PRE 14A
1
reaves_pre14a.txt
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12
THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined):
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
3) Filing Party:
4) Date Filed:
REAVES SELECT RESEARCH FUND
A SERIES OF
THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II
ONE FREEDOM VALLEY DRIVE
OAKS, PENNSYLVANIA 19456
Dear Shareholder:
Enclosed is a notice, proxy statement and proxy card for a Special Meeting of
Shareholders (the "Meeting") of the Reaves Select Research Fund (the "Fund"), a
series of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II (the "Trust"). The Meeting is
scheduled for Friday, August 27, 2010. If you are a shareholder of record of the
Fund as of the close of business on June 7, 2010, you are entitled to vote at
the Meeting, and any adjournment of the Meeting.
At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve a new investment advisory
agreement ("New Agreement") between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and W.H.
Reaves & Co., Inc. ("Reaves" or the "Adviser"), the investment adviser to the
Fund (the "Proposal"). The terms of this New Agreement, including the advisory
fee, are identical to those of the prior advisory agreement (the "Prior
Agreement") between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and Reaves. You are being
asked to approve the New Agreement because the Prior Agreement terminated
effective May 6, 2010, as a result of the transaction described below.
On May 31, 2009, William Reaves retired from his positions as Non-Executive
Chairman of the Adviser and portfolio manager of the Fund. After his retirement,
Mr. Reaves was no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of the Fund or
the Adviser, but retained a 25.26% ownership interest in the Adviser. Mr. Reaves
sold this interest back to the Adviser on May 6, 2010. Under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), since Mr. Reaves was a greater
than 25% owner of the Adviser, the sale of his interest in the Adviser
constituted a change of control of the Adviser that resulted in the assignment,
and automatic termination, of the Prior Agreement under Section 15 of the 1940
Act. As a result, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, will need to enter into the
New Agreement with the Adviser. The New Agreement requires approval of both the
Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") and the shareholders of the Fund.
The Adviser does not expect this event to affect the nature and quality of the
services performed for the Fund and senior management personnel at the Adviser
continue to retain their current responsibilities. The remaining portfolio
managers of the Fund continue to be jointly and primarily responsible for the
day to day management of the Fund. Additionally, all of the terms and conditions
of the New Agreement are identical to the Prior Agreement.
The Board has approved an interim agreement (the "Interim Agreement") under
which the Adviser continues to provide investment advisory services during the
period between May 6, 2010 and shareholder approval of the New Agreement. The
Adviser can serve pursuant to the Interim Agreement for up to 150 days.
Compensation earned by the Adviser under the Interim Agreement will be held in
an interest-bearing escrow account. If the Fund's shareholders approve the New
Agreement prior to the end of the 150 day period, the amount held in the escrow
account under the Interim Agreement will be paid to the Adviser. If shareholders
of the Fund do not approve the New Agreement, the Adviser will be paid the
lesser of the costs incurred in performing its services under the Interim
Agreement or the total amount in the escrow account for the Fund, plus interest
earned.
Based on information the Board previously received from the Adviser, the Board
approved the New
Agreement, concluded that it is in the best interests of shareholders of the
Fund to approve the New Agreement and recommended that the Proposal be submitted
to shareholders for approval. To help you further understand the Proposal, we
have enclosed a Questions & Answers section that provides an overview of the
Proposal.
More specific information about the 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 PROPOSAL AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL AS DESCRIBED
IN THE PROXY STATEMENT.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT TO US. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO REVIEW THIS PROXY
STATEMENT AND VOTE YOUR SHARES TODAY. We have enclosed a proxy card that we ask
you to complete, sign, date and return as soon as possible, unless you plan to
attend the Meeting. You may also vote your shares by touch-tone telephone or in
person. Please follow the enclosed instructions to utilize any of these voting
methods.
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.
Thank you for your attention and consideration of this important Proposal and
for your investment in the Fund. If you need additional information, please call
shareholder services at 1-800-591-8268. Do not call the Fund's Adviser, W.H.
Reaves & Co., Inc.
Sincerely,
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, ALONG
WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE, SHOULD YOU
PREFER TO VOTE BY ONE OF THOSE METHODS.
IMPORTANT NEWS FOR SHAREHOLDERS
While we encourage you to read the full text of the enclosed Proxy Statement,
for your convenience here is a brief overview of the matter affecting the Fund
that requires a shareholder vote.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS PROXY STATEMENT?
A. You are receiving these proxy materials - a booklet that includes the proxy
statement and a proxy card - because you have the right to vote on an
important proposal concerning your investment in the Reaves Select Research
Fund (the "Proposal").
Q. WHAT IS HAPPENING?
A. On May 31, 2009, William Reaves retired from his positions as Non-Executive
Chairman of W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc. (the "Adviser"), the investment adviser
of the Reaves Select Research Fund (the "Fund"), and portfolio manager of
the Fund. After his retirement, Mr. Reaves was no longer involved in the
day-to-day operations of the Fund or the Adviser, but retained a 25.26%
ownership interest in the Adviser. On May 6, 2010, Mr. Reaves sold this
interest back to the Adviser (the "Transaction"). Under the 1940 Act,
because Mr. Reaves was a greater than 25% owner of the Adviser, the
Transaction constituted a change of control of the Adviser resulting in the
assignment, and automatic termination, of the Fund's investment advisory
agreement (the "Prior Agreement"). Therefore, the Trust, on behalf of the
Fund, will need to enter into a new investment advisory agreement with the
Adviser (the "New Agreement"). The New Agreement requires the approval of
both the Board and the shareholders of the Fund.
