EX-99.D.35 3 d425767dex99d35.htm SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT - TAM AND GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. Sub-Advisory Agreement - TAM and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

INVESTMENT SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT LP

This Agreement, entered into as of July 7, 2017 by and between Transamerica Asset Management, Inc., a Florida corporation (referred to herein as “TAM”) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware Limited Partnership (referred to herein as the “Subadviser”).

TAM is the investment adviser to Transamerica Series Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (collectively with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and any exemptive orders thereunder, the “1940 Act”). TAM wishes to engage the Subadviser to provide certain investment advisory services to each series of the Trust listed on Schedule A hereto (the “Fund”). The Subadviser desires to furnish services for the Trust and to perform the functions assigned to it under this Agreement for the considerations provided. Accordingly, the parties have agreed as follows:

1. Appointment. In accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and TAM (the “Advisory Agreement”), TAM hereby appoints the Subadviser to act as subadviser with respect to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render or cause to be rendered the services set forth for the compensation herein specified. In performing its obligations under this Agreement and with the prior written consent of TAM (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), Subadviser may, from time to time, employ, delegate to, engage, or associate with affiliated entities or otherwise use the resources of one or more affiliated investment advisers that qualify as its “participating affiliates,” as such term is used in relief granted by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and as identified in the Subadviser’s Form ADV, as Subadviser believes necessary or appropriate to assist it in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, TAM consents to and agrees that the Subadviser may, at the Subadviser’s discretion, delegate its responsibilities hereunder to Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd without any further consent from TAM. The Subadviser shall remain liable for the performance of the Subadviser’s obligations hereunder and for the acts and omissions of such other persons or entities.

2. Subadvisory Services. In its capacity as subadviser to the Fund, the Subadviser shall have the following responsibilities:

 

  (a)

Subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) and TAM and subject to such other written restrictions and limitations provided by officers of TAM or the Trust to Subadviser in writing (such restrictions and limitations, the “Limitations”) and to the provisions of Section 2(h), the Subadviser shall regularly provide the Fund with respect to such portion of the Fund’s assets as shall be allocated to the Subadviser by TAM from time to time (the “Allocated Assets”) with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Allocated Assets consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions,


  as stated in the Fund’s current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“Investment Guidelines”). Subject to any existing Limitations, the Subadviser shall, with respect to the Allocated Assets, determine from time to time what securities and other investments and instruments will be purchased, retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the Allocated Assets will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund may invest, and shall implement those decisions (including the negotiation and execution of investment documentation and agreements, including, without limitation, swap, futures, options and other agreements with counterparties, on the Fund’s behalf as the Subadviser deems appropriate from time to time in order to carry out its responsibilities hereunder, provided the Subadviser provides TAM prompt notice of any new investment agreements and any material amendments to existing investment agreements and the opportunity for legal review), all subject to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, as may be amended from time to time (collectively, the “Governing Documents”), the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the Investment Guidelines of the Fund referred to above, any Limitations, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to and acknowledged by the Subadviser. The Subadviser’s responsibility for providing investment research, advice, management and supervision to the Fund is limited to that discrete portion of the Fund represented by the Allocated Assets and the Subadviser is prohibited from directly or indirectly consulting with any other subadviser for a portion of the Fund’s assets concerning Fund transactions in securities or other assets. The Subadviser is authorized as the agent of the Fund to give instructions with respect to the Allocated Assets to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of the Fund in one or more investment companies.

Any Investment Guideline or Limitation will apply only at the time of an investment to which the Investment Guideline or Limitation is applicable and any such Investment Guideline or Limitation shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment. Accordingly, any change in circumstance resulting from, for example, a change in value, net assets or other circumstance will not be considered in determining whether any investment or the Fund complies with an Investment Guideline or Limitation.

 

  (b)

The Subadviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) to the Fund and/or the

 

- 2 -


  other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Subadviser’s authority regarding the execution of the Fund’s portfolio transactions provided herein.

 

  (c) The Fund hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Subadviser which is a member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Fund which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Fund hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser agrees that it will not deal with itself, or with Trustees of the Trust or any principal underwriter of the Fund, as principals or agents in making purchases or sales of securities or other property for the account of the Fund, nor will it purchase any securities from an underwriting or selling group in which the Subadviser or its affiliates is participating, or arrange for purchases and sales of securities between the Fund and another account advised by the Subadviser or its affiliates, except in each case as permitted by the 1940 Act and in accordance with such policies and procedures as may be adopted by the Fund and acknowledged by the Subadviser from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Fund’s then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Subadviser and its directors and officers.

