ThZeal - The Zeal

PRE 14A 1 g92191pre14a.txt TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS SCHEDULE 14A (RULE 14A-101) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Filed by the Registrant [X] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [X] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [ ] Definitive Proxy Statement [ ] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12 TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) 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: 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 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): 4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: 5) Total fee paid: [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. [ ] 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.: 3) Filing Party: 4) Date Filed: 1 TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS (FORMERLY, IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS) 570 CARILLON PARKWAY ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, 33716-1294 1-888-233-4339 -------------- NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To be held on -------------- To the Shareholders: Notice is hereby given that Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds ("TA IDEX") will hold a special meeting of shareholders of each series of TA IDEX, a list of which is available in Appendix A to the attached Proxy Statement (each, a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds") on , at TA IDEX's offices, 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33716-1294, at 2:00 p.m., local time, as adjourned from time to time (the "Meeting") for the purposes listed below: I. To elect Trustees to the Board of Trustees ("Board") of TA IDEX. II. To approve a proposed Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Termination, pursuant to which each Fund of TA IDEX would be reorganized in a tax-free transaction as separate series of Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds Trust, a newly created Delaware statutory trust. III. To approve changes to the fundamental investment restrictions of the Funds. IV. To consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the Meeting. After careful consideration, the Board unanimously approved Proposals I, II and III and recommends that shareholders vote "FOR" these three Proposals. The matters referred to above are discussed in detail in the Proxy Statement attached to this notice. The Board has fixed the close of business on as the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. Each share of a TA IDEX fund is entitled to one vote, and a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional shares held with respect to each proposal. If you have returned a proxy card and are present at the Meeting, you may change the vote specified in the proxy at that time. However, attendance in person at the Meeting, by itself, will not revoke a previously tendered proxy. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the Meeting in person, please vote your shares. 2 By Order of the Board, John K. Carter, Esq. Secretary [DATE] PROMPT EXECUTION AND RETURN OF THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IS REQUESTED. A SELF-ADDRESSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED. FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, YOU MAY ALSO VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR VIA THE INTERNET BY FOLLOWING THE ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS. IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR VIA THE INTERNET, PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD UNLESS YOU ELECT TO CHANGE YOUR VOTE. 3 TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS (FORMERLY, IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS) 570 CARILLON PARKWAY ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, 33716-1294 1-888-233-4339 -------------- PROXY STATEMENT -------------- Special Meeting of Shareholders To Be Held on This Proxy Statement and enclosed proxy card are being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees") of Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds ("TA IDEX") for use at a special meeting of shareholders of each series of TA IDEX, a list of which is available in Appendix A to the Proxy Statement (each, a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds"), on , at TA IDEX's offices, 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33716-1294, at 2:00 p.m., local time, as adjourned from time to time (the "Meeting"). The Board is soliciting proxies from shareholders of each of the Funds with respect to the proposals set forth in the accompanying notice. You are entitled to vote at the Meeting and any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) if you owned shares of any Funds at the close of business on ("Record Date"). It is anticipated that proxies and proxy statements will first be mailed to shareholders on or about . INTRODUCTION At a meeting held on October 5, 2004, the Board approved on behalf of each Fund a series of measures that it believes will, among other things: enhance the management of TA IDEX in a changing regulatory and investment environment; simplify and modernize TA IDEX and the Funds to permit them to respond more quickly and favorably to changed circumstances without expense and delay; and clarify the rights, privileges and powers of the Funds' shareholders and the Board. The implementation of these measures, each of which is briefly summarized below, is subject to the approval of the Funds' shareholders. - First, each of the current Trustees of TA IDEX is being proposed for re-election to the Board. In addition to the current Trustees, Mr. John Waechter, a Trustee nominee who is not an "interested person," as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"), of TA IDEX is also proposed for election (together with the current Trustees, the "Nominees"). If elected, Mr. Waechter will also serve as "audit committee financial expert" (as that term is defined for legal purposes) on the audit committee of the Board. The first proposal seeks shareholder approval of the Nominees. 4 - Second, on behalf of each Fund, the Board approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Termination ("Reorganization Agreement"), pursuant to which each Fund would be reorganized in a tax-free transaction as a separate series of Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds Trust, a newly-created Delaware statutory trust (the "New Trust"). This change should help to assure operation under the most advanced form of organization, and is intended to reduce certain expenses, which would benefit shareholders. Implementation of the reorganizations contemplated under the Reorganization Agreement (the "Reorganizations") will result in the transfer of all assets of each Fund to a corresponding series of the New Trust (each a "New Fund") and the continuation with the New Funds. Each New Fund will be managed by the same personnel and in accordance with the same investment objectives, strategies and techniques utilized in the management of each corresponding Fund immediately prior to the Reorganizations. In particular, AEGON Transamerica Fund Advisers, Inc. ("ATFA") will continue to serve as investment adviser to the New Funds and each current investment sub-adviser to a Fund will continue to serve as such with the corresponding New Fund. Shareholders are expected to continue to incur the same fees and expenses with the New Funds as are currently incurred with the Funds. Implementation of the Reorganizations is contingent upon the shareholder approval of the first proposal, as well as approval of the Reorganization Agreement. - The third proposal seeks shareholder approval of changes to the Funds' fundamental investment restrictions that are intended to simplify, modernize and make consistent, to the extent possible, the fundamental restrictions of the Funds. Shareholders should note that these changes will not modify the current investment objectives and strategies of the Funds. Approval of this third proposal is not contingent upon the approval of the first and second proposals. PROPOSAL I ELECTION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES Each of the current Trustees of TA IDEX is proposed for election to the Board. In addition, the Nominees include a new proposed Board member, John Waechter, who has the necessary qualifications to serve as audit committee financial expert on the Board's Audit Committee. A Nominee is deemed to be "independent" to the extent the Nominee is not an "interested person" of TA IDEX, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act ("Independent Nominee" or "Independent Trustee"). Two Nominees out of eleven, Thomas P. O'Neill and Brian C. Scott, are considered to be "interested persons" of TA IDEX because of their respective employment with ATFA or an affiliate of ATFA. Each of the other Nominees is considered an "Independent Nominee." Together, the Nominees will comprise the entire Board of TA IDEX and serve until their successors have been duly elected or appointed, as applicable, until such Nominee reaches the mandatory retirement age, or until their earlier resignation or removal. 5 INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD AND THE NOMINEES The Board has overall responsibility to manage and control the business affairs of TA IDEX, including the complete and exclusive authority to oversee and to establish policies regarding the management, conduct and operation of TA IDEX's business. The Trustees serve on the Board for terms of indefinite duration. A Trustee's position in that capacity will terminate if he or she is removed, reaches mandatory retirement age, resigns or is subject to various disabling events such as death or incapacity. In the event of any vacancy in the position of a Trustee, the remaining Trustees may appoint an individual to serve as a Trustee, subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act. A Trustee may be removed for cause either by the vote or written consent of at least two-thirds of the Trustees not subject to the removal vote. Listed below, for each Nominee, are the name and age, position and length of service with TA IDEX, principal occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the TA IDEX complex overseen, and any other directorships held by the Nominee. (For purposes of this Proxy Statement, fund "complex" means the following registered investment companies: TA IDEX, AEGON/Transamerica Series Fund, Inc., and Transamerica Income Shares, Inc.) INDEPENDENT NOMINEES:

7 INTERESTED NOMINEES:+

* The New Funds have not been included in the totals in this column. If the Reorganizations are consummated, the Funds will be liquidated. Thus, the number of funds in the complex will not change. +May be deemed an "interested person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of TA IDEX because of his employment with ATFA or an affiliate of the ATFA. The Board held four regular meetings, and six special meetings, during TA IDEX's most recent fiscal year ended October 31, 2004. Each Trustee then in office attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which the Trustee served. 8 OFFICERS:

* The business address of each officer is 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716. No officer of TA IDEX receives any compensation from TA IDEX. John K. Carter and Kim D. Day will continue to serve as officers of TA IDEX. FUND SHARES OWNED BY PROPOSED TRUSTEES. The following table shows the dollar amount range of each Independent Trustee's "beneficial ownership" of shares of TA IDEX and in the aggregate across all Funds as of November 1, 2004. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are set forth as established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" or the "Commission"). "Beneficial ownership" is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934 Act"). Independent Nominees:

9 (1) A portion of the dollar range of equity securities in TA IDEX for this Trustee consists of allocations made under TA IDEX's deferred compensation plan. The deferred compensation amounts are based on the value of Class A shares of the Fund elected by such Trustee (without the imposition of the sales charge). Interested Nominees:

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP BY PROPOSED INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES IN AFFILIATES. The following table shows the dollar range of each Independent Trustee's and of his or her immediate family members' "beneficial ownership" of shares of affiliates of TA IDEX, its adviser and its principal underwriter as of December 31, 2003. Dollar ranges disclosed are set forth as established by the SEC. "Beneficial ownership" is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act.

