UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14C INFORMATION
INFORMATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 14(c) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Virtus Strategy Trust |
Registration Nos. 811-22167 and 333-148624 |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING
THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
Relating to
Virtus Convertible Fund
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
800-243-1574
As a shareholder of Virtus Convertible Fund (the “Fund”):
You are receiving this Notice regarding the Internet availability of an information statement relating to the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund (the “Information Statement”). This Notice presents only an overview of a more complete Information Statement that is available to you on the Internet or upon request, by mail. The Information Statement details important information regarding the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in this Information Statement. The Information Statement is for informational purposes only, and you do not need to take any action.
Subject to the direction of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”), Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) is responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program and for the general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser, and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement. At a meeting held on July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust approved the appointment of Voya Investment Management Co. LLC (“Voya”) to replace Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC as subadviser to perform the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund, pursuant to a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and Voya (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund.
The appointment of Voya as subadviser to the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement was effected on July 25, 2022, in accordance with exemptive relief (the “Exemptive Relief”) granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and approved by the Fund’s shareholders that permits VIA to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without seeking the approval of Fund shareholders (subject to certain conditions). Consequently, the Trust is not soliciting proxies to approve this change and you are requested not to send us a proxy. The Exemptive Relief does, however, require that an information statement be provided to you containing much of the same information that would have been included in a proxy statement soliciting approval of a new subadvisory agreement. In lieu of physical or electronic mail delivery of the Information Statement (other than on request as described below), the Fund will make the Information Statement available to you online.
The Information Statement will be available to review on the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/convertible until at least January 12, 2023.
If you want a paper or email copy, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. To request a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to virtus.investment.partners@virtus.com or Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. If you want to receive a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, you must request one no later than July 25, 2023.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semiannual report is also available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/convertible, by calling Virtus Fund Services toll-free at 800-243-1574, or by writing to Virtus Funds at P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074.
INFORMATION STATEMENT
VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
800-243-1574
September 30, 2022
Notice Regarding New Subadviser
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust has eight separate series, including the Virtus Convertible Fund (formerly known as Virtus AllianzGI Convertible Fund) (the “Fund”). Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “VIA”), acts as the investment adviser to the Fund, and each of the other series of the Trust. The Adviser is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
The primary purpose of this Information Statement is to provide you with important information about a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and Voya Investment Management Co. LLC (“Voya” or the “Subadviser”) with respect to the Fund.
On July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) approved the replacement of the Fund’s previous subadviser, Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AllianzGI U.S.”) with Voya. VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund and will be responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program in conformity with the Fund’s policies and oversee the subadviser.
This Information Statement will be provided on or about October 14, 2022 to the Fund’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 5, 2022 (the “Record Date”). The information in this document should be considered to be an Information Statement for purposes of Schedule 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
WE ARE NOT SOLICITING YOUR VOTE. NO PROXY VOTING CARD HAS BEEN ENCLOSED. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semi-annual report is available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/convertible, by calling 800-243-1574, or by writing Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. A copy of this Information Statement is also available via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/convertible until at least January 12, 2023.
Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act requires that all agreements under which persons serve as investment advisers or investment subadvisers to investment companies be approved by shareholders. The Trust and VIA are permitted to operate under exemptive relief issued under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act (the “Exemptive Relief”) that permits VIA, subject to certain conditions and without the approval of shareholders: (a) to select unaffiliated subadvisers, partially-owned affiliated subadvisers, and wholly-owned affiliated subadvisers, to manage all or a portion of the assets of a series of the Trust, and to enter into subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, (b) to materially amend subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, and (c) to continue the employment of existing subadvisers after events that under the 1940 Act and the relevant subadvisory agreements would otherwise cause an automatic termination of the subadvisory agreements. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers of the Fund and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Board must approve any new subadvisory agreements implemented in reliance on the Exemptive Relief. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of retaining a new subadviser.
THE TRANSACTION
Prior to July 25, 2022, AllianzGI U.S. was the subadviser to the Fund. On May 17, 2022, it was announced that AllianzGI U.S. had settled certain actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission about matters unrelated to the Fund. As a result of the settlement, AllianzGI U.S. was no longer allowed to manage U.S. registered open-end and closed-end funds after July 25, 2022, and AllianzGI U.S. informed the Fund that it would no longer be qualified to act as a subadviser to the Fund after a transition period of up to 10 weeks. Consequently, VIA engaged in a process to evaluate next steps to determine what was in the best interest of shareholders.
On June 13, 2022, Voya and AllianzGI U.S. announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement to transfer certain of AllianzGI U.S.’s investment teams to Voya, including the portfolio management team that managed the Fund.
At a special meeting of the Trust’s Board held on July 18, 2022, VIA recommended to the Board that it approve Voya to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser for the Fund’s portfolio. At the meeting, the Board approved the termination of the Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S. (the “Old Subadvisory Agreement”) to be effective on July 24, 2022. The Board then approved the appointment of Voya as successor subadviser for the Fund, and the Board approved a new subadvisory agreement between VIA and Voya to be effective July 25, 2022 (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, Voya is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. A copy of the New Subadvisory Agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by all members of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”).
THE OLD SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S., dated February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S. provided portfolio management services for the Fund. Shareholders of the Fund approved AllianzGI U.S. as investment sub-adviser of the Fund at a shareholder meeting held on December 23, 2020. The annual rate of fees paid to AllianzGI U.S.by VIA (not by the Fund) was 50% of the net advisory fee payable to VIA. The advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund was 0.57% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement, AllianzGI U.S. provided day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. In doing so, AllianzGI U.S. was subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as periodically amended and provided to AllianzGI U.S.by VIA; to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Unless instructed otherwise by VIA, AllianzGI U.S. had the authority and discretion to place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments with brokers or dealers selected by AllianzGI U.S. AllianzGI U.S. was instructed to seek the best execution of transactions at prices that were advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that were reasonable in relation to the benefits received. AllianzGI U.S. may have selected brokers or dealers on the basis that they provided brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by AllianzGI U.S. AllianzGI U.S. may have placed transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it had negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if AllianzGI U.S. determined in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or on all such transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which AllianzGI U.S. exercised investment discretion. Not all services or products provided by brokers or dealers that were generated with Fund commissions were necessarily used by AllianzGI U.S.in managing the Fund, but may have been allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement provided that AllianzGI U.S. was not liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the Old Subadvisory Agreement or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position except with respect to trade errors (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and/or AllianzGI U.S.) caused by the negligent action or omission of AllianzGI U.S. or its agent, provided, however, that such acts or omissions would not have constituted a breach of the Old Subadvisory Agreement by AllianzGI U.S., and that such acts or omissions would not have resulted from AllianzGI U.S.’s (or its officers’, directors’, partners’, agents’, employees’ or controlling persons’) willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under the Old Subadvisory Agreement.
For the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the net advisory fees paid by the Fund to VIA were $6,354,6741, and the subadvisory fees paid by VIA to AllianzGI U.S. were $3,463,379.2
The Old Subadvisory Agreement was effective for an initial period of two years and remained in full force and effect only so long as its continuance was specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act, and by the majority vote of the Independent Trustees in accordance with the requirement of Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Old Subadvisory Agreement could be terminated by either party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other party in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by the party so notified, or otherwise, could be terminated by VIA, AllianzGI U.S., the Trustees, or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Any such termination would not have affected any liability of either party with respect to any claim or matter on which any party had given written notice to any other party prior to termination and until such liability had been finally settled. The Old Subadvisory Agreement was considered for initial approval by the Board at a meeting held on August 31, 2020.
THE NEW SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
The description of the New Subadvisory Agreement that follows is qualified in its entirety by reference to the subadvisory agreement included as Exhibit A attached hereto.
Term
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will remain in effect until December 31, 2023, and thereafter for successive periods of one year only so long as the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, specifically approves its continuance at least annually. The New Subadvisory Agreement is subject to termination at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Trust, or (iii) by VIA upon 60 days’ written notice to the Subadviser. The New Subadvisory Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by VIA or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct.
Services
Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadviser provides portfolio management services to the Fund. In doing so, the Subadviser is subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its current prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by VIA; to the investment restrictions set
1 | This reflects the actual fee received by VIA as adviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. For periods prior to February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S served as adviser to the Fund. VIA replaced AllianzGI U.S. and became the Trust’s Adviser effective on February 1, 2021. |
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2 | This reflects the actual fee received by AllianzGI U.S. as subadviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. AllianzGI U.S. served as Adviser and was paid advisory fees for the period prior to February 1, 2021. |
forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Brokerage Allocation
Unless otherwise instructed by VIA, the Subadviser will place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments for the Fund with brokers or dealers selected by the Subadviser. The Subadviser has been instructed to seek best execution of transactions at prices that are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. The Subadviser may select brokers or dealers on the basis that they provide brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by the Subadviser. The Subadviser may place transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it has negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or all transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Not all Fund commissions will necessarily be used by the Subadviser in managing the Fund, but may be allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
Limitation of Liability
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Subadviser shall not be liable thereunder absent the Subadviser’s breach thereof or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and VIA and each of their respective directors or trustees, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls VIA, harmless against, any and all losses arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust, as the same may be amended from time to time), caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent.
Subadvisory Fee
VIA, and not the Fund, pays subadvisory fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement. VIA will pay the Subadviser a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund, after accounting for any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement. The Advisory Agreement between the Trust and VIA relating to the Fund remains in effect and the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund under the Advisory Agreement do not change, so there is no increase in the management fees paid by the Fund as a result of the subadvisory fees paid under the New Subadvisory Agreement.
Effective Date
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by the Board, including, by a separate vote, the Independent Trustees, at a meeting of the Board held on July 18, 2022. The New Subadvisory Agreement became effective as of July 25, 2022, and the Subadviser began managing the assets of the Fund on July 25, 2022.
BOARD CONSIDERATIONS
As previously mentioned, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Board, approved the proposal to replace AllianzGI U.S. with Voya as subadviser to the Fund at a meeting held on July 18, 2022. The Independent Trustees were separately advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process.
In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board requested and evaluated information provided by VIA and the Subadviser which, in the Board’s view, constituted information necessary for the Board to form a judgment as to whether the New Subadvisory Agreement would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Board considered all the criteria separately with respect to the Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Trustees considered various factors, including those discussed below, none of which were controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Trustees
also discussed the proposal in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.
Basis for the Board’s Approval
In making its determination with respect to the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board considered various factors, including:
| · | Nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided. The Trustees received in advance of the meeting information provided by the Subadviser, in the form of an extensive questionnaire concerning a number of topics, including its investment philosophy, resources, operations and compliance structure. The Trustees noted that the Subadviser would provide portfolio management, compliance with the Fund’s investment policies and procedures, compliance with applicable securities laws, and assurances thereof. The Trustees reviewed biographical information for the portfolio managers who would provide services under the New Subadvisory Agreement, noting that the portfolio management team from AllianzGI U.S. would be joining Voya and would continue to manage the Fund. In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the Subadviser’s investment management process, including (a) the experience and capability of the Subadviser’s management and other personnel committed by the Subadviser to the Fund; (b) the financial condition of the Subadviser; (c) the quality of the Subadviser’s regulatory and legal compliance policies, procedures and systems; and (d) the Subadviser’s brokerage and trading practices. The Board also took into account the Subadviser’s risk assessment and monitoring process. The Board noted the Subadviser’s regulatory history, including whether it was currently involved in any regulatory actions or investigations as well as material litigation, and any settlements and amelioratory actions undertaken, as appropriate. After considering all of the information provided to them, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser to the Fund were satisfactory and that there was a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the Subadviser would provide a high quality of investment services to the Fund. |
| · | Investment Performance. The Board considered the historical performance of the Fund versus a peer group and an appropriate index. The Board considered that the same portfolio management team would continue to manage the Fund and determined it was satisfied with the proposed Subadviser’s performance. |
| · | Management Fees and Expenses. The Board noted that the Fund’s management fee was not expected to change, and the Fund has expense caps in place to limit the total expenses incurred by the Fund and its shareholders. The Board took into account that the Fund’s subadvisory fees are paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund, so that the Fund’s shareholders would not be directly impacted by those fees. The Board concluded that the proposed subadvisory fees were fair and reasonable in light of the services to be provided by the Subadviser and all factors considered. |
| · | Profitability and Economies of Scale. In considering the projected profitability to the Subadviser in connection with its relationship to the Fund, the Board noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be paid by VIA out of the advisory fees that it receives under the Advisory Agreement and not by the Fund. In considering the reasonableness of the fees payable by VIA to the Subadviser, the Board noted that, because the Subadviser is an unaffiliated subadviser, the Board relied on the ability of VIA to negotiate the New Subadvisory Agreement and the fees thereunder at arm’s length. As a result, the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationship with the Fund was not a material factor in the Board’s deliberations at this time. For similar reasons, the Board did not consider the potential economies of scale in the Subadviser’s management of the Fund to be a material factor in its consideration at this time. |
| · | Other Benefits. The Board noted management’s discussion of the fact that there are no other direct benefits to the Subadviser in providing subadvisory services to the Fund, other than the fee to be earned under the New Subadvisory Agreement. There may be certain intangible benefits gained to the extent that serving the Fund could provide the opportunity to provide subadvisory services to additional series of the Trust or certain reputational benefits. |
Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the New Subadvisory Agreement.
THE EXEMPTIVE RELIEF
The Fund and VIA have received shareholder approval to rely on exemptive relief from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and an order under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act that permits VIA, with respect to the series of the Trust and subject to certain conditions, to enter into and materially amend subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval. Therefore, the Trust and VIA have the right, subject to prior approval by the Board and certain conditions, to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without the approval of the shareholders of the Fund, including, without limitation, to replace or reinstate any subadviser with respect to which a subadvisory agreement has automatically terminated as a result of an assignment. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of any change in subadvisers made in reliance upon such Exemptive Relief.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUBADVISER
Voya Investment Management Co., LLC is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Voya Financial, Inc., a publicly traded financial holding company. Voya, a registered investment adviser, is a leading innovator in the investment industry and manages global quantitative-based investment strategies for institutional and private investors. Its principal office is located at 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169. As of June 30, 2022, Voya had in aggregate approximately $150 billion in assets under management.
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investments, and serve as portfolio managers of the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement:
| · | Justin Kass, CFA. Mr. Kass, CFA, is a portfolio manager and a senior managing director with Voya, which he joined in July 2022. He also serves as Chief Investment Officer and Co-Head of the Income & Growth team. He previously was a portfolio manager and a managing director at Allianz Global Investors, which he joined in 2000. He has portfolio management, research and trading responsibilities for the Income and Growth Strategies team. In 2003, Mr. Kass was promoted to portfolio management and began handling day-to-day portfolio manager responsibilities for the firm’s US Convertible strategy in 2005. He is also a lead portfolio manager for the firm’s Income & Growth strategy since its inception in 2007. In addition to management responsibility for institutional clients, Mr. Kass is responsible for managing multiple closed-end and open-end mutual funds. Previous to joining the firm, Mr. Kass interned on the Income and Growth Strategies team, adding significant depth to its proprietary Upgrade Alert Model. He has 23 years of investment-industry experience. Mr. Kass has a B.S. from the University of California, Davis, and an M.B.A. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He is a CFA charterholder. |
| · | Michael E. Yee. Mr. Yee is a portfolio manager and a managing director with Voya, which he joined in July, 2022. He previously was a portfolio manager and a managing director at Allianz Global Investors, which he joined in 1995. He has portfolio-management, research and trading responsibilities for the Income and Growth Strategies team. He is also a lead portfolio manager for the firm’s Income and Growth strategy since its inception in 2007. In addition, Mr. Yee is responsible for managing multiple closed-end and open-end mutual funds. Mr. Yee was previously an analyst for the Global and Systematic team with responsibilities focused on US large-cap equity strategies. In addition, he also worked in global portfolio administration and in client service. He has 27 years of investment-industry experience. Mr. Yee was previously a financial consultant for Priority One Financial/Liberty Foundation. He has a B.S. from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.B.A. from San Diego State University. |
| · | David J. Oberto. Mr. Oberto is a portfolio manager and senior vice president with Voya, which he joined in July, 2022. He previously was a portfolio manager and a director with Allianz Global Investors, which he joined in 2007. He has portfolio management, research and trading responsibilities for the Income and Growth Strategies team. He has been a portfolio manager for the firm’s US High Yield Bond strategy since 2017. In addition to management responsibility for institutional clients, Mr. Oberto is responsible for managing multiple closed-end and open-end mutual funds. He has 18 years of investment industry experience. Mr. Oberto was previously a portfolio administrator, a credit default swaps (CDS) account manager and a trade-closer for Bain Capital. He began his career as an intern at Gabelli Asset Management. Mr. Oberto has a B.S.B.A. with a concentration in finance and a minor in economics from Fordham University and an M.S. in finance from the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University. |
The names and principal occupations of the principal executive officers and the directors of Voya are listed below:
Name | | Principal Occupation at Voya |
Christine Hurtsellers | | Chief Executive Officer & Chairwoman |
Michael Pytosh | | Co-Chief Investment Officer Of Equities & Senior Managing Director |
Paul Zemsky | | Chief Investment Officer Of Mass & Senior Managing Director |
Amir Sahibzada | | Chief Risk Officer & Managing Director |
Matthew Toms | | Chief Investment Officer Of Fixed Income And Proprietary Investments & Senior Managing Director |
James Fink | | Chief Administrative Officer & Managing Director |
Dina Santoro | | Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director |
Huey Falgout | | Head Of IM Legal & Managing Director |
Jacob Tuzza | | Head Of Distribution & Senior Managing Director |
Micheline Faver | | Chief Compliance Officer & Senior Vice President |
Vincent Costa | | Co-Chief Investment Officer Of Equities & Senior Managing Director |
Jeffrey Bakalar | | Chief Investment Officer/Group Head Of Leveraged Credit & Senior Managing Director |
Each of the principal executive officers and directors of Voya is located at 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169.
As of the date of this Information Statement, Voya serves as an investment adviser or subadviser to no other funds that have similar investment objectives and are managed similarly to the Fund.
INFORMATION ABOUT VIA AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
VIA is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. VIA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus. Virtus is an independent, publicly traded financial services company which, through its affiliates, provides asset management and related services to individuals and institutions. As of June 30, 2022, Virtus’ affiliated investment advisers had in aggregate approximately $155.4 billion in assets under management. VIA acts as an investment adviser to mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of August 31, 2022, VIA managed approximately $51.7 billion in assets. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, for its services with regard to the Fund VIA was paid $6,926,757 in aggregate investment advisory fees, which includes $1,144,167 in advisory fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed. As of the date of this Information Statement, VIA did not serve as an investment adviser to any other funds that have similar investment objectives and are managed similarly to the Fund. VIA will compensate the Subadviser out of the management fees it receives from the Fund.
VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the national distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Fund paid $1,575,511 to VP Distributors during the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2021, for performing distribution services1. The principal office of VP Distributors is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund paid $213 in brokerage commissions. No brokerage fees were paid to any affiliate of VIA or Voya.
Virtus Fund Services, LLC (“Virtus Fund Services”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrative agent for the Fund. The principal office of Virtus Fund Services is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. The Fund paid $1,112,543 to Virtus Fund Services during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, for performing these services for the Fund2.
SHARE OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
The Fund had 54,449,874.378 shares issued and outstanding as of the Record Date.
The table below shows those shareholders who beneficially owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of the Record Date.
Shareholder Name and Address | Percentage of Fund Owned |
National Financial Services LLC* for Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers Attn Mutual Funds Dept 4th Floor 499 Washington Blvd Jersey City NJ 07310 | 16.85 |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC* for the Exclusive Benefit of Its Customers 1 New York Plaza Fl 12 New York NY 10004-1901 | 7.16 |
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC* Special Custody Acct for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers 2801 Market Street St Louis MO 63103 | 7.14 |
Charles Schwab & Co Inc* Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers Attn: Mutual Funds Dept 211 Main St San Francisco CA 94105-1905 | 6.73 |
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City NJ 07399-0002 | 6.23 |
Raymond James* Omnibus for Mutual Funds House Acct Firm 92500015 Attn Courtney Waller 880 Carillon Parkway St Petersburg FL 33716 | 5.19 |
* These entities are omnibus accounts for many individual shareholder accounts. The Fund is not aware of the size or identity of the underlying individual accounts.
1 | VP Distributors began serving as distributor on February 1, 2021. |
2 | Virtus Fund Services began serving as administrator on February 1, 2021. |
As of the Record Date, the officers and Trustees of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
HOUSEHOLDING OF MATERIALS
The Trust may send only one copy of this Information Statement and the semi-annual and annual reports to those households in which multiple shareholders share the same address, unless the Trust received instructions from a shareholder in such a household requesting separate copies of these materials. If you are a shareholder who shares the same address as other shareholders of the Trust and would like to receive a separate copy of this Information Statement, the semi-annual report, annual reports or future proxy statements, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. If you share the same address as multiple shareholders and would like the Trust to send only one copy of future proxy statements, information statements, semi-annual reports and annual reports, please contact Virtus Funds at the above phone number or VP Distributors at the above post office address.
FUTURE SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
As a Massachusetts business trust, the Trust does not hold shareholder meetings unless required by the 1940 Act. The Trust relied upon Exemptive Relief to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser to the Fund without a shareholder meeting. As of the date of mailing of this information statement, the Trust does not anticipate holding a meeting of shareholders of the Fund in 2022 or 2023. Shareholders who wish to present a proposal for action at the next meeting should submit the proposal to:
Jennifer S. Fromm
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Proposals must be received in a reasonable time prior to the date of the applicable shareholder meeting to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for the meeting. Timely submission of a proposal does not, however, necessarily mean that the proposal will be submitted for consideration by shareholders.
By Order of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust.
Jennifer S. Fromm
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary
Virtus Strategy Trust
Exhibit A
VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST
Virtus Convertible Fund
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
July 25, 2022
Voya Investment Management Co. LLC
230 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10169
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Trust are offered or may be offered in several series (sometimes hereafter referred to as the “Series”), including Virtus Convertible Fund.
Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
| 1. | Appointment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby appoints Voya Investment Management Co. LLC (the “Subadviser”) as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser as set forth on Schedule F attached hereto (the “Designated Series”) on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The investment management services of the Subadviser are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner with the Subadviser’s performance hereunder. |
| 2. | Acceptance of Appointment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its appointment as a discretionary series adviser of the Designated Series and agrees, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) and the Adviser, to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Designated Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Subadviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority or obligation to act for or represent the Adviser, the Trust or the Series in any way. |
| 3. | Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Designated Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Trust as they apply to the Designated Series and as set forth in the Trust’s then current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“Statement of Additional Information”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of the Trust’s registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Board, and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Trust’s prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Designated Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies. |
| 4. | Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Designated Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Trust (the “Custodian”), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Designated Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Trust all investment orders for the Designated Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Trust shall issue |
to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Trust shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the acts, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
| 5. | Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Designated Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed. |
| A. | In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Designated Series securities for the Trust, the Subadviser’s primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Trust, as long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a “best execution” market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Trust, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Trust may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Trust a lower commission on the particular transaction. |
| B. | The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Trust and other portfolios the Subadviser manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Designated Series with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities in a manner considered by the Subadviser to be equitable and consistent with the Subadviser’s fiduciary obligations in respect of the Designated Series and to such other accounts. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall not execute any transactions for the Designated Series with a broker or dealer that is an “affiliated person” (as defined in the Act) of (i) the Designated Series; (ii) another Series; (iii) the Adviser; (iv) the Subadviser or any other subadviser to the Designated Series; (v) a principal underwriter of the Trust’s shares; or (vi) any other affiliated person of the Designated Series, in each case, unless such transactions are permitted by applicable law or regulation and carried out in compliance with any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are “affiliated persons” of the Trust, the Adviser or the principal underwriter, and applicable policies and procedures. Upon the request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall promptly, and in any event within three business days of a request, indicate whether any entity identified by the Adviser in such request is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of (i) the Subadviser or (ii) any affiliated person of the Subadviser, subject in each case to any confidentiality requirements applicable to the Subadviser and/or its affiliates. Further, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with a list of (x) each broker-dealer entity that is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of the Subadviser and (y) each affiliated person of the Subadviser that has outstanding publicly-issued debt or equity. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list(s) whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from such list of affiliated persons. |
| D. | Consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust in respect of the Designated Series and the requirements of best price and execution, the Subadviser may, under certain circumstances, arrange to have purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the Designated Series and another account managed by the Subadviser (“cross transactions”), provided that such transactions are carried out in accordance with applicable law or regulation and any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with applicable policies and procedures. |
| 6. | Proxies and Other Shareholder Actions. |
| A. | Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Designated Series. Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, provided that the Adviser has reviewed the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect and determined them to comply with the requirements of the Trust’s proxy voting policy, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Designated Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian, the Administrator or another party, to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with any changes to the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures. The Subadviser further agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Trust to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act. The Subadviser shall provide disclosure regarding its proxy voting policies and procedures in accordance with the requirements of Form N-1A for inclusion in the Registration Statement of the Trust. During any annual period in which the Subadviser has voted proxies for the Trust, the Subadviser shall, as may reasonably be requested by the Adviser, certify as to its compliance with its proxy voting policies and procedures and applicable federal statutes and regulations. |
| B. | The Subadviser is authorized to deal with reorganizations, exchange offers and other voluntary corporate actions with respect to securities held in the Designated Series in such manner as the Subadviser deems advisable, unless the Trust or the Adviser otherwise specifically directs in writing. It is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the filing of claims (or otherwise causing the Trust to participate) in class action settlements or similar proceedings in which shareholders may participate related to securities currently or previously associated with the Designated Series. With the Adviser’s approval, on a case-by-case basis the Subadviser may obtain the authority and take on the responsibility to: (i) identify, evaluate and pursue legal claims, including commencing or defending suits, affecting the securities held at any time in the Designated Series, including claims in bankruptcy, class action securities litigation and other litigation; (ii) participate in such litigation or related proceedings with respect to such securities as the Subadviser deems appropriate to preserve or enhance the value of the Designated Series, including filing proofs of claim and related documents and serving as “lead plaintiff” in class action lawsuits; (iii) exercise generally any of the powers of an owner with respect to the supervision and management of such rights or claims, including the settlement, compromise or submission to arbitration of any claims, the exercise of which the Subadviser deems to be in the best interest of the Designated Series or required by applicable law, including ERISA, and (iv) employ suitable agents, including legal counsel, and to pay their reasonable fees, expenses and related costs from the Designated Series. |
| 7. | Prohibited Conduct. In accordance with Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act and any other applicable law or regulation, the Subadviser’s responsibility regarding investment advice hereunder is limited to the Designated Series, and the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to the Trust or any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates regarding transactions in securities or other assets for the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of investment companies sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and its affiliates, and the Subadviser shall be in breach of the foregoing provision only if the investment company is included in such a list provided to the Subadviser prior to such prohibited action. The Subadviser, and its affiliates and agents, shall refrain from making any written or oral statements concerning the Designated Series, the Trust, any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates, and any substantially similar products, that are reasonably likely to mislead investors regarding either (i) the services rendered by the Subadviser to the Designated Series or the Trust, or (ii) the Designated Series, including without limitation with respect to the investment strategies and/or risks, and/or the performance thereof. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Trust and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Subadviser may, in its discretion, utilize personnel employed by affiliates of the Subadviser to perform services pursuant to |
this Agreement by way of a “participating affiliate” agreement in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), including the published interpretations thereof by the SEC or its staff. Such participating affiliate agreement shall subject the personnel providing such services to the Subadviser’s compliance and other programs with respect to their activities on behalf of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser assumes full responsibility for all actions, and any failure to act, by each person utilized by the Subadviser to perform services under this Agreement.
