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53736 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No.

191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices

Justice Office of Research and document no. SL000385). For World exemptions of the type proposed to the
Evaluation 2000 Solicitation for Wide Web access, connect to either NIJ Secretary of Labor.
Investigator-Initiated Research. at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/
Statutory Findings
DATES: Proposals must be received by funding.htm, or the NCJRS Justice
close of business Tuesday, January 18, Information Center at http:// In accordance with section 408(a) of
2000. www.ncjrs.org/fedgrant.htm#nij. the Act and/or section 4975(c)(2) of the
ADDRESSES: National Institute of Justice, Dated: September 29, 1999. Code and the procedures set forth in 29
810 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, CFR Part 2570, Subpart B (55 FR 32836,
Jeremy Travis,
DC 20531. 32847, August 10, 1990) and based upon
Director, National Institute of Justice.
the entire record, the Department makes
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For [FR Doc. 99–25702 Filed 10–1–99; 8:45 am] the following findings:
a copy of the solicitation, please call BILLING CODE 4410–18–P (a) The exemptions are
NCJRS 1–800–851–3420. For general
administratively feasible;
information about application
procedures for solicitations, please call (b) They are in the interests of the
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR plans and their participants and
the U.S. Department of Justice Response
Center 1–800–421–6770. beneficiaries; and
Pension and Welfare Benefits
(c) They are protective of the rights of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Administration
the participants and beneficiaries of the
Authority [Prohibited Transaction Exemption 99–38; plans.
Exemption Application No. D–10621, et al.]
This action is authorized under the MICO, Inc. (MICO) Located in North
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Grant of Individual Exemptions; MICO, Mankato, Minnesota
Act of 1968, Sections 201–203, as Inc. (MICO), et al. [Prohibited Transaction Exemption 99–38;
amended, 42 U.S.C. 3721–23 (1994). Exemption Application Number D–10621]
AGENCY: Pension and Welfare Benefits
Background Administration, Labor. Exemption
In this solicitation, NIJ invites ACTION: Grant of individual exemptions. The restrictions of sections 406(a),
applicants to submit proposals that will
SUMMARY: This document contains 406(b)(1) and (2) of the Act and the
help the Institute address five general
exemptions issued by the Department of sanctions resulting from the application
themes related to the NIJ mission. This
Labor (the Department) from certain of of section 4975 of the Code, by reason
solicitation specifically requests
the prohibited transaction restrictions of of section 4975(c)(1)(A) through (E) of
proposals in topical areas that are not
the Employee Retirement Income the Code, shall not apply to the sale (the
covered by other NIJ solicitations.
Security Act of 1974 (the Act) and/or Sale) of a certain parcel of unimproved
Wherever possible, applicants interested
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the real property (the Property) from the
in conducting research on such topics as
Code). MICO, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (the
violence against women or science and
Notices were published in the Federal Plan) to MICO, a party in interest and
technology development should apply
Register of the pendency before the disqualified person with respect to the
to directed solicitations targeting these
Department of proposals to grant such Plan, provided that the following
particular areas of research.
exemptions. The notices set forth a conditions are met:
Under this investigator-initiated
program, applicants may submit summary of facts and representations (a) The terms and conditions of the
proposals to explore a wide range of contained in each application for Sale are at least as favorable to the Plan
research and evaluation topics relevant exemption and referred interested as those obtainable in an arm’s length
to criminal justice policy or practice, persons to the respective applications transaction with an unrelated party;
supporting NIJ’s broad portfolio of both for a complete statement of the facts and (b) MICO purchases the Property for
basic and applied studies. While the representations. The applications have $362,000, which represents the
Institute’s specific research and been available for public inspection at Property’s current fair market value as
development interests are constantly the Department in Washington, D.C. The determined by a qualified, independent
evolving in response to the needs of the notices also invited interested persons appraiser;
field, the following five broad criminal to submit comments on the requested (c) MICO additionally pays to the Plan
justice areas are current NIJ priorities: exemptions to the Department. In a premium of $36,200, as determined by
rethinking justice and the processes that addition the notices stated that any a qualified, independent appraiser, due
create just communities; understanding interested person might submit a to MICO’s ownership of improved real
the nexus between crime and its social written request that a public hearing be property which is located adjacent to
context; breaking the cycle of crime by held (where appropriate). The the Property;
testing research-based interventions; applicants have represented that they (d) The Sale is a one-time transaction
creating the tools, evaluating new and have complied with the requirements of for cash; and
transferable techniques and procedures the notification to interested persons. (e) The Plan pays no fees or
for improving the effectiveness and No public comments and no requests for commissions in connection with the
efficiency of the criminal justice system; a hearing, unless otherwise stated, were Sale.
and expanding the horizons, moving received by the Department. For a more complete statement of the
beyond traditional definitions of crime The notices of proposed exemption facts and representations supporting
and criminal relationships. were issued and the exemptions are this exemption, refer to the notice of
Interested organizations should call being granted solely by the Department proposed exemption published on May
the National Criminal Justice Reference because, effective December 31, 1978, 27, 1999 at 64 FR 28835.
Service (NCJRS) at 1–800–851–3420 to section 102 of Reorganization Plan No. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
obtain a copy of ‘‘Office of Research and 4 of 1978 (43 FR 47713, October 17, Christopher Motta of the Department,
Evaluation 2000 Solicitation for 1978) transferred the authority of the telephone (202) 219–8881 (This is not a
Investigator-Initiated Research’’ (refer to Secretary of the Treasury to issue toll-free number).
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices 53737

Fleet Bank (RI), National Association certificates is (a) an obligor with respect C. Effective August 11, 1999, the
(Fleet) to receivables contained in the trust restrictions of sections 406(a), 406(b)
Located in Providence, Rhode Island constituting 0.5 percent or less of the and 407(a) of the Act and the taxes
fair market value of the aggregate imposed by section 4975(a) and (b) of
[Prohibited Transaction Exemption 99–39; undivided interest in the trust allocated the Code, by reason of section 4975(c)
Exemption Application No. D–10643] to the certificates of the relevant series, of the Code, shall not apply to
or (b) an affiliate of a person described transactions in connection with the
Exemption in (a); if servicing, management and operation of
Section I—Transactions (i) The plan is not an Excluded Plan; a trust, including reassigning
(ii) Solely in the case of an acquisition receivables to the sponsor, removing
A. Effective August 11, 1999, the of certificates in connection with the from the trust receivables in accounts
restrictions of sections 406(a) and 407(a) initial issuance of the certificates, at previously designated to the trust,
of the Act and the taxes imposed by least 50 percent of each class of changing the underlying terms of
section 4975(a) and (b) of the Code, by certificates in which plans have accounts designated to the trust, adding
reason of section 4975(c)(1)(A) through invested is acquired by persons new receivables to the trust, designating
(D) of the Code, shall not apply to the independent of the members of the new accounts to the trust, the retention
following transactions involving trusts Restricted Group, as defined in Section of a retained interest by the sponsor in
and certificates evidencing interests III.L., and at least 50 percent of the the receivables, the exercise of the right
therein: aggregate undivided interest in the trust
(1) The direct or indirect sale, to cause the commencement of
allocated to the certificates of a series is amortization of the principal amount of
exchange or transfer of certificates in the acquired by persons independent of the
initial issuance of certificates between the certificates, or the use of any eligible
Restricted Group; swap transactions, provided that:
the trust, the sponsor or an underwriter (iii) A plan’s investment in each class (1) Such transactions are carried out
and an employee benefit plan subject to of certificates of a series does not exceed in accordance with the terms of a
the Act or section 4975 of the Code (a 25 percent of all of the certificates of binding pooling and servicing
plan) when the sponsor, servicer, trustee that class outstanding at the time of the agreement;
or insurer of a trust, the underwriter of acquisition; (2) The pooling and servicing
the certificates representing an interest (iv) Immediately after the acquisition
agreement is provided to, or described
in the trust, or an obligor is a party in of the certificates, no more than 25
in all material respects in the prospectus
interest with respect to such plan; percent of the assets of a plan with
(2) The direct or indirect acquisition or private placement memorandum
respect to which the person has
or disposition of certificates by a plan in provided to, investing plans before they
discretionary authority or renders
the secondary market for such purchase certificates issued by the
investment advice is invested in
certificates; and trust; 3
certificates representing the aggregate
(3) The continued holding of (3) The addition of new receivables or
undivided interest in a trust allocated to
certificates acquired by a plan pursuant designation of new accounts, or the
the certificates of a series and
to Section I.A.(1) or (2). removal of receivables in previously-
containing receivables sold or serviced
Notwithstanding the foregoing, designated accounts, meets the terms
by the same entity; 2 and
Section I.A. does not provide an (v) Immediately after the acquisition and conditions for such additions,
exemption from the restrictions of of the certificates, no more than 25 designations or removals as are
sections 406(a)(1)(E), 406(a)(2) and 407 percent of the assets of a plan with described in the prospectus or private
for the acquisition or holding of a respect to which the person has placement memorandum for such
certificate on behalf of an Excluded discretionary authority or renders certificates, which terms and conditions
Plan, as defined in Section III.K. below, investment advice is invested in have been approved by Standard &
by any person who has discretionary certificates representing an interest in Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s
authority or renders investment advice the trust, or trusts containing Investors Service, Inc., Duff & Phelps
with respect to the assets of the receivables sold or serviced by the same Credit Rating Co., or Fitch IBCA, Inc., or
Excluded Plan that are invested in entity. For purposes of paragraphs their successors (collectively, the Rating
certificates.1 B.(1)(iv) and B.(1)(v) only, an entity Agencies), and does not result in the
B. Effective August 11, 1999, the shall not be considered to service certificates receiving a lower credit
restrictions of sections 406(b)(1) and receivables contained in a trust if it is rating from the Rating Agencies than the
406(b)(2) of the Act and the taxes merely a subservicer of that trust; then current rating of the certificates;
imposed by section 4975(a) and (b) of (2) The direct or indirect acquisition and
the Code, by reason of section or disposition of certificates by a plan in (4) The series of which the certificates
4975(c)(1)(E) of the Code, shall not the secondary market for such are a part will be subject to an
apply to: certificates, provided that conditions set ‘‘Economic Pay Out Event’’ (as defined
(1) The direct or indirect sale, forth in Section I. B.(1)(i) and (iii) in Section III.BB.), which is set forth in
exchange or transfer of certificates in the through (v) are met; and
initial issuance of certificates between (3) The continued holding of 3 In the case of a private placement