Q. HOW WILL MR. REAVES' RETIREMENT AND THE CHANGE OF CONTROL AFFECT THE FUND?
A. Other than the technical change in the ownership of the Adviser, all other
aspects of the present arrangement under the Prior Agreement, including the
operations of the Adviser, and the fees payable to the Adviser are expected
to remain unchanged. The remaining portfolio managers of the Fund continue
to be jointly and primarily responsible for the day to day management of
the Fund. The Adviser has assured the Board that there will be no reduction
or other material change in the nature or quality of the investment
advisory services to the Fund under the New Agreement.
Q. WHY AM I BEING ASKED TO VOTE ON A NEW AGREEMENT?
A. The Transaction constitutes a change of control under the 1940 Act, which
resulted in the assignment, and automatic termination, of the Prior
Agreement. The 1940 Act, which regulates investment companies such as the
Fund, requires shareholder approval of any new investment advisory
agreement between an investment adviser and an investment company. At a
meeting held on March 23, 2010, the Board reviewed and approved the New
Agreement as well as an interim agreement (the "Interim Agreement") under
which the Adviser currently continues to provide advisory services to the
Fund. The Interim Agreement took effect upon the consummation of the
Transaction on May 6, 2010, and will continue in effect for a term ending
on the earlier of 150 days from May 6, 2010 or when shareholders of the
Fund approve the New Agreement.
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Except for the time periods covered by the agreements and the effective
dates, there are no material differences between the New Agreement, the
Interim Agreement and the Prior Agreement. The Fund's advisory fee rates
will remain unchanged.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE NEW AGREEMENT IS NOT APPROVED?
A. The Board has approved the Interim Agreement, which took effect upon the
consummation of the Transaction on May 6, 2010, and which permits the
Adviser to continue to serve as adviser to the Fund following the
Transaction for a period not to exceed 150 days. If the New Agreement is
not approved by shareholders, the Fund will continue to operate under the
Interim Agreement (but for a period no longer than 150 days from the date
the Transaction was consummated) and the Board will consider such further
action as it deems in the best interests of the shareholders of the Fund,
including resubmitting the New Agreement to shareholders for approval.
Q. HOW DO THE TRUSTEES SUGGEST THAT I VOTE?
A. After careful consideration, the Trustees unanimously recommend that you
vote "FOR" the Proposal. Please see "Board Recommendations" for a
discussion of the Board's considerations in making its recommendation.
Q. WILL MY VOTE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
A. Yes. Your vote is needed to ensure that the Proposal 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. I AM A SMALL INVESTOR. WHY SHOULD I BOTHER TO VOTE?
A. Every vote is important. If numerous shareholders just like you fail to
vote, the Fund may not receive enough votes to go forward with the meeting.
If this happens, the Fund will need to solicit votes again.
Q. HOW DO I PLACE MY VOTE?
A. You may provide the Trust with your vote via mail, by telephone, or in
person. You may use the enclosed postage-paid envelope to mail your
proxy card. Please follow the enclosed instructions to utilize
any of these voting methods. If you need more information on how to vote,
or if you have any questions, please call shareholder services at
1-800-591-8268.
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 1-800-591-8268 between 9:00 a.m. and
10:00 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, ALONG
WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE, SHOULD YOU
PREFER TO VOTE BY ONE OF THOSE METHODS.
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REAVES SELECT RESEARCH 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 AUGUST 27, 2010
Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") of
the Reaves Select Research Fund (the "Fund"), a series of The Advisors' Inner
Circle Fund II (the "Trust"), will be held at the offices of SEI Investments,
One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456 on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 11:00
a.m. Eastern Time.
At the Meeting, shareholders of record of the Fund ("Shareholders") will be
asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on
behalf of the Fund, and W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc., the Fund's investment adviser
(a form of which is attached to the Proxy Statement as Exhibit A), and to
transact such other business, if any, as may properly come before the Meeting.
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. In addition, you can vote easily and quickly by telephone. Your vote is
important no matter how many shares you own. You may change your vote even
though a proxy has already been returned by written notice to the Trust, by
submitting a subsequent proxy using the mail, by telephone or by voting in
person at the Meeting.
Shareholders of record of the Fund at the close of business on June 7, 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 AUGUST 27, 2010.
The proxy statement is available at www.proxyonline.com/docs/reaves.pdf.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Philip T. Masterson
President
REAVES SELECT RESEARCH 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 AUGUST 27, 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 Reaves Select Research Fund
(the "Fund") to be held on Friday, August 27, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
at the offices of SEI Investments, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456, and
at any adjourned session thereof (such special meeting and any adjournment
thereof are hereinafter referred to as the "Meeting"). Shareholders of the Fund
of record at the close of business on June 7, 2010 ("Shareholders") are entitled
to vote at the Meeting. The proxy card and this proxy statement are being mailed
to Shareholders on or about July 1, 2010.
Each full share will be entitled to one vote at the Meeting and each fraction of
a share will be entitled to the fraction of a vote equal to the proportion of a
full share represented by the fractional share. As of June 7, 2010, the Investor
Class Shares and Institutional Shares of the Fund had 383,671.9470 and
7,390,695.4000, respectively, units of beneficial interest ("Shares") issued and
outstanding.
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 Fund's investment adviser,
W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter or any of their
affiliates. Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust are referred to
in this proxy statement as "Independent Trustees."
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PROPOSAL - APPROVAL OF THE NEW INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Fund is a series of the Trust. W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc. ("Reaves" or the
"Adviser") has served as the investment adviser of the Fund since its inception.
