As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2005
UNITED STATES | |||
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | |||
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SCHEDULE 14A | |||
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Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of | |||
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J.P. MORGAN FLEMING SERIES TRUST | |||
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J.P. Morgan Fleming Series Trust
August X, 2005
Dear Shareholder,
Your vote is important. As a shareholder in the JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund (the "Value Fund"), you have an opportunity to vote your shares at or before a special meeting of shareholders on October 14, 2005.
The purpose of the meeting is to approve three new sub-advisory agreements, the first between J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("JPMIM") and First Quadrant, L.P., the second between JPMIM and Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P., and the third between JPMIM and Advisory Research, Inc. all as further discussed in the enclosed Proxy Statement.
To vote shares, please sign, date and complete the enclosed Proxy Card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided. Or, you may cast your vote by touch-tone telephone by following the instructions on the proxy card. If you have any proxy related questions, need additional information or require assistance in voting your shares, please call 1-800-480-4111.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
George C.W. Gatch
President, JPMorgan Funds
J.P. MORGAN FLEMING SERIES TRUST
JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund
522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036
Toll-Free (800) 480-4111
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held on October 14, 2005
To the Shareholders:
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund (the "Value Fund") of the J.P. Morgan Fleming Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, will be held at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036, on October 14, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (the "Meeting"), for the following purposes:
(1) To approve a new subadvisory agreement between J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("JPMIM"), the Value Fund's investment adviser, and First Quadrant, L.P.;
(2) To approve a new subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P.;
(3) To approve a new subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and Advisory Research, Inc.; and
(4) To transact any other business that may lawfully come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof;
all as set forth in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.
The close of business on July 29, 2005 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of shareholders of the Value Fund entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
Stephen M. Benham
Secretary
Dated: August X, 2005
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN
Please indicate your voting instructions on the enclosed Proxy Card, date and sign it, and return it in the envelope provided, which is addressed for your convenience and needs no postage if mailed in the United States. In order to avoid the additional expense of further solicitation, we ask your cooperation in mailing your Proxy promptly. A Proxy will not be required for admission to the Meeting.
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
August X, 2005
J.P. MORGAN FLEMING SERIES TRUST
JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund
522 Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York 10036
Toll-Free (800) 480-4111
PROXY STATEMENT
for the
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held on October 14, 2005
This Proxy Statement is furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Trustees of J.P. Morgan Fleming Series Trust (the "Trust") to be used at the special meeting of the shareholders of the JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund (the "Value Fund") to be held at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036, on October 14, 2005, and at any adjournments thereof (the "Meeting") for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders. The Trust is composed of two separate funds which operate as distinct investment vehicles: the Value Fund and the JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Growth Fund. The Meeting, and this Proxy Statement, relate only to the Value Fund.
If the accompanying form of Proxy is executed properly and returned, shares represented by it will be voted at the Meeting. If you give instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you return your signed Proxy without instructions, your shares will be voted (i) for approval of the subadvisory agreement between J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("JPMIM"), the Trust's investment adviser, and First Quadrant, L.P. ("First Quadrant"), (ii) for approval of the subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. ("Vaughan Nelson"), (iii) for approval of the subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and Advisory Research, Inc. ("ARI"), and (iv) at the discretion of the Proxy holders, on such other matters as may lawfully come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. You may revoke your Proxy or change it by written notic e to the Trust (Attention: Secretary) or by notice at the Meeting at any time prior to the time it is voted.
On the record date, the Trust had outstanding 21,126,877.632 shares of JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund.
For all matters on which the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at a meeting is required, an abstention or broker non-vote will not be considered a vote cast.
In the event that a quorum is not represented at the Meeting or, if a quorum is so represented but that sufficient votes in favor of any management proposal are not received by October 14, 2005, the persons named as proxies may propose and vote for one or more adjournments of the Meeting if a quorum is not represented or, if a quorum is so represented, only with respect to such management proposal, with no notice other than an announcement at the Meeting, and further solicitation may be made. Shares represented by proxies indicating a vote against a management proposal will be voted against adjournment in respect of that proposal.
The Trust's investment adviser is JPMIM. The Trust's distributor is JPMorgan Distribution Services Inc. The Trust's administrator is JPMorgan Funds Management, Inc. The address of each of these entities is 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036. The Trust will furnish, without charge, a copy of its most recent annual report and any recent semi-annual report to any shareholder upon request to JPMorgan Funds Service Center at 1-800-480-4111.
If you have elected to receive one Proxy Statement for all accounts maintained by members of your household, the Trust undertakes to deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of the Proxy Statement for a separate account.
1
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF THE FUNDS
AND JPMORGAN FUND COMPLEX
The Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") consists of five trustees-Cheryl Ballenger, Jerry B. Lewis, John R. Rettberg, John F. Ruffle and Ken Whipple (each, a "Trustee" and together, the "Trustees"). The following table shows the dollar range of each Trustee's beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2004, in the Value Fund and each Trustee's aggregate ownership in any portfolios/funds that the Trustee oversees in the JPMorgan Fund Complex:
Name of Trustee | Ownership of Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund | Aggregate Ownership of All Registered Investment Companies to be Overseen by Trustee in JPMorgan Fund Complex* |
Non-Interested Trustee
Cheryl Ballenger | None | None | |||||||||
Jerry B. Lewis | None | None | |||||||||
John R. Rettberg | None | None | |||||||||
Ken Whipple | None | None |
Interested Trustee
John F. Ruffle | over $100,000** | over $100,000** |
* A Fund Complex means two or more registered investment companies that hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services, or have a common investment adviser or have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the investment adviser of any of the other investment companies. The JPMorgan Fund Complex for which the Trustees serve includes four investment companies with 13 separate portfolios.
** Securities valued as of December 31, 2004.
As of December 31, 2004, none of the non-interested Trustees or their immediate family members owned any shares of JPMIM or in any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with JPMIM.
As of December 31, 2004, the Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the shares of the Value Fund.
Principal Holders
As of June 30, 2005, the following persons owned of record, or are known by the Trust to own beneficially, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Value Fund.
Balsa & Co. JPMorgan Chase Attn: Mutual Fund Section 14221 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75254-2942 | 10.66 | % | |||||
Balsa & Co. JPMorgan Chase Attn: Mutual Fund Section 14221 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75254-2942 | 6.71 | % | |||||
2
APPROVAL OF SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS
The Trust has retained JPMIM as investment adviser to provide investment advice and portfolio management services to the Value Fund, pursuant to an advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the Advisory Agreement, and except as delegated to one or more subadvisers (each, a "Subadviser" and together, the "Subadvisers"), JPMIM manages the investment of the assets of the Value Fund and obtains and evaluates economic, statistical and financial information to formulate and implement investment policies for the Value Fund. Any investment program undertaken by JPMIM will at all times be subject to the policies and control of the Trustees. JPMIM also provides certain administrative services to the Value Fund.
The Advisory Agreement provides that JPMIM will not be protected against any liability to the Trust or the Value Fund's shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.
JPMIM is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. JPMIM acts as investment adviser to individuals, governments, corporations, employee benefit plans, labor unions and state and local governments, mutual funds and other institutional investors. JPMIM is located at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036. JPMIM is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. ("J.P. Morgan Chase").
JPMorgan Chase, a bank holding company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, was formed from the merger of Bank One Corporation with and into JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPMorgan Chase has a long history of offering a wide range of banking and investment services to customers throughout the United States and the world. The firm, through its predecessor companies, has been in business for over a century.
Under separate agreements, JPMorgan Funds Management, Inc. provides certain financial and administrative services to the Trust and the Value Fund, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, NA provides certain custody and fund accounting services to the Trust and the Value Fund, and JPMorgan Distribution Services Inc. provides shareholder services and distribution services to the Trust and the Value Fund.
The investment advisory services that JPMIM provides to the Value Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Advisory Agreement. JPMIM is free to and does render similar investment advisory services to others. JPMIM serves as investment adviser to personal investors and other investment companies and acts as fiduciary for trusts, estates and employee benefit plans. The accounts which are managed or advised by JPMIM have varying investment objectives, and JPMIM invests assets of such accounts in investments substantially similar to, or the same as, those which are expected to constitute the principal investments of the Value Fund. Such accounts are supervised by employees of JPMIM who may also be acting in similar capacities for the Value Fund.
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses such as salaries of advisory personnel borne by JPMIM under the Advisory Agreement, the Value Fund has agreed to pay JPMIM a fee, which is computed daily and may be paid monthly, equal to a percentage of the Value Fund's average daily net assets as specified in the Multi-Manager Funds Prospectus. JPMIM may voluntarily agree to waive a portion of the fees payable to it on a month-to-month basis.
The table below sets forth the investment advisory fees paid or accrued to JPMIM (waived amounts are in parentheses), with respect to the fiscal period indicated (amounts in thousands):
Fiscal Period from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004 | |||||||||||
Paid/Accrued | Waived | ||||||||||
Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund | $ | 2,108 | N/A |
Investment Process
The Value Fund uses a "multi-manager" investment strategy. JPMIM allocates portions of the Value Fund's assets not directly managed by JPMIM to several Subadvisers, who then manage their respective portions of the assets under the general supervision of JPMIM. Earnest Partners, LLC ("Earnest") and ICM Asset Management, Inc. ("ICM") have been engaged by JPMIM, with the approval of the Board and the shareholders, to serve as the Subadvisers to the Value Fund.
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JPMIM uses rigorous criteria to select Subadvisers with proven track records to manage a portion of the Value Fund's assets. In choosing the Subadvisers and their allocations, JPMIM considers a number of factors, including market trends, its own outlook for a given market capitalization or investment style category, and the Subadvisers' performance in various market conditions. By combining the strengths of different Subadvisers, the Value Fund seeks to bring together a variety of stock selection processes and methodologies to achieve its investment objective. In addition to selecting the Subadvisers and allocating the Value Fund's assets among them, JPMIM is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the overall management of the Value Fund. JPMIM reviews the Value Fund's portfolio holdings, evaluates the on-going performance of the Subadvisers and monitors concentration in a particular security or in dustry.
Summary of Current Subadvisory Agreements
The subadvisory agreements entered into by JPMIM with Earnest and ICM were approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the subadvisory agreements or "interested persons," as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), of any such party (the "Disinterested Trustees"), on January 21, 2003, and by the sole initial shareholder of the Value Fund on February 14, 2003, and became effective on February 21, 2003.