certificates acquired by a plan pursuant memorandum, such memorandum must contain


the trust, the sponsor or an underwriter substantially the same information that would be
and a plan when the person who has to Section I.B.(1) or (2). disclosed in a prospectus if the offering of the
discretionary authority or renders certificates were made in a registered public
investment advice with respect to the 2 For purposes of this exemption, each plan offering under the Securities Act of 1933. In the
participating in a commingled fund (such as a bank Department’s view, the private placement
investment of plan assets in the collective trust fund or insurance company pooled memorandum must contain sufficient information
separate account) shall be considered to own the to permit plan fiduciaries to make informed
1 Section I.A. provides no relief from sections same proportionate undivided interest in each asset investment decisions. For purposes of this
406(a)(1)(E), 406(a)(2) and 407 for any person of the commingled fund as its proportionate interest exemption, all references to ‘‘prospectus’’ include
rendering investment advice to an Excluded Plan in the total assets of the commingled fund as any related supplement thereto, and any documents
within the meaning of section 3(21)(A)(ii) and calculated on the most recent preceding valuation incorporated by reference therein, pursuant to
regulation 29 CFR 2510.3–21(c). date of the fund. which certificates are offered to investors.
53738 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices

the pooling and servicing agreement and one of the two highest generic rating holder of a perfected security interest in,
described in the prospectus or private categories from any one of the Rating the receivables in the trust, enforces all
placement memorandum associated Agencies; or (ii) for certificates with a the rights created in favor of
with the series, the occurrence of which duration of one year or less, the highest certificateholders of such trust,
will cause any revolving period, short-term generic rating category from including plans;
scheduled amortization period or any one of the Rating Agencies; (8) Prior to the issuance by the trust
scheduled accumulation period provided that, notwithstanding such of any new series, confirmation is
applicable to the certificates to end, and ratings, this exemption shall apply to a received from the Rating Agencies that
principal collections to be applied to particular class of certificates only if such issuance will not result in the
monthly payments of principal to, or the such class (an Exempt Class) is at the reduction or withdrawal of the then
accumulation of principal for the benefit time of such acquisition part of a series current rating of the certificates held by
of, the certificateholders of such series in which credit support is provided to any plan pursuant to this exemption;
until the earlier of payment in full of the the Exempt Class through a senior- (9) To protect against fraud,
outstanding principal amount of the subordinated series structure or other chargebacks or other dilution of the
certificates of such series or the series form of third-party credit support receivables in the trust, the pooling and
termination date specified in the which, at a minimum, represents five (5) servicing agreement and the Rating
prospectus or private placement percent of the outstanding principal Agencies require the sponsor to
memorandum. balance of certificates issued for the maintain a seller interest of not less than
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Exempt Class, so that an investor in the two (2) percent of the principal balance
Section I.C. does not provide an Exempt Class will not bear the initial of the receivables contained in the trust;
exemption from the restrictions of risk of loss; (10) Each receivable added to a trust
section 406(b) of the Act, or from the (4) The trustee is not an affiliate of is an eligible receivable, based on
taxes imposed under section 4975(a) any other member of the Restricted criteria of the relevant Rating
and (b) of the Code, by reason of section Group. However, the trustee shall not be Agency(ies) and as specified in the
4975(c)(1)(E) or (F) of the Code, for the considered to be an affiliate of a servicer pooling and servicing agreement. The
receipt of a fee by the servicer of the solely because the trustee has succeeded pooling and servicing agreement
trust, in connection with the servicing to the rights and responsibilities of the requires that any change in the terms of
of the receivables and the operation of servicer pursuant to the terms of a the cardholder agreements must be
the trust, from a person other than the pooling and servicing agreement made applicable to the comparable
trustee or sponsor, unless such fee providing for such succession upon the segment of accounts owned or serviced
constitutes a ‘‘qualified administrative occurrence of one or more events of by the sponsor which are part of the
fee’’ as defined in Section III.U. below. default by the servicer; same program or have the same or
D. Effective August 11, 1999, the (5) The sum of all payments made to substantially similar characteristics;
restrictions of sections 406(a) and 407(a) and retained by the underwriters in (11) The pooling and servicing
of the Act and the taxes imposed by connection with the distribution or agreement limits the number of the
sections 4975(a) and (b) of the Code, by placement of certificates represents not sponsor’s newly originated accounts to
reason of sections 4975(c)(1)(A) through more than reasonable compensation for be designated to the trust, unless the
(D) of the Code, shall not apply to any underwriting or placing the certificates; Rating Agencies otherwise consent in
transaction to which those restrictions the consideration received by the writing, to the following: (i) with respect
or taxes would otherwise apply merely sponsor as a consequence of the to any consecutive three-month period
because a person is deemed to be a party assignment of receivables (or interests commencing in January, April, July and
in interest or disqualified person therein) to the trust, to the extent October of each calendar year, 15
(including a fiduciary) with respect to a allocable to the class of certificates percent of the number of existing
plan by virtue of providing services to purchased by a plan, represents not accounts designated to the trust as of the
the plan (or by virtue of having a more than the fair market value of such first day of the calendar year during
relationship to such service provider as receivables (or interests); and the sum of which such monthly period
described in section 3(14)(F), (G), (H) or all payments made to and retained by commenced, and (ii) with respect to any
(I) of the Act or section 4975(e)(2)(F), the servicer, to the extent allocable to calendar year, 20 percent of the number
(G), (H) or (I) of the Code), solely the class of certificates purchased by a of existing accounts designated to the
because of the plan’s ownership of plan, represents not more than trust as of the first day of such calendar
certificates. reasonable compensation for the year;
servicer’s services under the pooling (12) The pooling and servicing
Section II—General Conditions and servicing agreement and agreement requires the sponsor to
A. The relief provided under Section reimbursement of the servicer’s deliver an opinion of counsel
I will be available only if the following reasonable expenses in connection confirming the validity and perfection
conditions are met: therewith; of each transfer of receivables in newly
(1) The acquisition of certificates by a (6) The plan investing in such originated accounts to the trust for each
plan is on terms (including the certificates is an ‘‘accredited investor’’ interim addition;
certificate price) that are at least as as defined in Rule 501(a)(1) of (13) The pooling and servicing
favorable to the plan as such terms Regulation D of the Securities and agreement requires the sponsor and the
would be in an arm’s-length transaction Exchange Commission (SEC) under the trustee to receive confirmation from a
with an unrelated party; Securities Act of 1933; Rating Agency that no Ratings Effect
(2) The rights and interests evidenced (7) The trustee of the trust is a will result from (i) a Required Addition
by the certificates are not subordinated substantial financial institution or trust (as defined in Section III.MM.) in excess
to the rights and interests evidenced by company experienced in trust activities of the limits in paragraph B.(11) above,
other certificates of the same trust; and is familiar with its duties, or (ii) any Restricted Additions (as
(3) The certificates acquired by the responsibilities, and liabilities as a defined in Section III.NN.);
plan have received a rating at the time fiduciary under the Act (i.e. ERISA). (14) If a particular class of certificates
of such acquisition that is either: (i) In The trustee, as the legal owner of, or held by any plan involves a Ratings
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices 53739