| 8. | Information and Reports. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall keep the Trust and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Designated Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Board, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series during the most recently completed quarter, which reports: (i) shall include Subadviser’s representation that its performance of its investment management duties hereunder is in compliance with the Designated Series’ investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the diversification and minimum “good income” requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) otherwise shall be in such form as may be reasonably required by the Adviser. |
| B. | Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser’s or the Subadviser’s respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested by the Adviser regarding its management of the Designated Series required for any shareholder report, amended Registration Statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the SEC. |
| D. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser and the Trust in the event that any of the Subadviser’s employees or contractors raise any issues concerning any actual or potential material violation of any law, regulation or internal policy of the Subadviser, in each case actually or potentially affecting the Designated Series. |
| 9. | Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser. |
| 10. | Limitation of Liability. Absent the Subadviser’s breach of this Agreement or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and the Adviser and each of their respective directors or trustees, members, officers, employees and shareholders, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or the Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), harmless against, any and all Losses (as defined below) arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust), as the same may be amended from time to time) caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent. The Adviser agrees to provide prior written notice to the Subadviser of any material changes to the definition of Trade Error becoming effective with respect to the Designated Series unless, in the reasonable discretion of the Adviser, such change must |
become effective earlier due to any applicable law, rule, regulation or court order. It is acknowledged and agreed that any Trade Error that results in a gain to the Designated Series shall inure to the benefit of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Designated Series is a third party beneficiary of the indemnity granted in this Section 10, and the indemnity is intended to cover claims by the Designated Series, the Trust (on behalf of the Designated Series), or the Adviser against the Subadviser for recovery pursuant to this section.
| 11. | Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Trust to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Designated Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Trust in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and the Adviser agree that the Subadviser may (i) disclose in marketing materials and similar communications that the Subadviser has been engaged to manage assets of the Designated Series pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) include performance statistics regarding the Designated Series in composite performance statistics regarding one or more groups of Subadviser’s clients published or included in any of the foregoing communications, provided that the Subadviser does not identify any performance statistics as relating specifically to the Designated Series. |
| 12. | Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Trust and the Adviser in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Trust to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser. |
| 13. | Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that: |
| A. | It is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon it. It (i) is registered as an “investment adviser” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser makes no representation or warranty with regard to the approval of this Agreement by the Board under Section 15 of the Act; (iii) has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (iv) has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act from occurring, and correct promptly any violations that have occurred, and will provide notice promptly to the Adviser of any material violations relating to the Trust; (v) has materially met and will seek to 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 agency. |
| B. | It is either registered as a commodity trading advisor or duly exempt from such registration with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and it will maintain such registration or exemption continuously during the term of this Agreement or, alternatively, will become a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the CFTC and will be a member in good standing with the National Futures Association. |
| C. | It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Trust, records in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Trust, and shall be surrendered to the Trust or to the Adviser as agent of the Trust promptly upon request of either. The Trust acknowledges that the Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation. |
| D. | It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Act and shall provide the Trust and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Trust. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Trust and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1 during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no material violation of its Code of Ethics, or of Rule 17j-1(b), or that any persons covered under its Code of Ethics has divulged or acted upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws, and if such a violation of the code of ethics of the Trust has occurred, or if such a violation of its Code of Ethics has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser promptly of any material violation of the Code of Ethics involving the Trust. The Subadviser will provide such additional information regarding violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust as the Trust or its Chief Compliance Officer on behalf of the Trust or the Adviser may reasonably request in order to assess the functioning of the Code of Ethics or any harm caused to the Trust from a violation of the Code of Ethics. Further, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, nonpublic information by the Subadviser and its employees. The Subadviser will explain what it has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish to the Trust and the Adviser a written report which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser’s Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall permit the Trust and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1(d)(1) and this subparagraph. |
| E. | It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect of the Trust could affect the Trust, by the Trust, of “federal securities laws” (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Trust with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information reasonably requested by the Trust and/or the Adviser. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Trust and/or the Adviser from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters as the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Designated Series. |
| F. | The Subadviser will immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9 of the Act or otherwise. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if it is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board or body, including but not limited to the SEC and the CFTC, involving the affairs of the Designated Series. |
| G. | To the best of its knowledge, there are no material pending, threatened, or contemplated actions, suits, proceedings, or investigations before or by any court, governmental, administrative or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel to which it or any of its directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders, members or principals, or any of its affiliates is a party or to which it or its affiliates or any of its or its affiliates’ assets are subject, nor has it or any of its affiliates received any notice of an investigation, inquiry, or dispute by any court, governmental, administrative, or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel regarding any of its or their activities, which might reasonably be expected to result in (i) a material adverse effect on the Trust or (ii) a material adverse change in the Subadviser’s condition (financial or otherwise) or business, or which might reasonably be expected to |
materially impair the Subadviser’s ability to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if the representation in this Section 13.G is no longer accurate.
| H. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser of any changes in its executive officers, partners or in its key personnel, including, without limitation, any change in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the Designated Series or if there is an actual or expected change in control or management of the Subadviser. |
| 14. | No Personal Liability. A copy of the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Trustees of the Trust as Trustees and not individually and that the obligations of the Trust pursuant to this instrument (if any) are not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Trust or of any successor of the Trust, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate. |
| 15. | Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with the Schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Trust, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, E and F, is subject to the approval of the Board (including those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust) and, if required by the Act or applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of a majority of the Designated Series’ outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended or terminated in accordance with any exemptive order issued to the Adviser, the Trust or its affiliates. |
| 16. | Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until December 31, 2023. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote of the Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series and (ii) by vote of a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) or of any person party to this Agreement, cast in person (or otherwise, as consistent with applicable laws, regulations and related guidance and relief) at a meeting called for the purpose of such approval. |
| 17. | Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Trust, or (iii) by the Adviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Subadviser. This Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by the Adviser or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser of this Agreement or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment, as such term is defined in and interpreted under the terms of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Termination of this Agreement will not affect any outstanding orders or transactions or any legal rights or obligations which may already have arisen. Transactions in progress at the date of termination will be completed by the Subadviser as soon as reasonably practicable. Provisions of this Agreement relating to indemnification and the preservation of records, as well as any responsibilities or obligations of the parties hereto arising from matters initiated prior to termination, shall survive any termination of this Agreement. |
| 18. | Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and fully performed within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
| 19. | Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
| 20. | Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or e-mail transmission addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party. |
| (a) | To the Adviser or the Trust at: |
| | |
| | Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. |
| | One Financial Plaza |
| | Hartford, Connecticut 06103 |
| | Attn: Legal Counsel |
| | Telephone: (860) 263-4790 |
| | Facsimile: (860) 241-1028 |
| | |
| (b) | To the Subadviser at: |
| | |
| | Voya Investment Management Co. LLC |
| | 230 Park Avenue |
| | New York, NY 10169 |
| | Attn: Huey Falgout, Jr. |
| | Telephone: (480) 477-_2666 |
| | Email: huey.falgout@voya.com |
| | |
| 21. | Certifications. The Subadviser shall timely provide to the Adviser and the Trust, all information and documentation they may reasonably request as necessary or appropriate in order for the Adviser and the Board to oversee the activities of the Subadviser and in connection with the compliance by any of them with the requirements of this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the policies and procedures referenced herein, and any applicable law, including, without limitation, (i) information and commentary relating to the Subadviser or the Designated Series for the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports, in a format reasonably approved by the Adviser, together with (A) a certification that such information and commentary discuss all of the factors that materially affected the performance of the Designated Series, including the relevant market conditions and the investment techniques and strategies used and (B) additional certifications related to the Subadviser’s management of the Trust in order to support the Trust’s filings on Form N-CSR and other applicable forms, and the Trust’s Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications under Rule 30a-2 under the Act, thereon; (ii) within 5 business days of a quarter-end, a quarterly certification with respect to compliance and operational matters related to the Subadviser and the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series (including, without limitation, compliance with the applicable procedures), in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser, as it may be amended from time to time; and (iii) an annual certification from the Subadviser’s Chief Compliance Officer, appointed under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act with respect to the design and operation of the Subadviser’s compliance program, in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, the Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) arising from the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Adviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Adviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Subadviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Adviser for use therein. |
| B. | The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser from and against any and all Losses arising from the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Subadviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Subadviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Subadviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Subadviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Adviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Subadviser for use therein. |
| C. | A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt written notice to the other of any claim (“Claim”) for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and /or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party. |
| D. | No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement. |
| 23. | Receipt of Disclosure Documents. The Trust and the Adviser acknowledge receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part 2 of the Subadviser’s Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business. The Subadviser will, promptly after making any amendment to its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendment to the Adviser. On an annual basis and upon request, the Subadviser will provide a copy of its audited financial statements, including balance sheets, for the two most recent fiscal years and, if available, each subsequent fiscal quarter. At the time of providing such information, the Subadviser shall describe any material adverse change in its financial condition since the date of its latest financial statement. |
| 24. | Counterparts; Fax Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and |
shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures.
| 25. | Bankruptcy and Related Events. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the other in the event that: (i) it makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or is otherwise adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) a material event occurs that could reasonably be expected to adversely impair its ability to perform this Agreement. The Adviser further agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the Subadviser in the event that the Trust ceases to be registered as an investment company under the Act. |
[signature page follows]
| VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Title: | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer |
| | | | |
| VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | |
| | | | |
| By: | /s/ Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Name: | Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Title: | Executive Vice President | |
ACCEPTED:
VOYA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO. LLC
By: | /s/ Eileen Madden | |
| Name: | Eileen Madden | |
| Title: | Managing Director, Head of Client Service and Relationship Management |
| | | |
SCHEDULES: | A. | Operational Procedures |
| B. | Record Keeping Requirements |
| C. | Fee Schedule |
| D. | Subadviser Functions |
| E. | Form of Sub-Certification |
| F. | Designated Series |
SCHEDULE A
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied in a secure manner by Subadviser to the Trust’s service providers, including: The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), Virtus Fund Services, LLC (the “Fund Administrator”), BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., (the “Accounting Agent”), any Prime Broker to the Series, and all other Counterparties/Brokers as required.
The Subadviser must furnish the Trust’s service providers with required daily information as to executed trades in a format and time-frame agreed to by the Subadviser, Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties and designated persons of the Trust. Trade information sent to the Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties must include all necessary data within the required timeframes to allow such parties to perform their obligations to the Designated Series.
The Accounting Agent specifically requires a daily trade blotter with a summary of all trades, in addition to trade feeds, including, if no trades are executed, a report to that effect. Daily information as to executed trades for same-day settlement and future trades must be sent to the Accounting Agent no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the day of the trade each day the Trust is open for business. All other executed trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent on trade date +1 by 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to ensure that they are part of the Designated Series’ NAV calculation. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Trust for any loss caused by the Subadviser’s failure to comply with the requirements of this Schedule A.) On fiscal quarter ends and calendar quarter ends, all trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent by 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) for inclusion in the financial statements of the Designated Series. The data to be sent to the Accounting Agent and/or Fund Administrator will be as agreed by the Subadviser, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and designated persons of the Trust and shall include (without limitation) the following:
1. | Transaction type (e.g., purchase, sale, open, close, put call); |
2. | Security type (e.g., equity, fixed income, swap, future, option, short, long); |
3. | Security name; |
4. | Exchange identifier (e.g., CUSIP, ISIN, Sedol, OCC Symbol) (as applicable); |
5. | Number of shares and par, original face, contract amount, notional amount; |
6. | Transaction price per share (clean if possible); |
7. | Strike price; |
8. | Aggregate principal amount; |
9. | Executing broker; |
10. | Settlement agent; |
11. | Trade date; |
12. | Settlement date; |
13. | Aggregate commission or if a net trade; |
14. | Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security; |
15. | Net proceeds of the transaction; |
16. | Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research (to be provided quarterly); |
17. | Derivative terms; |
18. | Non-deliverable forward classification (to be provided quarterly); |
19. | Maturity/expiration date; and |
20. | Details of margin and collateral movement. |
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Trust, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be opened by the Subadviser in the name of the Trust or any Series except as specifically approved by the Trust and the Fund Administrator. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Accounting Agent will provide a five-day cash projection. This will normally be done by email or, if email is unavailable, by another form of immediate written communication, so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
SCHEDULE B
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
| 1. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(5) and (6)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Trust for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include: |
| A. | The name of the broker; |
| B. | The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or cancellations thereof; |
| C. | The time of entry or cancellation; |
| D. | The price at which executed; |
| E. | The time of receipt of a report of execution; and |
| F. | The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Trust. |
| 2. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten (10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase and sale orders. Such record: |
| A. | Shall include the consideration given to: |
| | |
| (i) | The sale of shares of the Trust by brokers or dealers. |
| | |
| (ii) | The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers to: |
| (d) | Any person other than the foregoing. |
| | |
| (iii) | Any other consideration other than the technical qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such. |
| | |
| B. | Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available. |
| | |
| C. | Shall describe in detail the application of any general or specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| | |
| D. | Shall show the name of the person responsible for making the determination of such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| 3. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.* |
| 4. | (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required to be maintained by registered investment advisers by rule adopted under Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary or appropriate to record the Subadviser’s transactions for the Trust. |
| 5. | Records as necessary under Board-approved policies and procedures of the Trust, including without limitation those related to valuation determinations. |
* Such information might include: current financial information, annual and quarterly reports, press releases, reports by analysts and from brokerage firms (including their recommendations, i.e., buy, sell, hold) or any internal reports or subadviser review.
SCHEDULE C
SUBADVISORY FEE
For services provided to the Trust, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser a fee, payable monthly in arrears, equal to 50% of the net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series, calculated as follows:
| 1. | The total expenses of the Designated Series will be calculated in accordance with the terms of its prospectus, including application of the gross advisory fee. |
| 2. | Such total expenses will be reduced by the application of any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement, in accordance with the terms thereof. |
| 3. | The net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series will then be calculated by subtracting from the gross advisory fee any amount required to be waived under the applicable fee waiver(s) and/or reimbursed under such applicable expense limitation agreement. |
| 4. | In the event that the Adviser waives its entire fee and also assumes expenses of the Designated Series pursuant to an applicable expense limitation agreement, the Subadviser will similarly waive its entire fee and will share in the expense assumption by contributing 50% of the assumed amount. |
| 5. | If during the term of this Agreement the Adviser later recaptures some or all of the fees waived or expenses assumed by the Adviser and the Subadviser together, the Adviser shall pay to the Subadviser a pro rata amount of the fee(s)/expense(s) recaptured that is attributable to the Subadviser’s portion of the original waiver/assumed expense. |
SCHEDULE D
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Designated Series’ assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
| (a) | An investment program for the Designated Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board and the Adviser in paragraph 3 of this Subadvisory Agreement and implementation of that program; |
| (b) | Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Trust’s code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Board relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Designated Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Designated Series and governing laws, regulations, rules and orders; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered “illiquid” for the purposes of complying with the Designated Series’ limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; vi) the implementation of the Designated Series’ investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Designated Series performance; vii) compliance with the Investment Guidelines; viii) description of material changes in policies or procedures; and ix) description of any significant firm related developments; |
| (c) | Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Board; |
| (d) | Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Board at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Board; and |
| (e) | Notice to the Board and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Act or otherwise. |
| (f) | Reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings. |
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
| Re: | Subadviser’s Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Designated Series]. |
| From: | [Name of Subadviser] |
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30a-2 certifications of Form N-CSR.
[Name of Designated Series].
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30a-2 and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have reviewed the following information presented in the schedule of investments for the period ended [Date of Reporting Period] (the “Report”) which forms part of the N-CSR, as applicable, for the Trust.
Schedule of Investments
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
| a. | Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual fund. |
| b. | Designed and implemented controls which ensure that all transactions provided to the fund’s custodians/prime broker and accounting agent (“vendors”) have been delivered in a secure manner by authorized persons, and that access to the fund’s records maintained by the fund’s vendors is restricted to authorized persons of our firm or, if applicable, any third party administrator utilized by our firm. Such controls include review of the authorized persons at least annually and prompt communication of any changes to authorized persons to the fund’s vendors. |
| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective. |
| d. | In addition, to the best of my knowledge, there has been no fraud, whether or not material, that involves our organization’s management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization’s control and procedures as they relate to our duties as subadviser to the Designated Series. |
I have read the draft of the Report which I understand to be current as of [Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such draft of the Report, including the Fund Summary and Asset Allocations (as applicable), does not, with respect to the Designated Series, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft Report.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Designated Series’ Chief Accounting Officer:
| a. | All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data with respect to the Designated Series in a timely fashion; |
| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser’s management or other employees who have a significant role in the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. |
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
| a. | The Subadviser’s Portfolio Manager(s) has/have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the “Code”). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code. |
| b. | The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Designated Series and the Policies and Procedures of the Designated Series as adopted by the Designated Series Board of Trustees. |
| c. | I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Virtus Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser’s compliance administrator. |
| d. | The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Designated Series as outlined above. |
| e. | Since the submission of our most recent certification there have not been any divestments of securities of issuers that conduct or have direct investments in business operations in Iran or Sudan. |
| f. | The subadviser has disclosed to the Adviser or the Designated Series any holdings required to be disclosed under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended and Executive Orders 13224, and 13382. |
This certification relates solely to the Designated Series named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Designated Series. The Subadviser’s records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to serve as the Designated Series official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Report.
[Name of Subadviser] | | Date | |
[Name of Authorized Signer] | | |
[Title of Authorized Signer] | | |
SCHEDULE F
DESIGNATED SERIES
Virtus Convertible Fund
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING
THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
Relating to
Virtus Duff & Phelps Water Fund
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
800-243-1574
As a shareholder of Virtus Duff & Phelps Water Fund (the “Fund”):
You are receiving this Notice regarding the Internet availability of an information statement relating to the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund (the “Information Statement”). This Notice presents only an overview of a more complete Information Statement that is available to you on the Internet or, upon request, by mail. The Information Statement details important information regarding the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in this Information Statement. The Information Statement is for informational purposes only, and you do not need to take any action.
Subject to the direction of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”), Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) is responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program and for the general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser, and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement. At a meeting held on July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust approved the appointment of Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (“Duff & Phelps”) to replace Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC as subadviser to perform the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund, pursuant to a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and Duff & Phelps (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund.
The appointment of Duff & Phelps as subadviser to the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement was effected on July 25, 2022, in accordance with exemptive relief (the “Exemptive Relief”) granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and approved by the Fund’s shareholders that permits VIA to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without seeking the approval of Fund shareholders (subject to certain conditions). Consequently, the Trust is not soliciting proxies to approve this change and you are requested not to send us a proxy. The Exemptive Relief does, however, require that an information statement be provided to you containing much of the same information that would have been included in a proxy statement soliciting approval of a new subadvisory agreement. In lieu of physical or electronic mail delivery of the Information Statement (other than on request as described below), the Fund will make the Information Statement available to you online.
The Information Statement will be available to review on the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/duff-phelps-water until at least January 12, 2023.
If you want a paper or email copy, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. To request a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to virtus.investment.partners@virtus.com or Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. If you want to receive a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, you must request one no later than July 25, 2023.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semiannual report is also available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/duff-phelps-water, by calling Virtus Fund Services toll-free at 800-243-1574, or by writing to Virtus Funds at P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074.
INFORMATION STATEMENT
VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
September 30, 2022
Notice Regarding New Subadviser
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust has eight separate series, including the Virtus Duff & Phelps Water Fund (formerly known as Virtus Water Fund) (the “Fund”). Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) acts as the investment adviser to the Fund, and each of the other series of the Trust. The Adviser is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
The primary purpose of this Information Statement is to provide you with important information about a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (“Duff & Phelps” or the “Subadviser”) with respect to the Fund.
On July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) approved the replacement of the Fund’s previous subadviser, Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AllianzGI U.S.”), with Duff & Phelps, and in connection therewith, a change to the Fund’s name and principal investment strategies. VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund and will be responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program in conformity with the Fund’s policies and oversee the subadviser.
This Information Statement will be provided on or about October 14, 2022 to the Fund’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 5, 2022 (the “Record Date”). The information in this document should be considered to be an Information Statement for purposes of Schedule 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
WE ARE NOT SOLICITING YOUR VOTE. NO PROXY VOTING CARD HAS BEEN ENCLOSED. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semi-annual report is available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/duff-phelps-water, by calling 800-243-1574, or by writing Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. A copy of this Information Statement is also available via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/duff-phelps-water until at least January 12, 2023.
Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act requires that all agreements under which persons serve as investment advisers or investment subadvisers to investment companies be approved by shareholders. The Trust and VIA are permitted to operate under exemptive relief issued under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act (the “Exemptive Relief”) that permits VIA, subject to certain conditions and without the approval of shareholders: (a) to select unaffiliated subadvisers, partially-owned affiliated subadvisers, and wholly-owned affiliated subadvisers, to manage all or a portion of the assets of a series of the Trust, and to enter into subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, (b) to materially amend subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, and (c) to continue the employment of existing subadvisers after events that under the 1940 Act and the relevant subadvisory agreements would otherwise cause an automatic termination of the subadvisory agreements. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers of the Fund and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Board must approve any new subadvisory agreements implemented in reliance on the Exemptive Relief. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of retaining a new subadviser.
THE TRANSACTION
Prior to July 25, 2022, AllianzGI U.S. was the subadviser to the Fund, then known as Virtus Water Fund. On May 17, 2022, it was announced that AllianzGI U.S. had settled certain actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission about matters unrelated to the Fund. As a result of the settlement, AllianzGI U.S. was no longer allowed to manage U.S. registered open-end and closed-end funds after July 25, 2022, and AllianzGI U.S. informed the Fund that it would no longer be qualified to act as a subadviser to the Fund after a transition period of up to 10 weeks. Consequently, VIA engaged in a process to evaluate next steps to determine what was in the best interest of shareholders.
At a special meeting of the Trust’s Board held on July 18, 2022, VIA recommended to the Board that it approve Duff & Phelps to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser for the Fund’s portfolio. At the meeting, the Board approved the termination of the Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S. (the “Old Subadvisory Agreement”) to be effective on July 24, 2022. The Board then approved the appointment of Duff & Phelps as successor subadviser for the Fund, and the Board approved a new subadvisory agreement between VIA and Duff & Phelps to be effective July 25, 2022 (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, Duff & Phelps is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. A copy of the New Subadvisory Agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by all members of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”).
THE OLD SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S., dated February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S. provided portfolio management services for the Fund. Shareholders of the Fund approved AllianzGI U.S. as investment sub-adviser of the Fund at a shareholder meeting held on December 23, 2020. The annual rate of fees paid to AllianzGI U.S. by VIA (not by the Fund) was 50% of the net advisory fee payable to VIA. The advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund was 0.95% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement, AllianzGI U.S. provided day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. In doing so, AllianzGI U.S. was subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as periodically amended and provided to AllianzGI U.S.by VIA; to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Unless instructed otherwise by VIA, AllianzGI U.S. had the authority and discretion to place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments with brokers or dealers selected by AllianzGI U.S. AllianzGI U.S. was instructed to seek the best execution of transactions at prices that were advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that were reasonable in relation to the benefits received. AllianzGI U.S. may have selected brokers or dealers on the basis that they provided brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by AllianzGI U.S. AllianzGI U.S. may have placed transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it had negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if AllianzGI U.S. determined in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or on all such transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which AllianzGI U.S. exercised investment discretion. Not all services or products provided by brokers or dealers that were generated with Fund commissions were necessarily used by AllianzGI U.S.in managing the Fund, but may have been allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement provided that AllianzGI U.S. was not liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the Old Subadvisory Agreement or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position except with respect to trade errors (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and/or AllianzGI U.S.) caused by the negligent action or omission of AllianzGI U.S. or its agent, provided, however, that such acts or omissions would not have constituted a breach of the Old Subadvisory Agreement by AllianzGI U.S., and that such acts or omissions would not have resulted from
AllianzGI U.S.’s (or its officers’, directors’, partners’, agents’, employees’ or controlling persons’) willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under the Old Subadvisory Agreement.
For the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the net advisory fees paid by the Fund to VIA were $6,088,8571, and the subadvisory fees paid by VIA to AllianzGI U.S. were $2,034,3752.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement was effective for an initial period of two years and remained in full force and effect only so long as its continuance was specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act, and by the majority vote of the Independent Trustees in accordance with the requirement of Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Old Subadvisory Agreement could be terminated by either party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other party in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by the party so notified, or otherwise, could be terminated by VIA, AllianzGI U.S., the Trustees, or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Any such termination would not have affected any liability of either party with respect to any claim or matter on which any party had given written notice to any other party prior to termination and until such liability had been finally settled. The Old Subadvisory Agreement was considered for initial approval by the Board at a meeting held on August 31, 2020.
THE NEW SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
The description of the New Subadvisory Agreement that follows is qualified in its entirety by reference to the subadvisory agreement included as Exhibit A attached hereto.
Term
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will remain in effect until December 31, 2023, and thereafter for successive periods of one year only so long as the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, specifically approves its continuance at least annually. The New Subadvisory Agreement is subject to termination at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Trust, or (iii) by VIA upon 60 days’ written notice to the Subadviser. The New Subadvisory Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by VIA or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct.
Services
Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadviser provides portfolio management services to the Fund. In doing so, the Subadviser is subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its current prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by VIA; to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Brokerage Allocation
Unless otherwise instructed by VIA, the Subadviser will place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments for the Fund with brokers or dealers selected by the Subadviser. The Subadviser has been instructed to seek best execution of transactions at prices that are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. The Subadviser may select brokers or dealers on the basis that they provide
1 This reflects the actual fee received by VIA as adviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. For periods prior to February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S served as adviser to the Fund. VIA replaced AllianzGI U.S. and became the Trust’s Adviser effective on February 1, 2021.
2 This reflects the actual fee received by AllianzGI U.S. as subadviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. AllianzGI U.S. served as Adviser and was paid advisory fees for the period prior to February 1, 2021.
brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by the Subadviser. The Subadviser may place transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it has negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or all transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Not all Fund commissions will necessarily be used by the Subadviser in managing the Fund, but may be allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
Limitation of Liability
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Subadviser shall not be liable thereunder absent the Subadviser’s breach thereof or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and VIA and each of their respective directors or trustees, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls VIA, harmless against, any and all losses arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust) (as the same may be amended from time to time), caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent.
Subadvisory Fee
VIA, and not the Fund, pays subadvisory fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement. VIA will pay the Subadviser a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund, after accounting for any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement. The Advisory Agreement between the Trust and VIA relating to the Fund remains in effect and the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund under the Advisory Agreement do not change, so there is no increase in the management fees paid by the Fund as a result of the subadvisory fees paid under the New Subadvisory Agreement.
Effective Date
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by the Board, including, by a separate vote, the Independent Trustees, at a meeting of the Board held on July 18, 2022. The New Subadvisory Agreement became effective as of July 25, 2022, and the Subadviser began managing the assets of the Fund on July 25, 2022.
CHANGES IN THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Upon the replacement of AllianzGI U.S. with Duff & Phelps as subadviser of the Fund, the Fund’s principal investment strategies have been updated to reflect Duff & Phelps’s investment strategies and policies. In summary, the Fund continues to seek long-term capital appreciation. Consistent with this objective, Duff & Phelps’s management the Fund’s investment program is similar to how it was managed by AllianzGI U.S., but there are some slight differences: (i) the Fund will typically invest up to 25% of its total assets in Asia and geographies other than U.S. or European securities, rather than 20%; and (ii) the references to investing in convertible securities or stock index futures contracts and to hedging the Fund’s exposure to securities denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies have been removed. In addition, while Duff & Phelps considers companies’ Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (“ESG”) practices, the portfolio managers will no longer utilize company-specific and macroeconomic insights from the global research network of analysts of the broader Allianz Global Investors organization.
BOARD CONSIDERATIONS
As previously mentioned, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Board, approved the proposal to replace AllianzGI U.S. with Duff & Phelps as subadviser to the Fund at a meeting held on July 18, 2022. In connection with the appointment of the Subadviser, the Board also considered and approved the name change from Virtus Water Fund to Virtus Duff & Phelps Water Fund. The Independent Trustees were separately advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process.
In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board requested and evaluated information provided by VIA and the Subadviser which, in the Board’s view, constituted information necessary for the Board to
form a judgment as to whether the New Subadvisory Agreement would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Board considered all the criteria separately with respect to the Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Trustees considered various factors, including those discussed below, none of which were controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Trustees also discussed the proposals in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.
