAX-FREE REORGANIZATION. Shareholders of the Acquired Fund will exchange
their shares for shares of the Acquiring Fund of equal value. It is expected
that the transaction will be tax-free for Acquired Fund shareholders.
For these reasons, as more fully described below under "The Proposed
Transaction - Board Approval of the Proposed Transaction," the Trustees of the
Acquired Trust, including the Independent Trustees, have concluded that:
o the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its
shareholders; and
o the interests of the existing shareholders of the Acquired Fund will not be
diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
Accordingly, the Trustees recommend approval of the Plan effecting the
Reorganization. If the Plan is not approved, the Acquired Fund will continue in
existence unless other action is taken by the Trustees.
-18-
<PAGE>
Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions of the Funds
The investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Acquired Fund
and the Acquiring Fund (and, consequently, the risks of investing in either
Fund) are very similar, there are differences between the Acquired Fund and the
Acquiring Fund. The investment objective of the Acquiring Fund is to seek
long-term growth of capital by investing mainly in foreign equities (equity
securities of foreign-based companies and listed on foreign exchanges). The
investment objective of the Acquired Fund is to provide long-term capital growth
while actively seeking to reduce downside risk as compared with other
international mutual funds. There can be no assurance that either Fund will
achieve its investment objective. Both Funds have the same portfolio managers
and are managed in a substantially similar manner, except that the Acquired Fund
seeks to reduce to downside risk by diversifying investments widely among
industries, market sectors and companies.
The Acquiring Fund invests primarily in companies, wherever organized,
which do business primarily outside the United States. The Acquiring Fund
normally invests in established companies listed on foreign exchanges, but may
invest in securities traded over-the-counter. The Acquiring Fund will invest
primarily in developed markets, but is not prohibited from investing in emerging
markets. The Acquired Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of the
common stocks of companies from developed countries outside the United States
and is prohibited from investing in emerging market securities.
The Acquiring Fund may invest in convertible and non-convertible preferred
stock, sponsored and unsponsored depository receipts, warrants, reverse
repurchase agreements and illiquid securities. The Acquired Fund may invest in
real estate investment trusts. The Acquired Fund may make only limited use of
strategic transactions. The Acquiring Fund, while limited to 5% of assets
committed to strategic transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes, may
make more use of such transactions.
Each Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in debt securities.
Although the Acquired Fund may invest only in investment-grade foreign debt
securities, the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in debt
securities which are rated below investment-grade. The Acquired Fund may invest
in fixed-income securities which are convertible into common stock of foreign
companies. For temporary defensive purposes, both Funds may invest without limit
in cash and cash equivalents. The Acquired Fund is limited to U.S. and Canadian
instruments in this regard. Under normal market conditions, the Acquiring Fund
may invest up to 20% of its net assets in cash or cash equivalents, including
domestic and foreign money market instruments. Lastly, the Acquired Fund does
not invest in securities issued by tobacco-producing companies and has a stated
goal of educating shareholders on investment topics affecting their lives.
The Acquiring Fund's investment restrictions, as set forth in its
Statement of Additional Information, are identical to the Acquired Fund's
investment restrictions, except that the Acquiring Fund may not, as a
non-fundamental policy, lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 5%
of its total assets. Investment restrictions of each Fund that are fundamental
policies may not be changed without the approval of Fund shareholders. Investors
should refer to the respective Statements of Additional Information of the
Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund for a fuller description of each Fund's
investment policies and restrictions.
Portfolio Turnover
The average annual portfolio turnover rate for the Acquiring Fund, i.e.,
the ratio of the lesser of annual sales or purchases to the monthly average
value of the portfolio (excluding from both the numerator and the denominator
securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less),
-19-
<PAGE>
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 and for the five months ended August
31, 1999 (i.e., prior to the creation of AARP Shares) were 79.9% and 81.5%,
respectively. The average annual portfolio turnover rate for the Acquired Fund
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999 was 214.1%. A higher portfolio
turnover rate involves greater brokerage and transaction expenses to a fund and
may result in the realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to
shareholders when distributed.
Performance
The following table compares the investment performance of each Fund, and
may provide some indication of the risks of investing in each Fund by showing
changes in each Fund's performance from year to year and how the Fund's average
annual return for the periods indicated compare with those of a broad measure of
market performance. Neither Fund's past performance is an indication of how the
Fund will perform in the future.
Average Annual Total Return
For the Periods Ending December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquiring Fund Acquired Fund
Acquiring Fund* Acquired Fund Benchmark Index** Benchmark Index**
-------------- ------------- --------------- ---------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Past year 57.89% 35.67% 27.92% 26.96%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past 5 years 21.06% N/A 13.09% 12.82%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past 10 years 13.06% N/A 7.09% N/A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since Inception* N/A 19.60% N/A 17.66%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
#AARP Shares were not offered during the periods covered. Performance shown is
for shares in the International Shares class of the Acquiring Fund.
*The inception date for the Acquired Fund is February 1, 1997.
**The Acquiring Fund's benchmark index is the Morgan Stanley Capital
International ("MSCI") Europe, Australia, the Far East ("EAFE") and Canada
Index, an unmanaged capitalization-weighted measure of stock markets in Europe,
Australia, the Far East and Canada. The Acquired Fund's benchmark index is the
MSCI EAFE Index, an unmanaged capitalization-weighted measure of stock markets
in Europe, Australia and the Far East. Index returns are calculated monthly,
assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any
fees or expenses.
Total return for the Acquired Fund would have been lower during both
periods if the Investment Manager had not maintained expenses.
For management's discussion of the Acquiring Fund's performance for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1999 (prior to the creation of AARP shares), see
Exhibit B attached hereto.
Investment Manager; Fees and Expenses
Each Fund retains the investment management firm of Scudder Kemper,
pursuant to separate contracts, to manage its daily investment and business
affairs, subject to the policies established by the
-20-
<PAGE>
Fund's Trustees/Directors. Shareholders pay no direct charges or fees for
investment management or other services. Scudder Kemper is a Delaware
corporation located at Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02110-4103.
The Investment Manager receives a fee for its services pursuant to its
investment management agreement with the Acquiring Fund. For these services, the
Acquiring Fund pays the Investment Manager a fee at an annual rate of 0.90% of
the first $500 million of average daily net assets, 0.85% of the next $500
million, 0.80% of the next $1 billion, 0.75% of the next $1 billion, and 0.70%
on average daily net assets in excess of $3 billion. The fee is graduated so
that increases in the Acquiring Fund's net assets may result in a lower annual
fee rate and decreases in its net assets may result in a higher annual fee rate.
As of August 31, 1999, the Acquiring Fund had total net assets of
$3,637,858,781. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 and for the five months
ended August 31, 1999, the Acquiring Fund paid the Investment Manager a fee of
0.81% and 0.80% (annualized), respectively, of average daily net assets.
Scudder Kemper has proposed a new investment management agreement for the
Acquiring Fund. The proposed new investment management agreement includes a new
fee rate, which, at all asset levels, is the same or lower than the current rate
applicable to the Acquiring Fund. The proposed new fee rate is 0.675% of the
first $6 billion of average daily net assets, 0.625% of the next $1 billion, and
0.60% on average daily net assets in excess of $7 billion. Each of the
effectiveness of the new investment management agreement for the Acquiring Fund
and the Closing is contingent upon the other.
The Investment Manager receives a fee pursuant to the investment
management agreement as compensation for its services on behalf of the Acquired
Fund. Pursuant to the Acquired Fund's investment management agreement, the fee
payable to Scudder Kemper is calculated using a formula based in part on the
combined net assets of all AARP Funds, except for the two series of AARP Managed
Investment Portfolios Trust. The Acquired Fund currently pays the Investment
Manager a fee at an annual rate of 0.88% of average daily net assets. By
contract, the total annual Fund operating expenses of the Acquired Fund are
maintained at not more than 1.75% of average daily net assets until January 31,
2001. The fee for the Acquiring Fund is calculated in a different manner than is
currently used for the Acquired Fund. Unlike the fee for the Acquired Fund, the
Acquiring Fund's fee will not change if the net assets of other funds managed by
the Investment Manager changes, but it will go up or down based on the net
assets of the Acquiring Fund. As of September 30, 1999, the Acquired Fund had
total net assets of $34,678,261. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999,
the Acquired Fund paid the Investment Manager a fee of 0.23% of average daily
net assets. The Investment Manager pays a portion of its management fee from the
Acquired Fund to AARP Financial Services Corporation ("AFSC") in return for
advice and other services relating to AARP Fund investment by AARP members. The
fee paid to AFSC is calculated on a daily basis as a percentage of the combined
net assets of all AARP Funds, except for the two series of AARP Managed
Investment Portfolios Trust, and decreases with the size of the AARP Investment
Program. The fee rate is 0.07% for the first $6 billion, 0.06% for the next $10
billion and 0.05% thereafter.
Administrative Fee
On or prior to the Closing, the Acquiring Fund will have entered into an
administrative services agreement with Scudder Kemper (the "Administration
Agreement"), pursuant to which Scudder Kemper will provide or pay others to
provide substantially all of the administrative services required by the
Acquiring Fund (other than those provided by Scudder Kemper under its investment
management agreement with the Fund, as described above) in exchange for the
payment by the Acquiring Fund of an administrative services fee (the
"Administrative Fee") of 0.375% of average daily net assets. One effect of this
arrangement is to make the Acquiring Fund's future expense ratio more
predictable. The details of the proposal (including expenses that are not
covered) are set out below.
-21-
<PAGE>
Various third-party service providers (the "Service Providers"), some of
which are affiliated with Scudder Kemper, provide certain services to the
Acquiring Fund pursuant to separate agreements with the Fund, subject to
oversight and approval by the Acquiring Corporation's directors. Scudder Fund
Accounting Corporation, a subsidiary of Scudder Kemper, computes net asset value
for the Acquiring Fund and maintains its accounting records. Scudder Service
Corporation, also a subsidiary of Scudder Kemper, is the transfer, shareholder
servicing and dividend-paying agent for the shares of the Acquiring Fund.
Scudder Trust Company, an affiliate of Scudder Kemper, provides subaccounting
and recordkeeping services for shareholder accounts in certain retirement and
employee benefit plans. As custodian, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. holds the
portfolio securities of the Acquiring Fund, pursuant to a custodian agreement.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audits the financial statements of the Acquiring Fund
and provides other audit, tax, and related services. Dechert Price & Rhoads acts
as general counsel for the Acquiring Fund. In addition to the fees it pays under
its current investment management agreement with Scudder Kemper, the Acquiring
Fund pays the fees and expenses associated with these service arrangements, as
well as the Acquiring Fund's insurance, registration, printing, postage and
other costs.
Once the Administration Agreement becomes effective, each Service Provider
will continue to provide the services that it currently provides to the
Acquiring Fund, as described above, under the current arrangements, except that
Scudder Kemper will pay these entities for the provision of their services to
the Acquiring Fund and will pay most other Fund expenses, including insurance,
registration, printing and postage fees. In return, the Acquiring Fund will pay
Scudder Kemper the Administrative Fee.
The proposed Administration Agreement will have an initial term of three
years, subject to earlier termination by the Acquiring Corporation's directors.
The fee payable by the Acquiring Fund to Scudder Kemper pursuant to the
Administration Agreement would be reduced by the amount of any credit received
from the Acquiring Fund's custodian for cash balances.
Certain expenses of the Acquiring Fund would not be borne by Scudder
Kemper under the Administration Agreement, such as taxes, brokerage, interest
and extraordinary expenses; and the fees and expenses of the Independent
Trustees (including the fees and expenses of their independent counsel). In
addition, the Acquiring Fund would continue to pay the fees required by its
investment management agreement with Scudder Kemper.
Comparison of Expenses
The tables and examples below are designed to assist you in understanding
the various costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly as an
investor in the International Shares class of the Acquiring Fund, and comparing
these with the expenses of the Acquired Fund. As indicated below, it is expected
that the total expense ratio of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization
will be substantially lower than the current gross expense ratio of the Acquired
Fund (before giving effect to expense reimbursements and waivers). Unless
otherwise noted, the information is based on each Fund's expenses and average
daily net assets during the twelve months ended September 30, 1999 and on a pro
forma basis as of that date and for the period then ended, giving effect to the
Reorganization. Information in the tables and examples relating to the Acquiring
Fund relates to the International Shares class of the Acquiring Fund prior to
the creation of the AARP Shares. Pro Forma information in the tables and
examples relates to the AARP Shares and the International Shares class of the
Acquiring Fund.
-22-
<PAGE>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma@
Acquiring Fund Acquired Fund (Combined)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge (load)
imposed on purchases (as a
percentage of offering price) None None None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum deferred sales charge
(load) (as a percentage of
purchase price or redemption
proceeds) None None None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum deferred sales charge
(load) imposed on reinvested
dividends None None None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fee (as a
percentage of amount redeemed, None None None
if applicable)+
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma*@
Acquiring Fund Acquired Fund (Combined)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.80% 0.88% 0.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service
(12b-1) fees None None None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.39% 1.52% 0.38%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating
expenses
1.19% 2.40% 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense reimbursement N/A 0.65% N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net annual Fund operating
expenses
N/A 1.75%# N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ There is a $5 wire service fee for receiving redemption proceeds via wire.