Dependent or Non-Ratings Dependent acquired or held in reliance upon this III.C.) is the sole underwriter or the
Swap entered into by the trust, then exemption only by Qualified Plan manager or co-manager of the
each particular swap transaction Investors. underwriting syndicate or a selling or
relating to such certificates: B. Neither any underwriter, sponsor, placement agent.
(a) shall be an Eligible Swap; trustee, servicer, insurer, nor any B. ‘‘Trust’’ means an investment pool,
(b) shall be with an Eligible Swap obligor, unless it or any of its affiliates the corpus of which is held in trust and
Counterparty; has discretionary authority or renders consists solely of:
(c) in the case of a Ratings Dependent investment advice with respect to the (1) Either:
Swap, shall include as an early payout plan assets used by a plan to acquire (a) Receivables (as defined in Section
event, as specified in the pooling and certificates, shall be denied the relief III.V.); or
servicing agreement, the withdrawal or provided under Section I, if the (b) Participations in a pool of
reduction by any Rating Agency of the provision in Section II.A.(6) above is not receivables (as defined in Section III.V.)
swap counterparty’s credit rating below satisfied for the acquisition or holding where such beneficial ownership
a level specified by the Rating Agency by a plan of such certificates, provided interests are not subordinated to any
where the servicer (as agent for the that: other interest in the same pool of
trustee) has failed, for a specified period (1) Such condition is disclosed in the receivables; 4
after such rating withdrawal or prospectus or private placement (2) Property which has secured any of
reduction, to meet its obligation under memorandum; and the assets described in paragraph B.(1)
the pooling and servicing agreement to: (2) In the case of a private placement above; 5
(i) obtain a replacement swap of certificates, the trustee obtains a (3) Undistributed cash or permitted
agreement with an Eligible Swap representation from each initial investments made therewith maturing
Counterparty which is acceptable to the purchaser which is a plan that it is in no later than the next date on which
Rating Agency and the terms of which compliance with such condition, and distributions are to be made to
are substantially the same as the current obtains a covenant from each initial certificateholders, except during a
swap agreement (at which time the purchaser to the effect that, so long as Revolving Period (as defined herein)
earlier swap agreement shall terminate); such initial purchaser (or any transferee when permitted investments are made
or of such initial purchaser’s certificates) is until such cash can be reinvested in
(ii) cause the swap counterparty to required to obtain from its transferee a additional receivables described in
establish any collateralization or other representation regarding compliance paragraph B.(1)(a) above;
arrangement satisfactory to the Rating with the Securities Act of 1933, any (4) Rights of the trustee under the
Agency such that the then current rating such transferees shall be required to pooling and servicing agreement, and
by the Rating Agency of the particular make a written representation regarding rights under any cash collateral
class of certificates will not be compliance with the condition set forth accounts, insurance policies, third-party
withdrawn or reduced; in Section II.A.(6). guarantees, contracts of suretyship and
(d) in the case of a Non-Ratings other credit support arrangements for
Dependent Swap, shall provide that, if Section III—Definitions any certificates, swap transactions, or
the credit rating of the swap For purposes of this exemption: under any yield supplement
counterparty is withdrawn or reduced A. ‘‘Certificate’’ means a certificate: agreements,6 yield maintenance
below the lowest level specified in (1) That (i) represents a beneficial agreements or similar arrangements; and
Section III.II. hereof, the servicer, as ownership interest in the assets of a (5) Rights to receive interchange fees
agent for the trustee, shall within a trust and entitles the holder to payments received by the sponsor as partial
specified period after such rating denominated as principal, interest and/ compensation for the sponsor’s taking
withdrawal or reduction: or other payments made as described in credit risk, absorbing fraud losses and
(i) obtain a replacement swap the applicable prospectus or private funding receivables for a limited period
agreement with an Eligible Swap placement memorandum and in prior to initial billing with respect to
Counterparty, the terms of which are accordance with the pooling and accounts designated to the trust.
substantially the same as the current servicing agreement in connection with Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
swap agreement (at which time the the assets of such trust, to the extent term ‘‘trust’’ does not include any
earlier swap agreement shall terminate); allocable to the series of certificates investment pool unless: (i) the
or purchased by a plan, either currently or investment pool consists only of
(ii) cause the swap counterparty to after a revolving period during which receivables of the type which have been
post collateral with the trustee of the principal payments on assets of the trust included in other investment pools; (ii)
trust in an amount equal to all payments are reinvested in new assets, or (ii) is certificates evidencing interests in such
owed by the counterparty if the swap denominated as a debt instrument that other investment pools have been rated
transaction were terminated; or represents a regular interest in a
(iii) terminate the swap agreement in financial asset securitization investment 4 The Department notes that no relief would be

accordance with its terms; and available under the exemption if the participation
trust (FASIT), within the meaning of interests held by the trust were subordinated to the
(e) shall not require the trust to make section 860L(a) of the Code, and is rights and interests evidenced by other
any termination payments to the swap issued by and is an obligation of the participation interests in the same pool of
counterparty (other than a currently trust. receivables.
5 Fleet states that it is possible for credit card
scheduled payment under the swap For purposes of this exemption,
receivables to be secured by bank account balances
agreement) except from ‘‘Excess Finance references to ‘‘certificates representing or security interests in merchandise purchased with
Charge Collections’’ (as defined below an interest in a trust’’ include credit cards. Thus, the exemption should permit
in Section III.LL.) or other amounts that certificates denominated as debt which foreclosed property to be an eligible trust asset.
would otherwise be payable to the are issued by a trust; and 6 In a series involving an accumulation period (as

servicer or the sponsor; (2) With respect to which (a) Fleet or defined in Section III.Z.), a yield supplement
agreement may be used by the Trust to make up the
(15) Any class of certificates, to which any of its affiliates is the sponsor, and difference between (i) the reinvestment yield on
one or more swap agreements entered (b) Fleet, any of its affiliates, or an permitted investments, and (ii) the interest rate on
into by the trust applies, may be ‘‘underwriter’’ (as defined in Section the certificates of that series.
53740 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices

in one of the two highest generic rating counterparty of, a trust. the investing plan) are no less favorable
categories by at least one of the Rating Notwithstanding the foregoing, a swap to the plan than they would be in an
Agencies for at least one year prior to counterparty is not an insurer, and a arm’s length transaction with an
the plan’s acquisition of certificates person is not an insurer solely because unrelated party;
pursuant to this exemption; and (iii) it holds securities representing an (2) The prospectus or private
certificates evidencing an interest in interest in a trust which are of a class placement memorandum is provided to
such other investment pools have been subordinated to certificates representing an investing plan prior to the time the
purchased by investors other than plans an interest in the same trust. plan enters into the forward delivery
for at least one year prior to the plan’s J. ‘‘Obligor’’ means any person, other commitment; and
acquisition of certificates pursuant to than the insurer, that is obligated to (3) At the time of the delivery, all
this exemption. make payments with respect to any conditions of this exemption applicable
C. ‘‘Underwriter’’ means an entity receivable included in the trust. to sales are met.
which has received from the K. ‘‘Excluded Plan’’ means any plan Q. ‘‘Forward Delivery Commitment’’
Department an individual prohibited with respect to which any member of means a contract for the purchase or
transaction exemption which provides the Restricted Group is a ‘‘plan sponsor’’ sale of one or more certificates to be
relief for the operation of asset pool within the meaning of section 3(16)(B) delivered at an agreed future settlement
investment trusts that issue asset-backed of the Act. date. The term includes both mandatory
pass-through securities to plans that is L. ‘‘Restricted Group’’ with respect to contracts (which contemplate obligatory
similar in format and substance to this a class of certificates means: delivery and acceptance of the
exemption (each, an Underwriter (1) Each underwriter; certificates) and optional contracts
Exemption); 7 any person directly or (2) Each insurer; (which give one party the right but not
indirectly, through one or more (3) The sponsor; the obligation to deliver certificates to,
intermediaries, controlling, controlled (4) The trustee; or demand delivery of certificates from,
by or under common control with such (5) Each servicer; the other party).
entity; and any member of an (6) Each swap counterparty; R. ‘‘Reasonable Compensation’’ has
underwriting syndicate or selling group (7) Any obligor with respect to
the same meaning as that term is
of which such firm or affiliated person receivables contained in the trust
defined in 29 CFR section 2550.408c–2.
described above is a manager or co- constituting more than 0.5 percent of
S. ‘‘Pooling and Servicing Agreement’’
manager with respect to the certificates. the fair market value of the aggregate
means the agreement or agreements
D. ‘‘Sponsor’’ means Fleet, or an undivided interest in the trust allocated
among a sponsor, a servicer and the
affiliate of Fleet that organizes a trust by to the certificates of a series, determined
trustee establishing a trust and any
transferring credit card receivables or on the date of the initial issuance of
supplement thereto pertaining to a
interests therein to the trust in exchange such series of certificates by the trust; or
particular series of certificates. In the
for certificates. (8) Any affiliate of a person described
case of certificates which are
E. ‘‘Master Servicer’’ means Fleet or in paragraphs L.(1) through (7) above.
M. ‘‘Affiliate’’ of another person denominated as debt instruments,
an affiliate that is a party to the pooling ‘‘pooling and servicing agreement’’ also
and servicing agreement relating to trust includes:
(1) Any person directly or indirectly, includes the indenture entered into by
assets and is fully responsible for the trustee of the trust issuing such
servicing, directly or through through one or more intermediaries,
controlling, controlled by, or under certificates and the indenture trustee.
subservicers, the receivables in the trust T. ‘‘Series’’ means an issuance of a
pursuant to the pooling and servicing common control with such other
person; class or various classes of certificates by
agreement. the trust all on the same date pursuant
(2) Any officer, director, partner,
F. ‘‘Subservicer’’ means Fleet or an to the same pooling and servicing
employee, relative (as defined in section
affiliate of Fleet, or an entity unaffiliated agreement, and any supplement thereto
3(15) of the Act), a brother, a sister, or
with Fleet which, under the supervision and restrictions therein.
a spouse of a brother or sister of such
of and on behalf of the master servicer, U. ‘‘Qualified Administrative Fee’’
other person; and
services receivables contained in the means a fee which meets the following
(3) Any corporation or partnership of
trust, but is not a party to the pooling criteria:
which such other person is an officer,
and servicing agreement. (1) The fee is triggered by an act or
director or partner.
G. ‘‘Servicer’’ means Fleet or an failure to act by the obligor other than
N. ‘‘Control’’ means the power to
affiliate which services receivables the normal timely payment of amounts
exercise a controlling influence over the
contained in the trust, including the owing with respect to the receivables;
management or policies of a person
master servicer and any subservicer or (2) The servicer may not charge the
other than an individual.
their successors pursuant to the pooling O. A person will be ‘‘independent’’ of fee absent the act or failure to act
and servicing agreement. another person only if: referred to in paragraph U.(1) above;
H. ‘‘Trustee’’ means an entity which (1) Such person is not an affiliate of (3) The ability to charge the fee, the
is independent of Fleet and its affiliates that other person; and circumstances in which the fee may be
and is the trustee of the trust. In the case (2) The other person, or an affiliate charged, and an explanation of how the
of certificates which are denominated as thereof, is not a fiduciary who has fee is calculated are set forth in the
debt instruments, ‘‘trustee’’ also means investment management authority or pooling and servicing agreement or
the trustee of the indenture trust. renders investment advice with respect described in all material respects in the
I. ‘‘Insurer’’ means the insurer or to any assets of such person. prospectus or private placement
guarantor of, provider of other credit P. ‘‘Sale’’ includes the entrance into a memorandum provided to the plan
support for, or other contractual forward delivery commitment (as before it purchases certificates issued by
7 For a listing of Underwriter Exemptions, see the
defined in Section III.Q. below), the trust; and
description provided in the text of the operative
provided that: (4) The amount paid to investors in
language of Prohibited Transaction Exemption (1) The terms of the forward delivery the trust is not reduced by the amount
(PTE) 97–34 (62 FR 39021, July 21, 1997). commitment (including any fee paid to of any such fee waived by the servicer.
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices 53741