The Trust offers two classes of the Fund, Investor Class Shares and
Institutional Shares. Shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund will vote
together on the Proposal.
THE CHANGE IN CONTROL OF THE ADVISER
On May 31, 2009, William Reaves retired from his positions of Non-Executive
Chairman of the Adviser and portfolio manager of the Fund. After his retirement,
Mr. Reaves was no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of the Fund or
the Adviser, but retained a 25.26% ownership interest in the Adviser. On May 6,
2010, Mr. Reaves sold this interest back to the Adviser (the "Transaction").
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), since Mr.
Reaves was a greater than 25% owner of the Adviser, the sale of his interest in
the Adviser constituted a change of control of the Adviser that resulted in the
assignment, and automatic termination, of the prior investment advisory
agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the "Prior
Agreement") under Section 15 of the 1940 Act. As a result, the Trust, on behalf
of the Fund, will need to enter into a new investment advisory agreement with
the Adviser (the "New Agreement"). The New Agreement requires approval of both
the Board and the shareholders of the Fund. Following the Transaction, no
shareholder of the Adviser owns greater than 25% of the Adviser.
Other than the technical change in the ownership of the Adviser described above,
all other aspects of the arrangement under the Prior Agreement, including the
operations of the investment adviser, and the fees payable to the investment
adviser are expected to remain unchanged. The remaining portfolio managers of
the Fund continue to be jointly and primarily responsible for the day to day
management of the Fund. The Adviser has assured the Board that there will be no
reduction or other material change in the nature or quality of the investment
advisory services to the Fund under the New Agreement.
BOARD APPROVAL OF THE NEW AGREEMENT AND THE INTERIM AGREEMENT
The 1940 Act, which regulates investment companies such as the Fund, requires
shareholder approval of any new investment advisory agreement between an
investment adviser and an investment company. The Adviser has served as
investment adviser to the Fund since its inception. The Prior Agreement, dated
December 21, 2004, was approved by the Fund's initial shareholder on December
21, 2004. The Board last approved the continuance of the Prior Agreement at a
meeting held on August 11-12, 2009. At a March 23, 2010 meeting, the Board
approved an interim advisory agreement (with substantially similar terms as
those of the Prior Agreement) (the "Interim Agreement") and the New Agreement.
As of May 6, 2010, the effective date of the Transaction, the Adviser is
currently operating under the Interim Agreement. Under the 1940 Act, an
investment adviser may serve pursuant to an Interim Agreement after an existing
agreement has been terminated by assignment, without shareholder approval,
provided that, among other things, it is approved by the Board, including a
majority of the Independent Trustees, and that the term of the agreement does
not exceed 150 days. At the end of the 150-day period, the Interim Agreement
will terminate and shareholders must approve a new sub-advisory agreement.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW AGREEMENT
A form of the New Agreement is attached to this proxy statement as Exhibit A.
There are no material differences between the New Agreement and the Prior
Agreement. For instance, the Fund's advisory fee rate will remain unchanged.
With respect to duration of the New Agreement, the New Agreement provides that
unless terminated as provided therein, the New Agreement will continue for two
years. Thereafter, the New Agreement will continue in effect for successive
annual periods provided such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually: (a) by the Board and by the vote of a majority of those members of the
Board who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons of any such
party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval; or (b) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund. The Trust may cause the New 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. The Adviser may at any time terminate the New
Agreement by not more than sixty (60) days' nor less than thirty (30) days'
written notice to the Trust.
Pursuant to the New Agreement, the Adviser will continue to serve as the Fund's
investment adviser. Each of the Prior Agreement and the New Agreement requires
the investment adviser to:
o Manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets;
o Continuously review, supervise, and administer the investment program of
the Fund;
o Determine, in its discretion and without prior consultation, the
securities or investment instruments to be purchased, sold, lent or
otherwise traded for the Fund;
o Provide the Trust, and any other agent designated by the Trust, with
records concerning the Adviser's activities which the Trust is required
to maintain; and
o Provide other reports reasonably requested by the Trust's administrator
or the Trust's officers and Board concerning the Adviser's discharge of
the foregoing responsibilities.
Each of the Prior Agreement and the New Agreement also authorizes the Adviser to
select the brokers or dealers that will execute the purchases and sales of
securities of the Fund and directs the Adviser to seek to obtain the best
available price and most favorable execution. Subject to policies established by
the Board, the Adviser also may effect individual securities transactions at
commission rates in excess of the minimum commission rates available, if it
determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage or research services provided by such
broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the
investment adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund,
consistent with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
Each of the Prior Agreement and the New Agreement obligates the Adviser to
discharge its responsibilities subject to the control of the officers and the
Board, and in compliance with the objectives, policies and limitations set forth
in the Fund's prospectus and applicable laws and regulations. Each of the Prior
Agreement and the New Agreement requires the Adviser to indemnify the Trust for
certain losses and expenses. Under the Prior Agreement and the New Agreement,
the Adviser's obligation to indemnify may arise due to its willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence generally in the performance of its duties or its
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Prior Agreement and
the New Agreement. Under the terms of each of the Prior Agreement and the New
Agreement, the Adviser will bear its costs of providing its services thereunder.
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INFORMATION ON INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES
The New Agreement provides that, for its services, the Adviser is entitled to a
fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of
the average daily net assets of the Fund. This level of compensation is
identical to the level of compensation under the Prior Agreement.