BOARD COMPENSATION. The aggregate compensation paid by TA IDEX to each of its Trustees serving during the most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. Interested Trustees receive no compensation from TA IDEX for their service as Trustee. 10 Independent Nominees:

*Of this aggregate compensation, the total amounts deferred (including earnings) and accrued for the benefit of the participating Trustees for the year ended October 31, 2004 were as follows: Peter R. Brown $ ; Daniel Calabria $ ; William W. Short, Jr., $ ; Charles Harris $ ; Russell A. Kimball, Jr., $ ; Janice B. Case $ ; Leo J. Hill $ ; and Jack E. Zimmerman, $ . BOARD STANDING COMMITTEES Audit Committee. The Board of TA IDEX has a standing Audit Committee. Mr. Brown currently serves as chairman of the Audit Committee and Messrs. Calabria, Harris, Hill and Short and Ms. Case currently serve as members of the Audit Committee. Each of the members is an Independent Trustee. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The Audit Committee reviews the financial reporting process, the system of internal control, the audit process, and the TA IDEX process for monitoring compliance with investment restrictions and applicable laws and the TA IDEX Code of Ethics. The Audit Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and met four times during TA IDEX's most recently completed fiscal year Nominating Committee. The Board of TA IDEX has a standing Nominating Committee. Mr. Brown currently serves as chairman of the Nominating Committee and Messrs. Calabria, Harris, and Short currently serve as members of the Nominating Committee. Each of the members is an Independent Trustee. The Nominating Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board, a copy of which is attached as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement. The Nominating Committee nominates and evaluates independent Trustee candidates. The Nominating Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and met twice during TA IDEX's most recently completed fiscal year. As further explained in the charter of the nominating committee, while the Nominating Committee is solely responsible for the selection and nomination of potential candidates to serve on the Board, the Nominating Committee may consider nominations from shareholders of the Funds. Shareholders may submit for the Nominating Committee's consideration, recommendations regarding potential 11 nominees for service on the Board. Each eligible shareholder or shareholder group may submit no more than one nominee each calendar year. In order for the Nominating Committee to consider shareholder submissions, the following requirements, among others, must be satisfied regarding the nominee: the nominee must satisfy all qualifications provided in the charter and in TA IDEX's organizational documents, including qualification as a possible Independent Director/Trustee if the nominee is to serve in that capacity; the nominee may not be the nominating shareholder, a member of the nominating shareholder group or a member of the immediate family of the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group; neither the nominee nor any member of the nominee's immediate family may be currently employed or employed within the year prior to the nomination by any nominating shareholder entity or entity in a nominating shareholder group; neither the nominee nor any immediate family member of the nominee is permitted to have accepted directly or indirectly, during the year of the election for which the nominee's name was submitted, during the immediately preceding calendar year, or during the year when the nominee's name was submitted, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the nominating shareholder or any member of a nominating shareholder group; the nominee may not be an executive officer, director/trustee or person fulfilling similar functions of the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group, or of an affiliate of the nominating shareholder or any such member of the nominating shareholder group; the nominee may not control the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group (or, in the case of a holder or member that is a fund, an interested person of such holder or member as defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act); and a shareholder or shareholder group may not submit for consideration a nominee which has previously been considered by the Nominating Committee. In addition, in order for the Nominating Committee to consider shareholder submissions, the following requirements must be satisfied regarding the shareholder or shareholder group submitting the proposed nominee: any shareholder or shareholder group submitting a proposed nominee must beneficially own, either individually or in the aggregate, more than 5% of a Fund's (or a series thereof) securities that are eligible to vote both at the time of submission of the nominee and at the time of the Board member election (each of the securities used for purposes of calculating this ownership must have been held continuously for at least two years as of the date of the nomination); in addition, such securities must continue to be held through the date of the meeting and the nominating shareholder or shareholder group must also bear the economic risk of the investment; and the nominating shareholder or shareholder group must also submit a certification which provides the number of shares which the person or group has (a) sole power to vote or direct the vote, (b) shared power to vote or direct the vote, (c) sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such shares, and (d) shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of such shares (in addition the certification shall provide that the shares have been held continuously for at least two years). In assessing the qualifications of a potential candidate for membership on the Board, the Nominating Committee may consider the candidate's potential contribution to the operation of the Board and its committees, and such other factors as it may deem relevant. 12 Compensation Committee. The Board of TA IDEX has a standing Compensation Committee. Mr. Harris and Ms. Case currently serve as co-chairs of the Compensation Committee, and Messrs. Brown, Hill, Kimball, Short, Zimmerman and Calabria currently serve as members of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee reviews compensation arrangements for each Trustee. The Compensation Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and met one time during TA IDEX's most recently completed fiscal year. Valuation Committee. The Board of TA IDEX has a standing Valuation Committee. Certain officers of TA IDEX and ATFA currently serve as members of the Valuation Committee at the pleasure of the Board. The Valuation Committee determines the value of any of the portfolio's securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which valuation cannot be otherwise provided. The Valuation Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and met forty-four times during TA IDEX's most recently completed fiscal year. The Board has a standing Valuation Oversight Committee. Mr. Hill currently serves as chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee, and members of the Valuation Oversight Committee will be appointed at the Board's December 2004 meeting. The Valuation Oversight Committee oversees the process by which the Funds calculate their net asset value to verify consistency with the Funds' valuation policies and procedures, industry guidance, interpretative positions issued by the SEC and its staff, and industry best practices. The Valuation Oversight Committee meets periodically, as necessary and did not meet during TA IDEX's most recently completed fiscal year. Proxy Voting Committee. The Board of TA IDEX has a standing Proxy Voting Committee. Ms. Case currently serves as chair of the Proxy Voting Committee, and Messrs. Short and Hill currently serve as members of the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee provides TA IDEX's consent to vote in matters where ATFA or a sub-adviser to the Funds seeks such consent because of a conflict of interest that arises in connection with a particular vote, or for other reasons. The Proxy Voting Committee also may review ATFA's and each sub-adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures in lieu of submission of the policies and procedures to the entire Board for approval. The Proxy Voting Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and did not meet during TA IDEX's most recently completed fiscal year. Contract Renewal Committee. The Board has a standing Contract Renewal Committee. Mr. Kimball currently serves as chairman of the Contract Renewal Committee, and members of the Contract Renewal Committee will be appointed at the Board's December 2004 meeting. The Contract Renewal Committee provides oversight of TA IDEX contracts to ensure that the interests of TA IDEX and shareholders are served by the terms of these contracts. The Contract Renewal Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and did not meet during TA IDEX's most recently completed fiscal year. EVALUATION BY THE BOARD At a meeting of the Board held on October 5, 2004, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, agreed that the nomination of the Nominees should be submitted to shareholders for approval. The Trustees determined that shareholder election of the Nominees would be in TA IDEX's best interest. In determining whether it was appropriate to recommend approval by shareholders, the Board reviewed information that it believed appropriate to reach its decision. The Trustees recommended that shareholders vote for the nominees on the basis of the following considerations, among others: 13 - Each of the Nominees have had distinguished careers and have the professional experience and the background necessary to make valuable contributions to the Board. - With regard to the Nominees who previously served on the Board, the Board noted that each of the current Trustees has the background, experience and working knowledge of the Funds and has, during his or her current tenure as Trustees, brought, and expect to continue to bring, a wide range of expertise to the Board and the oversight of TA IDEX. - The Board considered reports regarding the qualification and experience of Mr. Waechter and the experience of accounting matters that Mr. Waechter would bring to the Board. The Board also noted that, among others things, Mr. Waechter is not an interested person of TA IDEX, has experience working with financial statements and a good understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. - The composition of the Board and the contemplated role of the Independent Trustees on the Board, if elected as proposed, which would satisfy recently-adopted SEC requirements. In reaching its decision to recommend election of the Nominees, the Board did not identify any single factor as being of paramount importance. Accordingly, after consideration of the above factors, and such other factors and information it considered relevant, the Board voted to nominate the Nominees and recommend election of the Nominees by the TA IDEX shareholders Each of the Nominees has indicated his/her willingness to serve as Trustee if elected. The Board knows of no reason why the Nominees would be unable to serve, but in the event of any such unavailability, the proxies received will be voted for such substituted nominee as the Board may recommend. Approval of the Nominees will be deemed to constitute approval of the Nominees to serve as Trustees for the New Trust, subject to the approval and implementation of the Reorganizations. THE BOARD, INCLUDING THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE NOMINEES AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS PROPOSAL. UNMARKED PROXIES WILL BE SO VOTED. PROPOSAL II APPROVAL OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT At a meeting of the Board held on October 5, 2004, the Board approved on behalf of TA IDEX and each of the Funds, an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Termination ("Reorganization Agreement") substantially in the form attached to this Proxy Statement as 14 Appendix C, which qualifies in its entirety the following discussion. It was determined that the Reorganization Agreement should be submitted to shareholders of TA IDEX. If shareholders approve this proposal, the Trustees and officers of TA IDEX will implement the Reorganizations on behalf of TA IDEX and the Funds: TA IDEX will be reorganized from a Massachusetts business trust into the New Trust (a Delaware statutory trust), and each Fund would be reorganized into a New Fund. If approved, the Reorganization is expected to take effect on or about March 1, 2005 (the "Exchange Date"), although that date may be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the Reorganization Agreement. What are shareholders being asked to approve in Proposal II? Shareholders of each Fund are asked to consider the proposed Reorganization Agreement, which contemplates: - The transfer of all of the assets and liabilities of each Fund to the corresponding New Fund in exchange for shares of the corresponding New Fund having an aggregate value equal to the assets and liabilities of the Fund and the assumption by the New Fund of all of the liabilities of the Fund; - The distribution to each shareholder of each class of each Fund of the same number of shares of the corresponding class of the corresponding New Fund having an aggregate net asset value equal to the aggregate net asset value of the shares of that class of the Fund held by that shareholder on the Exchange Date; and - The subsequent complete liquidation of TA IDEX and each Fund. In addition, prior to shares of the New Funds being distributed to TA IDEX shareholders, the Funds, as sole shareholders of the New Trust, will be asked to vote on certain issues regarding the organization of the New Trust. A Fund will vote in favor of such matters regarding the organization of the New Trust only if the shareholders of that Fund have voted in favor of the proposed Reorganization. Thus, shareholders of the Funds, in approving the proposed Reorganization, will also, in effect, be approving the following matters with respect to the New Trust, among others: - Election of the Trustees of the New Trust: the Board of the New Trust will be the Board that shareholders elect in Proposal I of this Proxy Statement; - Approval of the New Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as described in "Differences in Organizational Structures," below; - Approval of investment advisory agreements and, if applicable, approval of sub-advisory agreements, all of which will be substantially similar to the agreements currently in place with respect to each of the Funds; - Approval of the distribution agreements and distribution and service plans with respect to each applicable New Fund and its classes, all of which will be substantially similar to the agreements and plans currently in place with respect to each of the Funds; 15 - Approval of the liquidation and dissolution of TA IDEX and the Funds, to the extent such approval is required; - The selection of PWC as independent auditors of the New Trust; and approval of other service agreements and compliance plans and procedures necessary of helpful to the New Trust's operations. Shareholders of the Funds are not being asked to vote separately on these issues. More information on each of these items is discussed below. What effect will the Reorganization have on the Funds and their shareholders? Immediately after the Reorganization, shareholders of each Fund will own shares of the corresponding class of the corresponding New Fund that are equal in number and in value to the shares of each Fund that were held by those shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization. As a result of the Reorganization, shareholders will become shareholders of the New Funds. The Reorganizations will not result in any change in the name, investment objective or principal investment strategies, investment adviser, sub-advisers, portfolio managers or service providers of any of the Funds. Each New Fund will offer the same shareholder services as its corresponding Fund. Will there be any sales load, commission or other transactional fee in connection with the Reorganization? No. The full value of your shares of a Fund will be exchanged for shares of the same class of the corresponding New Fund without any sales load, commission or other transactional fee being imposed. What will be the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganizations? As a condition to each Fund's obligation to consummate a Reorganization, TA IDEX and the New Trust will receive an opinion from legal counsel to the Funds to the effect that, on the basis of the existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Tax Code"), current administrative rules and court decisions, (i) the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement constitute a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes; (ii) shareholders in the Funds will have the same aggregate tax basis in the shares of the New Funds that they receive in the Reorganizations as their aggregate tax basis in the shares of the Funds before the Reorganizations; and (iii) shareholders in the Funds who hold their shares as capital assets will include their holding period in Fund shares in determining their holding period in New Fund shares. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the effect of the Reorganizations in light of their individual circumstances. As the foregoing relates only to federal income tax consequences, shareholders should also consult their tax advisers as to the foreign, state, local and other tax consequences of the Reorganizations. Who is bearing the expenses related to the Reorganization? Each Fund will bear an allocated portion of all mailing, printing and tabulation expenses associated with the Reorganizations based upon the number of shareholder accounts of each Fund. Legal costs will be allocated equally among the Funds regardless of the assets of each 16 Fund. Expenses associated with the solicitation of proxies will be allocated among the Funds based upon the number of shareholder accounts for Funds requiring proxy solicitation assistance. SUMMARY OF THE REORGANIZATIONS The Reorganization Agreement provides that each New Fund will acquire all of the assets, subject to all of the liabilities, of the corresponding Fund in exchange for shares of the New Fund. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions described below, such acquisition is scheduled to occur on the Exchange Date as that date may be adjusted from time to time. The number of full and fractional shares of the New Fund you will receive in the Reorganization will be equal to the number of full and fractional shares of the Fund you own on the Exchange Date and will be of the same class as the shares you own on the Exchange Date. As part of the closing of the Reorganization, each Fund will liquidate and distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record as of the close of regularly scheduled trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Exchange Date the shares of a New Fund received by the corresponding Fund in the Reorganization. The liquidation and distribution with respect to each class of each Fund's shares will be accomplished by the transfer of the New Fund shares then credited to the account of the Fund on the books of the corresponding New Fund to newly-opened accounts on the books of that New Fund in the names of the Fund shareholders. All issued and outstanding shares of the Fund will simultaneously be canceled on the books of the Fund. The New Fund will not issue certificates representing the New Fund shares issued in connection with such exchange. After such distribution, TA IDEX will take all necessary steps under applicable state law, its governing instruments, and any other applicable law to effect a complete dissolution of the Funds and TA IDEX. The Reorganization Agreement must be approved by shareholders of each Fund, voting separately. In the event that shareholders of a particular Fund do not approve the Reorganization of that Fund with and into the corresponding New Fund, the Reorganization Agreement will continue to remain in full force and effect with respect to the reorganizations and liquidations of the other Funds and their corresponding New Funds for which such shareholder approval has been granted. The Reorganization Agreement further provides that the benefits and obligations attendant to the Reorganizations are severable with respect to each Fund and its corresponding New Fund. If a Reorganization is not completed for any reason with respect to a Fund, the Board will consider various options for that Fund. The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated and the Reorganization abandoned by the Board, with respect to one or more Funds or with respect to all Funds, at any time prior to the consummation of the Reorganizations, before or after approval by the shareholders of the Funds, if, among other things: (i) there is a material breach by the other party of any representation, warranty or agreement contained in the Reorganization Agreement; (ii) it reasonably appears that a party cannot meet a condition of the Reorganization Agreement; or (iii) circumstances should develop that, in the Board's opinion, make proceeding with the Reorganizations inadvisable with respect to such Fund(s). The Reorganization Agreement 17 provides that the New Trust or TA IDEX may waive compliance with any of the covenants or conditions made therein, or amend the Plan of Reorganization for the benefit of any Fund or New Fund, as applicable, provided that such waiver or amendment does not materially adversely affect the interests of the Funds or their shareholders. Shareholders should note that consummation of the Reorganizations also is contingent upon their approval of Proposal I. CERTAIN COMPARATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT TA IDEX AND THE NEW TRUST TA IDEX is a Massachusetts business trust governed by its own Agreement and Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and a Board of Trustees. The New Trust is a Delaware statutory trust governed by its own Agreement and Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and a Board of Trustees. The operations of the New Trust and TA IDEX are also governed by applicable state and Federal law. Certain differences and similarities between these entities are summarized below, although this is not a complete list of comparisons. Shareholders should refer to the provisions of these governing documents and the relevant state law directly for a more thorough comparison. Copies of these governing documents are available to shareholders without charge upon written request. General Under the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the New Trust, the Trustees of the New Trust will have more flexibility than the Trustees of TA IDEX and, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and Delaware law, broader authority to act, as further described below. The increased flexibility may allow the Trustees of the New Trust to react more quickly to changes in competitive and regulatory conditions and, as a consequence, may allow the New Trust to operate in a more efficient and economical manner. Delaware law also promotes ease of administration by permitting the Board of the New Trust to take certain actions, for example, establishing new investment series of the New Trust, without filing additional documentation with the state, which would otherwise require additional time and costs. Importantly, the Trustees of the New Trust will have the same fiduciary obligations to act with due care and in the interest of the New Funds and their shareholders as do the Trustees of TA IDEX with respect to the Funds and their shareholders. Shareholder Liability Generally, liability is limited for shareholders of the New Trust. With respect to TA IDEX, as further noted below, there is the potential, although only a remote possibility, that shareholders of TA IDEX may be liable for the obligations of the Funds. New Trust. The Declaration of Trust of the New Trust provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to the New Trust, the New Funds or any class of shares. In 18 addition, shareholders have the same limitation of personal liability as is extended to shareholders of a Delaware for-profit corporation. TA IDEX. Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust. However, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of TA IDEX states that shareholders will not be subject to any personal liability in connection with the assets of the trusts for the acts, obligations or affairs of the trust. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the assets belonging to the series with respect to which such shareholder's shares are issued, for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of TA IDEX solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is considered remote since it is limited to circumstances in which (1) a court determines that the respective trust should be treated as a partnership, rather than as a business trust, despite the terms of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and (2)(i) a contractual disclaimer is found to be inadequate, and (ii) and the Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. Liquidation or Dissolution In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of any of the Funds or New Funds the shareholders are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board, the excess of the assets over the liabilities belonging to the Fund/New Fund. The assets so distributed to shareholders would be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to the number of shares of that Fund/New Fund held by them and recorded on the books of the Fund/New Fund. New Trust. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the New Trust permits a majority of the Trustees to liquidate the New Trust, or any class or series of the New Trust, upon written notice to shareholders, without submitting the matter for shareholder approval. TA IDEX. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust of TA IDEX permits liquidation of any class or series of TA IDEX upon shareholder approval. Liability of Trustees Trustees of the New Trust and TA IDEX are generally not liable to the respective entity absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of a Trustee's duties. Furthermore, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of each entity permits indemnification of such Trustees to the fullest extent permissible under applicable laws. The New Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust specifically provides that indemnification includes any reasonable expenses incurred by a Trustee in connection with the defense of any proceeding. The New Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust further provides that any Trustee designated to be a "financial expert" or to have any particular type of specific expertise or knowledge shall not be held to a heightened standard of care because of such designation 19 Shareholder Meetings Neither the New Trust nor TA IDEX Trust is required to hold annual meetings of shareholders, although each may hold special meetings for purposes of voting on certain matters as required under the 1940 Act or other applicable law. In each case, on any matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, all shares entitled to vote are voted in the aggregate, except when (1) required by the 1940 Act, shares are voted by the individual Fund or New Fund; (2) the matter involves any action that the Trustees have determined will affect only the interests of one or more Fund or New Fund, in which case only the shareholders of such series shall be entitled to vote thereon; and (3) the matter involves any action that the Trustees have determined will affect only the interests of one or more classes, in which case only the shareholders of such class or classes shall be entitled to vote thereon. However, as further noted below, the New Trust and TA IDEX do differ in the percentage of outstanding shares necessary for shareholders to call a special meeting and in the ability of shareholders to take action by written consent: New Trust. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust for the New Trust permit special meetings of the shareholders to be called by shareholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the New Trust entitled to vote at such meeting. TA IDEX. A special meeting of shareholders of a Fund may be called upon the written request of holders of not less than 25% of that Fund's outstanding securities entitled to vote at such meeting. Reorganization/Combination Transactions New Trust. Under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Delaware law, the Trustees may generally authorize mergers, consolidations, share exchanges and reorganizations of a New Fund or the New Trust with another trust or other business organization without shareholder approval, although such approval may be separately required under the Federal securities laws and rules thereunder. For example, the 1940 Act and rules thereunder may require a shareholder vote of a proposed merger involving affiliated funds under certain circumstances, such as when the merging funds have materially different advisory contracts or fundamental investment restrictions. TA IDEX. A Majority of the Shares voted (as defined in the TA IDEX Agreement and Declaration of Trust) must approve a merger of the Fund with another business organization, or the sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the property of the Fund. Amendment of Charter Document New Trust. The Trustees may generally restate, amend or otherwise supplement the Trust's governing instrument, which includes the Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws, without the approval of shareholders, subject to limited exceptions (such as amendments affecting shareholders' voting rights). 20 TA IDEX. Generally, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of TA IDEX may only be amended by a Majority of the Shares voted (as defined in the TA IDEX Agreement and Declaration of Trust). However, the Trustees may amend the Declaration of Trust without shareholder approval to: (1) conform it to the requirements of applicable federal laws or regulations; (2) change the name of the Trust; or (3) make any other changes which do not materially adversely affect the rights of shareholders. Derivative and Class Actions Generally, shareholders of the New Trust and TA IDEX are permitted to bring derivative or class actions on behalf of their respective entity only after such shareholders have first made a demand upon the Board to bring the action on behalf of the applicable entity. The requirements for shareholders of TA IDEX are governed by state law. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the New Trust specifically sets forth the procedural requirements a shareholder would need to fulfill and additionally limits such actions to those brought by at least 10% of the New Trust's or a New Fund's shareholders. New Trust. Shareholders of the New Trust or any New Fund may not bring a derivative action to enforce the right of the New Trust or New Fund unless certain conditions are satisfied. The conditions include, among others, that (1) the complaining shareholder submit a written demand to the Board of Trustees and that demand must be refused, and (2) at least 10% of the shareholders of the New Trust or the New Fund, as applicable, join in bringing the derivative action. A shareholder of a particular New Fund is not entitled to participate in a derivative action on behalf of a different New Fund of the New Trust. TA IDEX. Under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of each of TA IDEX, shareholders have the power to vote to the same extent as the shareholders of a Massachusetts corporation as to whether or not a court action, proceeding or claim should be brought or maintained derivatively or as a class action on behalf of TA IDEX or its shareholders. As a prerequisite for bringing a derivative action in Massachusetts, a shareholder had to either make a demand on the board to prosecute the litigation or allege facts showing the futility of such a demand. * * * The foregoing is only a summary of certain characteristics of the operations of the New Trust and TA IDEX, their relevant corporate governance documents and relevant state law. The foregoing is not a complete description of the documents cited. Shareholders should refer to the provisions of such documents and state laws governing each Fund for a more thorough description. * * * EVALUATION BY THE BOARD At a meeting of the Board held on October 5, 2004, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, approved the submission of the Reorganization Agreement to shareholders for their approval and recommended approval of the Reorganization Agreement and each corresponding Reorganization. The Board has determined, with respect to each Fund, that participation in the 21 Reorganizations is in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders, and that shareholders' interests will not be diluted by the Reorganizations. In determining whether it was appropriate to recommend approval by shareholders, the Board requested information, provided by management, that it believed to be reasonably necessary to reach its conclusion. The Board carefully evaluated this information. The Trustees recommended that shareholders approve the Reorganization Agreement on the basis of the following considerations, among others: The interests of shareholders of the Funds will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganizations. Fund shares will be exchanged for an equivalent dollar and share amount of the corresponding New Fund. Account registration and account options will remain the same. - The proposed Delaware statutory trust form for the New Trust provides the most flexible and cost-efficient method of operating the Funds for the benefit of Fund shareholders, which could result in greater operating efficiencies. - The investment objectives, policies and restrictions of each New Fund will be identical to those of the corresponding Fund and the New Funds will be managed by the same personnel and in accordance with the same investment strategies and techniques utilized in the management of each Fund immediately prior to the proposed Reorganizations. - Each New Fund will be subject to investment advisory fees, sales charges, and operating expenses that are expected to be identical to those of the corresponding Fund. - The Reorganizations will be effected on a tax-free basis for federal income tax purposes, so the Reorganizations will be tax-free to the shareholders of the Funds. Neither the Funds nor the New Funds are expected to recognize any gain or loss for federal income tax purposes from the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement. In reaching its decision to recommend approval of the Reorganization Agreement, the Board did not identify any single factor as being of paramount importance. Accordingly, after consideration of the above factors, and such other factors and information it considered relevant, the Board voted to recommend approval of the Reorganization Agreement by the Funds' shareholders. THE BOARD, INCLUDING THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EACH FUND APPROVE THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT. UNMARKED PROXIES WILL BE SO VOTED. PROPOSAL III CHANGES TO THE FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS The 1940 Act requires each Fund to adopt fundamental investment restrictions with respect to several specific types of activities, including a Fund's ability to (1) borrow money; (2) issue senior securities; (3) underwrite securities issued by other persons; (4) purchase or sell real estate; (5) purchase or sell commodities; (6) make loans to other persons; and (7) concentrate its investments in any particular industry or group of industries. The 1940 Act also requires each 22 Fund to state whether it is a diversified or non-diversified Fund, as those terms are defined in the 1940 Act, and the 1940 Act permits each Fund to designate any other of its policies as fundamental policies, as the Fund deems necessary or desirable. In order to modify or eliminate a Fund's fundamental investment restrictions, including its classification as a diversified or non-diversified Fund, the 1940 Act requires that any such change be approved by a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. The Board is proposing that shareholders approve revisions to certain of the Funds' fundamental investment restrictions, as described more fully in this Proxy Statement, in an effort to standardize the Funds' investment restrictions and permit the Funds the maximum investment flexibility under current law. The current fundamental investment restrictions of each of the Funds that are proposed to be revised at this Meeting are set forth in Appendix D to this Proxy Statement. Why are shareholders being asked to approve changes to the Funds' investment restrictions? The Funds' current investment restrictions often vary from one another and, in some cases, are more prohibitive than the rules and regulations under the 1940 Act and applicable guidance by the SEC and its staff otherwise require, limiting investment strategies and resulting in operating inefficiencies and costs. Many of the Funds' current fundamental investment restrictions can be traced back to federal or state securities law requirements, or business or industry conditions, that were in effect when the Funds were organized. These restrictions have subsequently been made less restrictive or are no longer applicable to the Funds. In addition, as certain Funds have been created or acquired over the years, these Funds have adopted similar fundamental restrictions that often have been phrased in slightly different ways, resulting in minor but unintended differences in effect or potentially creating unintended differences in interpretation. As a result, the current restrictions unnecessarily limit the investment strategies available to the portfolio managers in managing each Fund's assets. In addition, the lack of uniform standards applicable across all of the Funds leads to operating inefficiencies and increases the costs of compliance monitoring. What effect will the proposed changes to the Funds' investment restrictions have on the Funds? While Proposal III is intended to provide greater flexibility in managing each Fund's portfolio, should shareholders approve the Proposals, the Funds would continue to be managed subject to the limitations imposed by the 1940 Act and the rules and interpretive guidance provided thereunder, as well as the investment objectives, strategies, and policies expressed in each Fund's prospectus. Neither ATFA nor any of the Funds' sub-advisers presently intend to alter the way in which it manages any of the Funds, nor do they believe that the proposed changes will, either individually or in the aggregate, materially affect the investment risk associated with any Fund. Approval of changes to the Funds' fundamental investment restrictions will not be dependent upon your vote on Proposal I or Proposal II. Therefore, if approved by shareholders, these changes would take effect regardless of the vote with respect to Board Nominees or the Reorganizations, and the Funds' Statement of Additional Information will be revised to reflect those changes as soon as practicable following the Meeting. Should shareholders also approve 23 the proposed Reorganizations, each New Fund would have as its fundamental investment restrictions those revised fundamental investment restrictions approved by the corresponding Fund's shareholders. Should a Fund's shareholders not approve a proposal to amend, eliminate or reclassify a particular fundamental investment restriction, the Fund's (or New Fund's, as the case may be) current fundamental investment restriction, as set forth in Appendix D, would continue to apply unchanged. EVALUATION BY THE BOARD Because of the opportunity afforded by the Meeting, the Board has reviewed each Fund's fundamental investment restrictions with the goal of simplifying, modernizing and making consistent to the extent possible the fundamental investment restrictions of the Funds. The Board believes that simplifying the Funds' fundamental restrictions will enhance management's ability to manage the Funds' assets efficiently in changing regulatory and investment environments, and permit management and the Board to review and monitor investment restrictions more easily. In addition, the proposed changes to the fundamental investment restrictions of the Funds will assist the Funds in making regulatory filings in a more efficient and cost effective manner. The proposed changes in fundamental restrictions will allow each Fund greater investment flexibility to respond to future investment opportunities. The Board does not anticipate, however, that the changes, individually or in the aggregate, will result in a material change in the level of investment risk associated with an investment in each Fund. Due to these and other considerations, the Board recommends that Fund shareholders approval the modifications to the Funds' fundamental investment restrictions described below. Shareholders of each Fund will be asked to vote on each proposed fundamental restriction separately on the enclosed proxy card. MODIFICATION OF THE FUNDS' FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS In general, only those investment restrictions that the 1940 Act specifically requires to be fundamental (i.e., those from which registered investment companies cannot deviate without shareholder authorization) will remain fundamental investment restrictions of the Funds. However, shareholders are being asked to approve amendments to these investment restrictions, as set forth in Proposals III.A-III.H. Investment restrictions that are currently deemed fundamental by each Fund, but which the 1940 Act does not require to be fundamental, are proposed to be eliminated entirely. Those fundamental investment restrictions that are proposed to be eliminated entirely or reclassified as non-fundamental are addressed in Proposals 3.I--3.N. Proposal III.A--Diversification Applicable Funds--All Funds Proposed New Fundamental Investment Restriction: If the proposed amendment is approved by shareholders, each Fund's sub-classification as a diversified or non-diversified Fund would read: Each Fund shall be a "diversified company" as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (except for TA IDEX Salomon All Cap, TA IDEX Great Companies -- America(SM), TA IDEX T. Rowe Price Health Sciences, TA IDEX PIMCO Real 24 Return TIPS, TA IDEX Clarion Real Estate Securities and TA IDEX Great Companies -- Technology(SM) Funds), and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. The TA IDEX Salomon All Cap, TA IDEX Great Companies -- America(SM), TA IDEX T. Rowe Price Health Sciences, TA IDEX PIMCO Real Return TIPS, TA IDEX Clarion Real Estate Securities and TA IDEX Great Companies -- Technology(SM) Funds shall be a "non-diversified company" as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. Discussion of Proposed Modification: Section 8(b) of the 1940 Act requires each series of a registered investment company to state whether it is "diversified" or "non-diversified," as those terms are defined in the 1940 Act. As used in the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, (1) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of one issuer, or (2) hold more than 10% of the outstanding securities of such issuer ("75% test"). Under the 1940 Act, a "non-diversified" fund is any fund that is not considered diversified and is not, therefore, constrained by the 75% test. No change is being proposed to a Fund's designation as a diversified or non-diversified Fund. Instead, the proposed change would modify the Funds' fundamental investment restrictions and other disclosures regarding each Fund's sub-classification under the 1940 Act to rely on the definitions of the terms diversified and non-diversified in the 1940 Act rather than stating the relevant percentage limitations expressed under current law. Thus, this investment restriction will apply to each Fund the requirements of the 1940 Act, as they may be amended from time to time, without the Funds' Board or shareholders taking further action. With respect to those Funds that are permitted to be non-diversified, the restriction is simplified by eliminating the particular percentage limitations applicable to each non-diversified Fund. This would be consistent with the 1940 Act, which only requires that a Fund state whether it is diversified or non-diversified. It is not anticipated that this change would have any effect on the operations of the Funds. The Funds would remain subject to the same limitations on their investments under the definition of "diversified" and "non-diversified" as embodied in the Funds' current fundamental policies or other investment restrictions of the Funds. In addition, each of the Funds, whether diversified or non-diversified, will remain subject to the relevant diversification provisions of the Tax Code, which require that at the end of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, with respect to 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets, the Fund has invested no more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer and holds no more than 10% of such issuer's outstanding voting securities. Proposal III.B--Borrowing Applicable Funds--All Funds Proposed New Fundamental Investment Restriction: If the proposed amendment is approved by shareholders, each Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding borrowing would read: Each Fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. 