PRE 14A
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frost_pre14a.txt
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. ____)
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| | Definitive Proxy Statement
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| | Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss.240.14a-12
The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
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FROST SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
A SERIES OF
THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II
ONE FREEDOM VALLEY DRIVE
OAKS, PENNSYLVANIA 19456
Dear Shareholder:
I am writing to inform you of an upcoming special meeting of shareholders of the
Frost Small Cap Equity Fund (formerly, the Frost Hoover Small-Mid Cap Equity
Fund) (the "Fund"), a series of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II, to be held
on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 (the "Meeting"). If you are a shareholder of record of
the Fund as of the close of business on Thursday, May 20, 2010, you are entitled
to vote at the Meeting, and any adjournment of the Meeting. Enclosed for your
reference and use are a notice, proxy statement, and proxy card for the Meeting.
At the Meeting, you will be asked to approve the following matters:
PROPOSAL 1: Approval of a new investment sub-advisory
agreement for the Fund between Frost Investment
Advisors, LLC ("Frost" or the "Adviser") and Cambiar
Investors LLC ("Cambiar").
PROPOSAL 2: Approval of a new investment sub-advisory agreement
for the Fund between Frost and Artio Global
Management LLC ("Artio Global").
The purpose of the proxy statement is to obtain your approval of the matters
identified in each proposal. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees (the "Board")
held on May 18-19, 2010, Frost, the Fund's investment adviser, recommended the
replacement of the Fund's current sub-adviser, Hoover Investment Management Co.,
LLC ("Hoover"), with Cambiar and Artio Global because it believes that such a
change would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The
Board unanimously approved these proposals and is now seeking your approval of
new sub-advisory agreements with each of Cambiar and Artio Global, as required
by the federal securities laws. The proposed sub-advisory agreements with
Cambiar and Artio Global and the current sub-advisory agreement with Hoover are
substantially similar, except for the compensation to be paid to Cambiar and
Artio Global. Under the proposed new sub-advisory agreements, Cambiar and Artio
Global would be entitled to a greater fee than Hoover under its contract.
However, because Frost is responsible for paying sub-advisory fees, the proposed
sub-advisory fees will not result in increased advisory fees paid by the Fund,
and therefore, will not increase the fees paid by shareholders.
Neither Cambiar nor Artio Global will be engaged as sub-adviser of the Fund
unless both of their sub-advisory agreements are approved by shareholders. In
other words, implementation of each proposal is contingent upon approval by
shareholders of the other proposal. If Cambiar and Artio Global are not each
approved as sub-advisers, Hoover will continue to serve as the sub-adviser for
the Fund and Frost and the Board of Trustees will consider future alternatives
for the Fund.
More specific information about each proposal is contained in the proxy
statement, which you should consider carefully.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II HAS UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED THE PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR EACH PROPOSAL AS
DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT.
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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT TO US. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO REVIEW THE PROXY
STATEMENT AND VOTE YOUR SHARES TODAY.
While you are, of course, welcome to join us at the Meeting, most shareholders
cast their votes by filling out and signing the enclosed proxy card. Whether or
not you plan to attend the Meeting, we need your vote. Please mark, sign, and
date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope so that the maximum number of shares may be voted. You may also vote
your shares in person.
If we do not receive your vote promptly, you may be contacted by a
representative of the Fund or the Adviser, who will remind you to vote your
shares.
Please do not hesitate to call 1-877-713-7678 if you have any questions about
the proposals under consideration. Thank you for taking the time to consider
these important proposals and for your investment in the Fund.
Sincerely,
/s/ Philip T. Masterson
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Philip T. Masterson
President
PROMPT EXECUTION AND RETURN OF THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IS REQUESTED. A
SELF-ADDRESSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
While we encourage you to read the full text of the enclosed proxy statement,
for your convenience here is a brief overview of the matters affecting the Frost
Small Cap Equity Fund (formerly, the Frost Hoover Small-Mid Cap Equity Fund)
(the "Fund") that require a shareholder vote.
Q. WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS PROXY STATEMENT?
A. You are receiving these proxy materials - a booklet that includes a
notice of the shareholder meeting, the proxy statement and a proxy card
- because you have the right to vote on the following important
proposals concerning your investment in the Fund:
1. Approval of a new investment sub-advisory agreement for the Fund
between Frost Investment Advisors, LLC ("Frost" or the "Adviser")
and Cambiar Investors LLC ("Cambiar").
2. Approval of a new investment sub-advisory agreement for the Fund
between Frost and Artio Global Management LLC ("Artio Global").
Q. WHY AM I BEING ASKED TO APPROVE NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS WITH
CAMBIAR AND ARTIO GLOBAL?
A. The federal law that regulates mutual funds, the Investment Company Act
of 1940, requires shareholder approval of new investment advisory
agreements, including sub-advisory agreements. At a meeting of the
Board of Trustees (the "Board") of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II
(the "Trust") held on May 18-19, 2010, Frost, the Fund's investment
adviser, recommended, and the Board approved, replacing the Fund's
current sub-adviser, Hoover Investment Management Co., LLC ("Hoover"),
with Cambiar and Artio Global. The Board is in turn seeking shareholder
approval of new sub-advisory agreements between the Adviser and Cambiar
and Artio Global, respectively (each a "New Sub-Advisory Agreement" and
together, the "New Sub-Advisory Agreements").
Q. WHY IS FROST PROPOSING TO REPLACE THE FUND'S CURRENT SUB-ADVISER?
A. At the meeting of the Board held on May 18-19, 2010, Frost informed the
Board that its reasons for recommending new sub-advisers for the Fund
related to the Fund's underperformance over the past years. Frost
reported to the Board that since the Fund's inception, the total return
for the Fund trailed its benchmark and that the Fund consistently
underperformed its benchmark and other funds in its peer group. Frost
explained that this underperformance has resulted in a slower rate of
growth in Fund assets as compared to the growth rates of other funds
within the Frost fund complex. In considering options to address the
Fund's performance and overall lack of growth, as well as evaluating
the overall strategic line up of its products, Frost determined that it
was in the best interests of the Fund to hire new sub-advisers.
Q. WHY IS FROST PROPOSING TO REPLACE THE FUND'S CURRENT SUB-ADVISER WITH
TWO SUB-ADVISERS?
A. The Adviser is proposing to replace the Fund's current SINGLE
sub-adviser, Hoover, with TWO separate sub-advisers, Cambiar and Artio
Global, because Frost believes that the engagement of two sub-advisers
would offer greater benefits for the Fund and the Fund's shareholders.
In its consideration of the Fund's sub-advisory arrangement, the
Adviser determined that utilizing the combined sub-advisory services of
both Cambiar and Artio Global would provide a broader range of
expertise and management techniques than could be provided by a single
sub-adviser.
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Q. HOW WILL APPROVAL OF THE NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS AFFECT THE FUND'S
EXPENSES?
A. Approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreements will not affect the
Fund's expenses. Each New Sub-Advisory Agreement and the sub-advisory
agreement currently in place for the Fund between Frost and Hoover (the
"Hoover Sub-Advisory Agreement") are substantially similar except for
the compensation payable under each New Sub-Advisory Agreement. Under
the New Sub-Advisory Agreements, Cambiar and Artio Global would be
entitled to a greater sub-advisory fee than Hoover is currently
entitled to under the Hoover Sub-Advisory Agreement. However, Frost, as
the Fund's investment adviser, is responsible for paying any
sub-advisory fees to Hoover under the Hoover Sub-Agreement and will
continue to be responsible for paying any sub-advisory fees to Cambiar
and Artio Global under each New Sub-Advisory Agreement. As a result,
the proposed changes will not result in increased fees to shareholders.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS ARE NOT APPROVED?
A. If the New Sub-Advisory Agreements are not approved by shareholders,
Hoover will continue to serve as sub-adviser for the Fund pursuant to
the terms of the Hoover Sub-Advisory Agreement. In addition, if only
one New Sub-Advisory Agreement is approved by shareholders (I.E., if
shareholders approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreement with Cambiar but do
not approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreement with Artio Global, or vice
versa), Frost will also continue to engage Hoover as the Fund's
sub-adviser and neither Cambiar nor Artio Global will serve as
sub-adviser to the Fund. In other words, implementation of each
proposal is contingent upon approval by shareholders of both proposals.
If shareholders do not approve both New Sub-Advisory Agreements, Frost
and the Board will consider such further action as it deems in the best
interests of the Fund and its shareholders, including resubmitting one
or both of the New Sub-Advisory Agreements to shareholders for
approval.
Q. HOW DOES THE BOARD SUGGEST THAT I VOTE?
A. After careful consideration, the Trustees unanimously recommend that
you vote "FOR" each of the proposals. Please see each proposal for a
discussion of the Board's considerations in making its recommendations.
Q. WILL MY VOTE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
A. Yes. Your vote is needed to ensure that the proposals can be acted
upon. We encourage all shareholders to participate in the governance of
the Fund. Additionally, your immediate response on the enclosed proxy
card will help save the costs of any further solicitations.
Q. HOW DO I PLACE MY VOTE?
A. You may provide the Trust with your vote via mail or in person. You may
use the enclosed postage-paid envelope to mail your proxy card.
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Q. WHOM DO I CALL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
A. We will be happy to answer your questions about this proxy
solicitation. Please call shareholder services at 1-877-713-7678
between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
PROMPT EXECUTION AND RETURN OF THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IS REQUESTED. A
SELF-ADDRESSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
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FROST SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
A SERIES OF
THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II
ONE FREEDOM VALLEY DRIVE
OAKS, PENNSYLVANIA 19456
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 29, 2010
Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") of the
Frost Small Cap Equity Fund (formerly, the Frost Hoover Small-Mid Cap Equity
Fund) (the "Fund"), a series of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II, will be held
at the offices of SEI Investments, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania
19456 on June 29, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
At the Meeting, shareholders of record of the Fund will be asked to consider and
act on the following proposals:
PROPOSAL 1: Approval of a new investment sub-advisory
agreement for the Fund between Frost Investment
Advisors, LLC ("Frost" or the "Adviser") and Cambiar
Investors LLC ("Cambiar").
PROPOSAL 2: Approval of a new investment sub-advisory agreement
for the Fund between Frost and Artio Global
Management LLC ("Artio Global").
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Meeting. However, if you
are unable to attend the Meeting, you are requested to mark, sign and date the
enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed, postage-paid
envelope so that the Meeting may be held and a maximum number of shares may be
voted. You may also vote in person. Your vote is important no matter how many
shares you own. You may change your vote even though you have already returned
your proxy to The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II by submitting a subsequent
proxy by mail or by voting in person at the Meeting.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on May 20, 2010 are entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 29, 2010:
The proxy statement is available at www.proxyonline.com/docs/frost2010.pdf.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
/s/ Philip T. Masterson
Philip T. Masterson
President
June __, 2010
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FROST SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
A SERIES OF
THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II
ONE FREEDOM VALLEY DRIVE
OAKS, PENNSYLVANIA 19456
PROXY STATEMENT
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 29, 2010
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by the Board of Trustees of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II (the "Trust") for
use at the special meeting of shareholders of the Frost Small Cap Equity Fund
(formerly, the Frost Hoover Small-Mid Cap Equity Fund) (the "Fund") to be held
on June 29, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time at the offices of SEI Investments,
One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, and at any adjourned session
thereof (such special meeting and any adjournment thereof are hereinafter
referred to as the "Meeting"). Shareholders of record of the Fund at the close
of business on May 20, 2010 are entitled to vote at the Meeting.
As of May 20, 2010, the Fund had 17,163,475.3690 units of beneficial interest
("shares") issued and outstanding.