During the most recent fiscal year ended July 31, 2009, the Fund paid the
Adviser the following advisory fees pursuant to the Prior Agreement:
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TOTAL FEES PAID TO THE ADVISER
CONTRACTUAL FEES PAID FEES WAIVED BY THE ADVISER (AFTER WAIVERS)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$387,189 $68,558 $318,631
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INFORMATION ON W.H. REAVES & CO., INC.
W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc., the Adviser, is a professional investment management
firm, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Adviser was established in 1961 and offers
investment management services for institutions including corporations,
foundations, endowments, government entities and high net worth individuals. As
of March 31, 2010, the Adviser had approximately $1.6 billion in assets under
management. The Adviser's principal place of business is located at 10 Exchange
Place, 18th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302.
The names and principal occupations of the principal executive officer and each
director of the Adviser are listed below.
The business address for each individual listed below is 10 Exchange Place, 18th
Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302.
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NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ronald J. Sorenson Director, Vice-Chairman, CEO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William A. Ferer Director, President
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louis F. Cimino Director, Vice President, COO, Treasurer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David M. Pass Director, Vice President, Corporate Secretary
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kathleen Vuchetich Director, Vice President
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Bartlett Director, Vice President
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy Porter Director, Vice President
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rowland Wilhelm Director, Vice President
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph Rhame III Vice President
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Adviser is a closely-held corporation. The names of each person that owns,
of record or beneficially, ten percent or more of the outstanding voting
securities of the investment adviser, are listed below. The address for each
person is 10 Exchange Place, 18th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302.
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NAME
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William Ferer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ronald Sorenson
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kathleen Vuchetich
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Bartlett
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louis Cimino
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Adviser currently acts as investment adviser to the following registered
investment company, a closed-end fund, with similar objectives and strategies as
that of the Fund.
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NAME OF FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE SIZE AS OF ADVISORY FEE
MARCH 31, 2010
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reaves Utility Income Fund To provide a high level of $667.5 million .575%
after-tax income and total
return consisting primarily of
tax-advantaged dividend income
and capital appreciation
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RECOMMENDATION OF TRUSTEES
BOARD CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE INTERIM AGREEMENT AND THE NEW AGREEMENT - In
approving the Interim Agreement and the New Agreement at its meeting held on
March 23, 2010, the Board relied on the information it had received at its
August 11-12, 2009 Board meeting, at which time it considered and renewed the
Prior Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. In
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addition, at the March Board meeting, the Adviser informed the Board that no
material events had occurred since the August Board meeting, nor was it aware of
any additional information that would reasonably be expected to have a material
impact upon the Board's consideration of the Interim Agreement or the New
Agreement. The Board also took into account that it was sufficiently familiar
with the services provided by the Adviser, its respective personnel and prior
performance, based on past dealings with the Adviser, its regular monitoring
process and the quarterly reports it receives from the Adviser. The Board also
considered that the Prior Agreement would be terminated as a result of the
Transaction. Further, the terms of the New Agreement were identical to those
contained in the Prior Agreement, with the exception of the change in effective
date.
At their August 11-12, 2009 meeting, the Trustees completed their annual review
and approval of the continuance of the Prior Agreement. Prior to that meeting,
the Board, including the Independent Trustees advised by their independent legal
counsel, received and reviewed written materials from the Adviser regarding,
among other things: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services to be
provided by the Adviser; (ii) the investment performance of the Fund and the
Adviser; (iii) the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be
realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from the relationship with the Fund;
(iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows;
and (v) whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of
Fund investors. Many of the factors considered at the August 2009 meeting were
applicable to the Trustees' evaluation of the Interim Agreement and the New
Agreement at the March 2010 meeting. Accordingly, in evaluating such agreements,
the Trustees relied upon their knowledge and experience with the Adviser and
considered the information received and their evaluations and conclusions drawn
at the August 2009 meeting.
During the annual review, representatives from the Adviser, along with other
Fund service providers, presented additional oral and written information to
help the Board evaluate the Adviser's fee and other aspects of the Prior
Agreement. Among other things, the representatives provided an overview of the
Adviser's history, ownership structure, personnel, investment philosophy and
execution quality. The Adviser's representatives then reviewed the Fund's
portfolio composition with respect to sector weightings and top ten holdings.
The Trustees then discussed the written materials that the Board received before
the meeting and the Adviser's oral presentation and any other information that
the Board received at the meeting, and deliberated on the renewal of the Prior
Agreement in light of this information. In its deliberations, the Board
considered the factors and reached the conclusions described below relating to
the selection of the Adviser and the re-approval of the Prior Agreement, and did
not identify any single piece of information discussed below that was
all-important, controlling or determinative of its decision.
At the March 2010 meeting, the Trustees considered the Transaction, the benefits
or undue burdens imposed on the Fund as a result of the Transaction, anticipated
effects on the Fund's expense ratio following the Transaction, legal issues for
the Fund as a result of the Transaction, and the costs associated with obtaining
necessary shareholder approvals and who would bear those costs. The Trustees
then deliberated on the approval of both the Interim Agreement and the New
Agreement in light of this information. In its deliberations, the Board
considered the factors and reached the conclusions described below relating to
the approval of both the Interim Agreement and the New Agreement, and 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 ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES. In considering the
nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board
noted that there are no material differences between the terms of the Prior
Agreement, the Interim Agreement and the New Agreement, including the fees
payable thereunder. Based on its review along with its considerations regarding
services at the annual review, the Board concluded that the expected nature,
quality and extent of such services supported approval of the Interim Agreement
and the New Agreement.