 

  (d)

Unless TAM advises the Subadviser in writing that the right to vote proxies has been expressly reserved to TAM or the Trust or otherwise delegated to another party, the Subadviser shall exercise voting rights incident to any security purchased with, or comprising a portion of, the Allocated Assets, in accordance with the Subadviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures without consultation with TAM or the Fund, except that TAM shall have the duty to vote proxies relating to investments in any pooled investment vehicles sponsored or advised by TAM. The Subadviser agrees to furnish a copy of its proxy voting policies and procedures, and any amendments thereto, to TAM. For the avoidance of doubt, TAM is responsible for: (i) ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations relating to the reporting of proxy votes for the Fund, including all required reports on SEC Form N-PX; and (ii) making any and all filings in connection with any securities litigation, class action lawsuits and bankruptcy, insolvency or workout proceedings relating to securities held or that were held by the Fund, or related to reporting requirements under federal and state securities laws and/or any foreign

 

- 3 -


  laws (as applicable) that may arise in respect of securities held in the Fund, including without limitation, filings required by the SEC or any other applicable regulatory agency (including required reporting related to short positions held in the Fund). The Subadviser shall not incur any liability to TAM by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, TAM’s discretion in respect of such filings.

 

  (e) The Subadviser agrees to provide, upon request, reasonable assistance to TAM, the Trust’s Valuation Committee and the Fund’s pricing agent in making determinations of the fair value of the Fund’s portfolio securities in accordance with the Trust’s valuation procedures. On a periodic basis (e.g., monthly, quarterly) and as a supplement to TAM’s valuation process, the Subadviser will review the security valuations in accordance with the Subadviser’s own pricing hierarchy and validation logic and will notify TAM on a reasonable basis if Subadviser becomes aware of any material differences (as defined by the Subadviser) between Subadviser’s internal valuations and TAM’s custodial valuations. The Subadviser will seek to notify TAM promptly if it believes, based on differences between the Fund’s valuation of a security that is a part of the Allocated Assets and the Subadviser’s valuation of the same security for another account under its management, the Fund has incorrectly valued the security to a material extent. In addition, the Subadviser will be available to consult with TAM in the event of a pricing problem and to participate in the Trust’s Valuation Committee meetings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for any valuation determinations made with respect to the Fund.

 

  (f) TAM acknowledges and agrees that Subadviser, its personnel, and Subadviser’s affiliates may take actions (or refrain from taking action) or have investment views that differ from actions taken or views taken with respect to the Fund hereunder. In addition, TAM acknowledges and agrees Subadviser and/or its affiliates may possess information as part of operating its other businesses or otherwise, including information that may be relevant to Underlying Fund and Manager Selection (as defined below), and that Subadviser has no obligation to share that information with TAM or the Fund, and that Subadviser may be limited in its ability to use that information in providing services hereunder.

 

  (g)

All directions, instructions or Limitations by or on behalf of the Fund or TAM to the Subadviser shall be in writing signed by an authorized agent of the Fund or TAM, confirmed in writing. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “in writing”, shall include directions given by facsimile or electronic mail. A list of persons authorized to give instructions to the Subadviser hereunder is set out in Schedule B to this Agreement. The Fund or TAM may revise the list of authorized persons from time to time by sending the Subadviser a revised list which has been certified by a duly authorized agent of the Fund or TAM. The Subadviser shall incur no liability whatsoever in relying upon any direction from, or document signed by, any person reasonably believed by Subadviser to be authorized to give or sign the same, whether or not the authority of such person is then effective. The Subadviser shall be under no duty to make any investigation or inquiry as to any statement contained in any writing and may accept the same

 

- 4 -


  as conclusive evidence of the truth and accuracy of the statements therein contained. Directions given by the Fund or TAM to the Subadviser hereunder shall be effective only upon actual receipt by the Subadviser and shall be acknowledged by the Subadviser through its actions hereunder only, unless the Fund or TAM is advised by the Subadviser otherwise.

 

  (h) TAM shall endeavor to provide Subadviser reasonable advance notice, to the extent practicable under the circumstances, of any instructions, directions or amendments to the Investment Guidelines, Limitations, Governing Documents or any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to and acknowledged by the Subadviser (“Amendments”). TAM and the Fund agree and acknowledge that the Subadviser may not be able to comply immediately with such instructions, directions or Amendments. The Subadviser agrees to implement any such instructions, directions or Amendments as soon as reasonably practicable after their receipt or notify TAM regarding the Subadviser’s inability to comply with such instruction, directions or Amendments, and in the cases of such notice being provided, compliance by Subadviser with such instruction, directions or Amendments shall be excused and the parties agree to seek in good faith an appropriate resolution with respect to the proposed instruction, direction or Amendment.

3. Activities of the Subadviser. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the Subadviser to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind, including investment advisory and management services, to any other fund, firm, individual or association. If the purchase or sale of securities for the Fund and one or more other accounts of the Subadviser is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Subadviser. Such transactions may be combined, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Subadviser’s policies and procedures as presented to the Board from time to time upon request.