On August 10, 2005, JPMIM gave notice to ICM of its intention to terminate JPMIM's subadvisory agreement with ICM, effective as of October 10, 2005. ICM has announced personnel changes and JPMIM believes that, after those changes, ICM's subadvisory services will no longer complement the services provided by the Value Fund's other subadvisers in a manner that would be consistent with and further the Value Fund's "manager of managers" strategy. The subadvisory agreement with Earnest (the "Subadvisory Agreement") was renewed by the Trustees, including a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, on December 7, 2004. The Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect for a period of one year from the date of the anniversary of its execution, unless terminated sooner. It may be renewed from year to year thereafter, so long as continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance wit h the requirements of the 1940 Act. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will terminate in the event of an "assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act), and may be terminated without penalty at any time by either party upon 60 days written notice, or upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. Under the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement, no Subadviser is liable to JPMIM, the Value Fund or its shareholders, for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any losses sustained by JPMIM, the Value Fund or its shareholders, except in the case of such Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties under the Subadvisory Agreement.
Each of the Subadvisers is independent of JPMIM and discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Trustees and the supervision of JPMIM, which pays the Subadvisers' fees. Earnest is wholly owned by Earnest Holdings, LLC. ICM is wholly owned by James Simmons, key employees and family members. James Simmons, founder and chief investment officer of ICM, owns more than 25% of ICM's voting stock.
Each Subadviser is paid monthly by JPMIM a fee equal to a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Value Fund allocated to the Subadviser. The aggregate annual rates of the fees payable by JPMIM to the Subadvisers for each Subadviser's portion of the respective Value Fund is 0.55%, expressed as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Subadviser's portion of the Value Fund.
The Trust expects that differences in investment returns among the portions of the Value Fund managed by different Subadvisers will cause the actual percentage of the Value Fund's assets managed by each Subadviser to vary over time. In general, the Value Fund's assets once allocated to one Subadviser will not be reallocated (or "rebalanced") to another Subadviser of the Value Fund. However, JPMIM may reallocate assets from one Subadviser to another when deemed in the best interests of the Value Fund and its shareholders including when the assets managed by a Subadviser exceed that portion managed by any other Subadviser to the Value Fund. In some instances, where a reallocation results in any rebalancing of the Value Fund from a previous allocation, the effect of the reallocation will be to shift assets from a better performing Subadviser to a portion of the Value Fund with a relatively lower total retu rn.
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PROPOSAL 1-APPROVAL OF SUBADVISORY
AGREEMENT WITH FIRST QUADRANT, L.P.
JPMIM proposes to engage First Quadrant as subadviser to the Value Fund, pursuant to an investment subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and First Quadrant (the "First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement"), a copy of which is attached as Annex A. First Quadrant is independent of JPMIM and will discharge its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Trustees and the supervision of JPMIM, which will pay First Quadrant's fees.
The allocation of the Value Fund's assets among JPMIM, the Subadvisers and First Quadrant will be determined by JPMIM, subject to the review of the Trustees, in the best interests of the Value Fund and its shareholders. The Trust expects that differences in investment returns among the portions of the Value Fund to be managed by First Quadrant and the Subadvisers will cause the actual percentage of the Value Fund's assets to be managed by First Quadrant to vary over time.
First Quadrant will be paid monthly by JPMIM a fee equal to a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Value Fund allocated to First Quadrant. The aggregate annual rates of the fees payable by JPMIM to First Quadrant for First Quadrant's portion of the Value Fund is 0.55%, expressed as a percentage of the average daily net assets of First Quadrant's portion of the Value Fund.
The First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect for a period of two years from the date of its execution, unless terminated sooner. It may be renewed from year to year thereafter, so long as continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will terminate in the event of an "assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act), and may be terminated without penalty at any time by either party upon 60 days written notice, or upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. Under the terms of the First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement, First Quadrant is not liable to JPMIM, the Value Fund or its shareholders, for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any losses sustained by JPMIM, the Value Fund or its shareholders, except in the case of First Quadrant's willful misfeasance, bad faith , gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties under the First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement.
Executive Officers and Trustees of First Quadrant
Information regarding the principal executive officers and directors of First Quadrant is set forth below. First Quadrant's address is 800 East Colorado Blvd., Suite 900, Pasadena, California 91101. The address for each of the persons listed below, as it relates to his or her duties with First Quadrant, is the same as that of First Quadrant.
Name | Position with Advisor | Principal Occupation | |||||||||
Andrew L. Berkin | Director of Equity Research | Director of Equity Research, First Quadrant, L.P.; Product Strategist, U.S. Small Cap Value and Small/Mid Cap Core Equity Portfolios | |||||||||
R. Max Darnell | Partner and Chief Investment Officer | Partner and Chief Investment Officer, First Quadrant, L.P. | |||||||||
Binbin Guo | Associate Director of Research | Associate Director of Research, First Quadrant, L.P. | |||||||||
Christopher G. Luck | Partner and Director of Global Equity | Partner and Director of Global Equity, First Quadrant, L.P.; Manager, Equity Portfolio Management Group | |||||||||
Lisa M. Plaxco | Associate Director of Derivatives Research | Associate Director of Derivatives Research, First Quadrant, L.P. | |||||||||
Jia Ye | Director of Equity Research | Director of Equity Research, First Quadrant, L.P.; Product Strategist, U.S. Market Neutral and European Market Neutral Portfolio | |||||||||
5
Required Vote
Approval of the First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement requires the affirmative vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Value Fund. Under the 1940 Act, a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the shares of the Value Fund present at the Meeting or represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the Meeting or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
The First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement was approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement or "interested persons," as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party, on July 27, 2005.
Board Review of First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement
The Board believes that the terms and conditions of the First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of the Value Fund and its shareholders. The Board was presented with information demonstrating that the terms of the First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Value Fund and its shareholders.
In considering the First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees had before them information to evaluate the experience of First Quadrant's key personnel in portfolio management, the quality of services First Quadrant is expected to provide to the Value Fund, and the compensation proposed to be paid to First Quadrant.
The Trustees reviewed the First Quadrant Subadvisory Agreement, pursuant to which First Quadrant will manage the Value Fund's assets allocated to it (the "First Quadrant Assets") subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, in accordance with the Value Fund's investment objective, policies, and restrictions, in compliance with requirements applicable to registered investment companies, and such other limitations as JPMIM may institute. First Quadrant will make investment decisions for its First Quadrant Assets, place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions for its First Quadrant Assets, and employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts to provide research services to its First Quadrant Assets. First Quadrant will conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and reinvestment of its First Quadrant Assets. In addition, First Quadrant wi ll (i) regularly report to the Trustees and JPMIM with respect to its implementation of the investment program, compliance matters and other topics requested by the Trustees or JPMIM, (ii) consult with the Value Fund's pricing agent regarding the valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available, and (iii) provide information about other accounts managed by First Quadrant that have investment objectives, policies, and strategies substantially similar to those employed by First Quadrant for the Value Fund. The Trustees also considered the quality of the investment research capabilities of First Quadrant and the other resources First Quadrant has dedicated to performing services for the Value Fund.
The Trustees examined First Quadrant's historical performance and risk characteristics in the small-cap value category against its benchmark index over the one-quarter, one-year, three-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2005.
The Board determined that (i) the subadvisory services offered by First Quadrant could reasonably be expected to complement the services provided by the Value Fund's other subadvisers in a manner that would be consistent with and further its "manager of managers" strategy, (ii) the investment performance history of First Quadrant's portfolio management team was favorable on an absolute and relative basis, (iii) First Quadrant has experience in managing investment company assets and that First Quadrant's portfolio management team has demonstrated its ability to adhere to compliance procedures, and (iv) the fees for the advisory services to be rendered by First Quadrant are fair and reasonable in light of the usual and customary charges made by others offering the same or similar services.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the proposed subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and First Quadrant.
6
PROPOSAL 2-APPROVAL OF SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
WITH VAUGHAN NELSON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, L.P.
JPMIM proposes to engage Vaughan Nelson as subadviser to the Value Fund, pursuant to an investment subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and Vaughan Nelson (the "Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement"), a copy of which is attached as Annex B. Vaughan Nelson is independent of JPMIM and will discharge its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Trustees and the supervision of JPMIM, which will pay Vaughan Nelson's fees.
The allocation of the Value Fund's assets among JPMIM, the Subadvisers and Vaughan Nelson will be determined by JPMIM, subject to the review of the Trustees, in the best interests of the Value Fund and its shareholders. The Trust expects that differences in investment returns among the portions of the Value Fund to be managed by Vaughan Nelson and the Subadvisers will cause the actual percentage of the Value Fund's assets to be managed by Vaughan Nelson to vary over time.
Vaughan Nelson will be paid monthly by JPMIM a fee equal to a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Value Fund allocated to Vaughan Nelson. The aggregate annual rates of the fees payable by JPMIM to Vaughan Nelson for Vaughan Nelson's portion of the Value Fund is 0.55%, expressed as a percentage of the average daily net assets of Vaughan Nelson's portion of the Value Fund.
The Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect for a period of two years from the date of its execution, unless terminated sooner. It may be renewed from year to year thereafter, so long as continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will terminate in the event of an "assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act), and may be terminated without penalty at any time by either party upon 60 days written notice, or upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. Under the terms of the Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement, Vaughan Nelson is not liable to JPMIM, the Value Fund or its shareholders, for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any losses sustained by JPMIM, the Value Fund or its shareholders, except in the case of Vaughan Nelson's willful misfeasance, bad faith , gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties under the Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement.
Executive Officers and Trustees of Vaughan Nelson
Information regarding the principal executive officers and directors of Vaughan Nelson is set forth below. Vaughan Nelson's address is 600 Travis Street, Suite 6300, Houston, Texas 77002. The address for each of the persons listed below, as it relates to his or her duties with Vaughan Nelson, is the same as that of Vaughan Nelson.
Name | Position with Advisor | Principal Occupation | |||||||||
Belinda Denn | Manager of Portfolio Operations | Manager of Portfolio Operations, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. | |||||||||
Lee A. Lahourcade | President and Chief Executive Officer | President and Chief Executive Officer, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P.; Chairman, Vaughan Nelson Trust Company | |||||||||
Mark J. Roach | Portfolio Manager | Portfolio Manager, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. | |||||||||
Chris D. Wallis | Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Portfolio Manager, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. | |||||||||
Scott J. Weber | Portfolio Manager | Portfolio Manager, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. | |||||||||
Required Vote
Approval of the Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement requires the affirmative vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Value Fund. Under the 1940 Act, a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the shares of the Value Fund present at the Meeting or represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the Meeting or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
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The Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement was approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement or "interested persons," as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party, on July 27, 2005.