6
FUND PERFORMANCE AND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES. During the annual review, the Board
compared the Fund's performance to benchmark indices and other similar mutual
funds over various periods of time and concluded that it was satisfied with the
investment results that the Adviser had been able to achieve for the Fund. The
Trustees further noted that the Fund's investment policies and strategies were
not expected to change as a result of the Transaction. In light of the foregoing
factors, along with the prior findings regarding performance at the annual
review, the Board concluded that its findings with respect to performance
supported approval of the Interim Agreement and the New Agreement.
COSTS OF ADVISORY SERVICES, PROFITABILITY AND ECONOMIES OF SCALE. During the
annual review, the Trustees considered, among other things, the advisory fee and
expenses of the Fund and comparisons of such fee and expenses with peers. At the
annual review, the Trustees determined that the Fund's advisory fee and expenses
were reasonable. In evaluating the profitability of the Adviser under the
Interim Agreement and the New Agreement, the Trustees considered their
conclusions at their prior review and noted the fee schedule under the Interim
Agreement and the New Agreement is identical to that under the Prior Agreement.
Taking into consideration its prior evaluation of fees and expenses at the
annual renewal, the Board determined that the advisory fee and expenses were
reasonable.
Moreover, the Trustees were satisfied that, at the annual review, the Adviser's
level of profitability for its advisory activities was reasonable and that the
Adviser's level of profitability should continue to be reasonable after the
Transaction. In addition, the Board considered whether economies of scale were
realized during the current contract period, but did not conclude that such
economies of scale had yet been achieved.
Based on the Board's deliberations and evaluation of the information discussed
previously, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously
concluded that the terms of the Interim Agreement and the New Agreement are fair
and reasonable, that the scope and quality of services to be provided will be at
least equivalent to the scope and quality of services provided under the Prior
Agreement, and that the fees under the Interim Agreement and New Agreement are
reasonable in light of the services to be provided to the Fund. The Board, and
the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the Interim Agreement and
the New Agreement and concluded that the New Agreement should be recommended to
shareholders for approval.
REQUIRED VOTE
Approval of the Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of the Fund. Under 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.
THE TRUSTEES UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMEND THAT SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND
VOTE TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL.
7
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 located at One
Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456.
PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
The Adviser will pay the expenses of the preparation, printing and mailing of
this proxy statement and its enclosures and of all related solicitations. The
Fund will not incur any of these expenses.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
As of June 7, 2010, the following persons owned of record, or were known by the
Trust to own beneficially, more than 5% of the shares of any class 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.
REAVES SELECT RESEARCH FUND - INVESTOR CLASS SHARES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul J Morra & Blanca F Morra JT Wros 27,009.7170 7.04%
11 Cowpath
Brookville, NY 11545-3113
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Financial Services LLC 52,026.6890 13.56%
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
200 Liberty St.
One World Financial Center
New York, NY 10281-1003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles Schwab & Co Inc. 41,428.9530 10.80%
Special Custody A/C
FBO Customers
ATTN Mutual Funds
101 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94104-4151
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REAVES SELECT RESEARCH FUND - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lafayette College 703,817.6420 9.52%
Kirby Prof 536130
6 Markle Hall
Easton, PA 18042-1712
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Carson Graves & Judith Canton Graves Trustees 494,911.6470 6.70%
U/A DTD
The John Carson Graves Trust
49 Orchard LN
Wayland, MA 01778-1907
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W E Simon Jr & M T Mayo & G J Gillespie III Tr 395,430.5800 5.35%
Marital Trust U/W/O William E Simon
FBO Tonia A Simon
825 8th Ave
New York, NY 10019-7416
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8
The information as to beneficial ownership is based on statements furnished to
the Fund by the Trustees of the Trust, and/or on the records of the Trust's
transfer agent.
ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
For a free copy of the Fund's annual report for the fiscal year ended July 31,
2009, and/or semi-annual report for the six month period ended January 31, 2010,
shareholders of the Fund may call 1-866-342-7058 or write to the Fund at: Reaves
Select Research Fund, P.O. Box 219009, Kansas City, MO 64121-9009.
SUBMISSION OF 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, and does
not, hold annual meetings. Nonetheless, the Board of Trustees may call a special
meeting of shareholders for action by shareholder vote as may be required by the
1940 Act or as required or permitted by the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of
the Trust. Shareholders of the Fund who wish to present a proposal for action at
a future meeting should submit a written proposal to the Trust for inclusion in
a future proxy statement. Shareholders retain the right to request that a
meeting of the shareholders be held for the purpose of considering matters
requiring shareholder approval.
VOTING AND OTHER MATTERS
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, by
telephone 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 or by submitting a subsequent proxy, by mail, by telephone or by voting in
person at the meeting. Should shareholders require additional information
regarding the proxy or replacement proxy cards, they may contact the Fund at
1-800-591-8268.
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, representatives of the Trust
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. 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 $4,500. The proxy card and
this proxy statement are being mailed to shareholders on or about July 1, 2010.
The costs of the solicitation of proxies and the costs of holding the Meeting
will be borne by the Adviser, not the Fund.
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, it will be voted FOR the matters specified on the proxy card. A
majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Meeting shall be a quorum for the
transaction of business.
If your shares are held of record by a broker-dealer and you wish to vote in
person at the Meeting, you should obtain a legal proxy from your broker of
record and present it to the Inspector of Elections at the Meeting. 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.