V. ‘‘Receivables’’ means secured or made by the sponsor or the servicer in represents a discount from the face
unsecured obligations of credit card the pooling and servicing agreement value thereof and that is treated under
holders which have arisen or arise in that continues to be incorrect in any the pooling and servicing agreement as
Accounts designated to a trust. Such material respect for 60 days; (3) the finance charge receivables.
obligations represent amounts charged occurrence of certain bankruptcy events GG. ‘‘Ratings Dependent Swap’’
by cardholders for merchandise and relating to the sponsor or the servicer; means an interest rate swap, or (if
services and amounts advanced as cash (4) the failure by the sponsor to convey purchased by or on behalf of the trust)
advances, as well as periodic finance to the trust additional receivables to an interest rate cap contract, that is part
charges, annual membership fees, cash maintain the minimum seller interest of the structure of a series of certificates
advance fees, late charges on amounts that is required by the pooling and where the rating assigned by the Rating
charged for merchandise and services servicing agreement and the Rating Agency to any senior class of certificates
and certain other fees (such as bad Agencies; (5) the failure to pay in full held by any plan is dependent on the
check fees, cash advance fees, and other amounts owing to investors on the terms and conditions of the swap and
fees specified in the cardholder expected maturity date; and (6) the the rating of the swap counterparty, and
agreements) designated by card issuers Economic Pay Out Event. if such certificate rating is not
(other than a qualified administrative BB. An ‘‘Economic Pay Out Event’’ dependent on the existence of the swap
fee as defined in Section III.U.). occurs automatically when the portfolio and rating of the swap counterparty,
W. ‘‘Accounts’’ are revolving credit yield for any series of certificates, such swap or cap shall be referred to as
card accounts serviced by Fleet or an averaged over three consecutive months a ‘‘Non-Ratings Dependent Swap’’. With
affiliate, which were originated or (or such other period approved by one respect to a Non-Ratings Dependent
purchased by Fleet or an affiliate, and of the Rating Agencies) is less than the Swap, each Rating Agency rating the
are designated to a trust such that base rate of the series averaged over the certificates must confirm, as of the date
receivables arising in such accounts same period. Portfolio yield for a series of issuance of the certificates by the
become assets of the trust. of certificates for any period is equal to trust, that entering into an Eligible Swap
X. ‘‘Revolving Period’’ means a period the sum of the finance charge with such counterparty will not affect
of time, as specified in the pooling and collections and other amounts treated as the rating of the certificates.
servicing agreement, during which finance charge collections less total HH. ‘‘Eligible Swap’’ means a Ratings
principal collections allocated to a defaults for the series divided by the Dependent or Non-Ratings Dependent
series are reinvested in newly generated outstanding principal balance of the Swap:
receivables arising in the accounts. investor certificates of the series, or
Y. ‘‘Amortization Period’’ means a (1) which is denominated in U.S.
such other measure approved by one of
period of time specified in the pooling Dollars;
the Rating Agencies. The base rate for a
and servicing agreement during which a (2) pursuant to which the trust pays
series of certificates for any period is the
portion of the principal collections or receives, on or immediately prior to
sum of (i) amounts payable to
allocated to a series will commence to the respective payment or distribution
certificateholders of the series with
be paid to the certificateholders of such date for the senior class of certificates,
respect to interest, (ii) servicing fees
series in installments. a fixed rate of interest, or a floating rate
allocable to the series payable to the
Z. ‘‘Accumulation Period’’ means a servicer, and (iii) any credit of interest based on a publicly available
period of time specified in the pooling enhancement fee allocable to the series index (e.g. LIBOR or the U.S. Federal
and servicing agreement during which a payable to a third party credit enhancer, Reserve’s Cost of Funds Index (COFI)),
portion of the principal collections divided by the outstanding principal with the trust receiving such payments
allocated to a series will be deposited in balance of the investor certificates of the on at least a quarterly basis and
an account to be distributed to series, or such other measure approved obligated to make separate payments no
certificateholders in a lump sum on the by one of the Rating Agencies. more frequently than the swap
expected maturity date. CC. ‘‘CCA’’ or ‘‘Cash Collateral counterparty, with all simultaneous
AA. ‘‘Pay Out Event’’ means any of Account’’ means that certain account payments being netted;
the events specified in the pooling and established in the name of the trustee (3) which has a notional amount that
servicing agreement or supplement that serves as credit enhancement with does not exceed either (i) the certificate
thereto that results (in some instances respect to the investor certificates and balance of the class of certificates to
without further affirmative action by holds cash and/or permitted which the swap relates, or (ii) the
any party) in the early commencement investments (as defined below in portion of the certificate balance of such
of either an amortization period or an Section III.KK.) which conform to class represented by receivables;
accumulation period, including (1) the applicable provisions of the pooling and (4) which is not leveraged (i.e.,
failure of the sponsor or the servicer, servicing agreement. payments are based on the applicable
whichever is subject to the relevant DD. ‘‘Group’’ means a group of any notional amount, the day count
obligation under the pooling and number of series offered by the trust that fractions, the fixed or floating rates
servicing agreement, (i) to make any share finance charge and/or principal designated in paragraph HH.(2) above,
payment or deposit required under the collections in the manner described in and the difference between the products
pooling and servicing agreement within the applicable prospectus or private thereof, calculated on a one to one ratio
five (5) business days after such placement memorandum. and not on a multiplier of such
payment or deposit was required to be EE. ‘‘Ratings Effect’’ means the difference);
made, or (ii) to observe or perform any reduction or withdrawal by a Rating (5) which has a final termination date
of its other covenants or agreements set Agency of its then current rating of the that is the earlier of the date on which
forth in the pooling and servicing certificates held by any plan pursuant to the trust terminates or the related class
agreement, which failure has a material this exemption. of certificates is fully repaid; and
adverse effect on holders of investor FF. ‘‘Principal Receivables Discount’’ (6) which does not incorporate any
certificates of the relevant series and means, with respect to any account provision which could cause a
continues unremedied for 60 days; (2) a designated by the sponsor, the portion unilateral alteration in any provision
breach of any representation or warranty of the related principal receivables that described in paragraphs HH.(1) through
53742 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices

(4) above without the consent of the of PTE 96–23 (61 FR 15975, 15982, UNOVA, Inc. (UNOVA), Located in
trustee. April 10, 1996); or Beverly Hills, California
II. ‘‘Eligible Swap Counterparty’’ (3) a plan fiduciary with total assets [Prohibited Transaction Exemption No. 99–
means a bank or other financial under management of at least $100 40; Exemption Application Nos. D–10663
institution which has a rating, at the million at the time of the acquisition of and D–10664]
date of issuance of the certificates by the such certificates.
trust, which is in one of the three Exemption
KK. ‘‘Permitted Investments’’ means The restrictions of section 406(a),
highest long-term credit rating
investments that either (i) are direct 406(b)(1) and (b)(2), and section 407(a)
categories, or one of the two highest
obligations of, or obligations fully of the Act and the sanctions resulting
short-term credit rating categories,
guaranteed as to timely payment of from the application of section 4975 of
utilized by at least one of the Rating
principal and interest by, the United the Code, by reason of section
Agencies rating the certificates;
States or any agency or instrumentality 4975(c)(1)(A) through (E) of the Code,
provided that, if a swap counterparty is
thereof, provided that such obligation is shall not apply, as of December 17,
relying on its short-term rating to
backed by the full faith and credit of the 1998, to: (1) the acquisition by the
establish eligibility hereunder, such
United States, or (ii) have been rated (or UNOVA, Inc. Pension Plan and the
counterparty must either have a long-
the obligor thereof has been rated) in Landis Tool Pension Plan (collectively,
term rating in one of the three highest
one of the three highest generic rating the Plans) of certain improved real
long-term rating categories or not have
categories by a Rating Agency; are property (the Property) from an
a long-term rating from the applicable
described in the pooling and servicing unrelated party for a sales price of
Rating Agency, and provided further
agreement; and are permitted by the $15,250,000 (the Purchase); and (2) the
that if the senior class of certificates
relevant Rating Agency(ies). leasing of a portion of the Property (the
with which the swap is associated has
a final maturity date of more than one LL. ‘‘Excess Finance Charge Lease) by the Plans to UNOVA, a party
year from the date of issuance of the Collections’’ means, as of any day funds in interest with respect to the Plans,
certificates, and such swap is a Ratings are distributed from the trust, the provided that the following conditions
Dependent Swap, the swap counterparty amount by which the finance charge are satisfied:
is required by the terms of the swap collections allocated to certificates of a (a) The Plans paid an amount for the
agreement to establish any series exceed the amount necessary to Property which was no more than the
collateralization or other arrangement pay certificate interest, servicing fees fair market value of the Property at the
satisfactory to the Rating Agencies in and expenses, to satisfy cardholder time of the transaction;
the event of a ratings downgrade of the defaults or charge-offs, and to reinstate (b) The interest in the Property owned
swap counterparty. credit support. by each Plan represented no more than
JJ. ‘‘Qualified Plan Investor’’ means a MM. ‘‘Required Additions’’ means 10% of the value of either Plan’s total
plan investor or group of plan investors accounts which are required to be added assets at the time of the Purchase;
on whose behalf the decision to to the trust when either the seller (c) The Property, including the
purchase certificates is made by an amount is less than the minimum amount of space in the Property leased
appropriate independent fiduciary that required seller amount or the principal to UNOVA under the Lease (the Leased
is qualified to analyze and understand amount is less than the required Space), represents no more than 10% of
the terms and conditions of any swap principal amount. the value of either Plan’s total assets
transaction used by the trust and the throughout the duration of the Lease;
NN. ‘‘Restricted Additions’’ means (d) The terms and conditions of the
effect such swap would have upon the accounts which may be added to the Lease are at least as favorable to the
credit ratings of the certificates. For trust at the discretion of the sponsor Plans as those obtainable in an arm’s-
purposes of the exemption, such a only upon confirmation from a Rating length transaction with an unrelated
fiduciary is either: Agency that no Ratings Effect will result party;
(1) A ‘‘qualified professional asset from the addition. (e) The fair market rental value of the
manager’’ (QPAM),8 as defined under Leased Space has been, and every three
The Department notes that this
Part V(a) of PTE 84–14 (49 FR 9494, years during the Lease will continue to
exemption is included within the
9506, March 13, 1984); be, determined by a qualified,
meaning of the term ‘‘Underwriter
(2) an ‘‘in-house asset manager’’ independent appraiser;
Exemption’’ as it is defined in Section
(INHAM),9 as defined under Part IV(a) (f) The amount of rent paid by
V(h) of the Grant of the Class Exemption
for Certain Transactions Involving UNOVA to the Plans for the Leased
8 PTE 84–14 provides a class exemption for
Insurance Company General Accounts, Space throughout the duration of the
transactions between a party in interest with respect
to an employee benefit plan and an investment fund which was published in the Federal Lease will be no less than the greater of
(including either a single customer or pooled Register on July 12, 1995 (see PTE 95– the initial rent paid by UNOVA or the
separate account) in which the plan has an interest, 60, 60 FR 35925). current fair market value of the Leased
and which is managed by a QPAM, provided Space, as determined every three years
certain conditions are met. QPAMs (e.g., banks, For a more complete statement of the
insurance companies, registered investment facts and representations supporting the by a qualified independent appraiser;
advisers with total client assets under management Department’s decision to grant this (g) The Plans’ independent fiduciary
in excess of $50 million) are considered to be
exemption refer to the notice of has determined that the Purchase and
experienced investment managers for plan investors Lease are appropriate for the Plans and
that are aware of their fiduciary duties under proposed exemption published on
ERISA. August 11, 1999 at 64 FR 43742. in the best interests of the Plans’
9 PTE 96–23 permits various transactions participants and beneficiaries; and
involving employee benefit plans whose assets are
Effective Date: This exemption is (h) The Plans’ independent fiduciary
managed by an INHAM, an entity which is effective August 11, 1999. will monitor the Lease, as well as the
generally a subsidiary of an employer sponsoring For Further Information Contact: Mr. conditions of this exemption, and will
the plan which is a registered investment adviser
with management and control of total assets
Gary H. Lefkowitz of the Department, take whatever actions are necessary to
attributable to plans maintained by the employer telephone (202) 219–8881. (This is not safeguard the interests of the Plans
and its affiliates which are in excess of $50 million. a toll-free number.) throughout the duration of the Lease.
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices 53743