-23-
<PAGE>
# By contract, the total annual Fund operating expenses of the Acquired Fund
are maintained at not more than 1.75% of average daily net assets until January
31, 2001. There is no guarantee that this expense waiver will continue beyond
January 31, 2001.
* Pro Forma expenses reflect the implementation of the Administrative Fee and
of a new investment management fee for the Acquiring Fund to be effective upon
the Reorganization.
@ It is being proposed to shareholders of Scudder International Growth and
Income Fund, another fund advised by Scudder Kemper, that the Acquiring Fund
acquire the assets of that other fund. Each of the closing of this other
acquisition and the Closing is contingent upon the other. Pro Forma expenses
reflect the acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of both this other fund and the
Acquired Fund.
In evaluating the Proposals, the Independent Trustees focused their
consideration on the Acquiring Fund's and the Acquired Fund's estimated
expense ratios calculated utilizing Fund net assets at December 31, 1999
(rather than average daily net assets for a full year, as used in the table
above), the number of shareholder accounts at that date, and other relevant
factors. This calculation resulted in an estimated expense ratio of 1.04% for
the Acquiring Fund and 2.10% (without reflecting any expense reimbursements)
for the Acquired Fund.
Examples (Unaudited)
Based on the costs above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period included in the Acquired Fund column), the following examples are
intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Funds with the cost of
investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in
the International Shares class of the Acquiring Fund and in the Acquired Fund
for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of
those periods. The examples also assume that your investment has a 5% return
each year and that each Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your
actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs
would be as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
Year Acquiring Fund Acquired Fund (Combined) **@
- ---- -------------- ------------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
1st $121 $ 178 $ 107
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd $378 $ 686 $ 334
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
5th $654 $1,222 $ 579
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
10th $1,443 $2,687 $1,283
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
** Pro Forma expenses reflect the implementation of the Administrative Fee and
of a new investment management fee for the Acquiring Fund to be effective upon
the Reorganization.
@ It is being proposed to shareholders of Scudder International Growth and
Income Fund, another fund advised by Scudder Kemper, that the Acquiring Fund
acquire the assets of that other fund. Each of the closing of this other
acquisition and the Closing is contingent upon the other. Pro Forma expenses
reflect the acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of both this other fund and the
Acquired Fund.
Financial Highlights
The financial highlights table for the Acquiring Fund prior to the
creation of the AARP Shares, which is intended to help you understand the
Acquiring Fund's financial performance for the past five years, is included in
the Acquiring Fund's prospectus dated January 1, 2000, which is included
herewith and incorporated herein by reference.
-24-
<PAGE>
Distribution of Shares
Scudder Investor Services, Inc. ("SIS"), Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, a subsidiary of the Investment Manager, is the principal
underwriter of each Fund. SIS charges no direct fees in connection with the
distribution of shares of the Funds. Following the Reorganization, Acquiring
Fund shareholders will continue to be able to purchase shares of funds in the
Scudder Family of Funds on a no-load basis.
Purchase, Redemption and Exchange Information
The purchase, redemption and exchange procedures and privileges of the
Acquired Fund are identical to those that will be in place for the AARP Shares,
except that Acquired Fund shareholders may exchange Acquired Fund shares only
into AARP Funds, while AARP Shares shareholders will be able to exchange AARP
Shares into AARP Shares of any fund within the Scudder Family of Funds on a
no-load basis.
The minimum balance for non-retirement accounts investing in the AARP
Shares will be $1,000, which is lower than the minimum balance for
non-retirement accounts investing in the Acquired Fund. The minimum balance for
Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs") investing in AARP Shares will be $500,
as compared to $250 for the Acquired Fund. However, Acquired Fund IRA
shareholders receiving AARP Shares as a result of the Reorganization will only
be required to meet the Acquired Fund's $250 minimum balance requirement for
IRAs. AARP Share shareholders will not currently be charged an annual fee for
accounts that fall below the $1,000 minimum balance nor will such sub-minimum
accounts currently be subject to involuntary redemption by the Acquiring Fund.
Dividends and other Distributions
Each of the Funds intends to distribute dividends from its net investment
income and net realized capital gains after utilization of capital loss
carryforwards, if any, in December (or, for the Acquiring Fund, November or
December). An additional distribution may be made if necessary. Dividends and
distributions of each Fund will be invested in additional shares of the Fund at
net asset value and credited to the shareholder's account on the payment date
or, at the shareholder's election, paid in cash.
If the Plan is approved by the Acquired Fund's shareholders, the Acquired
Fund will pay its shareholders a distribution of all undistributed net
investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains immediately prior
to the Closing.
Tax Consequences
As a condition to the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired
Fund will have received an opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher in connection
with the Reorganization, to the effect that, based upon certain facts,
assumptions and representations, the Reorganization will constitute a tax-free
reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If the Reorganization constitutes a
tax-free reorganization, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund
or its shareholders as a direct result of the Reorganization. See "The Proposed
Transaction - Federal Income Tax Consequences."
II. PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS
Because of their similar investment objectives, policies and strategies,
the principal risks presented by the Acquiring Fund are similar to those
presented by the Acquired Fund. The main risks
-25-
<PAGE>
applicable to each Fund include, among others, management risk, market risk,
foreign currency risk, and, to the extent the Fund invests in bonds, risk
associated with interest rates. Management risk refers to the fact that
securities selected by Scudder Kemper on behalf of a Fund might not perform as
well as the securities held by other mutual funds. Market risk refers to the
impact of the general performance of stock markets -- in this case, foreign
markets -- on a Fund's performance. When foreign stock prices fall, the value of
an investment in a Fund will fall as well. Foreign stocks tend to be more
volatile than their U.S. counterparts, for various reasons including political
and economic uncertainties and difficulty in obtaining accurate information.
Foreign currency risk refers to the effect currency exchange rates have on the
dollar value of a security. When the dollar value of a foreign currency falls,
so does the value of any investments a Fund owns that are denominated in that
currency. Risk associated with interest rates refers to the link between
interest rates and debt security performance. A rise in interest rates generally
means a fall in bond prices, and therefore in the value of the debt securities
in the portfolio of a Fund. Because the Acquiring Fund does not actively seek to
reduce downside risk as compared with other international mutual funds it may
present more significant risks than the Acquired Fund in a weak market.
For a further discussion of the investment techniques and risk factors
applicable to the Funds, see the "Investment Objectives, Policies and
Restrictions of the Funds" herein, and the Prospectuses and Statements of
Additional Information for the Funds, which are incorporated by reference
herein.
III. THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION
Description of the Plan
As stated above, the Plan provides for the transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in
exchange for that number of full and fractional AARP Shares having an aggregate
net asset value equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Acquired Fund as
of the close of business on the Valuation Date. The Acquiring Fund will assume
all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund will distribute
the AARP Shares received in the exchange to the shareholders of the Acquired
Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund will be
abolished as a series of the Acquired Trust.
Upon completion of the Reorganization, each shareholder of the Acquired
Fund will own that number of full and fractional AARP Shares having an aggregate
net asset value equal to the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder's
shares held in the Acquired Fund immediately as of the close of business on the
Valuation Date. Such shares will be held in an account with the Acquiring
Corporation identical in all material respects to the account currently
maintained by the Acquired Trust for such shareholder, except as noted above. In
the interest of economy and convenience, AARP Shares issued to the Acquired
Fund's shareholders will be in uncertificated form.
Until the Closing, shareholders of the Acquired Fund will continue to be
able to redeem their shares at the net asset value next determined after receipt
by the Acquired Fund's transfer agent of a redemption request in proper form.
Redemption requests received by the transfer agent after the Closing will be
treated as requests received for the redemption of AARP Shares received by the
shareholder in connection with the Reorganization.
The obligations of each of the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquired
Trust on behalf of each of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund,
respectively, under the Plan are subject to various conditions, as stated
therein. Among other things, the Plan requires that all filings be made with,
and all authority be received from, the SEC and state securities commissions as
may be necessary in the opinion of counsel to permit the parties to carry out
the transactions contemplated by the Plan. The Acquired Fund and the Acquiring
Fund are in the process of making the necessary filings. To provide against
unforeseen events,
-26-
<PAGE>
the Plan may be terminated or amended at any time prior to the Closing by action
of the Directors/Trustees of either of the Acquiring Corporation or the Acquired
Trust, notwithstanding the approval of the Plan by the shareholders of the
Acquired Fund. However, no amendment may be made that materially adversely
affects the interests of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund without obtaining
the approval of the Acquired Fund's shareholders. The Acquired Fund and the
Acquiring Fund may at any time waive compliance with certain of the covenants
and conditions contained in the Plan. For a complete description of the terms
and conditions of the Reorganization, see the Plan at Exhibit A.
Scudder Kemper will pay the Acquiring Fund's allocable share of expenses
associated with the Reorganization. The Acquired Fund will pay its own allocable
share of expenses related to the Reorganization, except that Scudder Kemper will
bear any such expenses in excess of $43,902 for the Acquired Fund (approximately
$0.0228 per share, based on December 31, 1999 net assets for the Acquired Fund).
Board Approval of the Proposed Transaction
Scudder Kemper first proposed the Reorganization to the Independent
Trustees of the Acquired Fund at a meeting held on September 22, 1999. The
Reorganization was presented to the Trustees and considered by them as part of a
broader initiative by Scudder Kemper to restructure many of the mutual funds
currently offered to retail investors, see "Synopsis - Background of the
Reorganization". This initiative includes four major components:
(i) The combination of funds with similar investment objectives and
policies, including in particular the combination of the AARP Funds
with similar Scudder Funds currently offered to the general public;
(ii) The liquidation of certain small funds which have not achieved
market acceptance and which are unlikely to reach an efficient
operating size;
(iii) The implementation of an administration agreement for each fund,
covering, for a single fee rate, substantially all services required
for the operation of the fund (other than those provided under the
fund's investment management agreement) and most expenses; and
(iv) The consolidation of the separate boards currently responsible for
overseeing several groups of no-load funds managed by Scudder Kemper
into a single board.
The Independent Trustees of the Acquired Fund reviewed the potential
implications of these proposals for the Acquired Fund as well as the various
other funds for which they serve as trustees or directors. They were assisted in
this review by their independent legal counsel and by independent consultants
with special expertise in financial and mutual fund industry matters. Following
the September 22 meeting, the Independent Trustees met in person or by telephone
on a number of occasions (including committee meetings) to review and discuss
these proposals, both among themselves and with representatives of Scudder
Kemper. On a number of occasions, these meetings included representatives of the
independent trustees or directors of other funds affected by these proposals. In
the course of their review, the Independent Trustees requested and received
substantial additional information and suggested numerous changes to Scudder
Kemper's proposals, many of which were accepted.
Following the conclusion of this process, the Independent Trustees of the
Acquired Fund, the independent trustees/directors of other funds involved and
Scudder Kemper reached general agreement on the elements of a restructuring plan
as it affects shareholders of various funds and, where required, agreed to
submit elements of the plan for approval to shareholders of those funds.
-27-
<PAGE>
On February 7, 2000, the Board of the Acquired Fund, including the
Independent Trustees of the Acquired Fund, approved the terms of the
Reorganization and certain related proposals. At the February 7, 2000 meeting,
the Independent Trustees also agreed to recommend that the Reorganization be
approved by the Acquired Fund's shareholders.
In determining to recommend that the shareholders of the Acquired Fund
approve the Reorganization, the Board considered, among other factors: (a)
the fees and expense ratios of the Funds, including comparisons between the
expenses of the Acquired Fund and the estimated operating expenses of the
Acquiring Fund, and between the estimated operating expenses of the Acquiring
Fund and other mutual funds with similar investment objectives; (b) the terms
and conditions of the Reorganization and whether the Reorganization would
result in the dilution of shareholder interests; (c) the compatibility of the
Acquired Fund's and the Acquiring Fund's investment objectives, policies,
restrictions and portfolios; (d) the agreement by Scudder Kemper to provide
services to the Acquiring Fund for a fixed fee rate under the Administration
Agreement with an initial three year term; (e) the service features available
to shareholders of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund; (f) the costs to
be borne by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund and Scudder Kemper as a
result of the Reorganization; (g) prospects for the Acquiring Fund to attract
additional assets; (h) the tax consequences of the Reorganization on the
Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund and their respective shareholders; and (i)
the investment performance of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund.
The Trustees also gave extensive consideration to possible economies of
scale that might be realized by Scudder Kemper in connection with the
Reorganization, as well as the other fund combinations included in Scudder
Kemper's restructuring proposal. The Trustees concluded that these economies
were appropriately reflected in the fee and expense arrangements of the
Acquiring Fund, as proposed to be revised upon completion of the Reorganization.
In particular, the Trustees considered the benefits to shareholders resulting
from locking in the rate of the Acquiring Fund's Administrative Fee for an
initial three-year period. Because the Acquiring Fund will pay only its stated
Administrative Fee rate for such services and expenses regardless of changes in
actual costs, the Acquiring Fund's shareholders will be protected from increases
in the Acquiring Fund's expense ratio attributable to increases in such actual
costs. The Board also considered the protection this would afford shareholders
if the Acquiring Fund's net assets declined as a result of market fluctuations
or net redemptions.