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
As used in this proxy statement, the Trust's Board of Trustees is referred to as
the "Board," and the term "Trustee" includes each trustee of the Trust. A
Trustee that is an interested person of the Trust is referred to in this proxy
statement as an "Interested Trustee." A Trustee may be an interested person of
the Trust because he or she is affiliated with the Trust's investment adviser,
Frost Investment Advisors, LLC ("Frost" or the "Adviser"), the Trust's principal
underwriter, or any of their affiliates. Trustees that are not interested
persons of the Trust are referred to in this proxy statement as "Independent
Trustees."
The Board has called the Meeting in order to permit shareholders to consider and
vote on the proposals set forth in the foregoing notice. If you wish to
participate in the Meeting you may submit the proxy card included with this
proxy statement or attend in person. Your vote is important no matter how many
shares you own. You can vote easily and quickly by mail, or in person. At any
time before the Meeting, you may change your vote, even though a proxy has
already been returned, by written notice to the Trust c/o SEI Investments, One
Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, or by submitting a subsequent
proxy by mail or in person at the Meeting. Should shareholders require
additional information regarding the proposals or replacement proxy cards, they
may contact the Fund at 1-877-713-7678.
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, representatives of the Fund
and the Adviser may solicit proxies in person or by telephone. The Trust has
also retained an outside firm, the Altman Group, Inc. (the "Altman Group"), who
specializes in proxy solicitation to assist with the proxy solicitation process
(tabulation, printing and mailing), the collection of proxies, and with any
necessary follow-up. Persons holding shares as nominees will, upon request, be
reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in sending soliciting
materials to their principals. The Fund will bear the costs of the Meeting and
proxy materials. All costs of solicitation, including (a) printing and mailing
of the proxy materials, (b) reimbursement of brokerage firms and others for
their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of
the Fund's shares and (c) payment to the Altman Group for its services, are
anticipated to amount to approximately $4,038. The proxy card and this proxy
statement are being mailed to shareholders on or about June 17, 2010.
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Shares represented by duly executed proxies will be voted in accordance with the
instructions given. All proxy cards solicited that are properly executed and
received in time to be voted at the Meeting will be voted at the Meeting or any
adjournment thereof according to the instructions on the proxy card. If no
specification is made on a proxy card with respect to any proposal, it will be
voted "FOR" the proposal.
QUORUM AND MEETING ADJOURNMENTS
Each whole share is entitled to one vote and each fractional share is entitled
to a proportionate fractional vote on each matter as to which such shares are to
be voted at the Meeting. A majority of the shares entitled to vote (more than
50% of the total votes represented by all shares entitled to vote and present at
the Meeting either in person or by proxy) constitutes a quorum. For purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum, abstentions or broker non-votes will be
counted as present; however, they will have the effect of a vote "AGAINST" the
proposal.
If a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or if a quorum is present at the
Meeting but sufficient votes to approve a proposal are not received, or if other
matters arise requiring shareholder attention, the persons named as proxy agents
may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to permit further
solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote
of a majority of those shares present at the Meeting or represented by proxy.
The persons named as proxies will vote those proxies that they are entitled to
vote "FOR" such proposals in favor of such an adjournment, and will vote those
proxies required to be voted "AGAINST" such proposals, against such an
adjournment.
VOTE REQUIRED TO APPROVE PROPOSALS
If a quorum is present at the Meeting, the approval of each proposal requires
the affirmative vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the
Fund. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), the
vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Fund means the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities
present at the meeting or represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50%
of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy or (b)
more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. Each proposal will be voted
on separately.
If shareholders do not approve the proposals, the Board will take such further
action as it deems in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
BACKGROUND
The Fund is a separate series of the Trust that seeks to maximize total return
by investing primarily in small capitalization companies. Frost serves as the
Fund's investment adviser pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the
Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"). Frost has managed the
Fund since its inception on April 25, 2008. Prior to that date, the Fund
operated as a common trust fund under the management of Frost National Bank, an
affiliate of the Adviser (the "Predecessor Fund"). The Predecessor Fund had
investment objectives, policies and strategies that were substantially similar
to those of the Fund at its inception.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, Frost is responsible for, among other
things, managing the investment and reinvestment of Fund assets and the
continuous review, supervision, and administration of the investment program of
the Fund. Also under the Advisory Agreement, Frost may delegate all or any
portion of its responsibilities to one or more sub-advisers, subject to the
supervision of Frost and the Board. Frost is responsible for rendering regular
reports to the Trust's officers and the Board concerning the Adviser's discharge
of its responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement.
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Hoover Investment Management Co., LLC ("Hoover") currently serves as the
sub-adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement dated
April 28, 2008 with Frost (the "Hoover Sub-Advisory Agreement"). Hoover has
served as sub-adviser to the Fund since the Fund's inception and also served as
sub-adviser to the Predecessor Fund. At a meeting of the Board held on May
18-19, 2010, Frost recommended, and the Board approved, new sub-advisory
agreements between Frost and Cambiar Investors, LLC ("Cambiar") and Artio Global
Management LLC ("Artio Global" and, together with Cambiar, the "Sub-Advisers"),
respectively, pursuant to which Cambiar and Artio Global would replace Hoover as
sub-adviser of the Fund and manage the assets of the Fund on a day-to-day basis
as directed by the Adviser and in accordance with the Fund's investment
objective, strategies and policies.
At the Board meeting, Frost informed the Board that its reasons for recommending
new sub-advisers for the Fund related to the Fund's underperformance over the
past years. Frost reported to the Board that since the Fund's inception, the
total return for the Fund trailed its benchmark and that the Fund consistently
underperformed its benchmark and other funds in its peer group. Frost explained
that this underperformance has resulted in a slower rate of growth in Fund
assets as compared to the growth rates of other funds within the Frost fund
complex.
In considering options to address the Fund's performance and overall lack of
growth, as well as evaluating the overall strategic line up of its products,
Frost determined that it was in the best interests of the Fund to hire new
sub-advisers. The Adviser is proposing to replace the Fund's current
sub-adviser, Hoover, with two separate sub-advisers, Cambiar and Artio Global,
because Frost believes that the engagement of two sub-advisers would offer
greater benefits for the Fund and the Fund's shareholders. In its consideration
of the Fund's sub-advisory arrangement, the Adviser determined that utilizing
the combined sub-advisory services of both Cambiar and Artio Global would
provide a broader range of expertise and management techniques than could be
provided by a single sub-adviser.
In selecting Cambiar and Artio Global to serve as sub-advisers for the Fund, the
Adviser conducted a search of investment managers looking for experienced fund
adviser candidates with a history of managing within a small capitalization
framework. Using data from various research providers, the search was narrowed
to a field of approximately seven managers based upon quantitative factors.
These factors included (among other variables) a minimum of three years
experience managing within the small capitalization objective and performance
relative to an overall small cap benchmark (Russell 2000 Index).
After these initial candidates were identified, further screening was done on
both quantitative and qualitative factors such as style assessment using
regression and holdings based data, up versus down market capture ratios,
capacity the firm had available to manage within the capitalization range,
expected management expense, and desire to partner in order to provide a unique
investment mandate.
The list of prospects was then narrowed to a list of four qualified candidates,
which were subjected to on site interviews. Those interviews resulted in the
selection of two finalists with the goal of blending each manager's individual
style into a product that would target the broader small cap investment style
and the Russell 2000 benchmark.
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At this stage, the final recommendations were determined based on cost
(management expense) and the expected profile that would be achieved by blending
these finalists into a single fund product. In selecting Cambiar and Artio
Global to sub-advise the Fund, Frost concluded that Cambiar and Artio Global
would provide a blended value and growth investment style within the small
capitalization objective while creating a unique fund product. If approved by
shareholders, Cambiar will select and manage securities issued by small cap
companies for the Fund's portfolio with a bias toward value-oriented stocks and
Artio Global will select and manage securities issued by small cap companies for
the Fund's portfolio with a bias toward growth-oriented stocks. Frost will be
responsible for determining the allocation of Fund assets between Cambiar and
Artio Global and Frost will initially allocate 50% of the Fund's assets to each
of Cambiar and Artio Global to manage in accordance with their respective
mandates. It is anticipated that securities selected for the Fund by one
Sub-Adviser may overlap with securities selected for the Fund by the other
Sub-Adviser. In addition, at any given time, it is possible that one Sub-Adviser
might sell a security on behalf of the Fund that the other Sub-Adviser is
purchasing or has purchased on behalf of the Fund (or vice versa). If the
Sub-Advisory Agreements are approved by shareholders, certain of the Fund's
portfolio securities will be sold and new securities will be purchased to more
closely align the Fund's portfolio holdings with each Sub-Adviser's respective
mandate. Transaction costs incurred in connection with this "repositioning" of
the Fund's portfolio will be borne by the Fund.
For investment purposes, the Fund considers small-capitalization companies to be
those companies with total market capitalizations between $100 million and $3
billion at the time of initial purchase. In selecting value stocks for the Fund,
the Sub-Advisers will focus on companies with stocks that appear undervalued in
light of factors such as the company's earnings, book value, revenues or cash
flow. In selecting growth stocks for the Fund, the Sub-Advisers will focus on
securities of companies that a Sub-Adviser believes have superior prospects for
robust and sustainable growth of revenues and earnings. These may be companies
with new, limited or cyclical product lines, markets or financial resources, and
the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people.
If shareholders approve both proposals, it is expected that the Fund will
implement the changes described in this proxy statement as soon as practicable
thereafter, or at such other time as determined by the Board. Unless both
sub-advisory agreements are approved, neither Cambiar nor Artio Global will be
engaged as sub-adviser of the Fund. In other words, implementation of each
proposal is contingent upon approval by shareholders of the other proposal. If
Cambiar and Artio Global are not each approved as sub-advisers, Hoover will
continue to serve as the sub-adviser for the Fund and Frost and the Board will
consider future alternatives for the Fund.
THE TRUSTEES, INCLUDING ALL OF THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, RECOMMEND THAT
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
PROPOSALS
The Board is asking shareholders to consider and approve two proposals. The
first proposal is the approval of a new sub-advisory agreement for the Fund
between Frost and Cambiar (the "Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement"). The second
proposal is the approval of a new sub-advisory agreement for the Fund between
Frost and Artio Global (the "Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement" and, together
with the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement, the "New Sub-Advisory Agreements").
Except as described below with respect to the terms of each Sub-Adviser's
compensation, the terms of the Hoover Sub-Advisory Agreement are substantially
similar to the terms of the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement and the terms of the
Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Hoover Sub-Advisory Agreement was last
approved by the Board on November 11, 2009 in connection with its annual
consideration and renewal. The following is a discussion of the material terms
of the New Sub-Advisory Agreements, except for the terms of compensation payable
to each Sub-Adviser, which is described more fully below in the discussion of
each proposal. A form of the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement is attached to this
proxy statement as Exhibit A. A form of the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement
is attached to this proxy statement as Exhibit B. The following discussion is
qualified in its entirety by reference to those exhibits.
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUB-ADVISERS
The New Sub-Advisory Agreements provide for the discharge of the duties and
responsibilities of the Sub-Advisers. Under the New Sub-Advisory Agreements,
each Sub-Adviser will, subject to the supervision of Frost and the Board,
regularly provide the Fund with investment advice and research and furnish an
investment program for the Fund's investment strategy with respect to the
portion of the Fund's portfolio that it manages, consistent with the Fund's
investment objectives and policies. Also under the New Sub-Advisory Agreements,
each Sub-Adviser will determine certain investments to be purchased and sold for
the Fund, subject to the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws,
the Fund's current effective registration statement and the investment
objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as may be in effect from time
to time. Under the New Sub-Advisory Agreements, each Sub-Advisor has the
authority and responsibility to vote proxies with respect to the portion of the
Fund's portfolio that it manages.
Under the New Sub-Advisory Agreements, each Sub-Adviser is authorized to select
brokers or dealers that will execute the purchases and sales of securities of
the Fund and each Sub-Advisory Agreement directs each Sub-Adviser to use its
best efforts to seek on behalf of the Fund the best overall terms available. In
selecting a broker-dealer to execute a particular transaction, each Sub-Adviser
may consider the brokerage and research services provided, as defined in Section
28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"). Consistent with
any guidelines established by the Board and Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act,
each Sub-Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such
brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio
transaction for the Fund that is in excess of the amount of commission another
broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction but only if
the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such commission was reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such
broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either the particular transaction or the
Sub-Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to its discretionary
clients, including the Fund.