25 Discussion of Proposed Modification: Unless further restricted, all investment companies are limited in the amount they may borrow by the 1940 Act. At the present time, the 1940 Act permits a Fund to borrow from banks in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets, including the amount borrowed. A Fund may also issue a note evidencing a temporary loan (i.e., one that must be repaid within 60 days), as long as it does not exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. The proposed restriction would permit the Funds to borrow to the full extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Further, no further Board or shareholder action would be needed to conform the borrowing restriction to future changes in the 1940 Act, and interpretations thereunder, that govern borrowing by mutual funds. Generally, the Funds' current fundamental investment restrictions on borrowing provide that, consistent with the limits imposed under the 1940 Act, each Fund may borrow in an amount up to 5% of its total assets for temporary emergency purposes and in an amount up to 25% - 33 1/3% of the Funds' assets to meet redemptions. (See Appendix D for details about the current restrictions of each Fund.) To the extent that any borrowing made by a Fund involves leveraging, the Fund may be subject to the risk that if the securities held by the Fund decline in value while these transactions are outstanding, the Fund's net asset value will decline in value by proportionately more than the decline in value of the securities. Thus, borrowing may exaggerate the effect on a Fund's net asset value and may increase the volatility of the Fund. In addition, any money borrowed will be subject to interest and other costs, which may exceed the gain on securities purchased with borrowed funds. Proposal III.C--Senior Securities Applicable Funds--All Funds Except TA IDEX Federated Tax Exempt Proposed New Fundamental Investment Restriction: If the proposed amendment is approved by shareholders, each Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding issuing senior securities would read: Each Fund may not issue any senior security, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. Discussion of Proposed Modification: The 1940 Act prohibits the Funds from issuing senior securities, except for borrowings where certain conditions are met. In addition, under the 1940 Act certain types of transactions entered into by a Fund, including repurchase agreements, short sales, and when-issued and delayed delivery transactions, may be considered forms of indebtedness and, therefore, senior securities. Currently, these activities are permissible investments under the 1940 Act so long as certain collateral or coverage requirements designed to protect shareholders are met. Under each Fund's current fundamental investment restriction, each Fund is prohibited from issuing senior securities except for borrowings and other transactions for which the proper level of asset coverage is maintained as required by the 1940 Act or SEC interpretation. The proposed amended restriction on issuing senior securities does not substantially alter this, 26 although it simplifies the current restriction and makes it uniform with respect to each Fund. Thus, the proposed amended restriction does not change the current restrictions for any of the Funds, because in all cases, the Funds will continue to be subject to the limitation on borrowing and may engage in such other activities only to the extent permitted by applicable SEC interpretation. Furthermore, a Fund would not be able to engage in such activities unless its investment policies and strategies so permit. Proposal III.D--Underwriting Securities Applicable Funds--All Funds Proposed New Fundamental Investment Restriction: If the proposed amendment is approved by shareholders, each Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding underwriting securities would read: Each Fund may not act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), except as permitted under the 1933 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. Among other things, to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act, each Fund may act as an underwriter of securities in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities in the ordinary course of pursuing its investment objective, investment policies and investment program. Discussion of Proposed Modification: The proposed restriction with respect to underwriting securities is substantially similar to the current restrictions for each of the Funds. However, it clarifies and makes uniform the exception from the prohibition for all Funds and avoids unintended limitations or differences in interpretations. Proposal III.E--Real Estate Applicable Funds--All Funds Proposed New Fundamental Investment Restriction: If the proposed amendment is approved by shareholders, each Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in real estate would read: Each Fund may not purchase or sell real estate or any interests therein, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. Notwithstanding this limitation, a Fund may, among other things, (i) acquire or lease office space for its own use; (ii) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein; (iii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein; or (iv) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities. Discussion of Proposed Modification: The proposed change maintains each Fund's general restriction on buying or selling real estate, but excepts certain real estate-related activities from the restriction. The proposed restriction would permit the Funds to acquire or lease office space for their own use, although it is not anticipated that any of the Funds will do so. The proposed 27 restriction would also permit the Funds to hold and sell real estate acquired as a result of the ownership of securities (for example, as the holder of a bond in a company that goes bankrupt). Each Fund would also be able to invest in mortgage-backed securities and securities of issuers that invest in real estate interests, to the extent consistent with its other investment policies and strategies. Proposal III.F--Making Loans Applicable Funds--All Funds Proposed New Fundamental Investment Restriction: If the proposed amendment is approved by shareholders, each Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding making loans would read: Each Fund may make loans only as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. Discussion of Proposed Modification: The proposed change permits the Funds to engage in securities lending to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and by then-current SEC policy. The staff of the SEC currently limits loans of a Fund's securities to one-third of the Fund's assets, including any collateral received from the loan, provided that loans are 100% collateralized by cash or cash equivalents. The Funds' current restrictions are consistent with this limitation and, in some cases, are set lower than the maximum allowed under the 1940 Act. Should the SEC staff modify the requirements governing a Fund's ability to loan its securities in the future, under the proposed restriction, each Fund would be able to take advantage of that increased flexibility without requiring further shareholder action. Generally the Funds' current fundamental investment restrictions on lending provide that, consistent with the limits imposed under the 1940 Act, each Fund may lend an amount up to 25% - 33 1/3% of the Funds' assets. (See Appendix D for the current restrictions of each Fund.) This proposal would result in a change to the fundamental investment restrictions of the Funds so that each Fund may have 33 1/3% of its total assets available for lending. Therefore, each of the Funds could be subject to a greater extent to the risks associated with securities lending. These risks include the possibility of loss to a Fund due to (1) the inability of the borrower to return the securities; (2) a delay in recovery of the securities, or (3) loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. However, the proposed restriction would provide the Funds with greater flexibility and maximize each Fund's lending capabilities, thereby allowing the Funds to respond more effectively to regulatory, industry and market developments. Further, it is not anticipated that the proposed change would affect any Fund's securities lending activities in the near term. Proposal III.G--Concentration of Investments Applicable Funds--All Funds Proposed New Fundamental Investment Restriction: If the proposed amendment is approved by shareholders, each Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding concentration of investments would read: 28 Each Fund may not "concentrate" its investments in a particular industry or group of industries (except those Funds listed below), except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time, provided that, without limiting the generality of the foregoing this limitation will not apply to securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and/or interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. The TA IDEX Clarion Real Estate Securities may concentrate in securities of issuers in the real estate industry. Discussion of Proposed Modification: With the exception of the Funds named above, each Fund currently has, and will continue to have, a fundamental investment restriction that prohibits the Fund from concentrating its investments in any one industry or group of industries. While the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes "concentration" in an industry or group of industries, the SEC staff has taken the position that investment of more than 25% of a Fund's total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry or group of industries (excluding the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) constitutes concentration. The Funds' current fundamental restrictions are consistent with this interpretation. Nevertheless, the proposed change would permit investment in an industry or group of industries up to the most recently prescribed limits under the 1940 Act and accompanying SEC interpretations. It also promotes uniformity among most of the Funds' restrictions. Proposal III.H--Commodities Applicable Funds--All Funds Proposed New Fundamental Investment Restriction: If the proposed amendment is approved by shareholders, each Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities would read: Each Fund may not purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. Discussion of Proposed Modification: The current fundamental investment restrictions prohibit the Funds from investing in commodities or commodity contracts except certain financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts, which under some interpretations may be deemed commodities. Consistent with the requirement of the 1940 Act, the proposed restriction prohibits only the purchase of physical commodities; it does not limit the Funds' purchase or sale of derivatives that have a value tied to the value of a financial index, financial instrument or other asset and allows investments for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. These derivatives include, for example, options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts. Other types of financial instruments, such as forward commitments and swaps, might also be deemed to be commodity contracts. Such strategies are generally accepted under modern portfolio management and are regularly used by many mutual funds and other 29 institutional investors. The proposed restriction also permits each Fund to enter into foreign currency transactions, in accordance with its investment objective and strategies. While several of the Funds may already invest in derivatives, the proposed restriction may expand the types of derivatives in which those Funds may invest and may allow Funds that could not previously invest in derivatives to invest in derivatives for the first time, if such investments are otherwise in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and strategies. To the extent a Fund invests in these derivative instruments, it will be exposed to additional risks and transaction costs. Risks of derivative instruments include: (1) the risk that interest rates, securities prices and currency markets will not move in the direction that a Fund's portfolio manager anticipates; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of derivative instruments and movements in the prices of the securities, interest rates or currencies being hedged; (3) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different than those needed to select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument and possible exchange-imposed price fluctuation limits, either of which may make it difficult or impossible to close out a position when desired; (5) the risk that adverse price movements in an instrument can result in a loss substantially greater than the Fund's initial investment in that instrument (in some cases, the potential loss is unlimited); (6) particularly in the case of privately-negotiated instruments, the risk that the counterparty will not perform its obligations, which could leave the Fund worse off than if it had not entered into the position; and (7) the inability to close out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. However, notwithstanding the above, it is not currently proposed that any Fund's investment policies be changed to permit additional derivatives investments. Without such a change, each Fund will continue to be subject to the limitations currently in effect in each Fund's prospectus or statement of additional information. This proposed change does, however, reserve to the Trustees the ability to change a Fund's derivatives policy at a later date without further shareholder action. ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS Proposal III.I -- Pledging, Mortgaging and Hypothecating Fund Assets Applicable Fund--TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond Proposal: It is proposed that the TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond's fundamental investment restriction on pledging, mortgaging and hypothecating a Fund's assets be eliminated in its entirety. Reasons for the Elimination of the Investment Restriction: The restriction on pledging, mortgaging and hypothecating a fund's assets was based on the requirements formerly imposed by state "blue sky" regulators as a condition to registration. As a result of federal legislation, this restriction is no longer required and may be eliminated from a registered investment company's fundamental investment restrictions. The Fund's current limit on pledging may conflict with the Fund's ability to borrow money to meet redemption requests or for other purposes. This conflict arises because banks may require borrowers such as the TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond to pledge assets in order to collateralize the amount borrowed. These collateral 30 requirements are typically for amounts at least equal to, and often larger than, the principal amount of the loan. The TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond's current restriction, however, could be read to prevent these types of collateral arrangements and could therefore have the effect of reducing the amount that the Fund may borrow in these situations. Although the Fund currently plans to engage only in pledging in connection with borrowing money, pledging assets could decrease the Fund's' ability to liquidate assets. If TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond pledged a large portion of its assets, the ability to meet redemption requests or other obligations could be delayed. In any event, the Fund's current borrowing limits would remain consistent with limits prescribed under the 1940 Act, as more fully described in Proposal III.B, above. Proposal III.J -- Investments in Other Investment Companies Applicable Fund--TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond and TA IDEX Federated Tax Exempt Proposal: It is proposed that the TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond and TA IDEX Federated Tax Exempt's fundamental investment restriction on investments in other investment companies be eliminated in its entirety. Reasons for the Elimination of the Investment Restriction: The fundamental investment restriction on investments in other investment companies was based on requirements formerly imposed by state "blue sky" regulators as a condition to registration. As a result of federal legislation, this restriction is no longer required to be among a registered investment company's fundamental investment restrictions. The TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond and TA IDEX Federated Tax Exempt would remain subject to the limitations on investments in other investment companies imposed on all mutual funds under the 1940 Act. Proposal III.K -- Margin Activities and Short Selling Applicable Fund--TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond, TA IDEX Federated Tax Exempt, and TA IDEX Protected Principal Stock Proposal: It is proposed that the fundamental investment restriction on margin activities and selling securities short for each of the Funds listed above be eliminated in its entirety. Reasons for the Elimination of the Investment Restriction: The fundamental investment restrictions on margin activities and selling securities short were based on the requirements formerly imposed by state "blue sky" regulators as a condition to registration. As a result of federal legislation, this restriction is no longer required and may be eliminated from the Funds' fundamental investment restrictions. There are no current expectations that the Funds will engage in margin activities or sell securities short. If the changes are adopted as proposed, these Funds will be able to engage in such activities, to the extent permitted by their remaining investment restrictions and in accordance with their investment objective and strategies. 