DEF 14A
1
ff02-094.txt
SCEDULE 14A INFORMATION
(File Nos. 2-67052; 811-3032)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss.240.14a-11(c) or ss.240.14a-12
FORUM FUNDS
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No Fee Required
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
-----------------------------------
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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3) Filing Party:
-----------------------------------
4) Date Filed:
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1
PROXY STATEMENT
Investors Bond Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund
[LOGO]
Forum
Funds
FORUM FUNDS
TWO PORTLAND SQUARE
PORTLAND, MAINE 04101
June 26, 2002
Dear Shareholder:
The Board of Trustees of Forum Funds (the "Trust") has called a special
meeting of the shareholders of Investors Bond Fund and the shareholders of
TaxSaver Bond Fund (each a "Fund"), each a series of the Trust, to approve the
continuation of the investment advisory agreement (the "Current Agreement")
between the Trust and Grosvenor Capital Management, LLC ("Grosvenor") with
respect to each Fund. The meeting is scheduled to be held on July 23, 2002.
Prior to May 13, 2002, Forum Investment Advisors, LLC ("FIA") served as
each Fund's investment adviser pursuant to an investment advisory agreement
between the Trust and FIA (the "Prior Agreement"). At the May 13, 2002 meeting
of the Board of Trustees of Forum Funds (the "Board"), the Board approved the
transfer to Grosvenor of FIA's advisory responsibilities with respect to each
Fund under the Prior Agreement and approved the Current Agreement with respect
to each Fund. Grosvenor is a wholly owned subsidiary of FIA.
Forum intends to sell 80% of its ownership interest ("FIA's Interest") in
Grosvenor to several investors on or about August 1, 2002. Under the Current
Agreement, the sale by Forum of its interest will operate to automatically
terminate the Current Agreement. Nevertheless, after careful consideration, the
Board unanimously approved the continuance of the Current Agreement with respect
to each Fund subsequent to the sale of FIA's Interest in Grosvenor, subject to
the approval of each Fund's shareholders. The Board recommends that the
shareholders of each Fund vote "FOR" the continuation of the Current Agreement
subsequent to the sale of Forum's Interest in Grosvenor.
Shareholders of each Fund are being asked to approve the Current Agreement
only with respect to the Fund in which they own shares. The approval of the
continuation of the Current Agreement by the shareholders of one Fund is not
contingent on the approval of the continuation of the Current Agreement by the
shareholders of the other Fund.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN. IN ORDER
TO AVOID THE ADDED COST OF FOLLOW-UP SOLICITATIONS AND POSSIBLE ADJOURNMENTS,
PLEASE READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND CAST YOUR VOTE. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR
VOTE BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN JULY 19, 2002. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT
THE PROXY STATEMENT, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL US AT (800) 943-6786.
We appreciate your participation and prompt response. Thank you for your
continued support.
Sincerely,
/s/ JOHN Y. KEFFER
John Y. Keffer
President and Chairman of
the Board of Trustees
FORUM FUNDS
TWO PORTLAND SQUARE
PORTLAND, MAINE 04101
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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JULY 23, 2002
-------------------------
To the Shareholders of Investors Bond Fund and TaxSaver Bond Fund:
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of shareholders (the
"Meeting") of Investors Bond Fund and TaxSaver Bond Fund (each a "Fund"), each a
series of Forum Funds (the "Trust"), will be held at the offices of Forum
Administrative Services, LLC, Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101 on July
23, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time). The purpose of the Meeting is:
1. To approve the continuation of the investment advisory agreement
between the Trust and Grosvenor Capital Management, LLC with respect
to Investors Bond Fund;
2. To approve the continuation of the investment advisory agreement
between the Trust and Grosvenor Capital Management, LLC with respect
to TaxSaver Bond Fund; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting.
The Trust's Board of Trustees has fixed the close of business on June 21,
2002 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.
Please carefully read the accompanying Proxy Statement.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
/s/ LESLIE K. KLENK
Leslie K. Klenk
Secretary
Portland, Maine
June 26, 2002
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN. IN ORDER TO AVOID
THE UNNECESSARY EXPENSE OF FURTHER SOLICITATION, WE URGE YOU TO INDICATE YOUR
VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY, DATE AND SIGN IT, AND RETURN IT
PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
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INTRODUCTION............................................................1
PROPOSAL................................................................3
SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL................................................3
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EVALUATION BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES................................5
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DISCUSSION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE CURRENT AGREEMENT..............7
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ADVISORY FEES......................................................8
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INFORMATION ABOUT GROSVENOR (PRIOR TO SALE OF FIA'S INTERESTS).....9
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INFORMATION ABOUT GROSVENOR (AFTER SALE OF FIA'S INTERESTS).......10
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OTHER MATTERS..........................................................12
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.................................................15
OTHER FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS......................................15
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REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS................................................16
ADVISORY AGREEMENT.....................................................17
PROXY
PROXY STATEMENT
INVESTORS BOND FUND
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
FORUM FUNDS
TWO PORTLAND SQUARE
PORTLAND, MAINE 04101
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SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JULY 23, 2002
-------------------
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of Forum Funds (the "Trust"),
a Delaware business trust, on behalf of Investors Bond Fund and TaxSaver Bond
Fund (each a "Fund"), each a series of the Trust. The Trust is a registered
open-end investment company whose executive offices are located at Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101. Proxies will be voted at a special meeting of
shareholders (the "Meeting") of each Fund to be held at the offices of the
Trust's administrator, Forum Administrative Services, LLC ("FAdS"), Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101 on July 23, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time), or
at any postponement or adjournment thereof for the purposes set forth in the
accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders. The Notice of Meeting,
this Proxy Statement and the proxy card are first being mailed to shareholders
on or about June 26, 2002.