The Trustees also considered the impact of the Reorganization on the total
expenses to be borne by shareholders of the Acquired Fund. As noted above under
"Comparison of Expenses," the pro forma expense ratio (reflecting the
Administrative Fee) for the combined Fund following the Reorganization is
substantially lower than the current expense ratio for the Acquired Fund. The
Board also considered that the Reorganization would permit the shareholders of
the Acquired Fund to pursue substantially similar investment goals in a larger
fund.
Finally, the Trustees concluded that the shareholders of the Acquired Fund
would be better served by having their interests represented by a single board
of trustees with responsibility for overseeing substantially all of the funds to
be marketed as a "family of funds" through Scudder's no-load distribution
channels. Accordingly, the Trustees agreed to recommend the election of a new
consolidated board comprised of representatives of each of the various boards
currently serving as Trustees of these funds.
Based on all of the foregoing, the Board concluded that the Acquired
Fund's participation in the Reorganization would be in the best interests of the
Acquired Fund and would not dilute the interests of the Acquired Fund's
shareholders. The Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees,
recommends that shareholders of the Acquired Fund approve the Reorganization.
-28-
<PAGE>
Description of the Securities to be Issued
The Acquiring Corporation's authorized capital consists of one billion
shares of capital stock, par value $0.01 per share, 300 million shares of which
are allocated to the Acquiring Fund and 100,000,000 shares of which are
allocated to the International Shares class of the Acquiring Fund. The Directors
of the Acquiring Corporation are authorized to divide the Acquiring
Corporation's shares into separate series. The Acquiring Fund is one of eight
series of the Acquiring Corporation that the Board has created to date. The
Board of the Acquiring Corporation is also authorized to further divide the
shares of the series of the Acquiring Corporation into classes. The Acquiring
Fund's shares are currently divided into three classes of shares: the
International Shares, the Barrett International Shares and the Class R Shares.
The Directors of the Acquiring Corporation have authorized the creation of an
additional class for the Acquiring Fund, AARP Shares. It is anticipated that the
AARP Shares class will be created prior to the Closing. If the AARP Shares class
is not created prior to the Closing, then the Reorganization will not be
consummated. Although shareholders of different classes of a series have an
interest in the same portfolio of assets, shareholders of different classes may
bear different expenses in connection with different methods of distribution.
Each share of each class of the Acquiring Fund represents an interest in
the Acquiring Fund that is equal to and proportionate with each other share of
that class of the Acquiring Fund. Acquiring Fund shareholders are entitled to
one vote per share (and a proportionate fractional vote per each fractional
share) held on matters on which they are entitled to vote. The Acquiring
Corporation is not required to hold shareholder meetings annually, although
shareholder meetings may be called for purposes such as electing or removing
Directors, changing fundamental policies or approving an investment management
contract, among other reasons. In the event that shareholders of the Acquiring
Corporation wish to communicate with other shareholders concerning the removal
of any Director, such shareholders shall be assisted in communicating with other
shareholders for the purpose of obtaining signatures to request a meeting of
shareholders, all in the manner provided in Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act as if
Section 16(c) were applicable.
The Acquiring Corporation is organized in Maryland, while the Acquired
Trust is organized in Massachusetts. Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a
trust such as the Acquired Trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable as partners for the obligations of the trust. The Acquired
Trust's Declaration of Trust contains a disclaimer of liability and provides for
indemnification out of the Trust property of any shareholder held personally
liable for the claims and liabilities to which a shareholder may become subject
by reason of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of shareholder
liability is limited to circumstances in which the Acquired Trust itself would
be unable to meet its obligations. The Acquiring Corporation does not provide
such a disclaimer of liability or indemnification to its shareholders, because
Maryland law generally does not impose such liability on shareholders.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The Reorganization is conditioned upon the receipt by the Acquired Trust,
on behalf of the Acquired Fund, and the Acquiring Corporation, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, of an opinion from Willkie Farr & Gallagher, substantially to
the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and representations of
the parties, for federal income tax purposes: (i) the transfer to the Acquiring
Fund of all or substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange
solely for AARP Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all of the
liabilities of the Acquired Fund, followed by the distribution of such shares to
the Acquired Fund's shareholders in exchange for their shares of the Acquired
Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund, will constitute a
"reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code, and the
Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be "a
-29-
<PAGE>
party to a reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
(ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the transfer
of all or substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange
solely for AARP Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all of the
liabilities of the Acquired Fund or upon the distribution of the AARP Shares to
the Acquired Fund shareholders in exchange for their shares of the Acquired
Fund; (iii) the basis of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the
Acquiring Fund will be the same as the basis of such assets of the Acquired Fund
immediately prior to the transfer; (iv) the holding period of the assets of the
Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the period during
which such assets were held by the Acquired Fund; (v) no gain or loss will be
recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the Acquired
Fund in exchange for AARP Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all
of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund; (vi) no gain or loss will be recognized
by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund upon the receipt of the AARP Shares
solely in exchange for their shares of the Acquired Fund as part of the
transaction; (vii) the basis of the AARP Shares received by the shareholders of
the Acquired Fund will be the same as the basis of the shares of the Acquired
Fund exchanged therefor; and (viii) the holding period of AARP Shares received
by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund will include the holding period during
which the shares of the Acquired Fund exchanged therefor were held, provided
that at the time of the exchange the shares of the Acquired Fund were held as
capital assets in the hands of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund.
While the Acquired Trust is not aware of any adverse state or local tax
consequences of the proposed Reorganization, it has not requested any ruling or
opinion with respect to such consequences and shareholders may wish to consult
their own tax adviser with respect to such matters.
Capitalization
The following table shows on an unaudited basis the capitalization of each
Fund and Scudder International Growth and Income Fund@ as of September 30, 1999
(i.e., prior to the creation of AARP Shares), and on a pro forma basis as of
that date giving effect to the Reorganization:
-30-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder
International
Growth and Pro Forma Pro Forma
Acquiring Fund Acquired Fund IncomeFund Adjustments Combined(1)
-------------- ------------- ---------- ----------- --------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
International
Shares $3,734,950,224 $40,273,173 (39,069)(3) $3,775,184,328
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barrett Shares $25,945,213 $25,945,213
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AARP Shares $34,678,261 (43,902)(4) $34,634,359
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class R Shares $3,973,979 $3,973,979
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Net Assets $3,839,737,879(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares
Outstanding
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International
Shares 66,674,708 3,046,033 (2,327,823) 67,392,918
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barrett Shares 462,131 462,131
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AARP Shares 1,818,198 (1,199,948) 618,250
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class R Shares 71,051 71,051
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value
per Share
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International
Shares $56.02 $13.22 -- $56.02
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barrett Shares $56.14 $56.14
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AARP Shares $19.07 $56.02
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class R Shares $55.93 $55.93
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
@ It is being proposed to shareholders of Scudder International Growth and
Income Fund, another fund advised by Scudder Kemper, that the Acquiring Fund
acquire the assets of that other fund. Each of the closing of this other
acquisition and the Closing is contingent upon the other. Pro Forma
capitalization reflects the acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of both this other
fund and the Acquired Fund.
(1) Assumes the Reorganization had been consummated on September 30, 1999, and
is for information purposes only. No assurance can be given as to how many
shares of the Acquiring Fund will be received by the shareholders of the
Acquired Fund and Scudder International Growth and Income Fund on the date the
Reorganization takes place, and the foregoing should not be relied upon to
reflect the number of shares of the Acquiring Fund that actually will be
received on or after such date.
(2) Pro forma combined net assets do not reflect expense reductions that would
result from the implementation of the Administrative Fee and of a new investment
management fee for the Acquiring Fund.
-31-
<PAGE>
(3) Represents one-time proxy, legal, accounting and other costs of the
Reorganization to be borne by Scudder International Growth and Income Fund.
(4) Represents one-time proxy, legal, accounting and other costs of the
Reorganization to be borne by the Acquired Fund.
The Board of Trustees of AARP Growth Trust recommends that the
shareholders of AARP International Stock Fund vote in favor of this Proposal 2.
PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OR REJECTION OF THE SELECTION OF
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of the Acquired Trust, including a majority of the Independent
Trustees, has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to act as independent
accountants of the Acquired Fund for the Acquired Fund's current fiscal year.
One or more representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be
present at the Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they
so desire. Such representatives are expected to be available to respond to
appropriate questions posed by shareholders or management.
The Board of Trustees of AARP Growth Trust recommends that the
shareholders of AARP International Stock Fund vote in favor of this Proposal 3.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Information about the Funds
Additional information about the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquired
Trust, the Funds and the Reorganization has been filed with the SEC and may be
obtained without charge by writing to Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two
International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103, or by calling 1-800-225-2470.
The Acquiring Corporation and the Acquired Trust are subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940
Act, and in accordance therewith, file reports, proxy material and other
information about each of the Funds with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Such reports, proxy material and other information filed by the Acquiring
Corporation, and those filed by the Acquired Trust, can be inspected and copied
at the Public Reference Room maintained by the Securities and Exchange
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the
following SEC Regional Offices: Northeast Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, NY 10048; Southeast Regional Office, 1401 Brickell Avenue,
Suite 200, Miami, FL 33131; Midwest Regional Office, Citicorp Center, 500 W.
Madison Street, Chicago, IL, 60661-2511; Central Regional Office, 1801
California Street, Suite 4800, Denver, CO 80202-2648; and Pacific Regional
Office, 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3648. Copies
of such material can also be obtained from the Public Reference Branch, Office
of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The SEC
maintains an Internet World Wide Web site (at http://www.sec.gov) which contains
the Statements of Additional Information for the Acquiring Corporation and the
Acquired Trust, materials that are incorporated by reference into the
prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information, and other information
about the Acquiring Corporation, the Acquired Trust and the Funds.
-32-
<PAGE>
Interests of Certain Persons
The Investment Manager has a financial interest in the Reorganization,
arising from the fact that its fee under its investment management agreement
with the Acquiring Fund will increase as the amount of the Acquiring Fund's
assets increases. The amount of those assets will increase by virtue of the
Reorganization. See "Synopsis - Fees and Expenses."
General
Proxy Solicitation. Proxy solicitation costs will be considered
Reorganization expenses and will be allocated accordingly. In addition to
solicitation by mail, certain officers and representatives of the Acquired
Trust, officers and employees of Scudder Kemper and certain financial
services firms and their representatives, who will receive no extra
compensation for their services, may solicit proxies by telephone, telegram
or personally.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Notice of Special Meeting and the
proxy card(s) are first being mailed to shareholders on or about April 18, 2000
or as soon as practicable thereafter. Any Acquired Fund shareholder giving a
proxy has the power to revoke it by mail (addressed to the Secretary at the
principal executive office of the Acquired Fund, c/o Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc., at the address for the Acquired Fund shown at the beginning of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus) or in person at the Meeting, by executing a superseding
proxy or by submitting a notice of revocation to the Acquired Fund. All properly
executed proxies received in time for the Meeting will be voted as specified in
the proxy or, if no specification is made, in favor of each Proposal.
The presence at any shareholders' meeting, in person or by proxy, of the
holders of one-third of the shares of the Acquired Trust (for a trust-wide vote)
or the Acquired Fund (for a fund-wide vote) entitled to be cast shall be
necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
In the event that the necessary quorum to transact business or the vote required
to approve any Proposal is not obtained at the Meeting, the persons named as
proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting in accordance with
applicable law to permit further solicitation of proxies with respect to that
Proposal. Any such adjournment as to a matter will require the affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the Acquired Trust's (for a trust-wide vote) or
the Acquired Fund's (for a fund-wide vote) shares present in person or by proxy
at the Meeting. The persons named as proxies will vote in favor of any such
adjournment those proxies which they are entitled to vote in favor of that
Proposal and will vote against any such adjournment those proxies to be voted
against that Proposal. For purposes of determining the presence of a quorum for
transacting business at the Meeting, abstentions and broker "non-votes" will be
treated as shares that are present but which have not been voted. Broker
non-votes are proxies received by the Acquired Fund from brokers or nominees
when the broker or nominee has neither received instructions from the beneficial
owner or other persons entitled to vote nor has discretionary power to vote on a
particular matter. Accordingly, shareholders are urged to forward their voting
instructions promptly.
Approval of Proposal 1 requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the
shares of the Acquired Trust voting at the Meeting. Approval of Proposal 2
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Acquired
Fund's shares outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. Approval of Proposal 3
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Acquired Fund
voting at the Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted in
favor of, but will have no other effect on, Proposal 1, and will have the effect
of a "no" vote on Proposals 2 and 3.
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Holders of record of the shares of the Acquired Fund at the close of
business on April 17, 2000 (the "Record Date") will be entitled to one vote per
share on all business of the Meeting. As of [date], there were ____________
shares of the Acquired Fund outstanding.
As of [date], the officers and Directors of the Acquiring Corporation as a
group owned beneficially [less than 1%][___%] of the outstanding shares of the
Acquiring Fund. Appendix 2 hereto sets forth the beneficial owners of at least
5% of each Fund's shares.] To the best of each of the Acquiring Corporation's
and the Acquired Trust's knowledge, as of _______________, no person owned
beneficially more than 5% of either Fund's outstanding shares[, except as stated
on Appendix 2.]