Basis for the Board’s Approval
In making its determination with respect to the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board considered various factors, including:
| · | Nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided. The Trustees received in advance of the meeting information provided by the Subadviser, in the form of an extensive questionnaire concerning a number of topics, including its investment philosophy, resources, operations and compliance structure. The Trustees noted that the Subadviser would provide portfolio management, compliance with the Fund’s investment policies and procedures, compliance with applicable securities laws, and assurances thereof. The Trustees reviewed biographical information for the portfolio managers who would provide services under the New Subadvisory Agreement. In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the Subadviser’s investment management process, including (a) the experience and capability of the Subadviser’s management and other personnel committed by the Subadviser to the Fund; (b) the quality of the Subadviser’s regulatory and legal compliance policies, procedures and systems; and (c) the Subadviser’s brokerage and trading practices. The Board also took into account its knowledge of Duff & Phelps’ services and the quality of the performance of its duties with respect to other Virtus Funds. After considering all of the information provided to them, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser to the Fund were satisfactory and that there was a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the Subadviser would provide a high quality of investment services to the Fund. |
| · | Investment Performance. The Board considered the performance of a composite managed by the proposed Subadviser versus a peer group, an appropriate index and the Fund’s historical performance, and was satisfied with the proposed Subadviser’s performance. |
| · | Management Fees and Expenses. The Board noted that the Fund’s management fee was not expected to change, and the Fund has expense caps in place to limit the total expenses incurred by the Fund and its shareholders. The Board took into account that the Fund’s subadvisory fees are paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund, so that the Fund’s shareholders would not be directly impacted by those fees. The Board concluded that the proposed subadvisory fees were fair and reasonable in light of the services to be provided by the Subadviser and all factors considered. |
| · | Profitability and Economies of Scale. In considering the projected profitability to the Subadviser in connection with its relationship to the Fund, the Board noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be paid by VIA out of the advisory fees that it receives under the Advisory Agreement and not by the Fund. In considering the reasonableness of the fees payable by VIA to the Subadviser, the Board noted that, because the Subadviser is an affiliate of VIA, such profitability might be directly or indirectly shared by VIA. As a result, the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationship with the Fund was not a material factor in the Board’s deliberations at this time. For similar reasons, the Board did not consider the potential economies of scale in the Subadviser’s management of the Fund to be a material factor in its consideration at this time. |
| · | Other Benefits. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Subadviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund. Among them, the Board recognized that VP Distributors, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser, serves as the principal underwriter for the Trust, and, as such, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Fund to compensate it for providing selling activities, which could |
lead to growth in the Fund’s assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board also noted that an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser provides administrative and transfer agency services to the Trust. The Board noted management’s discussion of the fact that, while the Subadviser is an affiliate of VIA, there are no other direct benefits to the Subadviser in providing subadvisory services to the Fund, other than the fee to be earned under the New Subadvisory Agreement. There may be certain intangible benefits gained to the extent that serving the Fund could provide the opportunity to provide subadvisory services to additional series of the Trust or certain reputational benefits.
Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the New Subadvisory Agreement.
THE EXEMPTIVE RELIEF
The Fund and VIA have received shareholder approval to rely on exemptive relief from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and an order under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act that permits VIA, with respect to the series of the Trust and subject to certain conditions, to enter into and materially amend subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval. Therefore, the Trust and VIA have the right, subject to prior approval by the Board and certain conditions, to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without the approval of the shareholders of the Fund, including, without limitation, to replace or reinstate any subadviser with respect to which a subadvisory agreement has automatically terminated as a result of an assignment. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of any change in subadvisers made in reliance upon such Exemptive Relief.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUBADVISER
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., an affiliate of VIA, is located at 200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60606. Duff & Phelps acts as subadviser to mutual funds and as adviser or subadviser to closed-end mutual funds and to institutional clients. Duff & Phelps (together with its predecessor) has been in the investment advisory business for more than 70 years. Duff & Phelps managed approximately $12.7 billion as of August 31, 2022.
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investments, and serve as portfolio managers of the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement:
| · | David D. Grumhaus, Jr. Mr. Grumhaus is President and Chief Investment Officer of Duff & Phelps. Mr. Grumhaus has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since July 2022. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps in 2014, Mr. Grumhaus served as a portfolio manager and director of research for Copia Capital, LLC. Previously, he was an investment banker for Goldman, Sachs & Co., and William Blair & Company, LLC. Mr. Grumhaus began his career in the investment industry in 1989. |
| · | Evan Lang, CFA. Mr. Lang is a Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst of Duff & Phelps. Mr. Lang has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since August 2022. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps in August 2022, Mr. Lang was a research analyst (since 2014) and portfolio manager at TortoiseEcofin (since 2020) where he managed a sustainable global water strategy. |
The following persons serve as the principal executive officers of the Subadviser at the address for the Subadviser listed above. George Aylward also serves as an officer of the Trust.
Name | Principal Occupation at Duff & Phelps |
| |
Michael A. Angerthal | Director, Executive Vice President and Treasurer |
| |
George R. Aylward | Director and Chairman |
| |
David D. Grumhaus | President and Chief Investment Officer |
Name | Principal Occupation at Duff & Phelps |
| |
Wendy J. Hills | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary |
| |
Alan Meder | Senior Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer |
| |
Joyce Riegel | Chief Compliance Officer |
As of the date of this Information Statement, Duff & Phelps serves as an investment adviser or subadviser to no other funds that have similar investment objectives and are managed similarly to the Fund.
INFORMATION ABOUT VIA
AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
VIA is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. VIA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus. Virtus is an independent, publicly traded financial services company which, through its affiliates, provides asset management and related services to individuals and institutions. As of June 30, 2022, Virtus’ affiliated investment advisers had in aggregate approximately $155.4 billion in assets under management. VIA acts as an investment adviser to mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of August 31, 2022, VIA managed approximately $51.7 billion in assets. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, VIA was paid $3,507,660 in aggregate investment advisory fees, which includes $534,579 in advisory fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed, for its services with regard to the Fund. VIA will compensate the Subadviser out of the management fees it receives from the Fund.
VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the national distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Fund paid $750,226 to VP Distributors during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, for performing distribution services. The principal office of VP Distributors is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund paid $91,197 in brokerage commissions. No brokerage fees were paid to any affiliate of VIA and Duff & Phelps.
Virtus Fund Services, LLC (“Virtus Fund Services”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrative agent for the Fund as of February 1, 2021. The principal office of Virtus Fund Services is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. The Fund paid $338,029 to Virtus Fund Services, for the period from February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, for performing these services for the Fund.
SHARE OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
The Fund had 40,481,152.179 shares issued and outstanding as of the Record Date.
The table below shows those shareholders who beneficially owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of the Record Date.
Shareholder Name and Address | Percentage of Fund Shares Owned |
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc* For The Sole Benefit Of Its Customers 4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 3 Jacksonville FL 32246-6484 | 14.56 |
National Financial Services LLC* For Exclusive Benefit Of Our Customers Attn Mutual Funds Dept 4th Floor 499 Washington Blvd Jersey City NJ 07310 | 14.21 |
Shareholder Name and Address | Percentage of Fund Shares Owned |
Charles Schwab & Co Inc* Special Custody Account For The Exclusive Benefit Of Our Customers Attn: Mutual Funds Dept 211 Main St San Francisco CA 94105-1905 | 10.94 |
* These entities are omnibus accounts for many individual shareholder accounts. The Fund is not aware of the size or identity of the underlying individual accounts.
As of the Record Date, the officers and Trustees of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
HOUSEHOLDING OF MATERIALS
The Trust may send only one copy of this Information Statement and the semi-annual and annual reports to those households in which multiple shareholders share the same address, unless the Trust received instructions from a shareholder in such a household requesting separate copies of these materials. If you are a shareholder who shares the same address as other shareholders of the Trust and would like to receive a separate copy of this Information Statement, the semi-annual report, annual reports or future proxy statements, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. If you share the same address as multiple shareholders and would like the Trust to send only one copy of future proxy statements, information statements, semi-annual reports and annual reports, please contact Virtus Funds at the above phone number or VP Distributors at the above post office address.
FUTURE SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
As a Massachusetts business trust, the Trust does not hold shareholder meetings unless required by the 1940 Act. The Trust relied upon Exemptive Relief to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser to the Fund without a shareholder meeting. As of the date of mailing of this information statement, the Trust does not anticipate holding a meeting of shareholders in 2022 or 2023. Shareholders who wish to present a proposal for action at the next meeting should submit the proposal to:
Jennifer S. Fromm
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Proposals must be received in a reasonable time prior to the date of the applicable shareholder meeting to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for the meeting. Timely submission of a proposal does not, however, necessarily mean that the proposal will be submitted for consideration by shareholders.
By Order of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust.
Jennifer S. Fromm
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary
Virtus Strategy Trust
Exhibit A
VIRTUS STATEGY TRUST
Virtus Duff & Phelps Water Fund
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
July 25, 2022
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.
200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60606
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Trust are offered or may be offered in several series (sometimes hereafter referred to as the “Series”), including Virtus Duff & Phelps Water Fund.
Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
| 1. | Appointment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby appoints Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (the “Subadviser”) as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser as set forth on Schedule F attached hereto (the “Designated Series”) on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner with the Subadviser’s performance hereunder. |
| 2. | Acceptance of Appointment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its appointment as a discretionary series adviser of the Designated Series and agrees, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) and the Adviser, to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Designated Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Subadviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority or obligation to act for or represent the Adviser, the Trust or the Series in any way. |
| 3. | Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Designated Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Trust as they apply to the Designated Series and as set forth in the Trust’s then current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“Statement of Additional Information”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of the Trust’s registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Board, and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Trust’s prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Designated Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies. |
| 4. | Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Designated Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Trust (the “Custodian”), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Designated Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Trust all investment orders for the Designated Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Trust shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction |
initiated by the Subadviser. The Trust shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the acts, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
| 5. | Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Designated Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed. |
| A. | In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Designated Series securities for the Trust, the Subadviser’s primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Trust, as long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a “best execution” market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Trust, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Trust may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Trust a lower commission on the particular transaction. |
| B. | The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Trust and other portfolios the Subadviser manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Designated Series with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities in a manner considered by the Subadviser to be equitable and consistent with the Subadviser’s fiduciary obligations in respect of the Designated Series and to such other accounts. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall not execute any transactions for the Designated Series with a broker or dealer that is an “affiliated person” (as defined in the Act) of (i) the Designated Series; (ii) another Series; (iii) the Adviser; (iv) the Subadviser or any other subadviser to the Designated Series; (v) a principal underwriter of the Trust’s shares; or (vi) any other affiliated person of the Designated Series, in each case, unless such transactions are permitted by applicable law or regulation and carried out in compliance with any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are “affiliated persons” of the Trust, the Adviser or the principal underwriter, and applicable policies and procedures. Upon the request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall promptly, and in any event within three business days of a request, indicate whether any entity identified by the Adviser in such request is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of (i) the Subadviser or (ii) any affiliated person of the Subadviser, subject in each case to any confidentiality requirements applicable to the Subadviser and/or its affiliates. Further, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with a list of (x) each broker-dealer entity that is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of the Subadviser and (y) each affiliated person of the Subadviser that has outstanding publicly-issued debt or equity. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list(s) whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from such list of affiliated persons. |
| D. | Consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust in respect of the Designated Series and the requirements of best price and execution, the Subadviser may, under certain circumstances, arrange to have purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the Designated Series and another account managed by the Subadviser (“cross transactions”), provided that such transactions are carried out in accordance with applicable law or regulation and any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with applicable policies and procedures. |
| 6. | Proxies and Other Shareholder Actions. |
| A. | Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Designated Series. Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, provided that the Adviser has reviewed the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect and determined them to comply with the requirements of the Trust’s proxy voting policy, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Designated Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian, the Administrator or another party, to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with any changes to the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures. The Subadviser further agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Trust to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act. The Subadviser shall provide disclosure regarding its proxy voting policies and procedures in accordance with the requirements of Form N-1A for inclusion in the Registration Statement of the Trust. During any annual period in which the Subadviser has voted proxies for the Trust, the Subadviser shall, as may reasonably be requested by the Adviser, certify as to its compliance with its proxy voting policies and procedures and applicable federal statutes and regulations. |
| B. | The Subadviser is authorized to deal with reorganizations, exchange offers and other voluntary corporate actions with respect to securities held in the Designated Series in such manner as the Subadviser deems advisable, unless the Trust or the Adviser otherwise specifically directs in writing. It is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the filing of claims (or otherwise causing the Trust to participate) in class action settlements or similar proceedings in which shareholders may participate related to securities currently or previously associated with the Designated Series. With the Adviser’s approval, on a case-by-case basis the Subadviser may obtain the authority and take on the responsibility to: (i) identify, evaluate and pursue legal claims, including commencing or defending suits, affecting the securities held at any time in the Designated Series, including claims in bankruptcy, class action securities litigation and other litigation; (ii) participate in such litigation or related proceedings with respect to such securities as the Subadviser deems appropriate to preserve or enhance the value of the Designated Series, including filing proofs of claim and related documents and serving as “lead plaintiff” in class action lawsuits; (iii) exercise generally any of the powers of an owner with respect to the supervision and management of such rights or claims, including the settlement, compromise or submission to arbitration of any claims, the exercise of which the Subadviser deems to be in the best interest of the Designated Series or required by applicable law, including ERISA, and (iv) employ suitable agents, including legal counsel, and to pay their reasonable fees, expenses and related costs from the Designated Series. |
| 7. | Prohibited Conduct. In accordance with Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act and any other applicable law or regulation, the Subadviser’s responsibility regarding investment advice hereunder is limited to the Designated Series, and the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to the Trust or any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates regarding transactions in securities or other assets for the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of investment companies sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and its affiliates, and the Subadviser shall be in breach of the foregoing provision only if the investment company is included in such a list provided to the Subadviser prior to such prohibited action. The Subadviser, and its affiliates and agents, shall refrain from making any written or oral statements concerning the Designated Series, the Trust, any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates, and any substantially similar products, that are reasonably likely to mislead investors regarding either (i) the services rendered by the Subadviser to the Designated Series or the Trust, or (ii) the Designated Series, including without limitation with respect to the investment strategies and/or risks, and/or the performance thereof. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Trust and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Subadviser may, in its discretion, utilize personnel employed by affiliates of the Subadviser to perform services pursuant to |
this Agreement by way of a “participating affiliate” agreement in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), including the published interpretations thereof by the SEC or its staff. Such participating affiliate agreement shall subject the personnel providing such services to the Subadviser’s compliance and other programs with respect to their activities on behalf of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser assumes full responsibility for all actions, and any failure to act, by each person utilized by the Subadviser to perform services under this Agreement.
| 8. | Information and Reports. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall keep the Trust and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Designated Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Board, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series during the most recently completed quarter, which reports: (i) shall include Subadviser’s representation that its performance of its investment management duties hereunder is in compliance with the Designated Series’ investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the diversification and minimum “good income” requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) otherwise shall be in such form as may be reasonably required by the Adviser. |
| B. | Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser’s or the Subadviser’s respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested by the Adviser regarding its management of the Designated Series required for any shareholder report, amended Registration Statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the SEC. |
| D. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser and the Trust in the event that any of the Subadviser’s employees or contractors raise any issues concerning any actual or potential material violation of any law, regulation or internal policy of the Subadviser, in each case actually or potentially affecting the Designated Series. |
| 9. | Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser. |
| 10. | Limitation of Liability. Absent the Subadviser’s breach of this Agreement or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and the Adviser and each of their respective directors or trustees, members, officers, employees and shareholders, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or the Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), harmless against, any and all Losses (as defined below) arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust), as the same may be amended from time to time) caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent. The Adviser agrees to provide prior written notice to the Subadviser of any material changes to the definition of Trade Error becoming effective with respect to the Designated Series unless, in the reasonable discretion of the Adviser, such change must |
become effective earlier due to any applicable law, rule, regulation or court order. It is acknowledged and agreed that any Trade Error that results in a gain to the Designated Series shall inure to the benefit of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Designated Series is a third party beneficiary of the indemnity granted in this Section 10, and the indemnity is intended to cover claims by the Designated Series, the Trust (on behalf of the Designated Series), or the Adviser against the Subadviser for recovery pursuant to this section.
| 11. | Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Trust to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Designated Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Trust in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and the Adviser agree that the Subadviser may (i) disclose in marketing materials and similar communications that the Subadviser has been engaged to manage assets of the Designated Series pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) include performance statistics regarding the Designated Series in composite performance statistics regarding one or more groups of Subadviser’s clients published or included in any of the foregoing communications, provided that the Subadviser does not identify any performance statistics as relating specifically to the Designated Series. |
| 12. | Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Trust and the Adviser in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Trust to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser. |
| 13. | Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that: |
| A. | It is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon it. It (i) is registered as an “investment adviser” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser makes no representation or warranty with regard to the approval of this Agreement by the Board under Section 15 of the Act; (iii) has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (iv) has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act from occurring, and correct promptly any violations that have occurred, and will provide notice promptly to the Adviser of any material violations relating to the Trust; (v) has materially met and will seek to 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 agency. |
| B. | It is either registered as a commodity trading advisor or duly exempt from such registration with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and it will maintain such registration or exemption continuously during the term of this Agreement or, alternatively, will become a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the CFTC and will be a member in good standing with the National Futures Association. |
| C. | It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Trust, records in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Trust, and shall be surrendered to the Trust or to the Adviser as agent of the Trust promptly upon request of either. The Trust acknowledges that the Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation. |
| D. | It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Act and shall provide the Trust and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Trust. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Trust and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1 during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no material violation of its Code of Ethics, or of Rule 17j-1(b), or that any persons covered under its Code of Ethics has divulged or acted upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws, and if such a violation of the code of ethics of the Trust has occurred, or if such a violation of its Code of Ethics has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser promptly of any material violation of the Code of Ethics involving the Trust. The Subadviser will provide such additional information regarding violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust as the Trust or its Chief Compliance Officer on behalf of the Trust or the Adviser may reasonably request in order to assess the functioning of the Code of Ethics or any harm caused to the Trust from a violation of the Code of Ethics. Further, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, nonpublic information by the Subadviser and its employees. The Subadviser will explain what it has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish to the Trust and the Adviser a written report which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser’s Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall permit the Trust and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1(d)(1) and this subparagraph. |
| E. | It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect of the Trust could affect the Trust, by the Trust, of “federal securities laws” (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Trust with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information reasonably requested by the Trust and/or the Adviser. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Trust and/or the Adviser from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters as the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Designated Series. |
| F. | The Subadviser will immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9 of the Act or otherwise. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if it is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board or body, including but not limited to the SEC and the CFTC, involving the affairs of the Designated Series. |
| G. | To the best of its knowledge, there are no material pending, threatened, or contemplated actions, suits, proceedings, or investigations before or by any court, governmental, administrative or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel to which it or any of its directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders, members or principals, or any of its affiliates is a party or to which it or its affiliates or any of its or its affiliates’ assets are subject, nor has it or any of its affiliates received any notice of an investigation, inquiry, or dispute by any court, governmental, administrative, or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel regarding any of its or their activities, which might reasonably be expected to result in (i) a material adverse effect on the Trust or (ii) a material adverse change in the Subadviser’s condition (financial or otherwise) or business, or which might reasonably be expected to |
materially impair the Subadviser’s ability to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if the representation in this Section 13.G is no longer accurate.
| H. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser of any changes in its executive officers, partners or in its key personnel, including, without limitation, any change in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the Designated Series or if there is an actual or expected change in control or management of the Subadviser. |
| 14. | No Personal Liability. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, a copy of which has been filed with the SEC, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name “Virtus Strategy Trust” refers to the Board under said Declaration of Trust, as trustees and not personally, and no trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Trust shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Trust or of any successor of the Trust, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate. |
| 15. | Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with the Schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Trust, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, E and F, is subject to the approval of the Board (including those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust) and, if required by the Act or applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of a majority of the Designated Series’ outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended or terminated in accordance with any exemptive order issued to the Adviser, the Trust or its affiliates. |
| 16. | Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until December 31, 2023. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote of the Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series and (ii) by vote of a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) or of any person party to this Agreement, cast in person (or otherwise, as consistent with applicable laws, regulations and related guidance and relief) at a meeting called for the purpose of such approval. |
| 17. | Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Trust, or (iii) by the Adviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Subadviser. This Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by the Adviser or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser of this Agreement or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment, as such term is defined in and interpreted under the terms of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Termination of this Agreement will not affect any outstanding orders or transactions or any legal rights or obligations which may already have arisen. Transactions in progress at the date of termination will be completed by the Subadviser as soon as reasonably practicable. Provisions of this Agreement relating to indemnification and the preservation of records, as well as any responsibilities or obligations of the parties hereto arising from matters initiated prior to termination, shall survive any termination of this Agreement. |
| 18. | Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and fully performed within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
| 19. | Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
| 20. | Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or e-mail transmission addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party. |
| (a) | To the Adviser or the Trust at: |
| | Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. |
| | One Financial Plaza |
| | Hartford, Connecticut 06103 |
| | Attn: Legal Counsel |
| | Telephone: (860) 263-4790 |
| | Facsimile: (860) 241-1028 |
| | |
| (b) | To the Subadviser at: |
| | Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. |
| | 200 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 500 |
| | Chicago, IL 60606 |
| | Attn: Chief Compliance Officer |
| | Telephone: (312) 263-2610 |
| | Facsimile: (312) 876-1028 |
| | Email: joyce.riegel@dpimc.com |
| | |
| 21. | Certifications. The Subadviser shall timely provide to the Adviser and the Trust, all information and documentation they may reasonably request as necessary or appropriate in order for the Adviser and the Board to oversee the activities of the Subadviser and in connection with the compliance by any of them with the requirements of this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the policies and procedures referenced herein, and any applicable law, including, without limitation, (i) information and commentary relating to the Subadviser or the Designated Series for the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports, in a format reasonably approved by the Adviser, together with (A) a certification that such information and commentary discuss all of the factors that materially affected the performance of the Designated Series, including the relevant market conditions and the investment techniques and strategies used and (B) additional certifications related to the Subadviser’s management of the Trust in order to support the Trust’s filings on Form N-CSR and other applicable forms, and the Trust’s Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications under Rule 30a-2 under the Act, thereon; (ii) within 5 business days of a quarter-end, a quarterly certification with respect to compliance and operational matters related to the Subadviser and the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series (including, without limitation, compliance with the applicable procedures), in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser, as it may be amended from time to time; and (iii) an annual certification from the Subadviser’s Chief Compliance Officer, appointed under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act with respect to the design and operation of the Subadviser’s compliance program, in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, the Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) arising from the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Adviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Adviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Subadviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Adviser for use therein. |
| B. | The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser from and against any and all Losses arising from the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Subadviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Subadviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Subadviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Subadviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Adviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Subadviser for use therein. |
| C. | A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt written notice to the other of any claim (“Claim”) for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and /or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party. |
| D. | No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement. |
| 23. | Receipt of Disclosure Documents. The Trust and the Adviser acknowledge receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part 2 of the Subadviser’s Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business. The Subadviser will, promptly after making any amendment to its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendment to the Adviser. On an annual basis and upon request, the Subadviser will provide a copy of its audited financial statements, including balance sheets, for the two most recent fiscal years and, if available, each subsequent fiscal quarter. At the time of providing such information, the Subadviser shall describe any material adverse change in its financial condition since the date of its latest financial statement. |
| 24. | Counterparts; Fax Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all |
signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures.
| 25. | Bankruptcy and Related Events. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the other in the event that: (i) it makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or is otherwise adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) a material event occurs that could reasonably be expected to adversely impair its ability to perform this Agreement. The Adviser further agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the Subadviser in the event that the Trust ceases to be registered as an investment company under the Act. |
[signature page follows]
| VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Title: | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer |
| VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Name: | Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Title: | Executive Vice President | |
ACCEPTED:
DUFF & PHELPS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO.
By: | /s/ David Grumhaus | |
| Name: | David Grumhaus | |
| Title: | President & Chief Investment Officer | |
| | | |
SCHEDULES: | A. | Operational Procedures |
| B. | Record Keeping Requirements |
| C. | Fee Schedule |
| D. | Subadviser Functions |
| E. | Form of Sub-Certification |
| F. | Designated Series |
SCHEDULE A
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied in a secure manner by Subadviser to the Trust’s service providers, including: The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), Virtus Fund Services, LLC (the “Fund Administrator”), BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., (the “Accounting Agent”), any Prime Broker to the Series, and all other Counterparties/Brokers as required.
The Subadviser must furnish the Trust’s service providers with required daily information as to executed trades in a format and time-frame agreed to by the Subadviser, Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties and designated persons of the Trust. Trade information sent to the Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties must include all necessary data within the required timeframes to allow such parties to perform their obligations to the Designated Series.
The Accounting Agent specifically requires a daily trade blotter with a summary of all trades, in addition to trade feeds, including, if no trades are executed, a report to that effect. Daily information as to executed trades for same-day settlement and future trades must be sent to the Accounting Agent no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the day of the trade each day the Trust is open for business. All other executed trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent on trade date +1 by 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to ensure that they are part of the Designated Series’ NAV calculation. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Trust for any loss caused by the Subadviser’s failure to comply with the requirements of this Schedule A.) On fiscal quarter ends and calendar quarter ends, all trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent by 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) for inclusion in the financial statements of the Designated Series. The data to be sent to the Accounting Agent and/or Fund Administrator will be as agreed by the Subadviser, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and designated persons of the Trust and shall include (without limitation) the following:
1. | Transaction type (e.g., purchase, sale, open, close, put call); |
2. | Security type (e.g., equity, fixed income, swap, future, option, short, long); |
3. | Security name; |
4. | Exchange identifier (e.g., CUSIP, ISIN, Sedol, OCC Symbol) (as applicable); |
5. | Number of shares and par, original face, contract amount, notional amount; |
6. | Transaction price per share (clean if possible); |
7. | Strike price; |
8. | Aggregate principal amount; |
9. | Executing broker; |
10. | Settlement agent; |
11. | Trade date; |
12. | Settlement date; |
13. | Aggregate commission or if a net trade; |
14. | Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security; |
15. | Net proceeds of the transaction; |
16. | Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research (to be provided quarterly); |
17. | Derivative terms; |
18. | Non-deliverable forward classification (to be provided quarterly); |
19. | Maturity/expiration date; and |
20. | Details of margin and collateral movement. |
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Trust, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be opened by the Subadviser in the name of the Trust or any Series except as specifically approved by the Trust and the Fund Administrator. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Accounting Agent will provide a five-day cash projection. This will normally be done by email or, if email is unavailable, by another form of immediate written communication, so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
SCHEDULE B
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
| 1. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(5) and (6)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Trust for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include: |
| A. | The name of the broker; |
| B. | The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or cancellations thereof; |
| C. | The time of entry or cancellation; |
| D. | The price at which executed; |
| E. | The time of receipt of a report of execution; and |
| F. | The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Trust. |
| | |
| 2. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten (10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase and sale orders. Such record: |
| A. | Shall include the consideration given to: |
| | |
| (i) | The sale of shares of the Trust by brokers or dealers. |
| (ii) | The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers to: |
| (a) | The Trust, |
| (b) | The Adviser, |
| (c) | The Subadviser, and |
| (d) | Any person other than the foregoing. |
| (iii) | Any other consideration other than the technical qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such. |
| B. | Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available. |
| C. | Shall describe in detail the application of any general or specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| D. | Shall show the name of the person responsible for making the determination of such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| 3. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.* |
| 4. | (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required to be maintained by registered investment advisers by rule adopted under Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary or appropriate to record the Subadviser’s transactions for the Trust. |
| 5. | Records as necessary under Board-approved policies and procedures of the Trust, including without limitation those related to valuation determinations. |
* Such information might include: current financial information, annual and quarterly reports, press releases, reports by analysts and from brokerage firms (including their recommendations, i.e., buy, sell, hold) or any internal reports or subadviser review.