The Board has fixed the close of business on June 21, 2002 as the
record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of shareholders of each
Fund entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting and any postponement or
adjournment thereof. As of the Record Date there were 1,545,744 shares
outstanding of Investors Bond Fund and 1,810,029 shares outstanding of TaxSaver
Bond Fund. Each shareholder will be entitled to one vote for each whole Fund
share and a fractional vote for each fractional Fund share held. Shares may be
voted in person or by proxy. Shareholders holding one-third of the outstanding
shares of a Fund as of the Record Date present in person or by proxy will
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business regarding the Fund at the
Meeting. All properly executed proxies received in time to be voted at the
Meeting will be counted at the Meeting and any adjournment thereof in accordance
with the instructions marked thereon or otherwise provided therein.
For purposes of determining the presence of a quorum and counting votes
on the matters presented, Fund shares represented by abstentions and "broker
non-votes" will be counted as present, but not as votes cast at the Meeting.
Broker non-votes are Fund shares held in street name for which the broker
indicates that instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners
and other persons entitled to vote and for which the broker lacks discretionary
voting authority. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the
affirmative vote necessary to approve a matter under consideration may be
determined with reference to a percentage of votes present at the Meeting. For
this reason, abstentions and broker non-votes have the effect of votes "AGAINST"
a Proposal. In completing proxies, therefore, shareholders should be aware that
checking the box labeled "ABSTAIN" would result in the shares covered by the
proxy being treated as if they were voted "AGAINST" a Proposal.
IF A CHOICE IS NOT SPECIFIED ON A PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXY THAT IS
RETURNED IN TIME TO BE VOTED AT THE MEETING, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE
PROPOSAL FOR WHICH THE PROXY WAS SUBMITTED.
If a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or if a quorum is present at
the Meeting, but sufficient votes to approve a Proposal are not received, the
persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to
permit further solicitation of proxies with respect to a Proposal. Any
adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority of shares
represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting. In that case, the persons
named as proxies will vote all proxies that they are entitled to vote for a
Proposal as "FOR" such an adjournment; provided, however, any proxies required
to be voted against a Proposal will be voted "AGAINST" such adjournment. A
shareholder vote may be taken on a Proposal prior to adjournment if sufficient
votes have been received and it is otherwise appropriate.
Approval of a Proposal by a Fund requires the affirmative vote of the
lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at the Meeting or
represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares
are present or represented by proxy at the Meeting or (b) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the Fund.
Any shareholder may revoke his or her proxy at any time prior to
exercise thereof by giving written notice of revocation or by executing and
delivering a later dated proxy to Forum Shareholder Services, LLC ("FSS"), the
Trust's transfer agent, at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine, 04101, or by
personally casting a vote at the Meeting. The solicitation of proxies will be
primarily by mail but may also include telephone or oral communications by the
officers of the Trust or by regular employees of FFS or its affiliates.
Grosvenor Capital Management, LLC ("Grosvenor") and/or its affiliates will bear
all of the costs of the Meeting and the preparation, printing and mailing of
this Proxy Statement and proxy cards.
PROPOSAL
SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL
-------------------
The Meeting is being called to approve the continuation of the
investment advisory agreement between the Trust and Grosvenor dated May 13, 2002
(the "Current Agreement") with respect to each Fund (the "Proposal"). The
Current Agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
Grosvenor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Forum Investment Advisors, LLC
("FIA"), is the investment adviser of each Fund pursuant to the Current
Agreement. Prior to May 13, 2002, FIA served as each Fund's investment adviser
pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust and FIA (the
"Prior Agreement"). The Prior Agreement was last submitted to a shareholder
vote, and approved on December 6, 1995.
At a meeting on May 13, 2002, the Board approved the transfer to
Grosvenor of FIA's advisory responsibilities with respect to each Fund under the
Prior Agreement and approved the Current Agreement with respect to each Fund.
After the transfer of FIA's advisory responsibilities to Grosvenor, FIA
continued to provide advisory, supervisory, compliance, and support personnel
and resources to Grosvenor. Shareholder approval of the Current Agreement was
not required because (1) no change in advisory, supervisory, or compliance
personnel servicing each Fund or the availability of resources needed to manage
each Fund resulted from the transfer of FIA's investment advisory obligations
under the Prior Agreement to Grosvenor, (2) FIA and Grosvenor are currently
under common control and share the same officers, (3) there was no change in
fees, and (4) there was no change in the duties or responsibilities of the
adviser.
FIA intends to sell 80% of its ownership interest ("FIA's Interest") in
Grosvenor to several investors on August 1, 2002 or such other date as may be
agreed to by Forum and the investors. Under the Current Agreement, the sale of
interests in Grosvenor will operate to automatically terminate the Current
Agreement. Nevertheless, after careful consideration, the Board unanimously
approved the continuation of the Current Agreement with respect to each Fund
subsequent to the sale of FIA's Interest in Grosvenor, subject to the approval
of the requisite percentage of each Fund's shareholders.
As noted above, when advisory responsibilities were originally assigned
to Grosvenor, FIA continued to provide the supervisory and compliance personnel
and resources needed to manage each Fund. Upon the sale of FIA's Interest, FIA
will continue to provide those personnel and resources pursuant to a services
agreement between Grosvenor and FIA. Under the terms of that agreement, FIA will
receive as compensation from Grosvenor an annual amount equal to 0.05% of the
assets under management by Grosvenor, subject to a minimum annual fee of
$50,000. Grosvenor will also pay all reasonable expenses related to providing
such services and FIA and Grosvenor will indemnify each other against certain
potential liabilities.