Board Review of Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement
The Board believes that the terms and conditions of the Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of the Value Fund and its shareholders. The Board was presented with information demonstrating that the terms of the Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Value Fund and its shareholders.
In considering the Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees had before them information to evaluate the experience of Vaughan Nelson's key personnel in portfolio management, the quality of services Vaughan Nelson is expected to provide to the Value Fund, and the compensation proposed to be paid to Vaughan Nelson.
The Trustees reviewed the Vaughan Nelson Subadvisory Agreement, pursuant to which Vaughan Nelson will manage the Value Fund's assets allocated to it (the "Vaughan Nelson Assets") subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, in accordance with the Value Fund's investment objective, policies, and restrictions, in compliance with requirements applicable to registered investment companies, and such other limitations as JPMIM may institute. Vaughan Nelson will make investment decisions for its Vaughan Nelson Assets, place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions for its Vaughan Nelson Assets, and employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts to provide research services to its Vaughan Nelson Assets. Vaughan Nelson will conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and reinvestment of its Vaughan Nelson Assets. In addition, Vaughan Nelson wi ll (i) regularly report to the Trustees and JPMIM with respect to its implementation of the investment program, compliance matters and other topics requested by the Trustees or JPMIM, (ii) consult with the Value Fund's pricing agent regarding the valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available, and (iii) provide information about other accounts managed by Vaughan Nelson that have investment objectives, policies, and strategies substantially similar to those employed by Vaughan Nelson for the Value Fund. The Trustees also considered the quality of the investment research capabilities of Vaughan Nelson and the other resources Vaughan Nelson has dedicated to performing services for the Value Fund.
The Trustees examined Vaughan Nelson's historical performance and risk characteristics in the small-cap value category against its benchmark index over the one-quarter, one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2005.
The Board determined that (i) the subadvisory services offered by Vaughan Nelson could reasonably be expected to complement the services provided by the Value Fund's other subadvisers in a manner that would be consistent with and further its "manager of managers" strategy, (ii) the investment performance history of Vaughan Nelson's portfolio management team was favorable on an absolute and relative basis, (iii) Vaughan Nelson has experience in managing investment company assets and that Vaughan Nelson's portfolio management team has demonstrated its ability to adhere to compliance procedures, and (iv) the fees for the advisory services to be rendered by Vaughan Nelson are fair and reasonable in light of the usual and customary charges made by others offering the same or similar services.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the proposed subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and Vaughan Nelson.
PROPOSAL 3-APPROVAL OF SUBADVISORY
AGREEMENT WITH ADVISORY RESEARCH, INC.
JPMIM proposes to engage ARI as subadviser to the Value Fund, pursuant to an investment subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and ARI (the "ARI Subadvisory Agreement"), a copy of which is attached as Annex C. ARI is independent of JPMIM and will discharge its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Trustees and the supervision of JPMIM, which will pay ARI's fees.
The allocation of the Value Fund's assets among JPMIM, the Subadvisers and ARI will be determined by JPMIM, subject to the review of the Trustees, in the best interests of the Value Fund and its shareholders. The Trust expects that differences in investment returns among the portions of the Value Fund to be managed by ARI and the Subadvisers will cause the actual percentage of the Value Fund's assets to be managed by ARI to vary over time.
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ARI will be paid monthly by JPMIM a fee equal to a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Value Fund allocated to ARI. The aggregate annual rates of the fees payable by JPMIM to ARI for ARI's portion of the Value Fund is 0.55%, expressed as a percentage of the average daily net assets of ARI's portion of the Value Fund.
The ARI Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect for a period of two years from the date of its execution, unless terminated sooner. It may be renewed from year to year thereafter, so long as continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The ARI Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will terminate in the event of an "assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act), and may be terminated without penalty at any time by either party upon 60 days written notice, or upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. Under the terms of the ARI Subadvisory Agreement, ARI is not liable to JPMIM, the Value Fund or its shareholders, for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any losses sustained by JPMIM, the Value Fund or its shareholders, except in the case of ARI's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties under the ARI Subadvisory Agreement.
Executive Officers and Trustees of ARI
Information regarding the principal executive officers and directors of ARI is set forth below. ARI's address is 180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 5500, Chicago, Illinois 60601. The address for each of the persons listed below, as it relates to his or her duties with ARI, is the same as that of ARI.
Name | Position with Advisor | Principal Occupation | |||||||||
Jonathan P. Brodsky | Vice President | Vice President, Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||||
Chris D. Crawshaw | Managing Director | Managing Director, Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||||
John S. Gallop | Managing Director | Managing Director, Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||||
Michelle L. Harrington | Vice President | Vice President, Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||||
David B. Heller | President | President, Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||||
James M. Langer | Vice President | Vice President, Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||||
Kip L. Meyer | Vice President | Vice President, Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||||
Brien M. O'Brien | Chairman | Chairman, Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||||
Required Vote
Approval of the ARI Subadvisory Agreement requires the affirmative vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Value Fund. Under the 1940 Act, a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the shares of the Value Fund present at the Meeting or represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the Meeting or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
The ARI Subadvisory Agreement was approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the ARI Subadvisory Agreement or "interested persons," as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party, on July 27, 2005.
Board Review of ARI Subadvisory Agreement
The Board believes that the terms and conditions of the ARI Subadvisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of the Value Fund and its shareholders. The Board was presented with information demonstrating that the terms of the ARI Subadvisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Value Fund and its shareholders.
In considering the ARI Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees had before them information to evaluate the experience of ARI's key personnel in portfolio management, the quality of services ARI is expected to provide to the Value Fund, and the compensation proposed to be paid to ARI.
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The Trustees reviewed the ARI Subadvisory Agreement, pursuant to which ARI will manage the Value Fund's assets allocated to it (the "ARI Assets") subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, in accordance with the Value Fund's investment objective, policies, and restrictions, in compliance with requirements applicable to registered investment companies, and such other limitations as JPMIM may institute. ARI will make investment decisions for its ARI Assets, place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions for its ARI Assets, and employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts to provide research services to its ARI Assets. ARI will conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and reinvestment of its ARI Assets. In addition, ARI will (i) regularly report to the Trustees and JPMIM with respect to its implementation of the investment pr ogram, compliance matters and other topics requested by the Trustees or JPMIM, (ii) consult with the Value Fund's pricing agent regarding the valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available, and (iii) provide information about other accounts managed by ARI that have investment objectives, policies, and strategies substantially similar to those employed by ARI for the Value Fund. The Trustees also considered the quality of the investment research capabilities of ARI and the other resources ARI has dedicated to performing services for the Value Fund.
The Trustees examined ARI's historical performance and risk characteristics in the small-cap value category against its benchmark index over the one-quarter, one-year, three-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2005.
The Board determined that (i) the subadvisory services offered by ARI could reasonably be expected to complement the services provided by the Value Fund's other subadvisers in a manner that would be consistent with and further its "manager of managers" strategy, (ii) the investment performance history of ARI's portfolio management team was favorable on an absolute and relative basis, (iii) ARI, as a registered investment adviser, has experience in managing assets and that ARI's portfolio management team has demonstrated its ability to adhere to compliance procedures, and (iv) the fees for the advisory services to be rendered by ARI are fair and reasonable in light of the usual and customary charges made by others offering the same or similar services.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the proposed subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and ARI.
OTHER MATTERS
The Trust knows of no other matters which are to be brought before the Meeting. However, if any other matters come before the Meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the form of Proxy, or their substitutes, will vote the Proxy in accordance with their judgment on such matters. The persons named in the form of Proxy, or their substitutes, will have discretionary authority to vote on any shareholder proposal properly presented at the Meeting.
Under the current By-Laws of the Trust, meetings of shareholders are required to be held only when necessary under the 1940 Act. It is therefore unlikely that shareholder meetings will be held on an annual basis. A shareholder proposal intended to be represented at any meeting called in the future must be received by the Trust within a reasonable time before the solicitation for that meeting is made. Otherwise, the Trust will not be able to include the proposal in the notice of meeting, proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the meeting. There is no guarantee that any proposal submitted by a shareholder will be included in the proxy statement. Shareholder proposals are subject to certain regulations under Federal law.
INFORMATION RELATING TO VOTING MATTERS
Solicitation of Proxies
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, employees of JPMIM and or its affiliates may solicit proxies in person or by telephone. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies will be borne by JPMIM.
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Shareholder Voting by Telephone
In addition to voting by mail or in person at the Meeting, you may also give your voting instructions over the telephone by calling 1-877-779-8683. If JPMIM has not received your vote, a representative of JPMIM may call you to answer your proxy related questions and to encourage you to vote. When calling, the JPMIM representative is required to ask you for your full name, address, the last four digits of your social security or employer identification number, title (if the person giving the proxy is authorized to act for an entity, such as a corporation), and to confirm that you have received the Proxy Statement in the mail. If the information you provide matches the information provided to JPMIM, then the JPMIM representative will offer to explain the process. JPMIM is not permitted to recommend to you how to vote, but may read any recommendations included in the Proxy Statement.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
Stephen M. Benham
Secretary
It is important that proxies be returned promptly. All shareholders, including those who expect to attend the Meeting, are urged to date, fill in, sign and mail the enclosed form of Proxy in the enclosed return envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the United States. A Proxy is not required for admission to the Meeting.
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ANNEX A
FORM OF INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
between
J. P. MORGAN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC.
and
First Quadrant, L.P.
INVESTMENT SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT, effective as of the ___day of October, 2005, between J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and First Quadrant, L.P. ("Subadviser"), a limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
WHEREAS, the Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of the 21day of January, 2003 ("Advisory Agreement") with J.P. Morgan Fleming Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), which is engaged in business as an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, ("1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Trust is and will continue to be a series fund having two or more investment portfolios, each with its own assets, investment objectives, policies and restrictions (each a "Fund"); and
WHEREAS, the Subadviser is engaged principally in the business of rendering investment advisory services and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, ("Advisers Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to retain the Subadviser to assist it in the provision of a continuous investment program for that portion of the assets of the Fund listed on Appendix A which the Adviser may from time to time assign to the Subadviser (the "Subadviser Assets") and the Subadviser is willing to furnish such services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT
Adviser hereby retains the Subadviser to act as investment adviser for and to manage the Subadviser Assets for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such employment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. DUTIES OF THE SUBADVISER
A. Investment Subadvisory Services. Subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") and the Adviser, the Subadviser shall (a) manage the investments of the Subadviser Assets in accordance with the Fund's investment objective, policies, and restrictions as provided in the Trust's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus"), and in compliance with the requirements applicable to registered investment companies under applicable laws and those requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue C ode of 1986, as amended ("Code") and such other limitations as the Adviser may institute. The Subadviser shall (a) make investment decisions for the Subadviser Assets; (b) place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions for the Subadviser Assets; and (c) employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts to provide research services to the Subadviser Assets. In providing these services, the Sub-Adviser will conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and reinvestment of the Subadviser Assets.