SCHEDULE C
SUBADVISORY FEE
For services provided to the Trust, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser a fee, payable monthly in arrears, equal to 50% of the net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series, calculated as follows:
| 1. | The total expenses of the Designated Series will be calculated in accordance with the terms of its prospectus, including application of the gross advisory fee. |
| 2. | Such total expenses will be reduced by the application of any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement, in accordance with the terms thereof. |
| 3. | The net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series will then be calculated by subtracting from the gross advisory fee any amount required to be waived under the applicable fee waiver(s) and/or reimbursed under such applicable expense limitation agreement. |
| 4. | In the event that the Adviser waives its entire fee and also assumes expenses of the Designated Series pursuant to an applicable expense limitation agreement, the Subadviser will similarly waive its entire fee and will share in the expense assumption by contributing 50% of the assumed amount. |
| 5. | If during the term of this Agreement the Adviser later recaptures some or all of the fees waived or expenses assumed by the Adviser and the Subadviser together, the Adviser shall pay to the Subadviser a pro rata amount of the fee(s)/expense(s) recaptured that is attributable to the Subadviser’s portion of the original waiver/assumed expense. |
SCHEDULE D
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Designated Series’ assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
| (a) | An investment program for the Designated Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board and the Adviser in paragraph 3 of this Subadvisory Agreement and implementation of that program; |
| (b) | Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Trust’s code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Board relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Designated Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Designated Series and governing laws, regulations, rules and orders; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered “illiquid” for the purposes of complying with the Designated Series’ limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; vi) the implementation of the Designated Series’ investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Designated Series performance; vii) compliance with the Investment Guidelines; viii) description of material changes in policies or procedures; and ix) description of any significant firm related developments; |
| (c) | Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Board; |
| (d) | Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Board at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Board; and |
| (e) | Notice to the Board and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Act or otherwise. |
| (f) | Reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings. |
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
| Re: | Subadviser’s Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Designated Series]. |
| From: | [Name of Subadviser] |
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30a-2 certifications of Form N-CSR.
| | [Name of Designated Series]. |
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30a-2 and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have reviewed the following information presented in the schedule of investments for the period ended [Date of Reporting Period] (the “Report”) which forms part of the N-CSR, as applicable, for the Trust.
Schedule of Investments
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
| a. | Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual fund. |
| b. | Designed and implemented controls which ensure that all transactions provided to the fund’s custodians/prime broker and accounting agent (“vendors”) have been delivered in a secure manner by authorized persons, and that access to the fund’s records maintained by the fund’s vendors is restricted to authorized persons of our firm or, if applicable, any third party administrator utilized by our firm. Such controls include review of the authorized persons at least annually and prompt communication of any changes to authorized persons to the fund’s vendors. |
| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective. |
| d. | In addition, to the best of my knowledge, there has been no fraud, whether or not material, that involves our organization’s management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization’s control and procedures as they relate to our duties as subadviser to the Designated Series. |
I have read the draft of the Report which I understand to be current as of [Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such draft of the Report, including the Fund Summary and Asset Allocations (as applicable), does not, with respect to the Designated Series, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft Report.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Designated Series’ Chief Accounting Officer:
| a. | All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data with respect to the Designated Series in a timely fashion; |
| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser’s management or other employees who have a significant role in the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. |
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
| a. | The Subadviser’s Portfolio Manager(s) has/have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the “Code”). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code. |
| b. | The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Designated Series and the Policies and Procedures of the Designated Series as adopted by the Designated Series Board of Trustees. |
| c. | I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Virtus Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser’s compliance administrator. |
| d. | The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Designated Series as outlined above. |
| e. | Since the submission of our most recent certification there have not been any divestments of securities of issuers that conduct or have direct investments in business operations in Iran or Sudan. |
| f. | The subadviser has disclosed to the Adviser or the Designated Series any holdings required to be disclosed under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended and Executive Orders 13224, and 13382. |
This certification relates solely to the Designated Series named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Designated Series. The Subadviser’s records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to serve as the Designated Series official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Report.
[Name of Subadviser] | | Date | |
[Name of Authorized Signer] | | | |
[Title of Authorized Signer] | | | |
SCHEDULE F
DESIGNATED SERIES
Virtus Duff & Phelps Water Fund
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING
THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
Relating to
Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Income Fund
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
800-243-1574
As a shareholder of Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Income Fund (the “Fund”):
You are receiving this Notice regarding the Internet availability of an information statement relating to the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund (the “Information Statement”). This Notice presents only an overview of a more complete Information Statement that is available to you on the Internet or, upon request, by mail. The Information Statement details important information regarding the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in this Information Statement. The Information Statement is for informational purposes only, and you do not need to take any action.
Subject to the direction of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”), Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) is responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program and for the general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser, and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement. At a meeting held on July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust approved the appointment of Newfleet Asset Management (“Newfleet”), an operating division of Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC (“VFIA”), to replace Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC as subadviser to perform the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund, pursuant to a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and VFIA (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund.
The appointment of Newfleet as subadviser to the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement was effected on July 25, 2022, in accordance with exemptive relief (the “Exemptive Relief”) granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and approved by the Fund’s shareholders that permits VIA to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without seeking the approval of Fund shareholders (subject to certain conditions). Consequently, the Trust is not soliciting proxies to approve this change and you are requested not to send us a proxy. The Exemptive Relief does, however, require that an information statement be provided to you containing much of the same information that would have been included in a proxy statement soliciting approval of a new subadvisory agreement. In lieu of physical or electronic mail delivery of the Information Statement (other than on request as described below), the Fund will make the Information Statement available to you online.
The Information Statement will be available to review on the Internet at until at https://www.virtus.com/products/newfleet-short-duration-high-income least January 12, 2023.
If you want a paper or email copy, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. To request a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to virtus.investment.partners@virtus.com or Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. If you want to receive a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, you must request one no later than July 25, 2023.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semiannual report is also available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/newfleet-short-duration-high-income, by calling Virtus Fund Services toll-free at 800-243-1574, or by writing to Virtus Funds at P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074.
INFORMATION STATEMENT
VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
September 30, 2022
Notice Regarding New Subadviser
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust has eight separate investment portfolios, including the Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Income Fund (formerly known as Virtus Short Duration High Income Fund) (the “Fund”). Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) acts as the investment adviser to the Fund, and each of the other portfolios of the Trust. The Adviser is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
The primary purpose of this Information Statement is to provide you with important information about a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC (“VFIA”), operating through its division, Newfleet Asset Management (“Newfleet” or the “Subadviser”), with respect to the Fund.
On July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) approved the replacement of the Fund’s previous subadviser, Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AllianzGI U.S.”), with Newfleet, and in connection therewith, a change to the Fund’s name, principal investment strategies and principal risks. VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund and will be responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program in conformity with the Fund’s policies and oversee the subadviser.
This Information Statement will be provided on or about October 14, 2022 to the Fund’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 5, 2022 (the “Record Date”). The information in this document should be considered to be an Information Statement for purposes of Schedule 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
WE ARE NOT SOLICITING YOUR VOTE. NO PROXY VOTING CARD HAS BEEN ENCLOSED. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semi-annual report is available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/newfleet-short-duration-high-income, by calling 800-243-1574, or by writing Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. A copy of this Information Statement is also available via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/newfleet-short-duration-high-income until at least January 12, 2023.
Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act requires that all agreements under which persons serve as investment advisers or investment subadvisers to investment companies be approved by shareholders. The Trust and VIA are permitted to operate under exemptive relief issued under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act (the “Exemptive Relief”) that permits VIA, subject to certain conditions and without the approval of shareholders: (a) to select unaffiliated subadvisers, partially-owned affiliated subadvisers, and wholly-owned affiliated subadvisers, to manage all or a portion of the assets of a series of the Trust, and to enter into subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, (b) to materially amend subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, and (c) to continue the employment of existing subadvisers after events that under the 1940 Act and the relevant subadvisory agreements would otherwise cause an automatic termination of the subadvisory agreements. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers of the Fund and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Board must approve any new subadvisory agreements implemented in reliance on the Exemptive Relief. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of retaining a new subadviser.
THE TRANSACTION
Prior to July 25, 2022, AllianzGI U.S. was the subadviser to the Fund, then known as Virtus Short Duration High Income Fund. On May 17, 2022, it was announced that AllianzGI U.S. had settled certain actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission about matters unrelated to the Fund. As a result of the settlement, AllianzGI U.S. was no longer allowed to manage U.S. registered open-end and closed-end funds after July 25, 2022, and AllianzGI U.S. informed the Fund that it would no longer be qualified to act as a subadviser to the Fund after a transition period of up to 10 weeks. Consequently, VIA engaged in a process to evaluate next steps to determine what was in the best interest of shareholders.
At a special meeting of the Trust’s Board held on July 18, 2022, VIA recommended to the Board that it approve Newfleet to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser for the Fund’s portfolio. At the meeting, the Board approved the termination of the Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S. (the “Old Subadvisory Agreement”) to be effective on July 24, 2022. The Board then approved the appointment of Newfleet as successor subadviser for the Fund, and the Board approved a new subadvisory agreement between VIA and VFIA to be effective July 25, 2022 (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, Newfleet is responsible for the investment management program for the Fund. A copy of the New Subadvisory Agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by all members of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”).
THE OLD SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S., dated February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S. provided portfolio management services for the Fund. Shareholders of the Fund approved AllianzGI U.S. as investment sub-adviser of the Fund at a shareholder meeting held on December 23, 2020. The annual rate of fees paid to AllianzGI U.S. by VIA (not by the Fund) was 50% of the net advisory fee payable to VIA. The advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund was 0.48% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement, AllianzGI U.S. provided day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. In doing so, AllianzGI U.S. was subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as periodically amended and provided to AllianzGI U.S.by VIA; to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Unless instructed otherwise by VIA, AllianzGI U.S. had the authority and discretion to place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments with brokers or dealers selected by AllianzGI U.S. AllianzGI U.S. was instructed to seek the best execution of transactions at prices that were advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that were reasonable in relation to the benefits received. AllianzGI U.S. may have selected brokers or dealers on the basis that they provided brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by AllianzGI U.S. AllianzGI U.S. may have placed transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it had negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if AllianzGI U.S. determined in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or on all such transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which AllianzGI U.S. exercised investment discretion. Not all services or products provided by brokers or dealers that were generated with Fund commissions were necessarily used by AllianzGI U.S.in managing the Fund, but may have been allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement provided that AllianzGI U.S. was not liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the Old Subadvisory Agreement or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position except with respect to trade errors (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and/or AllianzGI U.S.) caused by the negligent action or omission of AllianzGI U.S. or its agent, provided, however, that such acts or omissions would not have constituted a breach of the Old Subadvisory Agreement by AllianzGI U.S., and that such acts or omissions would not have resulted from
AllianzGI U.S.’s (or its officers’, directors’, partners’, agents’, employees’ or controlling persons’) willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under the Old Subadvisory Agreement.
For the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the net advisory fees paid by the Fund to VIA were $1,331,8451, and the subadvisory fees paid by VIA to AllianzGI U.S. were $773,1302.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement was effective for an initial period of two years and remained in full force and effect only so long as its continuance was specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act, and by the majority vote of the Independent Trustees in accordance with the requirement of Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Old Subadvisory Agreement could be terminated by either party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other party in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by the party so notified, or otherwise, could be terminated by VIA, AllianzGI U.S., the Trustees, or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Any such termination would not have affected any liability of either party with respect to any claim or matter on which any party had given written notice to any other party prior to termination and until such liability had been finally settled. The Old Subadvisory Agreement was considered for initial approval by the Board at a meeting held on August 31, 2020.
THE NEW SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
The description of the New Subadvisory Agreement that follows is qualified in its entirety by reference to the subadvisory agreement included as Exhibit A attached hereto.
Term
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will remain in effect until December 31, 2023, and thereafter for successive periods of one year only so long as the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, specifically approves its continuance at least annually. The New Subadvisory Agreement is subject to termination at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Trust, or (iii) by VIA upon 60 days’ written notice to the Subadviser. The New Subadvisory Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by VIA or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct.
Services
Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadviser provides portfolio management services to the Fund. In doing so, the Subadviser is subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its current prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by VIA; to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Brokerage Allocation
Unless otherwise instructed by VIA, the Subadviser will place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments for the Fund with brokers or dealers selected by the Subadviser. The Subadviser has been instructed to seek best execution of transactions at prices that are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. The Subadviser may select brokers or dealers on the basis that they provide
1 This reflects the actual fee received by VIA as adviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. For periods prior to February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S served as adviser to the Fund. VIA replaced AllianzGI U.S. and became the Trust’s Adviser effective on February 1, 2021.
2 This reflects the actual fee received by AllianzGI U.S. as subadviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. AllianzGI U.S. served as Adviser and was paid advisory fees for the period prior to February 1, 2021.
brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by the Subadviser. The Subadviser may place transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it has negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or all transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Not all Fund commissions will necessarily be used by the Subadviser in managing the Fund, but may be allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
Limitation of Liability
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Subadviser shall not be liable thereunder absent the Subadviser’s breach thereof or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and VIA and each of their respective directors or trustees, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls VIA, harmless against, any and all losses arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust) (as the same may be amended from time to time), caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent.
Subadvisory Fee
VIA, and not the Fund, pays subadvisory fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement. VIA will pay the Subadviser a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund, after accounting for any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement. The Advisory Agreement between the Trust and VIA relating to the Fund remains in effect and the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund under the Advisory Agreement do not change, so there is no increase in the management fees paid by the Fund as a result of the subadvisory fees paid under the New Subadvisory Agreement.
Effective Date
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by the Board, including, by a separate vote, the Independent Trustees, at a meeting of the Board held on July 18, 2022. The New Subadvisory Agreement became effective as of July 25, 2022, and the Subadviser began managing the assets of the Fund on July 25, 2022.
CHANGES IN THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Upon the replacement of AllianzGI U.S. with Newfleet as subadviser of the Fund, the Fund’s principal investment strategies and risks have been updated to reflect Newfleet’s investment strategies and policies. In summary, the Fund continues to seek a high level of current income with lower volatility than the broader high yield market. Consistent with this objective, Newfleet’s management the Fund’s investment program is similar to how it was managed by AllianzGI U.S., but there are some slight differences. In determining the rating of securities in which the Fund may invest, Newfleet may utilize any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, and is not limited to Standard and Poor’s. In constructing the portfolio for investing, Newfleet uses an investment process that focuses on adding value through issue selection, sector/industry selection and opportunistic trading, and will overweight the Fund in those sectors and industries where it identifies well-valued companies whose business profiles are viewed to be improving, rather than applying the factors utilized by AllianzGI U.S.
In connection with the new investment strategies under Newfleet, the Fund will continue to be subject to all the same principal risks except Allocation Risk and Focused Investment Risk, and it is also subject to the following new principal risks:
Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Changes in interest rates may cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. These securities are also subject to risks associated with the non-repayment of underlying collateral, including losses to the fund.
Prepayment/Call Risk. Issuers may prepay or call their fixed rate obligations when interest rates fall, forcing the fund to reinvest in obligations with lower interest rates and the fund may not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income investments experience when interest rates decline.
Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. If the subadviser is unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, the fund may invest in a security with greater risk than intended, or the securities may be more difficult to sell than anticipated.
US Government Securities Risk. U.S. Government securities may be subject to price fluctuations. An agency may default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Any guarantee on U.S. government securities does not apply to the value of the fund’s shares.
BOARD CONSIDERATIONS
As previously mentioned, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Board, approved the proposal to replace AllianzGI U.S. with Newfleet as subadviser to the Fund at a meeting held on July 18, 2022. In connection with the appointment of the Subadviser, the Board also considered and approved the name change from Virtus Short Duration High Income Fund to Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Income Fund. The Independent Trustees were separately advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process.
In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board requested and evaluated information provided by VIA and the Subadviser which, in the Board’s view, constituted information necessary for the Board to form a judgment as to whether the New Subadvisory Agreement would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Board considered all the criteria separately with respect to the Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Trustees considered various factors, including those discussed below, none of which were controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Trustees also discussed the proposals in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.
Basis for the Board’s Approval
In making its determination with respect to the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board considered various factors, including:
| · | Nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided. The Trustees received in advance of the meeting information provided by the Subadviser, in the form of an extensive questionnaire concerning a number of topics, including its investment philosophy, resources, operations and compliance structure. The Trustees noted that the Subadviser would provide portfolio management, compliance with the Fund’s investment policies and procedures, compliance with applicable securities laws, and assurances thereof. The Trustees reviewed biographical information for the portfolio managers who would provide services under the New Subadvisory Agreement. In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the Subadviser’s investment management process, including (a) the experience and capability of the Subadviser’s management and other personnel committed by the Subadviser to the Fund; (b) the quality of the Subadviser’s regulatory and legal compliance policies, procedures and systems; and (c) the Subadviser’s brokerage and trading practices. The Board also took into account its knowledge of Newfleet’s services and the quality of the performance of its duties with respect to other Virtus Funds. After considering all of the information provided to them, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser to the Fund were satisfactory and that there was a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the Subadviser would provide a high quality of investment services to the Fund. |
| · | Investment Performance. The Board considered the performance of a comparable fund and a composite managed by the proposed Subadviser versus a peer group, an appropriate index and the Fund’s historical performance as of May 31, 2022, and was satisfied with the proposed Subadviser’s performance. |
| · | Management Fees and Expenses. The Board noted that the Fund’s management fee was not expected to change, and the Fund has expense caps in place to limit the total expenses incurred by the Fund and its shareholders. The Board took into account that the Fund’s subadvisory fees are paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund, so that the Fund’s shareholders would not be directly impacted by those fees. The Board concluded that the proposed subadvisory fees were fair and reasonable in light of the services to be provided by the Subadviser and all factors considered. |
| · | Profitability and Economies of Scale. In considering the projected profitability to the Subadviser in connection with its relationship to the Fund, the Board noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be paid by VIA out of the advisory fees that it receives under the Advisory Agreement and not by the Fund. In considering the reasonableness of the fees payable by VIA to the Subadviser, the Board noted that, because the Subadviser is an affiliate of VIA, such profitability might be directly or indirectly shared by VIA. As a result, the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationship with the Fund was not a material factor in the Board’s deliberations at this time. For similar reasons, the Board did not consider the potential economies of scale in the Subadviser’s management of the Fund to be a material factor in its consideration at this time. |
| · | Other Benefits. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Subadviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund. Among them, the Board recognized that VP Distributors, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser, serves as the principal underwriter for the Trust, and, as such, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Fund to compensate it for providing selling activities, which could lead to growth in the Fund’s assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board also noted that an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser provides administrative and transfer agency services to the Trust. The Board noted management’s discussion of the fact that, while the Subadviser is an affiliate of VIA, there are no other direct benefits to the Subadviser in providing subadvisory services to the Fund, other than the fee to be earned under the New Subadvisory Agreement. There may be certain intangible benefits gained to the extent that serving the Fund could provide the opportunity to provide subadvisory services to additional series of the Trust or certain reputational benefits. |
Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the New Subadvisory Agreement.
THE EXEMPTIVE RELIEF
The Fund and VIA have received shareholder approval to rely on exemptive relief from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and an order under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act that permits VIA, with respect to the series of the Trust and subject to certain conditions, to enter into and materially amend subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval. Therefore, the Trust and VIA have the right, subject to prior approval by the Board and certain conditions, to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without the approval of the shareholders of the Fund, including, without limitation, to replace or reinstate any subadviser with respect to which a subadvisory agreement has automatically terminated as a result of an assignment. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of any change in subadvisers made in reliance upon such Exemptive Relief.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUBADVISER
Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC (“VFIA”), an affiliate of VIA, is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103. VFIA operates through its division, Newfleet Asset Management, in subadvising the Fund. As of May 31, 2022, the three advisers that merged into VFIA on July 1, 2022 had approximately $37.1 billion in aggregate assets under management.
The Newfleet division of VFIA acts as subadviser to mutual funds and as adviser to institutions and individuals. As of August 31, 2022, the Newfleet division of VFIA had approximately $12.7 billion in assets under management. Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, which merged with and into VFIA on July 1, 2022, and the former portfolio management team of which now operates as the Newfleet division of VFIA, had been an investment adviser since 1989.
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investments, and serve as portfolio managers of the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement:
| · | David L. Albrycht, CFA. Mr. Albrycht is President and Chief Investment Officer at Newfleet. Prior to joining Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, the predecessor to Newfleet, in 2011, he was Executive Managing Director (2008 to 2011) and Vice President (2005 to 2008), Fixed Income, of Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. (“Goodwin”). Previously, he was associated with VIA, which at the time was an affiliate of Goodwin. He managed fixed income portfolios for Goodwin affiliates since 1991. Mr. Albrycht also manages several fixed income and variable investment options as well as two closed-end funds. |
| · | William J. Eastwood, CFA. Mr. Eastwood is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Trading at Newfleet with trading responsibilities primarily for leveraged finance. In addition, Mr. Eastwood is co-portfolio manager of the Newfleet High Yield and Flexible Credit strategies in both separately managed and pooled vehicles, as well as mutual funds, through a number of subadvisory relationships. Mr. Eastwood joined Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, the predecessor to Newfleet, in 2011 as a senior fixed income trader. Prior thereto, he served as a senior fixed income trader at several firms, including Neuberger Berman, PPM America, and Phoenix Investment Counsel. |
| · | Eric Hess, CFA. Mr. Hess is a Managing Director, Credit Analyst and Sector Head of High Yield Credit at Newfleet. He is also responsible for the oil and gas, power, and utility industries. In addition, Mr. Hess is co-portfolio manager of the Newfleet High Yield and Flexible Credit strategies in both separately managed and pooled vehicles, as well as mutual funds, through a number of subadvisory relationships. Prior to joining Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, the predecessor to Newfleet, in 2011, Mr. Hess was on the fixed income team at Goodwin Capital Advisers. He joined Goodwin Capital’s corporate credit research group in 2010. Prior to joining Goodwin, he was a credit analyst for The Travelers Companies. |
| · | Kyle A. Jennings, CFA. Mr. Jennings is Senior Managing Director and Head of Credit Research at Newfleet (since 2011). Prior to joining Newfleet, Mr. Jennings was Managing Director of Goodwin. Previously, he was associated with VIA, which at the time was an affiliate of Goodwin, and has been a member of the corporate credit research team since 1998. He is the sector manager for the leveraged loan sector of the multi-sector fixed income strategies of Newfleet. He has over 20 years of investment experience. |
| · | Francesco Ossino. Mr. Ossino is Senior Managing Director and Sector Head of the Bank Loan asset class at Newfleet, with a primary focus on floating rate bank loan products. Prior to joining Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, the predecessor to Newfleet, in August 2012, Mr. Ossino was a portfolio manager at Hartford Investment Management Company (2004 to 2012), where he managed mutual funds focused on bank loans and a commingled bank loan portfolio for institutional investors. Previously, he held a variety of credit analyst and portfolio management positions at CIGNA (2002 to 2004), HVB Bank (2000 to 2002) and FleetBoston Financial (1996 to 2000). |
The following persons serve as the principal executive officers of the Subadviser at the address for the Subadviser listed above. George Aylward and Richard Smirl also serve as officers of the Trust.
| Name | Principal Occupation at VFIA |
| George R. Aylward | Chief Executive Officer |
| Michael A. Angerthal | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| Wendy J. Hills | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
| Richard W. Smirl | Executive Vice President |
| Deirdre A. Dillon | Chief Compliance Officer |
As of the date of this Information Statement, Newfleet serves as an investment adviser or subadviser to no other funds that have similar investment objectives and are managed similarly to the Fund.
INFORMATION ABOUT VIA
AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
VIA is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. VIA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus. Virtus is an independent, publicly traded financial services company which, through its affiliates, provides asset management and related services to individuals and institutions. As of June 30, 2022, Virtus’ affiliated investment advisers had in aggregate approximately $155.4 billion in assets under management. VIA acts as an investment adviser to mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of August 31, 2022, VIA managed approximately $51.7 billion in assets. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, VIA was paid $1,546,260 in aggregate investment advisory fees, which includes $214,415 in advisory fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed, for its services with regard to the Fund. VIA will compensate the Subadviser out of the management fees it receives from the Fund.
VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the national distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Fund paid $362,914 to VP Distributors during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, for performing distribution services. The principal office of VP Distributors is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
As a fixed income fund, the Fund did not pay brokerage commissions and no brokerage fees were paid to any affiliate of VIA and Newfleet.
Virtus Fund Services, LLC (“Virtus Fund Services”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrative agent for the Fund as of February 1, 2021. The principal office of Virtus Fund Services is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. The Fund paid $294,920 to Virtus Fund Services, for the period from February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, for performing these services for the Fund.
SHARE OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
The Fund had 43,264,552.890 shares issued and outstanding as of the Record Date.
The table below shows those shareholders who beneficially owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of the Record Date.
Shareholder Name and Address | Percentage of Shares Owned |
National Financial Services LLC* for Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers Attn Mutual Funds Dept 4th Floor 499 Washington Blvd Jersey City NJ 07310 | 11.05 |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC* for the Exclusive Benefit of Its Customers 1 New York Plaza Fl 12 New York NY 10004-1901 | 8.08 |
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc* for the Sole Benefit of Its Customers 4800 Deer Lake Dr E Jacksonville FL 32246-6484 | 7.36 |
Raymond James* Omnibus for Mutual Funds House Acct Firm 92500015 Attn Courtney Waller 880 Carillon Parkway St Petersburg FL 33716 | 6.84 |
Shareholder Name and Address | Percentage of Shares Owned |
Charles Schwab & Co Inc* Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers Attn: Mutual Funds Dept 211 Main St San Francisco CA 94105-1905 | 6.64 |
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC* Special Custody Acct for the Exclusive Benefit of Customer 2801 Market Street St Louis MO 63103 | 6.30 |
* These entities are omnibus accounts for many individual shareholder accounts. The Fund is not aware of the size or identity of the underlying individual accounts.
As of the Record Date, the officers and Trustees of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
HOUSEHOLDING OF MATERIALS
The Trust may send only one copy of this Information Statement and the semi-annual and annual reports to those households in which multiple shareholders share the same address, unless the Trust received instructions from a shareholder in such a household requesting separate copies of these materials. If you are a shareholder who shares the same address as other shareholders of the Trust and would like to receive a separate copy of this Information Statement, the semi-annual report, annual reports or future proxy statements, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. If you share the same address as multiple shareholders and would like the Trust to send only one copy of future proxy statements, information statements, semi-annual reports and annual reports, please contact Virtus Funds at the above phone number or VP Distributors at the above post office address.
FUTURE SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
As a Massachusetts business trust, the Trust does not hold shareholder meetings unless required by the 1940 Act. The Trust relied upon an Order to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser to the Fund without a shareholder meeting. As of the date of mailing of this information statement, the Trust does not anticipate holding a meeting of shareholders in 2022 or 2023. Shareholders who wish to present a proposal for action at the next meeting should submit the proposal to:
Jennifer S. Fromm
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Proposals must be received in a reasonable time prior to the date of the applicable shareholder meeting to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for the meeting. Timely submission of a proposal does not, however, necessarily mean that the proposal will be submitted for consideration by shareholders.
By Order of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust.
Jennifer S. Fromm
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary
Virtus Strategy Trust
Exhibit A
VIRTUS STATEGY TRUST
Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Income Fund
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
July 25, 2022
Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
RE: Subadvisory Agreement
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Trust are offered or may be offered in several series (sometimes hereafter referred to as the “Series”), including Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Income Fund.
Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
| 1. | Appointment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby appoints Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC (the “Subadviser”) as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser as set forth on Schedule F attached hereto (the “Designated Series”) on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner with the Subadviser’s performance hereunder. The Adviser and the Trust understand and agree that the Subadviser may do business as Newfleet Asset Management for any or all of the term of this Agreement. |
| 2. | Acceptance of Appointment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its appointment as a discretionary series adviser of the Designated Series and agrees, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) and the Adviser, to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Designated Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Subadviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority or obligation to act for or represent the Adviser, the Trust or the Series in any way. |
| 3. | Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Designated Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Trust as they apply to the Designated Series and as set forth in the Trust’s then current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“Statement of Additional Information”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of the Trust’s registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Board, and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Trust’s prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Designated Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies. |
| 4. | Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Designated Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Trust (the “Custodian”), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Designated Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm |
in writing to the Trust all investment orders for the Designated Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Trust shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Trust shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the acts, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
| 5. | Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Designated Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed. |
| A. | In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Designated Series securities for the Trust, the Subadviser’s primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Trust, as long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a “best execution” market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Trust, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Trust may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Trust a lower commission on the particular transaction. |
| B. | The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Trust and other portfolios the Subadviser manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Designated Series with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities in a manner considered by the Subadviser to be equitable and consistent with the Subadviser’s fiduciary obligations in respect of the Designated Series and to such other accounts. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall not execute any transactions for the Designated Series with a broker or dealer that is an “affiliated person” (as defined in the Act) of (i) the Designated Series; (ii) another Series; (iii) the Adviser; (iv) the Subadviser or any other subadviser to the Designated Series; (v) a principal underwriter of the Trust’s shares; or (vi) any other affiliated person of the Designated Series, in each case, unless such transactions are permitted by applicable law or regulation and carried out in compliance with any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are “affiliated persons” of the Trust, the Adviser or the principal underwriter, and applicable policies and procedures. Upon the request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall promptly, and in any event within three business days of a request, indicate whether any entity identified by the Adviser in such request is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of (i) the Subadviser or (ii) any affiliated person of the Subadviser, subject in each case to any confidentiality requirements applicable to the Subadviser and/or its affiliates. Further, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with a list of (x) each broker-dealer entity that is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of the Subadviser and (y) each affiliated person of the Subadviser that has outstanding publicly-issued debt or equity. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list(s) whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from such list of affiliated persons. |
| D. | Consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust in respect of the Designated Series and the requirements of best price and execution, the Subadviser may, under certain circumstances, arrange to have purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the Designated Series and another account managed by the Subadviser (“cross transactions”), provided that such transactions are carried out in accordance with |
applicable law or regulation and any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with applicable policies and procedures.
| 6. | Proxies and Other Shareholder Actions. |
| A. | Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Designated Series. Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, provided that the Adviser has reviewed the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect and determined them to comply with the requirements of the Trust’s proxy voting policy, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Designated Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian, the Administrator or another party, to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with any changes to the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures. The Subadviser further agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Trust to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act. The Subadviser shall provide disclosure regarding its proxy voting policies and procedures in accordance with the requirements of Form N-1A for inclusion in the Registration Statement of the Trust. During any annual period in which the Subadviser has voted proxies for the Trust, the Subadviser shall, as may reasonably be requested by the Adviser, certify as to its compliance with its proxy voting policies and procedures and applicable federal statutes and regulations. |
| B. | The Subadviser is authorized to deal with reorganizations, exchange offers and other voluntary corporate actions with respect to securities held in the Designated Series in such manner as the Subadviser deems advisable, unless the Trust or the Adviser otherwise specifically directs in writing. It is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the filing of claims (or otherwise causing the Trust to participate) in class action settlements or similar proceedings in which shareholders may participate related to securities currently or previously associated with the Designated Series. With the Adviser’s approval, on a case-by-case basis the Subadviser may obtain the authority and take on the responsibility to: (i) identify, evaluate and pursue legal claims, including commencing or defending suits, affecting the securities held at any time in the Designated Series, including claims in bankruptcy, class action securities litigation and other litigation; (ii) participate in such litigation or related proceedings with respect to such securities as the Subadviser deems appropriate to preserve or enhance the value of the Designated Series, including filing proofs of claim and related documents and serving as “lead plaintiff” in class action lawsuits; (iii) exercise generally any of the powers of an owner with respect to the supervision and management of such rights or claims, including the settlement, compromise or submission to arbitration of any claims, the exercise of which the Subadviser deems to be in the best interest of the Designated Series or required by applicable law, including ERISA, and (iv) employ suitable agents, including legal counsel, and to pay their reasonable fees, expenses and related costs from the Designated Series. |
| 7. | Prohibited Conduct. In accordance with Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act and any other applicable law or regulation, the Subadviser’s responsibility regarding investment advice hereunder is limited to the Designated Series, and the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to the Trust or any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates regarding transactions in securities or other assets for the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of investment companies sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and its affiliates, and the Subadviser shall be in breach of the foregoing provision only if the investment company is included in such a list provided to the Subadviser prior to such prohibited action. The Subadviser, and its affiliates and agents, shall refrain from making any written or oral statements concerning the Designated Series, the Trust, any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates, and any substantially similar products, that are reasonably likely to mislead investors regarding either (i) the services rendered by the Subadviser to the Designated Series or the Trust, or (ii) the Designated Series, including without limitation with respect to the investment strategies and/or risks, and/or the performance thereof. In addition, the Subadviser shall |
not, without the prior written consent of the Trust and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Subadviser may, in its discretion, utilize personnel employed by affiliates of the Subadviser to perform services pursuant to this Agreement by way of a “participating affiliate” agreement in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), including the published interpretations thereof by the SEC or its staff. Such participating affiliate agreement shall subject the personnel providing such services to the Subadviser’s compliance and other programs with respect to their activities on behalf of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser assumes full responsibility for all actions, and any failure to act, by each person utilized by the Subadviser to perform services under this Agreement.
| 8. | Information and Reports. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall keep the Trust and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Designated Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Board, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series during the most recently completed quarter, which reports: (i) shall include Subadviser’s representation that its performance of its investment management duties hereunder is in compliance with the Designated Series’ investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the diversification and minimum “good income” requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) otherwise shall be in such form as may be reasonably required by the Adviser. |
| B. | Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser’s or the Subadviser’s respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested by the Adviser regarding its management of the Designated Series required for any shareholder report, amended Registration Statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the SEC. |
| D. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser and the Trust in the event that any of the Subadviser’s employees or contractors raise any issues concerning any actual or potential material violation of any law, regulation or internal policy of the Subadviser, in each case actually or potentially affecting the Designated Series. |
| 9. | Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser. |
| 10. | Limitation of Liability. Absent the Subadviser’s breach of this Agreement or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and the Adviser and each of their respective directors or trustees, members, officers, employees and shareholders, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or the Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), harmless against, any and all Losses (as defined below) arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust), as the same may be amended from time to time) |
caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent. The Adviser agrees to provide prior written notice to the Subadviser of any material changes to the definition of Trade Error becoming effective with respect to the Designated Series unless, in the reasonable discretion of the Adviser, such change must become effective earlier due to any applicable law, rule, regulation or court order. It is acknowledged and agreed that any Trade Error that results in a gain to the Designated Series shall inure to the benefit of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Designated Series is a third party beneficiary of the indemnity granted in this Section 10, and the indemnity is intended to cover claims by the Designated Series, the Trust (on behalf of the Designated Series), or the Adviser against the Subadviser for recovery pursuant to this section.
| 11. | Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Trust to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Designated Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Trust in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and the Adviser agree that the Subadviser may (i) disclose in marketing materials and similar communications that the Subadviser has been engaged to manage assets of the Designated Series pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) include performance statistics regarding the Designated Series in composite performance statistics regarding one or more groups of Subadviser’s clients published or included in any of the foregoing communications, provided that the Subadviser does not identify any performance statistics as relating specifically to the Designated Series. |
| 12. | Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Trust and the Adviser in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Trust to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser. |
| 13. | Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that: |
| A. | It is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon it. It (i) is registered as an “investment adviser” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser makes no representation or warranty with regard to the approval of this Agreement by the Board under Section 15 of the Act; (iii) has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (iv) has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act from occurring, and correct promptly any violations that have occurred, and will provide notice promptly to the Adviser of any material violations relating to the Trust; (v) has materially met and will seek to 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 agency. |
| B. | It is either registered as a commodity trading advisor or duly exempt from such registration with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and it will maintain such registration or exemption continuously during the term of this Agreement or, alternatively, will become a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the CFTC and will be a member in good standing with the National Futures Association. |
| C. | It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Trust, records in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Trust, and shall be surrendered to the Trust or to the Adviser as agent of the Trust promptly upon request of either. The Trust |
acknowledges that the Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation.
| D. | It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Act and shall provide the Trust and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Trust. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Trust and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1 during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no material violation of its Code of Ethics, or of Rule 17j-1(b), or that any persons covered under its Code of Ethics has divulged or acted upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws, and if such a violation of the code of ethics of the Trust has occurred, or if such a violation of its Code of Ethics has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser promptly of any material violation of the Code of Ethics involving the Trust. The Subadviser will provide such additional information regarding violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust as the Trust or its Chief Compliance Officer on behalf of the Trust or the Adviser may reasonably request in order to assess the functioning of the Code of Ethics or any harm caused to the Trust from a violation of the Code of Ethics. Further, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, nonpublic information by the Subadviser and its employees. The Subadviser will explain what it has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish to the Trust and the Adviser a written report which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser’s Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall permit the Trust and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1(d)(1) and this subparagraph. |
| E. | It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect of the Trust could affect the Trust, by the Trust, of “federal securities laws” (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Trust with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information reasonably requested by the Trust and/or the Adviser. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Trust and/or the Adviser from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters as the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Designated Series. |
| F. | The Subadviser will immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9 of the Act or otherwise. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if it is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board or body, including but not limited to the SEC and the CFTC, involving the affairs of the Designated Series. |
| G. | To the best of its knowledge, there are no material pending, threatened, or contemplated actions, suits, proceedings, or investigations before or by any court, governmental, administrative or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel to which it or any of its directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders, members or principals, or any of its affiliates is a party or to which it or its affiliates or any of its or its affiliates’ assets are subject, nor has it or any of its affiliates received any notice of an |
investigation, inquiry, or dispute by any court, governmental, administrative, or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel regarding any of its or their activities, which might reasonably be expected to result in (i) a material adverse effect on the Trust or (ii) a material adverse change in the Subadviser’s condition (financial or otherwise) or business, or which might reasonably be expected to materially impair the Subadviser’s ability to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if the representation in this Section 13.G is no longer accurate.
| H. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser of any changes in its executive officers, partners or in its key personnel, including, without limitation, any change in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the Designated Series or if there is an actual or expected change in control or management of the Subadviser. |
| 14. | No Personal Liability. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, a copy of which has been filed with the SEC, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name “Virtus Strategy Trust” refers to the Board under said Declaration of Trust, as trustees and not personally, and no trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Trust shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Trust or of any successor of the Trust, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate. |
| 15. | Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with the Schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Trust, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, E and F, is subject to the approval of the Board (including those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust) and, if required by the Act or applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of a majority of the Designated Series’ outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended or terminated in accordance with any exemptive order issued to the Adviser, the Trust or its affiliates. |
| 16. | Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until December 31, 2023. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote of the Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series and (ii) by vote of a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) or of any person party to this Agreement, cast in person (or otherwise, as consistent with applicable laws, regulations and related guidance and relief) at a meeting called for the purpose of such approval. |
| 17. | Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Trust, or (iii) by the Adviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Subadviser. This Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by the Adviser or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser of this Agreement or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment, as such term is defined in and interpreted under the terms of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Termination of this Agreement will not affect any outstanding orders or transactions or any legal rights or obligations which may already have arisen. Transactions in progress at the date of termination will be completed by the Subadviser as soon as reasonably practicable. Provisions of this Agreement relating to indemnification and the preservation of records, as well as any responsibilities or |
obligations of the parties hereto arising from matters initiated prior to termination, shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
| 18. | Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and fully performed within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
| 19. | Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
| 20. | Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or e-mail transmission addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party. |
| (a) | To the Adviser or the Trust at: |
| | Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. One Financial Plaza Hartford, Connecticut 06103 Attn: Legal Counsel Telephone: (860) 263-4790 Facsimile: (860) 241-1028 |
| (b) | To the Subadviser at: |
| | Newfleet Asset Management, a division of Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC One Financial Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Attn: James Sena Telephone: (860) 503-1130 Facsimile: (860) 278-7033 Email: james.sena@virtus.com |
| 21. | Certifications. The Subadviser shall timely provide to the Adviser and the Trust, all information and documentation they may reasonably request as necessary or appropriate in order for the Adviser and the Board to oversee the activities of the Subadviser and in connection with the compliance by any of them with the requirements of this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the policies and procedures referenced herein, and any applicable law, including, without limitation, (i) information and commentary relating to the Subadviser or the Designated Series for the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports, in a format reasonably approved by the Adviser, together with (A) a certification that such information and commentary discuss all of the factors that materially affected the performance of the Designated Series, including the relevant market conditions and the investment techniques and strategies used and (B) additional certifications related to the Subadviser’s management of the Trust in order to support the Trust’s filings on Form N-CSR and other applicable forms, and the Trust’s Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications under Rule 30a-2 under the Act, thereon; (ii) within 5 business days of a quarter-end, a quarterly certification with respect to compliance and operational matters related to the Subadviser and the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series (including, without limitation, compliance with the applicable procedures), in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser, as it may be amended from time to time; and (iii) an annual certification from the Subadviser’s Chief Compliance Officer, appointed under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act with respect to the design and operation of the Subadviser’s compliance program, in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, the Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) arising from the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Adviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Adviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Subadviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Adviser for use therein. |
| B. | The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser from and against any and all Losses arising from the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Subadviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Subadviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Subadviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Subadviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Adviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Subadviser for use therein. |
| C. | A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt written notice to the other of any claim (“Claim”) for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and /or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party. |
| D. | No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement. |
| 23. | Receipt of Disclosure Documents. The Trust and the Adviser acknowledge receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part 2 of the Subadviser’s Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business. The Subadviser will, promptly after making any amendment to its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendment to the Adviser. On an annual basis and upon request, the Subadviser will provide a copy of its audited financial statements, including balance sheets, for the two most recent fiscal years and, if available, each subsequent fiscal quarter. At the time of providing such information, the Subadviser shall describe any material adverse change in its financial condition since the date of its latest financial statement. |
| 24. | Counterparts; Fax Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and |
shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures.
| 25. | Bankruptcy and Related Events. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the other in the event that: (i) it makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or is otherwise adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) a material event occurs that could reasonably be expected to adversely impair its ability to perform this Agreement. The Adviser further agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the Subadviser in the event that the Trust ceases to be registered as an investment company under the Act. |
[signature page follows]
| VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Title: | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer |
| VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Name: | Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Title: | Executive Vice President |
ACCEPTED: | |
| |
VIRTUS FIXED INCOME ADVISERS, LLC | |
| | | |
By: | /s/ Michael Sollicito | |
| Name: | Michael Sollicito | |
| Title: | Chief Operating Officer, Newfleet Division |
SCHEDULES: | A. | Operational Procedures |
| B. | Record Keeping Requirements |
| C. | Fee Schedule |
| D. | Subadviser Functions |
| E. | Form of Sub-Certification |
| F. | Designated Series |
SCHEDULE A
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied in a secure manner by Subadviser to the Trust’s service providers, including: The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), Virtus Fund Services, LLC (the “Fund Administrator”), BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., (the “Accounting Agent”), any Prime Broker to the Series, and all other Counterparties/Brokers as required.
The Subadviser must furnish the Trust’s service providers with required daily information as to executed trades in a format and time-frame agreed to by the Subadviser, Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties and designated persons of the Trust. Trade information sent to the Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties must include all necessary data within the required timeframes to allow such parties to perform their obligations to the Designated Series.
The Accounting Agent specifically requires a daily trade blotter with a summary of all trades, in addition to trade feeds, including, if no trades are executed, a report to that effect. Daily information as to executed trades for same-day settlement and future trades must be sent to the Accounting Agent no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the day of the trade each day the Trust is open for business. All other executed trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent on trade date +1 by 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to ensure that they are part of the Designated Series’ NAV calculation. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Trust for any loss caused by the Subadviser’s failure to comply with the requirements of this Schedule A.) On fiscal quarter ends and calendar quarter ends, all trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent by 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) for inclusion in the financial statements of the Designated Series. The data to be sent to the Accounting Agent and/or Fund Administrator will be as agreed by the Subadviser, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and designated persons of the Trust and shall include (without limitation) the following:
1. | Transaction type (e.g., purchase, sale, open, close, put call); |
2. | Security type (e.g., equity, fixed income, swap, future, option, short, long); |
3. | Security name; |
4. | Exchange identifier (e.g., CUSIP, ISIN, Sedol, OCC Symbol) (as applicable); |
5. | Number of shares and par, original face, contract amount, notional amount; |
6. | Transaction price per share (clean if possible); |
7. | Strike price; |
8. | Aggregate principal amount; |
9. | Executing broker; |
10. | Settlement agent; |
11. | Trade date; |
12. | Settlement date; |
13. | Aggregate commission or if a net trade; |
14. | Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security; |
15. | Net proceeds of the transaction; |
16. | Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research (to be provided quarterly); |
17. | Derivative terms; |
18. | Non-deliverable forward classification (to be provided quarterly); |
19. | Maturity/expiration date; and |
20. | Details of margin and collateral movement. |
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Trust, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be opened by the Subadviser in the name of the Trust or any Series except as specifically approved by the Trust and the Fund Administrator. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Accounting Agent will provide a five-day cash projection. This will normally be done by email or, if email is unavailable, by another form of immediate written communication, so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
SCHEDULE B
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
| 1. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(5) and (6)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Trust for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include: |
| A. | The name of the broker; |
| B. | The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or cancellations thereof; |
| C. | The time of entry or cancellation; |
| D. | The price at which executed; |
| E. | The time of receipt of a report of execution; and |
| F. | The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Trust. |
| 2. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten (10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase and sale orders. Such record: |
| A. | Shall include the consideration given to: |
| | |
| (i) | The sale of shares of the Trust by brokers or dealers. |
| | |
| (ii) | The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers to: |
| | (a) | The Trust, |
| | (b) | The Adviser, |
| | (c) | The Subadviser, and |
| | (d) | Any person other than the foregoing. |
| | | |
| (iii) | Any other consideration other than the technical qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such. |
| | |
| B. | Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available. |
| C. | Shall describe in detail the application of any general or specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| D. | Shall show the name of the person responsible for making the determination of such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| 3. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.* |
| 4. | (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required to be maintained by registered investment advisers by rule adopted under Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary or appropriate to record the Subadviser’s transactions for the Trust. |
| 5. | Records as necessary under Board-approved policies and procedures of the Trust, including without limitation those related to valuation determinations. |
* Such information might include: current financial information, annual and quarterly reports, press releases, reports by analysts and from brokerage firms (including their recommendations, i.e., buy, sell, hold) or any internal reports or subadviser review.
SCHEDULE C
SUBADVISORY FEE
For services provided to the Trust, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser a fee, payable monthly in arrears, equal to 50% of the net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series, calculated as follows:
| 1. | The total expenses of the Designated Series will be calculated in accordance with the terms of its prospectus, including application of the gross advisory fee. |
| 2. | Such total expenses will be reduced by the application of any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement, in accordance with the terms thereof. |
| 3. | The net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series will then be calculated by subtracting from the gross advisory fee any amount required to be waived under the applicable fee waiver(s) and/or reimbursed under such applicable expense limitation agreement. |
| 4. | In the event that the Adviser waives its entire fee and also assumes expenses of the Designated Series pursuant to an applicable expense limitation agreement, the Subadviser will similarly waive its entire fee and will share in the expense assumption by contributing 50% of the assumed amount. |
| 5. | If during the term of this Agreement the Adviser later recaptures some or all of the fees waived or expenses assumed by the Adviser and the Subadviser together, the Adviser shall pay to the Subadviser a pro rata amount of the fee(s)/expense(s) recaptured that is attributable to the Subadviser’s portion of the original waiver/assumed expense. |
SCHEDULE D
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Designated Series’ assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
| (a) | An investment program for the Designated Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board and the Adviser in paragraph 3 of this Subadvisory Agreement and implementation of that program; |
| (b) | Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Trust’s code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Board relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Designated Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Designated Series and governing laws, regulations, rules and orders; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered “illiquid” for the purposes of complying with the Designated Series’ limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; vi) the implementation of the Designated Series’ investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Designated Series performance; vii) compliance with the Investment Guidelines; viii) description of material changes in policies or procedures; and ix) description of any significant firm related developments; |
| (c) | Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Board; |
| (d) | Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Board at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Board; and |
| (e) | Notice to the Board and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Act or otherwise. |
| (f) | Reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings. |
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
| Re: | Subadviser’s Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Designated Series]. |
| From: | [Name of Subadviser] |
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30a-2 certification of Form N-CSR.
| | [Name of Designated Series]. |
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30a-2 and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have reviewed the following information presented in the schedule of investments for the period ended [Date of Reporting Period] (the “Report”) which forms part of the N-CSR, as applicable, for the Trust.
Schedule of Investments
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
| a. | Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual fund. |
| b. | Designed and implemented controls which ensure that all transactions provided to the fund’s custodians/prime broker and accounting agent (“vendors”) have been delivered in a secure manner by authorized persons, and that access to the fund’s records maintained by the fund’s vendors is restricted to authorized persons of our firm or, if applicable, any third party administrator utilized by our firm. Such controls include review of the authorized persons at least annually and prompt communication of any changes to authorized persons to the fund’s vendors. |
| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective. |
| d. | In addition, to the best of my knowledge, there has been no fraud, whether or not material, that involves our organization’s management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization’s control and procedures as they relate to our duties as subadviser to the Designated Series. |
I have read the draft of the Report which I understand to be current as of [Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such draft of the Report, including the Fund Summary and Asset Allocations (as applicable), does not, with respect to the Designated Series, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft Report.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Designated Series’ Chief Accounting Officer:
| a. | All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data with respect to the Designated Series in a timely fashion; |
| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser’s management or other employees who have a significant role in the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. |
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
| a. | The Subadviser’s Portfolio Manager(s) has/have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the “Code”). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code. |
| b. | The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Designated Series and the Policies and Procedures of the Designated Series as adopted by the Designated Series Board of Trustees. |
| c. | I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Virtus Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser’s compliance administrator. |
| d. | The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Designated Series as outlined above. |
| e. | Since the submission of our most recent certification there have not been any divestments of securities of issuers that conduct or have direct investments in business operations in Iran or Sudan. |
| f. | The subadviser has disclosed to the Adviser or the Designated Series any holdings required to be disclosed under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended and Executive Orders 13224, and 13382. |
This certification relates solely to the Designated Series named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Designated Series. The Subadviser’s records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to serve as the Designated Series official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Report.
| | | |
[Name of Subadviser] | | Date | |
[Name of Authorized Signer] | | | |
[Title of Authorized Signer] | | | |
SCHEDULE F
DESIGNATED SERIES
Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Income Fund
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING
THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
Relating to
Virtus NFJ Global Sustainability Fund
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
800-243-1574
As a shareholder of Virtus NFJ Global Sustainability Fund (the “Fund”):
You are receiving this Notice regarding the Internet availability of an information statement relating to the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund (the “Information Statement”). This Notice presents only an overview of a more complete Information Statement that is available to you on the Internet or, upon request, by mail. The Information Statement details important information regarding the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in this Information Statement. The Information Statement is for informational purposes only, and you do not need to take any action.
Subject to the direction of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”), Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) is responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program and for the general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser, and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement. At a meeting held on July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust approved the appointment of NFJ Investment Group, LLC (“NFJ”) to replace Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC as subadviser to perform the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund, pursuant to a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and NFJ (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund.
The appointment of NFJ as subadviser to the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement was effected on July 25, 2022, in accordance with exemptive relief (the “Exemptive Relief”) granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and approved by the Fund’s shareholders that permits VIA to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without seeking the approval of Fund shareholders (subject to certain conditions). Consequently, the Trust is not soliciting proxies to approve this change and you are requested not to send us a proxy. The Exemptive Relief does, however, require that an information statement be provided to you containing much of the same information that would have been included in a proxy statement soliciting approval of a new subadvisory agreement. In lieu of physical or electronic mail delivery of the Information Statement (other than on request as described below), the Fund will make the Information Statement available to you online.
The Information Statement will be available to review on the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/nfj-global-sustainability until at least January 12, 2023.
If you want a paper or email copy, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. To request a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to virtus.investment.partners@virtus.com or Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. If you want to receive a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, you must request one no later than July 25, 2023.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semiannual report is also available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/nfj-global-sustainability, by calling Virtus Fund Services toll-free at 800-243-1574, or by writing to Virtus Funds at P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074.
INFORMATION STATEMENT
VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
September 30, 2022
Notice Regarding New Subadviser
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust has eight separate series, including the Virtus NFJ Global Sustainability Fund (formerly known as Virtus Global Sustainability Fund) (the “Fund”). Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) acts as the investment adviser to the Fund, and each of the other series of the Trust. The Adviser is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
The primary purpose of this Information Statement is to provide you with important information about a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and NFJ Investment Group, LLC (“NFJ” or the “Subadviser”) with respect to the Fund.
On July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) approved the replacement of the Fund’s previous subadviser, Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AllianzGI U.S.”), with NFJ, and in connection therewith, a change to the Fund’s name and principal investment strategies. VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund and will be responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program in conformity with the Fund’s policies and oversee the subadviser.
This Information Statement will be provided on or about October 14, 2022 to the Fund’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 5, 2022 (the “Record Date”). The information in this document should be considered to be an Information Statement for purposes of Schedule 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
WE ARE NOT SOLICITING YOUR VOTE. NO PROXY VOTING CARD HAS BEEN ENCLOSED. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semi-annual report is available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/nfj-global-sustainability, by calling 800-243-1574, or by writing Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. A copy of this Information Statement is also available via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/nfj-global-sustainability until at least January 12, 2023.
Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act requires that all agreements under which persons serve as investment advisers or investment subadvisers to investment companies be approved by shareholders. The Trust and VIA are permitted to operate under exemptive relief issued under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act (the “Exemptive Relief”) that permits VIA, subject to certain conditions and without the approval of shareholders: (a) to select unaffiliated subadvisers, partially-owned affiliated subadvisers, and wholly-owned affiliated subadvisers, to manage all or a portion of the assets of a series of the Trust, and to enter into subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, (b) to materially amend subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, and (c) to continue the employment of existing subadvisers after events that under the 1940 Act and the relevant subadvisory agreements would otherwise cause an automatic termination of the subadvisory agreements. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers of the Fund and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Board must approve any new subadvisory agreements implemented in reliance on the Exemptive Relief. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of retaining a new subadviser.
THE TRANSACTION
Prior to July 25, 2022, AllianzGI U.S. was the subadviser to the Fund, then known as Virtus Global Sustainability Fund. On May 17, 2022, it was announced that AllianzGI U.S. had settled certain actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission about matters unrelated to the Fund. As a result of the settlement, AllianzGI U.S. was no longer allowed to manage U.S. registered open-end and closed-end funds after July 25, 2022, and AllianzGI U.S. informed the Fund that it would no longer be qualified to act as a subadviser to the Fund after a transition period of up to 10 weeks. Consequently, VIA engaged in a process to evaluate next steps to determine what was in the best interest of shareholders.
At a special meeting of the Trust’s Board held on July 18, 2022, VIA recommended to the Board that it approve NFJ to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser for the Fund’s portfolio. At the meeting, the Board approved the termination of the Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S. (the “Old Subadvisory Agreement”) to be effective on July 24, 2022. The Board then approved the appointment of NFJ as successor subadviser for the Fund, and the Board approved a new subadvisory agreement between VIA and NFJ to be effective July 25, 2022 (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, NFJ is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment program. A copy of the New Subadvisory Agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by all members of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”).
THE OLD SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S., dated February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S. provided portfolio management services for the Fund. Shareholders of the Fund approved AllianzGI U.S. as investment sub-adviser of the Fund at a shareholder meeting held on October 28, 2020. The annual rate of fees paid to AllianzGI U.S. by VIA (not by the Fund) was 50% of the net advisory fee payable to VIA. The advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund was 0.80% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement, AllianzGI U.S. provided day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. In doing so, AllianzGI U.S. was subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as periodically amended and provided to AllianzGI U.S. by VIA, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Board, and to instructions from VIA.