Shareholder Communications Corporation ("SCC") has been engaged to assist
in the solicitation of proxies, at an estimated cost of $150,851. As the Meeting
date approaches, certain shareholders of the Acquired Fund may receive a
telephone call from a representative of SCC if their votes have not yet been
received. Authorization to permit SCC to execute proxies may be obtained by
telephonic or electronically transmitted instructions from shareholders of the
Acquired Fund. Proxies that are obtained telephonically will be recorded in
accordance with the procedures set forth below. The Trustees believe that these
procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that both the identity of the
shareholder casting the vote and the voting instructions of the shareholder are
accurately determined.
In all cases where a telephonic proxy is solicited, the SCC representative
is required to ask for each shareholder's full name, address, social security or
employer identification number, title (if the shareholder is authorized to act
on behalf of an entity, such as a corporation), and the number of shares owned,
and to confirm that the shareholder has received the proxy materials in the
mail. If the information solicited agrees with the information provided to SCC,
then the SCC representative has the responsibility to explain the process, read
the Proposals on the proxy card, and ask for the shareholder's instructions on
the Proposals. Although the SCC representative is permitted to answer questions
about the process, he or she is not permitted to recommend to the shareholder
how to vote, other than to read any recommendation set forth in the proxy
statement. SCC will record the shareholder's instructions on the card. Within 72
hours, the shareholder will be sent a letter or mailgram to confirm his or her
vote and asking the shareholder to call SCC immediately if his or her
instructions are not correctly reflected in the confirmation.
If a shareholder wishes to participate in the Meeting, but does not wish
to give a proxy by telephone or electronically, the shareholder may still submit
the proxy card originally sent with the proxy statement or attend in person.
Should shareholders require additional information regarding the proxy or
replacement proxy cards, they may contact SCC toll-free at 1-800-605-1203. Any
proxy given by a shareholder is revocable until voted at the Meeting.
Shareholders may also provide their voting instructions through telephone
touch-tone voting or Internet voting. These options require shareholders to
input a control number which is located on each voting instruction card. After
inputting this number, shareholders will be prompted to provide their voting
instructions on the Proposals. Shareholders will have an opportunity to review
their voting instructions and make any necessary changes before submitting their
voting instructions and terminating their telephone call or Internet link.
Shareholders who vote on the Internet, in addition to confirming their voting
instructions prior to submission, will also receive an e-mail confirming their
instructions.
Shareholder Proposals for Subsequent Meetings. Shareholders wishing to
submit proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement for a shareholder meeting
subsequent to the Meeting, if any, should send their written proposals to the
Secretary of the Trust, c/o Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., Two International
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, within a reasonable time before the
solicitation of proxies for such meeting. The timely submission of a proposal
does not guarantee its inclusion.
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Other Matters to Come Before the Meeting. No Trustee is aware of any
matters that will be presented for action at the Meeting other than the matters
set forth herein. Should any other matters requiring a vote of shareholders
arise, the proxy in the accompanying form will confer upon the person or persons
entitled to vote the shares represented by such proxy the discretionary
authority to vote the shares as to any such other matters in accordance with
their best judgment in the interest of the Trust and/or the Acquired Fund.
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD(S) (OR TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF AVAILABLE ELECTRONIC OR TELEPHONIC VOTING PROCEDURES) PROMPTLY. NO POSTAGE IS
REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
By Order of the Board,
[signature]
Kathryn L. Quirk
Secretary
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INDEX OF EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A: AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
EXHIBIT B: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION OF THE ACQUIRING FUND'S PERFORMANCE FOR
ITS MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR [TO BE PROVIDED].
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EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Agreement") is made as of
this ____ day of ________, 2000, by and between Scudder International Fund, Inc.
(the "Acquiring Corporation"), a Maryland Corporation with a principal place of
business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154, on behalf of Scudder
International Fund (the "Acquiring Fund"), a separate series of the Acquiring
Corporation, and AARP Growth Trust (the "Acquired Trust"), a Massachusetts
business trust with its principal place of business at Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetss 0211-4103, on behalf of AARP International Stock Fund (the
"Acquired Fund" and, together with the Acquiring Fund, each a "Fund" and
collectively the "Funds"), a separate series of the Acquired Trust.
This Agreement is intended to be and is adopted as a plan of
reorganization and liquidation within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The reorganization (the
"Reorganization") will consist of the transfer of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for
voting shares of capital stock of the AARP Shares class ($.01 par value per
share) of the Acquiring Fund (the "Acquiring Fund Shares"), the assumption by
the Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and the
distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares to the shareholders of the Acquired
Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund as provided herein, all upon
the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as
follows:
1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND TO THE ACQUIRING FUND IN EXCHANGE
FOR ACQUIRING FUND SHARES, THE ASSUMPTION OF ALL ACQUIRED FUND LIABILITIES
AND THE LIQUIDATION OF THE ACQUIRED FUND
1.1. Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth and on the basis
of the representations and warranties contained herein, the Acquired Fund agrees
to transfer to the Acquiring Fund all or substantially all of the Acquired
Fund's assets as set forth in section 1.2, and the Acquiring Fund agrees in
exchange therefor (i) to deliver to the Acquired Fund that number of full and
fractional Acquiring Fund Shares determined by dividing the value of the
Acquired Fund's net assets, computed in the manner and as of the time and date
set forth in section 2.1, by the net asset value of one Acquiring Fund Share,
computed in the manner and as of the time and date set forth in section 2.2; and
(ii) to assume all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund. Such transactions
shall take place at the closing provided for in section 3.1 (the "Closing").
1.2. The assets of the Acquired Fund to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund
(the "Assets") shall consist of all assets, including, without limitation, all
cash, cash equivalents, securities, commodities and futures interests and
dividends or interest or other receivables that are owned by the Acquired Fund
and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown on the unaudited statement of assets
and liabilities of the Acquired Fund prepared as of the effective time of the
closing in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")
applied consistently with those of the Acquired Fund's most recent audited
balance sheet. The Assets shall constitute at least 90% of the fair market value
of the net assets, and at least 70% of the fair market value of the gross
assets, held by Acquired Fund immediately before the Closing (excluding for
these purposes assets used to pay the dividends and other distributions paid
pursuant to section 1.4).
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1.3. The Acquired Fund will endeavor to discharge all of its known
liabilities and obligations prior to the Closing Date as defined in section 3.1.
1.4. On or as soon as practicable prior to the Closing Date as defined in
section 3.1, the Acquired Fund will declare and pay to its shareholders of
record one or more dividends and/or other distributions so that it will have
distributed substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed
without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and realized net capital
gain, if any, for the current taxable year through the Closing Date.
1.5. Immediately after the transfer of Assets provided for in section 1.1,
the Acquired Fund will distribute to the Acquired Fund's shareholders of record
(the "Acquired Fund Shareholders"), determined as of the Valuation Time (as
defined in section 2.1), on a pro rata basis, the Acquiring Fund Shares received
by the Acquired Fund pursuant to section 1.1 and will completely liquidate. Such
distribution and liquidation will be accomplished by the transfer of the
Acquiring Fund Shares then credited to the account of the Acquired Fund on the
books of the Acquiring Fund to open accounts on the share records of the
Acquiring Fund in the names of the Acquired Fund Shareholders. The aggregate net
asset value of Acquiring Fund Shares to be so credited to Acquired Fund
Shareholders shall be equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Acquired
Fund shares owned by such shareholders as of the Valuation Time. All issued and
outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will simultaneously be cancelled on the
books of the Acquired Fund, although share certificates representing interests
in shares of the Acquired Fund will represent a number of Acquiring Fund Shares
after the Closing Date as determined in accordance with section 2.3. The
Acquiring Fund will not issue certificates representing Acquiring Fund Shares in
connection with such exchange.
1.6. Ownership of Acquiring Fund Shares will be shown on the books of the
Acquiring Fund. Shares of the Acquiring Fund will be issued in the manner
described in the Acquiring Fund's then-current prospectus and statement of
additional information.
1.7. Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired Fund including, without
limitation, the responsibility for filing of regulatory reports, tax returns, or
other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"),
any state securities commission, and any federal, state or local tax authorities
or any other relevant regulatory authority, is and shall remain the
responsibility of the Acquired Fund.
1.8. All books and records of the Acquired Fund, including all books and
records required to be maintained under the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder, shall be available to the Acquiring Fund from and after
the Closing Date and shall be turned over to the Acquiring Fund as soon as
practicable following the Closing Date.
2. VALUATION
2.1. The value of the Assets shall be computed as of the close of regular
trading on The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") on the business day
immediately preceding the Closing Date, as defined in Section 3.1 (such time and
date being hereinafter called the "Valuation Time") after the declaration and
payment of any dividends and/or other distributions on that date, using the
valuation procedures set forth in the Acquiring Corporation's Charter, as
amended, and then-current prospectus or statement of additional information.
2.2. The net asset value of an Acquiring Fund share shall be the net asset
value per share computed as of the Valuation Time using the valuation procedures
referred to in section 2.1.
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2.3. The number of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued (including
fractional shares, if any) in exchange for the Assets shall be determined by
dividing the value of the Assets with respect to shares of the Acquired Fund
determined in accordance with section 2.1 by the net asset value of an Acquiring
Fund Share determined in accordance with section 2.2.
2.4. All computations of value hereunder shall be made by or under the
direction of each Fund's respective accounting agent, if applicable, in
accordance with its regular practice and the requirements of the 1940 Act and
shall be subject to confirmation by each Fund's respective independent
accountants upon the reasonable request of the other Fund.
3. CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
3.1. The Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall
be August 28, 2000, or such later date as the parties may agree in writing (the
"Closing Date"). All acts taking place at the Closing shall be deemed to take
place simultaneously as of 9:00 a.m.., Eastern time, on the Closing Date, unless
otherwise agreed to by the parties. The Closing shall be held at the offices of
Dechert Price & Rhoads, Ten Post Office Square - South, Boston, MA 02109, or at
such other place and time as the parties may agree.
3.2. The Acquired Fund shall deliver to Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date
a schedule of Assets.
3.3. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ("Brown Brothers"), custodian for the
Acquired Fund, shall deliver at the Closing a certificate of an authorized
officer stating that (a) the Assets shall have been delivered in proper form to
Brown Brothers, custodian for the Acquiring Fund, prior to or on the Closing
Date and (b) all necessary taxes in connection with the delivery of the Assets,
including all applicable federal and state stock transfer stamps, if any, have
been paid or provision for payment has been made. The Acquired Fund's portfolio
securities represented by a certificate or other written instrument shall be
presented by the custodian for the Acquired Fund to the custodian for the
Acquiring Fund for examination no later than five business days preceding the
Closing Date and transferred and delivered by the Acquired Fund as of the
Closing Date by the Acquired Fund for the account of Acquiring Fund duly
endorsed in proper form for transfer in such condition as to constitute good
delivery thereof. The Acquired Fund's portfolio securities and instruments
deposited with a securities depository, as defined in Rule 17f-4 under the 1940
Act, shall be delivered as of the Closing Date by book entry in accordance with
the customary practices of such depositories and the custodian for the Acquiring
Fund. The cash to be transferred by the Acquired Fund shall be delivered by wire
transfer of federal funds on the Closing Date.