DURATION
With respect to duration, each New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that, unless
terminated as described below, it will continue in effect for an initial
two-year period. Thereafter, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement may continue for
successive one year periods provided that it is specifically approved at least
annually by (i) a majority vote of the Trustees, including a majority vote of
the Independent Trustees, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval; or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund.
TERMINATION
With respect to termination, Frost may terminate a New Sub-Advisory Agreement at
any time, without the payment of penalty, by not more than sixty (60) days' nor
less than thirty (30) days' written notice to the Sub-Adviser. A Sub-Adviser may
terminate its New Sub-Advisory Agreement at any time, without payment of
penalty, by not more than sixty (60) days' nor less than thirty (30) days'
written notice to Frost. The Fund may terminate a New Sub-Advisory Agreement
either (i) by vote of the Board (ii) upon the affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Each New Sub-Advisory Agreement
also provides that the agreement will terminate automatically and immediately in
the event of its assignment or in the event of the termination of the Advisory
Agreement.
6
INDEMNIFICATION
Each Sub-Adviser agrees to indemnify the Trust and its affiliated persons and
all of their respective controlling persons against any and all losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other
expenses) by reason of arising out of the Sub-Adviser being in material
violation of any federal or state law, rule or regulation or any investment
policy or restriction set forth in the Fund's registration statement or any
written guidelines or instruction provided in writing by the Board or the Fund's
failure to satisfy diversification or source of income requirements under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Sub-Adviser's willful
misfeasance, bad faith or negligence generally in the performance of its duties
or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the New
Sub-Advisory Agreement.
PROPOSAL 1: APPROVAL OF A NEW INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN FROST AND CAMBIAR
SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSAL
The Board is recommending that shareholders approve the Cambiar Sub-Advisory
Agreement. The Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously
approved the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement at a meeting held on May 18-19,
2010. If the proposal is approved by shareholders, Cambiar will serve as
investment sub-adviser for the Fund and select and manage its portion of the
Fund's portfolio with a bias toward value-oriented small-cap stocks.
INFORMATION ABOUT SUB-ADVISORY FEES
Under the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement, Frost will pay the fees of Cambiar out
of the investment advisory fee it receives from the Fund. Frost's current
advisory fee is 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund, calculated
daily and paid monthly. That fee will not change as a result of the approval of
the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement. Thus, notwithstanding the proposed increase
in sub-advisory fees as described below, there will be no change in the amount
of advisory fees paid by the Fund.
Pursuant to the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement, Frost will pay Cambiar a fee of
0.62% of the average daily net assets of the Fund managed by Cambiar, calculated
daily and paid monthly. Under the Hoover Sub-Advisory Agreement, Hoover is
entitled to a fee for its services, which is calculated daily and paid monthly,
at an annual rate of 0.70% on the first $100 million of average daily net assets
and 0.55% on average daily net assets in excess of $100 million. Because the fee
schedule to the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement does not have "breakpoints" like
the fee schedule to the Hoover Sub-Advisory Agreement, Cambiar may be
compensated at a rate greater than the rate at which Hoover would be compensated
as Fund assets increase. However, as discussed above, because sub-advisory fees
are paid by Frost, and not by the Fund, the proposed change in sub-advisory fees
will not result in increased fees to shareholders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CAMBIAR
Cambiar Investors LLC, or Cambiar, a Delaware limited liability company located
at 2401 East Second Avenue, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80206, is an investment
adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Cambiar and its predecessor, Cambiar
Investors, Inc., which was an affiliate of Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc.
(formerly United Asset Management Company) ("Old Mutual"), have provided
investment management services to corporations, foundations, endowments, pension
and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates and other institutions as well as
individuals since 1973. The Managing Member of Cambiar is Cambiar Holdings LLLP.
Cambiar Holdings LLLP is controlled by 16 partners of Cambiar Holdings LLLP who
were formerly senior officers of Cambiar Investors, Inc. As of March 31, 2010,
Cambiar managed approximately $5.6 billion in firmwide assets across four equity
strategies including large-cap, small-cap, international equity and global
multi-value equity strategies.
7
The names, addresses and principal occupations of the principal executive
officers and each member of Cambiar are listed below. The business address for
each person listed below is 2401 East Second Avenue, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado
80206.
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Brian Barish, CFA President, Director of Research
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Nancy Wigton Director of Marketing & Client Service
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Christine Simon Chief Compliance Officer
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Timothy Beranek Sr. Investment Analyst
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Maria Mendelsberg Sr. Investment Analyst
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Andrew Baumbusch Sr. Investment Analyst
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Susman Sr. Investment Analyst
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Ania Aldrich Sr. Investment Analyst
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Rod Hostetler Director of Trading
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
John Gaetzi Trading
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Christian Hiles Trading
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Christopher Berry Marketing and Client Service
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Molly Cisneros Marketing and Client Service
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Karl R.S. Engelmann Marketing and Client Service
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Fitzpatrick Marketing and Client Service
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Carol VanSickle Operations
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Cambiar currently acts as investment adviser to the following registered
investment company with the same investment goal and strategies as those of the
Fund.
---------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- -------------- ---------------------
SIZE AS OF APRIL ADVISORY FEE WAIVERS AND
NAME OF FUND INVESTMENT GOAL 30, 2010 FEE REIMBURSEMENTS
---------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- -------------- ---------------------
Cambiar Small Cap Fund, a series
of The Advisors' Inner Circle
Fund - Institutional Class Shares Long-term capital
appreciation $8.4 million 1.05% *
---------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- -------------- ---------------------
Cambiar Small Cap Fund, a series
of The Advisors' Inner Circle
Fund - Investor Class Shares Long-term capital
appreciation $121.8 million 1.05% **
---------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- -------------- ---------------------
* Cambiar has contractually agreed to reduce fees and reimburse expenses
in order to keep Net Expenses (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, Acquired Fees and Expenses, and extraordinary expenses)
from exceeding 1.05% of the Cambiar Small Cap Fund's Institutional
Class Shares' average daily net assets until October 27, 2010. In
addition, if at any point it becomes unnecessary for Cambiar to reduce
fees or make expense reimbursements, the board of trustees may permit
Cambiar to retain the difference between the Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses and 1.05% to recapture all or a portion of its prior
fee reductions or expense reimbursements made during the preceding
three year period.
** Cambiar has voluntarily agreed to reduce its fees and reimburse
expenses to the extent necessary to keep Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, Acquired
Fund Fees and Expenses, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding
1.30% of the Fund's Investor Class Shares' average daily net assets.
The Adviser may discontinue all or part of these reductions or expense
reimbursements at any time. In addition, if at any point it becomes
unnecessary for the Adviser to reduce fees or make expense
reimbursements, the Board may permit the Adviser to retain the
difference between the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses and 1.30%
to recapture all or a portion of its prior fee reductions or expense
reimbursements made after September 1, 2009.
8
BOARD CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE CAMBIAR SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
At a Board meeting held in person on May 18-19, 2010, the Board, including the
Independent Trustees, discussed and unanimously approved the Cambiar
Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board, including the Independent Trustees advised by
their independent legal counsel, received and reviewed materials relating to
Cambiar and the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement in advance of the meeting, and
had the opportunity to ask questions and request further information of Frost
and Cambiar. The materials included, among other things, information regarding:
(i) the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Cambiar;
(ii) the investment performance of Cambiar; (iii) the costs of the services to
be provided; and (iv) comparisons of the services to be rendered and the amounts
to be paid under the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement with the services and
amounts paid under advisory agreements of the same and other investment
advisers, as discussed in further detail below.
At the May 18-19, 2010 meeting, representatives from Frost and Cambiar, along
with other service providers of the Fund, presented additional oral and written
information to help the Board evaluate Cambiar's proposed fee and other aspects
of the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement. Among other things, the representatives
provided an overview of Cambiar by reviewing key personnel and Frost and
Cambiar's investment strategies and processes.
In its consideration of the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board also
acknowledged the fact that Cambiar currently serves as investment adviser to a
similar mutual fund within a separate fund complex overseen by the Board. The
Board considered Cambiar's performance and history in managing this similar fund
and also relied upon the knowledge acquired in overseeing Cambiar as investment
adviser over the past years. In addition, the Board reviewed materials provided
by Cambiar relating to the approval and continuance of the investment advisory
agreement for the similar mutual fund managed by Cambiar, which was also
re-approved for an additional one-year period at the May 18-19, 2010 meeting.
The Board then discussed the written materials that the Board received before
the meeting, Frost and Cambiar's oral presentation and any other information
that the Board received at the meeting, and deliberated on the approval of the
Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement in light of this information. In its
deliberations, the Board did not identify any single piece of information
discussed below that was all-important, controlling or determinative of its
decision.
NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SUB-ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by
Cambiar as sub-adviser to the Fund, the Board reviewed the portfolio management
services to be provided by Cambiar to the Fund. Among other things, the Board
considered the quality of Cambiar's portfolio management personnel. Cambiar's
registration form ("Form ADV") was provided to the Board, as was Cambiar's
responses to a detailed series of questions which included, among other things,
information about the background and experience of the portfolio managers who
would be primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
The Board also considered other services to be provided to the Fund by Cambiar,
such as selecting broker-dealers for executing portfolio transactions,
monitoring adherence to the Fund's investment restrictions and monitoring
compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable
securities regulations. Based on the factors above, as well as those discussed
below, the Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and
quality of the services to be provided to the Fund by Cambiar.
9
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF CAMBIAR
The Board evaluated the Fund's investment performance and considered the
performance of the investment management personnel of Cambiar who were expected
to manage the Fund. The Board concluded that the historical investment
performance record of Cambiar and its portfolio managers, as well as its
experience and performance in managing a small cap strategy, supported a
decision to approve the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement.
COSTS OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED, PROFITABILITY AND ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Board considered the Fund's overall fee level and noted that, while the
sub-advisory fee might increase compared to that charged under the Hoover
Sub-Advisory Agreement, because of the absence of breakpoints in the fee
schedule to the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement, the sub-advisory fee payable to
Cambiar would be paid by Frost and the advisory fee charged under the Advisory
Agreement would remain the same. Based on its review, the Board determined that
the sub-advisory fee was reasonable and appropriate in light of, among other
factors: 1) the services to be provided by Cambiar; 2) the advisory fees and the
overall expense ratios of the Fund as compared to peer funds, including funds
advised by Cambiar and 3) the anticipated profitability to Frost and Cambiar.
CONCLUSION
Based on the Board's deliberations and its evaluation of the information
described above, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously
concluded that the terms of the Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement are fair and
reasonable and concluded that the sub-advisory fees are reasonable in light of
the services that Cambiar will provide to the Fund and agreed to approve the
Cambiar Sub-Advisory Agreement.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND VOTE TO APPROVE
PROPOSAL 1
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF A NEW INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN FROST AND ARTIO GLOBAL
SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSAL
The Board is recommending that shareholders approve the Artio Global
Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Trustees, including the Independent Trustees,
unanimously approved the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement at a meeting held
on May 18-19, 2010. If the proposal is approved by shareholders, Artio Global
will serve as investment sub-adviser for the Fund and select and manage its
portion of the Fund's portfolio with a bias toward growth-oriented small-cap
stocks.
10
INFORMATION ABOUT SUB-ADVISORY FEES
Under the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement, Frost will pay the fees of Artio
Global out of the investment advisory fee it receives from the Fund. Frost's
current advisory fee is 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund,
calculated daily and paid monthly. That fee will not change as a result of the
approval of the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement. Thus, notwithstanding the
proposed increase in sub-advisory fees as described below, there will be no
change in the amount of advisory fees paid by the Fund.