FIA's Interest in Grosvenor will be sold to five separate investors
("Investors"), which will own the percentage of Grosvenor indicated herein. The
Investors are: Colonial Banc Corp. (20%), Ohio Heritage Bancorp, Inc. (20%),
Grosvenor Holdings JAM, LLC (13.33%), Grosvenor Holdings LCB, LLC (13.34%) and
RJB, LLC (13.33%). As a result of the sale of FIA's Interest in Grosvenor, FIA
will collectively receive from the Investors $480,000. FIA is indirectly owned
and controlled by John Y. Keffer, Chairman of the Board of the Trust.
The Board proposes, and recommends that, the shareholders of each Fund
vote "FOR" the continuation of the Current Agreement with respect to the Fund
for the period subsequent to the sale of FIA's Interest in Grosvenor.
Shareholders of each Fund are being asked to approve the Current Agreement only
with respect to the Fund in which they own shares. The approval of the
continuation of Current Agreement by the shareholders of one Fund is not
contingent on the approval of the continuation of the Current Agreement by the
shareholders of the other Fund.
EVALUATION BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
On May 13, 2002, the Board met and discussed the Proposal and its
possible effect on the Trust, each Fund and its respective shareholders. The
Board considered the factors listed below, and such other factors and
information it deemed relevant, prior to approving and recommending to each
Fund's shareholders the continuation of the Current Agreement subsequent to the
sale of FIA's Interest in Grosvenor:
(1) At least 40% of Grosvenor will be owned by at least two bank holding
companies based in Ohio, which have the potential to increase the
amount of Fund assets, which could result in economies of scale that
could reduce each Fund's expense ratio;
(2) Following the change in ownership, each Fund will maintain its
existing contracts with its current service providers. Thus, there
will be no change in each Fund's custodial, transfer agency, or
administrative support service, or in the resources available to
manage each Fund;
(3) Grosvenor intends to engage Les C. Berthy to manage each Fund
subsequent to the sale of FIA's Interest. Mr. Berthy has been the
portfolio manager for each Fund since each Fund's inception;
(4) Pursuant to its services agreement with FIA, Grosvenor will be able to
provide each Fund with the same supervisory, compliance and support
personnel and resources that were provided to the Funds before the
sale of FIA's Interest.
(5) No change in either Fund's advisory fee would result from the sale of
FIA's Interest, and each Fund's advisory fee will remain at 0.40% of
the Fund's average daily net assets;
(6) No change in each Fund's annual net expenses will result from the sale
of FIA's Interest because Grosvenor intends to contractually waive a
portion of its advisory fee in order to maintain each Fund's expense
ratio at 0.95% of the Fund's average daily net assets;
(7) Forum Administrative Services, LLC, the Trust's administrator, will
continue to provide administrative services to each Fund, including
compliance testing for each Fund;
(8) Grosvenor and/or its affiliates will bear all of the costs of the
Meeting and the preparation, printing and mailing of this Proxy
Statement and proxy cards;
(9) The sale of FIA's Interest to Grosvenor satisfies the terms of Section
15(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which requires that 75%
of the Board continue to consist of disinterested trustees for the
next three years and that no undue burden be placed on either Fund by
the sale.
Based upon its review, the Board concluded that the continuation of the
Current Agreement subsequent to the sale of FIA's Interest in Grosvenor, was
reasonable, fair and in the best interests of each Fund and its respective
shareholders.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EACH FUND VOTE
"FOR" THE PROPOSAL.
If the shareholders of Investor Bond Fund approve the Proposal, the
Current Agreement will continue with respect to the Fund subsequent to the sale
of FIA's Interest in Grosvenor, which is expected to be finalized on or about
August 1, 2002. If the shareholders of TaxSaver Bond Fund approve the Proposal,
the Current Agreement will continue with respect to the Fund subsequent to the
sale of FIA's Interest in Grosvenor, which is expected to be finalized on or
about August 1, 2002.
DISCUSSION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE CURRENT AGREEMENT
-----------------------------------------------------
No changes to the Current Agreement will result from the sale of FIA's
Interest in Grosvenor.
Under the terms of the Current Agreement, the investment adviser
manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of each Fund. Under the
Current Agreement, the investment adviser places orders for the purchase and
sale of each Fund's investments directly with brokers and attempts to obtain
quality execution at favorable prices. The Current Agreement permits Grosvenor
to allocate brokerage on behalf of each Fund to brokers and dealers who provide
research services and may cause the Fund to pay these brokers and dealers a
higher amount of commission than may be charged by other brokers and dealers who
do not provide comparable research services. In effecting securities
transactions on behalf of each Fund, the Current Agreement requires Grosvenor to
comply with all applicable laws, each Fund's objectives and investment policies,
the policies set from time to time by the Board as well as the Trust's Trust
Instrument and Bylaws. The Current Agreement permits Grosvenor to perform
investment advisory services for other entities other than the Trust and each
Fund. However, Grosvenor does not advise any other investment companies.
Grosvenor furnishes, at its own expense, all services, facilities and
personnel necessary in connection with managing each Fund's investments and
effecting portfolio transactions for each Fund. Grosvenor also furnishes to the
Board, which has overall responsibility for the business and affairs of the
Trust, periodic reports concerning the performance and operation of each Fund.
Under the Current Agreement, Grosvenor is also responsible for maintaining
records relating to the advisory services rendered to each Fund as required to
be maintained by the Trust pursuant to applicable law, including records
pertaining to each Fund transactions and the placing and allocation of brokerage
orders. The Current Agreement also requires Grosvenor to provide each Fund's
custodian and fund accountant, on each Fund business day, with information
relating to all transactions concerning the Fund's assets.