Unless instructed otherwise by VIA, AllianzGI U.S. had the authority and discretion to place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments with brokers or dealers selected by AllianzGI U.S.. AllianzGI U.S. was instructed to seek the best execution of transactions at prices that were advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that were reasonable in relation to the benefits received. AllianzGI U.S. may have selected brokers or dealers on the basis that they provided brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by AllianzGI U.S.. AllianzGI U.S. may have placed transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it had negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if AllianzGI U.S. determined in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or on all such transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which AllianzGI U.S. exercised investment discretion. Not all services or products provided by brokers or dealers that were generated with Fund commissions were necessarily used by AllianzGI U.S. in managing the Fund, but may have been allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement provided that AllianzGI U.S. was not liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the Old Subadvisory Agreement or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position except with respect to trade errors (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and/or AllianzGI U.S.) caused by the negligent action or omission of AllianzGI U.S. or its agent, provided, however, that such acts or omissions would not have constituted a breach of the Old Subadvisory Agreement by AllianzGI U.S., and that such acts or omissions would not have resulted from
AllianzGI U.S.’s (or its officers’, directors’, partners’, agents’, employees’ or controlling persons’) willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under the Old Subadvisory Agreement.
For the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the net advisory fees paid by the Fund to VIA were $476,0571, and the subadvisory fees paid by VIA to AllianzGI U.S. were $238,0282.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement was in effect for an initial period of two years and remained in full force and effect thereafter only so long as its continuance was specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act, and by the majority vote of the Independent Trustees in accordance with the requirement of Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Old Subadvisory Agreement could be terminated by either party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other party in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by the party so notified, or otherwise, could be terminated by VIA, AllianzGI U.S., the Trustees, or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Any such termination would not have affected any liability of either party with respect to any claim or matter on which any party had given written notice to any other party prior to termination and until such liability had been finally settled. The Old Subadvisory Agreement was considered for initial approval by the Board at a meeting held on August 31, 2020.
THE NEW SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
The description of the New Subadvisory Agreement that follows is qualified in its entirety by reference to the subadvisory agreement included as Exhibit A attached hereto.
Term
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will remain in effect until December 31, 2023, and thereafter for successive periods of one year only so long as the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, specifically approves its continuance at least annually. The New Subadvisory Agreement is subject to termination at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Trust, or (iii) by VIA upon 60 days’ written notice to the Subadviser. The New Subadvisory Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by VIA or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct.
Services
Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadviser provides portfolio management services to the Fund. In doing so, the Subadviser is subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its current prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by VIA; to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Brokerage Allocation
Unless otherwise instructed by VIA, the Subadviser will place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments for the Fund with brokers or dealers selected by the Subadviser. The Subadviser has been instructed to seek best execution of transactions at prices that are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. The Subadviser may select brokers or dealers on the basis that they provide
1 This reflects the actual fee received by VIA as adviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30,, 2021. For periods prior to February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S served as adviser to the Fund. VIA replaced AllianzGI U.S. and became the Trust’s Adviser effective on February 1, 2021.
2 This reflects the actual fee received by AllianzGI U.S. as subadviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. AllianzGI U.S. served as Adviser and was paid advisory fees for the period prior to February 1, 2021.
brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by the Subadviser. The Subadviser may place transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it has negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or all transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Not all Fund commissions will necessarily be used by the Subadviser in managing the Fund, but may be allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
Limitation of Liability
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Subadviser shall not be liable thereunder absent the Subadviser’s breach thereof or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and VIA and each of their respective directors or trustees, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls VIA, harmless against, any and all losses arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust) (as the same may be amended from time to time), directly caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent.
Subadvisory Fee
VIA, and not the Fund, pays subadvisory fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement. VIA will pay the Subadviser a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund, after accounting for any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement. The Advisory Agreement between the Trust and VIA relating to the Fund remains in effect and the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund under the Advisory Agreement do not change, so there is no increase in the management fees paid by the Fund as a result of the subadvisory fees paid under the New Subadvisory Agreement.
Effective Date
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by the Board, including, by a separate vote, the Independent Trustees, at a meeting of the Board held on July 18, 2022. The New Subadvisory Agreement became effective as of July 25, 2022, and the Subadviser began managing the assets of the Fund on July 25, 2022.
CHANGES IN THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Upon the replacement of AllianzGI U.S. with NFJ as subadviser of the Fund, the Fund’s principal investment strategies have been updated to reflect NFJ’s investment strategies and policies. In summary, the Fund continues to seek long-term capital appreciation. Consistent with this objective, NFJ’s management of the Fund’s investment program is similar to how it was managed by AllianzGI U.S., but there are some slight differences, such as how the Fund and NFJ may engage as a shareholder or to encourage the portfolio company to encourage more sustainable policies and corporate practices. In addition, NFJ will utilize its own proprietary method for rating stocks of portfolio companies with respect to their ESG factors, rather than utilize the company-specific and macroeconomic insights from the global research network of analysts of the broader Allianz Global Investors organization.
BOARD CONSIDERATIONS
As previously mentioned, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Board, approved the proposal to replace AllianzGI U.S. with NFJ as subadviser to the Fund at a meeting held on July 18, 2022. In connection with the appointment of the Subadviser, the Board also considered and approved the name change from Virtus Global Sustainability Fund to Virtus NFJ Global Sustainability Fund. The Independent Trustees were separately advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process.
In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board requested and evaluated information provided by VIA and the Subadviser which, in the Board’s view, constituted information necessary for the Board to form a judgment as to whether the New Subadvisory Agreement would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Board considered all the criteria separately with respect to the Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Trustees considered various factors, including those discussed below, none of which were controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Trustees also discussed the proposals in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.
Basis for the Board’s Approval
In making its determination with respect to the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board considered various factors, including:
| · | Nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided. The Trustees received in advance of the meeting information provided by the Subadviser, in the form of an extensive questionnaire concerning a number of topics, including its investment philosophy, resources, operations and compliance structure. The Trustees noted that the Subadviser would provide portfolio management, compliance with the Fund’s investment policies and procedures, compliance with applicable securities laws, and assurances thereof. The Trustees reviewed biographical information for the portfolio managers who would provide services under the Subadvisory Agreement. In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the Subadviser’s investment management process, including (a) the experience and capability of the Subadviser’s management and other personnel committed by the Subadviser to the Fund; (b) the quality of the Subadviser’s regulatory and legal compliance policies, procedures and systems; (c) the Subadviser’s brokerage and trading practices; and (d) the Subadviser’s proprietary ESG screens that are a core part of its investment process. The Board also took into account its knowledge of NFJ’s services and the quality of the performance of its duties with respect to other Virtus Funds. After considering all of the information provided to them, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser to the Fund were satisfactory and that there was a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the Subadviser would provide a high quality of investment services to the Fund. |
| · | Investment Performance. The Board considered the performance of a composite managed by the proposed Subadviser versus a peer group, an appropriate index and the Fund’s historical performance, and was satisfied with the proposed Subadviser’s performance. |
| · | Management Fees and Expenses. The Board noted that the Fund’s management fee was not expected to change, and the Fund has expense caps in place to limit the total expenses incurred by the Fund and its shareholders. The Board took into account that the Fund’s subadvisory fees are paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund, so that the Fund’s shareholders would not be directly impacted by those fees. The Board concluded that the proposed subadvisory fees were fair and reasonable in light of the services to be provided by the Subadviser and all factors considered. |
| · | Profitability and Economies of Scale. In considering the projected profitability to the Subadviser in connection with its relationship to the Fund, the Board noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be paid by VIA out of the advisory fees that it receives under the Advisory Agreement and not by the Fund. In considering the reasonableness of the fees payable by VIA to the Subadviser, the Board noted that, because the Subadviser is an affiliate of VIA, such profitability might be directly or indirectly shared by VIA. As a result, the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationship with the Fund was not a material factor in the Board’s deliberations at this time. For similar reasons, the Board did not consider the potential economies of scale in the Subadviser’s management of the Fund to be a material factor in its consideration at this time. |
| · | Other Benefits. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Subadviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund. Among them, the Board recognized that VP Distributors, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser, serves as the principal underwriter for the Trust, and, as such, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Fund to compensate it for providing selling activities, which could lead to growth in the Fund’s assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board also noted that an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser provides administrative and |
transfer agency services to the Trust. The Board noted management’s discussion of the fact that, while the Subadviser is an affiliate of VIA, there are no other direct benefits to the Subadviser in providing subadvisory services to the Fund, other than the fee to be earned under the New Subadvisory Agreement. There may be certain intangible benefits gained to the extent that serving the Fund could provide the opportunity to provide subadvisory services to additional series of the Trust or certain reputational benefits.
Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the New Subadvisory Agreement.
THE EXEMPTIVE RELIEF
The Fund and VIA have received shareholder approval to rely on exemptive relief from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and an order under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act that permits VIA, with respect to the series of the Trust and subject to certain conditions, to enter into and materially amend subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval. Therefore, the Trust and VIA have the right, subject to prior approval by the Board and certain conditions, to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without the approval of the shareholders of the Fund, including, without limitation, to replace or reinstate any subadviser with respect to which a subadvisory agreement has automatically terminated as a result of an assignment. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of any change in subadvisers made in reliance upon such Exemptive Relief.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUBADVISER
NFJ Investment Group, LLC is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford CT 06103 with its primary investment offices at 2100 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75201, and is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”) and an affiliate of VIA. NFJ acts as adviser and subadviser to open-end funds and as investment adviser to institutions and individuals. NFJ managed approximately $7.35 billion as of August 31, 2022.
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investments, and serve as portfolio managers of the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement:
| · | R. Burns McKinney, CFA. Mr. McKinney is a managing director and a senior portfolio manager/analyst at NFJ Investment Group. He serves as a co-lead portfolio manager of the NFJ Dividend Value and NFJ International Value strategies. He has been quoted and featured in a number of national publications, including the Wall Street Journal and Barron’s, and has been a featured guest on CNBC and Bloomberg TV. Prior to joining NFJ in 2006, Mr. McKinney was an equity analyst at Evergreen Investments, an investment banking analyst at Alex. Brown & Sons, a vice president in equity research at Merrill Lynch, and an equity analyst at Morgan Stanley. Mr. McKinney earned a B.A. in economics from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst®(CFA®) charterholder. He began his career in the investment industry in 1996. |
| · | John R. Mowrey, CFA. Mr. Mowrey is an executive managing director, senior portfolio manager/analyst, and chief investment officer of NFJ Investment Group, responsible for the overall investment policy for all value equity portfolios, hiring new talent, and building out the team’s investment capabilities. He serves as co-lead portfolio manager for the NFJ Mid Cap Value, NFJ Small Cap Value, NFJ Emerging Markets Value, and NFJ Infrastructure Income strategies. Mr. Mowrey joined NFJ in 2007 and has been quoted and featured in a number of national publications, including Barron’s, Kiplinger and MarketWatch, and has been a featured guest on CNBC. He earned a B.A. in political science from Rhodes College and an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder. He began his career in the investment industry in 2007. |
| · | Thomas W. Oliver, CFA, CPA. Mr. Oliver is a managing director and senior portfolio manager/analyst at NFJ Investment Group. He serves as a co-lead portfolio manager of the NFJ Dividend Value, NFJ Large Cap |
Value and NFJ All Cap Value strategies. Prior to joining NFJ in 2005, Mr. Oliver was a manager of corporate reporting at Perot Systems and an auditor at Deloitte & Touche. Mr. Oliver earned a B.B.A. and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder and has his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. He began his career in the investment industry in 1995.
| · | Jeff N. Reed, CFA. Mr. Reed is a managing director and senior portfolio manager/analyst at NFJ Investment Group. He serves as a co-lead portfolio manager of the NFJ Dividend Value, NFJ Large Cap Value and NFJ All Cap Value strategies. Prior to joining NFJ in 2007, Mr. Reed was a credit analyst at Frost Bank. Mr. Reed earned a B.B.A. in finance and e-business from Texas Christian University and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas, McCombs School of Business. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Data Science program with a specialization in machine learning at Southern Methodist University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder. He began his career in the investment industry in 2004. |
| · | J. Garth Reilly. Mr. Reilly is a managing director and senior portfolio manager/analyst at NFJ Investment Group. He serves as a co-lead portfolio manager/analyst of the NFJ Emerging Markets Value, NFJ International Value, and NFJ Infrastructure Income strategies. Prior to joining NFJ in 2005, he was an intern at Luther King Capital Management and Citigroup Alternative Investments. Mr. Reilly earned a B.A. in political economy from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University. He began his career in the investment industry in 2005. |
The following persons serve as the principal executive officers of the Subadviser at the address for the Subadviser listed above. George Aylward and Richard Smirl also serve as officers of the Trust.
Name | Principal Occupation at NFJ |
George R. Aylward | President and Chief Executive Officer |
Michael A. Angerthal | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Wendy J. Hills | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
John R. Mowrey | Executive Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer |
Richard W. Smirl | Executive Vice President |
Patti S. Almanza | Chief Compliance Officer |
As of the date of this Information Statement, NFJ serves as an investment adviser or subadviser to no other funds that have similar investment objectives and are managed similarly to the Fund.
INFORMATION ABOUT VIA
AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
VIA is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. VIA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus. Virtus is an independent, publicly traded financial services company which, through its affiliates, provides asset management and related services to individuals and institutions. As of June 30, 2022, Virtus’ affiliated investment advisers had in aggregate approximately $155.4 billion in assets under management. VIA acts as an investment adviser to mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of August 31, 2022, VIA managed approximately $51.7 billion in assets. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, for its services with regard to the Fund VIA was paid $476,057 in aggregate investment advisory fees, which includes $148,668 in advisory fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed. As of the date of this Information Statement, VIA did not serve as an investment adviser to any other funds that have similar investment objectives and are managed similarly to the Fund. VIA will compensate the Subadviser out of the management fees it receives from the Fund.
VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the national distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Fund paid $26,915 to VP Distributors during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, for performing distribution services. The principal office of VP Distributors is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund paid $18,169 in brokerage commissions. No brokerage fees were paid to any affiliate of VIA and NFJ.
Virtus Fund Services, LLC (“Virtus Fund Services”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrative agent for the Fund as of February 1, 2021. The principal office of Virtus Fund Services is located
at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. The Fund paid $54,479 to Virtus Fund Services, for the period from February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021, for performing these services for the Fund.
SHARE OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
The Fund had 5,072,923.967 shares issued and outstanding as of the Record Date.
The table below shows those shareholders who beneficially owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of the Record Date.
Shareholder Name and Address | Percentage of Shares Owned |
Virtus Strategy Trust on behalf of Virtus Global Allocation Fund Attn VSS Equity Operations 3333 Piedmont Rd Ne Ste 1500 Atlanta GA 30305 | 85.49 |
As of the Record Date, the officers and Trustees of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
HOUSEHOLDING OF MATERIALS
The Trust may send only one copy of this Information Statement and the semi-annual and annual reports to those households in which multiple shareholders share the same address, unless the Trust received instructions from a shareholder in such a household requesting separate copies of these materials. If you are a shareholder who shares the same address as other shareholders of the Trust and would like to receive a separate copy of this Information Statement, the semi-annual report, annual reports or future proxy statements, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. If you share the same address as multiple shareholders and would like the Trust to send only one copy of future proxy statements, information statements, semi-annual reports and annual reports, please contact Virtus Funds at the above phone number or VP Distributors at the above post office address.
FUTURE SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
As a Massachusetts business trust, the Trust does not hold shareholder meetings unless required by the 1940 Act. The Trust relied upon an Exemptive Relief to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser to the Fund without a shareholder meeting. As of the date of mailing of this information statement, the Trust does not anticipate holding a meeting of shareholders in 2022 or 2023. Shareholders who wish to present a proposal for action at the next meeting should submit the proposal to:
Jennifer S. Fromm
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Proposals must be received in a reasonable time prior to the date of the applicable shareholder meeting to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for the meeting. Timely submission of a proposal does not, however, necessarily mean that the proposal will be submitted for consideration by shareholders.
By Order of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust.
Jennifer S. Fromm
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary
Virtus Strategy Trust
Exhibit A
VIRTUS STATEGY TRUST
Virtus NFJ Global Sustainability Fund
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
July 25, 2022
NFJ Investment Group, LLC
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
RE: Subadvisory Agreement
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Trust are offered or may be offered in several series (sometimes hereafter referred to as the “Series”), including Virtus NFJ Global Sustainability Fund.
Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
| 1. | Appointment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby appoints NFJ Investment Group, LLC (the “Subadviser”) as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser as set forth on Schedule F attached hereto (the “Designated Series”) on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner with the Subadviser’s performance hereunder. |
| 2. | Acceptance of Appointment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its appointment as a discretionary series adviser of the Designated Series and agrees, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) and the Adviser, to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Designated Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Subadviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority or obligation to act for or represent the Adviser, the Trust or the Series in any way. |
| 3. | Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Designated Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Trust as they apply to the Designated Series and as set forth in the Trust’s then current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“Statement of Additional Information”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of the Trust’s registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Board, and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Trust’s prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Designated Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies. |
| 4. | Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Designated Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Trust (the “Custodian”), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Designated Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Trust all investment orders for the Designated Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at |
the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Trust shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Trust shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the acts, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian.
| 5. | Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Designated Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed. |
| A. | In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Designated Series securities for the Trust, the Subadviser’s primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Trust, as long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a “best execution” market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Trust, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Trust may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Trust a lower commission on the particular transaction. |
| B. | The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Trust and other portfolios the Subadviser manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Designated Series with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities in a manner considered by the Subadviser to be equitable and consistent with the Subadviser’s fiduciary obligations in respect of the Designated Series and to such other accounts. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall not execute any transactions for the Designated Series with a broker or dealer that is an “affiliated person” (as defined in the Act) of (i) the Designated Series; (ii) another Series; (iii) the Adviser; (iv) the Subadviser or any other subadviser to the Designated Series; (v) a principal underwriter of the Trust’s shares; or (vi) any other affiliated person of the Designated Series, in each case, unless such transactions are permitted by applicable law or regulation and carried out in compliance with any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are “affiliated persons” of the Trust, the Adviser or the principal underwriter, and applicable policies and procedures. Upon the request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall promptly, and in any event within three business days of a request, indicate whether any entity identified by the Adviser in such request is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of (i) the Subadviser or (ii) any affiliated person of the Subadviser, subject in each case to any confidentiality requirements applicable to the Subadviser and/or its affiliates. Further, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with a list of (x) each broker-dealer entity that is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of the Subadviser and (y) each affiliated person of the Subadviser that has outstanding publicly-issued debt or equity. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list(s) whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from such list of affiliated persons. |
| D. | Consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust in respect of the Designated Series and the requirements of best price and execution, the Subadviser may, under certain circumstances, arrange to have purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the Designated Series and another account managed by the Subadviser (“cross transactions”), provided that such transactions are carried out in accordance with applicable law or regulation and any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with applicable policies and procedures. |
| 6. | Proxies and Other Shareholder Actions. |
| A. | Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Designated Series. Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, provided that the Adviser has reviewed the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect and determined them to comply with the requirements of the Trust’s proxy voting policy, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Designated Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian, the Administrator or another party, to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with any changes to the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures. The Subadviser further agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Trust to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act. The Subadviser shall provide disclosure regarding its proxy voting policies and procedures in accordance with the requirements of Form N-1A for inclusion in the Registration Statement of the Trust. During any annual period in which the Subadviser has voted proxies for the Trust, the Subadviser shall, as may reasonably be requested by the Adviser, certify as to its compliance with its proxy voting policies and procedures and applicable federal statutes and regulations. |
| B. | The Subadviser is authorized to deal with reorganizations, exchange offers and other voluntary corporate actions with respect to securities held in the Designated Series in such manner as the Subadviser deems advisable, unless the Trust or the Adviser otherwise specifically directs in writing. It is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the filing of claims (or otherwise causing the Trust to participate) in class action settlements or similar proceedings in which shareholders may participate related to securities currently or previously associated with the Designated Series. With the Adviser’s approval, on a case-by-case basis the Subadviser may obtain the authority and take on the responsibility to: (i) identify, evaluate and pursue legal claims, including commencing or defending suits, affecting the securities held at any time in the Designated Series, including claims in bankruptcy, class action securities litigation and other litigation; (ii) participate in such litigation or related proceedings with respect to such securities as the Subadviser deems appropriate to preserve or enhance the value of the Designated Series, including filing proofs of claim and related documents and serving as “lead plaintiff” in class action lawsuits; (iii) exercise generally any of the powers of an owner with respect to the supervision and management of such rights or claims, including the settlement, compromise or submission to arbitration of any claims, the exercise of which the Subadviser deems to be in the best interest of the Designated Series or required by applicable law, including ERISA, and (iv) employ suitable agents, including legal counsel, and to pay their reasonable fees, expenses and related costs from the Designated Series. |
| 7. | Prohibited Conduct. In accordance with Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act and any other applicable law or regulation, the Subadviser’s responsibility regarding investment advice hereunder is limited to the Designated Series, and the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to the Trust or any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates regarding transactions in securities or other assets for the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of investment companies sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and its affiliates, and the Subadviser shall be in breach of the foregoing provision only if the investment company is included in such a list provided to the Subadviser prior to such prohibited action. The Subadviser, and its affiliates and agents, shall refrain from making any written or oral statements concerning the Designated Series, the Trust, any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates, and any substantially similar products, that are reasonably likely to mislead investors regarding either (i) the services rendered by the Subadviser to the Designated Series or the Trust, or (ii) the Designated Series, including without limitation with respect to the investment strategies and/or risks, and/or the performance thereof. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Trust and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Subadviser |
may, in its discretion, utilize personnel employed by affiliates of the Subadviser to perform services pursuant to this Agreement by way of a “participating affiliate” agreement in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), including the published interpretations thereof by the SEC or its staff. Such participating affiliate agreement shall subject the personnel providing such services to the Subadviser’s compliance and other programs with respect to their activities on behalf of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser assumes full responsibility for all actions, and any failure to act, by each person utilized by the Subadviser to perform services under this Agreement.
| 8. | Information and Reports. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall keep the Trust and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Designated Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Board, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series during the most recently completed quarter, which reports: (i) shall include Subadviser’s representation that its performance of its investment management duties hereunder is in compliance with the Designated Series’ investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the diversification and minimum “good income” requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) otherwise shall be in such form as may be reasonably required by the Adviser. |
| B. | Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser’s or the Subadviser’s respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested by the Adviser regarding its management of the Designated Series required for any shareholder report, amended Registration Statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the SEC. |
| D. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser and the Trust in the event that any of the Subadviser’s employees or contractors raise any issues concerning any actual or potential material violation of any law, regulation or internal policy of the Subadviser, in each case actually or potentially affecting the Designated Series. |
| 9. | Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser. |
| 10. | Limitation of Liability. Absent the Subadviser’s breach of this Agreement or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and the Adviser and each of their respective directors or trustees, members, officers, employees and shareholders, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or the Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), harmless against, any and all Losses (as defined below) arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust), as the same may be amended from time to time) caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent. The Adviser agrees to provide prior written notice to the Subadviser of any material changes to the definition of Trade Error becoming effective |
with respect to the Designated Series unless, in the reasonable discretion of the Adviser, such change must become effective earlier due to any applicable law, rule, regulation or court order. It is acknowledged and agreed that any Trade Error that results in a gain to the Designated Series shall inure to the benefit of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Designated Series is a third party beneficiary of the indemnity granted in this Section 10, and the indemnity is intended to cover claims by the Designated Series, the Trust (on behalf of the Designated Series), or the Adviser against the Subadviser for recovery pursuant to this section.
| 11. | Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Trust to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Designated Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Trust in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and the Adviser agree that the Subadviser may (i) disclose in marketing materials and similar communications that the Subadviser has been engaged to manage assets of the Designated Series pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) include performance statistics regarding the Designated Series in composite performance statistics regarding one or more groups of Subadviser’s clients published or included in any of the foregoing communications, provided that the Subadviser does not identify any performance statistics as relating specifically to the Designated Series. |
| 12. | Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Trust and the Adviser in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Trust to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser. |
| 13. | Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that: |
| A. | It is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon it. It (i) is registered as an “investment adviser” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser makes no representation or warranty with regard to the approval of this Agreement by the Board under Section 15 of the Act; (iii) has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (iv) has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act from occurring, and correct promptly any violations that have occurred, and will provide notice promptly to the Adviser of any material violations relating to the Trust; (v) has materially met and will seek to 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 agency. |
| B. | It is either registered as a commodity trading advisor or duly exempt from such registration with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and it will maintain such registration or exemption continuously during the term of this Agreement or, alternatively, will become a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the CFTC and will be a member in good standing with the National Futures Association. |
| C. | It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Trust, records in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Trust, and shall be surrendered to the Trust or to the Adviser as agent of the Trust promptly upon request of either. The Trust acknowledges that the Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation. |
| D. | It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Act and shall provide the Trust and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Trust. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Trust and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1 during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no material violation of its Code of Ethics, or of Rule 17j-1(b), or that any persons covered under its Code of Ethics has divulged or acted upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws, and if such a violation of the code of ethics of the Trust has occurred, or if such a violation of its Code of Ethics has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser promptly of any material violation of the Code of Ethics involving the Trust. The Subadviser will provide such additional information regarding violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust as the Trust or its Chief Compliance Officer on behalf of the Trust or the Adviser may reasonably request in order to assess the functioning of the Code of Ethics or any harm caused to the Trust from a violation of the Code of Ethics. Further, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, nonpublic information by the Subadviser and its employees. The Subadviser will explain what it has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish to the Trust and the Adviser a written report which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser’s Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall permit the Trust and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1(d)(1) and this subparagraph. |
| E. | It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect of the Trust could affect the Trust, by the Trust, of “federal securities laws” (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Trust with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information reasonably requested by the Trust and/or the Adviser. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Trust and/or the Adviser from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters as the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Designated Series. |
| F. | The Subadviser will immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9 of the Act or otherwise. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if it is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board or body, including but not limited to the SEC and the CFTC, involving the affairs of the Designated Series. |
| G. | To the best of its knowledge, there are no material pending, threatened, or contemplated actions, suits, proceedings, or investigations before or by any court, governmental, administrative or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel to which it or any of its directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders, members or principals, or any of its affiliates is a party or to which it or its affiliates or any of its or its affiliates’ assets are subject, nor has it or any of its affiliates received any notice of an investigation, inquiry, or dispute by any court, governmental, administrative, or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel regarding any of its or their activities, which might reasonably be expected to result in (i) a material adverse effect on the Trust or (ii) a material adverse change in the Subadviser’s condition (financial or otherwise) or business, or which might reasonably be expected to |
materially impair the Subadviser’s ability to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if the representation in this Section 13.G is no longer accurate.
| H. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser of any changes in its executive officers, partners or in its key personnel, including, without limitation, any change in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the Designated Series or if there is an actual or expected change in control or management of the Subadviser. |
| 14. | No Personal Liability. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, a copy of which has been filed with the SEC, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name “Virtus Strategy Trust” refers to the Board under said Declaration of Trust, as trustees and not personally, and no trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Trust shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Trust or of any successor of the Trust, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate. |
| 15. | Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with the Schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Trust, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, E and F, is subject to the approval of the Board (including those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust) and, if required by the Act or applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of a majority of the Designated Series’ outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended or terminated in accordance with any exemptive order issued to the Adviser, the Trust or its affiliates. |
| 16. | Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until December 31, 2023. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote of the Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series and (ii) by vote of a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) or of any person party to this Agreement, cast in person (or otherwise, as consistent with applicable laws, regulations and related guidance and relief) at a meeting called for the purpose of such approval. |
| 17. | Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Trust, or (iii) by the Adviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Subadviser. This Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by the Adviser or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser of this Agreement or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment, as such term is defined in and interpreted under the terms of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Termination of this Agreement will not affect any outstanding orders or transactions or any legal rights or obligations which may already have arisen. Transactions in progress at the date of termination will be completed by the Subadviser as soon as reasonably practicable. Provisions of this Agreement relating to indemnification and the preservation of records, as well as any responsibilities or obligations of the parties hereto arising from matters initiated prior to termination, shall survive any termination of this Agreement. |
| 18. | Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and fully performed within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
| 19. | Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
| 20. | Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or e-mail transmission addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party. |
| (a) | To the Adviser or the Trust at: |
| | |
| | Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. One Financial Plaza Hartford, Connecticut 06103 Attn: Legal Counsel Telephone: (860) 263-4790 Facsimile: (860) 241-1028 |
| (b) | To the Subadviser at: |
| | |
| | NFJ Investment Group, LLC 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 700 Dallas, TX 75101 Attn: Chief Compliance Officer With a copy to: Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. One Financial Plaza Hartford, Connecticut 06103 Attn: Legal Counsel |
| 21. | Certifications. The Subadviser shall timely provide to the Adviser and the Trust, all information and documentation they may reasonably request as necessary or appropriate in order for the Adviser and the Board to oversee the activities of the Subadviser and in connection with the compliance by any of them with the requirements of this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the policies and procedures referenced herein, and any applicable law, including, without limitation, (i) information and commentary relating to the Subadviser or the Designated Series for the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports, in a format reasonably approved by the Adviser, together with (A) a certification that such information and commentary discuss all of the factors that materially affected the performance of the Designated Series, including the relevant market conditions and the investment techniques and strategies used and (B) additional certifications related to the Subadviser’s management of the Trust in order to support the Trust’s filings on Form N-CSR and other applicable forms, and the Trust’s Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications under Rule 30a-2 under the Act, thereon; (ii) within 5 business days of a quarter-end, a quarterly certification with respect to compliance and operational matters related to the Subadviser and the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series (including, without limitation, compliance with the applicable procedures), in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser, as it may be amended from time to time; and (iii) an annual certification from the Subadviser’s Chief Compliance Officer, appointed under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act with respect to the design and operation of the Subadviser’s compliance program, in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, the |
Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E.
| A. | The Subadviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) arising from the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Adviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Adviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Subadviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Adviser for use therein. |
| B. | The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser from and against any and all Losses arising from the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Subadviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Subadviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Subadviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Subadviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Adviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Subadviser for use therein. |
| C. | A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt written notice to the other of any claim (“Claim”) for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and /or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party. |
| D. | No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement. |
| 23. | Receipt of Disclosure Documents. The Trust and the Adviser acknowledge receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part 2 of the Subadviser’s Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business. The Subadviser will, promptly after making any amendment to its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendment to the Adviser. On an annual basis and upon request, the Subadviser will provide a copy of its audited financial statements, including balance sheets, for the two most recent fiscal years and, if available, each subsequent fiscal quarter. At the time of providing such information, the Subadviser shall describe any material adverse change in its financial condition since the date of its latest financial statement. |
| 24. | Counterparts; Fax Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures. |
| 25. | Bankruptcy and Related Events. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the other in the event that: (i) it makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or is otherwise adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) a material event occurs that could reasonably be expected to adversely impair its ability to perform this Agreement. The Adviser further agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the Subadviser in the event that the Trust ceases to be registered as an investment company under the Act. |
[signature page follows]
| VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Name: W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer |
| | | |
| VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Name: Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Title: Executive Vice President | |
ACCEPTED:
NFJ INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC
By: | /s/ Richard W. Smirl | |
| Name: | Richard W. Smirl | |
| Title: | Executive Vice President | |
| | | |
SCHEDULES: | A. | Operational Procedures |
| B. | Record Keeping Requirements |
| C. | Fee Schedule |
| D. | Subadviser Functions |
| E. | Form of Sub-Certification |
| F. | Designated Series |
SCHEDULE A
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied in a secure manner by Subadviser to the Trust’s service providers, including: The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), Virtus Fund Services, LLC (the “Fund Administrator”), BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., (the “Accounting Agent”), any Prime Broker to the Series, and all other Counterparties/Brokers as required.