Pursuant to the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement, Frost will pay Artio Global
a fee of 0.70% of the average daily net assets of the Fund sub-advised by Artio
Global, calculated daily and paid monthly. Under the Hoover Sub-Advisory
Agreement, Hoover is entitled to a fee for its services, which is calculated
daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.70% on the first $100 million of
average daily net assets and 0.55% on average daily net assets in excess of $100
million. Because the fee schedule to the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement
does not have "breakpoints" like the fee schedule to the Hoover Sub-Advisory
Agreement, Artio Global may be compensated at a rate greater than the rate at
which Hoover would be compensated as Fund assets increase. However, as discussed
above, because sub-advisory fees are paid by Frost, and not by the Fund, the
proposed change in sub-advisory fees will not result in increased fees to
shareholders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ARTIO GLOBAL
Artio Global Management LLC, or Artio Global, a Delaware limited liability
company located at 330 Madison Avenue, Floor 12A, New York, New York 10017, is
an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940. As of March 31, 2010, Artio Global had total assets under management of
approximately $56 billion.
Artio Global, through an intermediary holding company, is majority-owned by
Artio Global Investors Inc. ("Artio Global Investors"), a Delaware corporation.
Artio Global Investors conducted an initial public offering of its common stock,
which resulted in its shares being listed on the New York Stock Exchange on
September 24, 2009.
Currently, the public owns approximately 46.1% of the shares while GAM Holding
Ltd. (formerly Julius Baer Holding Ltd.) of Zurich Switzerland owns
approximately 27.9% of the shares. GAM Holding Ltd., an asset manager listed on
the Swiss Stock Exchange, is expected to periodically evaluate its ongoing level
of ownership of Artio Global. The remaining shares are either directly or
indirectly owned or controlled by management and employees of Artio Global,
including its key portfolio managers, Richard Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes.
The names, addresses and principal occupations of the principal executive
officers and each member of Artio Global are listed below. The business address
for each person listed below is 330 Madison Avenue, Floor 12A, New York, New
York 10017.
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Glen Wisher President
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Anthony Williams Chief Operating Officer
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Richard C. Pell Chief Executive Officer/Chief Investment Officer
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Adam R. Spilka General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Francis M. Hart, CPA Chief Financial Officer
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
11
The names of all parent companies of Artio Global and the basis of their control
of the investment adviser are identified below. The business address for each
listed below is 330 Madison Avenue, Floor 12A, New York, New York 10017.
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF VOTING SECURITIES
ENTITY BASIS OF CONTROL OWNED (IF APPLICABLE)
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Artio Global Investors Inc. Managing Member 74% (of AGH)
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Artio Global Holdings LLC Managing Member 100% (of Artio Global)
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Artio Global currently acts as investment adviser to the following registered
investment company with the same investment goal and strategies as those of the
Fund.
------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ----------------------
SIZE AS OF APRIL ADVISORY FEE FEE WAIVERS AND
NAME OF FUND INVESTMENT GOAL 30, 2010 REIMBURSEMENTS
------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ----------------------
Artio U.S. Smallcap Fund, a series Long-term growth of
of Artio Global Funds capital $55.77 Million 0.95% *
------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ----------------------
* Artio Global has contractually agreed to reimburse certain expenses
of the Artio U.S. Smallcap Fund through February 27, 2011 (the "Expense
Limitation"). Net operating expenses of the Artio U.S. Smallcap Fund,
based on the average daily net assets, are limited to 1.50% for Class A
shares and 1.20% for Class I shares. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
are excluded from this calculation. This arrangement does not cover
interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and extraordinary expenses. The
Artio U.S. Smallcap Fund has agreed to repay Artio Global for expenses
reimbursed to the Artio U.S. Smallcap Fund provided that repayment does
not cause the Artio U.S. Smallcap Fund's annual operating expenses to
exceed the Expense Limitation Agreement. Any such repayment must be
made within three years after the year in which Artio Global incurred
the expense.
BOARD CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE ARTIO GLOBAL SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
At a Board meeting held in person on May 18-19, 2010, the Board, including the
Independent Trustees, discussed and unanimously approved the Artio Global
Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board, including the Independent Trustees advised by
their independent legal counsel, received and reviewed materials relating to
Artio Global and the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement in advance of the
meeting, and had the opportunity to ask questions and request further
information of Frost and Artio Global. The materials included, among other
things, information regarding: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the
services to be provided by Artio Global; (ii) the investment performance of
Artio Global; (iii) the costs of the services to be provided; and (iv)
comparisons of the services to be rendered and the amounts to be paid under the
Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement with the services and amounts paid under
advisory agreements of the same and other investment advisers, as discussed in
further detail below.
At the May 18-19, 2010 meeting, representatives from Frost and Artio Global,
along with other service providers of the Fund, presented additional oral and
written information to help the Board evaluate Artio Global's proposed fee and
other aspects of the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement. Among other things,
the representatives provided an overview of Artio Global by reviewing key
personnel and Frost and Artio Global's investment strategies and processes.
The Board then discussed the written materials that the Board received before
the meeting, Frost and Artio Global's oral presentation and any other
information that the Board received at the meeting, and deliberated on the
approval of the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement in light of this
information. In its deliberations, the Board did not identify any single piece
of information discussed below that was all-important, controlling or
determinative of its decision.
12
NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SUB-ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by
Artio Global as sub-adviser to the Fund, the Board reviewed the portfolio
management services to be provided by Artio Global to the Fund. Among other
things, the Board considered the quality of Artio Global's portfolio management
personnel. Artio Global's registration form ("Form ADV") was provided to the
Board, as was Artio Global's responses to a detailed series of questions which
included, among other things, information about the background and experience of
the portfolio managers who would be primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management of the Fund.
The Board also considered other services to be provided to the Fund by Artio
Global, such as selecting broker-dealers for executing portfolio transactions,
monitoring adherence to the Fund's investment restrictions and monitoring
compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable
securities regulations. Based on the factors above, as well as those discussed
below, the Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and
quality of the services to be provided to the Fund by Artio Global.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF ARTIO GLOBAL
The Board evaluated the Fund's investment performance and considered the
performance of the investment management personnel of Artio Global who were
expected to manage the Fund. The Board concluded that the historical investment
performance record of Artio Global and its portfolio managers, as well as its
experience and performance in managing a small cap strategy, supported a
decision to approve the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement.
13
COSTS OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED, PROFITABILITY AND ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Board considered the Fund's overall fee level and noted that, while the
sub-advisory fee might increase compared to that charged under the Hoover
Sub-Advisory Agreement, because of the absence of breakpoints in the fee
schedule to the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement, the sub-advisory fee
payable to Artio Global would be paid by Frost and the advisory fee charged
under the Advisory Agreement would remain the same. Based on its review, the
Board determined that the sub-advisory fee was reasonable and appropriate in
light of, among other factors: 1) the services to be provided by Artio Global;
2) the advisory fees and the overall expense ratios of the Fund as compared to
peer funds, including funds advised by Artio Global and 3) the anticipated
profitability to Frost and Artio Global.
CONCLUSION
Based on the Board's deliberations and its evaluation of the information
described above, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously
concluded that the terms of the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement are fair and
reasonable and concluded that the sub-advisory fees are reasonable in light of
the services that Artio Global will provide to the Fund and agreed to approve
the Artio Global Sub-Advisory Agreement.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND VOTE TO APPROVE
PROPOSAL 2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
SEI Investments Global Funds Services ("SEIGFS") serves as the Fund's
administrator. SEI Investments Distribution Co. ("SIDCO") serves as the Fund's
distributor and principal underwriter. SEIGFS and SIDCO are each located at One
Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania, 19456.
PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
The Fund will bear the expenses incurred in the preparation, printing and
mailing of this proxy statement and its enclosures and all solicitations. The
Fund will also bear the costs associated with repositioning the Fund's portfolio
holdings to more closely align them with each Sub-Adviser's respective mandate.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
As of May 20, 2010, the following persons owned of record, or were known by the
Trust to own beneficially, more than 5% of the shares of the Fund. On that date,
the Trustees and officers of the Fund, together as a group, beneficially owned
less than 1% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
14
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------
SHARE CLASS NAME AND ADDRESS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------
Institutional Class Shares SEI Private Trust Company 14,097,709.2070 96.17%
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------
Class A Shares SEI Private Trust Company 736,320.0500 29.40%
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------
Class A Shares GPC As Agent For Frost Bank TTEE 655,452.0890 26.17%
FBO Cullen/Frost 401(k) Plan
PO Box 79377
Atlanta, Georgia 30357-7377
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------
Class A Shares GPC Securities Inc. As Agent for 298,880.4430 11.93%
Frost National Bank TTEE FBO
Cullen/Frost PS Plan
PO Box 105117
Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5117
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------
Class A Shares SEI Private Trust Company 252,361.3610 10.07%
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------
Class A Shares GPC Securities Inc. As Agent For 202,073.5650 8.07%
Frost National Bank TTEE FBO
Pape-Dawson Consulting Engineers
401(k) Plan
PO Box 105117
Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5117
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS
If two or more shareholders share the same address, only one copy of this proxy
statement is being delivered to that address, unless the Trust has received
contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders at that shared
address. Upon written or oral request, the Trust will deliver promptly a
separate copy of this proxy statement to a Shareholder at a shared address.
Please note that each Shareholder will receive a separate proxy card, regardless
of whether he or she resides at a shared address. Please call 1-877-713-7678 or
forward a written request to the Trust c/o SEI Investments, One Freedom Valley
Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 if you would like to (1) receive a separate copy
of this proxy statement; (2) receive your annual reports or proxy statements
separately in the future; or (3) request delivery of a single copy of annual
reports or proxy statements if you are currently receiving multiple copies at a
shared address.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board does not intend to present any other business at the Meeting. If any
other matter may properly come before the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof,
the persons named in the accompanying proxy card(s) intend to vote, act, or
consent thereunder in accordance with their best judgment at that time on such
matters. No annual or other special meeting is currently scheduled for the
Trust. Mere submission of a shareholder proposal does not guarantee the
inclusion of the proposal in the proxy statement or presentation of the proposal
at the Meeting because inclusion and presentation are subject to compliance with
certain federal regulations.
15
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
The Trust is organized as a voluntary association under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As such, the Trust is not required to hold annual
shareholder meetings. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusion or
presentation in a proxy statement for a future meeting should send their written
proposals to the Secretary of the Trust c/o SEI Investments, One Freedom Valley
Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. Shareholder proposals must be received by the
Trust within a reasonable time before any such meeting in order for the
proposals to be considered.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD
Shareholders wishing to submit written communications to the Board should send
their communications to The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II, c/o SEI Investments,
One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. Any such communications
received will be reviewed by the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Annual Report of the Trust for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009 is
available upon request, as is the Semi-Annual Report for the six-month period
ended January 31, 2010 (unaudited). The Annual Report and the Semi-Annual Report
may be obtained by written request to the Trust at the address listed above or
by telephoning 1-877-713-7678.