3.4. Scudder Service Corp. (the "Transfer Agent"), on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, shall deliver at the Closing a certificate of an authorized
officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the Acquired
Fund Shareholders and the number and percentage ownership (to three decimal
places) of outstanding Acquired Fund shares owned by each such shareholder
immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund shall issue and deliver a
confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing
Date to the Acquired Fund or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquired Fund
that such Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to the Acquired Fund's
account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. At the Closing, each party shall
deliver to the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, share
certificates, if any, receipts or other documents as such other party or its
counsel may reasonably request to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
3.5. In the event that immediately prior to the Valuation Time (a) the
NYSE or another primary trading market for portfolio securities of the Acquiring
Fund or the Acquired Fund shall be
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closed to trading or trading thereupon shall be restricted, or (b) trading or
the reporting of trading on such Exchange or elsewhere shall be disrupted so
that, in the judgment of the Board members of either party to this Agreement,
accurate appraisal of the value of the net assets with respect to the Acquiring
Fund Shares or the Acquired Fund shares is impracticable, the Closing Date shall
be postponed until the first business day after the day when trading shall have
been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1. The Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, represents and
warrants to the Acquiring Fund as follows:
(a) The Acquired Trust is a business trust duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with power under
the Acquired Trust's Declaration of Trust, as amended, to own all of its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted;
(b) The Acquired Trust is registered with the Commission as an open-end
management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), and such registration is in full force and effect;
(c) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of any court or
governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of
the transactions contemplated herein, except such as have been obtained under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act") and the 1940 Act and such as may be
required by state securities laws;
(d) Other than with respect to contracts entered into in connection with
the portfolio management of the Acquired Fund which shall terminate on or prior
to the Closing Date, the Acquired Trust is not, and the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Trust will not result, in
violation of Massachusetts law or of the Acquired Trust's Declaration of Trust,
as amended, or By-Laws, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument,
contract, lease or other undertaking known to counsel to which the Acquired Fund
is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result in the acceleration of
any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement,
indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquired
Fund is a party or by which it is bound;
(e) No material litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation
of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or to its
knowledge threatened against the Acquired Fund or any properties or assets held
by it. The Acquired Fund knows of no facts which might form the basis for the
institution of such proceedings which would materially and adversely affect its
business and is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree
or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially and adversely
affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions herein
contemplated;
(f) The Statements of Assets and Liabilities, Operations, and Changes in
Net Assets, the Financial Highlights, and the Investment Portfolio of the
Acquired Fund at and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, have been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, and are in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and such statements (a copy of each
of which has been furnished to the Acquiring Fund) present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Acquired Fund as of such date
in accordance with GAAP, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the
Acquired Fund required to be reflected on a balance sheet (including the notes
thereto) in accordance with GAAP as of such date not disclosed therein;
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(g) Since September 30, 1999, there has not been any material adverse
change in the Acquired Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or
business other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business, or any
incurrence by the Acquired Fund of indebtedness maturing more than one year from
the date such indebtedness was incurred except as otherwise disclosed to and
accepted in writing by the Acquiring Fund. For purposes of this subsection (g),
a decline in net asset value per share of the Acquired Fund due to declines in
market values of securities in the Acquired Fund's portfolio, the discharge of
Acquired Fund liabilities, or the redemption of Acquired Fund shares by Acquired
Fund Shareholders shall not constitute a material adverse change;
(h) At the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all federal and other tax
returns and reports of the Acquired Fund required by law to have been filed by
such dates (including any extensions) shall have been filed and are or will be
correct in all material respects, and all federal and other taxes shown as due
or required to be shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been paid
or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof, and, to the best of
the Acquired Fund's knowledge, no such return is currently under audit and no
assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns;
(i) For each taxable year of its operation (including the taxable year
ending on the Closing Date), the Acquired Fund has met the requirements of
Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company and
has elected to be treated as such, has been eligible to and has computed its
federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and will have distributed all
of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (as defined in the
Code) that has accrued through the Closing Date;
(j) All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund (i) have been
offered and sold in every state and the District of Columbia in compliance in
all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act
and state securities laws, (ii) are, and on the Closing Date will be, duly and
validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable (recognizing that,
under Massachusetts law, Acquired Fund Shareholders, under certain
circumstances, could be held personally liable for obligations of the Acquired
Fund), and (iii) will be held at the time of the Closing by the persons and in
the amounts set forth in the records of the Transfer Agent, as provided in
section 3.4. The Acquired Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants
or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any of the Acquired Fund shares,
nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any of the Acquired Fund
shares;
(k) At the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable
title to the Acquired Fund's assets to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund
pursuant to section 1.2 and full right, power, and authority to sell, assign,
transfer and deliver such assets hereunder free of any liens or other
encumbrances, except those liens or encumbrances as to which the Acquiring Fund
has received notice at or prior to the Closing, and upon delivery and payment
for such assets, the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title
thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such
restrictions as might arise under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act, except those
restrictions as to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice and necessary
documentation at or prior to the Closing;
(l) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will have
been duly authorized prior to the Closing Date by all necessary action on the
part of the Board members of the Acquired Trust, and, subject to the approval of
the Acquired Fund Shareholders, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws
relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles;
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(m) The information to be furnished by the Acquired Fund for use in
applications for orders, registration statements or proxy materials or for use
in any other document filed or to be filed with any federal, state or local
regulatory authority (including the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. (the "NASD")), which may be necessary in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and
shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and
regulations applicable thereto;
(n) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of the
Acquired Fund conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of
the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder and do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not materially misleading; and
(o) The proxy statement of the Acquired Fund to be included in the
Registration Statement referred to in section 5.7 (the "Proxy Statement"),
insofar as it relates to the Acquired Fund, will, on the effective date of the
Registration Statement and on the Closing Date, not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements are made, not materially misleading;
provided, however, that the representations and warranties in this section shall
not apply to statements in or omissions from the Proxy Statement and the
Registration Statement made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
that was furnished or should have been furnished by the Acquiring Fund for use
therein.
4.2. The Acquiring Corporation, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund,
represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund as follows:
(a) The Acquiring Corporation is a corporation duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the State of Maryland with power under the Acquiring
Corporation's Charter, as amended, to own all of its properties and assets and
to carry on its business as it is now being conducted;
(b) The Acquiring Corporation is registered with the Commission as an
open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration
is in full force and effect;
(c) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of any court or
governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of
the transactions contemplated herein, except such as have been obtained under
the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and such as may be required by state
securities laws;
(d) The Acquiring Corporation is not, and the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Corporation will not result, in
violation of Maryland law or of the Acquiring Corporation's Charter, as amended,
or By-Laws, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease
or other undertaking known to counsel to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or
by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result in the acceleration of any
obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture,
instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a
party or by which it is bound;
(e) No material litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation
of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or to its
knowledge threatened against the Acquiring Fund or any properties or assets held
by it. The Acquiring Fund knows of no facts which might form the basis for the
institution of such proceedings which would materially and adversely affect its
business and is not a
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party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any
court or governmental body which materially and adversely affects its business
or its ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated;
(f) The Statements of Assets and Liabilities, Operations, and Changes in
Net Assets, the Financial Highlights, and the Investment Portfolio of the
Acquiring Fund at and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1999 have been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, and are in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and such statements (a copy of each
of which has been furnished to the Acquired Fund) present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Acquiring Fund as of such date
in accordance with GAAP, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the
Acquiring Fund required to be reflected on a balance sheet (including the notes
thereto) in accordance with GAAP as of such date not disclosed therein;
(g) Since August 31, 1999, there has not been any material adverse change
in the Acquiring Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or business
other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business, or any
incurrence by the Acquiring Fund of indebtedness maturing more than one year
from the date such indebtedness was incurred except as otherwise disclosed to
and accepted in writing by the Acquired Fund. For purposes of this subsection
(g), a decline in net asset value per share of the Acquiring Fund due to
declines in market values of securities in the Acquiring Fund's portfolio, the
discharge of Acquiring Fund liabilities, or the redemption of Acquiring Fund
shares by Acquiring Fund shareholders shall not constitute a material adverse
change;
(h) At the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all federal and other tax
returns and reports of the Acquiring Fund required by law to have been filed by
such dates (including any extensions) shall have been filed and are or will be
correct in all material respects, and all federal and other taxes shown as due
or required to be shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been paid
or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof, and, to the best of
the Acquiring Fund's knowledge, no such return is currently under audit and no
assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns;
(i) For each taxable year of its operation, the Acquiring Fund has met the
requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a regulated
investment company and has elected to be treated as such, has been eligible to
and has computed its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and will
do so for the taxable year including the Closing Date;
(j) All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquiring Fund (i) have been
offered and sold in every state and the District of Columbia in compliance in
all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act
and state securities laws and (ii) are, and on the Closing Date will be, duly
and validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. The Acquiring
Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to
subscribe for or purchase any of the Acquiring Fund shares, nor is there
outstanding any security convertible into any of the Acquiring Fund shares;
(k) The Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to the Acquired
Fund, for the account of the Acquired Fund Shareholders, pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement, will at the Closing Date have been duly authorized and, when
so issued and delivered, will be duly and validly issued and outstanding
Acquiring Fund Shares, and will be fully paid and non-assessable.
(l) At the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund will have good and marketable
title to the Acquiring Fund's assets, free of any liens or other encumbrances,
except those liens or encumbrances as to which the Acquired Fund has received
notice at or prior to the Closing;
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<PAGE>
(m) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will have
been duly authorized prior to the Closing Date by all necessary action on the
part of the Board members of the Acquiring Fund and this Agreement will
constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund enforceable in
accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws
relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles;
(n) The information to be furnished by the Acquiring Fund for use in
applications for orders, registration statements or proxy materials or for use
in any other document filed or to be filed with any federal, state or local
regulatory authority (including the NASD), which may be necessary in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be accurate and complete in all
material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal
securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto;
(o) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of the
Acquiring Fund conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements
of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder and do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not materially misleading;
(p) The Proxy Statement to be included in the Registration Statement, only
insofar as it relates to the Acquiring Fund, will, on the effective date of the
Registration Statement and on the Closing Date, not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not materially misleading;
provided, however, that the representations and warranties in this section shall
not apply to statements in or omissions from the Proxy Statement and the
Registration Statement made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
that was furnished or should have been furnished by the Acquired Fund for use
therein; and
(q) The Acquiring Fund agrees to use all reasonable efforts to obtain the
approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and such of
the state securities laws as may be necessary in order to continue its
operations after the Closing Date.
5. COVENANTS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND
5.1. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund each covenants to operate
its business in the ordinary course between the date hereof and the Closing
Date, it being understood that (a) such ordinary course of business will include
(i) the declaration and payment of customary dividends and other distributions
and (ii) such changes as are contemplated by the Funds' normal operations; and
(b) each Fund shall retain exclusive control of the composition of its portfolio
until the Closing Date.
5.2. Upon reasonable notice, the Acquiring Fund's officers and agents
shall have reasonable access to the Acquired Fund's books and records necessary
to maintain current knowledge of the Acquired Fund and to ensure that the
representations and warranties made by the Acquired Fund are accurate.
5.3. The Acquired Fund covenants to call a meeting of the Acquired Fund
Shareholders entitled to vote thereon to consider and act upon this Agreement
and to take all other reasonable action necessary to obtain approval of the
transactions contemplated herein. Such meeting shall be scheduled for no later
than July 11, 2000.
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<PAGE>
5.4. The Acquired Fund covenants that the Acquiring Fund Shares to be
issued hereunder are not being acquired for the purpose of making any
distribution thereof other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
5.5. The Acquired Fund covenants that it will assist the Acquiring Fund in
obtaining such information as the Acquiring Fund reasonably requests concerning
the beneficial ownership of the Acquired Fund shares and will provide the
Acquiring Fund with a list of affiliates of the Acquired Fund.
5.6. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund and
the Acquired Fund will each take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or
cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper, and/or advisable to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.7. Each Fund covenants to prepare in compliance with the 1933 Act, the
1934 Act and the 1940 Act the Registration Statement on Form N-14 (the
"Registration Statement") in connection with the meeting of the Acquired Fund
Shareholders to consider approval of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated herein. The Acquiring Fund will file the Registration Statement,
including the Proxy Statement, with the Commission. The Acquired Fund will
provide the Acquiring Fund with information reasonably necessary for the
preparation of a prospectus, which will include the Proxy Statement referred to
in section 4.1(o), all to be included in the Registration Statement, in
compliance in all material respects with the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940
Act.
5.8. The Acquired Fund covenants that it will, from time to time, as and
when reasonably requested by the Acquiring Fund, execute and deliver or cause to
be executed and delivered all such assignments and other instruments, and will
take or cause to be taken such further action as the Acquiring Fund may
reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to vest in and confirm the
Acquiring Fund's title to and possession of all the assets and otherwise to
carry out the intent and purpose of this Agreement.
5.9. The Acquiring Fund covenants to use all reasonable efforts to obtain
the approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act and 1940 Act, and such
of the state securities laws as it deems appropriate in order to continue its
operations after the Closing Date and to consummate the transactions
contemplated herein; provided, however, that the Acquiring Fund may take such
actions it reasonably deems advisable after the Closing Date as circumstances
change.
5.10. The Acquiring Fund covenants that it will, from time to time, as and
when reasonably requested by the Acquired Fund, execute and deliver or cause to
be executed and delivered all such assignments, assumption agreements, releases,
and other instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further action,
as the Acquired Fund may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to (i)
vest and confirm to the Acquired Fund title to and possession of all Acquiring
Fund shares to be transferred to Acquired Fund pursuant to this Agreement and
(ii) assume the liabilities from the Acquired Fund.
5.11. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Acquired
Fund shall make a liquidating distribution to its shareholders consisting of the
Acquiring Fund Shares received at the Closing.
5.12. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund shall each use its
reasonable best efforts to fulfill or obtain the fulfillment of the conditions
precedent to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly
as practicable.
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<PAGE>
6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND
The obligations of the Acquired Fund to consummate the transactions
provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the
Acquiring Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or
before the Closing Date, and, in addition thereto, the following further
conditions:
6.1. All representations and warranties of the Acquired Trust, with
respect to the Acquired Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may
be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the
Closing Date, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing
Date; and there shall be (i) no pending or threatened litigation brought by any
person (other than Acquiring Fund, its adviser or any of their affiliates)
against the Acquired Fund or its investment adviser(s), Board members or
officers arising out of this Agreement and (ii) no facts known to the Acquired
Fund which the Acquired Fund reasonably believes might result in such
litigation.