The Subadviser must furnish the Trust’s service providers with required daily information as to executed trades in a format and time-frame agreed to by the Subadviser, Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties and designated persons of the Trust. Trade information sent to the Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties must include all necessary data within the required timeframes to allow such parties to perform their obligations to the Designated Series.
The Accounting Agent specifically requires a daily trade blotter with a summary of all trades, in addition to trade feeds, including, if no trades are executed, a report to that effect. Daily information as to executed trades for same-day settlement and future trades must be sent to the Accounting Agent no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the day of the trade each day the Trust is open for business. All other executed trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent on trade date +1 by 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to ensure that they are part of the Designated Series’ NAV calculation. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Trust for any loss caused by the Subadviser’s failure to comply with the requirements of this Schedule A.) On fiscal quarter ends and calendar quarter ends, all trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent by 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) for inclusion in the financial statements of the Designated Series. The data to be sent to the Accounting Agent and/or Fund Administrator will be as agreed by the Subadviser, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and designated persons of the Trust and shall include (without limitation) the following:
1. | Transaction type (e.g., purchase, sale, open, close, put call); |
2. | Security type (e.g., equity, fixed income, swap, future, option, short, long); |
3. | Security name; |
4. | Exchange identifier (e.g., CUSIP, ISIN, Sedol, OCC Symbol) (as applicable); |
5. | Number of shares and par, original face, contract amount, notional amount; |
6. | Transaction price per share (clean if possible); |
7. | Strike price; |
8. | Aggregate principal amount; |
9. | Executing broker; |
10. | Settlement agent; |
11. | Trade date; |
12. | Settlement date; |
13. | Aggregate commission or if a net trade; |
14. | Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security; |
15. | Net proceeds of the transaction; |
16. | Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research (to be provided quarterly); |
17. | Derivative terms; |
18. | Non-deliverable forward classification (to be provided quarterly); |
19. | Maturity/expiration date; and |
20. | Details of margin and collateral movement. |
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Trust, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be opened by the Subadviser in the name of the Trust or any Series except as specifically approved by the Trust and the Fund Administrator. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Accounting Agent will provide a five-day cash projection. This will normally be done by email or, if email is unavailable, by another form of immediate written communication, so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
SCHEDULE B
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
| 1. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(5) and (6)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Trust for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include: |
| | |
| A. | The name of the broker; |
| B. | The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or cancellations thereof; |
| C. | The time of entry or cancellation; |
| D. | The price at which executed; |
| E. | The time of receipt of a report of execution; and |
| F. | The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Trust. |
| | |
| 2. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten (10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase and sale orders. Such record: |
| | |
| A. | Shall include the consideration given to: |
| | |
| (i) | The sale of shares of the Trust by brokers or dealers. |
| | |
| (ii) | The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers to: |
| | (a) | The Trust, |
| | (b) | The Adviser, |
| | (c) | The Subadviser, and |
| | (d) | Any person other than the foregoing. |
| | |
| (iii) | Any other consideration other than the technical qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such. |
| | |
| B. | Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available. |
| | |
| C. | Shall describe in detail the application of any general or specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| | |
| D. | Shall show the name of the person responsible for making the determination of such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| | |
| 3. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.* |
| | |
| 4. | (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required to be maintained by registered investment advisers by rule adopted under Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary or appropriate to record the Subadviser’s transactions for the Trust. |
| | |
| 5. | Records as necessary under Board-approved policies and procedures of the Trust, including without limitation those related to valuation determinations. |
* Such information might include: current financial information, annual and quarterly reports, press releases, reports by analysts and from brokerage firms (including their recommendations, i.e., buy, sell, hold) or any internal reports or subadviser review.
SCHEDULE C
SUBADVISORY FEE
For services provided to the Trust, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser a fee, payable monthly in arrears, equal to 50% of the net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series, calculated as follows:
| 1. | The total expenses of the Designated Series will be calculated in accordance with the terms of its prospectus, including application of the gross advisory fee. |
| 2. | Such total expenses will be reduced by the application of any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement, in accordance with the terms thereof. |
| 3. | The net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series will then be calculated by subtracting from the gross advisory fee any amount required to be waived under the applicable fee waiver(s) and/or reimbursed under such applicable expense limitation agreement. |
| 4. | In the event that the Adviser waives its entire fee and also assumes expenses of the Designated Series pursuant to an applicable expense limitation agreement, the Subadviser will similarly waive its entire fee and will share in the expense assumption by contributing 50% of the assumed amount. |
| 5. | If during the term of this Agreement the Adviser later recaptures some or all of the fees waived or expenses assumed by the Adviser and the Subadviser together, the Adviser shall pay to the Subadviser a pro rata amount of the fee(s)/expense(s) recaptured that is attributable to the Subadviser’s portion of the original waiver/assumed expense. |
SCHEDULE D
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Designated Series’ assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
| (a) | An investment program for the Designated Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board and the Adviser in paragraph 3 of this Subadvisory Agreement and implementation of that program; |
| (b) | Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Trust’s code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Board relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Designated Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Designated Series and governing laws, regulations, rules and orders; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered “illiquid” for the purposes of complying with the Designated Series’ limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; vi) the implementation of the Designated Series’ investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Designated Series performance; vii) compliance with the Investment Guidelines; viii) description of material changes in policies or procedures; and ix) description of any significant firm related developments; |
| (c) | Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Board; |
| (d) | Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Board at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Board; and |
| (e) | Notice to the Board and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Act or otherwise. |
| (f) | Reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings. |
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To: | |
| |
Re: | Subadviser’s Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Designated Series]. |
| From: | [Name of Subadviser] |
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30a-2 certifications of Form N-CSR.
| | [Name of Designated Series]. |
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30a-2 and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have reviewed the following information presented in the schedule of investments for the period ended [Date of Reporting Period] (the “Report”) which forms part of the N-CSR, as applicable, for the Trust.
Schedule of Investments
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
| a. | Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual fund. |
| b. | Designed and implemented controls which ensure that all transactions provided to the fund’s custodians/prime broker and accounting agent (“vendors”) have been delivered in a secure manner by authorized persons, and that access to the fund’s records maintained by the fund’s vendors is restricted to authorized persons of our firm or, if applicable, any third party administrator utilized by our firm. Such controls include review of the authorized persons at least annually and prompt communication of any changes to authorized persons to the fund’s vendors. |
| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective. |
| d. | In addition, to the best of my knowledge, there has been no fraud, whether or not material, that involves our organization’s management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization’s control and procedures as they relate to our duties as subadviser to the Designated Series. |
I have read the draft of the Report which I understand to be current as of [Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such draft of the Report, including the Fund Summary and Asset Allocations (as applicable), does not, with respect to the Designated Series, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft Report.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Designated Series’ Chief Accounting Officer:
| a. | All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data with respect to the Designated Series in a timely fashion; |
| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser’s management or other employees who have a significant role in the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. |
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
| a. | The Subadviser’s Portfolio Manager(s) has/have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the “Code”). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code. |
| b. | The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Designated Series and the Policies and Procedures of the Designated Series as adopted by the Designated Series Board of Trustees. |
| c. | I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Virtus Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser’s compliance administrator. |
| d. | The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Designated Series as outlined above. |
| e. | Since the submission of our most recent certification there have not been any divestments of securities of issuers that conduct or have direct investments in business operations in Iran or Sudan. |
| f. | The subadviser has disclosed to the Adviser or the Designated Series any holdings required to be disclosed under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended and Executive Orders 13224, and 13382. |
This certification relates solely to the Designated Series named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Designated Series. The Subadviser’s records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to serve as the Designated Series official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Report.
[Name of Subadviser] | | Date | |
[Name of Authorized Signer] | | | |
[Title of Authorized Signer] | | | |
SCHEDULE F
DESIGNATED SERIES
Virtus NFJ Global Sustainability Fund
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING
THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
Relating to
Virtus Seix High Yield Income Fund
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
800-243-1574
As a shareholder of Virtus Seix High Yield Income Fund (the “Fund”):
You are receiving this Notice regarding the Internet availability of an information statement relating to the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund (the “Information Statement”). This Notice presents only an overview of a more complete Information Statement that is available to you on the Internet or, upon request, by mail. The Information Statement details important information regarding the appointment of a new subadviser to the Fund. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in this Information Statement. The Information Statement is for informational purposes only, and you do not need to take any action.
Subject to the direction of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”), Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) is responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program and for the general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser, and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement. At a meeting held on July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust approved the appointment of Seix Investment Advisors (“Seix”), an operating division of Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC (“VFIA”), to replace Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC as subadviser to perform the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund, pursuant to a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and VFIA (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund.
The appointment of Seix as subadviser to the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement was effected on July 25, 2022, in accordance with exemptive relief (the “Exemptive Relief”) granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and approved by the Fund’s shareholders that permits VIA to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without seeking the approval of Fund shareholders (subject to certain conditions). Consequently, the Trust is not soliciting proxies to approve this change and you are requested not to send us a proxy. The Exemptive Relief does, however, require that an information statement be provided to you containing much of the same information that would have been included in a proxy statement soliciting approval of a new subadvisory agreement. In lieu of physical or electronic mail delivery of the Information Statement (other than on request as described below), the Fund will make the Information Statement available to you online.
The Information Statement will be available to review on the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/seix-high-yield-income until at least January 12, 2022.
If you want a paper or email copy, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. To request a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to virtus.investment.partners@virtus.com or Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. If you want to receive a paper or email copy of the Information Statement, you must request one no later than July 25, 2023.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semiannual report is also available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/seix-high-yield-income, by calling Virtus Fund Services toll-free at 800-243-1574, or by writing to Virtus Funds at P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074.
INFORMATION STATEMENT
VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST
c/o Virtus Funds
P.O. Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074
September 30, 2022
Notice Regarding New Subadviser
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust has eight separate series, including the Virtus Seix High Yield Income Fund (formerly known as Virtus High Yield Bond Fund) (the “Fund”). Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) acts as the investment adviser to the Fund, and each of the other series of the Trust. The Adviser is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
The primary purpose of this Information Statement is to provide you with important information about a new investment subadvisory agreement between VIA and Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC (“VFIA”), operating through its division, Seix Investment Advisors (“Seix” or the “Subadviser”), with respect to the Fund.
On July 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) approved the replacement of the Fund’s previous subadviser, Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AllianzGI U.S.”), with Seix, and in connection therewith, a change to the Fund’s name. VIA will continue to serve as the investment adviser for the Fund and will be responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program in conformity with the Fund’s policies and oversee the subadviser.
This Information Statement will be provided on or about October 14, 2022 to the Fund’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 5, 2022 (the “Record Date”). The information in this document should be considered to be an Information Statement for purposes of Schedule 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
WE ARE NOT SOLICITING YOUR VOTE. NO PROXY VOTING CARD HAS BEEN ENCLOSED. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual and/or semi-annual report is available free of charge via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/seix-high-yield-income, by calling 800-243-1574, or by writing Virtus Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-8074. A copy of this Information Statement is also available via the Internet at https://www.virtus.com/products/seix-high-yield-income until at least January 12, 2023.
Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act requires that all agreements under which persons serve as investment advisers or investment subadvisers to investment companies be approved by shareholders. The Trust and VIA are permitted to operate under exemptive relief issued under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act (the “Exemptive Relief”) that permits VIA, subject to certain conditions and without the approval of shareholders: (a) to select unaffiliated subadvisers, partially-owned affiliated subadvisers, and wholly-owned affiliated subadvisers, to manage all or a portion of the assets of a series of the Trust, and to enter into subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, (b) to materially amend subadvisory agreements with these subadvisers, and (c) to continue the employment of existing subadvisers after events that under the 1940 Act and the relevant subadvisory agreements would otherwise cause an automatic termination of the subadvisory agreements. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers of the Fund and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Board must approve any new subadvisory agreements implemented in reliance on the Exemptive Relief. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of retaining a new subadviser.
THE TRANSACTION
Prior to July 25, 2022, AllianzGI U.S. was the subadviser to the Fund, then known as Virtus High Yield Bond Fund. On May 17, 2022, it was announced that AllianzGI U.S. had settled certain actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission about matters unrelated to the Fund. As a result of the settlement, AllianzGI U.S. was no longer allowed to manage U.S. registered open-end and closed-end funds after July 25, 2022, and AllianzGI U.S. informed the Fund that it would no longer be qualified to act as a subadviser to the Fund after a transition period of up to 10 weeks. Consequently, VIA engaged in a process to evaluate next steps to determine what was in the best interest of shareholders.
At a special meeting of the Trust’s Board held on July 18, 2022, VIA recommended to the Board that it approve Seix to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser for the Fund’s portfolio. At the meeting, the Board approved the termination of the Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S. (the “Old Subadvisory Agreement”) to be effective on July 24, 2022. The Board then approved the appointment of Seix as successor subadviser for the Fund, and the Board approved a new subadvisory agreement between VIA and VFIA to be effective July 25, 2022 (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”). Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, Seix is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. A copy of the New Subadvisory Agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by all members of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”).
THE OLD SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement between VIA and AllianzGI U.S., dated February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S. provided portfolio management services for the Fund. Shareholders of the Fund approved AllianzGI U.S. as investment sub-adviser of the Fund at a shareholder meeting held on November 24, 2020. The annual rate of fees paid to AllianzGI U.S. by VIA (not by the Fund) was 50% of the net advisory fee payable to VIA. The advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund was 0.48% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Under the Old Subadvisory Agreement, AllianzGI U.S. provided day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. In doing so, AllianzGI U.S. was subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as periodically amended and provided to AllianzGI U.S.by VIA; to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Unless instructed otherwise by VIA, AllianzGI U.S. had the authority and discretion to place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments with brokers or dealers selected by AllianzGI U.S. AllianzGI U.S. was instructed to seek the best execution of transactions at prices that were advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that were reasonable in relation to the benefits received. AllianzGI U.S. may have selected brokers or dealers on the basis that they provided brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by AllianzGI U.S. AllianzGI U.S. may have placed transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it had negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if AllianzGI U.S. determined in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or on all such transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which AllianzGI U.S. exercised investment discretion. Not all services or products provided by brokers or dealers that were generated with Fund commissions were necessarily used by AllianzGI U.S.in managing the Fund, but may have been allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement provided that AllianzGI U.S. was not liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the Old Subadvisory Agreement or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position except with respect to trade errors (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and/or AllianzGI U.S.) caused by the negligent action or omission of AllianzGI U.S. or its agent, provided, however, that such acts or omissions would not have constituted a breach of the Old Subadvisory Agreement by AllianzGI U.S., and that such acts or omissions would not have resulted from
AllianzGI U.S.’s (or its officers’, directors’, partners’, agents’, employees’ or controlling persons’) willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under the Old Subadvisory Agreement.
For the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the net advisory fees paid by the Fund to VIA were $118,9721, and the subadvisory fees paid by VIA to AllianzGI U.S. were $70,0642.
The Old Subadvisory Agreement was effective for an initial period of two years and remained in full force and effect only so long as its continuance was specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees in accordance with Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act, and by the majority vote of the Independent Trustees in accordance with the requirement of Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Old Subadvisory Agreement could be terminated by either party, without penalty, immediately upon written notice to the other party in the event of a breach of any provision thereof by the party so notified, or otherwise, could be terminated by VIA, AllianzGI U.S., the Trustees, or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Any such termination would not have affected any liability of either party with respect to any claim or matter on which any party had given written notice to any other party prior to termination and until such liability had been finally settled. The Old Subadvisory Agreement was considered for initial approval by the Board at a meeting held on August 31, 2020.
THE NEW SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
The description of the New Subadvisory Agreement that follows is qualified in its entirety by reference to the subadvisory agreement included as Exhibit A attached hereto.
Term
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will remain in effect until December 31, 2023, and thereafter for successive periods of one year only so long as the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, specifically approves its continuance at least annually. The New Subadvisory Agreement is subject to termination at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to VIA and the Trust, or (iii) by VIA upon 60 days’ written notice to the Subadviser. The New Subadvisory Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by VIA or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct.
Services
Under the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadviser provides portfolio management services to the Fund. In doing so, the Subadviser is subject to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as set forth in its current prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the SEC as part of the Trust’s registration statement, as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by VIA; to the investment restrictions set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; to the supervision and control of the Board; and to instructions from VIA.
Brokerage Allocation
Unless otherwise instructed by VIA, the Subadviser will place all orders for the purchase and sale of investments for the Fund with brokers or dealers selected by the Subadviser. The Subadviser has been instructed to seek best execution of transactions at prices that are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. The Subadviser may select brokers or dealers on the basis that they provide
1 This reflects the actual fee received by VIA for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. For periods prior to February 1, 2021, AllianzGI U.S served as adviser to the Fund. VIA replaced AllianzGI U.S. and became the Trust’s Adviser effective on February 1, 2021.
2 This reflects the actual fee received by AllianzGI U.S. as subadviser for the period of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. AllianzGI U.S. served as Adviser and was paid advisory fees for the period prior to February 1, 2021.
brokerage, research, or other services or products to the Fund or other accounts serviced by the Subadviser. The Subadviser may place transactions with a broker or dealer with whom it has negotiated a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by the broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or all transactions, taken as a whole, for the Fund and other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Not all Fund commissions will necessarily be used by the Subadviser in managing the Fund, but may be allocated among other accounts, as appropriate.
Limitation of Liability
The New Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Subadviser shall not be liable thereunder absent the Subadviser’s breach thereof directly causing a loss to the Fund or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and VIA and each of their respective directors or trustees, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls VIA, harmless against, any and all losses arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust) (as the same may be amended from time to time), directly caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent.
Subadvisory Fee
VIA, and not the Fund, pays subadvisory fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement. VIA will pay the Subadviser a fee at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid to VIA by the Fund, after accounting for any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement. The Advisory Agreement between the Trust and VIA relating to the Fund remains in effect and the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund under the Advisory Agreement do not change, so there is no increase in the management fees paid by the Fund as a result of the subadvisory fees paid under the New Subadvisory Agreement.
Effective Date
The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by the Board, including, by a separate vote, the Independent Trustees, at a meeting of the Board held on July 18, 2022. The New Subadvisory Agreement became effective as of July 25, 2022, and the Subadviser began managing the assets of the Fund on July 25, 2022.
BOARD CONSIDERATIONS
As previously mentioned, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Board, approved the proposal to replace AllianzGI U.S. with Seix as subadviser to the Fund at a meeting held on July 18, 2022. In connection with the appointment of the Subadviser, the Board also considered and approved the name change from Virtus High Yield Bond Fund to Virtus Seix High Yield Income Fund. The Independent Trustees were separately advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process.
In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board requested and evaluated information provided by VIA and the Subadviser which, in the Board’s view, constituted information necessary for the Board to form a judgment as to whether the New Subadvisory Agreement would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Board considered all the criteria separately with respect to the Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Trustees considered various factors, including those discussed below, none of which were controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Trustees also discussed the proposals in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.
Basis for the Board’s Approval
In making its determination with respect to the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board considered various factors, including:
| · | Nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided. The Trustees received in advance of the meeting information provided by the Subadviser, in the form of an extensive questionnaire concerning a number of topics, including its investment philosophy, resources, operations and compliance structure. The Trustees noted that the Subadviser would provide portfolio management, compliance with the Fund’s investment policies and procedures, compliance with applicable securities laws, and assurances thereof. The Trustees reviewed biographical information for the portfolio managers who would provide services under the New Subadvisory Agreement. In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the Subadviser’s investment management process, including (a) the experience and capability of the Subadviser’s management and other personnel committed by the Subadviser to the Fund; (b) the quality of the Subadviser’s regulatory and legal compliance policies, procedures and systems; and (c) the Subadviser’s brokerage and trading practices. The Board also took into account its knowledge of Seix’s services and the quality of the performance of its duties with respect to other Virtus Funds. After considering all of the information provided to them, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser to the Fund were satisfactory and that there was a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the Subadviser would provide a high quality of investment services to the Fund. |
| · | Investment Performance. The Board considered the performance of a comparable fund and a composite managed by the proposed Subadviser versus an appropriate index and the Fund’s historical performance, and was satisfied with the proposed Subadviser’s performance. |
| · | Management Fees and Expenses. The Board noted that the Fund’s management fee was not expected to change, and the Fund has expense caps in place to limit the total expenses incurred by the Fund and its shareholders. The Board took into account that the Fund’s subadvisory fees are paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund, so that the Fund’s shareholders would not be directly impacted by those fees. The Board concluded that the proposed subadvisory fees were fair and reasonable in light of the services to be provided by the Subadviser and all factors considered. |
| · | Profitability and Economies of Scale. In considering the projected profitability to the Subadviser in connection with its relationship to the Fund, the Board noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be paid by VIA out of the advisory fees that it receives under the Advisory Agreement and not by the Fund. In considering the reasonableness of the fees payable by VIA to the Subadviser, the Board noted that, because the Subadviser is an affiliate of VIA, such profitability might be directly or indirectly shared by VIA. As a result, the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationship with the Fund was not a material factor in the Board’s deliberations at this time. For similar reasons, the Board did not consider the potential economies of scale in the Subadviser’s management of the Fund to be a material factor in its consideration at this time. |
| · | Other Benefits. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Subadviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund. Among them, the Board recognized that VP Distributors, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser, serves as the principal underwriter for the Trust, and, as such, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Fund to compensate it for providing selling activities, which could lead to growth in the Fund’s assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board also noted that an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser provides administrative and transfer agency services to the Trust. The Board noted management’s discussion of the fact that, while the Subadviser is an affiliate of VIA, there are no other direct benefits to the Subadviser in providing subadvisory services to the Fund, other than the fee to be earned under the New Subadvisory Agreement. There may be certain intangible benefits gained to the extent that serving the Fund could provide the opportunity to provide subadvisory services to additional funds of the Trust or certain reputational benefits. |
Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the New Subadvisory Agreement with respect to the Fund.
THE EXEMPTIVE RELIEF
The Fund and VIA have received shareholder approval to rely on exemptive relief from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and an order under Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting exemptions from Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act that permits VIA, with respect to the series of the Trust and subject to certain conditions, to enter into and materially amend subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval. Therefore, the Trust and VIA have the right, subject to prior approval by the Board and certain conditions, to hire, terminate, and replace subadvisers without the approval of the shareholders of the Fund, including, without limitation, to replace or reinstate any subadviser with respect to which a subadvisory agreement has automatically terminated as a result of an assignment. VIA has the responsibility to oversee subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement to the Board. The Exemptive Relief requires that shareholders of the Fund be provided with an information statement such as this one within 90 days of any change in subadvisers made in reliance upon such Exemptive Relief.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUBADVISER
Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC (“VFIA”), an affiliate of VIA, is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103. VFIA operates through its division, Seix Investment Advisors (“Seix”), in subadvising the Fund. As of May 31, 2022, the three advisers that merged into VFIA on July 1, 2022 had approximately $37.1 billion in aggregate assets under management.
The Seix division of VFIA is a fundamental, credit driven fixed income boutique specializing in investment grade and high yield bond and leveraged loan management. Seix has employed its bottom-up, research-oriented approach to fixed income management for over 20 years. The entity that is now VFIA, and the former portfolio management team of which now operates as the Seix division of VFIA, was established in 2008. Its predecessor, Seix Investment Advisors, Inc., was founded in 1992 and was independently owned until 2004 when the firm joined the entity now known as Virtus Fund Advisers, LLC, as the institutional fixed income management division. As of August 31, 2022, the Seix division of VFIA had approximately $15 billion in assets under management.
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investments, and serve as portfolio managers of the Fund under the New Subadvisory Agreement:
| · | James FitzPatrick. Mr. FitzPatrick joined Seix Investment Advisors, Inc., the predecessor to Seix, in 1997 and serves as Portfolio Manager, Managing Director and Head of Leveraged Finance Trading. He has worked in investment management since 1996. |
| · | Michael Kirkpatrick. Mr. Kirkpatrick joined Seix Investment Advisors, Inc., the predecessor to Seix, in 2002 and serves as Senior Portfolio Manager, Managing Director and Senior High Yield Research Analyst primarily covering the Gaming and Finance sectors. He is a member of the Seix Investment Policy Group, which determines firm-wide asset allocation policy. He has worked in investment management since 1991. |
The following persons serve as the principal executive officers of the Subadviser at the address for the Subadviser listed above. George Aylward and Richard Smirl also serve as officers of the Trust.
Name | Principal Occupation at VFIA |
George R. Aylward | Chief Executive Officer |
Michael A. Angerthal | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Wendy J. Hills | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
Richard W. Smirl | Executive Vice President |
Deirdre A. Dillon | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
As of the date of this Information Statement, Seix serves as an investment adviser or subadviser to no other funds that have similar investment objectives and are managed similarly to the Fund.
INFORMATION ABOUT VIA
AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
VIA is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. VIA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus. Virtus is an independent, publicly traded financial services company which, through its affiliates, provides asset management and related services to individuals and institutions. As of June 30, 2022, Virtus’ affiliated investment advisers had in aggregate approximately $155.4 billion in assets under management. VIA acts as an investment adviser to mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of August 31, 2022, VIA managed approximately $51.7 billion in assets. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, VIA was paid $140,129 in aggregate investment advisory fees, which includes $21,157 in advisory fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed, for its services with regard to the Fund. VIA will compensate the Subadviser out of the management fees it receives from the Fund.
VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the national distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Fund paid $42,378 to VP Distributors during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, for performing distribution services. The principal office of VP Distributors is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
As a fixed income fund, the Fund did not pay brokerage commissions and no brokerage fees were paid to any affiliate of VIA and Seix.
Virtus Fund Services, LLC (“Virtus Fund Services”), another wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrative agent for the Fund as of February 1, 2021. The principal office of Virtus Fund Services is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. The Fund paid $26,727 to Virtus Fund Services, for the period from February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, for performing these services for the Fund.
SHARE OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
The Fund had 4,671,167.224 shares issued and outstanding as of the Record Date.
The table below shows those shareholders who beneficially owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of the Record Date.
Name and Address of Shareholder | Percentage of Shares Owned |
National Financial Services LLC* for Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers Attn Mutual Funds Dept 4th Floor 499 Washington Blvd Jersey City NJ 07310 | 47.63 |
Charles Schwab & Co Inc* Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers Attn: Mutual Funds Dept 211 Main St San Francisco CA 94105-1905 | 7.39 |
* These entities are omnibus accounts for many individual shareholder accounts. The Fund is not aware of the size or identity of the underlying individual accounts.
As of the Record Date, the officers and Trustees of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
HOUSEHOLDING OF MATERIALS
The Trust may send only one copy of this Information Statement and the semi-annual and annual reports to those households in which multiple shareholders share the same address, unless the Trust received instructions from a shareholder in such a household requesting separate copies of these materials. If you are a shareholder who shares the same address as other shareholders of the Trust and would like to receive a separate copy of this Information Statement, the semi-annual report, annual reports or future proxy statements, please contact Virtus Funds by calling (800) 243-1574, or writing to VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. If you share the same address as multiple shareholders and would like the Trust to send only one copy of future proxy statements, information statements, semi-annual reports and annual reports, please contact Virtus Funds at the above phone number or VP Distributors at the above post office address.
FUTURE SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
As a Massachusetts business trust, the Trust does not hold shareholder meetings unless required by the 1940 Act. The Trust relied upon an Order to replace AllianzGI U.S. as the subadviser to the Fund without a shareholder meeting. As of the date of mailing of this information statement, the Trust does not anticipate holding a meeting of shareholders in 2022 or 2023. Shareholders who wish to present a proposal for action at the next meeting should submit the proposal to:
Jennifer S. Fromm
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Proposals must be received in a reasonable time prior to the date of the applicable shareholder meeting to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for the meeting. Timely submission of a proposal does not, however, necessarily mean that the proposal will be submitted for consideration by shareholders.
By Order of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Strategy Trust.
Jennifer S. Fromm
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary
Virtus Strategy Trust
Exhibit A
VIRTUS STATEGY TRUST
Virtus Seix High Yield Income Fund
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
July 25, 2022
Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Virtus Strategy Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Trust are offered or may be offered in several series (sometimes hereafter referred to as the “Series”), including Virtus Seix High Yield Income Fund.
Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
| 1. | Appointment as a Subadviser. The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby appoints Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC (the “Subadviser”) as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser as set forth on Schedule F attached hereto (the “Designated Series”) on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner with the Subadviser’s performance hereunder. The Adviser and the Trust understand and agree that the Subadviser may do business as Seix Investment Advisors for any or all of the term of this Agreement. |
| 2. | Acceptance of Appointment; Standard of Performance. The Subadviser accepts its appointment as a discretionary series adviser of the Designated Series and agrees, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) and the Adviser, to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Designated Series in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Subadviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority or obligation to act for or represent the Adviser, the Trust or the Series in any way. |
| 3. | Services of Subadviser. In providing management services to the Designated Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Trust as they apply to the Designated Series and as set forth in the Trust’s then current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“Statement of Additional Information”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of the Trust’s registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), as may be periodically amended and provided to the Subadviser by the Adviser, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Board, and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Trust’s prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Designated Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies. |
| 4. | Transaction Procedures. All series transactions for the Designated Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Trust (the “Custodian”), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Designated Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Trust all investment orders for the Designated Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at |
| | the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Trust shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Trust shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the acts, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian. |
| 5. | Allocation of Brokerage. The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute Designated Series transactions initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed. |
| A. | In placing orders for the sale and purchase of Designated Series securities for the Trust, the Subadviser’s primary responsibility shall be to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable prices. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Trust, as long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a “best execution” market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Trust, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Trust may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Trust a lower commission on the particular transaction. |
| B. | The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Trust and other portfolios the Subadviser manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Designated Series with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities in a manner considered by the Subadviser to be equitable and consistent with the Subadviser’s fiduciary obligations in respect of the Designated Series and to such other accounts. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall not execute any transactions for the Designated Series with a broker or dealer that is an “affiliated person” (as defined in the Act) of (i) the Designated Series; (ii) another Series; (iii) the Adviser; (iv) the Subadviser or any other subadviser to the Designated Series; (v) a principal underwriter of the Trust’s shares; or (vi) any other affiliated person of the Designated Series, in each case, unless such transactions are permitted by applicable law or regulation and carried out in compliance with any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are “affiliated persons” of the Trust, the Adviser or the principal underwriter, and applicable policies and procedures. Upon the request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall promptly, and in any event within three business days of a request, indicate whether any entity identified by the Adviser in such request is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of (i) the Subadviser or (ii) any affiliated person of the Subadviser, subject in each case to any confidentiality requirements applicable to the Subadviser and/or its affiliates. Further, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with a list of (x) each broker-dealer entity that is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of the Subadviser and (y) each affiliated person of the Subadviser that has outstanding publicly-issued debt or equity. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list(s) whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from such list of affiliated persons. |
| D. | Consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust in respect of the Designated Series and the requirements of best price and execution, the Subadviser may, under certain circumstances, arrange to have purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the Designated Series and another account managed by the Subadviser (“cross transactions”), provided that such transactions are carried out in accordance with applicable law or regulation and any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with applicable policies and procedures. |
| 6. | Proxies and Other Shareholder Actions. |
| A. | Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Designated Series. Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, provided that the Adviser has reviewed the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect and determined them to comply with the requirements of the Trust’s proxy voting policy, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Designated Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian, the Administrator or another party, to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with any changes to the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures. The Subadviser further agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Trust to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act. The Subadviser shall provide disclosure regarding its proxy voting policies and procedures in accordance with the requirements of Form N-1A for inclusion in the Registration Statement of the Trust. During any annual period in which the Subadviser has voted proxies for the Trust, the Subadviser shall, as may reasonably be requested by the Adviser, certify as to its compliance with its proxy voting policies and procedures and applicable federal statutes and regulations. |
| B. | The Subadviser is authorized to deal with reorganizations, exchange offers and other voluntary corporate actions with respect to securities held in the Designated Series in such manner as the Subadviser deems advisable, unless the Trust or the Adviser otherwise specifically directs in writing. It is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the filing of claims (or otherwise causing the Trust to participate) in class action settlements or similar proceedings in which shareholders may participate related to securities currently or previously associated with the Designated Series. With the Adviser’s approval, on a case-by-case basis the Subadviser may obtain the authority and take on the responsibility to: (i) identify, evaluate and pursue legal claims, including commencing or defending suits, affecting the securities held at any time in the Designated Series, including claims in bankruptcy, class action securities litigation and other litigation; (ii) participate in such litigation or related proceedings with respect to such securities as the Subadviser deems appropriate to preserve or enhance the value of the Designated Series, including filing proofs of claim and related documents and serving as “lead plaintiff” in class action lawsuits; (iii) exercise generally any of the powers of an owner with respect to the supervision and management of such rights or claims, including the settlement, compromise or submission to arbitration of any claims, the exercise of which the Subadviser deems to be in the best interest of the Designated Series or required by applicable law, including ERISA, and (iv) employ suitable agents, including legal counsel, and to pay their reasonable fees, expenses and related costs from the Designated Series. |
| 7. | Prohibited Conduct. In accordance with Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act and any other applicable law or regulation, the Subadviser’s responsibility regarding investment advice hereunder is limited to the Designated Series, and the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory firm that provides investment advisory services to the Trust or any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates regarding transactions in securities or other assets for the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of investment companies sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and its affiliates, and the Subadviser shall be in breach of the foregoing provision only if the investment company is included in such a list provided to the Subadviser prior to such prohibited action. The Subadviser, and its affiliates and agents, shall refrain from making any written or oral statements concerning the Designated Series, the Trust, any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates, and any substantially similar products, that are reasonably likely to mislead investors regarding either (i) the services rendered by the Subadviser to the Designated Series or the Trust, or (ii) the Designated Series, including without limitation with respect to the investment strategies and/or risks, and/or the performance thereof. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Trust and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Subadviser |
| | may, in its discretion, utilize personnel employed by affiliates of the Subadviser to perform services pursuant to this Agreement by way of a “participating affiliate” agreement in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), including the published interpretations thereof by the SEC or its staff. Such participating affiliate agreement shall subject the personnel providing such services to the Subadviser’s compliance and other programs with respect to their activities on behalf of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser assumes full responsibility for all actions, and any failure to act, by each person utilized by the Subadviser to perform services under this Agreement. |
| 8. | Information and Reports. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall keep the Trust and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Designated Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Board, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series during the most recently completed quarter, which reports: (i) shall include Subadviser’s representation that its performance of its investment management duties hereunder is in compliance with the Designated Series’ investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the diversification and minimum “good income” requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) otherwise shall be in such form as may be reasonably required by the Adviser. |
| B. | Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser’s or the Subadviser’s respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons. |
| C. | The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested by the Adviser regarding its management of the Designated Series required for any shareholder report, amended Registration Statement, or Prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the SEC. |
| D. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser and the Trust in the event that any of the Subadviser’s employees or contractors raise any issues concerning any actual or potential material violation of any law, regulation or internal policy of the Subadviser, in each case actually or potentially affecting the Designated Series. |
| 9. | Fees for Services. The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser. |
| 10. | Limitation of Liability. Absent the Subadviser’s breach of this Agreement or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and the Adviser and each of their respective directors or trustees, members, officers, employees and shareholders, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or the Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), harmless against, any and all Losses (as defined below) arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust), as the same may be amended from time to time) caused by the negligent action or negligent omission of the Subadviser or its agent. The Adviser agrees to provide prior written notice to the Subadviser of any material changes to the definition of Trade Error becoming effective |
| | with respect to the Designated Series unless, in the reasonable discretion of the Adviser, such change must become effective earlier due to any applicable law, rule, regulation or court order. It is acknowledged and agreed that any Trade Error that results in a gain to the Designated Series shall inure to the benefit of the Designated Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Designated Series is a third party beneficiary of the indemnity granted in this Section 10, and the indemnity is intended to cover claims by the Designated Series, the Trust (on behalf of the Designated Series), or the Adviser against the Subadviser for recovery pursuant to this section. |
| 11. | Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Trust to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Designated Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Trust in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and the Adviser agree that the Subadviser may (i) disclose in marketing materials and similar communications that the Subadviser has been engaged to manage assets of the Designated Series pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) include performance statistics regarding the Designated Series in composite performance statistics regarding one or more groups of Subadviser’s clients published or included in any of the foregoing communications, provided that the Subadviser does not identify any performance statistics as relating specifically to the Designated Series. |
| 12. | Assignment. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Trust and the Adviser in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Trust to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser. |
| 13. | Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that: |
| A. | It is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon it. It (i) is registered as an “investment adviser” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser makes no representation or warranty with regard to the approval of this Agreement by the Board under Section 15 of the Act; (iii) has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (iv) has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act from occurring, and correct promptly any violations that have occurred, and will provide notice promptly to the Adviser of any material violations relating to the Trust; (v) has materially met and will seek to 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 agency. |
| B. | It is either registered as a commodity trading advisor or duly exempt from such registration with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and it will maintain such registration or exemption continuously during the term of this Agreement or, alternatively, will become a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the CFTC and will be a member in good standing with the National Futures Association. |
| C. | It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Trust, records in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Trust, and shall be surrendered to the Trust or to the Adviser as agent of the Trust promptly upon request of either. The Trust acknowledges that the Subadviser may retain copies of all records required to meet the record retention requirements imposed by law and regulation. |
| D. | It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Act and shall provide the Trust and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Trust. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Trust and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1 during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no material violation of its Code of Ethics, or of Rule 17j-1(b), or that any persons covered under its Code of Ethics has divulged or acted upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws, and if such a violation of the code of ethics of the Trust has occurred, or if such a violation of its Code of Ethics has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser promptly of any material violation of the Code of Ethics involving the Trust. The Subadviser will provide such additional information regarding violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust as the Trust or its Chief Compliance Officer on behalf of the Trust or the Adviser may reasonably request in order to assess the functioning of the Code of Ethics or any harm caused to the Trust from a violation of the Code of Ethics. Further, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, nonpublic information by the Subadviser and its employees. The Subadviser will explain what it has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish to the Trust and the Adviser a written report which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser’s Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall permit the Trust and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1(d)(1) and this subparagraph. |
| E. | It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect of the Trust could affect the Trust, by the Trust, of “federal securities laws” (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Trust with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information reasonably requested by the Trust and/or the Adviser. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, their operation and implementation and other compliance matters and to provide to the Trust and/or the Adviser from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters as the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Designated Series. |
| F. | The Subadviser will immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9 of the Act or otherwise. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if it is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board or body, including but not limited to the SEC and the CFTC, involving the affairs of the Designated Series. |
| G. | To the best of its knowledge, there are no material pending, threatened, or contemplated actions, suits, proceedings, or investigations before or by any court, governmental, administrative or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel to which it or any of its directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders, members or principals, or any of its affiliates is a party or to which it or its affiliates or any of its or its affiliates’ assets are subject, nor has it or any of its affiliates received any notice of an investigation, inquiry, or dispute by any court, governmental, administrative, or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel regarding any of its or their activities, which might reasonably be expected to result in (i) a material adverse effect on the Trust or (ii) a material adverse change in the Subadviser’s condition (financial or otherwise) or business, or which might reasonably be expected to |
| | materially impair the Subadviser’s ability to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if the representation in this Section 13.G is no longer accurate. |
| H. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser of any changes in its executive officers, partners or in its key personnel, including, without limitation, any change in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the Designated Series or if there is an actual or expected change in control or management of the Subadviser. |
| 14. | No Personal Liability. Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, a copy of which has been filed with the SEC, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name “Virtus Strategy Trust” refers to the Board under said Declaration of Trust, as trustees and not personally, and no trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Trust shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Trust or of any successor of the Trust, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate. |
| 15. | Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with the Schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Trust, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, E and F, is subject to the approval of the Board (including those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust) and, if required by the Act or applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of a majority of the Designated Series’ outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended or terminated in accordance with any exemptive order issued to the Adviser, the Trust or its affiliates. |
| 16. | Effective Date; Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until December 31, 2023. The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote of the Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series and (ii) by vote of a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) or of any person party to this Agreement, cast in person (or otherwise, as consistent with applicable laws, regulations and related guidance and relief) at a meeting called for the purpose of such approval. |
| 17. | Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Designated Series, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Trust, or (iii) by the Adviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Subadviser. This Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by the Adviser or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser of this Agreement or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment, as such term is defined in and interpreted under the terms of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Termination of this Agreement will not affect any outstanding orders or transactions or any legal rights or obligations which may already have arisen. Transactions in progress at the date of termination will be completed by the Subadviser as soon as reasonably practicable. Provisions of this Agreement relating to indemnification and the preservation of records, as well as any responsibilities or obligations of the parties hereto arising from matters initiated prior to termination, shall survive any termination of this Agreement. |
| 18. | Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and fully performed within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
| 19. | Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
| 20. | Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or e-mail transmission addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party. |
| (a) | To the Adviser or the Trust at: |
| | |
| | Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. One Financial Plaza Hartford, Connecticut 06103 Attn: Legal Counsel Telephone: (860) 263-4790 Facsimile: (860) 241-1028 |
| (b) | To the Subadviser at: |
| | |
| | Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC One Maynard Drive, Suite 3200 Park Ridge, NJ 07646 Attn: Chief Compliance Officer Telephone: (201) 391-0300 Facsimile: (201) 391-5023 Email: ddillon@seixadvisors.com |
| 21. | Certifications. The Subadviser shall timely provide to the Adviser and the Trust, all information and documentation they may reasonably request as necessary or appropriate in order for the Adviser and the Board to oversee the activities of the Subadviser and in connection with the compliance by any of them with the requirements of this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the policies and procedures referenced herein, and any applicable law, including, without limitation, (i) information and commentary relating to the Subadviser or the Designated Series for the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports, in a format reasonably approved by the Adviser, together with (A) a certification that such information and commentary discuss all of the factors that materially affected the performance of the Designated Series, including the relevant market conditions and the investment techniques and strategies used and (B) additional certifications related to the Subadviser’s management of the Trust in order to support the Trust’s filings on Form N-CSR and other applicable forms, and the Trust’s Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications under Rule 30a-2 under the Act, thereon; (ii) within 5 business days of a quarter-end, a quarterly certification with respect to compliance and operational matters related to the Subadviser and the Subadviser’s management of the Designated Series (including, without limitation, compliance with the applicable procedures), in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser, as it may be amended from time to time; and (iii) an annual certification from the Subadviser’s Chief Compliance Officer, appointed under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act with respect to the design and operation of the Subadviser’s compliance program, in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, the Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E. |
| A. | The Subadviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) arising from the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Adviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Adviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Subadviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Adviser for use therein. |
| B. | The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser from and against any and all Losses arising from the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Subadviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Subadviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Subadviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Subadviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Adviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Subadviser for use therein. |
| C. | A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt written notice to the other of any claim (“Claim”) for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and /or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party. |
| D. | No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement. |
| 23. | Receipt of Disclosure Documents. The Trust and the Adviser acknowledge receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part 2 of the Subadviser’s Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business. The Subadviser will, promptly after making any amendment to its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendment to the Adviser. On an annual basis and upon request, the Subadviser will provide a copy of its audited financial statements, including balance sheets, for the two most recent fiscal years and, if available, each subsequent fiscal quarter. At the time of providing such information, the Subadviser shall describe any material adverse change in its financial condition since the date of its latest financial statement. |
| 24. | Counterparts; Fax Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and |
| | shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures. |
| 25. | Bankruptcy and Related Events. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the other in the event that: (i) it makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or is otherwise adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) a material event occurs that could reasonably be expected to adversely impair its ability to perform this Agreement. The Adviser further agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the Subadviser in the event that the Trust ceases to be registered as an investment company under the Act. |
[signature page follows]
| VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| | Title: | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer |
| VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Name: | Richard W. Smirl | |
| | Title: | Executive Vice President |
ACCEPTED:
VIRTUS FIXED INCOME ADVISERS, LLC
By: | /s/ Deirdre A. Dillon | |
| Name: | Deirdre A. Dillon | |
| Title: | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
| | |
SCHEDULES: | A. | Operational Procedures |
| B. | Record Keeping Requirements |
| C. | Fee Schedule |
| D. | Subadviser Functions |
| E. | Form of Sub-Certification |
| F. | Designated Series |
SCHEDULE A
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for a flow of information to be supplied in a secure manner by Subadviser to the Trust’s service providers, including: The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), Virtus Fund Services, LLC (the “Fund Administrator”), BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., (the “Accounting Agent”), any Prime Broker to the Series, and all other Counterparties/Brokers as required.
The Subadviser must furnish the Trust’s service providers with required daily information as to executed trades in a format and time-frame agreed to by the Subadviser, Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties and designated persons of the Trust. Trade information sent to the Custodian, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties must include all necessary data within the required timeframes to allow such parties to perform their obligations to the Designated Series.
The Accounting Agent specifically requires a daily trade blotter with a summary of all trades, in addition to trade feeds, including, if no trades are executed, a report to that effect. Daily information as to executed trades for same-day settlement and future trades must be sent to the Accounting Agent no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the day of the trade each day the Trust is open for business. All other executed trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent on trade date +1 by 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to ensure that they are part of the Designated Series’ NAV calculation. (Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Trust for any loss caused by the Subadviser’s failure to comply with the requirements of this Schedule A.) On fiscal quarter ends and calendar quarter ends, all trades must be delivered to the Accounting Agent by 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) for inclusion in the financial statements of the Designated Series. The data to be sent to the Accounting Agent and/or Fund Administrator will be as agreed by the Subadviser, Fund Administrator, Accounting Agent and designated persons of the Trust and shall include (without limitation) the following:
1. | Transaction type (e.g., purchase, sale, open, close, put call); |
2. | Security type (e.g., equity, fixed income, swap, future, option, short, long); |
3. | Security name; |
4. | Exchange identifier (e.g., CUSIP, ISIN, Sedol, OCC Symbol) (as applicable); |
5. | Number of shares and par, original face, contract amount, notional amount; |
6. | Transaction price per share (clean if possible); |
7. | Strike price; |
8. | Aggregate principal amount; |
9. | Executing broker; |
10. | Settlement agent; |
11. | Trade date; |
12. | Settlement date; |
13. | Aggregate commission or if a net trade; |
14. | Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security; |
15. | Net proceeds of the transaction; |
16. | Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research (to be provided quarterly); |
17. | Derivative terms; |
18. | Non-deliverable forward classification (to be provided quarterly); |
19. | Maturity/expiration date; and |
20. | Details of margin and collateral movement. |
When opening accounts with brokers for, and in the name of, the Trust, the account must be a cash account. No margin accounts are to be opened by the Subadviser in the name of the Trust or any Series except as specifically approved by the Trust and the Fund Administrator. Delivery instructions are as specified by the Custodian. The Custodian will supply the Subadviser daily with a cash availability report via access to the Custodian website, or by email or by facsimile and the Accounting Agent will provide a five-day cash projection. This will normally be done by email or, if email is unavailable, by another form of immediate written communication, so that the Subadviser will know the amount available for investment purposes.
SCHEDULE B
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
1. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(5) and (6)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Trust for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include: |
| A. | The name of the broker; |
| B. | The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or cancellations thereof; |
| C. | The time of entry or cancellation; |
| D. | The price at which executed; |
| E. | The time of receipt of a report of execution; and |
| F. | The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Trust. |
| |
2. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten (10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase and sale orders. Such record: |
| A. | Shall include the consideration given to: |
| | |
| (i) | The sale of shares of the Trust by brokers or dealers. |
| | |
| (ii) | The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers to: |
| (a) | The Trust, |
| (b) | The Adviser, |
| (c) | The Subadviser, and |
| (d) | Any person other than the foregoing. |
| | |
| (iii) | Any other consideration other than the technical qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such. |
| B. | Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available. |
| | |
| C. | Shall describe in detail the application of any general or specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| | |
| D. | Shall show the name of the person responsible for making the determination of such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
| 3. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization.* |
| 4. | (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required to be maintained by registered investment advisers by rule adopted under Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary or appropriate to record the Subadviser’s transactions for the Trust. |
| 5. | Records as necessary under Board-approved policies and procedures of the Trust, including without limitation those related to valuation determinations. |
* Such information might include: current financial information, annual and quarterly reports, press releases, reports by analysts and from brokerage firms (including their recommendations, i.e., buy, sell, hold) or any internal reports or subadviser review.
SCHEDULE C
SUBADVISORY FEE
For services provided to the Trust, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser a fee, payable monthly in arrears, equal to 50% of the net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series, calculated as follows:
| 1. | The total expenses of the Designated Series will be calculated in accordance with the terms of its prospectus, including application of the gross advisory fee. |
| 2. | Such total expenses will be reduced by the application of any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement, in accordance with the terms thereof. |
| 3. | The net advisory fee applicable to the Designated Series will then be calculated by subtracting from the gross advisory fee any amount required to be waived under the applicable fee waiver(s) and/or reimbursed under such applicable expense limitation agreement. |
| 4. | In the event that the Adviser waives its entire fee and also assumes expenses of the Designated Series pursuant to an applicable expense limitation agreement, the Subadviser will similarly waive its entire fee and will share in the expense assumption by contributing 50% of the assumed amount. |
| 5. | If during the term of this Agreement the Adviser later recaptures some or all of the fees waived or expenses assumed by the Adviser and the Subadviser together, the Adviser shall pay to the Subadviser a pro rata amount of the fee(s)/expense(s) recaptured that is attributable to the Subadviser’s portion of the original waiver/assumed expense. |
SCHEDULE D
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the Designated Series’ assets, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
| (a) | An investment program for the Designated Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board and the Adviser in paragraph 3 of this Subadvisory Agreement and implementation of that program; |
| (b) | Periodic reports, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Trust’s code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Board relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of Designated Series assets in accordance with the then prevailing Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information pertaining to the Designated Series and governing laws, regulations, rules and orders; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered “illiquid” for the purposes of complying with the Designated Series’ limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; vi) the implementation of the Designated Series’ investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of Designated Series performance; vii) compliance with the Investment Guidelines; viii) description of material changes in policies or procedures; and ix) description of any significant firm related developments; |
| (c) | Promptly after filing with the SEC an amendment to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Board; |
| (d) | Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Board at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Board; and |
| (e) | Notice to the Board and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Act or otherwise. |
| (f) | Reasonable assistance in the valuation of securities including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings. |
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To:
| Re: | Subadviser’s Form N-CSR Certification for the [Name of Designated Series]. |
| From: | [Name of Subadviser] |
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30a-2 certifications of Form N-CSR.
| | [Name of Designated Series]. |
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30a-2 and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have reviewed the following information presented in the schedule of investments for the period ended [Date of Reporting Period] (the “Report”) which forms part of the N-CSR, as applicable, for the Trust.
Schedule of Investments
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
| a. | Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual fund. |
| b. | Designed and implemented controls which ensure that all transactions provided to the fund’s custodians/prime broker and accounting agent (“vendors”) have been delivered in a secure manner by authorized persons, and that access to the fund’s records maintained by the fund’s vendors is restricted to authorized persons of our firm or, if applicable, any third party administrator utilized by our firm. Such controls include review of the authorized persons at least annually and prompt communication of any changes to authorized persons to the fund’s vendors. |
| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective. |
| d. | In addition, to the best of my knowledge, there has been no fraud, whether or not material, that involves our organization’s management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization’s control and procedures as they relate to our duties as subadviser to the Designated Series. |
I have read the draft of the Report which I understand to be current as of [Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such draft of the Report, including the Fund Summary and Asset Allocations (as applicable), does not, with respect to the Designated Series, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft Report.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Designated Series’ Chief Accounting Officer:
| a. | All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data with respect to the Designated Series in a timely fashion; |
| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser’s management or other employees who have a significant role in the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. |
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
| a. | The Subadviser’s Portfolio Manager(s) has/have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the “Code”). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code. |
| b. | The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Designated Series and the Policies and Procedures of the Designated Series as adopted by the Designated Series Board of Trustees. |
| c. | I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Virtus Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser’s compliance administrator. |
| d. | The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Designated Series as outlined above. |
| e. | Since the submission of our most recent certification there have not been any divestments of securities of issuers that conduct or have direct investments in business operations in Iran or Sudan. |
| f. | The subadviser has disclosed to the Adviser or the Designated Series any holdings required to be disclosed under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended and Executive Orders 13224, and 13382. |
This certification relates solely to the Designated Series named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Designated Series. The Subadviser’s records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to serve as the Designated Series official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Report.
[Name of Subadviser] | | Date | |
[Name of Authorized Signer] | | | |
[Title of Authorized Signer] | | | |
SCHEDULE F
DESIGNATED SERIES
Virtus Seix High Yield Income Fund