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B. Subadviser Undertakings. In all matters relating to the performance of this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the Trust's Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Prospectus and with the written instructions and directions of the Board and the Adviser. The Subadviser hereby agrees to:
(i) regularly report to the Board and the Adviser (in such form and frequency as the Adviser and Subadviser mutually agree) with respect to the implementation of the investment Program, compliance of the Subadviser Assets with the Prospectus, the 1940 Act and the Code, and on other topics as may reasonably be requested by the Board or the Adviser, including attendance at Board meetings, as reasonably requested, to present such reports to the Board;
(ii) comply with valuation procedures adopted by Board, including any amendments thereto, and consult with the Trust's pricing agent regarding the valuation of securities that are not registered for public sale, not traded on any securities markets, or otherwise may require fair valuation;
(iii) provide, subject to any obligations or undertakings reasonably necessary to maintain the confidentiality of the Subadviser's non-public information, any and all information, records and supporting documentation about the composite of accounts and the funds the Subadviser manages that have investment objectives, policies, and strategies substantially similar to those employed by the Subadviser in managing the Subadviser Assets which may be reasonably necessary, under applicable laws, to allow the Trust or its agent to present historical performance information concerning the Subadviser's similarly managed accounts and funds, for inclusion in the Trust's Prospectus and any other reports and materials prepared by the Trust or its agent, in accordance with regulatory requirements or as requested by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities.
C. Expenses. The Subadviser will bear all of its expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement. All other expenses to be incurred in the operation of the Fund will be borne by the Trust, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Subadviser. The expenses to be borne by the Trust include, without limitation, the following: organizational costs, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, Trustees' fees, Securities and Exchange Commission fees and state Blue Sky qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums, industry association fees, outside auditing and legal expen ses, costs of independent pricing services, costs of maintaining existence, costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing stockholders, costs of stockholders' reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses.
D. Brokerage. The Subadviser will select brokers and dealers to effect all orders for the purchase and sale of Subadviser Assets. In selecting brokers or dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Subadviser Assets of the Fund, the Subadviser will seek the best overall terms available. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Subadviser will consider factors it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In sele cting brokers or dealers to execute a particular transaction, and in evaluating the best overall terms available, the Subadviser is authorized to consider the brokerage and research services (within the meaning of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided to the Fund and/or other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Except as permitted by Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act, Subadviser will not engage in principal transactions with respect to the Subadviser Assets with any affiliate of the Adviser or of any other subadviser to the Fund, and will engage in agency transactions with respect to the Subadviser Assets with such affiliates only in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. Subadviser will provide a list of its affiliates to Adviser, as such may be amended from time to time. Adviser will provide to Subadviser a list of affiliated brokers and dealers of the Adviser and of each other subadviser to the Fund.
E. Aggregation of Orders. On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Subadviser Assets as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser may to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the orders for securities to be purchased or sold. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients. The Adviser recognizes that, in some cases, the Subadviser's allocation procedure may limit the size of the position that may be acquired or sold for the Subadviser Assets.
F. Books and Records. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Subadviser Assets of the Fund are the property of the Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust copies of any of such records upon the
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Fund's or the Adviser's request, provided, however, that Subadviser may retain copies of any records to the extent required for it to comply with applicable laws. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records relating to its activities hereunder required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and to preserve the records relating to its activities hereunder required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act for the period specified in said Rule. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subadviser has no responsibility for the maintenance of the records of the Fund, except for those related to the Subadviser Assets.
G. Subadviser Compliance Responsibilities. The Subadviser and the Adviser acknowledge that the Subadviser is not the compliance agent for the Fund, and does not have access to all of the Trust's books and records necessary to perform certain compliance testing. However, to the extent that the Subadviser has agreed to perform the services specified in this Agreement, the Subadviser shall perform compliance testing with respect to the Subadviser Assets based upon information in its possession and upon information and written instructions received from the Adviser or the Trust's Administrator and shall not be held in breach of this Agreement so long as it performs in accordance with such informati on and instructions. Specifically, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Fund being in violation of any applicable law or regulation or investment policy or restriction applicable to the Fund as a whole or for the Fund's failure to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code if the securities and other holdings of the Subadviser Assets would not be in such violation or failing to so qualify if the Subadviser Assets were deemed a separate series of the Trust or a separate regulated investment company under the Code. The Adviser or Trust's Administrator shall promptly provide the Subadviser with copies of the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, current Prospectus and any written policies or procedures adopted by the Board applicable to the Subadviser Assets and any amendments or revisions thereto. Subadviser shall supply such reports or other documentation as reasonably requested from time to time by the Adviser to evidence Subadviser's compliance with such Prospectus, policies or pro cedures.
H. Proxy voting. The Subadviser shall use its good faith judgment in a manner which it reasonably believes best serves the interests of the Fund's shareholders to vote or abstain from voting all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in the Subadviser Assets. The Adviser shall cause to be forwarded to Subadviser all proxy solicitation materials that Adviser receives. Subadviser agrees that it has adopted written proxy voting procedures that comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Sub-Adviser further agrees that it will provide the Board as the Board may reasonably request, with a written report of the proxies voted dur ing the most recent 12-month period or such other period as the Board may designate, in a format that shall comply with the 1940 Act. Upon reasonable request, Subadviser shall provide the Advisor with all proxy voting records relating to the Subadviser Assets, including but not limited to those required by Form NPX. Subadviser will also provide an annual certification, in a form reasonably acceptable to Adviser, attesting to the accuracy and completeness of such proxy voting records.
I. Use of Names. The Subadviser shall not use the name, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Trust or the Adviser or any of their affiliates or any derivative or logo or trade or service mark thereof, or disclose information related to the business of the Adviser or any of its affiliates in material relating to the Subadviser in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Adviser; provided, however, that the Adviser shall approve all uses of its or the Trust's name and that of their affiliates which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided, further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Adviser shall not use the name, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Subadviser or any of its affiliates in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Trust in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Subadviser; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided, further that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
J. Other Subadvisers. With respect to any Fund, (i) the Subadviser will not consult with any other subadviser to that Fund (including, in the case of an offering of securities subject to Section 10(f) of the 1940 Act, any subadviser that is a principal underwriter or an affiliated person of a principal underwriter of such offering) concerning transactions for that Fund in securities or other assets, except, in the case of transactions involving securities of persons engaged in securities-related businesses, for purposes of complying with the conditions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 12d3-1 under the 1940 Act; and (ii) the Subadviser will provide advice and other wise perform services hereunder exclusively with respect to the Subadviser Assets of that Fund.
K. Portfolio Holdings. The Subadviser will not disclose, in any manner whatsoever, any list of securities held by the Fund, except in accordance with the Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure policy.
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3. COMPENSATION OF SUBADVISER
The Adviser will pay the Subadviser, with respect to each Fund on Appendix A attached hereto, the compensation specified in Appendix A. Such fees will be computed daily and paid monthly, calculated at an annual rate based on the Subadviser Assets' average daily net assets as determined by the Trust's accounting agent. Compensation for any partial period shall be pro-rated based on the length of the period.
4. STANDARD OF CARE
The Subadviser shall exercise its best judgment in rendering its services described in this Agreement. Except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder or other applicable law, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Adviser in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties hereunder or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement
5. INDEMNIFICATION
a. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorneys' fees and other related expenses) ("Losses"), howsoever arising, from or in connection with this Agreement or the performance by the Sub-Adviser of its duties hereunder; provided however that the Adviser will not indemnify the Subadviser for Losses resulting from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or from the Subadviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement
b. The Subadviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all Losses resulting from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of, or from reckless disregard of, the Subadviser's obligations and duties under this Agreement; ; provided however that the Subadviser will not indemnify the Adviser for Losses resulting from the Adviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or from the Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY
The services of the Subadviser to the Adviser with respect to the Subadviser assets are not to be deemed to be exclusive, and the Subadviser and its affiliates shall be free to render investment advisory or other services to others (including other investment companies) and to engage in other activities. It is understood and agreed that the directors, officers, and employees of the Subadviser are not prohibited from engaging in any other business activity or from rendering services to any other person, or from serving as partners, officers, directors, trustees, or employees of any other firm or corporation, including other investment companies. Adviser acknowledges that Subadviser or its affiliates may give advice and take actions in the performance of its duties to clients which differ from the advice, or the timing and nature of actions taken, with respect to other clients' accounts (including the Sub adviser assets) or employee accounts which may invest in some of the same securities recommended to advisory clients. In addition, advice provided by the Subadviser may differ from advice given by its affiliates.
7. MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE
During the term of this Agreement and for a period of one year after the termination hereof, Subadviser will maintain comprehensive general liability coverage and will carry a fidelity bond covering it and each of its employees and authorized agents with limits of not less than those considered commercially reasonable and appropriate under current industry practices. Subadviser shall promptly notify Adviser of any termination of said coverage.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY
Each party to this Agreement shall keep confidential any nonpublic information concerning the other party and will not use or disclose such information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, unless the non-disclosing party has authorized such disclosure or if such disclosure is expressly required or requested by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities. Nonpublic information shall not include information a party to this Agreement can clearly establish was (a) known to the party prior to this Agreement; (b) rightfully acquired by the party from third parties whom the party reasonably believes are not under an obligation of confidentiality to the other party to this Agreement; (c) placed in public domain without fault of the party or its affiliates; or (d) independently developed by the party without reference or reliance upon the nonpublic information.