At Grosvenor's own expense, it may carry out any of its obligations
under the Current Agreement by employing, subject to Grosvenor's supervision,
one or more investment sub-advisers that are registered pursuant to the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. A sub-adviser's employment must be
evidenced by a separate agreement approved by the Board and if required, by each
Fund's shareholders.
The Current Agreement provides that Grosvenor shall not be liable to
the Trust for any mistake of judgment or in any event whatsoever, except for
lack of good faith, breach of fiduciary duty, willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of its duties under the Agreement or by
reason of Grosvenor's reckless disregard of its obligations under the agreement
or as otherwise required by applicable law.
The Current Agreement provides that neither the Trustees of the Trust
nor the shareholders of a Fund shall be liable for any obligations of the Trust
or of the Fund under the agreement. Under the Current Agreement and in
connection with asserting any rights or claims under the agreement, Grosvenor
agrees to look only to the assets and property of a Fund to which such rights
and claims may relate and not to the Trustees of the Trust or the shareholders
of the Fund.
If the continuation of the Current Agreement with respect to a Fund is
approved by the Fund's shareholders, the Current Agreement will continue in
effect thereafter for successive twelve month periods, provided that such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or by
the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and, in
either case (ii) by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the
Current Agreement or interested persons of any such party (other than as
Trustees of the Trust). The Current Agreement is terminable with respect to a
Fund, without penalty, by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the voting
securities of the Fund on 30 days' written notice to Grosvenor or by Grosvenor
on 90 days' written notice to the Trust. The Current Agreement also provides for
automatic termination in the event of its assignment. The Current Agreement may
only be amended or modified with respect to a Fund by a written agreement that
is properly authorized and executed by the Trust and Grosvenor, and if required
by law, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
ADVISORY FEES
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Under the Current Agreement, Grosvenor receives an advisory fee at an
annual rate of 0.40% of the average daily net assets of each Fund. This is the
same fee that FIA received under the Prior Agreement. This
advisory fee is at or below the industry average as characterized by each Fund's
category peer group maintained by Lipper Inc. Under the Prior Agreement, for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, the Investors Bond Fund paid FIA $54,225 in
advisory fees (excluding waivers) and the TaxSaver Bond Fund paid FIA $83,372 in
advisory fees (excluding waivers). If the Current Agreement and proposed fee had
been in effect for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, the Investors Bond Fund
would have paid Grosvenor $54,225 in advisory fees (excluding waivers) and the
TaxSaver Bond Fund would have paid Grosvenor $83,372 in advisory fees (excluding
waivers). Grosvenor has agreed to contractually waive a portion of its advisory
fee with respect to each Fund in order to maintain each Fund's expense ratio at
0.95% of the Fund's average daily net assets through July 31, 2003. FIA had
contractually agreed to the same fee waiver with the same expense ratio through
July 31, 2002.
INFORMATION ABOUT GROSVENOR (PRIOR TO SALE OF FIA'S INTEREST)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Grosvenor is a newly created Delaware limited liability company that is
wholly owned by FIA. Its principal place of business is located at Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101. FIA is a privately owned company controlled by
John Y. Keffer, who is Chairman of the Board of the Trust. On May 13, 2002,
Grosvenor assumed the investment advisory responsibility for Investors Bond Fund
and TaxSaver Bond Fund. As a result, on May 13, 2002, Grosvenor had
approximately $36 million in assets under management.
Grosvenor's corporate manager is Forum Holdings Corp. I and John Y.
Keffer, the Trust's President and Chairman, is its President. Forum Holdings
Corp. I maintains its principal office at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101.
Set forth below is information about the principal executive officer
and other officers of Grosvenor, each of whom may be contacted at Grosvenor
Capital Management, LLC, Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101:
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
NAME (OFFICE) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Charles F. Johnson Chief Financial Officer, Forum Financial
(Director/Treasurer) Group LLC (a mutual fund financial services
company)
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
David I. Goldstein (Secretary) Director of Business Development, Forum
Financial Group, LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Frederick Skillin Senior Manager, Expense Accounting, Forum
(Asst. Treasurer) Financial Group, LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Dana A. Lukens General Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC
(Asst. Secretary)
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Nanette K. Chern Corporate Counsel, Forum Financial Group,
(Chief Compliance Officer) LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
INFORMATION ABOUT GROSVENOR (AFTER SALE OF FIA'S INTERESTS)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Grosvenor will continue to be organized as a Delaware limited liability
company and will continue to maintain its principal place of business at Two
Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101. Grosvenor will be owned in the
percentages set forth below by the following entities: FIA (20%), Colonial Banc
Corp. (20%), Ohio Heritage Bancorp, Inc. (20%), Grosvenor Holdings JAM, LLC
(13.33%), Grosvenor Holdings LCB, LLC (13.34%) and RJB, LLC (13.33%). Grosvenor
will not have a corporate manager; instead, the functions of the corporate
manager will be performed by a board of directors. Set forth below is
information about the directors, the principal executive officers and other
officers of Grosvenor, each of whom may be contacted at Grosvenor Capital
Management, LLC, Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101:
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
NAME (OFFICE) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
John Y. Keffer Member and Director, Forum Financial Group,
(Director/President) LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Jeffrey A. Maffett President, Colonial Banc Corp.
(Director/Senior Vice
President)
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Richard J. Berthy (Director) President/Chief Executive Officer,
ConSELLtant Group Corporation
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Richard Baker (Director) Chairman, Ohio Heritage Bancorp, Inc.