6.2. The Acquiring Fund shall have delivered to the Acquired Fund on the
Closing Date a certificate executed in its name by its President or a Vice
President, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Acquired Fund and dated as
of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of
the Acquiring Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the
Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, and as to such other matters as the Acquired Fund shall
reasonably request;
6.3. The Acquired Fund shall have received on the Closing Date an
opinion of Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver in a form reasonably satisfactory to
the Acquired Fund, and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that:
(a) The Acquiring Corporation has been duly formed and is an existing
corporation; (b) the Acquiring Corporation has the power to carry on its
business as presently conducted in accordance with the description thereof in
the Acquiring Corporation's registration statement under the 1940 Act; (c) the
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquiring
Corporation, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and constitutes a valid and
legally binding obligation of the Acquiring Corporation, on behalf of the
Acquiring Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity
principles; (d) the execution and delivery of the Agreement did not, and the
exchange of the Acquired Fund's assets for Acquiring Fund Shares pursuant to the
Agreement will not, violate the Acquiring Corporation's Charteras amended, or
By-laws; and (e) to the knowledge of such counsel, all regulatory consents,
authorizations, approvals or filings required to be obtained or made by the
Acquiring Fund under the Federal laws of the United States or the laws of the
State of Maryland for the exchange of the Acquired Fund's assets for Acquiring
Fund Shares, pursuant to the Agreement have been obtained or made; and
6.4. The Acquiring Fund shall have performed all of the covenants and
complied with all of the provisions required by this Agreement to be performed
or complied with by the Acquiring Fund on or before the Closing Date.
6.5 The Acquiring Fund shall have (i) adopted a new investment management
agreement and (ii) entered into an administrative services agreement with
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. ("Scudder Kemper"), each in a form reasonably
satisfactory to the Acquired Fund.
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<PAGE>
7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND
The obligations of the Acquiring Fund to consummate the transactions
provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the
Acquired Fund of all of the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or
before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following further
conditions:
7.1. All representations and warranties of the Acquired Trust, with
respect to the Acquired Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may
be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the
Closing Date, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing
Date; and there shall be (i) no pending or threatened litigation brought by any
person (other than Acquired Fund, its adviser or any of their affiliates)
against the Acquiring Fund or its investment adviser(s), Board members or
officers arising out of this Agreement and (ii) no facts known to the Acquiring
Fund which the Acquiring Fund reasonably believes might result in such
litigation.
7.2. The Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a
statement of the Acquired Fund's assets and liabilities as of the Closing Date,
certified by the Treasurer of the Acquired Fund;
7.3. The Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund on the
Closing Date a certificate executed in its name by its President or a Vice
President, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and dated as
of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of
the Trust with respect to the Acquired Fund made in this Agreement are true and
correct on and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and as to such other matters as the
Acquiring Fund shall reasonably request;
7.4. The Acquiring Fund shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion
of Dechert Price & Rhoads, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring
Fund, and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that:
(a) The Acquired Trust has been duly formed and is an existing business
trust; (b) the Acquired Trust has the power to carry on its business as
presently conducted in accordance with the description thereof in the Acquired
Trust's registration statement under the 1940 Act; (c) the Agreement has been
duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the
Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, enforceable in accordance with
its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
reorganization, moratorium and laws of general applicability relating to or
affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; (d) the execution
and delivery of the Agreement did not, and the exchange of the Acquired Fund's
assets for Acquiring Fund Shares pursuant to the Agreement will not, violate the
Acquired Trust's Declaration of Trust, as amended, or By-laws; and (e) to the
knowledge of such counsel, all regulatory consents, authorizations, approvals or
filings required to be obtained or made by the Acquired Fund under the Federal
laws of the United States or the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for
the exchange of the Acquired Fund's assets for Acquiring Fund Shares, pursuant
to the Agreement have been obtained or made; and
7.5. The Acquired Fund shall have performed all of the covenants and
complied with all of the provisions required by this Agreement to be performed
or complied with by the Acquired Fund on or before the Closing Date.
7.6 The Acquiring Fund shall have (i) adopted a new investment management
agreement and (ii) entered into an administrative services agreement with
Scudder Kemper.
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<PAGE>
8. FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE
ACQUIRED FUND
If any of the conditions set forth below have not been met on or before
the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the
other party to this Agreement shall, at its option, not be required to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:
8.1. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have
been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of
the Acquired Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Acquired Trust's
Declaration of Trust, as amended, and By-Laws, applicable Massachusetts law and
the 1940 Act, and certified copies of the resolutions evidencing such approval
shall have been delivered to the Acquiring Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein
to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the
conditions set forth in this section 8.1;
8.2. On the Closing Date, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be
pending or to its knowledge threatened before any court or governmental agency
in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain material damages or
other relief in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
herein;
8.3. All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and
permits of Federal, state and local regulatory authorities deemed necessary by
the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material
respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained,
except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not
involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the
Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for
itself waive any of such conditions;
8.4. The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933
Act and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been
issued and, to the best knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or
proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending, threatened
or contemplated under the 1933 Act; and
8.5. The parties shall have received an opinion of Willkie Farr &
Gallagher addressed to each of the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquired Trust,
in a form reasonably satisfactory to each such party to this Agreement,
substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and
representations of the parties, for federal income tax purposes: (i) the
transfer to the Acquiring Fund of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Acquired Fund in exchange solely for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by
the Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, followed by
the distribution of such shares to the Acquired Fund's shareholders in exchange
for their shares of the Acquired Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired
Fund, will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)
of the Code, and the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be "a party
to a reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code; (ii) no
gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the transfer of all or
substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for
Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all of the
liabilities of the Acquired Fund; (iii) the basis of the assets of the Acquired
Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the basis of such
assets of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the transfer; (iv) the holding
period of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund
will include the period during which such assets were held by the Acquired Fund;
(v) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of
the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange for Acquiring Fund shares and the
assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund;
(vi) no gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund
upon the receipt of the Acquiring Fund shares solely in exchange for their
shares of the Acquired Fund as part of the
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<PAGE>
transaction; (vii) the basis of the Acquiring Fund shares received by the
shareholders of the Acquired Fund will be the same as the basis of the shares of
the Acquired Fund exchanged therefor; and (viii) the holding period of Acquiring
Fund shares received by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund will include the
holding period during which the shares of the Acquired Fund exchanged therefor
were held, provided that at the time of the exchange the shares of the Acquired
Fund were held as capital assets in the hands of the shareholders of the
Acquired Fund. The delivery of such opinion is conditioned upon receipt by
Willkie Farr & Gallagher of representations it shall request of each of the
Acquiring Fund and Acquired Trust. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the
condition set forth in this section 8.5.
9. INDEMNIFICATION
9.1. The Acquiring Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Acquired
Fund and each of the Acquired Fund's Board members and officers from and against
any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, without
limitation, the payment of reasonable legal fees and reasonable costs of
investigation) to which jointly and severally, the Acquired Fund or any of its
Board members or officers may become subject, insofar as any such loss, claim,
damage, liability or expense (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or
is based on any breach by the Acquiring Fund of any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
9.2. The Acquired Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Acquiring
Fund and each of the Acquiring Fund's Board members and officers from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including,
without limitation, the payment of reasonable legal fees and reasonable costs of
investigation) to which jointly and severally, the Acquiring Fund or any of its
Board members or officers may become subject, insofar as any such loss, claim,
damage, liability or expense (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or
is based on any breach by the Acquired Fund of any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
10. FEES AND EXPENSES
10.1. Each of the Acquiring Fund on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and the
Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, represents and warrants to the
other that it has no obligations to pay any brokers or finders fees in
connection with the transactions provided for herein.
10.2. Scudder Kemper will pay the Acquiring Fund's allocable share
of expenses associated with the Reorganization. The Acquired Fund will pay its
own allocable shares of expenses related to the Reorganization, except that
Scudder Kemper will bear any such expenses in excess of $43,902 for the Acquired
Fund (approximately $0.0228 per share, based on December 31, 1999 net assets for
the Acquired Fund). Any such expenses which are so borne by Scudder Kemper will
be solely and directly related to the Reorganization within the meaning of
Revenue Ruling 73-54, 1973-1 C.B. 187. The Acquired Fund shareholders will pay
their own expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the Reorganization.
11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
11.1. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund agree that neither party
has made any representation, warranty or covenant not set forth herein and that
this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
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<PAGE>
11.2. Except as specified in the next sentence set forth in this section
11.2, the representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement
or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall not
survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder. The
covenants to be performed after the Closing and the obligations of each of the
Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 shall survive the
Closing.
12. TERMINATION
12.1. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated
hereby may be abandoned by either party by (i) mutual agreement of the parties,
or (ii) by either party if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before
August 28, 2000, unless such date is extended by mutual agreement of the
parties, or (iii) by either party if the other party shall have materially
breached its obligations under this Agreement or made a material and intentional
misrepresentation herein or in connection herewith. In the event of any such
termination, this Agreement shall become void and there shall be no liability
hereunder on the part of any party or their respective Board members or
officers, except for any such material breach or intentional misrepresentation,
as to each of which all remedies at law or in equity of the party adversely
affected shall survive.
13. AMENDMENTS
This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as
may be mutually agreed upon in writing by any authorized officer of the Acquired
Fund and any authorized officer of the Acquiring Fund; provided, however, that
following the meeting of the Acquired Fund Shareholders called by the Acquired
Fund pursuant to section 5.2 of this Agreement, no such amendment may have the
effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of the Acquiring
Fund Shares to be issued to the Acquired Fund shareholders under this Agreement
to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.
14. NOTICES
Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any
provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given
if delivered by hand (including by Federal Express or similar express courier)
or transmitted by facsimile or three days after being mailed by prepaid
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the
Acquired Fund, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103, with a copy to
Dechert Price & Rhoads, Ten Post Office Square South, Boston, MA 02109-4603,
Attention: Sheldon A. Jones, Esq., or to the Acquiring Fund, 345 Park Avenue,
New York, NY 10154, with a copy to Dechert Price & Rhoads, Ten Post Office
Square South, Boston, MA 02109-4603, Attention: Sheldon A. Jones, Esq., or to
any other address that the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund shall have last
designated by notice to the other party.
15. HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; ASSIGNMENT; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
15.1. The Article and section headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
15.2. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed an original.
15.3. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or
transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any
party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein
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<PAGE>
expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give
any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and the
shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund and their respective
successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this
Agreement.
15.4. References in this Agreement to the Acquired Trust mean and refer to
the Board members of the Acquired Trust from time to time serving under its
Declaration of Trust on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, as the same may be amended from time to time, pursuant to which
the Acquired Trust conducts its business. It is expressly agreed that the
obligations of the Acquired Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the
Board members, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents, or employees of the
Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund personally, but bind only the property of
the Acquired Fund, as provided in the Acquired Trust's Declaration of Trust.
Moreover, no series of the Acquired Trust other than the Acquired Fund shall be
responsible for the obligations of the Acquired Trust hereunder, and all persons
shall look only to the assets of the Acquired Fund to satisfy the obligations of
the Acquired Trust hereunder. The execution and the delivery of this Agreement
have been authorized by the Acquired Trust's Board members, on behalf of the
Acquired Fund, and this Agreement has been signed by authorized officers of the
Acquired Fund acting as such, and neither such authorization by such Board
members, nor such execution and delivery by such officers, shall be deemed to
have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of
them personally, but shall bind only the property of the Acquired Fund, as
provided in the Acquired Trust's Declaration of Trust.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the
obligations, agreements, representations and warranties with respect to the
Acquired Fund shall constitute the obligations, agreements, representations and
warranties of the Acquired Fund only, and in no event shall any other series of
the Acquired Trust or the assets of any such series be held liable with respect
to the breach or other default by the Acquired Fund of its obligations,
agreements, representations and warranties as set forth herein.
15.5. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to its
principles of conflicts of laws.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement
to be executed by an authorized officer and its seal to be affixed thereto and
attested by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
Attest: AARP GROWTH TRUST
on behalf of AARP International Stock Fund
______________________________
Secretary
________________________________
By:_____________________________
Its:____________________________
Attest: SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
on behalf of Scudder International Fund
______________________________
Secretary
________________________________
By:___________________________
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Its:____________________________
AGREED TO AND ACKNOWLEDGED
ONLY WITH RESPECT TO
PARAGRAPH 10.2 HERETO
SCUDDER KEMPER INVESTMENTS, INC.
____________________________________
By:_________________________________
Its:________________________________
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX 1
FUND SHARES OWNED BY NOMINEES AND TRUSTEES
Many of the Nominees and Trustees own shares of the series of the
Acquired Trust and of other funds in the Scudder Family of Funds and AARP
Funds, allocating their investments among such funds based on their individual
investment needs. The following table sets forth, for each Nominee and Trustee,
the number of shares owned in each series of the Acquired Trust as of January
31, 2000. The information as to beneficial ownership is based on statements
furnished to the Acquired Trust by each Nominee and Trustee. Unless otherwise
noted, beneficial ownership is based on sole voting and investment power. [Each
Nominee's and Trustee's individual shareholdings of any series of the Acquired
Trust constitute less than 1% of the shares outstanding of such fund.] [As a
group, the Trustees and officers own less than 1% of the shares of any series of
the Acquired Trust.]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------
AARP AARP AARP
BALANCED CAPITAL GLOBAL AARP AARP AARP SMALL AARP U.S.
STOCK AND GROWTH GROWTH GROWTH AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANY STOCK
BOND FUND FUND FUND INCOME FUND STOCK FUND STOCK FUND INDEX FUND
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Carole Lewis Anderson(1)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Adelaide Attard(2)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Henry P. Becton, Jr.(3)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Robert N. Butler, M.D.(4)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Linda C. Coughlin(5)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Horace B. Deets(6)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Dawn-Marie Driscoll(7)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Edgar R. Fiedler(8)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Lt. Gen. Eugene P.