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9. TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of its execution and shall continue in effect for a period of two years from the date of execution. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or (ii) a vote of a "majority" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable, without penalty, on 60 days' written notice, by the Adviser, by the Board, by vote of holders of a majority of the Fund's shares or by the Subadviser, and will terminate five business days after the Subadviser receives written notice of the termination of the Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser. This Agreement also will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
10. REPRESENTATIONS OF SUBADVISER
The Subadviser represents, warrants, and agrees as follows:
A. The Subadviser: (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) has met, and will continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory organization, necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iv) has the authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; and (v) will promptly notify the Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Se ction 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
B. The Subadviser has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and, if it has not already done so, will provide the Adviser and the Trust with a copy of such code of ethics. On at least an annual basis, the Subadviser will comply with the reporting requirements of Rule 17j-1, which may include (i) certifying to the Adviser that the Subadviser and its Access Persons have complied with the Subadviser's Code of Ethics with respect to the Subadviser Assets and (ii) identifying any material violations which have occurred with respect to the Subadviser Assets. Upon the reasonable request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall permit the Adviser, its employees or its agents to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser pursuant to Rule 17j-1 and all other records relevant to the Subadviser's code of ethics.
C. Subadviser has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures, as required by Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act, which are reasonably designed to prevent violations of federal securities laws by the Subadviser, its employees, officers and agents. Upon reasonable request, Subadviser shall provide the Advisor with access to the records relating to such policies and procedures as they relate to the Subadviser Assets. Subadviser will also provide, at the reasonable request of the Adviser, periodic certifications, in a form reasonably acceptable to Adviser, attesting to such written policies and procedures.
D. The Subadviser has provided the Adviser and the Trust with a copy of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the SEC and hereafter will furnish a copy of its annual amendment to the Adviser. The Adviser acknowledges receipt of the Subadviser's Form ADV more than 48 hours prior to the execution of this Agreement.
11. PROVISION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY SUBADVISER
The Subadviser will promptly notify the Adviser (1) in the event the SEC or other governmental authority has censured the Subadviser; placed limitations upon its activities, functions or operations; suspended or revoked its registration, if any, as an investment adviser; or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions or (2) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might not qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The Subadviser further agrees to notify the Adviser promptly of any material fact known to the Subadviser respecting or relating to the Subadviser that is not contained in the Prospectus, and is required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or of any statement contained therein that becomes untrue in any material respect. As reasonably requested by the Trust on behalf of the Trust's officers and in accordance with the scope of Subadviser's obligations and responsibilities contained in this Agreement, Subadviser will provide reasonable assistance to the Trust in connection with the Trusts's compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, and Rule 38(a)-1 of the 1940 Act. Such assistance shall include, but not be limited to, (i) certifying periodically, upon the reasonable request of the Trust, that it is in compliance with all applicable "federal securities laws", as required by Rule 38a-1(e)(1) under the 1940 Act, and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (ii) facilitating and cooperating with third-party audits arranged by the
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Trust to evaluate the effectiveness of its compliance controls; (iii) providing the Trust's chief compliance officer with direct access to its compliance personnel; (iv) providing the Trust's chief compliance officer with periodic reports and (v) promptly providing special reports in the event of compliance problems. Further, Subadviser is aware that: (i) the Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Treasury/Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of the Trust (collectively, "Certifying Officers") are required to certify the Trust's periodic reports on Form N-CSR pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and (ii) the Certifying Officers must rely upon certain matters of fact generated by Subadviser of which they do not have firsthand knowledge. Consequently, subadviser has in place and has observed procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to ensure the adequacy of the services provided to the Trust under this Agreement and the accuracy of the information prepared by it and which is included in the Form N-CSR, and shall provide certifications to the Trust to be relied upon by the Certifying Officers in certifying the Trust's periodic reports on Form N-CSR, in a form satisfactory to the Trust.
12. PROVISION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY THE ADVISER
The Adviser will promptly notify the Subadviser (1) in the event that the SEC has censured the Adviser or the Trust; placed limitations upon either of their activities, functions, or operations; suspended or revoked the Adviser's registration as an investment adviser; or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions and (2) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might not qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.
13. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.
14. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, and with the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
B. Change in Control. The Subadviser will notify the Adviser of any change of control of the Subadviser, including any change of its general partners or 25% shareholders or 25% limited partners, as applicable, in each case prior to or promptly after such change. In addition the Subadviser will notify the Adviser of any changes in the key personnel who are either the portfolio manager(s) of the Subadviser Assets or senior management of the Subadviser as soon as practicable after such change.
C. Captions. The Captions contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
D. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto and shall supersede any prior agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
E. Definitions. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, releases or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the Act. As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting securities," "affiliated person," "interested person," "assignment," "broker," "investment adviser," "net assets," "sale," "sell," and "security" shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, release or order. Where the effect of a requirement of the federal securities laws reflected in any provision of this Agreement is made less restrictive by a rule, release, or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, release, or order.
F. Notices. Any notice herein required is to be in writing and is deemed to have been given to Subadviser or Adviser upon receipt of the same at their respective addresses set forth below. All written notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be delivered by personal service, by postage mail return receipt requested or by facsimile machine or similar means of delivery that provide evidence of receipt. All notices to Adviser shall be sent to: J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc, 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036, Attention: Stephen M. Benham.
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All notices to Subadviser shall be sent to:
First Quadrant, L.P.
Attn: Mr. Rick Roberts
Director of Marketing
800 East Colorado Blvd., Suite 900
Pasadena, CA 91101
Telephone: (626) 683-4227
Fax: (626) 795-3227
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their duly authorized signatories as of the date and year first above written.
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. | |||||||
Attest: | By: | ||||||
(Title) | |||||||
Date: | |||||||
First Quadrant, L.P. | |||||||
Attest: | By: | ||||||
(Title) | |||||||
Date: | |||||||
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Appendix A
Fee Schedule
For the services provided by Subadviser to the Subadviser Assets, pursuant to the attached Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will pay the Subadviser a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, based on the average daily net assets of the Subadvisory Assets at the following annual rates of the average daily net assets of the Subadviser Assets as determined by the Trust's accounting agent:
FUND | RATE | ||||||
JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund | 0.55 | % |
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ANNEX B
FORM OF INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
between
J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
and
Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P.
INVESTMENT SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT, effective as of the ___day of October, 2005, between J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. ("Subadviser"), a partnership organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
WHEREAS, the Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of the 21day of January, 2003 ("Advisory Agreement") with J.P. Morgan Fleming Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), which is engaged in business as an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, ("1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Trust is and will continue to be a series fund having two or more investment portfolios, each with its own assets, investment objectives, policies and restrictions (each a "Fund"); and
WHEREAS, the Subadviser is engaged principally in the business of rendering investment advisory services and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, ("Advisers Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to retain the Subadviser to assist it in the provision of a continuous investment program for that portion of the assets of the Fund listed on Appendix A which the Adviser may from time to time assign to the Subadviser (the "Subadviser Assets") and the Subadviser is willing to furnish such services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT
Adviser hereby retains the Subadviser to act as investment adviser for and to manage the Subadviser Assets for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such employment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. DUTIES OF THE SUBADVISER
A. Investment Subadvisory Services. Subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") and the Adviser, the Subadviser shall (a) manage the investments of the Subadviser Assets in accordance with the Fund's investment objective, policies, and restrictions as provided in the Trust's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus"), and in compliance with the requirements applicable to registered investment companies under applicable laws and those requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue C ode of 1986, as amended ("Code") and such other limitations as the Adviser may institute. The Subadviser shall (a) make investment decisions for the Subadviser Assets; (b) place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions for the Subadviser Assets; and (c) employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts to provide research services to the Subadviser Assets. In providing these services, the Sub-Adviser will conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and reinvestment of the Subadviser Assets.
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B. Subadviser Undertakings. In all matters relating to the performance of this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the Trust's Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Prospectus and with the written instructions and directions of the Board and the Adviser. The Subadviser hereby agrees to:
(i) regularly report to the Board and the Adviser (in such form and frequency as the Adviser and Subadviser mutually agree) with respect to the implementation of the investment Program, compliance of the Subadviser Assets with the Prospectus, the 1940 Act and the Code, and on other topics as may reasonably be requested by the Board or the Adviser, including attendance at Board meetings, as reasonably requested, to present such reports to the Board;
(ii) comply with valuation procedures adopted by Board, including any amendments thereto, and consult with the Trust's pricing agent regarding the valuation of securities that are not registered for public sale, not traded on any securities markets, or otherwise may require fair valuation;
(iii) provide, subject to any obligations or undertakings reasonably necessary to maintain the confidentiality of the Subadviser's non-public information, any and all information, records and supporting documentation about the composite of accounts and the funds the Subadviser manages that have investment objectives, policies, and strategies substantially similar to those employed by the Subadviser in managing the Subadviser Assets which may be reasonably necessary, under applicable laws, to allow the Trust or its agent to present historical performance information concerning the Subadviser's similarly managed accounts and funds, for inclusion in the Trust's Prospectus and any other reports and materials prepared by the Trust or its agent, in accordance with regulatory requirements or as requested by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities.
C. Expenses. The Subadviser will bear all of its expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement. All other expenses to be incurred in the operation of the Fund will be borne by the Trust, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Subadviser. The expenses to be borne by the Trust include, without limitation, the following: organizational costs, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, Trustees' fees, Securities and Exchange Commission fees and state Blue Sky qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums, industry association fees, outside auditing and legal expen ses, costs of independent pricing services, costs of maintaining existence, costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing stockholders, costs of stockholders' reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses.
D. Brokerage. The Subadviser will select brokers and dealers to effect all orders for the purchase and sale of Subadviser Assets. In selecting brokers or dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Subadviser Assets of the Fund, the Subadviser will seek the best overall terms available. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Subadviser will consider factors it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In sele cting brokers or dealers to execute a particular transaction, and in evaluating the best overall terms available, the Subadviser is authorized to consider the brokerage and research services (within the meaning of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided to the Fund and/or other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Except as permitted by Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act, Subadviser will not engage in principal transactions with respect to the Subadviser Assets with any affiliate of the Adviser or of any other subadviser to the Fund, and will engage in agency transactions with respect to the Subadviser Assets with such affiliates only in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. Subadviser will provide a list of its affiliates to Adviser, as such may be amended from time to time. Adviser will provide to Subadviser a list of affiliated brokers and dealers of the Adviser and of each other subadviser to the Fund.
E. Aggregation of Orders. On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Subadviser Assets as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser may to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the orders for securities to be purchased or sold. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients. The Adviser recognizes that, in some cases, the Subadviser's allocation procedure may limit the size of the position that may be acquired or sold for the Subadviser Assets.
F. Books and Records. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Subadviser Assets of the Fund are the property of the Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust copies of any of such records upon the
B-2
Fund's or the Adviser's request, provided, however, that Subadviser may retain copies of any records to the extent required for it to comply with applicable laws. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records relating to its activities hereunder required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and to preserve the records relating to its activities hereunder required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act for the period specified in said Rule. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subadviser has no responsibility for the maintenance of the records of the Fund, except for those related to the Subadviser Assets.