9
As used above, "broker non-votes" relate to shares that are held of record by a
broker-dealer for a beneficial owner who has not given instructions to such
broker-dealer. Pursuant to certain rules promulgated by the New York Stock
Exchange LLC that govern the voting by such broker-dealers, a broker-dealer
holding shares of record for a beneficial owner may not exercise discretionary
voting power with respect to certain non-routine matters, including the approval
of a new investment management agreement as contemplated by 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 the 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.
Abstentions and "broker non-votes" will not be counted for or against such
proposal to adjourn. The persons named as proxy agents will vote those proxies
that they are entitled to vote FOR such Proposal in favor of such an
adjournment, and will vote those proxies required to be voted AGAINST such
Proposal, against such an adjournment. The Adviser or its affiliates will bear
the costs of any additional solicitation or any adjourned sessions.
No business other than the matter described above is expected to come before the
Meeting, but should any matter incident to the conduct of the Meeting or any
question as to an adjournment of the Meeting arise, the persons named in the
enclosed proxy will vote thereon according to their best judgment in the
interest of the Trust.
SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND WHO WISH
TO HAVE THEIR SHARES VOTED ARE REQUESTED TO VOTE BY MAIL OR TELEPHONE AS
EXPLAINED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED ON YOUR PROXY CARD.
By Order of the Trustees,
Philip T. Masterson
President
10
EXHIBIT A
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") made as of this _____ day
of _______________, 2010 by and between THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II (the
"Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust registered as an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and W.H.
REAVES & CO., INC. (the "Adviser"), a Delaware corporation with its principal
place of business at 10 Exchange Place, 18th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey
07302.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of the Trust has selected
the Adviser to act as investment adviser to the Trust on behalf of the series
set forth on Schedule A to this Agreement (each a "Fund" and collectively, the
"Funds"), as such Schedule may be amended from time to time upon mutual
agreement of the parties, 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 Trust and the Adviser do hereby agree as follows:
1. THE ADVISER'S SERVICES.
(a) DISCRETIONARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES. The Adviser shall act
as investment adviser with respect to the Funds. In such capacity, the
Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board, regularly provide
the Funds with investment research, advice and supervision and shall
furnish continuously an investment program for the Funds, consistent with
the respective investment objectives and policies of each Fund. The Adviser
shall determine, from time to time, what securities shall be purchased for
the Funds, what securities shall be held or sold by the Funds and what
portion of the Funds' assets shall be held uninvested in cash, 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 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 Funds, as each of
the same shall be from time to time in effect. To carry out such
obligations, the Adviser shall exercise full discretion and act for the
Funds in the same manner and with the same force and effect as the Funds
themselves might or could do with respect to purchases, sales or other
transactions, as well as with respect to all other such things necessary or
incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other
transactions. No reference in this Agreement to the Adviser having full
discretionary authority over each Fund's investments shall in any way limit
the right of the Board, in its sole discretion, to establish or revise
policies in connection with the management of a Fund's assets or to
otherwise exercise its right to control the overall management of a Fund.
(b) COMPLIANCE. The Adviser agrees to comply with the requirements of
the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (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
11
Adviser also agrees to comply with the objectives, policies and
restrictions set forth in the Registration Statement, as amended or
supplemented, of the Funds, and with any policies, guidelines, instructions
and procedures approved by the Board and provided to the Adviser.
In selecting each Fund's portfolio securities and performing the
Adviser's obligations hereunder, the 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 Adviser
shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are
adequate to ensure its compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory
activity undertaken by the Board shall limit the Adviser's full
responsibility for any of the foregoing.
(c) PROXY VOTING. The Board has the authority to determine how proxies
with respect to securities that are held by the Funds shall be voted, and
the Board has initially determined to delegate the authority and
responsibility to vote proxies for the Fund's securities to the Adviser. So
long as proxy voting authority for the Fund has been delegated to the
Adviser, the Adviser shall exercise its proxy voting responsibilities. The
Adviser shall carry out such responsibility in accordance with any
instructions that the Board shall provide from time to time, and at all
times in a manner consistent with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act and
its fiduciary responsibilities to the Trust. The Adviser shall provide
periodic reports and keep records relating to proxy voting as the Board may
reasonably request or as may be necessary for the Funds to comply with the
1940 Act and other applicable law. Any such delegation of proxy voting
responsibility to the Adviser may be revoked or modified by the Board at
any time.
(d) RECORDKEEPING. The Adviser shall not be responsible for the
provision of administrative, bookkeeping or accounting services to the
Funds, except as otherwise provided herein or as may be necessary for the
Adviser to supply to the Trust or its Board the information required to be
supplied under this Agreement.
The Adviser shall maintain separate books and detailed records
of all matters pertaining to Fund assets advised by the Adviser
required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records
being maintained by any administrator, custodian or transfer agent
appointed by the Funds) relating to its responsibilities provided
hereunder with respect to the Funds, 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 Board at any time upon request, shall
be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and
shall be available without delay during any day the Trust is open for
business.
(e) HOLDINGS INFORMATION AND PRICING. The Adviser shall provide regular
reports regarding Fund holdings, and shall, on its own initiative, furnish
the Trust and its Board from time to time with whatever information the
Adviser believes is appropriate for this purpose. The Adviser agrees to
immediately notify the Trust if the Adviser reasonably believes that the
value of any security held by a Fund may not reflect fair value. The
Adviser agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Adviser is
aware to the Trust, its Board 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 Trust's valuation procedures for the purpose of
calculating the Fund net asset value in accordance with procedures and
methods established by the Board.
12
(f) COOPERATION WITH AGENTS OF THE TRUST. The Adviser agrees to
cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Trust, any Trust
custodian or foreign sub-custodians, any Trust pricing agents and all other
agents and representatives of the Trust, such information with respect to
the Funds as they 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 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 Trust. The Adviser shall ensure that its
Access Persons (as defined in the Adviser's Code of Ethics) comply in all
material respects with the Adviser's Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to
time. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Trust with a (i) a copy of the
Adviser's current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii)
certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent
Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Adviser's Code of
Ethics. Annually, the Adviser shall furnish a written report, which complies
with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Adviser's Code of Ethics to
the Trust. The Adviser shall respond to requests for information from the Trust
as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the
Adviser. The Adviser shall immediately notify the Trust of any material
violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to an security held
by any Fund.
3. INFORMATION AND REPORTING. The Adviser shall provide the Trust and its
respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the
Adviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust may from time to time
reasonably request.
(g) NOTIFICATION OF BREACH / COMPLIANCE REPORTS. The Adviser shall
notify the Funds 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 Funds' or
the Adviser's policies, guidelines or procedures. In addition, the Adviser
shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Fund's compliance with its
investment objectives and policies, applicable law, including, but not
limited to the 1940 Act and Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund's
policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Adviser's
obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to correct any such
failure promptly and to take any action that the Board may reasonably
request in connection with any such breach. Upon request, the 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 Adviser will
promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the 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 Adviser with
the federal or state securities laws or (ii) an actual change in control of
the Adviser resulting in an "assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act) has
occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(h) BOARD AND FILINGS INFORMATION. The Adviser will also provide the
Trust with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of
the Funds 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 Trust with the Commission. The 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
Funds 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.
13
(i) TRANSACTION INFORMATION. The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust
such information concerning portfolio transactions as may be necessary to
enable the Trust or its designated agent to perform such compliance testing
on the Funds and the Adviser's services as the Trust may, in its sole
discretion, determine to be appropriate. The provision of such information
by the Adviser to the Trust or its designated agent in no way relieves the
Adviser of its own responsibilities under this Agreement.
4. BROKERAGE.
(j) PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS. In connection with purchases or sales of
securities for the account of a Fund, neither the 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.
(k) PLACEMENT OF ORDERS. The 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 Adviser. In the selection of such
brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, the Adviser is directed
at all times to seek for the 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 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 Adviser is
authorized to place orders for the purchase and sale of securities for a
Fund with such brokers, subject to review by 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
Adviser in connection with its or its affiliates' services to other
clients.
(l) AGGREGATED TRANSACTIONS. On occasions when the 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 Adviser, the 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 Adviser will allocate securities or
futures contracts so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in
the transaction, in the manner the Adviser reasonably considers to be
equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to
such other clients under the circumstances.
(m) AFFILIATED BROKERS. The 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 Adviser
seek to obtain best execution and price within the policy guidelines
determined by the Board and set forth in the Fund's current prospectus and
SAI; (b) the provisions of the 1940 Act; (c) the provisions of the Advisers
Act; (d) the provisions of the 1934 Act; and (e) other provisions of
applicable law. These brokerage services are not within the scope of the
duties of the Adviser under this Agreement. Subject to the requirements of
applicable law and any procedures adopted by the Board, the Adviser or its
affiliates may receive brokerage commissions, fees or other remuneration
from a Fund for these services in addition to the Adviser's fees for
services under this Agreement.
14
5. CUSTODY. Nothing in this Agreement shall permit the Adviser to take or
receive physical possession of cash, securities or other investments of a Fund.
6. ALLOCATION OF CHARGES AND EXPENSES. The Adviser will bear its own costs
of providing services hereunder. Other than as herein specifically indicated,
the Adviser shall not be responsible for a Fund'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.
(n) PROPERLY REGISTERED. The Adviser is registered as an investment
adviser under the Advisers Act, and will remain so registered for the
duration of this Agreement. The 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 Adviser, there is no proceeding
or investigation that is reasonably likely to result in the Adviser being
prohibited from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The
Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Trust of the occurrence of any event
that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser to
an investment company. The Adviser is in compliance in all material
respects with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its
investment management operations.
(o) ADV DISCLOSURE. The Adviser has provided the Trust with a copy of
its Form ADV as most recently filed with the SEC and will, promptly after
filing any amendment to its Form ADV with the SEC, furnish a copy of such
amendments 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.
(p) FUND DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS. The 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 Adviser, the manner in which the
Adviser manages the Fund or information relating directly or indirectly to
the 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.
(q) USE OF THE NAME "REAVES". The Adviser has the right to use the name
"Reaves" 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 "Reaves" in connection with the management and
operation of the Funds. The Adviser is not aware of any threatened or
existing actions, claims, litigation or proceedings that would adversely
effect or prejudice the rights of the Adviser or the Trust to use the name
"Reaves."
(r) INSURANCE. The 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 Adviser shall upon reasonable request
provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning
the amount of or scope of such insurance.
15
(s) NO DETRIMENTAL AGREEMENT. The 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 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.
(t) CONFLICTS. The 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 Funds, consistent with its fiduciary duties
under applicable law.
(u) 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.
8. THE NAME "REAVES". The Adviser grants to the Trust a license to use the
name "Reaves" (the "Name") as part of the name of any Fund. The foregoing
authorization by the Adviser to the Trust to use the Name as part of the name of
any Fund is not exclusive of the right of the Adviser itself to use, or to
authorize others to use, the Name; the Trust acknowledges and agrees that, as
between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser has the right to use, or
authorize others to use, the Name. The Trust shall (1) only use the Name in a
manner consistent with uses approved by the Adviser; (2) use its best efforts to
maintain the quality of the services offered using the Name; (3) adhere to such
other specific quality control standards as the Adviser may from time to time
promulgate. At the request of the Adviser, the Trust will (a) submit to Adviser
representative samples of any promotional materials using the Name; and (b)
change the name of any Fund within three months of its receipt of the Adviser's
request, or such other shorter time period as may be required under the terms of
a settlement agreement or court order, so as to eliminate all reference to the
Name and will not thereafter transact any business using the Name in the name of
any Fund; provided, however, that the Trust may continue to use beyond such date
any supplies of prospectuses, marketing materials and similar documents that the
Trust had on the date of such name change in quantities not exceeding those
historically produced and used in connection with such Fund.
9. ADVISER'S COMPENSATION. The Funds shall pay to the Adviser, as
compensation for the 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 not less than monthly in arrears by the Funds.
The method for determining net assets of a Fund for purposes hereof shall
be the same as the method for determining net assets for purposes of
establishing the offering and redemption prices of Fund shares as described in
the Fund's prospectus. 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
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 Trust or any Fund in any way or otherwise
be deemed to be an agent of the Trust or any Fund. If any occasion should arise
in which the Adviser gives any advice to its clients concerning the shares of a
Fund, the Adviser will act solely as investment counsel for such clients and not
in any way on behalf of the Fund.
16
11. ASSIGNMENT AND AMENDMENTS. This Agreement shall automatically
terminate, without the payment of any penalty, in the event of its assignment
(as defined in section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act); provided that such termination
shall not relieve the 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 Trust may cause this Agreement to terminate either (i) by vote
of its Board or (ii) with respect to any Fund, upon the affirmative vote of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; or
(b) 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 Trust; 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 Trust
or the 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 each Fund; provided, however, that if the continuance of this
Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of the Funds for their approval
and such shareholders fail to approve such continuance of this Agreement as
provided herein, the Adviser may continue to serve hereunder as to the
Funds 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 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 of its assets, except as otherwise required by any fiduciary
duties of the Adviser under applicable law. In addition, the Adviser shall
deliver the Fund Books and Records to the Trust by such means and in accordance
with such schedule as the Trust shall direct and shall otherwise cooperate, as
reasonably directed by the Trust, in the transition of portfolio asset
management to any successor of 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.
17
(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 ADVISER. The 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 "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 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 Funds' 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 Adviser's willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross 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.
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. JURISDICTION. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the substantive laws of Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the
Adviser consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in
Massachusetts, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement.
18. 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.
19. 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.
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.
18
THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II,
on behalf of each Fund listed on Schedule A
By: /S/
-----------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
W.H. REAVES & CO., INC.
By: /S/
-----------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
19
SCHEDULE A
TO THE
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
DATED ________ __, 2010 BETWEEN
THE ADVISORS' INNER CIRCLE FUND II
AND
W.H. REAVES & CO., INC.
The Trust will pay to the Adviser as compensation for the Adviser's services
rendered, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the average daily net
assets of the respective Fund in accordance the following fee schedule:
FUND RATE
---- ----
Reaves Select Research Fund..............................................0.75%
W.H. REAVES & COMPANY
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
PROXY CARD FOR
REAVES SELECT RESEARCH 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 AUGUST 27, 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 Reaves
Select Research 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 August 27, 2010, and any adjournments or
postponements thereof (the "Meeting"); and the undersigned hereby instructs said
proxies to vote.
Shareholder registration QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROXY? Should you have any
printed here questions about the proxy materials or regarding
how to vote your shares, please contact our proxy
(shows through address information line toll-free at 1-800-591-8268.
window on outbound Representatives are available Monday through
envelope) Friday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of
Proxy Materials for the Reaves Select Research
Fund Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on August 27,
2010
THE PROXY STATEMENT FOR THIS MEETING IS AVAILABLE AT:
WWW.PROXYONLINE.COM/DOCS/REAVES.PDF
PLEASE FOLD HERE AND RETURN THE ENTIRE CARD - DO NOT DETACH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REAVES SELECT RESEARCH FUND
Proxy for Special Meeting of Shareholders -- August 27, 2010
PLEASE SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW IF YOU WISH TO VOTE BY MAIL, BY PHONE OR BY
FAX.
MAIL: To vote your proxy by mail, check the appropriate voting box on the
reverse side of this proxy card, sign and date the card and return it
in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
PHONE: To cast your vote by phone with a proxy voting representative, call
toll-free 1-800-591-8268 and provide the representative with the
control number found on the reverse side of this proxy card.
Representatives are available to take your voting instructions Monday
through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
FAX: You may return your completed proxy card via fax by sending it to
1-888-810-3042. A cover page is not needed.
NOTE: Your signature acknowledges receipt with this proxy of a copy of the
Notice of Special Meeting and the proxy statement. Your signature on this proxy
should be exactly as your name appears on this proxy. If the shares are held
jointly, either holder may sign this proxy but the name of the person signing
should conform exactly to the name appearing on this proxy. 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.
REAVES SELECT RESEARCH 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 FOREGOING PROPOSAL AND WILL
BE VOTED IN THE APPOINTED PROXIES' DISCRETION UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY
PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
PLEASE FOLD HERE AND RETURN THE ENTIRE CARD - DO NOT DETACH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL:
TO VOTE, MARK BOXES BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS. Example: [X]
1. To approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf
of the Fund, and W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
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