425
1
aberdeen_425.txt
Commission File No. 333-160950
Filed by Aberdeen Funds
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the
Securities Act of 1933 and
deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund,
a series of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II
IMPORTANT PROXY INFORMATION FOR ABERDEEN EMERGING MARKETS FUND SHAREHOLDERS
As a shareholder of the Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund (Ticker: ABEMX), you were
recently mailed a combined proxy statement/prospectus, Aberdeen Funds'
prospectus and proxy card providing detailed information about the
reorganization proposal of the Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund of The Advisors'
Inner Circle Fund II (AIC Trust) into the Aberdeen Emerging Markets
Institutional Fund of the Aberdeen Funds (Aberdeen Trust).
The following questions and answers have been created to provide you with some
helpful information regarding the proposal. We also encourage you to read the
full text of the combined Prospectus/Proxy Statement which can be downloaded by
clicking on the link to the right.
-----------------------------------------
The Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund was launched in May 2007 to provide an
investment vehicle for institutional clients of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
and its affiliates and subsidiaries. The Fund was placed in the AIC Trust - as
Aberdeen did not have an established platform to offer the Fund.
In June 2008, the Aberdeen Trust commenced operations and Aberdeen established
its own distributor, Aberdeen Fund Distributors LLC, and distribution platform.
Therefore, given our proprietary fund complex and in-house distribution
capabilities, Aberdeen proposed that the Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund be
reorganized into the Aberdeen Trust.
The AIC Trust's Board of Trustees has reviewed this proposal and believes that
the reorganization is in the best interest of shareholders, and unanimously
recommends that shareholders vote FOR the proposal.
WHAT IS A MUTUAL FUND REORGANIZATION?
A mutual fund reorganization is a type of fund combination that occurs when the
shares of one fund are exchanged for the shares of another fund.
Subject to shareholder approval, the shares of the Aberdeen Emerging Markets
Fund in the AIC Trust will be exchanged for shares of the Aberdeen Emerging
Markets Institutional Fund, offered by Aberdeen Trust.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FUND REORGANIZATION IS APPROVED?
You will become a shareholder of Aberdeen Funds and Aberdeen Asset Management
Inc. will continue to serve as the investment adviser to your Fund.
Shareholders will receive the exact number of full and fractional shares of the
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Institutional Fund, and in the same share class, as
they held in the Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund AIC Trust Fund immediately prior
to the closing of the reorganization.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED TIMING OF THE FUND REORGANIZATION?
The special meeting of shareholders to consider the proposal is scheduled to
occur on Oct. 2, 2009. If all necessary approvals are obtained, the proposed
reorganization will likely take place on or about Nov. 9, 2009 (the
"Reorganization Date").
WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES TO THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, OBJECTIVES OR
STRATEGIES?
If approved, the same Aberdeen investment team will continue to provide
day-to-day management of the Fund using the identical or substantially similar
investment objectives and investment strategies that are currently in place.
WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES TO THE MUTUAL FUND FEES?
The proposal is not expected to result in any significant change in the amount
of overall Fund expenses paid by the shareholder. Aberdeen has agreed to
continue to waive a portion of its management fees and bear certain expenses so
that the operating expenses of the Aberdeen Emerging Markets Institutional Fund
mirrors the current expense ratio after waivers and expense reimbursements of
the Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund for a two year period following the
Reorganization Date.
In addition, mutual fund shareholders will not bear any costs arising in
connection with the reorganization transaction. Aberdeen Asset Management will
assume such costs.
A more detailed comparison of the fees and expenses of both funds can be found
in the proxy statement/prospectus.
WILL THERE BE ANY TAX IMPLICATIONS?
We do not believe that the reorganization will create any federal tax liability
for shareholders. However, we cannot guarantee that the Internal Revenue Service
will adopt a similar position.
WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO DO?
If you were a shareholder as of August 21, the official record date of the
reorganization proposal, you were mailed proxy information and have been
requested to:
1. Read the proxy statement/prospectus.
2. Review the voting instructions provided.
3. Sign, date and VOTE your proxy card/voting instruction form. No matter how
large or small your holdings may be, it is critical to the success of the
fund reorganization that your vote is received by the date of the
shareholder meeting.
HOW DO I VOTE MY SHARES?
There are three ways to vote:
1. Call the toll-free number on your proxy card/voting instruction form
from a touch-tone telephone and follow the automated instructions. Your
individual control number, printed on your proxy card, will be
required.
2. Visit the website indicated on your proxy card/voting instruction form
and follow the online instructions. Your individual control number,
printed on your proxy card, will be required.
3. Mail your completed proxy card/voting instruction form in the
postage-paid envelope. Be sure to sign and date the card/form before
mailing.
VOTING BY PHONE OR INTERNET IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. IF YOU
HAVE ANY DIFFICULTIES IN VOTING, OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE
PROPOSAL, PLEASE CONTACT THE AIC TRUST AT 1-866-392-2626.