G. Subadviser Compliance Responsibilities. The Subadviser and the Adviser acknowledge that the Subadviser is not the compliance agent for the Fund, and does not have access to all of the Trust's books and records necessary to perform certain compliance testing. However, to the extent that the Subadviser has agreed to perform the services specified in this Agreement, the Subadviser shall perform compliance testing with respect to the Subadviser Assets based upon information in its possession and upon information and written instructions received from the Adviser or the Trust's Administrator and shall not be held in breach of this Agreement so long as it performs in accordance with such informati on and instructions. Specifically, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Fund being in violation of any applicable law or regulation or investment policy or restriction applicable to the Fund as a whole or for the Fund's failure to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code if the securities and other holdings of the Subadviser Assets would not be in such violation or failing to so qualify if the Subadviser Assets were deemed a separate series of the Trust or a separate regulated investment company under the Code. The Adviser or Trust's Administrator shall promptly provide the Subadviser with copies of the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, current Prospectus and any written policies or procedures adopted by the Board applicable to the Subadviser Assets and any amendments or revisions thereto. Subadviser shall supply such reports or other documentation as reasonably requested from time to time by the Adviser to evidence Subadviser's compliance with such Prospectus, policies or pro cedures.
H. Proxy voting. The Subadviser shall use its good faith judgment in a manner which it reasonably believes best serves the interests of the Fund's shareholders to vote or abstain from voting all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in the Subadviser Assets. The Adviser shall cause to be forwarded to Subadviser all proxy solicitation materials that Adviser receives. Subadviser agrees that it has adopted written proxy voting procedures that comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Sub-Adviser further agrees that it will provide the Board as the Board may reasonably request, with a written report of the proxies voted dur ing the most recent 12-month period or such other period as the Board may designate, in a format that shall comply with the 1940 Act. Upon reasonable request, Subadviser shall provide the Advisor with all proxy voting records relating to the Subadviser Assets, including but not limited to those required by Form NPX. Subadviser will also provide an annual certification, in a form reasonably acceptable to Adviser, attesting to the accuracy and completeness of such proxy voting records.
I. Use of Names. The Subadviser shall not use the name, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Trust or the Adviser or any of their affiliates or any derivative or logo or trade or service mark thereof, or disclose information related to the business of the Adviser or any of its affiliates in material relating to the Subadviser in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Adviser; provided, however, that the Adviser shall approve all uses of its or the Trust's name and that of their affiliates which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided, further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Adviser shall not use the name, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Subadviser or any of its affiliates in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Trust in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Subadviser; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided, further that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
J. Other Subadvisers. With respect to any Fund, (i) the Subadviser will not consult with any other subadviser to that Fund (including, in the case of an offering of securities subject to Section 10(f) of the 1940 Act, any subadviser that is a principal underwriter or an affiliated person of a principal underwriter of such offering) concerning transactions for that Fund in securities or other assets, except, in the case of transactions involving securities of persons engaged in securities-related businesses, for purposes of complying with the conditions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 12d3-1 under the 1940 Act; and (ii) the Subadviser will provide advice and other wise perform services hereunder exclusively with respect to the Subadviser Assets of that Fund.
K. Portfolio Holdings. The Subadviser will not disclose, in any manner whatsoever, any list of securities held by the Fund, except in accordance with the Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure policy.
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3. COMPENSATION OF SUBADVISER
The Adviser will pay the Subadviser, with respect to each Fund on Appendix A attached hereto, the compensation specified in Appendix A. Such fees will be computed daily and paid monthly, calculated at an annual rate based on the Subadviser Assets' average daily net assets as determined by the Trust's accounting agent. Compensation for any partial period shall be pro-rated based on the length of the period.
4. STANDARD OF CARE
The Subadviser shall exercise its best judgment in rendering its services described in this Agreement. Except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder or other applicable law, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Adviser in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties hereunder or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement
5. INDEMNIFICATION
a. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorneys' fees and other related expenses) ("Losses"), howsoever arising, from or in connection with this Agreement or the performance by the Sub-Adviser of its duties hereunder; provided however that the Adviser will not indemnify the Subadviser for Losses resulting from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or from the Subadviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement
b. The Subadviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all Losses resulting from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of, or from reckless disregard of, the Subadviser's obligations and duties under this Agreement; ; provided however that the Subadviser will not indemnify the Adviser for Losses resulting from the Adviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or from the Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY
The services of the Subadviser to the Adviser with respect to the Subadviser assets are not to be deemed to be exclusive, and the Subadviser and its affiliates shall be free to render investment advisory or other services to others (including other investment companies) and to engage in other activities. It is understood and agreed that the directors, officers, and employees of the Subadviser are not prohibited from engaging in any other business activity or from rendering services to any other person, or from serving as partners, officers, directors, trustees, or employees of any other firm or corporation, including other investment companies. Adviser acknowledges that Subadviser or its affiliates may give advice and take actions in the performance of its duties to clients which differ from the advice, or the timing and nature of actions taken, with respect to other clients' accounts (including the Sub adviser assets) or employee accounts which may invest in some of the same securities recommended to advisory clients. In addition, advice provided by the Subadviser may differ from advice given by its affiliates.
7. MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE
During the term of this Agreement and for a period of one year after the termination hereof, Subadviser will maintain comprehensive general liability coverage and will carry a fidelity bond covering it and each of its employees and authorized agents with limits of not less than those considered commercially reasonable and appropriate under current industry practices. Subadviser shall promptly notify Adviser of any termination of said coverage.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY
Each party to this Agreement shall keep confidential any nonpublic information concerning the other party and will not use or disclose such information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, unless the non-disclosing party has authorized such disclosure or if such disclosure is expressly required or requested by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities. Nonpublic information shall not include information a party to this Agreement can clearly establish was (a) known to the party prior to this Agreement; (b) rightfully acquired by the party from third parties whom the party reasonably believes are not under an obligation of confidentiality to the other party to this Agreement; (c) placed in public domain without fault of the party or its affiliates; or (d) independently developed by the party without reference or reliance upon the nonpublic information.
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9. TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of its execution and shall continue in effect for a period of two years from the date of execution. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or (ii) a vote of a "majority" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable, without penalty, on 60 days' written notice, by the Adviser, by the Board, by vote of holders of a majority of the Fund's shares or by the Subadviser, and will terminate five business days after the Subadviser receives written notice of the termination of the Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser. This Agreement also will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
10. REPRESENTATIONS OF SUBADVISER
The Subadviser represents, warrants, and agrees as follows:
A. The Subadviser: (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) has met, and will continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory organization, necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iv) has the authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; and (v) will promptly notify the Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Se ction 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
B. The Subadviser has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and, if it has not already done so, will provide the Adviser and the Trust with a copy of such code of ethics. On at least an annual basis, the Subadviser will comply with the reporting requirements of Rule 17j-1, which may include (i) certifying to the Adviser that the Subadviser and its Access Persons have complied with the Subadviser's Code of Ethics with respect to the Subadviser Assets and (ii) identifying any material violations which have occurred with respect to the Subadviser Assets. Upon the reasonable request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall permit the Adviser, its employees or its agents to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser pursuant to Rule 17j-1 and all other records relevant to the Subadviser's code of ethics.
C. Subadviser has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures, as required by Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act, which are reasonably designed to prevent violations of federal securities laws by the Subadviser, its employees, officers and agents. Upon reasonable request, Subadviser shall provide the Advisor with access to the records relating to such policies and procedures as they relate to the Subadviser Assets. Subadviser will also provide, at the reasonable request of the Adviser, periodic certifications, in a form reasonably acceptable to Adviser, attesting to such written policies and procedures.
D. The Subadviser has provided the Adviser and the Trust with a copy of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the SEC and hereafter will furnish a copy of its annual amendment to the Adviser. The Adviser acknowledges receipt of the Subadviser's Form ADV more than 48 hours prior to the execution of this Agreement.
11. PROVISION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY SUBADVISER
The Subadviser will promptly notify the Adviser (1) in the event the SEC or other governmental authority has censured the Subadviser; placed limitations upon its activities, functions or operations; suspended or revoked its registration, if any, as an investment adviser; or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions or (2) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might not qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The Subadviser further agrees to notify the Adviser promptly of any material fact known to the Subadviser respecting or relating to the Subadviser that is not contained in the Prospectus, and is required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or of any statement contained therein that becomes untrue in any material respect. As reasonably requested by the Trust on behalf of the Trust's officers and in accordance with the scope of Subadviser's obligations and responsibilities contained in this Agreement, Subadviser will provide reasonable assistance to the Trust in connection with the Trusts's compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, and Rule 38(a)-1 of the 1940 Act. Such assistance shall include, but not be limited to, (i) certifying periodically, upon the reasonable request of the Trust, that it is in compliance with all applicable "federal securities laws", as required by Rule 38a-1(e)(1) under the 1940 Act, and
B-5
Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (ii) facilitating and cooperating with third-party audits arranged by the Trust to evaluate the effectiveness of its compliance controls; (iii) providing the Trust's chief compliance officer with direct access to its compliance personnel; (iv) providing the Trust's chief compliance officer with periodic reports and (v) promptly providing special reports in the event of compliance problems. Further, Subadviser is aware that: (i) the Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Treasury/Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of the Trust (collectively, "Certifying Officers") are required to certify the Trust's periodic reports on Form N-CSR pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and (ii) the Certifying Officers must rely upon certain matters of fact generated by S ubadviser of which they do not have firsthand knowledge. Consequently, subadviser has in place and has observed procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to ensure the adequacy of the services provided to the Trust under this Agreement and the accuracy of the information prepared by it and which is included in the Form N-CSR, and shall provide certifications to the Trust to be relied upon by the Certifying Officers in certifying the Trust's periodic reports on Form N-CSR, in a form satisfactory to the Trust.
12. PROVISION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY THE ADVISER
The Adviser will promptly notify the Subadviser (1) in the event that the SEC has censured the Adviser or the Trust; placed limitations upon either of their activities, functions, or operations; suspended or revoked the Adviser's registration as an investment adviser; or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions and (2) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might not qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.
13. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.
14. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, and with the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
B. Change in Control. The Subadviser will notify the Adviser of any change of control of the Subadviser, including any change of its general partners or 25% shareholders or 25% limited partners, as applicable, in each case prior to or promptly after such change. In addition the Subadviser will notify the Adviser of any changes in the key personnel who are either the portfolio manager(s) of the Subadviser Assets or senior management of the Subadviser as soon as practicable after such change.