Effective Date: This exemption is should be part of the investments in the notes further that the total value of the
effective as of December 17, 1998. Plans’ portfolios in order to diversify the Property allocated to each of the Plans
For a more complete statement of the assets of the Plans. The applicant notes represented less than 5% of each Plan’s
facts and representations supporting the that asset diversity can reduce risk to an total assets at the time of the Purchase.
Department’s decision to grant this investment portfolio and can contribute Therefore, based on the current facts
exemption, refer to the notice of to the growth of the Plans’ assets. With and representations, the Department is
proposed exemption published on May respect to the Plans’ investment in the satisfied that the Plans’ purchase of the
13, 1999 at 64 FR 25921. Property, the applicant represents that Property and subsequent leasing of part
Written Comments the Committee determined that the of the Property to UNOVA was
Property would be an appropriate real consistent with the Plans’ investment
The Department received estate investment for the Plans in objectives, and that the terms and
approximately 69 comment letters from meeting the stated goal of diversifying
interested persons regarding the notice conditions of the Lease (as agreed to by
the Plans’ assets into real estate. The the parties and approved by an
of proposed exemption (the Notice). The applicant states that the Lease adds to
Department also received three independent fiduciary) are in the
the value of the Property because it adds interests of the Plans. Upon
comment letters from the applicant (i.e., to the income enjoyed by the Plans from
UNOVA), one letter in response to the consideration of the concerns raised by
the investment. Further, the requested the comments, the applicant has agreed
69 comments submitted by interested exemption contains safeguards, such as
persons, another letter requesting by letter dated September 21, 1999 to
independent fiduciary review of the fair further limit the percentage of each
certain clarifications and modifications market rental value of the Leased Space
to the Notice, and a final letter which Plan’s total assets that the Property will
every three years, adjustment of the rent represent throughout the duration of the
provides a further statement regarding to reflect cost of living increases, and
an appropriate limitation on the Lease to no more than 10%. As noted
continued monitoring of the Lease’s below, the Department has modified
percentage of each Plan’s assets that the terms to ensure that the Lease does not
Property may represent. conditions (b) and (c) of the exemption
become disadvantageous to the Plans. accordingly. In addition, the applicant
With respect to the 69 comments The applicant notes that the
received by the Department from has also represented that no major
safeguards agreed to by UNOVA for the expenditures or renovations are
interested persons, approximately 58 of Lease are similar to those required in
the letters were similar or identical in contemplated for the Property except for
other lease transactions for which the
nature. One such letter had 22 different certain expenses associated with tenant
Department has granted an exemption.
signatures endorsing the comments installation.10
In this regard, UNOVA hired an
made therein. All of these letters independent fiduciary for the Plans to The following is a discussion of the
expressed general opposition ‘‘* * * to review the terms of proposed applicant’s additional comments
any plan that would allow unova inc. transactions and to take whatever regarding the Notice. These comments
[sic] to use any funds that have been actions may be necessary to safeguard requested that:
accumulated by its employees for the best interests of the Plans and its (1) relief from the restrictions of
retirement, for company related participants and beneficiaries. In section 407(a) of the Act be provided in
expenditures.’’ Some of these letters addition, an independent qualified real the exemption;
also expressed concerns regarding estate appraiser was hired to review and
‘‘* * * a potential conflict of interest’’ (2) condition (c), which imposes a
appraise the Property (the Appraisal) to limitation on the total Plan assets that
and that ‘‘* * * any money set aside for determine its fair market value prior to
future retirement should only be used to can be represented by the Property, be
its acquisition by the Plans. The clarified; and
enhance that retirement fund to the appraiser that produced the Appraisal
fullest extent possible.’’ The remaining also analyzed the rental rate to be paid (3) certain clarifications be made to
comment letters were not similar or by UNOVA for the Leased Space and the information contained in Paragraph
identical in nature and raised more concluded that an initial rental rate of 3 of the Summary of Facts and
specific issues. For example, one $25.20 per square foot annually Representations in the Notice (the
comment stated that ‘‘* * * the represented the current fair market Summary).
purchase of land from ‘arms length’ value of the Leased Space. The With respect to item (1) above, the
parties is suspect and not in the best Appraisal was also reviewed by certified applicant states that relief from section
interest of plan participants * * *’’ and real estate appraisers (the Reviewers) 407(a) of the Act is necessary because
that ‘‘* * * investment in real property who were independent of the parties the Property represents a single parcel
in Los Angles [sic] is speculative at best involved in the transactions. The of ‘‘employer real property’’ (as defined
* * *’’ Other comments suggested that Reviewers determined that the rental in section 407(d)(2) of the Act) and
it would have been more appropriate for rate to be paid by UNOVA for the would not be considered ‘‘qualifying
UNOVA to buy the Property rather than Leased Space was at the high end of the employer real property’’ within the
the Plans. Some of these comments also range of rents being paid for similar meaning of section 407(d)(4) of the Act,
suggested that the rent being paid by properties in the local real estate since such a property would not meet
UNOVA for the Leased Space, and market.
UNOVA’s reimbursement of leasing Therefore, the applicant believes that 10 The Department notes that any expenses for
expenses to the Plans, is inadequate. given the goal of diversification of plan tenant installation, or other expenditures relating to
Finally, most of these comments raised assets and the independent safeguards the Property, made by the Plans must be consistent
concerns about the ‘‘* * * security of discussed above, the transactions are in with the fiduciary responsibility provisions
contained in Part 4 of Title I of the Act. In this
the retirement funds’’ and the need for the best interests of the Plans and their regard, the Department notes that section 404(a) of
adequate protections from any participants and beneficiaries. the Act requires, among other things, that plan
investment losses. The Department agrees with the fiduciaries act prudently and solely in the interest
In response to these comments, the applicant that the conditions of the of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries
when making investment decisions for a plan,
applicant states that the Investment proposed exemption contain adequate including any decisions for reasonable expenditures
Committee of the Plans (the Committee) independent safeguards to protect the that are necessary to enhance the value of such
determined in 1998 that real estate interests of the Plans. The Department investments.
53744 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices

the requirement contained therein that The Manufacturers Life Insurance the Plan of Demutualization is in the
such properties be ‘‘geographically Company (Manulife) Located in best interests of the financial system in
dispersed.’’ Thus, in order to ensure that Toronto, Canada Canada; and (iii) sufficient steps had
adequate relief is provided by the final [Prohibited Transaction Exemption 99–41;
been taken to inform Eligible
exemption, the applicant requests that Exemption Application No. D–10738] Policyholders of the Plan of
the Department clarify that the Demutualization and of the special
exemption provides relief from section Exemption meeting on demutualization.
407(a). Section I. Covered Transactions (3) The Michigan Insurance
The Department agrees with the Commissioner makes a determination
The restrictions of section 406(a) of that the Plan of Demutualization is (i)
applicant’s analysis and has modified the Act and the sanctions resulting from
the exemption to provide relief from the fair and equitable to all Eligible
the application of section 4975 of the Policyholders and (ii) consistent with
restrictions of section 407(a) of the Act. Code, by reason of section 4975(c)(1)(A) the requirements of Michigan law.
With respect to item (2) above, the through (D) of the Code, shall not apply, (4) Both the Canadian Finance
applicant states that condition (c) of the to (1) the receipt of common stock (the Minister and the Michigan Insurance
Notice states that: Common Shares) of Manulife Financial Commissioner concur on the terms of
The Property, and the amount of space in Corporation, a newly-formed company the Plan of Demutualization.
the Property leased to UNOVA under the that will be the holding company (the (c) Each Eligible Policyholder has an
Lease (the Leased Space), represents no more Holding Company) for Manulife; or (2) opportunity to vote to approve the Plan
than 15% of the value of either Plans’s total the receipt of cash or policy credits, by of Demutualization after full written
assets throughout the duration of the Lease. any plan policyholder (the Eligible disclosure is given to the Eligible
[emphasis added] Policyholder) that is an employee Policyholder by Manulife.
benefit plan (the Plan), other than a (d) One or more independent
In this regard, the applicant asks the policyholder which is a Plan established fiduciaries of a Plan that is an Eligible
Department to confirm that this by Manulife or an affiliate for its own Policyholder receives Holding Company
condition does not double count the employees, in exchange for such Common Shares, cash or policy credits
value of the Property and the value of Eligible Policyholder’s membership pursuant to the terms of the Plan of
the Leased Space, but merely looks to interest in Manulife, in accordance with Demuutualization and neither Manulife
the value of the Property (including the a plan of reorganization (the Plan of nor any of its affiliates exercises any
value of the Leased Space) when Demutualization) adopted by Manulife discretion or provides investment
determining whether this condition is and implemented under the insurance advice with respect to such acquisition.
met. laws of Canada and the State of (e) After each Eligible Policyholder is
The Department acknowledges the Michigan. allocated 186 Common Shares,
applicant’s comment and, in order to This exemption is subject to the additional consideration is allocated to
clarify the meaning of this condition in conditions set forth below in Section II. Eligible Policyholders who own eligible
the final exemption, has deleted the Section II. General Conditions policies based on an actuarial formula
word ‘‘and’’ and substituted the word that takes into account the cash value,
(a) The Plan of Demutualization is the death benefit (in the case of life
‘‘including’’ in the reference to the
implemented in accordance with insurance policies and certain annuity
Leased Space contained in condition (c).
procedural and substantive safeguards policies) and the duration of each such
In addition, as noted above, the
that are imposed under the insurance eligible policy. The actuarial formula
Department has modified conditions (b)
laws of Canada and the State of has been reviewed by the Canadian
and (c) of the exemption by reducing the
Michigan and is subject to review and/ Finance Minister and the Michigan
percentage limitation required therein
or approval in Canada by the Office of Insurance Commissioner.
from 15% to 10%.
the Superintendent of Financial (f) All Eligible Policyholders that are
With respect to item (3) above, the Institutions (OSFI) and the Minister of Plans participate in the transactions on
applicant notes that the first sentence in Finance (the Canadian Finance the same basis within their class
Paragraph 3 of the Summary states that: Minister) and, in the State of Michigan, groupings as other Eligible
After the Purchase, the Plans leased a by the Commissioner of Insurance (the Policyholders that are not Plans.
portion of the Property to UNOVA, effective Michigan Insurance Commissioner). (g) No Eligible Policyholder pays any
as of December 17, 1998 (i.e., the Lease). (b) OSFI, the Canadian Finance brokerage commissions or fees in
[emphasis added] Minister and the Michigan Insurance connection with the receipt of Common
Commissioner review the terms of the Shares.
The applicant states that this sentence options that are provided to Eligible (h) All of Manulife’s policyholder
should state that the Plans leased a Policyholders of Manulife as part of obligations remain in force and are not
portion of the Property to UNOVA, their separate reviews of the Plan of affected by the Plan of Demutualization.
effective as of February 1, 1999. Demutualization. In this regard,
(1) OSFI (i) authorizes the release of Section III. Definitions
The Department acknowledges this
clarification to the information the Plan of Demutualization and all For purposes of this exemption:
contained in the Summary. information to be sent to Eligible (a) The term ‘‘Manulife’’ means The
Policyholders; (ii) oversees each step of Manufacturers Life Insurance Company
Accordingly, based on the entire the demutualization process; and (iii) and any affiliate of Manulife as defined
record, the Department has determined makes a final recommendation to the in paragraph (b) of this Section III.
to grant the proposed exemption as Canadian Finance Minister on the Plan (b) An ‘‘affiliate’’ of Manulife
modified herein. of Demutualization. includes—
For Further Information Contact: (2) The Canadian Finance Minister (1) Any person directly or indirectly
Christopher J. Motta of the Department, may consider such factors as whether (i) through one or more intermediaries,
telephone (202) 219–8194. (This is not the Plan of Demutualization is fair and controlling, controlled by, or under
a toll-free number.) equitable to Eligible Policyholders; (ii) common control with Manulife. (For
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices 53745

purposes of this paragraph, the term distribution that would be made by Summary and the Notice to Interested
‘‘control’’ means the power to exercise Manulife to the policyholder’s Plan Persons.
a controlling influence over the account as a result of the 1. Canadian Finance Minister
management or policies of a person demutualization. The commenter Considerations. On page 39539 of the
other than an individual.) explained that he had not sought the Notice, Section II(b)(2) describes the
(2) Any officer, director or partner in demutualization nor was he taking the various factors the Canadian Finance
such person, and (3) Any corporation or distribution in his own name. Rather, he Minister may take into account in
partnership of which such person is an said he would reinvest the cash deciding whether to approve a plan of
officer, director or a 5 percent partner or consideration received with other assets demutualization. Manulife represents
owner. held by his Plan account. The that the first subclause of Section II(b)(2)
(c) The term ‘‘Eligible Policyholder’’ commenter argued that to tax him should be revised to read ‘‘The
means a policyholder who is eligible to would be unfair since the money he Canadian Finance Minister may
vote at the special meeting on would be receiving as a result of consider such factors as whether (i) the
demutualization and to receive Manulife’s demutualization would not Plan of Demutualization is fair and
consideration under Manulife’s Plan of be in his actual possession and the tax equitable to policyholders.’’ As for
Demutualization. More specifically, an would have to be paid to the taxing subclauses (ii) and (iii) of Section
Eligible Policyholder is a policyholder authorities from his present income. II(b)(2), Manulife states that no changes
of the mutual insurer that had a voting The commenter further explained that should be made.
policy on the day Manulife announced while he fully expected to pay taxes on The Department concurs with this
its intention to prepare a plan of the cash consideration when he took modification to Section II(b)(2) of the
demutualization (the Eligibility Date) or distributions from his Plan account, to Notice.
any policyholder that applied for a tax him prematurely would be unfair 2. Fixed and Variable Allocations of
voting policy on or prior to that day. and constitute unjust enrichment to the Demutualization Benefits. On page
Policyholders will also be deemed taxing authorities. 39539 of the Notice, Section II(e) states
Eligible Policyholders if they are that the fixed allocation of
In response to the commenter, demutualization benefits will equal 184
holders of a voting policy that lapsed Manulife indicated that it was unaware
before the insurer’s Eligibility Date but Common Shares. However, Manulife
of how the commenter acquired wishes to clarify that the fixed
was reinstated on or before 90 days erroneous information that the payment
prior to the special meeting to consider allocation is actually equal to 186
of the demutualization benefits to the Common Shares and, in response to this
demutualization. These policyholders commenter’s Plan account would
will be eligible to receive benefits upon comment, the Department has made the
constitute a taxable event. Manulife requested change. The Department has
demutualization. explained that under current U.S. tax
(d) The term ‘‘policy credit’’ means also made a corresponding revision on
law, the payment of the demutualization page 39543 of the Notice in the second
whichever of the following is benefits to a qualified plan would not
applicable: (1) with respect to an paragraph of Representation 10 of the
result in current taxation to a Plan Summary.
individual life or individual deferred participant, such as the commenter, nor
annuity policy, and for a group policy In addition, Section II(e) of the Notice
of the Plan, itself. To emphasize this describes the variable component of the
(other than a group annuity), where the point, Manulife indicated that in the
owner has elected a paid-up addition demutualization benefits, in part, as
Information Circular it mailed to follows: ‘‘additional consideration is
option, an increase in the paid-up policyholders on or before May 31,
addition value; (2) with respect to all allocated to Eligible Policyholders who
1999, pages 51 and 52 of the document own participating policies based on
other individual life or individual specifically state that the ‘‘[r]eceipt of
deferred annuity policies, and for all actuarial formulas that take into account
Common Shares or cash by a pension or each participating policy’s contribution
other group policies (other than group profit sharing trust (a plan covered by
annuities), an increase in the dividend to the surplus of Manulife * * *’’
section 401(a) of the U.S. Tax Code) will Manulife represents that while some
accumulation account; (3) with respect be tax-free to the trust (assuming the
to a settlement annuity, a vested annuity other insurance companies have
trust is not otherwise subject to tax).’’ calculated the variable component of
or a group annuity, an increase in the
periodic income payment. Manulife’s Comment their demutualization benefit in this
For a more complete statement of the manner, Manulife’s variable allocation
In its comment, Manulife will be calculated on a different basis.
facts and representations supporting the
recommended modifications or In this regard, Manulife explains that
Department’s decision to grant this
clarifications to the operative language under its Plan of Demutualization, the
exemption, refer to the notice of
and the Summary of Facts and variable allocation to eligible policies
proposed exemption (the Notice) that
Representations (the Summary) of the that are life insurance policies will be
was published July 22, 1999 at 64 FR
Notice in a number of areas. Manulife calculated on the basis of the cash
39539.
explained that its comment was value, the death benefit and the
Written Comments generated primarily because the duration of each such eligible policy.
The Department received two written exemption application reflected a draft Manulife further explains that the
comments with respect to the Notice. version of the Plan of Demutualization variable allocation to eligible policies
One comment was submitted by a rather than the final version that was that are annuities will be calculated
Manulife policyholder. The other approved by OSFI and the Michigan using the same formula that will be used
comment was submitted by Manulife. Insurance Commissioner. for life insurance policies, except that
Following is a discussion of these Discussed below are Manulife’s the share allocation with respect to the
comments. concerns and the Department’s death benefit will generally be zero.
responses with respect to these areas of According to Manulife, these allocation
Policyholder’s Comment concern. Also included is a discussion formulas have been reviewed by the
The commenter expressed concern of the Department’s revisions of certain Canadian Finance Minister and the
over the tax implications of the cash typographical errors appearing in the Michigan Insurance Commissioner. In
53746 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices

light of the above, Manulife suggests The term ‘‘policy credit’’ means whichever Manulife’s demutualization.
that Section II(e) be revised to read as of the following is applicable: (1) with Specifically, the third sentence of
follows: respect to an individual life insurance policy, Representation 6 states the following:
an increase in the dividend accumulation
After each Eligible Policyholder is ‘‘Then, all of the Holding Company’s
amount; (2) with respect to an individual
allocated 186 Common Shares, additional deferred annuity policy where the owner has Common Shares held by Manulife
consideration is allocated to Eligible elected a dividend accumulation option, an immediately prior to the effective date
Policyholders who own eligible policies increase in the dividend accumulation will be canceled.’’ Manulife requests
based on an actuarial formula that takes into amount; (3) with respect to all other that this sentence be revised by deleting
account the cash value, the death benefit (in individual deferred annuity policies, an the reference to the term ‘‘Common
the case of life insurance policies and certain increase in the dividend addition value; and Shares’’ and replacing it with the term
annuity policies) and the duration of each (4) with respect to a settlement annuity, an ‘‘shares.’’ Therefore, the revised
such eligible policy. The actuarial formula increase in the contract reserve which shall
has been reviewed by the Canadian Finance
sentence would read as follows: ‘‘Then,
provide for an increase in the monthly
Minister and the Michigan Insurance income payment equal to the ratio of the all of the Holding Company’s shares
Commissioner. reserve increase to the then current contract held by Manulife immediately prior to
reserve. the effective date will be canceled.’’ The
The Department acknowledges
Department does not object to this
Manulife’s requested change and has To reflect current revisions to its Plan of
change and has made the requested
modified Section II(e) of the Notice. Demutualization, Manulife suggests that
3. Eligible Policyholder Definition. On revision.
the definition of the term ‘‘policy
8. Footnote 13. On page 39542 of the
page 39539 of the Notice, Section III(c) credit’’ be revised to read as follows:
Notice, Footnote 13 of the Summary
defines the term ‘‘Eligible Policyholder’’ The term ‘‘policy credit’’ means whichever describes the treatment of the
as— of the following is applicable: (1) with underwriters’ discount under Canadian
A policyholder who is eligible to vote at respect to an individual life or individual
law if Common Shares are sold by non-
annual meetings of the mutual insurer and to deferred annuity policy, and for a group
policy (other than a group annuity), where Canadian policyholders of Manulife in a
receive consideration under Manulife’s Plan secondary offering by the Holding
of Demutualization. More specifically, an the owner has elected a paid-up addition
Eligible Policyholder is a policyholder of the option, an increase in the paid-up addition Company’s underwriters as part of the
mutual insurer that had a voting policy value; (2) with respect to all other individual initial public offering. To clarify the
before Manulife announced its intention to life or individual deferred annuity policies, language of the footnote, Manulife
demutualize or any policyholder that applied and for all other group policies (other than suggests that the second and third
for a voting policy prior to that day. group annuities), an increase in the dividend sentences be deleted and replaced with
Policyholders will also be deemed Eligible accumulation account; (3) with respect to a the following language:
Policyholders if they are holders of a voting settlement annuity, a vested annuity or a
group annuity, an increase in the periodic Because the payment of the underwriters’
policy that lapsed before the insurer’s
income payment. discount is treated as dividend in Canada, a
announcement date but was reinstated on or
withholding tax of 15 percent of the amount
before 90 days prior to the special meeting The Department concurs with this of the dividend will be imposed. Manulife
to consider demutualization. These clarification and has modified Section has concluded that there is an applicable
policyholders will be eligible to receive III(d) accordingly. withholding tax exemption under the
benefits upon demutualization. 5. Subsidiary Ownership. On page Canada/U.S. tax treaty and, accordingly, it
To reflect current revisions in its Plan 39540 of the Notice, Representation 1 of will not withhold any taxes from amounts
of Demutualization, Manulife requests the Summary states, in pertinent part, remitted to the Plans. Manulife has
that the definition of ‘‘Eligible that Manulife indirectly owns represented that even if its conclusion is
Policyholder’’ as set forth in Section approximately 85 percent of The incorrect, it will not seek reimbursement
III(c) of the Notice be revised to read as Manufacturers Life Insurance Company from any Plan policyholder under such
circumstances.
follows: of North America (Manulife/North
The term ‘‘Eligible Policyholder’’ means a America). Manulife wishes to clarify The Department concurs with these
policyholder who is eligible to vote at the however, that as a result of ManUSA’s revisions and has made the requested
special meeting on demutualization and to recent acquisition of the 15 percent changes.
receive consideration under Manulife’s Plan minority interest in Manulife/North 9. Footnote 19. On page 39542 of the
of Demutualization. More specifically, an America, Manulife now indirectly owns Notice, Footnote 19 of the Summary
Eligible Policyholder is a policyholder of the 100 percent of that entity. discusses, in pertinent part, special
mutual insurer that had a voting policy on The Department notes this rules applicable to an insurance policy
the day Manulife announced its intention to clarification to the Summary. that is issued to a trust established by
prepare a plan of demutualization (the 6. Stock Ownership Listings. On page Manulife. Because the last sentence of
Eligibility Date) or any policyholder that
applied for a voting policy on or prior to that
39541 of the Notice, Representation 4 of the second paragraph of Footnote 19 is
day. Policyholders will also be deemed the Summary states that Common in error, Manulife suggests that the
Eligible Policyholders if they are holders of Shares of the Holding Company will be sentence be revised to read as follows:
a voting policy that lapsed before the listed on the Montreal, Toronto or New ‘‘The trustee of any such trust
insurer’s Eligibility Date but was reinstated York Stock Exchanges. However, for established by Manulife will not be
on or before 90 days prior to the special purposes of clarification, Manulife considered an Eligible Policyholder or
meeting to consider demutualization. These represents that Common Shares will be owner and will not be eligible to vote
policyholders will be eligible to receive listed on each of the ‘‘Montreal, or receive consideration.’’
benefits upon demutualization. Toronto, Hong Kong, Philippines and The Department acknowledges this
In response to this comment, the New York Stock Exchanges.’’ revision and has made the requested
Department has made the requested The Department acknowledges this change.
changes to Section III(c) of the Notice. clarification. 10. Eligible Policyholder. On page
4. Policy Credit Definition. On page 7. Holding Company Shares. On page 39543 of the Notice, Representation 10
39540 of the Notice Section II(d) 39541 of the Notice, Representation 6 of of the Summary describes the criteria
contains the following definition of the the Summary describes the steps that for an Eligible Policyholder under
term ‘‘policy credit’’: will occur in connection with Manulife’s Plan of Demutualization. To
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 191 / Monday, October 4, 1999 / Notices 53747

clarify the second parenthetical in the is not granted before the effective date require a fiduciary to discharge his
first paragraph of Representation 10, of the demutualization. Specifically, the duties respecting the plan solely in the
which relates to certain status and time first sentence of Representation 12 interest of the participants and
requirements for the insurance policies, provides that the escrow arrangement is beneficiaries of the plan and in a
Manulife suggests that the parenthetical subject to terms and conditions prudent fashion in accordance with
be revised to read as follows: approved by the Superintendent of section 404(a)(1)(B) of the Act; nor does
(or applied for on or before that date or OSFI. Manulife wishes to clarify, it affect the requirement of section
which are in lapse status on that date and however, that such terms and 401(a) of the Code that the plan must
reinstated at least 90 days prior to the special conditions will be subject to approval operate for the exclusive benefit of the
meeting of the Eligible Policyholders to vote by the Michigan Insurance employees of the employer maintaining
on the Plan of Demutualization). Commissioner rather than the the plan and their beneficiaries;
The Department acknowledges this Superintendent of OSFI. (2) These exemptions are
revision and has modified the In response, the Department notes this supplemental to and not in derogation
parenthetical. clarification and has made the requested of, any other provisions of the Act and/
11. Cash Elections/Non-Trusteed change. or the Code, including statutory or
Policies. On page 39543 of the Finally, the Department has revised administrative exemptions and
Summary, the second sentence in the certain typographical errors appearing transactional rules. Furthermore, the
fourth paragraph of Representation 10 in the Summary and the Notice to fact that a transaction is subject to an
states that the cash election that is made Interested Persons. In this regard, on administrative or statutory exemption is
by an Eligible Policyholder who is page 39543 of the Notice, references to not dispositive of whether the
entitled to receive Common Shares may the citation ‘‘29 CFR 2510.3–2(c)’’ in the transaction is in fact a prohibited
be reduced if the Board of Directors of fifth paragraph of Representation 10 and transaction; and
the Holding Company determines that in paragraph (d) of Representation 12 (3) The availability of these
should be revised to read ‘‘29 CFR exemptions is subject to the express
such reduction is in Manulife’s best
2510.3–21(c).’’ Also, the reference to condition that the material facts and
interests. However, for purposes of
‘‘20 CFR 2570.43(b)(2)’’ in the Notice to representations contained in each
clarification, Manulife suggests that this
Interested Persons should be revised to application are true and complete and
sentence be deleted and the following
read ‘‘29 CFR 2570.43(b)(2).’’ accurately describe all material terms of
new sentence be inserted in lieu thereof: For further information regarding the
If, in the judgment of the Board of Directors the transaction which is the subject of
comments or other matters discussed
of the Holding Company, it would not be in the exemption. In the case of continuing
herein, interested persons are
the best interests of Manulife to conduct a exemption transactions, if any of the
encouraged to obtain copies of the
public offering that fully funds cash material facts or representations
exemption application file (Exemption
elections, then the Board of Directors shall described in the application change
determine the number of Common Shares by Application No. D–10738) the
after the exemption is granted, the
which the aggregate cash elections shall be Department is maintaining in this case.
The complete application file, as well as exemption will cease to apply as of the
reduced, and such reductions shall be pro- date of such change. In the event of any
rated among all Eligible Policyholders who all supplemental submissions received
have made a cash election. by the Department, are made available such change, application for a new
for public inspection in the Public exemption may be made to the
In response to this comment, the Department.
Department has made the suggested Documents Room of the Pension and
Welfare Benefits Administration, Room Signed at Washington, DC, this 29th day of
modification.
N–5638, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 September, 1999.
In addition, the fifth paragraph of
Representation 10 refers to Plans Constitution Avenue, N.W., Ivan Strasfeld,
intending to qualify under section Washington, D.C. 20210. Director of Exemption Determinations,
403(a) of the Code as the recipients of Accordingly, after giving full Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration,
policy credits. Manulife requests that consideration to the entire record, Department of Labor.
the sentence should also make reference including the written comments [FR Doc. 99–25709 Filed 10–1–99; 8:45 am]
to Plans intending to qualify under received, the Department has decided to BILLING CODE 4510–29–P
section 401(a) of the Code. Accordingly, grant the exemption subject to the
Manulife suggests that the sentence modifications and clarifications
should read as follows: described above.
For Further Information Contact: Ms. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
Other Eligible Policyholders, namely
owners of individual retirement annuities, Jan D. Broady of the Department, SPACE ADMINISTRATION
tax sheltered annuities, certain other policies telephone (202) 219–8881. (This is not
issued directly to Plan participants in a toll-free number.) [99–128]
qualified pension or profit sharing plans, or General Information
group policies issued in connection with Agency Information Collection:
Plans intending to qualify under section The attention of interested persons is Submission for OMB Review,
401(a) or 403(a) of the Code that are not held directed to the following: Comment Request
in trust, will receive policy credits equal in (1) The fact that a transaction is the
value to the shares allocated to such Eligible subject of an exemption under section AGENCY: National Aeronautics and
Policyholders. 408(a) of the Act and/or section Space Administration (NASA).
The Department notes this change and 4975(c)(2) of the Code does not relieve SUMMARY: The National Aeronautics and
has made the requested revision. a fiduciary or other party in interest or Space Administration has submitted to
12. Escrow Arrangement. On page disqualified person from certain other the Office of Management and Budget
39543 of the Notice, Representation 12 provisions to which the exemptions (OMB) the following proposal for the
of the Summary describes an escrow does not apply and the general fiduciary collection of information under the
arrangement that Manulife will responsibility provisions of section 404 provisions of the Paperwork Reduction
implement in the event the exemption of the Act, which among other things Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

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