Forrester(9)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Keith R. Fox(10)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
George L. Maddox, Jr.(11)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Robert J. Myers(12)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
James H. Schulz(13)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Gordon Shillinglaw(14)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Joan Edelman Spero(15)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Jean Gleason Stromberg(16)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Jean C. Tempel(17)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Steven Zaleznick(18)
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
[All Trustees and Officers
as a Group]
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
</TABLE>
(1) As of January 31, 2000, Ms. Anderson's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(2) As of January 31, 2000, Ms. Attard's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(3) As of January 31, 2000, Mr. Becton's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(4) As of January 31, 2000, Dr. Butler's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(5) As of January 31, 2000, Ms. Coughlin's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
<PAGE>
(6) As of January 31, 2000, Mr. Deets's total aggregate holdings in each series
of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder Family of
Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(7) As of January 31, 2000, Ms. Driscoll's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $__________.
(8) As of January 31, 2000, Mr. Fiedler's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(9) As of January 31, 2000, Lt. Gen. Forrester's total aggregate holdings in
each series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the
Scudder Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and
$___________.
(10) As of January 31, 2000, Mr. Fox's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(11) As of January 31, 2000, Mr. Maddox's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(12) As of January 31, 2000, Mr. Myers's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(13) As of January 31, 2000, Mr. Schulz's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(14) As of January 31, 2000, Dr. Shillinglaw's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(15) As of January 31, 2000, Ms. Spero's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(16) As of January 31, 2000, Ms. Stromberg's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(17) As of January 31, 2000, Ms. Tempel's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $___________.
(18) As of January 31, 2000, Mr. Zaleznick's total aggregate holdings in each
series of the Acquired Trust listed above and all other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds and AARP Funds ranged between $___________ and $____________.
2
<PAGE>
APPENDIX 2
Beneficial Ownership of Fund Shares
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<PAGE>
This proxy statement/prospectus is accompanied by the Acquiring Fund's
prospectus dated January 1, 2000, which was previously filed with the
Commission via EDGAR on December 28, 1999 (File No. 2-14400) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
<PAGE>
PART B
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Additional Information
[date]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquistion of the Assets of By and in Exchange for Shares of
AARP International Stock Fund (the Scudder International Fund (the
"Acquired Fund"), a series of AARP "Acquiring Fund"), a series of Scudder
Growth Trust International Fund, Inc. (the
Two International Place "Acquiring Corporation")
Boston, MA 02110-4103 345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
This Statement of Additional Information is available to the shareholders of the
Acquired Fund in connection with a proposed transaction whereby the Acquring
Fund will acquire all or substantially all of the assets and all of the
liabilities of the Acquired Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund
(the "Reorganization").
This Statement of Additional Information of the Acquiring Corporation contains
material which may be of interest to investors but which is not included in the
Prospectus/Proxy Statement of the Acquiring Corporation relating to the
Reorganization. This Statement of Additional Information consists of this cover
page and the following documents:
1. The Acquiring Fund's statement of additional information dated January 1,
2000, which was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") via EDGAR on December 28, 1999 (File No. 2-14400) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
2. The Acquiring Fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1999, which was previously filed with the Commission via EDGAR
on November 1, 1999 (File No. 811-00642) and is incorporated by reference
herein.
3. The Acquired Fund's prospectus dated February 1, 2000, which was previously
filed with the Commission via EDGAR on February 1, 2000 (File No. 2-91578) and
is incorporated by reference herein.
4. The Acquired Fund's statement of additional information dated February 1,
2000, which was previously filed with the Commission via EDGAR on February 1,
2000 (File No. 2-91578) and is incorporated by reference herein.
5. The Acquired Fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1999, which was previously filed with the Commission via
EDGAR on December 3, 1999 (File No. 811-04048) and is incorporated by reference
herein.
6. The financial statements and schedules of the Acquiring Fund and the
Acquired Fund required by Regulation S-X for the periods specified in Article
3 thereof, which are filed herein.
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. A Prospectus/Proxy
Statement dated _____________________ relating to the Reorganization may be
obtained by writing the Acquired Fund at Two International Place, Boston MA
02110-4103 or by calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc. at 1-800-
-57-
<PAGE>
225-2470. This Statement of Additional Information should be read in conjunction
with the Prospectus/Proxy Statement.
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<PAGE>
PART B
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Additional Information
[date]
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquisition of the Assets of By and in Exchange for Shares of
AARP International Stock Fund (the Scudder International Fund (the
"Acquired Fund"), a series of AARP "Acquiring Fund"), a series of Scudder
Growth Trust International Fund, Inc. (the
Two International Place "Acquiring Corporation")
Boston, MA 02110-4103 345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
This Statement of Additional Information is available to the shareholders of the
Acquired Fund in connection with a proposed transaction whereby the Acquiring
Fund will acquire all or substantially all of the assets and all of the
liabilities of the Acquired Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund
(the "Reorganization").
This Statement of Additional Information of the Acquiring Corporation contains
material which may be of interest to investors but which is not included in the
Prospectus/Proxy Statement of the Acquiring Corporation relating to the
Reorganization. This Statement of Additional Information consists of this cover
page and the following documents:
1. The Acquiring Fund's statement of additional information dated January 1,
2000, which was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") via EDGAR on December 28, 1999 (File No. 2-14400) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
2. The Acquiring Fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1999, which was previously filed with the Commission via EDGAR on
November 1, 1999 (File No. 811-00642) and is incorporated by reference herein.
3. The Acquired Fund's prospectus dated February 1, 2000, which was previously
filed with the Commission via EDGAR on February 1, 2000 (File No. 2-91578) and
is incorporated by reference herein.
4. The Acquired Fund's statement of additional information dated February 1,
2000, which was previously filed with the Commission via EDGAR on February 1,
2000 (File No. 2-91578) and is incorporated by reference herein.
5. The Acquired Fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1999, which was previously filed with the Commission via EDGAR on
December 3, 1999 (File No. 811-04048) and is incorporated by reference herein.
6. The financial statements and schedules of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired
Fund required by Regulation S-X for the periods specified in Article 3 thereof,
which are filed herein.
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. A Prospectus/Proxy
Statement dated ____________________ relating to the Reorganization may be
obtained by writing the Acquired Fund at Two International Place, Boston, MA
02110-4103 or by calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc. at 1-800-
-57-
<PAGE>
225-2470. This Statement of Additional Information should be read in conjunction
with the Prospectus/Proxy Statement.
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<PAGE>
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 15. Indemnification.
A policy of insurance covering Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., its
affiliates including Scudder Investor Services, Inc., and all of the
registered investment companies advised by Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. insures the Registrant's directors and officers
and others against liability arising by reason of an alleged breach
of duty caused by any negligent act, error or accidental omission in
the scope of their duties.
Article Tenth of Registrant's Articles of Incorporation state as
follows:
TENTH: Liability and Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General
Corporation Law and the Investment Company Act of 1940, no director
or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or
to its stockholders for damages. The limitation on liability applies
to events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or
officer of the Corporation, whether or not such person is a director
or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is
asserted. No amendment to these Articles of Amendment and
Restatement or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or
eliminate the benefits provided to directors and officers under this
provision with respect to any act or omission which occurred prior
to such amendment or repeal.
The Corporation, including its successors and assigns, shall
indemnify its directors and officers and make advance payment of
related expenses to the fullest extent permitted, and in accordance
with the procedures required by Maryland law, including Section
2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation law, as may be amended
from time to time, and the Investment Company Act of 1940. The
By-Laws may provide that the Corporation shall indemnify its
employees and/or agents in any manner and within such limits as
permitted by applicable law. Such indemnification shall be in
addition to any other right or claim to which any director, officer,
employee or agent may otherwise be entitled.
The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf
of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent
of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or
agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise or employee benefit plan against
any liability asserted against and incurred by such person in any
such capacity or arising out of such person's position, whether or
not the Corporation would have had the power to indemnify against
such liability.
The rights provided to any person by this Article shall be
enforceable against the Corporation by such person who shall be
presumed to have relied upon such rights in serving or continuing to
serve in the capacities indicated herein. No amendment of these
Articles of Amendment and Restatement shall impair the rights of any
person arising at any time with respect to events occurring prior to
such amendment.
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<PAGE>
Nothing in these Articles of Amendment and Restatement shall
be deemed to (i) require a waiver of compliance with any provision
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, or of any valid rule, regulation or order
of the Securities and Exchange Commission under those Acts or (ii)
protect any director or officer of the Corporation against any
liability to the Corporation or its stockholders to which he would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of his or her duties or by
reason of his or her reckless disregard of his or her obligations
and duties hereunder.
Article V of Registrant's Amended and Restated By-Laws states as
follows:
ARTICLE V
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
SECTION 1. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Any person who was
or is a party or is threatened to be made a party in any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is a current or former
Director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving while a Director or
officer of the Corporation at the request of the Corporation as a Director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary or another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or employee benefit plan, shall be
indemnified by the Corporation against judgments, penalties, fines, excise
taxes, settlements and reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually
incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding to
the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland General Corporation Law, the
Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act, as such statutes are now or hereafter
in force, except that such indemnity shall not protect any such person against
any liability to the Corporation or any stockholder thereof to which such person
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office ("disabling conduct").
SECTION 2. Advances. Any current or former Director or officer of the
Corporation claiming indemnification within the scope of this Article V shall be
entitled to advances from the Corporation for payment of the reasonable expenses
incurred by him in connection with proceedings to which he is a party in the
manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland General
Corporation Law, the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act, as such statutes
are now or hereafter in force; provided however, that the person seeking
indemnification shall provide to the Corporation a written affirmation of his
good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by
the Corporation has been met and a written undertaking by or on behalf of the
Director to repay any such advance if it is ultimately determined that he is not
entitled to indemnification, and provided further that at least one of the
following additional conditions is met: (1) the person seeking indemnification
shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Corporation for
his undertaking; (2) the Corporation is insured against losses arising by reason
of the advance; or (3) a majority of a quorum of Directors of the Corporation
who are neither "interested persons" as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940
Act, as amended, nor parties to the proceeding ("disinterested non-party
Directors") or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall determine,
based on a review of facts readily available to the Corporation at the time the
advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the person
seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be entitled to
indemnification.
SECTION 3. Procedure. At the request of any current or former Director or
officer, or any employee or agent whom the Corporation proposes to indemnify,
the Board of Directors shall determine, or cause to be determined, in a manner
consistent with the Maryland General Corporation Law, the
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<PAGE>
Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act, as such statutes are now or hereafter
in force, whether the standards required by this Article V have been met;
provided, however, that indemnification shall be made only following: (1) a
final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding
was brought that the person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of
disabling conduct or (2) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable
determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the person to be
indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct, by (a) the vote of
the majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party Directors or (b) an
independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
SECTION 4. Indemnification of Employees and Agents. Employees and agents
who are not officers or Directors of the Corporation may be indemnified, and
reasonable expenses may be advanced to such employees or agents, in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Article V to the extent permissible under
the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940
Act, as such statutes are now or hereafter in force, and to such further extent,
consistent with the foregoing, as may be provided by action of the Board of
Directors or by contract.
SECTION 5. Other Rights. The indemnification provided by this Article V
shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right, in respect of indemnification
or otherwise, to which those seeking such indemnification may be entitled under
any insurance or other agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
Directors or otherwise, both as to action by a Director or officer of the
Corporation in his official capacity and as to action by such person in another
capacity while holding such office or position, and shall continue as to a
person who has ceased to be a Director or officer and shall inure to the benefit
of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
SECTION 6. Constituent, Resulting or Surviving Corporations. For the
purposes of this Article V, references to the "Corporation" shall include all
constituent corporations absorbed in a consolidation or merger as well as the
resulting or surviving corporation so that any person who is or was a Director,
officer, employee or agent of a constituent corporation or is or was serving at
the request of a constituent corporation as a Director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise shall stand in the same position under this Article V with respect to
the resulting or surviving corporation as he would if he had served the
resulting or surviving corporation in the same capacity.
Item 16. Exhibits
(1) (a)(1) Articles of Amendment and Restatement of
the Registrant as of January 24, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on
form N-1A, as amended (the "Registration
Statement").)
(a)(2) Articles Supplementary dated September 17,
1992.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(3) Articles Supplementary dated December 1,
1992.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
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<PAGE>
(a)(4) Articles Supplementary dated August 3,
1994.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(5) Articles Supplementary dated February 20,
1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(e)
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(6) Articles Supplementary dated September 5,
1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(f)
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(7) Articles Supplementary dated December 12,
1996.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(8) Articles Supplementary dated March 3, 1997.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(9) Articles Supplementary dated December 23,
1997. (Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(10) Articles Supplementary dated March 2,1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(11) Articles Supplementary dated March 31,
1998. (Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(12) Articles of Transfer from Scudder
Institutional Fund Inc., dated April 3,
1998. (Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(a)(13) Articles Supplementary dated June 7, 1999.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the
Registration Statement.)