PROMPT EXECUTION AND RETURN OF THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IS REQUESTED. A
SELF-ADDRESSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
16
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF CAMBIAR SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") made as of this ____th day of
, 2010 by and between FROST INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC a Delaware limited
liability company with its principal place of business at 100 West Houston
Street, 15th Floor, San Antonio, Texas 78205 (the "Adviser"), and CAMBIAR
INVESTORS, LLC a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of
business at 2401 East Second Avenue, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80206 (the
"Sub-Adviser").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, pursuant to authority granted to the Adviser by the Board of
Trustees (the "Board") of THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II (the "Trust") on
behalf of the series set forth on Schedule A to this Agreement (the "Fund") and
pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of May
5, 2008 between the Adviser and the Fund (the "Management Agreement"), the
Adviser has selected the Sub-Adviser to act as sub-investment adviser of the
Fund and to provide certain related services, as more fully set forth below, and
to perform such services under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits
set forth herein, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser do hereby agree as follows:
1. THE SUB-ADVISER'S SERVICES.
(a) DISCRETIONARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES. The
Sub-Adviser shall act as sub-investment adviser with respect to the
Fund. In such capacity, the Sub-Adviser shall, subject to the
supervision of the Adviser and the Board, regularly provide the Fund
with investment research, advice and supervision and shall furnish
continuously an investment program for such Fund assets as may be
allocated by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser, consistent with the
investment objectives and policies of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser shall
determine, from time to time, what investments shall be purchased for
the Fund and what such securities shall be held or sold by the Fund,
subject always to the provisions of the Trust's Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and its registration statement on Form
N-1A (the "Registration Statement") under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), covering Fund shares, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), and to the
investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as each
of the same shall be from time to time in effect. To carry out such
obligations, the Sub-Adviser shall exercise full discretion and act for
the Fund in the same manner and with the same force and effect as the
Fund itself might or could do with respect to purchases, sales or other
transactions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sub-Adviser shall,
upon written instructions from the Adviser, effect such portfolio
transactions for the Fund as the Adviser may from time to time direct;
provided however, that the Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible for any
such portfolio transactions effected upon written instructions from the
Adviser. No reference in this Agreement to the Sub-Adviser having full
discretionary authority over the Fund's investments shall in any way
limit the right of the Adviser, in its sole discretion, to establish or
revise policies in connection with the management of the Fund's assets
or to otherwise exercise its right to control the overall management of
the Fund's assets.
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(b) COMPLIANCE. The Sub-Adviser agrees to comply with
the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended (the "Advisers Act"), the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the Commodity Exchange Act
and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as
well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules,
regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships
described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered
investment adviser. The Sub-Adviser also agrees to comply with the
objectives, policies and restrictions set forth in the Registration
Statement, as amended or supplemented, of the Fund, and with any
policies, guidelines, instructions and procedures approved by the Board
or the Adviser and provided to the Sub-Adviser. In selecting the Fund's
portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Adviser's obligations
hereunder, the Sub-Adviser shall cause the Fund to comply with the
diversification and source of income requirements of Subchapter M of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for
qualification as a regulated investment company. The Sub-Adviser shall
maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate
to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity
undertaken by the Adviser shall limit the Sub-Adviser's full
responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(c) PROXY VOTING. Pursuant to Board authority, the
Adviser has the authority to determine how proxies with respect to
securities that are held by the Fund shall be voted, and the Adviser
has determined to delegate the authority and responsibility to vote
proxies for the Fund's securities to the Sub-Adviser. So long as proxy
voting authority for the Fund has been delegated to the Sub-Adviser,
the Sub-Adviser shall provide such assistance to the Adviser with
respect to the voting of proxies for the Fund as the Adviser may from
time to time reasonably request, and the Sub-Adviser shall promptly
forward to the Adviser any information or documents necessary for the
Adviser to exercise its proxy voting responsibilities. The Sub-Adviser
shall not vote proxies with respect to the securities held by the Fund
unless and until the Board or the Adviser delegates such authority and
responsibility to the Sub-Adviser or otherwise instructs the
Sub-Adviser to do so in writing, whereupon the Sub-Adviser shall carry
out such responsibility in accordance with any instructions that the
Board or the Adviser shall provide from time to time and shall provide
such reports and keep such records relating to proxy voting as the
Board may reasonably request or as may be necessary for the Fund to
comply with the 1940 Act and other applicable law. Any such delegation
of proxy voting responsibility to the Sub-Adviser may be revoked or
modified by the Board or the Adviser at any time.
(d) RECORDKEEPING. The Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible
for the provision of administrative, bookkeeping or accounting services
to the Fund, except as otherwise provided herein or as may be necessary
for the Sub-Adviser to supply to the Adviser, the Fund or its Board the
information required to be supplied under this Agreement.
The Sub-Adviser shall maintain separate books and detailed
records of all matters pertaining to the Fund's assets advised by the
Sub-Adviser required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those
records being maintained by the Adviser, custodian or transfer agent
appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided
hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for
the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under
the 1940 Act (the "Fund Books and Records"). The Fund Books and Records
shall be available to the Adviser and the Board at any time upon
request shall be delivered to the Fund upon the termination of this
Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during
any day the Fund is open for business.
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(e) HOLDINGS INFORMATION AND PRICING. The Sub-Adviser
shall provide regular reports regarding the Fund's holdings, and shall,
on its own initiative, furnish the Fund and the Adviser from time to
time with whatever information the Sub-Adviser believes is appropriate
for this purpose. The Sub-Adviser agrees to immediately notify the
Adviser if the Sub-Adviser reasonably believes that the value of any
security held by a Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Adviser
agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Sub-Adviser is
aware to the Adviser and/or any Fund pricing agent to assist in the
determination of the fair value of any Fund holdings for which market
quotations are not readily available or as otherwise required in
accordance with the 1940 Act or the Fund valuation procedures for the
purpose of calculating the Fund's net asset value in accordance with
procedures and methods established by the Board.
(f) COOPERATION WITH AGENTS OF THE ADVISER AND THE FUND. The
Sub-Adviser agrees to cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance
to the Adviser, the Fund and the Fund's custodian and foreign
sub-custodians, the Fund's pricing agents and all other agents and
representatives of the Fund and the Adviser, such information with
respect to the Fund as such entities may reasonably request from time
to time in the performance of their obligations, provide prompt
responses to reasonable requests made by such persons and establish
appropriate interfaces with each so as to promote the efficient
exchange of information and compliance with applicable laws and
regulations.
2. CODE OF ETHICS. The Sub-Adviser has adopted a written code of
ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1
under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Adviser and the Fund. The
Sub-Adviser shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the
Sub-Adviser's Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the
Sub-Adviser's Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the
Sub-Adviser shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Adviser's current
Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it
has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from
engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Adviser's Code of Ethics.
Annually, the Sub-Adviser shall furnish a written report, which complies with
the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Adviser's Code of Ethics to
the Fund and the Adviser. The Sub-Adviser shall respond to requests for
information from the Adviser as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and
the sanctions imposed by the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser shall immediately
notify the Adviser of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such
violation relates to a security held by any Fund.
3. INFORMATION AND REPORTING. The Sub-Adviser shall provide the
Fund, the Adviser, and their respective officers with such periodic reports
concerning the obligations the Sub-Adviser has assumed under this Agreement as
the Fund and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request.
(a) NOTIFICATION OF BREACH / COMPLIANCE REPORTS. The
Sub-Adviser shall notify the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer and
Adviser immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to
manage any Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and
policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of
the Fund's or the Adviser's policies, guidelines or procedures. In
addition, the Sub-Adviser shall provide a quarterly report regarding
the Fund's compliance with its investment objectives and policies and
applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act and
Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund's and the Adviser's policies,
guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Adviser's obligations
under this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser acknowledges and agrees that the
Adviser may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance
certifications to the Board. The Sub-Adviser agrees to correct any such
failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the
Adviser may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The
Sub-Adviser shall also provide the officers of the Trust with
supporting certifications in connection with such certifications of
Fund financial statements and disclosure controls pursuant to the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Sub-Adviser will promptly notify the Trust in
the event (i) the Sub-Adviser is served or otherwise receives notice of
any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in
equity, before or by any court, public board, or body, involving the
affairs of the Trust (excluding class action suits in which a Fund is a
member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Fund's ownership of
shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub-Adviser with the
federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of
the Sub-Adviser changes or an actual change in control resulting in an
"assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise
proposed to occur.
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(b) INSPECTION. Upon reasonable request, the Sub-Adviser
agrees to make its records and premises (including the availability of
the Sub-Adviser's employees for interviews) to the extent that they
relate to the conduct of services provided to the Fund or the
Sub-Adviser's conduct of its business as an investment adviser
reasonably available for compliance audits by the Adviser or a Fund's
employees, accountants or counsel; in this regard, the Fund and the
Adviser acknowledge that the Sub-Adviser shall have no obligations to
make available proprietary information unrelated to the services
provided to the Fund or any information related to other clients of the
Sub-Adviser, except to the extent necessary for the Adviser to confirm
the absence of any conflict of interest and compliance with any laws,
rules or regulations in the management of the Fund.
(c) BOARD AND FILINGS INFORMATION. The Sub-Adviser will also
provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested regarding
its management of the Fund required for any meeting of the Board, or
for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, proxy
statement, or prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the
Commission. The Sub-Adviser will make its officers and employees
available to meet with the Board from time to time on due notice to
review its investment management services to the Fund in light of
current and prospective economic and market conditions and shall
furnish to the Board such information as may reasonably be necessary in
order for the Board to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed
amendments thereto.
(d) TRANSACTION INFORMATION. The Sub-Adviser shall furnish to
the Adviser such information concerning portfolio transactions as may
be necessary to enable the Adviser to perform such compliance testing
on the Fund and the Sub-Adviser's services as the Adviser may, in its
sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. The provision of such
information by the Sub-Adviser in no way relieves the Sub-Adviser of
its own responsibilities under this Agreement.
4. BROKERAGE.
(a) PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS. In connection with purchases or
sales of securities for the account of a Fund, neither the Sub-Adviser
nor any of its directors, officers or employees will act as a principal
or agent or receive any commission except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
(b) PLACEMENT OF ORDERS. The Sub-Adviser shall arrange for
the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of securities for a
Fund's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Sub-Adviser. In
the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such
orders, the Sub-Adviser is directed at all times to seek for a Fund the
most favorable execution and net price available under the
circumstances. It is also understood that it is desirable for the Fund
that the Sub-Adviser have access to brokerage and research services
provided by brokers who may execute brokerage transactions at a higher
cost to the Fund than may result when allocating brokerage to other
brokers, consistent with section 28(e) of the 1934 Act and any
Commission staff interpretations thereof. Therefore, the Sub-Adviser is
authorized to place orders for the purchase and sale of securities for
the Fund with such brokers, subject to review by the Adviser and the
Board from time to time with respect to the extent and continuation of
this practice. It is understood that the services provided by such
brokers may be useful to the Sub-Adviser in connection with its or its
affiliates' services to other clients.
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(c) AGGREGATED TRANSACTIONS. On occasions when the Sub-Adviser
deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of
a Fund as well as other clients of the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser
may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations,
aggregate the order for securities to be sold or purchased. In such
event, the Sub-Adviser will allocate securities or futures contracts so
purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction,
in the manner the Sub-Adviser reasonably considers to be equitable and
consistent with its fiduciary obligations to a Fund and to such other
clients under the circumstances.
(d) AFFILIATED BROKERS. The Sub-Adviser or any of its
affiliates may act as broker in connection with the purchase or sale of
securities or other investments for a Fund, subject to: (a) the
requirement that the Sub-Adviser seek to obtain best execution and
price within the policy guidelines determined by the Board and set
forth in a Fund's current prospectus and SAI; (b) the provisions of the
1940 Act; (c) the provisions of the 1934 Act; and (d) other provisions
of applicable law. These brokerage services are not within the scope of
the duties of the Sub-Adviser under this Agreement. Subject to the
requirements of applicable law and any procedures adopted by the Board,
the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates may receive brokerage commissions,
fees or other remuneration from a Fund for these services in addition
to the Sub-Adviser's fees for services under this Agreement.
5. CUSTODY. Nothing in this Agreement shall permit the
Sub-Adviser to take or receive physical possession of cash, securities or other
investments of a Fund.
6. ALLOCATION OF CHARGES AND EXPENSES. The Sub-Adviser will bear
its own costs of providing services hereunder. Other than as herein specifically
indicated, the Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible for a Fund's or the
Adviser's expenses, including brokerage and other expenses incurred in placing
orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments.
7. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.