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Les C. Berthy (Director/Vice Portfolio Manager, Forum Advisors, LLC and
President and Senior Grosvenor Capital Management, LLC
Portfolio Manager)
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Carl Bright (Vice President) Regional Sales Manager, Forum Financial
Group, LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Charles F. Johnson (Treasurer) Chief Financial Officer, Forum Financial
Group LLC (a mutual fund financial services
company)
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
David I. Goldstein (Secretary) Director of Business Development, Forum
Financial Group, LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Frederick Skillin Senior Manager, Expense Accounting, Forum
(Asst. Treasurer) Financial Group, LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Dana A. Lukens General Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC
(Asst. Secretary)
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Nanette K. Chern Corporate Counsel, Forum Financial Group,
(Chief Compliance Officer) LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
After the sale of FIA's Interest, the following officer of Grosvenor is
expected to be an officer of the Trust:
John Y. Keffer, Chairman and President of the Trust.
OTHER MATTERS
No other matters are expected to be presented at the Meeting other than
the Proposal. If any other matter properly comes before the Meeting, the shares
represented by proxies will be voted with respect thereto in the discretion of
the person or persons voting the proxies.
It is anticipated that, following the Meeting, neither Fund will hold
any meetings of shareholders except as required by Federal or Delaware state
law. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement
for a subsequent shareholder meeting should send proposals to the Secretary of
the Trust, Leslie K. Klenk, in care of Forum Administrative Services, LLC, Two
Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
As of the Record Date, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a
group, owned beneficially less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund.
As of the Record Date, the following shareholders beneficially owned more than
5% of the outstanding shares of each Fund:
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INVESTORS BOND FUND
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FUND/CLASS OF NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES % OF FUND
SHARES
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
SEI Trust Company 494,620.833 32.00%
(recordholder)
C/o Irwin Union Bank & Trust
Attn: Mutual Funds
Administration
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
SEI Trust Company 184,797.541 11.96%
(recordholder)
C/o Irwin Union Bank & Trust
Attn: Mutual Fund
Administration
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
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INVESTORS BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND/CLASS OF NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES % OF FUND
SHARES
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
Eaton National Bank 142,181.826 9.20%
110W. Main Street
P.O. Box 309
Eaton, OH 45320
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
National Financial Services 117,370.112 7.59%
Corp
(recordholder)
PO Box 3908
Church Station
New York, NY 10008-3908
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
Gertrude Weiss 113,099.708 7.32%
C/o Larry Zusman
5045 North Main Street
Suite 250
Dayton, OH 45415-3637
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
Ohio Heritage Bank 91,633.061 5.93%
200 Main Street
P.O. Box 1000
Coshocton, OH 43812
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND/CLASS OF NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES % OF FUND
SHARES
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
SEI Trust Company 497,495.877 27.49%
(recordholder)
C/o Irwin Union Bank & Trust
Attn: Mutual Fund
Administration
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXSAVER BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND/CLASS OF NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES % OF FUND
SHARES
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
Lawrence L. Zusman, Trustee 244,620.661 13.51%
Lawrence L. Zusman Living Trust
UAD 2-3-93
6439 Woodacre Court
Englewood, OH 45322
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
Leonore Zusman, Trustee 221,625.416 12.24%
Leonore Zusman Living Trust
UAD 2-3-93
6439 Woodacre Court
Englewood, OH 45322
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
Mitchell Singer 163.726.566 9.05%
5045 North Main Street
Suite 250
Dayton, OH 45415-3637
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
Jack R. Scholl 120,886.268 6.68%
Judith L. Scholl Jt Tenant
15 Thornridge Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15202
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
National Financial Services 116,867.353 6.46%
Corp.
(recordholder)
PO Box 3908
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008-3908
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
SEI Trust Company 90,892.691 5.02%
C/o Irwin Union Bank & Trust
Attn: Mutual Funds
Administrator
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- ----------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OTHER FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS
----------------------------
Forum Administrative Services, LLC ("FAdS") serves as each Fund's
administrator, Forum Fund Services, LLC ("FFS") serves as each Fund's principal
underwriter, Forum Shareholder Services, LLC ("FSS") serves as each Fund's
transfer agent, Forum Accounting Services, LLC ("FAS") serves as each Fund's
fund accountant and Forum Trust, LLC ("FT") serves as each Fund's custodian
(collectively, the "Forum Companies"). Each of the Forum Companies is an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Forum Financial Group, LLC and is controlled
by John Y. Keffer, the Chairman and President of the Trust. Currently, each of
the Forum Companies is an affiliate of FIA and Grosvenor. After the sale of
FIA's Interest in Grosvenor, the Forum Companies may not be deemed affiliates of
Grosvenor. The Forum Companies will continue to provide the services referenced
above regardless of whether a Fund's shareholders approve the Proposal.
Each Fund paid the Forum Companies listed below the following fees
(subsequent to fee waivers) for the period from April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002:
------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
FORUM COMPANY INVESTORS BOND FUND TAXSAVER BOND FUND
------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Forum Administrative $21,112 $41,686
Services, LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Forum Fund Services, LLC $0 $0
------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Forum Shareholder Services, $48,061 $65,227
LLC
------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Forum Accounting Services, LLC $40,900 $39,900
------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Forum Trust, LLC $7,587 $6,088
------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
EACH FUND WILL FURNISH, UPON REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE, TO EACH PERSON
TO WHOM THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS DELIVERED, A COPY OF THE FUND'S LATEST ANNUAL
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2002 AND SEMI-ANNUAL
REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001. TO REQUEST A COPY, PLEASE CALL
EACH FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR, FORUM FUND SERVICES, LLC, TWO PORTLAND SQUARE,
PORTLAND, MAINE 04101, AT 888-263-5593.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
/s/ LESLIE K. KLENK
Leslie K. Klenk
Secretary
EXHIBIT A
FORUM FUNDS
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
WITH
GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
AGREEMENT made the 13th day of May, 2002 between Forum Funds (the
"Trust"), a business trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware
with its principal place of business at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101, and Grosvenor Capital Management, LLC (the "Adviser"), a limited
liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware with its
principal place of business at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, (the "Act") as an open-end management investment company and
is authorized to issue its shares in separate series and classes;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that the Adviser perform investment advisory
services for the investment portfolios of the Trust listed on Schedule A hereto
(the "Funds"), each a separate series of the Trust, and the Adviser is willing
to provide those services on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, the Trust and the Adviser agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
(a) The Trust hereby appoints Adviser as investment adviser for the
Funds for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. Adviser
accepts this appointment and agrees to render its services as investment adviser
for the compensation set forth herein.
(b) The Trust has delivered copies of each of the following documents
and will from time to time furnish Adviser with any supplements or amendments to
such documents:
(i) the Trust Instrument of the Trust, as filed with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware, as in effect on the date hereof and as amended
from time to time ("Trust Instrument");
(ii) the Bylaws of the Trust as in effect on the date hereof and as
amended from time to time ("Bylaws");
(iii) the Registration Statement under the Act and, if applicable, the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), relating to the Fund and its shares and
all amendments thereto ("Registration Statement");
(iv) the prospectus and statement of additional information relating
to the Fund ("Prospectus"); and,
(v) all proxy statements, reports to shareholders, advertising or other
materials prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Fund or the public,
that refer to Adviser or its clients.
The Trust shall furnish Adviser with any further documents, materials
or information that Adviser may reasonably request to enable it to perform its
duties pursuant to this Agreement.
SECTION 2. DUTIES OF THE ADVISER
(a) The Adviser shall make decisions with respect to all purchases and
sales of securities and other investment assets in the Funds. To carry out such
decisions, the Adviser is hereby authorized, as agent and attorney-in-fact for
the Trust, for the account of, and in the name of the Trust, to place orders and
issue instructions with respect to those transactions of the Funds. In all
purchases, sales and other transactions in securities for the Funds, the Adviser
is authorized to exercise full discretion and act for the Trust in the same
manner and with the same force and effect as the Trust might or could do with
respect to such purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect
to all other things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of
such purchases, sales or other transactions.
(b) The Adviser will report to the Board at each meeting thereof all
changes in the Funds since the prior report, and will also keep the Board
informed of important developments affecting the Trust, the Funds and the
Adviser, and on its own initiative, will furnish the Board from time to time
with such information as the Adviser may believe appropriate for this purpose,
whether concerning the individual companies whose securities are included in the
Funds' holdings, the industries in which they engage, or the economic, social or
political conditions prevailing in each country in which the Funds maintain
investments. The Adviser will also furnish the Board with such statistical and
analytical information with respect to securities in the Funds as the Adviser
may believe appropriate or as the Board reasonably may request.
(c) In making purchases and sales of securities for the Funds, and
otherwise performing its duties hereunder, the Adviser will comply with the Act
and the rules and regulations thereunder, all other applicable Federal and state
laws and regulations, the policies set from time to time by the Board as well as
the limitations imposed by the Trust's Trust Instrument, Bylaws, Registration
Statement under the Act and the Securities Act, the limitations in the Act and
in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in respect of regulated
investment companies and the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of
the Funds. Without limiting the foregoing, the Adviser agrees that, in placing
orders with broker-dealers for the purchase or sales of portfolio securities, it
shall attempt to obtain quality execution at favorable security prices; provided
that, consistent with section 28(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act, the
exercise of the Adviser's fiduciary duties under its Investment Advisory
agreement with the Trust, and any other applicable law, the Adviser may allocate
brokerage on behalf of the Trust to broker-dealers who provide research services
and may cause the Funds to pay these broker-dealers a higher amount of
commission than may be charged by other broker-dealers.
(d) The Adviser will from time to time employ or associate with such
persons as the Adviser believes to be particularly fitted to assist in the
execution of the Adviser's duties hereunder, the cost of performance of such
duties to be borne and paid by the Adviser. No obligation may be incurred on the
Trust's behalf in any such respect.
(e) The Adviser shall maintain records relating to Fund transactions
and the placing and allocation of brokerage orders as are required to be
maintained by the Trust under the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
The Adviser shall prepare and maintain, or cause to be prepared and maintained,
in such form, for such periods and in such locations as may be required by
applicable law, all documents and records relating to the services provided by
the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement required to be prepared and maintained by
the Trust pursuant to the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, the
rules and regulations of any national, state, or local government entity with
jurisdiction over the Trust, including the Commission and the Internal Revenue
Service. The books and records pertaining to the Trust which are in possession
of the Adviser shall be the property of the Trust. The Trust, or the Trust's
authorized representatives, shall have access to such books and records at all
times during the Adviser's normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of
the Trust, copies of any such books and records shall be provided promptly by
the Adviser to the Trust or the Trust's authorized representatives.
(f) The Adviser shall provide the Funds' custodian and fund accountant
on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning
the Funds' assets.
(g) The Adviser shall authorize and permit any of its Trustees,
officers and employees who may be elected as Trustees or officers of the Trust
to serve in the capacities in which they are elected.
SECTION 3. EXPENSES
(a) The Adviser shall waive its fee to ensure that the Funds' expense
ratios do not exceed any expense limit described in the prospectus or applicable
to the Funds under the laws or regulations of any state in which shares of the
Funds are qualified for sale (reduced pro rata for any portion of less than a
year).
(b) If the Funds' expense ratio exceeds the expense limits described in
subsection (a) above after the Adviser has waived its fees, the Adviser shall be
responsible for that portion of the net expenses of the Funds that exceed any
expense limit described in the prospectus and the net expenses of the Funds
(except interest, taxes, brokerage, fees and other expenses paid by the Funds in
accordance with an effective plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act and
organization expenses, all to the extent such exceptions are permitted by
applicable state law and regulation) incurred by the Funds during each of the
Funds' fiscal years or portion thereof that this Agreement is in effect which,
as to the Funds, in any such year exceeds any expense limits applicable to the
Funds under the laws or regulations of any state in which shares of the Funds
are qualified for sale (reduced pro rata for any portion of less than a year).
(c) The Trust hereby confirms that, subject to the foregoing, the Trust
shall be responsible and shall assume the obligation for payment of all the
Trust's other expenses, including: (i) interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees
and commissions; (ii) certain insurance premiums; (iii) fees, interest charges
and expenses of the Trust's administrator, custodian, transfer agent and
dividend disbursing agent; (iv) telecommunications expenses; (v) the fees and
expenses of the Trust's independent auditors and of the outside legal counsel
appointed by the Board; (vi) costs of the Trust's formation and maintaining its
existence; (vii) costs of preparing and printing the Trust's prospectuses,
statements of additional information, account application forms and shareholder
reports and delivering them to existing and prospective shareholders; (viii)
costs of maintaining books of original entry for portfolio and fund accounting
and other required books and accounts and of calculating the net asset value of
shares of the Trust; (ix) costs of reproduction, stationery and supplies; (x)
compensation of the Trust's Trustees, officers, employees and other personnel
performing services for the Trust who are not officers of the Adviser, of Forum
Fund Services, LLC or of affiliated persons of either; (xi) costs of Board
meetings; (xii) registration fees and related expenses for registration with the
Commission and the securities regulatory authorities of other countries in which
the Trust's shares are sold; (xiii) state securities law registration fees and
related expenses; (xiv) the fee payable hereunder and fees and out-of-pocket
expenses payable to Forum Fund Services, LLC under any distribution, management
or similar agreement; (xv) and all other fees and expenses paid by the Trust
pursuant to any distribution or shareholder service plan adopted pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Act or otherwise.
SECTION 4. STANDARD OF CARE
The Trust shall expect of the Adviser, and the Adviser will give the
Trust the benefit of, the Adviser's best judgment and efforts in rendering its
services to the Trust, and as an inducement to the Adviser's undertaking these
services the Adviser shall not be liable hereunder for any mistake of judgment
or in any event whatsoever, except for lack of good faith, breach of fiduciary
duty, willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of
the Adviser's duties hereunder, or by reason of the Adviser's reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties hereunder and except as otherwise provided by law.
SECTION 5. COMPENSATION
In consideration of the foregoing, the Trust shall pay the Adviser,
with respect to each of the Funds, a fee at an annual rate as listed in Appendix
A hereto. These fees shall be accrued by the Trust daily and shall be payable
monthly in arrears on the first day of each calendar month for services
performed hereunder during the prior calendar month. The Adviser's
reimbursement, if any, of the Funds' expenses as provided in Section 4 hereof,
shall be estimated and accrued daily and paid to the Trust monthly in arrears,
at the same time as the Trust's payment to the Adviser for such month.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVENESS, DURATION AND TERMINATION
(a) With respect to the Funds, this Agreement shall become effective
immediately upon approval by a majority of the Trust's Trustees, including a
majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust.
(b) This Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of twenty four
months from the date of its effectiveness and shall continue in effect for
successive twelve-month periods (computed from each anniversary date of
approval) or for such shorter period as may be specified by the Board in giving
its approval as provided below; provided that such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually (i) by the Board or by the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Funds, and, in either case, (ii) by a
majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or
interested persons of any such party (other than as Trustees of the Trust);
provided further, however, that if this Agreement or the continuation of this
Agreement is not approved, the Adviser may continue to render the services
described herein in the manner and to the extent permitted by the Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder. The annual approvals provided for herein shall
be effective to continue this Agreement from year to year (or such shorter
period referred to above) if given within a period beginning not more than sixty
(60) days prior to such anniversary, notwithstanding the fact that more than
three hundred sixty-five (365) days may have elapsed since the date on which
such approval was last given.
(c) This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment
of any penalty, (i) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Funds on 30 days' written notice to the Adviser or (ii)
by the Adviser on 90 days' written notice to the Trust, with copies to each of
the Trust's Trustees at their respective addresses set forth in the Trust's
Registration Statement or at such other address as such persons may specify to
the Adviser and to legal counsel to the Trust. This agreement shall terminate
automatically and immediately upon assignment.
SECTION 7. ACTIVITIES OF THE ADVISER
Except to the extent necessary to perform its obligations hereunder,
nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict the Adviser's right, or the
right of any of the Adviser's officers, directors, trustees or employees who may
also be a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust, or persons otherwise
affiliated with the Trust, to engage in any other business or to devote time and
attention to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a
similar or dissimilar nature, or to render services of any kind to any other
corporation, trust, firm, individual or association.
SECTION 8. SUB-ADVISERS
At its own expense, the Adviser may carry out any of its obligations
under this Agreement by employing, subject to the Adviser's supervision, one or
more persons who are registered as investment advisers pursuant to the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or who are exempt from registration
thereunder ("Sub-advisers"). Each Sub-adviser's employment will be evidenced by
a separate written agreement approved by the Board and, if required, by the
shareholders of the applicable Fund.
SECTION 9. NOTICES
Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this
Agreement shall be in writing or by telex and shall be effective upon receipt.
Notices and communications shall be given, if to the Trust, at:
Forum Funds
Two Portland Square
Portland, ME 04101
Attn: Secretary
and if to the Adviser, at:
Grosvenor Investment Advisors, LLC
Two Portland Square
Portland, ME 04101
Attn: Secretary
SECTION 10. LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
The Trustees of the Trust and the interest holders of each Fund shall
not be liable for any obligations of the Trust or of the Funds under this
Agreement, and the Adviser agrees that, in asserting any rights or claims
under this Agreement, it shall look only to the assets and property of the Trust
or the Fund to which the Adviser's rights or claims relate in settlement of such
rights or claims, and not to the Trustees of the Trust or the interest holders
of the Funds.
SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) No provision of this Agreement with respect to any of the Funds may
be amended or modified in any manner except by a written agreement properly
authorized and executed by both parties hereto and, if required by the Act, by a
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds.
(b) Section headings in this Agreement are included for convenience
only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
(c) This Agreement shall be governed by and shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
(d) The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities," "interested person," "affiliated person" and "assignment" shall
have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
FORUM FUNDS
/s/ JOHN Y. KEFFER
John Y. Keffer
President
GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
/s/ CHARLES F. JOHNSON
Charles F. Johnson
Treasurer
FORUM FUNDS
ADVISORY AGREEMENT
WITH
GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
SCHEDULE A
AS OF MAY 13, 2002
FEE AS A % OF THE
ANNUAL AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
FUNDS OF THE TRUST OF THE FUND
Investors Bond Fund 0.40%
TaxSaver Bond Fund 0.40%
FORUM FUNDS
TWO PORTLAND SQUARE
PORTLAND, MAINE 04101
PROXY
(FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF INVESTORS BOND FUND ONLY)
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Revoking any such prior appointments, the undersigned appoints Lisa J. Weymouth,
Leslie K. Klenk and Patrick J. Keniston (or, if only one shall act, that one)
proxies with the power of substitution to vote all of the shares of Investors
Bond Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Forum Funds (the "Trust"), registered in the
name of the undersigned at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be
held at the offices of Forum Administrative Services, LLC, Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101, on July 23, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time), and at
any postponements or adjournments thereof.
The shares of beneficial interest represented by this Proxy will be voted in
accordance with the instructions given by the undersigned below. IF NO CHOICE IS
SPECIFIED ON THE PROXY, PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXIES THAT ARE RETURNED IN TIME TO
BE VOTED AT THE MEETING WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL SET
FORTH BELOW. The Trust has proposed this Proposal. The Board of Trustees
recommends voting "FOR" the Proposal.
PROPOSAL
To approve the continuation of the Investment Advisory
Agreement between the Trust and Grosvenor Capital Management,
LLC ("Grosvenor") dated May 13, 2002 with respect to Investors
Bond Fund subsequent to the sale by Forum Investment Advisors,
LLC of 80% of its ownership interest in Grosvenor.
FOR _____ AGAINST _____ ABSTAIN _____
(NOTE: Checking the box labeled "Abstain" will result in the shares covered by
the Proxy being treated as if they were voted "Against" a Proposal.) Receipt is
acknowledged of the Notice and Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on July 23, 2002. PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY IN THE
SPACE PROVIDED. Execution by shareholders who are not individuals must be made
by an authorized signatory. Executors, administrators, trustees, guardians and
others signing in a representative capacity should give their full title as
such.
--------------------------------------------------------- ---------------
Authorized Signature Date
---------------------------------------------------------
Printed Name (and Title if Applicable)
--------------------------------------------------------- ---------------
Authorized Signature (Joint Investor or Second Signatory) Date
---------------------------------------------------------
Printed Name (and Title if Applicable)
1
FORUM FUNDS
TWO PORTLAND SQUARE
PORTLAND, MAINE 04101
PROXY
(FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF TAXSAVER BOND FUND ONLY)
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Revoking any such prior appointments, the undersigned appoints Lisa J. Weymouth,
Leslie K. Klenk and Patrick J. Keniston (or, if only one shall act, that one)
proxies with the power of substitution to vote all of the shares of TaxSaver
Bond Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Forum Funds (the "Trust"), registered in the
name of the undersigned at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be
held at the offices of Forum Administrative Services, LLC, Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101, on July 23, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time), and at
any postponements or adjournments thereof.
The shares of beneficial interest represented by this Proxy will be voted in
accordance with the instructions given by the undersigned below. IF NO CHOICE IS
SPECIFIED ON THE PROXY, PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXIES THAT ARE RETURNED IN TIME TO
BE VOTED AT THE MEETING WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL SET
FORTH BELOW. The Trust has proposed this Proposals. The Board of Trustees
recommends voting "FOR" the Proposal.
PROPOSAL
To approve the continuation of the Investment Advisory
Agreement between the Trust and Grosvenor Capital Management,
LLC ("Grosvenor") dated May 13, 2002 with respect to TaxSaver
Bond Fund subsequent to the sale by Forum Investment Advisors,
LLC of 80% of its ownership interest in Grosvenor.
FOR _____ AGAINST _____ ABSTAIN _____
(NOTE: Checking the box labeled "Abstain" will result in the shares covered by
the Proxy being treated as if they were voted "Against" a Proposal.) Receipt is
acknowledged of the Notice and Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on July 23, 2002. PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY IN THE
SPACE PROVIDED. Execution by shareholders who are not individuals must be made
by an authorized signatory. Executors, administrators, trustees, guardians and
others signing in a representative capacity should give their full title as
such.
--------------------------------------------------------- ---------------
Authorized Signature Date
---------------------------------------------------------
Printed Name (and Title if Applicable)
--------------------------------------------------------- ---------------
Authorized Signature (Joint Investor or Second Signatory) Date
---------------------------------------------------------
Printed Name (and Title if Applicable)