31 Proposal III.L -- Investments in which a Trustee or Officer is Invested Applicable Fund--TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond Proposal: It is proposed that the TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond's fundamental investment restriction on owning an issuer's security where the Fund's officer or trustee also owns a specified portion of that issuer be eliminated in its entirety. Reasons for the Elimination of the Investment Restriction: The fundamental investment restriction on owning an issuer's security where the registered investment company's officer or trustee also owns a specified portion of that issuer was based on the requirements formerly imposed by state "blue sky" regulators as a condition to registration. As a result of federal legislation, this restriction is no longer required and may be eliminated from the TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond's fundamental investment restrictions. Furthermore, Section 17 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder limit this type of transaction to the extent it may be deemed a joint transaction or enterprise with a person affiliated with the Fund. Proposal III.M. -- Investments in Mineral Leases Applicable Fund--TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond Proposal: It is proposed that the TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond's fundamental investment restriction on purchasing oil, gas, etc. interests be eliminated in its entirety. Reasons for the Elimination of the Investment Restriction: The fundamental investment restriction on purchasing or selling interests in oil, gas, etc. was based on the requirements formerly imposed by state "blue sky" regulators as a condition to registration. As a result of federal legislation, this restriction is no longer required and may be eliminated from the TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond's investment restrictions. Nevertheless, there are no current expectations that the Fund will engage in such activities. Proposal III.N -- Investments in Bank Deposits Applicable Fund--TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond Proposal: It is proposed that the fundamental investment restriction on investing in bank deposits be eliminated in its entirety. Reasons for the Elimination of the Investment Restriction: The fundamental investment restriction on purchasing or selling interests in bank time deposits was based on the requirements formerly imposed by state "blue sky" regulators as a condition to registration. As a result of federal legislation, this restriction is no longer required and may be eliminated from the TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond's investment restrictions. Nevertheless, there are no current expectations that the Fund will engage in such activities. THE BOARD, INCLUDING THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EACH FUND APPROVE PROPOSALS III.A THROUGH III.M[N]. UNMARKED PROXIES WILL BE SO VOTED. 32 OTHER BUSINESS The Trustees do not know of any matters to be presented at the Meeting other than those set forth in this Proxy Statement. If other business should properly come before the Meeting, proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons named in the accompanying proxy. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS ATFA, the Funds' investment adviser, and AEGON/Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., its administrator, are located at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. The principal underwriter/distributor, AFSG Securities Corporation, is located at 4333 Edgewood Road NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52499-0002. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS The Audit Committee and the Board selected the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") as independent auditors of TA IDEX for the current fiscal year. Representatives of PwC are not expected to be present at the Meeting, but will have the opportunity to make a statement if they wish, and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence. Audit Fees. The aggregate fees paid to PwC for professional services rendered by PwC for the audit of TA IDEX's annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by PwC in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $__,___ for TA IDEX's fiscal year ended October 31, 2003 and $__,___ for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2002. Audit-Related Fees. Tax Fees. All Other Fees. Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The pre-approval policies and procedures of TA IDEX contained in TA IDEX's Audit Committee Charter require that TA IDEX's Audit Committee pre-approve all audit services and non-audit services provided by PwC or any other independent public accountant engaged by TA IDEX (the "Auditor"). The Audit Committee must pre-approve any engagement of the Auditor to provide non-audit services to (i) TA IDEX's investment adviser, and (ii) any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with TA IDEX's investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund if the services directly relate to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Audit Committee approved 100% of the audit and non-audit fees listed above. SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD. Shareholders may mail written communications to the Board, addressed to the care of the Secretary of TA IDEX, at TA IDEX's address. Each shareholder communication must (i) be in writing and be signed by the shareholder, (ii) identify the Fund to which it relates, and (iii) identify the class of shares of the 33 Fund held by the shareholder. The Secretary is responsible for collecting, reviewing and organizing all properly submitted shareholder communications. Except as provided below, with respect to each properly submitted shareholder communication, the Secretary will either (i) provide a copy of the communication to the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the communication requires more immediate attention, forward the communication to the Board promptly after receipt. The Secretary may, in good faith, determine that a shareholder communication should not be provided to the Board because the communication, among other things, (i) does not reasonably relate to the Funds or their operations, management, activities, policies, service providers, Boards, officers, shareholders or other matters relating to an investment in the Funds, or (ii) is ministerial in nature (such as a request for Fund literature, share data or financial information). SHAREHOLDER REPORTS. Shareholders can find important information about the Funds in the TA IDEX annual report, including financial reports, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003, or the semi-annual report for the period ended April 30, 2004, which have been mailed previously to shareholders. If you have not received this report or would like to receive an additional copy, please contact TA IDEX by writing at TA IDEX's address, or by calling the telephone number shown on the front page of this Proxy Statement. A copy of the reports will be provided free of charge. VOTING INFORMATION PROXY SOLICITATION. The principal solicitation of proxies will be by the mailing of this Proxy Statement commencing on or about , but proxies may also be solicited by telephone and/or in person by representatives of TA IDEX, regular employees of AEGON/Transamerica Investor Services, Inc. (the transfer agent of TA IDEX) or its affiliate(s), or Automatic Data Processing ("ADP"), a private proxy services firm. If we have not received your vote as the date of the Meeting approaches, you may receive a call from the person listed above to ask for your vote. Arrangements will be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries to forward proxies and proxy materials to their principals. The estimated costs of retaining ADP is approximately $_________. The costs of the Meeting, including the preparation and mailing of the notice, Proxy Statement and proxy, and the solicitation of proxies, including reimbursements to broker-dealers and others who forwarded proxy materials to their clients, will be allocated among the Funds based upon the number of shareholder accounts for Funds requiring proxy solicitation assistance. SHAREHOLDER VOTING. Shareholders of record of the Funds who own shares of beneficial interest at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Meeting, including any adjournment(s) thereof. As of the Record Date, the shares issued and outstanding of each Fund is listed on Appendix E. As of December 1, 2004, no person owned beneficially more than 5% of any class of a Fund, except as set forth in Appendix F. To the best of each Fund's knowledge, as of December 1, 2004, no Trustee or officer owned beneficially more than 1% of any class of a Fund. 34 Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and fractional votes for fractional shares, with no share having cumulative voting rights. With respect to a Fund, a majority of the shares of beneficial interest outstanding on the Record Date, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the Meeting, and therefore must be present for the transaction of business at the Meeting. Only proxies that are voted, abstentions and "broker non-votes" (as defined below) will be counted toward establishing a quorum. In the event that a quorum is not present at the Meeting for a Fund, or a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve a proposal are not received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting for that Fund to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority of that Fund's shares represented at the Meeting in person or by proxy (excluding abstentions and "broker non-votes," as defined below). The person named as proxies will vote those proxies that they are entitled to vote "FOR" a proposal in favor of an adjournment of the Meeting, and will vote those proxies required to be voted AGAINST a proposal for that Fund against such adjournment. A shareholder vote may be taken on any proposal prior to any such adjournment if sufficient votes have been received and it is otherwise appropriate. The individuals named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card will vote in accordance with your directions, if your proxy is received properly executed. If we receive your proxy, and it is executed properly, but you give no voting instructions with respect to a proposal, your shares will be voted "FOR" all the proposals. The duly appointed proxies may, in their discretion, vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting. Abstentions and "broker non-votes" are counted as shares eligible to vote at the Meeting in determining whether a quorum is present, but do not represent votes cast with respect to the proposals. "Broker non-votes" are shares held by a broker or nominee as to which instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote, and the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power. In order that your shares may be represented at the Meeting, you are requested to vote your shares by mail, the Internet, or by telephone by following the enclosed instructions. If you wish to participate in the Meeting, please submit the proxy card originally sent with the Proxy Statement or attend the Meeting in person. Any proxy given by a shareholder, whether in writing, by telephone or via the Internet is revocable. A shareholder may revoke the accompanying proxy at any time prior to its use by filing with TA IDEX a written revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. In addition, any shareholder who attends the Meeting in person may vote by ballot at the Meeting, thereby canceling any proxy previously given. However, attendance in-person at the Meeting, by itself, will not revoke a previously tendered proxy. IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET, PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD, UNLESS YOU LATER ELECT TO CHANGE YOUR VOTE. REQUIRED VOTE. Shareholders of each Fund vote together on Proposal I and separately on Proposals II and III.A-III.N. Proposal I must be approved by a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Meeting if a quorum exists. Approval of Proposals II and III.A-III.N each requires the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of that Fund, with all classes of shares voting together and not by class, which means the vote of 67% or more of the 35 shares of a Fund that are present at the Meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy, or the vote of more than 50% of that Fund's outstanding shares, whichever is less. (Accordingly, assuming the presence of a quorum, abstentions and broker non-votes have the effect of a negative vote on Proposal II and III.A-III.N.) SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS. As a general matter, TA IDEX does not hold annual meetings of shareholders. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement for a subsequent meeting should send their written proposal to the Secretary of TA IDEX, 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, in accordance with the guidelines outlines in the section titled "Shareholder Communications with the Board" of this Proxy Statement. Proposals must be received a reasonable time prior to the date of a meeting of shareholders to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for a meeting. Timely submission of a proposal does not, however, necessarily mean that the proposal will be included. Persons named as proxies for any subsequent shareholders' meeting will vote in their discretion with respect to proposals submitted on an untimely basis. SHAREHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS. As permitted by law, only one copy of this Proxy Statement is being delivered to shareholders residing at the same address, unless such shareholders have notified TA IDEX of their desire to receive multiple copies of the shareholder reports and proxy statements TA IDEX sends. If you would like to receive an additional copy, please contact TA IDEX by writing to TA IDEX's address, or by calling the telephone number shown on the front page of this Proxy Statement. TA IDEX will then promptly deliver, upon request, a separate copy of the Proxy Statement to any shareholder residing at an address to which only one copy was mailed. Shareholders wishing to receive separate copies of the TA IDEX's shareholder reports and proxy statements in the future, and shareholders sharing an address that wish to receive a single copy if they are receiving multiple copies should also direct requests as indicated. TO ENSURE THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM AT THE MEETING, PROMPT EXECUTION AND RETURN OF THE ENCLOSED PROXY IS REQUESTED. A SELF-ADDRESSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. 36 By Order of the Board of Trustees, /s/ John K. Carter John K. Carter, Esq., Secretary Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds St. Petersburg, Florida [DATE] 37 APPENDIX A LIST OF SERIES OF TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS TA IDEX American Century International TA IDEX American Century Large Company Value TA IDEX Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio TA IDEX Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio TA IDEX Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio TA IDEX Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio TA IDEX Evergreen International Small Cap TA IDEX Federated Tax Exempt TA IDEX Great Companies - America(SM) TA IDEX Great Companies - Technology(SM) TA IDEX Clarion Real Estate Securities TA IDEX Janus Growth TA IDEX Jennison Growth TA IDEX Marsico Growth TA IDEX Marsico International Growth TA IDEX PIMCO Total Return TA IDEX PIMCO Real Return TIPS TA IDEX Protected Principal Stock TA IDEX Salomon All Cap TA IDEX Salomon Investors Value TA IDEX T. Rowe Price Health Sciences TA IDEX T. Rowe Price Small Cap TA IDEX T. Rowe Price Tax Efficient Growth TA IDEX Templeton Great Companies Global TA IDEX Transamerica Equity TA IDEX Transamerica Growth Opportunities TA IDEX Transamerica Convertible Securities TA IDEX Transamerica Money Market TA IDEX Transamerica Value Balanced TA IDEX Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value TA IDEX Transamerica Balanced TA IDEX Transamerica Flexible Income TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond TA IDEX Transamerica Short-Term Bond TA IDEX UBS Large Cap Value TA IDEX Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt TA IDEX Van Kampen Small Company Growth A-1 APPENDIX B TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS (THE "FUND") NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER A. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 1. The Nominating Committee ("Committee") of the Fund shall be composed solely of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") ("Independent Trustees"). Other Board members, while not serving as members of the Committee, may participate in the nominating process by identifying and recommending potential candidates to the Committee for its consideration, and by otherwise assisting the Committee in the discharge of its responsibilities. In addition, the investment advisers and other service providers of the Fund may suggest Trustee candidates (including Independent Trustee candidates) for service on the Board, and may provide administrative assistance in the selection and nomination process. B. BOARD NOMINATIONS AND FUNCTIONS 1. In the event of any vacancies on the Board, the Committee shall oversee the process for the identification, evaluation and nomination of potential candidates to serve on the Board. The Committee may solicit suggestions for nominations from any source it deems appropriate. 2. The Committee shall evaluate candidates' qualifications for Board membership, and, with respect to nominees for Independent Trustee membership, their independence from the Fund's investment adviser and other principal service providers. The Committee shall consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair the independence of a prospective Independent Trustee. 3. In assessing the qualifications of a potential candidate for membership on the Board, the Committee may consider the candidate's potential contribution to the operation of the Board and their committees, and such other factors as it may deem relevant. Specific desired (but not required) qualities of Independent Trustee candidates are set forth in Schedule A to this Charter. All equally qualified nominees will be treated equally in consideration by the Nominating Committee. No person shall be qualified to be a Board member unless the Committee, in consultation with legal counsel, has determined that such person, if elected as a Trustee, would not cause the Fund to be in violation of or not in compliance with (a) applicable law, regulation or regulatory interpretation, (b) its organizational documents, or (c) any policy adopted by the Board regarding either the retirement age of any Board member or the percentage of the Board that would be composed of Independent Trustees. 4. While the Committee is solely responsible for the selection and nomination of potential candidates to serve on the Board, the Committee may consider nominations from shareholders of the Fund. Shareholders may submit for the Committee's consideration, recommendations regarding potential nominees for service on the Board. Each eligible shareholder or shareholder group may submit no more than one nominee each calendar year. (a) In order for the Committee to consider shareholder submissions, the following requirements must be satisfied regarding the nominee: (i) The nominee must satisfy all qualifications provided herein and in the Fund's organizational documents, including qualification as a possible Independent Trustee if the nominee is to serve in that capacity. B-1 (ii) The nominee may not be the nominating shareholder, a member of the nominating shareholder group or a member of the immediate family of the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group.(1) (iii) Neither the nominee nor any member of the nominee's immediate family may be currently employed or employed within the year prior to the nomination by any nominating shareholder entity or entity in a nominating shareholder group. (iv) Neither the nominee nor any immediate family member of the nominee is permitted to have accepted directly or indirectly, during the year of the election for which the nominee's name was submitted, during the immediately preceding calendar year, or during the year when the nominee's name was submitted, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the nominating shareholder or any member of a nominating shareholder group. (v) The nominee may not be an executive officer, director or person fulfilling similar functions of the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group, or of an affiliate of the nominating shareholder or any such member of the nominating shareholder group. (vi) The nominee may not control the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group (or, in the case of a holder or member that is a fund, an interested person of such holder or member as defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act). (vii) A shareholder or shareholder group may not submit for consideration a nominee which has previously been considered by the Committee. (b) In order for the Committee to consider shareholder submissions, the following requirements must be satisfied regarding the shareholder or shareholder group submitting the proposed nominee: (i) Any shareholder or shareholder group submitting a proposed nominee must beneficially own, either individually or in the aggregate, more than 5% of a Fund's (or a series thereof) securities that are eligible to vote both at the time of submission of the nominee and at the time of the Board member election. Each of the securities used for purposes of calculating this ownership must have been held continuously for at least two years as of the date of the nomination. In addition, such securities must continue to be held through the date of the meeting. The nominating shareholder or shareholder group must also bear the economic risk of the investment. (ii) The nominating shareholder or shareholder group must also submit a certification which provides the number of shares which the person or group has (a) sole power to vote or direct the vote; (b) shared power to vote or direct the vote; (c) sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such shares; and (d) shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of such shares. In addition the certification shall provide that the shares have been held continuously for at least two years. (c) Shareholders or shareholder groups submitting proposed nominees must substantiate compliance with the above requirements at the time of submitting their proposed nominee as part of their written submission to the attention of the Fund's Secretary, who will provide all submissions to the Committee. This submission to the Fund must include: ----------------------- (1) Terms such as "immediate family member" and "control" shall be interpreted in accordance with the federal securities laws. B-2 (i) the shareholder's contact information; (ii) the nominee's contact information and the number of applicable Fund shares owned by the proposed nominee; (iii) all information regarding the nominee that would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for elections of Trustees required by Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (iv) a notarized letter executed by the nominee, stating his or her intention to serve as a nominee and be named in a Fund's proxy statement, if so designated by the Committee and the Fund's Board. The Committee will consider all submissions meeting the applicable requirements stated herein that are received not earlier than January 1 of the most recently completed calendar year. It shall be in the Committee's sole discretion whether to seek corrections of a deficient submission or to exclude a nominee from consideration. 5. The Committee shall evaluate as necessary the operations and effectiveness of the Board as a whole and shall evaluate the composition of the Board to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skills from those already on the Board. C. COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS 1. The Committee shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review Board committee assignments as necessary. 2. The Committee shall review as necessary the responsibilities of any committee of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the full Board. D. OTHER POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Committee shall meet as necessary in connection with any vacancy on or addition to a Board, and otherwise from time to time as it deems appropriate to perform its responsibilities. The Chairman of the Committee shall have the responsibility to establish an agenda for any such meetings. 2. The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including the ability to engage and compensate from Fund assets third party consultants to assist with identification and evaluation of potential Independent Trustees. 3. The Committee shall recommend to the Board any revisions or modifications to this Charter that the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to the effective exercise of its responsibilities. B-3 SCHEDULE A RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIRED QUALITIES OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES A. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES The Independent Trustee's primary responsibility is management oversight of the Fund on behalf of shareholders. Diverse responsibilities include review and negotiation of contractual arrangements with management and other service providers; and oversight and review of service provider performance, investment performance, compliance, shareholder services and communication with shareholders. B. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES - Public or private sector stature sufficient to instill confidence. - High personal and professional integrity. - Good business sense. - Able to commit the necessary time to prepare for and attend meetings. - Not financially dependent on Trustee retainer and meeting fees. C. SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR DECISION MAKING - General understanding of financial issues, investing, financial markets and technology. - General understanding of balance sheets and operating statements. - First-hand knowledge of investing. - Experience in working in highly regulated and complex legal framework. - Demonstrated ability to maintain "independence" of management and other service agents while maintaining a constructive working relationship. - Ability to be critical, but not confrontational. - Demonstrated ability to contribute to Board and committee process. - Ability to consider diverse issues and make timely, well-informed decisions. - Familiarity with the securities industry. - Qualification as an "Audit Committee Financial Expert." Note: The Personal Attributes listed in B above should be possessed by all Trustees. The Skills, Experience and Qualifications listed in C include items that should be possessed by all Trustees as well as items that should be possessed by at least some Trustees. B-4 APPENDIX C AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND TERMINATION THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND TERMINATION (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [________ __, 2005], by and among Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust having an office at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716 and [Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds Trust], a Delaware statutory trust having an office at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716 (the "New Trust"). WHEREAS, each of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and Initial Trustee of the New Trust has determined that it is in the best interests of the Trust and the New Trust, respectively, that the assets of the Trust be acquired by the New Trust pursuant to this Agreement and in accordance with the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Delaware; and WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into a plan of exchange pursuant to Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. Plan of Exchange. (a) Subject to the requisite approval of the shareholders of the Trust and to the terms and conditions contained herein, on , or such earlier or later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties (the "Exchange Date"), the following series of the Trust (the "Funds") shall assign, transfer and convey its assets to the corresponding series of the New Trust (the "New Funds") and the New Trust shall accept such assignment, transfer and conveyance: TA IDEX American Century International TA IDEX American Century Large Company Value TA IDEX Asset Allocation - Conservative Portfolio TA IDEX Asset Allocation - Growth Portfolio TA IDEX Asset Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio TA IDEX Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio TA IDEX Evergreen International Small Cap TA IDEX Federated Tax Exempt TA IDEX Great Companies - America(SM) TA IDEX Great Companies - Technology(SM) TA IDEX Clarion Real Estate Securities TA IDEX Janus Growth TA IDEX Jennison Growth TA IDEX Marsico Growth TA IDEX Marsico International Growth TA IDEX PIMCO Total Return TA IDEX PIMCO Real Return TIPS TA IDEX Protected Principal Stock TA IDEX Salomon All Cap C-1 TA IDEX Salomon Investors Value TA IDEX T. Rowe Price Health Sciences TA IDEX T. Rowe Price Small Cap TA IDEX T. Rowe Price Tax Efficient Growth TA IDEX Templeton Great Companies Global TA IDEX Transamerica Equity TA IDEX Transamerica Growth Opportunities TA IDEX Transamerica Convertible Securities TA IDEX Transamerica Money Market TA IDEX Transamerica Value Balanced TA IDEX Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value TA IDEX Transamerica Balanced TA IDEX Transamerica Flexible Income TA IDEX Transamerica Conservative High-Yield Bond TA IDEX Transamerica Short-Term Bond TA IDEX UBS Large Cap Value TA IDEX Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt TA IDEX Van Kampen Small Company Growth (b) Subject to the requisite approval of the shareholders of the Funds and to the terms and conditions contained herein, on the Exchange Date, Funds shall assign, transfer and convey their obligations, duties and liabilities of, or attributable to the Funds, and the New Funds shall acquire such obligations, duties and liabilities. (c) Each Fund shall assign, transfer and convey its assets, as provided in Section 1(a), in exchange for shares of beneficial interest of the same class of the corresponding New Funds equal in number to the outstanding shares of the corresponding Funds. (d) Each New Fund agrees to distribute shares of the same class equal in number to the corresponding number of then outstanding shares of the corresponding Fund. (e) The New Trust further assumes and agrees to observe, perform and be bound by all of the grants, terms, covenants, representations, warranties, and conditions contained in all contracts and agreements currently in effect with the Trust, including, but not limited to, the Distribution Agreements, the Services Agreements, and the other agreements and documents delivered thereunder which are binding upon, and to be observed or performed by, the Trust thereunder, as though the New Trust were the Trust, and hereby ratifies and confirms the validity of all contracts and agreements currently in effect with the Trust, including, but not limited to, the Distribution Agreements and the Services Agreements. (f) All references to the Trust in all agreements to which the Trust is a party will be deemed to refer to the New Trust. (g) It is contemplated that the net asset value of each outstanding share of each class of each New Fund immediately after the effectiveness of this Agreement will be equivalent to the net asset value of each outstanding share of each class of the corresponding Fund. (h) Delivery of the assets of the Funds to be transferred shall be made not later than the next business day following the Exchange Date. Assets transferred shall be delivered to Investor's Bank and Trust, the New Trust's custodian (the "Custodian"). Such delivery shall be made for the account of the New Trust and the New Funds, with all securities not in bearer or book entry C-2 form duly endorsed, or accompanied by duly executed separate assignments or stock powers, in proper form for transfer, with signatures guaranteed, and with all necessary stock transfer stamps, sufficient to transfer good and marketable title hereto (including all accrued interest and dividends and rights pertaining thereto) to the Custodian for the account of the New Trust and the New Funds free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, rights, restrictions and claims. All cash delivered shall be in the form of immediately available funds payable to the order of the Custodian for the account of the New Trust and the New Funds. (i) The Trust and the Funds will pay or cause to be paid to the New Trust any interest received on or after the Exchange Date with respect to assets transferred to the corresponding New Funds hereunder and the New Trust shall allocate any such interest to the appropriate New Funds. The Trust will transfer to the New Trust any distributions, rights or other assets received by the Trust after the Exchange Date as distributions on or with respect to the assets transferred from the Funds to the corresponding New Funds hereunder. The New Trust shall allocate any such distributions, rights or other assets to the appropriate New Funds. All such assets shall be deemed included in assets transferred from the Funds on the Exchange Date and shall not be separately valued. (j) If the requisite number of shareholders of a Fund do not approve this Agreement, the Fund will continue to operate as a series of the Trust. (k) As soon as practicable after the Exchange Date, and following distribution by each Fund of shares of the New Trust (the "New Trust Shares") of each corresponding New Fund received by it among its shareholders in proportion to the number of shares each such shareholder holds in such corresponding Fund, the Trust will dissolve and terminate the Fund and, if the shareholders of each Fund approve this Agreement, the Trust. 2. The Trust's Representations and Warranties. The Trust represents and warrants to and agrees with the New Trust as follows: (a) It is a business trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has power to carry on its business and assets and, subject to the approval of its shareholders as contemplated hereby, to carry out this Agreement. (b) It is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end, management investment company, and such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full force and effect. (c) On the Exchange Date, it will have full right, power and authority to assign, transfer and convey the assets to be transferred by it hereunder. (d) Its Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and discloses that its obligations under this Agreement are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust, and not on its trustees, officers, shareholders or agents. 3. The New Trust's Representations and Warranties. The New Trust represents and warrants to and agrees with the Trust as follows: C-3 (a) The New Trust is a statutory trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has power to carry on its business and to carry out this Agreement. (b) It is registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end, management investment company, such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full force and effect, and a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 on Form N-1A has become effective with respect to a public offering of each New Fund's shares. (c) On the Exchange Date, the New Trust Shares to be issued to the Trust will have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered pursuant to this Agreement, will be legally and validly issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable by the New Trust. No New Trust or New Funds shareholder will have any preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof. (d) The New Trust has the necessary power and authority to conduct its business and the business of each New Fund as such businesses are now being conducted. 4. The New Trust's Conditions Precedent. The obligations of the New Trust hereunder shall be subject to the following conditions: (a) The Trust shall have furnished to the New Trust a statement of its assets, including a list of securities with their respective values owned by it. (b) As of the Exchange Date, all representations and warranties of the Trust made in this Agreement shall be true and correct as if made on and as of such date, and the Trust shall have complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions to be performed or satisfied by it on or prior thereto. (c) A vote approving this Agreement and the transactions and exchange contemplated hereby shall have been adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) of each Fund engaging in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 5. The Trust's Conditions Precedent. The obligations of the Trust hereunder shall be subject to the condition that, as of the Exchange Date, all representations and warranties of the New Trust made in this Agreement shall be true and correct as if made on and as of such date, and that the New Trust shall have complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied on or prior to such date. 6. The New Trust's and the Trust's Conditions Precedent. The obligations of both the New Trust and the Trust hereunder shall be subject to receipt of an opinion from Dechert LLP addressed to the New Trust and to the Trust substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions, and representations, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall constitute tax-free reorganizations for Federal income tax purposes, unless, based on the circumstances existing at the time of the closing, Dechert LLP determines that a transaction contemplated by this Agreement does not qualify as such. The delivery of such opinion is C-4 conditioned upon receipt by Dechert LLP of representations it shall request of the Trust and the New Trust. 7. Amendment or Termination of Agreement. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby may be amended or terminated and abandoned by resolution of the Board of Trustees the Trust, or the Board of Trustees of the New Trust, at any time prior to the transfer of assets on the Exchange Date (and notwithstanding any vote of the shareholders of the Trust) if (i) there is a material breach by the other party of any representation, warranty or agreement contained in this Agreement, (ii) it reasonably appears that a party cannot meet a condition of this Agreement or (iii) circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, or the Board of Trustees of the New Trust, make proceeding with this Agreement in its current form inadvisable. In addition, prior to the transfer of assets on the Exchange Date, any provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Board of Trustees of the New Trust if such amendment or modification would not have a material adverse effect upon the benefits intended under this Agreement and would be consistent with the best interests of the shareholders of the Trust or the shareholders of the New Trust, as the case may be. If this Agreement is terminated and the exchange contemplated hereby is abandoned pursuant to the provisions of this Section 7, this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any party hereto or the trustees, officers or shareholders of the New Trust or the trustees, officers or shareholders of the Trust, in respect of this Agreement. 8. Waiver. At any time prior to the Exchange Date, any of the foregoing conditions may be waived by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or the Board of Trustees of the New Trust, if, in the judgment of the waiving party, such waiver will not have a material adverse effect on the benefits intended under this Agreement to the shareholders of the Trust or the shareholders of the New Trust, as the case may be. 9. No Survival of Representations. None of the representations and warranties included or provided for herein shall survive consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. 10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware; provided, however, that the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement, in the case of the Trust, shall be governed and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original. C-5 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust and the New Trust have caused this Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Termination to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written. TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS By: __________________________ Title: [Insert name of new trust] By: __________________________ Title: Initial Trustee C-6 APPENDIX D TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS

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D-17 APPENDIX E

E-1 APPENDIX F As of the Record Date, the following persons owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of an outstanding class of shares of the indicated Funds:

F-1 [PRELIMINARY PROXY - FOR SEC USE ONLY] TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS 570 CARILLON PARKWAY ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, 33716-1294 1-888-233-4339 [NAME OF FUND] PROXY FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON FEBRUARY 11, 2005 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF TRANSAMERICA IDEX MUTUAL FUNDS The undersigned hereby appoint(s) John K. Carter and Brian C. Scott, or either one of them, proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote and act with respect to all shares of __________________ ("Fund") which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Meeting of shareholders of the Fund to be held at the office of Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds ("TA IDEX") at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 on _____________, 2004 at ________ Eastern time and at any adjournment thereof. This proxy will be voted as instructed. If no specification is made for a Proposal, the proxy will be voted "FOR" that proposal. Please vote, date and sign this proxy and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope. Please indicate your vote by an "x" in the appropriate box below. PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS TA IDEX encourages all shareholders to vote their proxies. We provide the following convenient methods of voting: 1. PROXY CARD: Complete, sign, date and return the proxy card attached below in the enclosed postage-paid envelope; or instead vote by 2. TELEPHONE; or 3. INTERNET by following the enclosed instructions [PLEASE INCLUDE]. If you choose to vote by telephone or via the Internet, DO NOT return your proxy card unless you later decide to change your vote. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS. I. To elect Trustees to the Board of Trustees of TA IDEX: For All [ ] Against All [ ] For All Except (insert number(s))___________ (1) Peter R. Brown (2) Daniel Calabria (3) Janice B. Case (4) Charles C. Harris (5) Leo J. Hill (6) Russell A. Kimball, Jr. (7) William W. Short, Jr. (8) John Waechter (9) Jack E. Zimmerman (10) Brian C. Scott (11) Thomas P. O'Neill II. To approve a proposed Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Termination, and the transactions contemplated thereby with respect to the Fund: For [ ] Against [ ] Abstain [ ] III. To approve changes to the fundamental investment restrictions of the Fund: (A) Diversification (B) Borrowing (C) Senior Securities (D) Underwriting Securities (E) Real Estate (F) Making Loans (G) Concentration (H) Commodities [(I) ADD ADDITIONAL CHANGES ONLY FOR THE CONCERNED FUNDS.] For All [ ] Against All [ ] Abstain for All [ ] If you do not wish to approve certain investment restriction(s) changes, please write the letter(s) of the sub-proposal on the line below: Sub-proposal(s) III- ____________________________________________________ _________________________________ ________________________ Signature Date _________________________________ ________________________ Signature (if held jointly) Date This proxy must be signed exactly as your name(s) appears hereon. If as an attorney, executor, guardian or in some representative capacity or as an officer of a corporation, please add titles as such. Joint owners must each sign.