(a) PROPERLY REGISTERED. The Sub-Adviser is registered
as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and will remain so
registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser is not
prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the
services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of
the Sub-Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation that is
reasonably likely to result in the Sub-Adviser being prohibited from
performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser
agrees to promptly notify the Trust of the occurrence of any event that
would disqualify the Sub-Adviser from serving as an investment adviser
to an investment company. The Sub-Adviser is in compliance in all
material respects with all applicable federal and state law in
connection with its investment management operations.
A-5
(b) ADV DISCLOSURE. The Sub-Adviser has provided the Trust
with a copy of Part I of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the
Commission and its Part II as most recently updated and will, promptly
after filing any amendment to its Form ADV with the Commission or
updating its Part II, furnish a copy of such amendments or updates to
the Trust. The information contained in the Adviser's Form ADV is
accurate and complete in all material respects and does not omit to
state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(c) FUND DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS. The Sub-Adviser has reviewed
and will in the future review, the Registration Statement, and any
amendments or supplements thereto, the annual or semi-annual reports to
shareholders, other reports filed with the Commission and any marketing
material of a Fund (collectively the "Disclosure Documents") and
represents and warrants that with respect to disclosure about the
Sub-Adviser, the manner in which the Sub-Adviser manages the Fund or
information relating directly or indirectly to the Sub-Adviser, such
Disclosure Documents contain or will contain, as of the date thereof,
no untrue statement of any material fact and does not omit any
statement of material fact which was required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.
(d) USE OF THE NAME "FROST". The Sub-Adviser has the right to
use the name "Frost" in connection with its services to the Trust and
that, subject to the terms set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement,
the Trust shall have the right to use the name "Frost " in connection
with the management and operation of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser is not
aware of any threatened or existing actions, claims, litigation or
proceedings that would adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the
Sub-Adviser or the Trust to use the name "Frost."
(e) INSURANCE. The Sub-Adviser maintains errors and omissions
insurance coverage in an appropriate amount and shall provide prior
written notice to the Trust (i) of any material changes in its
insurance policies or insurance coverage; or (ii) if any material
claims will be made on its insurance policies. Furthermore, the
Sub-Adviser shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any
information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope
of such insurance.
(f) NO DETRIMENTAL AGREEMENT. The Sub-Adviser represents and
warrants that it has no arrangement or understanding with any party,
other than the Trust, that would influence the decision of the
Sub-Adviser with respect to its selection of securities for a Fund, and
that all selections shall be done in accordance with what is in the
best interest of the Fund.
(g) CONFLICTS. The Sub-Adviser shall act honestly, in good
faith and in the best interests of the Trust including requiring any of
its personnel with knowledge of Fund activities to place the interest
of the Fund first, ahead of their own interests, in all personal
trading scenarios that may involve a conflict of interest with the
Fund, consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law.
(h) REPRESENTATIONS. The representations and warranties in
\this Section 7 shall be deemed to be made on the date this Agreement
is executed and at the time of delivery of the quarterly compliance
report required by Section 3(a), whether or not specifically referenced
in such report.
A-6
8. THE NAME "FROST". The Adviser has granted to the Trust a license to
use the name "Frost" as part of the name of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser and the
Fund shall be obligated to use the name "Frost" in the name of the Fund during
the period in which this Agreement remains in effect or the Sub-Adviser
otherwise acts as sub-investment adviser for the Fund, except as agreed to by
the Adviser. The foregoing authorization by the Adviser to the Trust to use said
name as part of the name of the Fund is not exclusive of the right of the
Adviser itself to use, or to authorize others to use, the same; the Sub-Adviser
acknowledges and agrees that as between the Sub-Adviser and the Adviser, the
Adviser has the exclusive right so to use, or authorize others to use, said name
and the Sub-Adviser agrees to take such action as may reasonably be requested by
the Adviser to give full effect to the provisions of this section. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Sub-Adviser agrees that, upon any
termination of this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser will not thereafter transact any
business using the name "Frost."
9. SUB-ADVISER'S COMPENSATION. The Adviser shall pay to the
Sub-Adviser, as compensation for the Sub-Adviser's services hereunder, a fee,
determined as described in Schedule A that is attached hereto and made a part
hereof. Such fee shall be computed daily and paid monthly in arrears by the
Adviser. The Fund shall have no responsibility for any fee payable to the
Sub-Adviser.
The Sub-Adviser will be compensated based on the portion of Fund assets
allocated to the Sub-Adviser by the Adviser. In the event of termination of this
Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of
the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect
subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the
current month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month.
10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. In the performance of its duties hereunder,
the Sub-Adviser is and shall be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise
expressly provided herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no
authority to act for or represent the Fund or the Adviser in any way or
otherwise be deemed to be an agent of the Fund or the Adviser. If any occasion
should arise in which the Sub-Adviser gives any advice to its clients concerning
the shares of a Fund, the Sub-Adviser will act solely as investment counsel for
such clients and not in any way on behalf of the Fund.
11. ASSIGNMENT AND AMENDMENTS. This Agreement shall automatically
terminate, without the payment of any penalty, (i) in the event of its
assignment (as defined in section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act) or (ii) in the event
of the termination of the Management Agreement; provided that such termination
shall not relieve the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser of any liability incurred
hereunder.
This Agreement may not be added to or changed orally and may not be
modified or rescinded except by a writing signed by the parties hereto and in
accordance with the 1940 Act, when applicable.
12. DURATION AND TERMINATION.
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall
remain in full force and effect continually thereafter, subject to
renewal as provided in Section 12(c) and unless terminated
automatically as set forth in Section 11 hereof or until terminated as
follows:
(a) The Adviser may at any time terminate this Agreement by
not more than sixty (60) days' nor less than thirty (30) days' written
notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the
Sub-Adviser. In addition, the Fund may cause this Agreement to
terminate either (i) by vote of its Board or (ii) upon the affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; or
A-7
(b) The Sub-Adviser may at any time terminate this Agreement
by not more than sixty (60) days' nor less than thirty (30) days'
written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid,
to the Adviser; or
(c) This Agreement shall automatically terminate two years
from the date of its execution unless its renewal is specifically
approved at least annually thereafter by (i) a majority vote of the
Trustees, including a majority vote of such Trustees who are not
interested persons of the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; or (ii) the
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund;
provided, however, that if the continuance of this Agreement is
submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their approval and such
shareholders fail to approve such continuance of this Agreement as
provided herein, the Sub-Adviser may continue to serve hereunder as to
the Fund in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder; and
(d) Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section
shall be without payment of any penalty.
In the event of termination of this Agreement for any reason, the
Sub-Adviser shall, immediately upon notice of termination or on such later date
as may be specified in such notice, cease all activity on behalf of the Fund and
with respect to any Fund assets, except as expressly directed by the Adviser or
as otherwise required by any fiduciary duties of the Sub-Adviser under
applicable law. In addition, the Sub-Adviser shall deliver the Fund's Books and
Records to the Adviser by such means and in accordance with such schedule as the
Adviser shall direct and shall otherwise cooperate, as reasonably directed by
the Adviser, in the transition of portfolio asset management to any successor of
the Sub-Adviser, including the Adviser.
13. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS AGREEMENT:
(a) "Affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund" shall have the meaning as set forth in the 1940
Act, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the
Commission under the 1940 Act or any interpretations of the Commission
staff.
(b) "Interested persons" and "Assignment" shall have their respective
meanings as set forth in the 1940 Act, subject, however, to such exemptions as
may be granted by the Commission under the 1940 Act or any interpretations of
the Commission staff.
14. LIABILITY OF THE SUB-ADVISER. The Sub-Adviser shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Trust and all affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning
of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act) and all controlling persons (as described in
Section 15 of the 1933 Act) (collectively, the "Sub-Adviser Indemnitees")
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation
(including reasonable legal and other expenses) by reason of or arising out of:
(a) the Sub-Adviser being in material violation of any applicable federal or
state law, rule or regulation or any investment policy or restriction set forth
in the Fund's Registration Statement or any written guidelines or instruction
provided in writing by the Board, (b) a Fund's failure to satisfy the
diversification or source of income requirements of Subchapter M of the Code, or
(c) the Sub-Adviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence generally in
the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under this Agreement.
15. ENFORCEABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms or provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
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16. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge
and agree that all litigation arising hereunder, whether direct or indirect, and
of any and every nature whatsoever shall be satisfied solely out of the assets
of the affected Fund and that no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of
beneficial interest of the Fund shall be personally liable for any of the
foregoing liabilities. The Trust's Certificate of Trust, as amended from time to
time, is on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. Such Certificate of Trust and the Trust's Agreement and
Declaration of Trust describe in detail the respective responsibilities and
limitations on liability of the Trustees, officers, and holders of shares of
beneficial interest.
17. CHANGE IN THE ADVISER'S OWNERSHIP. The Sub-Adviser agrees that it
shall notify the Trust of any anticipated or otherwise reasonably foreseeable
change in the ownership of the Sub-Adviser within a reasonable time prior to
such change being effected.
18. JURISDICTION. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
the Sub-Adviser consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal,
in Massachusetts, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement.
19. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The headings of paragraphs contained in this
Agreement are provided for convenience only, form no part of this Agreement and
shall not affect its construction.
20. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be signed
on their behalf by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above
written.
FROST INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC
By:______________________________________
Name:[ ]
Title:[ ]
CAMBIAR INVESTORS, LLC
By:______________________________________
Name:[ ]
Title:[ ]
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SCHEDULE A
TO THE
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
DATED , 2010 BETWEEN
FROST INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC
AND
CAMBIAR INVESTORS, LLC
The Adviser will pay to the Sub-Adviser as compensation for the Sub-Adviser's
services rendered, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the average
daily net assets of the respective Fund as may be allocated by the Adviser to
the Sub-Adviser from time to time under the following fee schedule:
FUND RATE
---- ----
Frost Small Cap Equity Fund 0.62%
A-11
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF ARTIO GLOBAL SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") made as of this ____th day of
, 2010 by and between FROST INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC a Delaware limited
liability company with its principal place of business at 100 West Houston
Street, 15th Floor, San Antonio, Texas 78205 (the "Adviser"), and ARTIO GLOBAL
MANAGEMENT LLC a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of
business at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (the "Sub-Adviser").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, pursuant to authority granted to the Adviser by the Board of
Trustees (the "Board") of THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II (the "Trust") on
behalf of the series set forth on Schedule A to this Agreement (the "Fund") and
pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of May
5, 2008 between the Adviser and the Fund (the "Management Agreement"), the
Adviser has selected the Sub-Adviser to act as sub-investment adviser of the
Fund and to provide certain related services, as more fully set forth below, and
to perform such services under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits
set forth herein, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser do hereby agree as follows:
1. The Sub-Adviser's Services.
(a) DISCRETIONARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES. The
Sub-Adviser shall act as sub-investment adviser with respect to the
Fund. In such capacity, the Sub-Adviser shall, subject to the
supervision of the Adviser and the Board, regularly provide the Fund
with investment research, advice and supervision and shall furnish
continuously an investment program for such Fund assets as may be
allocated by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser, consistent with the
investment objectives and policies of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser shall
determine, from time to time, what investments shall be purchased for
the Fund and what such securities shall be held or sold by the Fund,
subject always to the provisions of the Trust's Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and its registration statement on Form
N-1A (the "Registration Statement") under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), covering Fund shares, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), and to the
investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as each
of the same shall be from time to time in effect. To carry out such
obligations, the Sub-Adviser shall exercise full discretion and act for
the Fund in the same manner and with the same force and effect as the
Fund itself might or could do with respect to purchases, sales or other
transactions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sub-Adviser shall,
upon written instructions from the Adviser, effect such portfolio
transactions for the Fund as the Adviser may from time to time direct;
provided however, that the Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible for any
such portfolio transactions effected upon written instructions from the
Adviser. No reference in this Agreement to the Sub-Adviser having full
discretionary authority over the Fund's investments shall in any way
limit the right of the Adviser, in its sole discretion, to establish or
revise policies in connection with the management of the Fund's assets
or to otherwise exercise its right to control the overall management of
the Fund's assets.