C. Captions. The Captions contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
D. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto and shall supersede any prior agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
E. Definitions. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, releases or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the Act. As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting securities," "affiliated person," "interested person," "assignment," "broker," "investment adviser," "net assets," "sale," "sell," and "security" shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, release or order. Where the effect of a requirement of the federal securities laws reflected in any provision of this Agreement is made less restrictive by a rule, release, or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, release, or order.
F. Notices. Any notice herein required is to be in writing and is deemed to have been given to Subadviser or Adviser upon receipt of the same at their respective addresses set forth below. All written notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be delivered by personal service, by postage mail return receipt requested or by facsimile machine or similar means of delivery that provide evidence of receipt. All notices to Adviser shall be sent to: J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc, 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036, Attention: Stephen M. Benham.
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All notices to Subadviser shall be sent to:
Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P.
Attn: Lee A. Lahourcade
President and CEO
600 Travis, Suite 6300
Houston, Texas 77002-3071
Fax number: (713) 247-9534
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their duly authorized signatories as of the date and year first above written.
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. | |||||||
Attest: | By: | ||||||
(Title) | |||||||
Date: | |||||||
Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. | |||||||
Attest: | By: | ||||||
(Title) | |||||||
Date: | |||||||
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Appendix A
Fee Schedule
For the services provided by Subadviser to the Subadviser Assets, pursuant to the attached Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will pay the Subadviser a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, based on the average daily net assets of the Subadvisory Assets at the following annual rates of the average daily net assets of the Subadviser Assets as determined by the Trust's accounting agent:
FUND | RATE | ||||||
JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund | 0.55 | % |
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ANNEX C
FORM OF INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
between
J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
and
Advisory Research, Inc.
INVESTMENT SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT, effective as of the ___day of October, 2005, between J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and Advisory Research, Inc. ("Subadviser"), a Subchapter S corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
WHEREAS, the Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of the 21day of January, 2003 ("Advisory Agreement") with J.P. Morgan Fleming Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), which is engaged in business as an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, ("1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Trust is and will continue to be a series fund having two or more investment portfolios, each with its own assets, investment objectives, policies and restrictions (each a "Fund"); and
WHEREAS, the Subadviser is engaged principally in the business of rendering investment advisory services and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, ("Advisers Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to retain the Subadviser to assist it in the provision of a continuous investment program for that portion of the assets of the Fund listed on Appendix A which the Adviser may from time to time assign to the Subadviser (the "Subadviser Assets") and the Subadviser is willing to furnish such services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT
Adviser hereby retains the Subadviser to act as investment adviser for and to manage the Subadviser Assets for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such employment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. DUTIES OF THE SUBADVISER
A. Investment Subadvisory Services. Subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") and the Adviser, the Subadviser shall (a) manage the investments of the Subadviser Assets in accordance with the Fund's investment objective, policies, and restrictions as provided in the Trust's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus"), and in compliance with the requirements applicable to registered investment companies under applicable laws and those requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue C ode of 1986, as amended ("Code") and such other limitations as the Adviser may institute. The Subadviser shall (a) make investment decisions for the Subadviser Assets; (b) place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions for the Subadviser Assets; and (c) employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts to provide research services to the Subadviser Assets. In providing these services, the Sub-Adviser will conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and reinvestment of the Subadviser Assets.
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B. Subadviser Undertakings. In all matters relating to the performance of this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the Trust's Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Prospectus and with the written instructions and directions of the Board and the Adviser. The Subadviser hereby agrees to:
(i) regularly report to the Board and the Adviser (in such form and frequency as the Adviser and Subadviser mutually agree) with respect to the implementation of the investment Program, compliance of the Subadviser Assets with the Prospectus, the 1940 Act and the Code, and on other topics as may reasonably be requested by the Board or the Adviser, including attendance at Board meetings, as reasonably requested, to present such reports to the Board;
(ii) comply with valuation procedures adopted by Board, including any amendments thereto, and consult with the Trust's pricing agent regarding the valuation of securities that are not registered for public sale, not traded on any securities markets, or otherwise may require fair valuation;
(iii) provide, subject to any obligations or undertakings reasonably necessary to maintain the confidentiality of the Subadviser's non-public information, any and all information, records and supporting documentation about the composite of accounts and the funds the Subadviser manages that have investment objectives, policies, and strategies substantially similar to those employed by the Subadviser in managing the Subadviser Assets which may be reasonably necessary, under applicable laws, to allow the Trust or its agent to present historical performance information concerning the Subadviser's similarly managed accounts and funds, for inclusion in the Trust's Prospectus and any other reports and materials prepared by the Trust or its agent, in accordance with regulatory requirements or as requested by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities.
C. Expenses. The Subadviser will bear all of its expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement. All other expenses to be incurred in the operation of the Fund will be borne by the Trust, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Subadviser. The expenses to be borne by the Trust include, without limitation, the following: organizational costs, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, Trustees' fees, Securities and Exchange Commission fees and state Blue Sky qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums, industry association fees, outside auditing and legal expen ses, costs of independent pricing services, costs of maintaining existence, costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing stockholders, costs of stockholders' reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses.
D. Brokerage. The Subadviser will select brokers and dealers to effect all orders for the purchase and sale of Subadviser Assets. In selecting brokers or dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Subadviser Assets of the Fund, the Subadviser will seek the best overall terms available. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Subadviser will consider factors it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In sele cting brokers or dealers to execute a particular transaction, and in evaluating the best overall terms available, the Subadviser is authorized to consider the brokerage and research services (within the meaning of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided to the Fund and/or other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Except as permitted by Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act, Subadviser will not engage in principal transactions with respect to the Subadviser Assets with any affiliate of the Adviser or of any other subadviser to the Fund, and will engage in agency transactions with respect to the Subadviser Assets with such affiliates only in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. Subadviser will provide a list of its affiliates to Adviser, as such may be amended from time to time. Adviser will provide to Subadviser a list of affiliated brokers and dealers of the Adviser and of each other subadviser to the Fund.
E. Aggregation of Orders. On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Subadviser Assets as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser may to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the orders for securities to be purchased or sold. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients. The Adviser recognizes that, in some cases, the Subadviser's allocation procedure may limit the size of the position that may be acquired or sold for the Subadviser Assets.
F. Books and Records. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Subadviser Assets of the Fund are the property of the Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust copies of any of such records upon the
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Fund's or the Adviser's request, provided, however, that Subadviser may retain copies of any records to the extent required for it to comply with applicable laws. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records relating to its activities hereunder required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and to preserve the records relating to its activities hereunder required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act for the period specified in said Rule. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subadviser has no responsibility for the maintenance of the records of the Fund, except for those related to the Subadviser Assets.
G. Subadviser Compliance Responsibilities. The Subadviser and the Adviser acknowledge that the Subadviser is not the compliance agent for the Fund, and does not have access to all of the Trust's books and records necessary to perform certain compliance testing. However, to the extent that the Subadviser has agreed to perform the services specified in this Agreement, the Subadviser shall perform compliance testing with respect to the Subadviser Assets based upon information in its possession and upon information and written instructions received from the Adviser or the Trust's Administrator and shall not be held in breach of this Agreement so long as it performs in accordance with such informati on and instructions. Specifically, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Fund being in violation of any applicable law or regulation or investment policy or restriction applicable to the Fund as a whole or for the Fund's failure to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code if the securities and other holdings of the Subadviser Assets would not be in such violation or failing to so qualify if the Subadviser Assets were deemed a separate series of the Trust or a separate regulated investment company under the Code. The Adviser or Trust's Administrator shall promptly provide the Subadviser with copies of the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, current Prospectus and any written policies or procedures adopted by the Board applicable to the Subadviser Assets and any amendments or revisions thereto. Subadviser shall supply such reports or other documentation as reasonably requested from time to time by the Adviser to evidence Subadviser's compliance with such Prospectus, policies or pro cedures.
H. Proxy voting. The Subadviser shall use its good faith judgment in a manner which it reasonably believes best serves the interests of the Fund's shareholders to vote or abstain from voting all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in the Subadviser Assets. The Adviser shall cause to be forwarded to Subadviser all proxy solicitation materials that Adviser receives. Subadviser agrees that it has adopted written proxy voting procedures that comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Sub-Adviser further agrees that it will provide the Board as the Board may reasonably request, with a written report of the proxies voted dur ing the most recent 12-month period or such other period as the Board may designate, in a format that shall comply with the 1940 Act. Upon reasonable request, Subadviser shall provide the Advisor with all proxy voting records relating to the Subadviser Assets, including but not limited to those required by Form NPX. Subadviser will also provide an annual certification, in a form reasonably acceptable to Adviser, attesting to the accuracy and completeness of such proxy voting records.
I. Use of Names. The Subadviser shall not use the name, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Trust or the Adviser or any of their affiliates or any derivative or logo or trade or service mark thereof, or disclose information related to the business of the Adviser or any of its affiliates in material relating to the Subadviser in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Adviser; provided, however, that the Adviser shall approve all uses of its or the Trust's name and that of their affiliates which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided, further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Adviser shall not use the name, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Subadviser or any of its affiliates in any prospectus, sales literature or other material relating to the Trust in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Subadviser; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided, further that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.
J. Other Subadvisers. With respect to any Fund, (i) the Subadviser will not consult with any other subadviser to that Fund (including, in the case of an offering of securities subject to Section 10(f) of the 1940 Act, any subadviser that is a principal underwriter or an affiliated person of a principal underwriter of such offering) concerning transactions for that Fund in securities or other assets, except, in the case of transactions involving securities of persons engaged in securities-related businesses, for purposes of complying with the conditions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 12d3-1 under the 1940 Act; and (ii) the Subadviser will provide advice and other wise perform services hereunder exclusively with respect to the Subadviser Assets of that Fund.
K. Portfolio Holdings. The Subadviser will not disclose, in any manner whatsoever, any list of securities held by the Fund, except in accordance with the Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure policy.
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3. COMPENSATION OF SUBADVISER
The Adviser will pay the Subadviser, with respect to each Fund on Appendix A attached hereto, the compensation specified in Appendix A. Such fees will be computed daily and paid monthly, calculated at an annual rate based on the Subadviser Assets' average daily net assets as determined by the Trust's accounting agent. Compensation for any partial period shall be pro-rated based on the length of the period.
4. STANDARD OF CARE
The Subadviser shall exercise its best judgment in rendering its services described in this Agreement. Except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder or other applicable law, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Adviser in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties hereunder or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement
5. INDEMNIFICATION
a. The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorneys' fees and other related expenses) ("Losses"), howsoever arising, from or in connection with this Agreement or the performance by the Sub-Adviser of its duties hereunder; provided however that the Adviser will not indemnify the Subadviser for Losses resulting from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or from the Subadviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement
b. The Subadviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all Losses resulting from the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of, or from reckless disregard of, the Subadviser's obligations and duties under this Agreement; ; provided however that the Subadviser will not indemnify the Adviser for Losses resulting from the Adviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or from the Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY
The services of the Subadviser to the Adviser with respect to the Subadviser assets are not to be deemed to be exclusive, and the Subadviser and its affiliates shall be free to render investment advisory or other services to others (including other investment companies) and to engage in other activities. It is understood and agreed that the directors, officers, and employees of the Subadviser are not prohibited from engaging in any other business activity or from rendering services to any other person, or from serving as partners, officers, directors, trustees, or employees of any other firm or corporation, including other investment companies. Adviser acknowledges that Subadviser or its affiliates may give advice and take actions in the performance of its duties to clients which differ from the advice, or the timing and nature of actions taken, with respect to other clients' accounts (including the Sub adviser assets) or employee accounts which may invest in some of the same securities recommended to advisory clients. In addition, advice provided by the Subadviser may differ from advice given by its affiliates.
7. MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE
During the term of this Agreement and for a period of one year after the termination hereof, Subadviser will maintain comprehensive general liability coverage and will carry a fidelity bond covering it and each of its employees and authorized agents with limits of not less than those considered commercially reasonable and appropriate under current industry practices. Subadviser shall promptly notify Adviser of any termination of said coverage.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY
Each party to this Agreement shall keep confidential any nonpublic information concerning the other party and will not use or disclose such information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, unless the non-disclosing party has authorized such disclosure or if such disclosure is expressly required or requested by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities. Nonpublic information shall not include information a party to this Agreement can clearly establish was (a) known to the party prior to this Agreement; (b) rightfully acquired by the party from third parties whom the party reasonably believes are not under an obligation of confidentiality to the other party to this Agreement; (c) placed in public domain without fault of the party or its affiliates; or (d) independently developed by the party without reference or reliance upon the nonpublic information.
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9. TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of its execution and shall continue in effect for a period of two years from the date of execution. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or (ii) a vote of a "majority" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable, without penalty, on 60 days' written notice, by the Adviser, by the Board, by vote of holders of a majority of the Fund's shares or by the Subadviser, and will terminate five business days after the Subadviser receives written notice of the termination of the Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser. This Agreement also will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
10. REPRESENTATIONS OF SUBADVISER
The Subadviser represents, warrants, and agrees as follows:
A. The Subadviser: (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) has met, and will continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory organization, necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iv) has the authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; and (v) will promptly notify the Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Se ction 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
B. The Subadviser has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and, if it has not already done so, will provide the Adviser and the Trust with a copy of such code of ethics. On at least an annual basis, the Subadviser will comply with the reporting requirements of Rule 17j-1, which may include (i) certifying to the Adviser that the Subadviser and its Access Persons have complied with the Subadviser's Code of Ethics with respect to the Subadviser Assets and (ii) identifying any material violations which have occurred with respect to the Subadviser Assets. Upon the reasonable request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall permit the Adviser, its employees or its agents to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser pursuant to Rule 17j-1 and all other records relevant to the Subadviser's code of ethics.
C. Subadviser has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures, as required by Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act, which are reasonably designed to prevent violations of federal securities laws by the Subadviser, its employees, officers and agents. Upon reasonable request, Subadviser shall provide the Advisor with access to the records relating to such policies and procedures as they relate to the Subadviser Assets. Subadviser will also provide, at the reasonable request of the Adviser, periodic certifications, in a form reasonably acceptable to Adviser, attesting to such written policies and procedures.
D. The Subadviser has provided the Adviser and the Trust with a copy of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the SEC and hereafter will furnish a copy of its annual amendment to the Adviser. The Adviser acknowledges receipt of the Subadviser's Form ADV more than 48 hours prior to the execution of this Agreement.
11. PROVISION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY SUBADVISER
The Subadviser will promptly notify the Adviser (1) in the event the SEC or other governmental authority has censured the Subadviser; placed limitations upon its activities, functions or operations; suspended or revoked its registration, if any, as an investment adviser; or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions or (2) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might not qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The Subadviser further agrees to notify the Adviser promptly of any material fact known to the Subadviser respecting or relating to the Subadviser that is not contained in the Prospectus, and is required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or of any statement contained therein that becomes untrue in any material respect. As reasonably requested by the Trust on behalf of the Trust's officers and in accordance with the scope of Subadviser's obligations and responsibilities contained in this Agreement, Subadviser will provide reasonable assistance to the Trust in connection with the Trusts's compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, and Rule 38(a)-1 of the 1940 Act. Such assistance shall include, but not be limited to, (i) certifying periodically, upon the reasonable request of the Trust, that it is in compliance with all applicable "federal securities laws", as required by Rule 38a-1(e)(1) under the 1940 Act, and
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Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (ii) facilitating and cooperating with third-party audits arranged by the Trust to evaluate the effectiveness of its compliance controls; (iii) providing the Trust's chief compliance officer with direct access to its compliance personnel; (iv) providing the Trust's chief compliance officer with periodic reports and (v) promptly providing special reports in the event of compliance problems. Further, Subadviser is aware that: (i) the Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Treasury/Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of the Trust (collectively, "Certifying Officers") are required to certify the Trust's periodic reports on Form N-CSR pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and (ii) the Certifying Officers must rely upon certain matters of fact generated by S ubadviser of which they do not have firsthand knowledge. Consequently, subadviser has in place and has observed procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to ensure the adequacy of the services provided to the Trust under this Agreement and the accuracy of the information prepared by it and which is included in the Form N-CSR, and shall provide certifications to the Trust to be relied upon by the Certifying Officers in certifying the Trust's periodic reports on Form N-CSR, in a form satisfactory to the Trust.
12. PROVISION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY THE ADVISER
The Adviser will promptly notify the Subadviser (1) in the event that the SEC has censured the Adviser or the Trust; placed limitations upon either of their activities, functions, or operations; suspended or revoked the Adviser's registration as an investment adviser; or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions and (2) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might not qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.
13. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.
14. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, and with the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
B. Change in Control. The Subadviser will notify the Adviser of any change of control of the Subadviser, including any change of its general partners or 25% shareholders or 25% limited partners, as applicable, in each case prior to or promptly after such change. In addition the Subadviser will notify the Adviser of any changes in the key personnel who are either the portfolio manager(s) of the Subadviser Assets or senior management of the Subadviser as soon as practicable after such change.
C. Captions. The Captions contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
D. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto and shall supersede any prior agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
E. Definitions. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, releases or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the Act. As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting securities," "affiliated person," "inte rested person," "assignment," "broker," "investment adviser," "net assets," "sale," "sell," and "security" shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, release or order. Where the effect of a requirement of the federal securities laws reflected in any provision of this Agreement is made less restrictive by a rule, release, or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, release, or order.
F. Notices. Any notice herein required is to be in writing and is deemed to have been given to Subadviser or Adviser upon receipt of the same at their respective addresses set forth below. All written notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be delivered by personal service, by postage mail return receipt requested or by facsimile machine or similar means of delivery that provide evidence of receipt. All notices to Adviser shall be sent to: J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc, 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036, Attention: Stephen M. Benham.
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All notices to Subadviser shall be sent to:
Advisory Research, Inc.
Attn: Brien O'Brien
Chairman and Chief Compliance Officer
180 N. Stetson, Suite 5500
Chicago, IL 60601
Fax: (312) 565-1418
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their duly authorized signatories as of the date and year first above written.
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. | |||||||
Attest: | By: | ||||||
(Title) | |||||||
Date: | |||||||
Advisory Research, Inc. | |||||||
Attest: | By: | ||||||
(Title) | |||||||
Date: | |||||||
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Appendix A
Fee Schedule
For the services provided by Subadviser to the Subadviser Assets, pursuant to the attached Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will pay the Subadviser a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, based on the average daily net assets of the Subadvisory Assets at the following annual rates of the average daily net assets of the Subadviser Assets as determined by the Trust's accounting agent:
FUND | RATE | ||||||
JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund | 0.55 | % |
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J.P. MORGAN FLEMING SERIES TRUST
JPMorgan Multi-Manager Small Cap Value Fund
522 FIFTH AVENUE,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
PROXY
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies, acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting of Shareholders of J.P. MORGAN FLEMING SERIES TRUST, to be held on October 14, 2005 and appoints Stephen M. Benham, Avery P. Maher, Suzanne E. Cioffi and Christopher D. Walsh (and each of them) proxies, with power of substitution, to attend the Special Meeting (and adjournments thereof) and vote all shares the undersigned is entitled to vote upon the matters indicated on the reverse side and on any other business that may properly come before the Special Meeting.
This Proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed by the undersigned. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSALS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE. THE SOLICITATION OF THIS PROXY IS MADE ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Your vote is important. Complete, sign on the reverse side and return this card as soon as possible. Mark each vote with an X in the box. (Continued and to be signed on the reverse side.)
ý | Please mark |
| JPMIM |
J.P. MORGAN FLEMING SERIES TRUST |
| The Board of Trustees recommends that you vote FOR the proposals below. | ||||||||||||
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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. |
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| For | Against | Abstain | |||||||||
Please complete, sign and return this card as soon as possible. |
| 1. | To approve a new subadvisory agreement | o | o | o | ||||||||
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this Proxy. Only one signature is required in case of a joint account. When signing in a representative capacity, please give title. |
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| between J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (“JPMIM”), the Value Fund’s investment adviser, and First Quadrant, L.P. | |||||||||||
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| For | Against | Abstain | ||||||||
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| 2. | To approve a new subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. | o | o | o | ||||||
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RECORD DATE SHARES: |
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| For | Against | Abstain | ||||||||
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| 3. | To approve a new subadvisory agreement between JPMIM and Advisory Research, Inc. | o | o | o | ||||||||
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| 4. | To transact any other business that may lawfully come before the Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof. | |||||||||||
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Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy. | Date |
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DETACH CARD |
| DETACH CARD | ||||||||||||
Your vote is important. Please vote immediately.
Vote-by-Telephone |
You should have your proxy card in hand when voting by telephone.
If you vote by telephone, please do not mail your card.