(2) (b)(1) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the
Registrant dated March 4, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(b)(2) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the
Registrant dated September 20, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(b)(3) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the
Registrant dated December 12, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
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<PAGE>
(b)(4) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the
Registrant dated September 4, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the
Registration Statement.)
(b)(5) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the
Registrant dated December 3, 1997.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the
Registration Statement.)
(3) Inapplicable.
(4) Agreement and Plan of Reorganization filed
as Exhibit A to Part A hereof.
(5) Inapplicable.
(6) (d)(1) Investment Management Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
International Fund, and Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(d)(2) Investment Management Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder Latin
America Fund, and Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(d)(3) Investment Management Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
Pacific Opportunities Fund, and Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. dated September
7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(d)(4) Investment Management Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
Greater Europe Growth Fund, and Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. dated September
7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(d)(5) Investment Management Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, and Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. dated September
7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(d)(6) Investment Management Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
International Growth and Income Fund, and
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. dated
September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
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<PAGE>
(d)(7) Investment Management Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
International Value Fund, and Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. dated September
7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(d)(8) Investment Management Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
International Growth Fund, and Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. dated September
7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(7) (e)(1) Underwriting Agreement between the
Registrant and Scudder Investor Services,
Inc., dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(8) Inapplicable.
(9) (g)(1) Custodian Contract between the Registrant,
on behalf of Scudder Latin America Fund,
and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. dated
November 25, 1992.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(2) Custodian Contract between the Registrant,
on behalf of Scudder Pacific Opportunities
Fund, and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
dated November 25, 1992.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(3) Custodian Contract between the Registrant,
on behalf of Scudder Greater Europe Growth
Fund, and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
dated October 10, 1994.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(4) Custodian Contract between the Registrant
and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. dated
March 7, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(5) Fee schedule for Exhibit (9)(g)(4).
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the
Registration Statement.)
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<PAGE>
(g)(6) Master Subcustodian Agreement between
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
Brussels office, dated November 15, 1976.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(7) Fee schedule for Exhibit (9)(g)(6).
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(8) Subcustodian Agreement between Brown
Brothers Harriman & Co. and The Bank of
New York, London office, dated January 30,
1979. (Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(9) Fee schedule for Exhibit (9)(g)(8).
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(10) Master Subcustodian Agreement between
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., Singapore
office, dated June 9, 1980.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(11) Fee schedule for Exhibit (9)(g)(10).
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.).
(g)(12) Master Subcustodian Agreement between
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., Hong Kong
office, dated June 4, 1979.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(13) Fee schedule for Exhibit (9)(g)(12).
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(14) Master Subcustodian Agreement between
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and
Citibank, N.A. New York office, dated
July 16, 1981.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(g)(15) Fee schedule for Exhibit (9)(g)(14).
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
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<PAGE>
(10) (a) Rule 12(b)-1 and Administrative Services
Plan with respect to Scudder International
Fund Class R shares.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the
Registration Statement.)
(b) Plan with respect to Scudder International
Fund pursuant to Rule 18f-3.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the
Registration Statement.)
(c) Amended Plan with respect to Scudder
International Fund pursuant to Rule 18f-3
dated June 7, 1999.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the
Registration Statement.)
(11) Opinion and Consent of Dechert Price &
Rhoads filed herein.
(12) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr &
Gallagher to be filed by post-effective
amendment.
(13) (h)(1) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
between the Registrant and Scudder Service
Corporation dated October 2, 1989.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(2) Fee schedule for Exhibit (13)(h)(1).
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(3) Service Agreement between Copeland
Associates, Inc. and Scudder Service
Corporation dated June 8, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(4) Letter Agreement between the Registrant
and Cazenove, Inc. dated January 23, 1978,
with respect to the pricing of securities.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(5) COMPASS and TRAK 2000 Service Agreement
between the Registrant and Scudder Trust
Company dated October 1, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
9(c)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47
to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(6) Shareholder Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
dated June 1, 1990.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
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(h)(7) Administrative Services Agreement between
the Registrant and McGladrey & Pullen,
Inc. dated September 30, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
9(d)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47
to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(8) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder Greater
Europe Growth Fund, and Scudder Fund
Accounting Corporation dated October 10,
1994.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(9) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
International Fund, and Scudder Fund
Accounting Corporation dated April 12,
1995 is filed herein.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(10) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder Latin
America Fund, dated May 17, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
9(e)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47
to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(11) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
Pacific Opportunities Fund, dated May 5,
1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
9(e)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47
to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(12) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
Emerging Markets Growth Fund dated May 8,
1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
9(e)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49
to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(13) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
International Growth and Income Fund dated
June 3, 1997.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(14) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
International Growth Fund dated June 30,
1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
-67-
<PAGE>
(h)(15) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between
the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
International Value Fund dated June 30,
1998.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(16) Administrative Services Agreement between
Scudder International Fund, Inc., on
behalf of Scudder International Fund, and
Scudder Investors Service Company.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(17) Fee schedule for Exhibit (13)(h)(16).
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the
Registration Statement.)
(h)(18) Agency Agreement between Scudder
International Fund, Inc., and Kemper
Service Company dated June 7, 1999.
(Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the
Registration Statement.)
(14) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
filed herein.
(15) Inapplicable.
(16) Powers of Attorney filed herein.
(17) Form of Proxy filed herein.
Item 17. Undertakings.
(1) The undersigned registrant agrees that prior to any public
reoffering of the securities registered through the use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement by any
person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.145c],
the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for
by the applicable registration form for C-8 350 reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
(2) The undersigned registrant agrees that every prospectus that is
filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as a part of an
amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until
the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability
under the 1933 Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement for the securities offered
therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.
-68-
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, Scudder International Fund, Inc. has duly caused
this Registration Statement on Form N-14 to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston and the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 3rd day of March, 2000.
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Nicholas Bratt
----------------------------------
Title: President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement on Form N-14 has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Nicholas Bratt President March 3, 2000
- -------------------
Nicholas Bratt
/s/ Sheryle J. Bolton* Director March 3, 2000
- ----------------------
Sheryle J. Bolton
/s/ William T. Burgin* Director March 3, 2000
- ----------------------
William T. Burgin
/s/ Keith R. Fox* Director March 3, 2000
- -----------------
Keith R. Fox
/s/ William H. Luers* Director March 3, 2000
- ---------------------
William H. Luers
/s/ Kathryn L. Quirk* Director, Vice President March 3, 2000
- --------------------- and Assistant Secretary
Kathryn L. Quirk
/s/ Joan E. Spero* Director March 3, 2000
- ------------------
Joan E. Spero
/s/ John R. Hebble Treasurer (Principal March 3, 2000
- ------------------- Financial and Accounting
John R. Hebble Officer)
*By: /s/ Sheldon A. Jones March 3, 2000
--------------------
Sheldon A. Jones
Attorney-in-fact
-69-
<PAGE>
*Executed pursuant to powers of attorney filed with the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-14 as filed with the Commission electronically
herewith.
-70-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 11
DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS LETTERHEAD
March 3, 2000
Scudder International Fund, Inc. on behalf of
Scudder International Fund
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as counsel to Scudder International Fund, Inc., a
Maryland corporation (the "Corporation"), and we have a general familiarity
with the Corporation's business operations, practices and procedures. You
have asked for our opinion regarding the issuance of AARP Shares class of
shares of common stock by the Corporation in connection with the acquisition
by Scudder International Fund, a series of the Corporation, of the assets of
AARP International Stock Fund, a series of AARP Growth Trust, which shares
are registered on a Form N-14 Registration Statement (the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
We have examined originals or certified copies, or copies otherwise
identified to our satisfaction as being true copies, of various corporate
records of the Corporation and such other instruments, documents and records as
we have deemed necessary in order to render this opinion. We have assumed the
genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents examined by us
and the correctness of all statements of fact contained in those documents.
On the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the AARP
Shares class of shares of common stock of the Corporation being registered
under the Securities Act of 1933 in the Registration Statement, subject to
the creation of the AARP Shares class of shares in accordance with the laws
of the state of Maryland, will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable, upon transfer of the assets of AARP International Stock Fund
pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization included in
the Registration Statement.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with and as part of the
Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS
-71-
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information constituting
parts of this Registration Statement on Form N-14 (the "Registration
Statement") of our report dated October 25, 1999, relating to the financial
statements and financial highlights appearing in the August 31, 1999 Annual
Report to Shareholders of Scudder International Fund which are also
incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to
the references to us under the heading "Administrative Fee" in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and under the headings "Financial Highlights" in the
Prospectus and "Experts" in the Statement of Additional Information dated
January 1, 2000.
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 1, 2000
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information constituting
parts of this Registration Statement on Form N-14 (the "Registration
Statement") of our report dated November 8, 1999, relating to the financial
statements and financial highlights appearing in the September 30, 1999
Annual Report to Shareholders of AARP International Stock Fund which are also
incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to
the references to us under the heading "Administrative Fee" in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and under the headings "Financial Highlights" in the
Prospectus and "Experts" in the Statement of Additional Information dated
February 1, 2000.
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 1, 2000
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 16
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
and on the dates indicated. By so signing, the undersigned in his capacity as
director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of the Registrant, does
hereby appoint Sheldon A. Jones, Allison R. Beakley, Caroline Pearson and
John Millette and each of them, severally, his/her true and lawful attorney
and agent to execute in his/her name, place and stead (in such capacity) any
and all amendments to the Registration Statement and any post-effective
amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or desirable in connection
therewith, to attest the seal of the Registrant thereon and to file the same
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of said attorneys and
agents shall have power to act with or without the other and have full power
and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned,
in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or advisable to be
done in the premises as fully and to all intents and the purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the
act of said attorneys and agents and each of them.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Nicholas Bratt President February 8, 2000
- -------------------
Nicholas Bratt
/s/ Sheryle J. Bolton Director February 8, 2000
- ----------------------
Sheryle J. Bolton
/s/ William T. Burgin Director February 8, 2000
- ----------------------
William T. Burgin
/s/ Keith R. Fox Director February 8, 2000
- -----------------
Keith R. Fox
/s/ William H. Luers Director February 8, 2000
- ---------------------
William H. Luers
/s/ Kathryn L. Quirk Director, Vice President February 8, 2000
- --------------------- and Assistant Secretary
Kathryn L. Quirk
/s/ Joan E. Spero Director February 8, 2000
- ------------------
Joan E. Spero
Treasurer (Principal February 8, 2000
- ------------------- Financial and Accounting
John R. Hebble Officer)
-72-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 17
FORM OF PROXY
[LOGO] YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
[ADDRESS]
VOTE TODAY BY MAIL,
TOUCH-TONE PHONE OR THE INTERNET
CALL TOLL FREE 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX OR
LOG ON TO WWW.PROXYWEB.COM/XXXXX
*** CONTROL NUMBER: XXX XXX XXX XXX XX ***
PLEASE FOLD AND DETACH CARD AT PERFORATION BEFORE MAILING.
[ACQUIRED FUND]
[ACQUIRED TRUST/CORPORATION]
[address]
PROXY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
[time], on [date]
The undersigned hereby appoints __________, ____________ and ____________,
and each of them, the proxies of the undersigned, with the power of substitution
to each of them, to vote all shares of the [Acquired Fund] (the "Fund") which
the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of
the Fund to be held at the offices of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.,
[address], on [date] at [time], Eastern time, and at any adjournments thereof.
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY
IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. NO
POSTAGE IS REQUIRED.
Dated ____________________,2000
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS YOUR
NAME OR NAMES APPEAR. WHEN
SIGNING AS AN ATTORNEY,
EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR,
TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE
GIVE YOUR FULL TITLE AS SUCH.
-------------------------------
[NAME]
[ADDRESS] -------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) OF SHAREHOLDER(S)
<PAGE>
[LOGO] YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
[ADDRESS]
VOTE TODAY BY MAIL,
TOUCH-TONE PHONE OR THE INTERNET
CALL TOLL FREE 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX OR
LOG ON TO WWW.PROXYWEB.COM/XXXXX
PLEASE FOLD AND DETACH CARD AT PERFORATION BEFORE MAILING.
ALL PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS
ARE INDICATED ON A PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXY, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL
OF THE PROPOSALS.
THE PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF [TRUSTEES/DIRECTORS] OF THE
[ACQUIRED FUND]. THE BOARD OF [TRUSTEES/DIRECTORS] RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSALS.
PLEASE VOTE BY FILLING IN THE BOXES BELOW.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
PROPOSAL 1
To elect Trustees to the Board of Trustees
of the Portfolio to hold office until their
respective successors have been duly elected / / / / / /
and qualified or until their earlier
resignation or removal.
NOMINEES:
(01) __________, (02) ____________, (03) _________, (04) ______________, (05)
______________, (06) __________, (07) ______________, (08)_______________, (09)
____________.
INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE
FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, WRITE THE
NAME(S) ON THE LINE IMMEDIATELY BELOW.
- ----------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL 2
To approve an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization for the Fund whereby all or
substantially all of the assets an / / / / / /
liabilities of the Fund would be acquired by
[Acquiring Fund] in exchange for shares of
the [class] of the [Acquiring Fund].
PROPOSAL 3
To ratify the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Fund's / / / / / /
independent accountants for the current
fiscal year.
<PAGE>
THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE IN THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER BUSINESS
WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING AND ANY ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF.
PLEASE SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE