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(b) COMPLIANCE. The Sub-Adviser agrees to comply with the
requirements of the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended (the "Advisers Act"), the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the Commodity Exchange Act and
the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well
as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations
and case law that relate to the services and relationships described
hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment
adviser. The Sub-Adviser also agrees to comply with the objectives,
policies and restrictions set forth in the Registration Statement, as
amended or supplemented, of the Fund, and with any policies,
guidelines, instructions and procedures approved by the Board or the
Adviser and provided to the Sub-Adviser. In selecting the Fund's
portfolio securities and performing the Sub-Adviser's obligations
hereunder, the Sub-Adviser shall cause the Fund to comply with the
diversification and source of income requirements of Subchapter M of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for
qualification as a regulated investment company. The Sub-Adviser shall
maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate
to ensure the compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity
undertaken by the Adviser shall limit the Sub-Adviser's full
responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(c) PROXY VOTING. Pursuant to Board authority, the
Adviser has the authority to determine how proxies with respect to
securities that are held by the Fund shall be voted, and the Adviser
has determined to delegate the authority and responsibility to vote
proxies for the Fund's securities to the Sub-Adviser. So long as proxy
voting authority for the Fund has been delegated to the Sub-Adviser,
the Sub-Adviser shall provide such assistance to the Adviser with
respect to the voting of proxies for the Fund as the Adviser may from
time to time reasonably request, and the Sub-Adviser shall promptly
forward to the Adviser any information or documents necessary for the
Adviser to exercise its proxy voting responsibilities. The Sub-Adviser
shall not vote proxies with respect to the securities held by the Fund
unless and until the Board or the Adviser delegates such authority and
responsibility to the Sub-Adviser or otherwise instructs the
Sub-Adviser to do so in writing, whereupon the Sub-Adviser shall carry
out such responsibility in accordance with any instructions that the
Board or the Adviser shall provide from time to time and shall provide
such reports and keep such records relating to proxy voting as the
Board may reasonably request or as may be necessary for the Fund to
comply with the 1940 Act and other applicable law. Any such delegation
of proxy voting responsibility to the Sub-Adviser may be revoked or
modified by the Board or the Adviser at any time.
(d) RECORDKEEPING. The Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible
for the provision of administrative, bookkeeping or accounting services
to the Fund, except as otherwise provided herein or as may be necessary
for the Sub-Adviser to supply to the Adviser, the Fund or its Board the
information required to be supplied under this Agreement.
The Sub-Adviser shall maintain separate books and detailed
records of all matters pertaining to the Fund's assets advised by the
Sub-Adviser required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those
records being maintained by the Adviser, custodian or transfer agent
appointed by the Fund) relating to its responsibilities provided
hereunder with respect to the Fund, and shall preserve such records for
the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under
the 1940 Act (the "Fund Books and Records"). The Fund Books and Records
shall be available to the Adviser and the Board at any time upon
request shall be delivered to the Fund upon the termination of this
Agreement and shall be available for telecopying without delay during
any day the Fund is open for business.
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(e) HOLDINGS INFORMATION AND PRICING. The Sub-Adviser shall
provide regular reports regarding the Fund's holdings, and shall, on
its own initiative, furnish the Fund and the Adviser from time to time
with whatever information the Sub-Adviser believes is appropriate for
this purpose. The Sub-Adviser agrees to immediately notify the Adviser
if the Sub-Adviser reasonably believes that the value of any security
held by a Fund may not reflect fair value. The Sub-Adviser agrees to
provide any pricing information of which the Sub-Adviser is aware to
the Adviser and/or any Fund pricing agent to assist in the
determination of the fair value of any Fund holdings for which market
quotations are not readily available or as otherwise required in
accordance with the 1940 Act or the Fund valuation procedures for the
purpose of calculating the Fund's net asset value in accordance with
procedures and methods established by the Board.
(f) COOPERATION WITH AGENTS OF THE ADVISER AND THE FUND. The
Sub-Adviser agrees to cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance
to the Adviser, the Fund and the Fund's custodian and foreign
sub-custodians, the Fund's pricing agents and all other agents and
representatives of the Fund and the Adviser, such information with
respect to the Fund as such entities may reasonably request from time
to time in the performance of their obligations, provide prompt
responses to reasonable requests made by such persons and establish
appropriate interfaces with each so as to promote the efficient
exchange of information and compliance with applicable laws and
regulations.
2. CODE OF ETHICS. The Sub-Adviser has adopted a written code of
ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1
under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Adviser and the Fund. The
Sub-Adviser shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the
Sub-Adviser's Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the
Sub-Adviser's Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the
Sub-Adviser shall provide the Fund with (i) a copy of the Sub-Adviser's current
Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a certification that it
has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from
engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Adviser's Code of Ethics.
Annually, the Sub-Adviser shall furnish a written report, which complies with
the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Adviser's Code of Ethics to
the Fund and the Adviser. The Sub-Adviser shall respond to requests for
information from the Adviser as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and
the sanctions imposed by the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser shall immediately
notify the Adviser of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such
violation relates to a security held by any Fund.
3. INFORMATION AND REPORTING. The Sub-Adviser shall provide the
Fund, the Adviser, and their respective officers with such periodic reports
concerning the obligations the Sub-Adviser has assumed under this Agreement as
the Fund and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request.
(a) NOTIFICATION OF BREACH / COMPLIANCE REPORTS. The
Sub-Adviser shall notify the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer and
Adviser immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to
manage any Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and
policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of
the Fund's or the Adviser's policies, guidelines or procedures. In
addition, the Sub-Adviser shall provide a quarterly report regarding
the Fund's compliance with its investment objectives and policies and
applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act and
Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund's and the Adviser's policies,
guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Sub-Adviser's obligations
under this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser acknowledges and agrees that the
Adviser may, in its discretion, provide such quarterly compliance
certifications to the Board. The Sub-Adviser agrees to correct any such
failure promptly and to take any action that the Board and/or the
Adviser may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. The
Sub-Adviser shall also provide the officers of the Trust with
supporting certifications in connection with such certifications of
Fund financial statements and disclosure controls pursuant to the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Sub-Adviser will promptly notify the Trust in
the event (i) the Sub-Adviser is served or otherwise receives notice of
any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in
equity, before or by any court, public board, or body, involving the
affairs of the Trust (excluding class action suits in which a Fund is a
member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Fund's ownership of
shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Sub-Adviser with the
federal or state securities laws or (ii) the controlling stockholder of
the Sub-Adviser changes or an actual change in control resulting in an
"assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise
proposed to occur.
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(b) INSPECTION. Upon reasonable request, the Sub-Adviser
agrees to make its records and premises (including the availability of
the Sub-Adviser's employees for interviews) to the extent that they
relate to the conduct of services provided to the Fund or the
Sub-Adviser's conduct of its business as an investment adviser
reasonably available for compliance audits by the Adviser or a Fund's
employees, accountants or counsel; in this regard, the Fund and the
Adviser acknowledge that the Sub-Adviser shall have no obligations to
make available proprietary information unrelated to the services
provided to the Fund or any information related to other clients of the
Sub-Adviser, except to the extent necessary for the Adviser to confirm
the absence of any conflict of interest and compliance with any laws,
rules or regulations in the management of the Fund.
(c) BOARD AND FILINGS INFORMATION. The Sub-Adviser will also
provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested regarding
its management of the Fund required for any meeting of the Board, or
for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, proxy
statement, or prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the
Commission. The Sub-Adviser will make its officers and employees
available to meet with the Board from time to time on due notice to
review its investment management services to the Fund in light of
current and prospective economic and market conditions and shall
furnish to the Board such information as may reasonably be necessary in
order for the Board to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed
amendments thereto.
(d) TRANSACTION INFORMATION. The Sub-Adviser shall furnish to
the Adviser such information concerning portfolio transactions as may
be necessary to enable the Adviser to perform such compliance testing
on the Fund and the Sub-Adviser's services as the Adviser may, in its
sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. The provision of such
information by the Sub-Adviser in no way relieves the Sub-Adviser of
its own responsibilities under this Agreement.
4. BROKERAGE.
(a) PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS. In connection with purchases or
sales of securities for the account of a Fund, neither the Sub-Adviser
nor any of its directors, officers or employees will act as a principal
or agent or receive any commission except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
(b) PLACEMENT OF ORDERS. The Sub-Adviser shall arrange for
the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of securities for a
Fund's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Sub-Adviser. In
the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such
orders, the Sub-Adviser is directed at all times to seek for a Fund the
most favorable execution and net price available under the
circumstances. It is also understood that it is desirable for the Fund
that the Sub-Adviser have access to brokerage and research services
provided by brokers who may execute brokerage transactions at a higher
cost to the Fund than may result when allocating brokerage to other
brokers, consistent with section 28(e) of the 1934 Act and any
Commission staff interpretations thereof. Therefore, the Sub-Adviser is
authorized to place orders for the purchase and sale of securities for
the Fund with such brokers, subject to review by the Adviser and the
Board from time to time with respect to the extent and continuation of
this practice. It is understood that the services provided by such
brokers may be useful to the Sub-Adviser in connection with its or its
affiliates' services to other clients.
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(c) AGGREGATED TRANSACTIONS. On occasions when the Sub-Adviser
deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of
a Fund as well as other clients of the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser
may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations,
aggregate the order for securities to be sold or purchased. In such
event, the Sub-Adviser will allocate securities or futures contracts so
purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction,
in the manner the Sub-Adviser reasonably considers to be equitable and
consistent with its fiduciary obligations to a Fund and to such other
clients under the circumstances.
(d) AFFILIATED BROKERS. The Sub-Adviser or any of its
affiliates may act as broker in connection with the purchase or sale of
securities or other investments for a Fund, subject to: (a) the
requirement that the Sub-Adviser seek to obtain best execution and
price within the policy guidelines determined by the Board and set
forth in a Fund's current prospectus and SAI; (b) the provisions of the
1940 Act; (c) the provisions of the 1934 Act; and (d) other provisions
of applicable law. These brokerage services are not within the scope of
the duties of the Sub-Adviser under this Agreement. Subject to the
requirements of applicable law and any procedures adopted by the Board,
the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates may receive brokerage commissions,
fees or other remuneration from a Fund for these services in addition
to the Sub-Adviser's fees for services under this Agreement.
5. CUSTODY. Nothing in this Agreement shall permit the
Sub-Adviser to take or receive physical possession of cash, securities or other
investments of a Fund.
6. ALLOCATION OF CHARGES AND EXPENSES. The Sub-Adviser will bear
its own costs of providing services hereunder. Other than as herein specifically
indicated, the Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible for a Fund's or the
Adviser's expenses, including brokerage and other expenses incurred in placing
orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments.
7. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.
(a) PROPERLY REGISTERED. The Sub-Adviser is registered
as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and will remain so
registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser is not
prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the
services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of
the Sub-Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation that is
reasonably likely to result in the Sub-Adviser being prohibited from
performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser
agrees to promptly notify the Trust of the occurrence of any event that
would disqualify the Sub-Adviser from serving as an investment adviser
to an investment company. The Sub-Adviser is in compliance in all
material respects with all applicable federal and state law in
connection with its investment management operations.
B-5
(b) ADV DISCLOSURE. The Sub-Adviser has provided the Trust
with a copy of Part I of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the
Commission and its Part II as most recently updated and will, promptly
after filing any amendment to its Form ADV with the Commission or
updating its Part II, furnish a copy of such amendments or updates to
the Trust. The information contained in the Adviser's Form ADV is
accurate and complete in all material respects and does not omit to
state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(c) FUND DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS. The Sub-Adviser has reviewed
and will in the future review, the Registration Statement, and any
amendments or supplements thereto, the annual or semi-annual reports to
shareholders, other reports filed with the Commission and any marketing
material of a Fund (collectively the "Disclosure Documents") and
represents and warrants that with respect to disclosure about the
Sub-Adviser, the manner in which the Sub-Adviser manages the Fund or
information relating directly or indirectly to the Sub-Adviser, such
Disclosure Documents contain or will contain, as of the date thereof,
no untrue statement of any material fact and does not omit any
statement of material fact which was required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.
(d) USE OF THE NAME "FROST". The Sub-Adviser has the right to
use the name "Frost" in connection with its services to the Trust and
that, subject to the terms set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement,
the Trust shall have the right to use the name "Frost " in connection
with the management and operation of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser is not
aware of any threatened or existing actions, claims, litigation or
proceedings that would adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the
Sub-Adviser or the Trust to use the name "Frost."
(e) INSURANCE. The Sub-Adviser maintains errors and omissions
insurance coverage in an appropriate amount and shall provide prior
written notice to the Trust (i) of any material changes in its
insurance policies or insurance coverage; or (ii) if any material
claims will be made on its insurance policies. Furthermore, the
Sub-Adviser shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any
information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope
of such insurance.
(f) NO DETRIMENTAL AGREEMENT. The Sub-Adviser represents and
warrants that it has no arrangement or understanding with any party,
other than the Trust, that would influence the decision of the
Sub-Adviser with respect to its selection of securities for a Fund, and
that all selections shall be done in accordance with what is in the
best interest of the Fund.
(g) CONFLICTS. The Sub-Adviser shall act honestly, in good
faith and in the best interests of the Trust including requiring any of
its personnel with knowledge of Fund activities to place the interest
of the Fund first, ahead of their own interests, in all personal
trading scenarios that may involve a conflict of interest with the
Fund, consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law.
(h) REPRESENTATIONS. The representations and warranties in
this Section 7 shall be deemed to be made on the date this Agreement is
executed and at the time of delivery of the quarterly compliance report
required by Section 3(a), whether or not specifically referenced in
such report.
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8. THE NAME "FROST". The Adviser has granted to the Trust a license to
use the name "Frost" as part of the name of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser and the
Fund shall be obligated to use the name "Frost" in the name of the Fund during
the period in which this Agreement remains in effect or the Sub-Adviser
otherwise acts as sub-investment adviser for the Fund, except as agreed to by
the Adviser. The foregoing authorization by the Adviser to the Trust to use said
name as part of the name of the Fund is not exclusive of the right of the
Adviser itself to use, or to authorize others to use, the same; the Sub-Adviser
acknowledges and agrees that as between the Sub-Adviser and the Adviser, the
Adviser has the exclusive right so to use, or authorize others to use, said name
and the Sub-Adviser agrees to take such action as may reasonably be requested by
the Adviser to give full effect to the provisions of this section. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Sub-Adviser agrees that, upon any
termination of this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser will not thereafter transact any
business using the name "Frost."
9. SUB-ADVISER'S COMPENSATION. The Adviser shall pay to the
Sub-Adviser, as compensation for the Sub-Adviser's services hereunder, a fee,
determined as described in Schedule A that is attached hereto and made a part
hereof. Such fee shall be computed daily and paid monthly in arrears by the
Adviser. The Fund shall have no responsibility for any fee payable to the
Sub-Adviser.
The Sub-Adviser will be compensated based on the portion of Fund assets
allocated to the Sub-Adviser by the Adviser. In the event of termination of this
Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of
the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect
subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the
current month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month.
10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. In the performance of its duties hereunder,
the Sub-Adviser is and shall be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise
expressly provided herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no
authority to act for or represent the Fund or the Adviser in any way or
otherwise be deemed to be an agent of the Fund or the Adviser. If any occasion
should arise in which the Sub-Adviser gives any advice to its clients concerning
the shares of a Fund, the Sub-Adviser will act solely as investment counsel for
such clients and not in any way on behalf of the Fund.
11. ASSIGNMENT AND AMENDMENTS. This Agreement shall automatically
terminate, without the payment of any penalty, (i) in the event of its
assignment (as defined in section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act) or (ii) in the event
of the termination of the Management Agreement; provided that such termination
shall not relieve the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser of any liability incurred
hereunder.
This Agreement may not be added to or changed orally and may not be
modified or rescinded except by a writing signed by the parties hereto and in
accordance with the 1940 Act, when applicable.
12. DURATION AND TERMINATION.
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall
remain in full force and effect continually thereafter, subject to
renewal as provided in Section 12(c) and unless terminated
automatically as set forth in Section 11 hereof or until terminated as
follows:
(a) The Adviser may at any time terminate this Agreement by
not more than sixty (60) days' nor less than thirty (30) days' written
notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the
Sub-Adviser. In addition, the Fund may cause this Agreement to
terminate either (i) by vote of its Board or (ii) upon the affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; or
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(b) The Sub-Adviser may at any time terminate this Agreement
by not more than sixty (60) days' nor less than thirty (30) days'
written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid,
to the Adviser; or
(c) This Agreement shall automatically terminate two years
from the date of its execution unless its renewal is specifically
approved at least annually thereafter by (i) a majority vote of the
Trustees, including a majority vote of such Trustees who are not
interested persons of the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; or (ii) the
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund;
provided, however, that if the continuance of this Agreement is
submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their approval and such
shareholders fail to approve such continuance of this Agreement as
provided herein, the Sub-Adviser may continue to serve hereunder as to
the Fund in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder; and
(d) Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section
shall be without payment of any penalty.
In the event of termination of this Agreement for any reason, the
Sub-Adviser shall, immediately upon notice of termination or on such
later date as may be specified in such notice, cease all activity on
behalf of the Fund and with respect to any Fund assets, except as
expressly directed by the Adviser or as otherwise required by any
fiduciary duties of the Sub-Adviser under applicable law. In addition,
the Sub-Adviser shall deliver the Fund's Books and Records to the
Adviser by such means and in accordance with such schedule as the
Adviser shall direct and shall otherwise cooperate, as reasonably
directed by the Adviser, in the transition of portfolio asset
management to any successor of the Sub-Adviser, including the Adviser.
13. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS AGREEMENT:
(a) "Affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund" shall have the meaning as set forth in the 1940
Act, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the
Commission under the 1940 Act or any interpretations of the Commission
staff.
(b) "Interested persons" and "Assignment" shall have their
respective meanings as set forth in the 1940 Act, subject, however, to
such exemptions as may be granted by the Commission under the 1940 Act
or any interpretations of the Commission staff.
14. LIABILITY OF THE SUB-ADVISER. The Sub-Adviser shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Trust and all affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning
of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act) and all their respective controlling persons
(as described in Section 15 of the 1933 Act) (collectively, the "Sub-Adviser
Indemnitees") against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) by reason of or
arising out of: (a) the Sub-Adviser being in material violation of any
applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation or any investment policy or
restriction set forth in the Fund's Registration Statement or any written
guidelines or instruction provided in writing by the Board, (b) a Fund's failure
to satisfy the diversification or source of income requirements of Subchapter M
of the Code generally in the performance of its duties or obligations as
specifically stated in this Agreement, or (c) the Sub-Adviser's willful
misfeasance, bad faith or negligence generally in the performance of its duties
hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement; provided that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation
(including reasonable legal and other expenses) are not the result of any act of
or breach of duty by the Funds, the Trust, and/or the Adviser.
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15. ENFORCEABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms or provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
16. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge
and agree that all litigation arising hereunder, whether direct or indirect, and
of any and every nature whatsoever shall be satisfied solely out of the assets
of the affected Fund and that no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of
beneficial interest of the Fund shall be personally liable for any of the
foregoing liabilities. The Trust's Certificate of Trust, as amended from time to
time, is on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. Such Certificate of Trust and the Trust's Agreement and
Declaration of Trust describe in detail the respective responsibilities and
limitations on liability of the Trustees, officers, and holders of shares of
beneficial interest.
17. CHANGE IN THE ADVISER'S OWNERSHIP. The Sub-Adviser agrees that it
shall notify the Trust of any anticipated or otherwise reasonably foreseeable
change in the ownership of the Sub-Adviser within a reasonable time prior to
such change being effected.
18. JURISDICTION. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
the Sub-Adviser consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal,
in Massachusetts, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement.
19. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The headings of paragraphs contained in this
Agreement are provided for convenience only, form no part of this Agreement and
shall not affect its construction.
20. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
B-9
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be signed
on their behalf by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above
written.
FROST INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC
By:______________________________________
Name:[ ]
Title:[ ]
ARTIO GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LLC
By:______________________________________
Name:[ ]
Title:[ ]
B-10
SCHEDULE A
TO THE
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
DATED , 2010 BETWEEN
FROST INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC
AND
ARTIO GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LLC
The Adviser will pay to the Sub-Adviser as compensation for the Sub-Adviser's
services rendered, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the average
daily net assets of the respective Fund as may be allocated by the Adviser to
the Sub-Adviser from time to time under the following fee schedule:
FUND RATE
---- ----
Frost Small Cap Equity Fund 0.70%
B-11
[OBJECT OMITTED] PROXY CARD FOR
FROST SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
A SERIES OF THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II
FORM OF PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS, TO BE HELD ON JUNE 29, 2010.
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies with respect to the units of
beneficial interest in the name of undersigned (the "Shares"), hereby appoints
Amanda Albano and Joseph Gallo as proxies, each with full power of substitution,
to vote all of the Shares at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Frost
Small Cap Equity Fund (the "Fund"), a series of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund
II (the "Trust"), to be held at the offices of the Fund's administrator, SEI
Investments Global Funds Services, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania
19456, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on June 29, 2010, and any adjournments or
postponements thereof (the "Meeting"); and on the reverse the undersigned hereby
instructs said proxies to vote.
[OBJECT OMITTED] IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY
OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE FROST SMALL CAP
EQUITY FUND SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON
JUNE 29, 2010
THE PROXY STATEMENT FOR THIS MEETING IS
AVAILABLE AT:
WWW.PROXYONLINE.COM/DOCS/FROST2010.PDF
PLEASE FOLD HERE AND RETURN THE ENTIRE CARD - DO NOT DETACH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROST SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
Proxy for Special Meeting of Shareholders -- June 29, 2010
PLEASE SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW IF YOU WISH TO VOTE BY MAIL OR BY FAX.
MAIL: To vote your proxy by mail, NOTE: Your signature acknowledges
check the appropriate voting receipt with this proxy of a copy of the
box on the reverse side of Notice of Special Meeting and the proxy
this proxy card, sign and statement. Your signature on this proxy
date the card and return it should be exactly as your name appears
in the enclosed postage-paid on this proxy. If the shares are held
envelope. jointly, either holder may sign this
proxy but the name of the person signing
FAX: You may return your completed should conform exactly to the name
proxy card via fax by sending appearing on this proxy.
it to 1-888-810-3042. Attorneys-in-fact, executors,
administrators, trustees or guardians
should indicate the full title and
capacity in which they are signing.
----------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER SIGN HERE DATE
----------------------------------------
JOINT OWNER SIGN HERE DATE
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE VOTED PROMPTLY.
EVERY SHAREHOLDER'S VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
FROST SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO
ATTEND THE MEETING. YOU MAY VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU
ATTEND.
This proxy will, when properly executed, be voted as directed herein by the
signing shareholder(s). If no contrary direction is given when the duly executed
proxy is returned, this proxy will be voted FOR the Proposals and will be voted
in the appointed proxies' discretion upon such other business as may properly
come before the Meeting.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS:
PLEASE FOLD HERE AND RETURN THE ENTIRE CARD - DO NOT DETACH
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TO VOTE, MARK BOXES BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS. Example: | |
1. To approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement for the Fund between Frost
Investment Advisors, LLC and Cambiar Investors LLC
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
| | | | | |
2. To approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement for the Fund between Frost
Investment Advisors, LLC and Artio Global Management LLC
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
| | | | | |