AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND III
DATED JULY 19, 2000
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST, made July 19, 2000 by each
of the Trustees whose signature is affixed hereto (the "Trustees").
WHEREAS, the Trustees desire to amend and restate this Declaration of
Trust for the sole purpose of supplementing the Declaration of Trust
to incorporate amendments duly adopted;
WHEREAS, this trust was initially made on July 14, 1994 by Edward C.
Johnson 3d, J. Gary Burkhead, and Gary L. French in order to establish
a trust for the investment and reinvestment of funds contributed
thereto; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees declare that all money and property
contributed to the trust hereunder shall be held and managed in trust
under this Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust as herein set
forth below.
_________________________________________________
ARTICLE I
NAME AND DEFINITIONS
NAME
SECTION 1. This Trust shall be known as "Variable Insurance Products
Fund III."
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 2. Wherever used herein, unless otherwise required by the
context or specifically provided:
(a) The terms "Affiliated Person," "Assignment," "Commission,"
"Interested Person," "Majority Shareholder Vote" (the 67% or 50%
requirement of the third sentence of Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act,
whichever may be applicable), and "Principal Underwriter" shall have
the meanings given them in the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted
by any applicable order or orders of the Commission or any rules or
regulations adopted or interpretative releases of the Commission
thereunder;
(b) "Bylaws" shall mean the bylaws of the Trust, if any, as amended
from time to time;
(c) "Class" refers to the class of Shares of a Series of the Trust
established in accordance with the provisions of Article III;
(d) "Declaration of Trust" means this Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust, as further amended or restated, from time to
time;
(e) "Net Asset Value" means the net asset value of each Series of the
Trust or Class thereof determined in the manner provided in Article X,
Section 3;
(f) "Shareholder" means a record owner of Shares of the Trust;
(g) "Shares" means the equal proportionate transferable units of
interest into which the beneficial interest of the Trust or each
Series shall be divided from time to time, including such Class or
Classes of Shares as the Trustees may from time to time create and
establish and including fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares as
consistent with the requirements of Federal and/or state securities
laws;
(h) "Series" refers to any series of Shares of the Trust established
in accordance with the provisions of Article III;
(i) "Trust" refers to Variable Insurance Products Fund III and
reference to the Trust, when applicable to one or more Series of the
Trust, shall refer to any such Series;
(j) "Trustees" refer to the individual trustees in their capacity as
trustees hereunder of the Trust and their successor or successors for
the time being in office as such trustee or trustees; and
(k) "1940 Act" refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended from time to time.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE OF TRUST
The purpose of this Trust is to provide investors a continuous source
of managed investment in securities.
ARTICLE III
BENEFICIAL INTEREST
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
SECTION 1. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into
such transferable Shares of one or more separate and distinct Series
or Classes of Series as the Trustees shall, from time to time, create
and establish. The number of authorized Shares of each Series, and
Class thereof, is unlimited. Each Share shall be without par value and
shall be fully paid and nonassessable. The Trustees shall have full
power and authority, in their sole discretion, and without obtaining
any prior authorization or vote of the Shareholders of any Series or
Class of the Trust (a) to create and establish (and to change in any
manner) Shares or any Series or Classes thereof with such preferences,
voting powers, rights, and privileges as the Trustees may, from time
to time, determine; (b) to divide or combine the Shares or any Series
or Classes thereof into a greater or lesser number; (c) to classify or
reclassify any issued Shares into one or more Series or Classes of
Shares; (d) to abolish any one or more Series or Classes of Shares;
and (e) to take such other action with respect to the Shares as the
Trustees may deem desirable.
ESTABLISHMENT OF SERIES AND CLASSES
SECTION 2. The establishment of any Series or Class thereof shall be
effective upon the adoption of a resolution by a majority of the then
Trustees setting forth such establishment and designation and the
relative rights and preferences of the Shares of such Series or Class,
whether directly in such resolution or by reference to, or approval
of, another document that sets forth such relative rights and
preferences of the Shares of such Series or Class including, without
limitation, any registration statement of the Trust, or as otherwise
provided in such resolution. At any time that there are no Shares
outstanding of any particular Series or Class previously established
and designated, the Trustees may by a majority vote abolish such
Series or Class and the establishment and designation thereof.
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
SECTION 3. The ownership of Shares shall be recorded in the books of
the Trust or a transfer or similar agent. The Trustees may make such
rules as they consider appropriate for the transfer of Shares and
similar matters. The record books of the Trust as kept by the Trust or
by any transfer or similar agent, as the case may be, shall be
conclusive as to who are the holders of Shares and as to the number of
Shares held from time to time by each Shareholder.
INVESTMENT IN THE TRUST
SECTION 4. The Trustees shall accept investments in the Trust from
such persons and on such terms as they may, from time to time,
authorize. Such investments may be in the form of cash, securities, or
other property in which the appropriate Series is authorized to
invest, valued as provided in Article X, Section 3. After the date of
the initial contribution of capital, the number of Shares to represent
the initial contribution may in the Trustees' discretion be considered
as outstanding, and the amount received by the Trustees on account of
the contribution shall be treated as an asset of the Trust. Subsequent
investments in the Trust shall be credited to each Shareholder's
account in the form of full Shares at the Net Asset Value per Share
next determined after the investment is received; provided, however,
that the Trustees may, in their sole discretion (a) impose a sales
charge or other fee upon investments in the Trust or Series or any
Classes thereof, and (b) issue fractional Shares.
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF SERIES AND CLASSES
SECTION 5. All consideration received by the Trust for the issue or
sale of Shares of a particular Series, together with all assets in
which such consideration is invested or reinvested, all income,
earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, including any proceeds
derived from the sale, exchange, or liquidation of such assets, and
any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds
in whatever form the same may be, shall be referred to as "assets
belonging to" that Series. In addition, any assets, income, earnings,
profits, and proceeds thereof, funds, or payments that are not readily
identifiable as belonging to any particular Series or Class, shall be
allocated by the Trustees between and among one or more of the Series
or Classes in such manner as they, in their sole discretion, deem fair
and equitable. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and binding
upon the Shareholders of all Series or Classes for all purposes and
shall be referred to as assets belonging to that Series or Class. The
assets belonging to a particular Series shall be so recorded upon the
books of the Trust or of its agent or agents and shall be held by the
Trustees in trust for the benefit of the holders of Shares of that
Series.
The assets belonging to each particular Series shall be charged with
the liabilities of that Series and all expenses, costs, charges, and
reserves attributable to that Series, except that liabilities and
expenses may, in the Trustees' discretion, be allocated solely to a
particular Class and, in which case, shall be borne by that Class. Any
general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges, or reserves of the
Trust that are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular
Series or Class shall be allocated and charged by the Trustees between
or among any one or more of the Series or Classes in such manner as
the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable and
shall be referred to as "liabilities belonging to" that Series or
Class. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the
Shareholders of all Series or Classes for all purposes. Any creditor
of any Series may look only to the assets of that Series to satisfy
such creditor's debt. No Shareholder or former Shareholder of any
Series shall have a claim on or any right to any assets allocated or
belonging to any other Series.
NO PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
SECTION 6. Shareholders shall have no preemptive or other right to
subscribe to any additional Shares or other securities issued by the
Trust or the Trustees.
STATUS OF SHARES AND LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY
SECTION 7. Shares shall be deemed to be personal property giving only
the rights provided in this instrument. Every shareholder by virtue of
having become a shareholder shall be held to have expressly assented
and agreed to be bound by the terms hereof. No Shareholder of the
Trust and of each Series shall be personally liable for the debts,
liabilities, obligations, and expenses incurred by, contracted for, or
otherwise existing with respect to, the Trust or by or on behalf of
any Series. The Trustees shall have no power to bind any Shareholder
personally or to call upon any Shareholder for the payment of any sum
of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the Shareholder
may, at any time, personally agree to pay by way of subscription for
any Shares or otherwise. Every note, bond, contract, or other
undertaking issued by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees
relating to the Trust or to a Series shall include a recitation
limiting the obligation represented thereby to the Trust or to one or
more Series and its or their assets (but the omission of such a
recitation shall not operate to bind any Shareholder or Trustee).
ARTICLE IV
THE TRUSTEES
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
SECTION 1. The business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed by
the Trustees, and they shall have all powers necessary and desirable
to carry out that responsibility.
INITIAL TRUSTEES; ELECTION
SECTION 2. The initial Trustees shall be at least three individuals
who shall affix their signatures hereto. On a date fixed by the
Trustees, the Shareholders shall elect not less than three Trustees. A
Trustee shall not be required to be a Shareholder of the Trust.
TERM OF OFFICE OF TRUSTEES
SECTION 3. The Trustees shall hold office during the lifetime of this
Trust, and until its termination as hereinafter provided; except (a)
that any Trustee may resign his trust by written instrument signed by
him and delivered to the other Trustees, which shall take effect upon
such delivery or upon such later date as is specified therein; (b)
that any Trustee may be removed at any time by written instrument,
signed by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the number of Trustees prior to
such removal, specifying the date when such removal shall become
effective; (c) that any Trustee who requests in writing to be retired
or who has become incapacitated by illness or injury may be retired by
written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees,
specifying the date of his retirement; and (d) a Trustee may be
removed at any special meeting of the Trust by a vote of two-thirds
(2/3) of the outstanding Shares.
RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES
SECTION 4. In case of the declination, death, resignation,
retirement, or removal of any of the Trustees, or in case a vacancy
shall, by reason of an increase in number of the Trustees, or for any
other reason, exist, the remaining Trustees shall fill such vacancy by
appointing such other person as they in their discretion shall see fit
consistent with the limitations under the 1940 Act. Such appointment
shall be evidenced by a written instrument signed by a majority of the
Trustees in office or by recording in the records of the Trust,
whereupon the appointment shall take effect. An appointment of a
Trustee may be made by the Trustees then in office in anticipation of
a vacancy to occur by reason of retirement, resignation, or increase
in number of Trustees effective at a later date, provided that said
appointment shall become effective only at or after the effective date
of said retirement, resignation, or increase in number of Trustees. As
soon as any Trustee so appointed shall have accepted this Trust, the
Trust estate shall vest in the new Trustee or Trustees, together with
the continuing Trustees, without any further act or conveyance, and he
shall be deemed a Trustee hereunder. The foregoing power of
appointment is subject to the provisions of Section 16(a) of the 1940
Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders
of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted or
interpretative releases of the Commission.
TEMPORARY ABSENCE OF TRUSTEES
SECTION 5. Any Trustee may, by power of attorney, delegate his power
for a period not exceeding six (6) months at any one time to any other
Trustee or Trustees, provided that in no case shall less than two
Trustees personally exercise the other powers hereunder except as
herein otherwise expressly provided.
NUMBER OF TRUSTEES
SECTION 6. The number of Trustees, not less than three (3) nor more
than twelve (12), serving hereunder at any time shall be determined by
the Trustees themselves.
Whenever a vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall occur, until such
vacancy is filled, or while any Trustee is physically or mentally
incapacitated by reason of disease or otherwise, the other Trustees
shall have all the powers hereunder and the certificate of the other
Trustees of such vacancy or incapacity shall be conclusive.
EFFECT OF DEATH, RESIGNATION, ETC. OF A TRUSTEE
SECTION 7. The death, declination, resignation, retirement, removal,
incapacity, or inability of the Trustees, or any one of them, shall
not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke any existing agency
created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust.
OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS OF THE TRUST
SECTION 8. The assets of the Trust shall be held separate and apart
from any assets now or hereafter held in any capacity other than as
Trustee hereunder by the Trustees or any successor Trustees. All of
the assets of the Trust shall at all times be considered as vested in
the Trustees. No Shareholder shall be deemed to have a severable
ownership in any individual asset of the Trust or any right of
partition or possession thereof, but each Shareholder shall have a
proportionate undivided beneficial interest in the Trust or Series.
ARTICLE V
POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES
POWERS
SECTION 1. The Trustees, in all instances, shall act as principals
and are and shall be free from the control of the Shareholders. The
Trustees shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts
and to make and execute any and all contracts and instruments that
they may consider necessary or appropriate in connection with the
management of the Trust. Except as otherwise provided herein or in the
1940 Act, the Trustees shall not in any way be bound or limited by
present or future laws or customs in regard to trust investments, but
shall have full authority and power to make any and all investments
that they, in their discretion, shall deem proper to accomplish the
purpose of this Trust. Subject to any applicable limitation in this
Declaration of Trust or the Bylaws of the Trust, if any, the Trustees
shall have power and authority:
(a) To invest and reinvest cash and other property, and to hold cash
or other property uninvested without, in any event, being bound or
limited by any present or future law or custom in regard to
investments by Trustees, and to sell, exchange, lend, pledge,
mortgage, hypothecate, write options on, and lease any or all of the
assets of the Trust.
(b) To adopt Bylaws not inconsistent with this Declaration of Trust
providing for the conduct of the business of the Trust and to amend
and repeal them to the extent that they do not reserve that right to
the Shareholders.
(c) To elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such
agents as they consider appropriate.
(d) To employ one or more banks, trust companies, companies that are
members of a national securities exchange, or other entities permitted
under the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable
order or orders of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted
or interpretative releases of the Commission thereunder, as custodians
of any assets of the Trust subject to any conditions set forth in this
Declaration of Trust or in the Bylaws, if any.
(e) To retain a transfer agent and Shareholder servicing agent, or
both.
(f) To provide for the distribution of interests of the Trust either
through a Principal Underwriter in the manner hereinafter provided for
or by the Trust itself, or both.
(g) To set record dates in the manner hereinafter provided for.
(h) To delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any
officers of the Trust and to any investment adviser, manager,
custodian, underwriter, or other agent or independent contractor.
(i) To sell or exchange any or all of the assets of the Trust,
subject to the provisions of Article XII, Section 4 hereof.
(j) To vote or give assent or exercise any rights of ownership with
respect to stock or other securities or property; and to execute and
deliver powers of attorney to such person or persons as the Trustees
shall deem proper, granting to such person or persons such power and
discretion with relation to securities or property as the Trustees
shall deem proper.
(k) To exercise powers and rights of subscription or otherwise which
in any manner arise out of ownership of securities.
(l) To hold any security or property in a form not indicating any
trust, whether in bearer, unregistered, or other negotiable form; or
either in its own name or in the name of a custodian or a nominee or
nominees.
(m) To establish separate and distinct Series with separately defined
investment objectives and policies and distinct investment purposes in
accordance with the provisions of Article III and to establish Classes
of such Series having relative rights, powers, and duties as the
Trustees may provide consistent with applicable laws.
(n) To allocate assets, liabilities, and expenses of the Trust to a
particular Series or Class, as appropriate, or to apportion the same
between or among two or more Series or Classes, as appropriate,
provided that any liabilities or expenses incurred by a particular
Series or Class shall be payable solely out of the assets belonging to
that Series as provided for in Article III.
(o) To consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization,
consolidation, or merger of any corporation or concern, any security
of which is held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease,
mortgage, purchase, or sale of property by such corporation or
concern, and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect to any
security held in the Trust.
(p) To compromise, arbitrate, or otherwise adjust claims in favor of
or against the Trust or any matter in controversy, including, but not
limited to, claims for taxes.
(q) To make distributions of income and of capital gains to
Shareholders in the manner hereinafter provided for.
(r) To borrow money, and to pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate the
assets of the Trust, subject to the applicable requirements of the
1940 Act.
(s) To establish, from time to time, a minimum total investment for
Shareholders and to require the redemption of the Shares of any
Shareholders whose investment is less than such minimum upon giving
notice to such Shareholder.
(t) To operate as and carry on the business of an investment company
and to exercise all the powers necessary and appropriate to the
conduct of such operations.
(u) To interpret the investment policies, practices or limitations of
any Series.
(v) To issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire,
hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, and otherwise deal in Shares and,
subject to the provisions set forth in Article III and Article X, to
apply to any such repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or
acquisition of Shares any funds or property of the Trust, or the
particular Series of the Trust, with respect to which such Shares are
issued.
(w) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, to invest all or a
portion of the assets of any Series in one or more open-end investment
companies, including investment by means of transfer of such assets in
exchange for an interest or interests in such investment company or
companies or by any other method approved by the Trustees.
(x) In general to carry on any other business in connection with or
incidental to any of the foregoing powers, to do everything necessary,
suitable or proper for the accomplishment of any purpose or the
attainment of any object or the furtherance of any power hereinbefore
set forth, either alone or in association with others, and to do every
other act or thing incidental or appurtenant to or growing out of or
connected with the aforesaid business or purposes, objects or powers.
The foregoing clauses shall be construed both as objects and powers,
and the foregoing enumeration of specific powers shall not be held to
limit or restrict in any manner the general powers of the Trustees.
Any action by one or more of the Trustees in their capacity as such
hereunder shall be deemed an action on behalf of the Trust or the
applicable Series and not an action in an individual capacity.
The Trustees shall not be limited to investing in obligations
maturing before the possible termination of the Trust or any Series or
Class thereof.
No one dealing with the Trustees shall be under any obligation to
make any inquiry concerning the authority of the Trustees, or to see
to the application of any payments made or property transferred to the
Trustees or upon their order.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS AS SHAREHOLDERS
SECTION 2. Any Trustee, officer or other agent of the Trust may
acquire, own and dispose of Shares to the same extent as if he were
not a Trustee, officer or agent; and the Trustees may issue and sell
or cause to be issued and sold Shares to and buy such Shares from any
such person of any firm or company in which he is interested, subject
only to the general limitations herein contained as to the sale and
purchase of such Shares; and all subject to any restrictions which may
be contained in the Bylaws, if any.
ACTION BY THE TRUSTEES
SECTION 3. Except as otherwise provided herein or in the 1940 Act,
the Trustees shall act by majority vote at a meeting duly called or by
unanimous written consent without a meeting or by telephone consent
provided a quorum of Trustees participate in any such telephonic
meeting, unless the 1940 Act requires that a particular action be
taken only at a meeting at which the Trustees are present in person.
At any meeting of the Trustees, a majority of the Trustees shall
constitute a quorum. Meetings of the Trustees may be called orally or
in writing by the Chairman of the Trustees or by any two other
Trustees. Notice of the time, date, and place of all meetings of the
Trustees shall be given by the party calling the meeting to each
Trustee by telephone, telefax, telegram, or other electro-mechanical
means sent to his home or business address at least twenty-four (24)
hours in advance of the meeting or by written notice mailed to his
home or business address at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of
the meeting. Notice need not be given to any Trustee who attends the
meeting without objecting to the lack of notice or who executes a
written waiver of notice with respect to the meeting. Subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act, the Trustees by majority vote may
delegate to any one of their number their authority to approve
particular matters or take particular actions on behalf of the Trust.
Written consents or waivers of Trustees may be executed in one or more
counterparts. Execution of a written consent or waiver and delivery
thereof to the Trust may be accomplished by telefax or other
electro-mechanical means.
CHAIRMAN OF THE TRUSTEES
SECTION 4. The Trustees may appoint one of their number to be
Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The Chairman shall preside at all
meetings of the Trustees, shall be responsible for the execution of
policies established by the Trustees and the administration of the
Trust, and may be the chief executive, financial and accounting
officer of the Trust.
ARTICLE VI
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
TRUSTEE REIMBURSEMENT
SECTION 1. Subject to the provisions of Article III, Section 5, the
Trustees shall be reimbursed from the Trust estate or the assets
belonging to the appropriate Series for their expenses and
disbursements, including, without limitation, fees and expenses of
Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the Trust; interest
expense, taxes, fees and commissions of every kind; expenses of
pricing Trust portfolio securities; expenses of issue, repurchase and
redemption of shares including expenses attributable to a program of
periodic repurchases or redemptions, expenses of registering and
qualifying the Trust and its Shares under Federal and state laws and
regulations; charges of custodians, transfer agents, and registrars;
expenses of preparing and setting up in type prospectuses and
statements of additional information; expenses of printing and
distributing prospectuses sent to existing Shareholders; auditing and
legal expenses; reports to Shareholders; expenses of meetings of
Shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor; insurance expense;
association membership dues; and for such non-recurring items as may
arise, including litigation to which the Trust is a party; and for all
losses and liabilities by them incurred in administering the Trust,
and for the payment of such expenses, disbursements, losses, and
liabilities the Trustees shall have a lien on the assets belonging to
the appropriate Series prior to any rights or interests of the
Shareholders thereto. This section shall not preclude the Trust from
directly paying any of the aforementioned fees and expenses.
ARTICLE VII
INVESTMENT ADVISER, PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER, AND TRANSFER AGENT
INVESTMENT ADVISER
SECTION 1. Subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, as
modified by or interpreted by any applicable order of the Commission
or any rules or regulations adopted or interpretative releases of the
Commission thereunder, the Trustees may, in their discretion and from
time to time, enter into an investment advisory or management
contract(s) with respect to the Trust or any Series thereof whereby
the other party(ies) to such contract(s) shall undertake to furnish
the Trustees such management, investment advisory, statistical, and
research facilities and services and such other facilities and
services, if any, and all upon such terms and conditions, as the
Trustees may, in their discretion, determine. Notwithstanding any
provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may authorize
the investment adviser(s) (subject to such general or specific
instructions as the Trustees may from time to time adopt) to effect
purchases, sales or exchanges of portfolio securities and other
investment instruments of the Trust on behalf of the Trustees or may
authorize any officer, agent, or Trustee to effect such purchases,
sales, or exchanges pursuant to recommendations of the investment
adviser (and all without further action by the Trustees). Any such
purchases, sales, and exchanges shall be deemed to have been
authorized by all of the Trustees.
The Trustees may, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act,
as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the
Commission or any rules or regulations adopted or interpretative
releases of the Commission thereunder, including those relating to
Shareholder approval, authorize the investment adviser to employ one
or more sub-advisers from time to time to perform such of the acts and
services of the investment adviser, and upon such terms and
conditions, as may be agreed upon between the investment adviser and
sub-adviser.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
SECTION 2. The Trustees may in their discretion from time to time
enter into an exclusive or non-exclusive contract(s) on behalf of the
Trust or any Series or Class thereof providing for the sale of the
Shares, whereby the Trust may either agree to sell the Shares to the
other party to the contract or appoint such other party its sales
agent for such Shares. In either case, the contract shall be on such
terms and conditions as may be prescribed in the Bylaws, if any, and
such further terms and conditions as the Trustees may, in their
discretion, determine not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Article VII or of the Bylaws, if any. Such contract may also provide
for the repurchase or sale of Shares by such other party as principal
or as agent of the Trust.
TRANSFER AGENT
SECTION 3. The Trustees may, in their discretion and from time to
time, enter into one or more transfer agency and Shareholder service
contracts whereby the other party shall undertake to furnish the
Trustees with transfer agency and Shareholder services. Such contracts
shall be on such terms and conditions as the Trustees may, in their
discretion, determine not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Declaration of Trust or of the Bylaws, if any. Such services may be
provided by one or more entities.
PARTIES TO CONTRACT
SECTION 4. Any contract of the character described in Sections 1, 2
and 3 of this Article VII or in Article IX hereof may be entered into
with any corporation, firm, partnership, trust or association,
although one or more of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may be
an officer, director, trustee, shareholder, or member of such other
party to the contract, and no such contract shall be invalidated or
rendered voidable by reason of the existence of any relationship, nor
shall any person holding such relationship be liable merely by reason
of such relationship for any loss or expense to the Trust under or by
reason of said contract or accountable for any profit realized
directly or indirectly therefrom, provided that the contract when
entered into was reasonable and fair and not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Article VII or the Bylaws, if any. The same person
(including a firm, corporation, partnership, trust, or association)
may be the other party to contracts entered into pursuant to Sections
1, 2 and 3 above or Article IX, and any individual may be financially
interested or otherwise affiliated with persons who are parties to any
or all of the contracts mentioned in this Section 4.
PROVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS
SECTION 5. Any contract entered into pursuant to Sections 1 and 2 of
this Article VII shall be consistent with and subject to the
requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or
interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Commission or any
rules or regulations adopted or interpretative releases of the
Commission (or other applicable Act of Congress hereafter enacted),
with respect to its continuance in effect, its amendment, its
termination, and the method of authorization and approval of such
contract or renewal thereof.
ARTICLE VIII
SHAREHOLDERS' VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS
VOTING POWERS
SECTION 1. The Shareholders shall have power to vote (a) for the
election of Trustees as provided in Article IV, Section 2; (b) for the
removal of Trustees as provided in Article IV, Section 3(d); (c) with
respect to any investment advisory or management contract as provided
in Article VII, Sections 1 and 5; (d) with respect to any termination,
merger, consolidation, reorganization, or sale of assets of the Trust
or any of its Series or Classes as provided in Article XII, Section 4;
(e) with respect to the amendment of this Declaration of Trust as
provided in Article XII, Section 7; (f) to the same extent as the
shareholders of a Massachusetts business corporation, as to whether or
not a court action, proceeding or claim should be brought or
maintained derivatively or as a class action on behalf of the Trust or
the Shareholders, provided, however, that a Shareholder of a
particular Series shall not be entitled to bring any derivative or
class action on behalf of any other Series of the Trust; and (g) with
respect to such additional matters relating to the Trust as may be
required or authorized by law, by this Declaration of Trust, or the
Bylaws of the Trust, if any, or any registration of the Trust with the
Commission or any state, as the Trustees may consider desirable.
On any matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders, all Shares
shall be voted by individual Series, except as provided in the
following sentence and except (a) when required by the 1940 Act,
Shares shall be voted in the aggregate and not by individual Series;
and (b) when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects only
the interests of one or more Series, then only the Shareholders of
such Series shall be entitled to vote thereon. The Trustees may also
determine that a matter affects only the interests of one or more
Classes of a Series, in which case, any such matter shall be voted on
by such Class or Classes. A Shareholder of each Series or Class
thereof shall be entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset
value (number of Shares owned times net asset value per share) of such
Series or Class thereof on any matter on which such Shareholder is
entitled to vote, and each fractional dollar amount shall be entitled
to a proportionate fractional vote. There shall be no cumulative
voting in the election of Trustees. Shares may be voted in person or
by proxy. Until Shares are issued, the Trustees may exercise all
rights of Shareholders and may take any action required or permitted
by law, this Declaration of Trust or any Bylaws of the Trust, if any,
to be taken by Shareholders.
MEETINGS
SECTION 2. The first Shareholders' meeting shall be held as specified
in Section 2 of Article IV at the principal office of the Trust or
such other place as the Trustees may designate. Special meetings of
the Shareholders of any Series may be called by the Trustees and shall
be called by the Trustees upon the written request of Shareholders
owning at least one-tenth (1/10) of the outstanding Shares entitled to
vote. Whenever ten or more Shareholders meeting the qualifications set
forth in Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted
by any applicable order or orders of the Commission or any rules or
regulations adopted or interpretative releases of the Commission, seek
the opportunity of furnishing materials to the other Shareholders with
a view to obtaining signatures on such a request for a meeting, the
Trustees shall comply with the provisions of said Section 16(c) with
respect to providing such Shareholders access to the list of the
Shareholders of record of the Trust or the mailing of such materials
to such Shareholders of record. Shareholders shall be entitled to at
least fifteen (15) days' notice of any meeting.
QUORUM AND REQUIRED VOTE
SECTION 3. A majority of Shares entitled to vote in person or by
proxy shall be a quorum for the transaction of business at a
Shareholders' meeting, except that where any provision of law or of
this Declaration of Trust permits or requires that holders of any
Series or Class shall vote as a Series or Class then a majority of the
aggregate number of Shares of that Series or Class entitled to vote
shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business by that Series or Class. Any lesser number shall be
sufficient for adjournments. Any adjourned session or sessions may be
held, within a reasonable time after the date set for the original
meeting, without the necessity of further notice. Except when a larger
vote is required by applicable law or by any provision of this
Declaration of Trust or the Bylaws, if any, a majority of the Shares
voted in person or by proxy shall decide any questions and a plurality
shall elect a Trustee, provided that where any provision of law or of
this Declaration of Trust permits or requires that the holders of any
Series or Class shall vote as a Series or Class, then a majority of
the Shares of that Series or Class voted on the matter shall decide
that matter insofar as that Series or Class is concerned. Shareholders
may act by unanimous written consent. Actions taken by a Series or
Class may be consented to unanimously in writing by Shareholders of
that Series or Class.
ARTICLE IX
CUSTODIAN
APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES
SECTION 1. The Trustees shall at all times employ a bank, a company
that is a member of a national securities exchange, trust company, or
other entity permitted under the 1940 Act, as modified by or
interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Commission or any
rules or regulations adopted or interpretative releases of the
Commission thereunder, having capital, surplus, and undivided profits
of at least two million dollars ($2,000,000), or such other amount as
shall be allowed by the Commission or by the 1940 Act, as custodian
with authority as its agent, but subject to such restrictions,
limitations and other requirements, if any, as may be contained in the
Bylaws of the Trust, if any:
(1) to hold the securities owned by the Trust and deliver the same
upon written order or oral order, if confirmed in writing, or by such
electro-mechanical or electronic devices as are agreed to by the Trust
and the custodian, if such procedures have been authorized in writing
by the Trust;
(2) to receive and receipt for any moneys due to the Trust and deposit
the same in its own banking department or elsewhere as the Trustees
may direct; and
(3) to disburse such funds upon orders or vouchers;
and the Trust may also employ such custodian as its agent:
(1) to keep the books and accounts of the Trust and furnish clerical
and accounting services; and
(2) to compute, if authorized to do so, the Net Asset Value of any
Series or Class thereof in accordance with the provisions hereof; all
upon such basis of compensation as may be agreed upon between the
Trustees and the custodian.
The Trustees may also authorize the custodian to employ one or more
sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and
services of the custodian, and upon such terms and conditions, as may
be agreed upon between the custodian and such sub-custodian and
approved by the Trustees, provided that in every case such
sub-custodian shall be a bank, a company that is a member of a
national securities exchange, trust company, or other entity permitted
under the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable
order or orders of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted
or interpretative releases of the Commission thereunder, having
capital, surplus, and undivided profits of at least two million
dollars ($2,000,000), or such other amount as shall be allowed by the
Commission or by the 1940 Act.
CENTRAL DEPOSITORY SYSTEM
SECTION 2. Subject to such rules, regulations and orders as the
Commission may adopt, the Trustees may direct the custodian to deposit
all or any part of the securities owned by the Trust in a system for
the central handling of securities established by a national
securities exchange or a national securities association registered
with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or such
other person as may be permitted by the Commission or otherwise in
accordance with the 1940 Act, pursuant to which system all securities
of any particular class or series of any issuer deposited within the
system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by
bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of such securities;
provided that all such deposits shall be subject to withdrawal only
upon the order of the Trust or its custodian, subcustodians, or other
authorized agents.
ARTICLE X
DISTRIBUTIONS, REDEMPTIONS AND DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
DISTRIBUTIONS
SECTION 1.
(a) The Trustees may from time to time declare and pay dividends. The
amount of such dividends and the payment of them shall be wholly in
the discretion of the Trustees.
(b) The Trustees shall have the power, to the fullest extent
permitted by the laws of Massachusetts, at any time to declare and
cause to be paid dividends on Shares of a particular Series, from the
assets belonging to that Series, which dividends, at the election of
the Trustees, may be paid daily or otherwise pursuant to a standing
resolution or resolutions adopted only once or with such frequency as
the Trustees may determine, and may be payable in Shares of that
Series, or Classes thereof, at the election of each Shareholder of
that Series.
The Trustees may adopt and offer to Shareholders such dividend
reinvestment plans, cash dividend payout plans, or related plans as
the Trustees shall deem appropriate.
(c) Anything in this instrument to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Trustees may at any time declare and distribute a dividend of stock or
other property pro rata among the Shareholders of a particular Series,
or Class thereof, as of the record date of that Series or Class fixed
as provided in Article XII, Section 3.
REDEMPTIONS
SECTION 2. In case any holder of record of Shares of a particular
Series or Class of a Series desires to dispose of his Shares, he may
deposit at the office of the transfer agent or other authorized agent
of that Series a written request or such other form of request as the
Trustees may, from time to time, authorize, requesting that the Series
purchase the Shares in accordance with this Section 2; and the
Shareholder so requesting shall be entitled to require the Series to
purchase, and the Series or the principal underwriter of the Series
shall purchase his said Shares, but only at the Net Asset Value
thereof (as described in Section 3 hereof). The Series shall make
payment for any such Shares to be redeemed, as aforesaid, in cash or
property from the assets of that Series, and payment for such Shares
less any applicable deferred sales charges and/or fees shall be made
by the Series or the principal underwriter of the Series to the
Shareholder of record within seven (7) days after the date upon which
the request is effective.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS
SECTION 3. The term "Net Asset Value" of any Series or Class shall
mean that amount by which the assets of that Series or Class exceed
its liabilities, all as determined by or under the direction of the
Trustees. Such value per Share shall be determined separately for each
Series or Class of Shares and shall be determined on such days and at
such times as the Trustees may determine. Such determination shall be
made with respect to securities for which market quotations are
readily available, at the market value of such securities; and with
respect to other securities and assets, at the fair value as
determined in good faith by the Trustees, provided, however, that the
Trustees, without Shareholder approval, may alter the method of
appraising portfolio securities insofar as permitted under the 1940
Act and the rules, regulations, and interpretations thereof
promulgated or issued by the Commission or insofar as permitted by any
order of the Commission applicable to the Series. The Trustees may
delegate any of its powers and duties under this Section 3 with
respect to appraisal of assets and liabilities. At any time, the
Trustees may cause the value per Share last determined to be
determined again in a similar manner and may fix the time when such
redetermined value shall become effective.
SUSPENSION OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION
SECTION 4. The Trustees may declare a suspension of the right of
redemption or postpone the date of payment as permitted under the 1940
Act. Such suspension shall take effect at such time as the Trustees
shall specify, but not later than the close of business on the
business day next following the declaration of suspension, and
thereafter there shall be no right of redemption or payment until the
Trustees shall declare the suspension at an end. In the case of a
suspension of the right of redemption, a Shareholder may either
withdraw his request for redemption or receive payment based on the
Net Asset Value per Share existing after the termination of the
suspension. In the event that any Series is divided into Classes, the
provisions of this Section, to the extent applicable as determined in
the discretion of the Trustees and consistent with applicable law, may
be equally applied to each such Class.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
SECTION 5. The Trustees may require Shareholders to redeem Shares for
any reason under terms set by the Trustees, including, but not limited
to, (i) the determination of the Trustees that direct or indirect
ownership of Shares of any Series has or may become concentrated in
such Shareholder to an extent that would disqualify any Series as a
regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (or any successor statute thereto), (ii) the failure of a
Shareholder to supply a tax identification number if required to do
so, or (iii) the failure of a Shareholder to pay when due for the
purchase of Shares issued to him. The redemption shall be effected at
the redemption price and in the manner provided in this Article X.
The holders of Shares shall upon demand disclose to the Trustees in
writing such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership
of Shares as the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code, or to comply with the requirements of
any other taxing authority.
ARTICLE XI
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
SECTION 1. Provided they have exercised reasonable care and have
acted under the reasonable belief that their actions are in the best
interest of the Trust, the Trustees shall not be responsible for or
liable in any event for neglect or wrongdoing of them or any officer,
agent, employee, or investment adviser of the Trust, but nothing
contained herein shall protect any Trustee against any liability to
which he 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.
INDEMNIFICATION OF COVERED PERSONS
SECTION 2.
(a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in Section
(b) below:
(i) every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the
Trust (hereinafter referred to as "Covered Person") shall be
indemnified by the appropriate Series to the fullest extent permitted
by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred
or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit, or
proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by
virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or officer and against
amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof;
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall apply
to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or
other, including appeals), actual or threatened while in office or
thereafter, and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include,
without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in
settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered
Person:
(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which
the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its
Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
of his office; or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the
reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the
Trust; or
(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a
determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office,
(A) by the court or other body approving the settlement;
(B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither
Interested Persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter based
upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full
trial-type inquiry); or
(C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a
review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type
inquiry);
provided, however, that any Shareholder may, by appropriate legal
proceedings, challenge any such determination by the Trustees, or by
independent counsel.
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured
against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall
not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered
Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to be such Trustee or officer, and shall inure to the
benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a person.
Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to
which Trust personnel, other than Trustees and officers, and other
persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
(d) Expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a
defense to any claim, action, suit, or proceeding of the character
described in Paragraph (a) of this Section 2 may be paid by the
applicable Series from time to time prior to final disposition thereof
upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person
that such amount will be paid over by him to the applicable Series if
it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification
under this Section 2; provided, however, that either (i) such Covered
Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking;
(ii) the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such
advance payments; or (iii) either a majority of the Trustees who are
neither interested persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or
independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined,
based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a
trial-type inquiry or full investigation), that there is reason to
believe that such Covered Person will be found entitled to
indemnification under this Section 2.
INDEMNIFICATION OF SHAREHOLDERS
SECTION 3. In case any Shareholder or former Shareholder of any
Series of the Trust shall be held to be personally liable solely by
reason of his being or having been a Shareholder and not because of
his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or
former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators, or other
legal representatives or, in the case of a corporation or other
entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled
out of the assets belonging to the applicable Series to be held
harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising
from such liability. The Series shall, upon request by the
Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against the
Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Series and satisfy any
judgment thereon.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
TRUST NOT A PARTNERSHIP, ETC.
SECTION 1. It is hereby expressly declared that a trust is created
hereby and not a partnership, joint stock association, corporation,
bailment, or any form of a legal relationship other than a trust. No
Trustee hereunder shall have any power to personally bind either the
Trust's officers or any Shareholder. All persons extending credit to,
contracting with, or having any claim against the Trust or the
Trustees shall look only to the assets of the appropriate Series for
payment under such credit, contract, or claim; and neither the
Shareholders nor the Trustees, nor any of their agents, whether past,
present, or future, shall be personally liable therefor. Nothing in
this Declaration of Trust shall protect a Trustee against any
liability to which the Trustee would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of
Trustee hereunder.
TRUSTEES' GOOD FAITH ACTION, EXPERT ADVICE, NO BOND OR SURETY
SECTION 2. The exercise by the Trustees of their powers and
discretions hereunder in good faith and with reasonable care under the
circumstances then prevailing, shall be binding upon everyone
interested. Subject to the provisions of Section 1 of this Article XII
and to Article XI, the Trustees shall not be liable for errors of
judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of
counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of
this Declaration of Trust, and subject to the provisions of Section 1
of this Article XII and to Article XI, shall be under no liability for
any act or omission in accordance with such advice or for failing to
follow such advice. The Trustees shall not be required to give any
bond as such, nor any surety if a bond is obtained.
ESTABLISHMENT OF RECORD DATES
SECTION 3. The Trustees may close the stock transfer books of the
Trust for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days preceding the date of
any meeting of Shareholders, or the date for the payment of any
dividends, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the date when
any change or conversion or exchange of Shares shall go into effect;
or in lieu of closing the stock transfer books as aforesaid, the
Trustees may fix in advance a date not exceeding sixty (60) days
preceding the date of any meeting of Shareholders, or the date for
payment of any dividends, or the date for the allotment of rights, or
the date when any change or conversion or exchange of Shares shall go
into effect, as a record date for the determination of the
Shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any such meeting,
or entitled to receive payment of any such dividend, or to any such
allotment of rights, or to exercise the rights in respect of any such
change, conversion or exchange of Shares, and in such case such
Shareholders and only such Shareholders as shall be Shareholders of
record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to such notice of, and
to vote at, such meeting, or to receive payment of such dividend, or
to receive such allotment or rights, or to exercise such rights, as
the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any Shares on the
books of the Trust after any such record date fixed or aforesaid.
DURATION; TERMINATION OF TRUST, A SERIES OR A CLASS; MERGERS, ETC.
SECTION 4.1. DURATION. The Trust shall continue without limitation of
time, but subject to the provisions of this Article XII.
SECTION 4.2. TERMINATION OF THE TRUST, A SERIES OR A CLASS.
(a) Subject to applicable Federal and state law, the Trust or any
Series or Class thereof may be terminated:
(i) by Majority Shareholder Vote of the Trust, each Series affected,
or each Class affected, as the case may be; or
(ii) without the vote or consent of Shareholders by a majority of
the Trustees either at a meeting or by written consent.
The Trustees shall provide written notice to the affected
Shareholders of a termination effected under clause (ii) above. Upon
the termination of the Trust or the Series or Class,
(i) the Trust or the Series or Class shall carry on no business
except for the purpose of winding up its affairs;
(ii) the Trustees shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the Trust
or the Series or Class, and all of the powers of the Trustees under
this Declaration of Trust shall continue until the affairs of the
Trust shall have been wound up, including the power to fulfill or
discharge the contracts of the Trust or the Series or Class thereof;
collect its assets; sell, convey, assign, exchange, transfer, or
otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining Trust property
or Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or Class to
one or more persons at public or private sale for consideration that
may consist in whole or in part of cash, securities, or other property
of any kind; discharge or pay its liabilities; and do all other acts
appropriate to liquidate its business; provided that any sale,
conveyance, assignment, exchange, transfer, or other disposition of
all or substantially all the Trust property or Trust property
allocated or belonging to such Series or Class (other than as provided
in (iii) below) shall require Shareholder approval in accordance with
Section 4.3 below; and
(iii) after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all
liabilities, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities, and
refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the
Trustees may distribute the remaining Trust property or the remaining
property of the terminated Series or Class, in cash or in kind or
partly each, among the Shareholders of the Trust or the Series or
Class according to their respective rights; and
(b) after termination of the Trust or the Series or Class and
distribution to the Shareholders as herein provided, a majority of the
Trustees shall execute and lodge among the records of the Trust and
file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, if
required, an instrument in writing setting forth the fact of such
termination, and the Trustees shall thereupon be discharged from all
further liabilities and duties with respect to the Trust or the
terminated Series or Class, and the rights and interests of all
Shareholders of the Trust or the terminated Series or Class shall
thereupon cease.
SECTION 4.3. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, AND SALE OF ASSETS. Subject to
applicable Federal and state law and except as otherwise provided in
Section 4.4 below, the Trust or any Series or Class thereof may merge
or consolidate with any other corporation, association, trust, or
other organization or may sell, lease, or exchange all or a portion of
the Trust property or Trust property allocated or belonging to such
Series or Class, including its good will, upon such terms and
conditions and for such consideration when and as authorized at any
meeting of Shareholders called for such purpose by a Majority
Shareholder Vote of the Trust or affected Series or Class, as the case
may be. Such transactions may be effected through share-for-share
exchanges, transfers or sale of assets, shareholder in-kind
redemptions and purchases, exchange offers, or any other method
approved by the Trustees.
SECTION 4.4. INCORPORATION; REORGANIZATION. Subject to applicable
Federal and state law, the Trustees may without the vote or consent of
Shareholders cause to be organized or assist in organizing a
corporation or corporations under the laws of any jurisdiction or any
other trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, or
other organization to take over all or a portion of the Trust property
or all or a portion of the Trust property allocated or belonging to
such Series or Class or to carry on any business in which the Trust
shall directly or indirectly have any interest, and to sell, convey
and transfer the Trust property or the Trust property allocated or
belonging to such Series or Class to any such corporation, trust,
limited liability company, partnership, association, or organization
in exchange for the shares or securities thereof or otherwise, and to
lend money to, subscribe for the shares or securities of, and enter
into any contracts with any such corporation, trust, partnership,
limited liability company, association, or organization, or any
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust,
association, or organization in which the Trust or such Series holds
or is about to acquire shares or any other interest. Subject to
applicable Federal and state law, the Trustees may also cause a merger
or consolidation between the Trust or any successor thereto or any
Series or Class thereof and any such corporation, trust, partnership,
limited liability company, association, or other organization. Nothing
contained herein shall be construed as requiring approval of
Shareholders for the Trustees to organize or assist in organizing one
or more corporations, trusts, partnerships, limited liability
companies, associations, or other organizations and selling,
conveying, or transferring the Trust property or a portion of the
Trust property to such organization or entities; provided, however,
that the Trustees shall provide written notice to the affected
Shareholders of any transaction whereby, pursuant to this Section 4.4,
the Trust or any Series or Class thereof sells, conveys, or transfers
all or a portion of its assets to another entity or merges or
consolidates with another entity. Such transactions may be effected
through share-for-share exchanges, transfers or sale of assets,
shareholder in-kind redemptions and purchases, exchange offers, or any
other method approved by the Trustees.
FILING OF COPIES, REFERENCES, AND HEADINGS
SECTION 5. The original or a copy of this instrument and of each
Declaration of Trust supplemental hereto shall be kept at the office
of the Trust where it may be inspected by any Shareholder. A copy of
this instrument and of each supplemental Declaration of Trust shall be
filed by the Trustees with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and the Boston City Clerk, as well as any other
governmental office where such filing may from time to time be
required. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a certificate by
an officer or Trustee of the Trust as to whether or not any such
supplemental Declarations of Trust have been made and as to any
matters in connection with the Trust hereunder, and with the same
effect as if it were the original, may rely on a copy certified by an
officer or Trustee of the Trust to be a copy of this instrument or of
any such supplemental Declaration of Trust. In this instrument or in
any such supplemental Declaration of Trust, references to this
instrument and all expressions like "herein," "hereof" and
"hereunder," shall be deemed to refer to this instrument as amended or
affected by any such supplemental Declaration of Trust. Headings are
placed herein for convenience of reference only and in case of any
conflict, the text of this instrument, rather than the headings, shall
control. This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts
each of which shall be deemed an original.
APPLICABLE LAW
SECTION 6. The Trust set forth in this instrument is made in The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and it is created under and is to be
governed by and construed and administered according to the laws of
said Commonwealth. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a
Massachusetts business trust, and without limiting the provisions
hereof, the Trust may exercise all powers which are ordinarily
exercised by such a trust, and the absence of a specific reference
herein to any such power, privilege, or action shall not imply that
the Trust may not exercise such power or privilege or take such
actions.
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 7. Except as specifically provided herein, the Trustees may,
without shareholder vote, amend or otherwise supplement this
Declaration of Trust by making an amendment, a Declaration of Trust
supplemental hereto or an amended and restated Declaration of Trust.
Shareholders shall have the right to vote (a) on any amendment that
would affect their right to vote granted in Section 1 of Article VIII;
(b) on any amendment that would alter the maximum number of Trustees
permitted under Section 6 of Article IV; (c) on any amendment to this
Section 7; (d) on any amendment as may be required by law or by the
Trust's registration statement filed with the Commission; and (e) on
any amendment submitted to them by the Trustees. Any amendment
required or permitted to be submitted to Shareholders that, as the
Trustees determine, shall affect the Shareholders of one or more
Series or Classes shall be authorized by vote of the Shareholders of
each Series or Class affected and no vote of shareholders of a Series
or Class not affected shall be required. Notwithstanding anything else
herein, any amendment to Article XI shall not limit the rights to
indemnification or insurance provided therein with respect to action
or omission of Covered Persons prior to such amendment.
FISCAL YEAR
SECTION 8. The fiscal year of the Trust shall end on a specified date
as set forth in the Bylaws, if any, provided, however, that the
Trustees may, without Shareholder approval, change the fiscal year of
the Trust.
USE OF THE WORD "FIDELITY"
SECTION 9. Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") has
consented to the use by any Series of the Trust of the identifying
word "Fidelity" in the name of any Series of the Trust at some future
date. Such consent is conditioned upon the employment of FMR or a
subsidiary or affiliate thereof as investment adviser of
each Series of the Trust. As between the Trust and itself, FMR
controls the use of the name of the Trust insofar as such name
contains the identifying word "Fidelity." FMR may from time to time
use the identifying word "Fidelity" in other connections and for other
purposes, including, without limitation, in the names of other
investment companies, corporations, or businesses that it may manage,
advise, sponsor or own or in which it may have a financial interest.
FMR may require the Trust or any Series thereof to cease using the
identifying word "Fidelity" in the name of the Trust or any Series
thereof if the Trust or any Series thereof ceases to employ FMR or a
subsidiary or affiliate thereof as investment adviser.
Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations
SECTION 10. (a) The provisions of this Declaration of Trust are
severable, and, if the Trustees shall determine, with the advice of
counsel, that any of such provisions is in conflict with the 1940 Act,
the regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting
provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this
Declaration of Trust; provided, however, that such determination shall
not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Declaration of
Trust or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior
to such determination.
(b) If any provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be held
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such
jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provisions in any
other jurisdiction or any other provision of this Declaration of Trust
in any jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being all of the Trustees of the
Trust, have executed this instrument as of the date set forth above.
/s/Edward C. Johnson 3d /s/Peter S. Lynch
Edward C. Johnson 3d* Peter S. Lynch*
/s/Ralph F. Cox /s/William O. McCoy
Ralph F. Cox William O. McCoy
/s/Phyllis Burke Davis /s/Gerald C. McDonough
Phyllis Burke Davis Gerald C. McDonough
/s/Robert M. Gates /s/Marvin L. Mann
Robert M. Gates Marvin L. Mann
/s/Donald J. Kirk /s/Robert C. Pozen
Donald J. Kirk Robert C. Pozen*
/s/Ned C. Lautenbach /s/Thomas R. Williams
Ned C. Lautenbach Thomas R. Williams
* Interested Trustees
The business addresses of the
members of the Board of
Trustees are: INTERESTED
TRUSTEES (*): 82 Devonshire
Street Boston, MA 02109
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES: 82
Devonshire Street Boston,
MA 02109 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9235 Boston, MA
02205-9235 VARIABLE
INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND III;
82 Devonshire Street Boston,
MA 02109