4. Allocation of Charges and Expenses. During the term of this Agreement, the Fund will bear all expenses not expressly assumed by TAM or the Subadviser incurred in the operation of the Fund and the offering of its shares. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

 

  (a)

The Fund shall pay (i) fees payable to TAM pursuant to the Advisory Agreement; (ii) the cost (including brokerage commissions, if any) incurred in connection with purchases and sales of the Fund’s portfolio securities; (iii) expenses of organizing the Fund; (iv) filing fees and expenses relating to registering and qualifying and maintaining the registration and qualification of the Fund’s shares for sale under federal and state securities laws; (v) the compensation, fees and reimbursements paid to the Trust’s non-interested Trustees; (vi) custodian and transfer agent fees; (vii) legal and accounting expenses allocable to the Fund,

 

- 5 -


  including costs for local representation in the Trust’s jurisdiction of organization and fees and expenses of special counsel, if any, for the independent Trustees; (viii) all federal, state and local tax (including stamp, excise, income and franchise taxes) and the preparation and filing of all returns and reports in connection therewith; (ix) cost of certificates, if any, and delivery to purchasers; (x) expenses of preparing and filing reports with federal and state regulatory authorities; (xi) expenses of shareholders’ meetings and of preparing, printing and distributing proxy statements (unless otherwise agreed to by the Trust and TAM); (xii) costs of any liability, uncollectible items of deposit and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (xiii) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of any liability of, or claim for damage or other relief asserted against, the Trust for violation of any law; (xiv) expenses of preparing, typesetting and printing prospectuses and supplements thereto for existing shareholders and of reports and statements to shareholders; (xv) fees and expenses in connection with membership in investment company organizations and 12b-1 fees; and (xvi) any extraordinary expenses incurred by the Trust on behalf of the Fund.

 

  (b) TAM shall pay all expenses incurred by it in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. TAM shall also pay all fees payable to the Subadviser pursuant to this Agreement.

 

  (c) The Subadviser shall pay all expenses incurred by it in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.

5. Obligation to Provide Information. Each party’s obligation to provide information shall be as follows:

 

  (a) TAM shall cause the Subadviser to be kept fully informed at all times with regard to the securities owned by the Fund, its funds available, or to become available, for investment, and generally as to the condition of the Fund’s affairs. TAM shall furnish the Subadviser with such other documents and information with regard to the Fund’s affairs as the Subadviser may from time to time reasonably request.

 

  (b) The Subadviser, at its expense, shall supply the Board, the officers of the Trust and TAM with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Subadviser relating to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder, including such information the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer reasonably believes necessary for compliance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

6. Compensation of the Subadviser. As compensation for the services performed by the Subadviser, TAM (not the Fund) shall pay the Subadviser a fee, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, computed daily at the annual rate set forth opposite the Fund’s name on Schedule A annexed hereto. The first payment of the fee shall be made as promptly as possible at the end of the month succeeding the effective date of this Agreement, and shall constitute a full payment of the fee due the Subadviser for all services prior to that date. If this Agreement is terminated as of any date not the last day of a month, such fee shall be paid as

 

- 6 -


promptly as possible after such date of termination, shall be based on the average daily net assets of the Fund or, if less, the portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets, in that period from the beginning of such month to such date of termination, and shall be that proportion of such average daily net assets as the number of calendar days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund, or portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets, shall in all cases be based on business days and be computed as of the time of the regular close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, or such other time as stated in the Fund’s then-current Prospectus or as may be determined by the Board.

7. Compensation of Trustees, Officers and Employees. No Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust or the Fund shall receive from the Trust or the Fund any salary or other compensation as such Trustee, officer or employee while he is at the same time a director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser or any affiliated company of the Subadviser, except as the Board may decide. This paragraph shall not apply to Trustees, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Subadviser’s or any affiliated company’s staff.

8. Term. This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, unless sooner terminated in accordance with its terms, for two years from its effective date, and shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties hereto or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of the terms of such renewal, and by either the Board or the affirmative vote of a majority of outstanding voting securities of that Fund.

9. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Fund at any time, without penalty, by the Board or by the shareholders of the Fund acting by vote of at least a majority of its outstanding voting securities. TAM may terminate the Agreement only upon giving 60 days’ advance written notice to the Subadviser, without the payment of any penalty. The Subadviser may terminate the Agreement upon giving 90 days’ advance written notice to TAM. TAM or the Subadviser may also terminate the Agreement immediately in the event of a material breach of this Agreement by the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Subadviser and shall not be assignable by TAM without the consent of the Subadviser. Additionally, Subadviser will notify TAM of a change in general partners of the Subadviser. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that this Agreement may be amended, terminated or not renewed as to one or more Funds without affecting the other Funds hereunder.

10. Use of Name. TAM and the Trust are authorized to use the name of the Subadviser and any marks, symbols or logos of the Subadviser in registration statements, advertising or otherwise, only with the prior written approval of Subadviser, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, and only during the term of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser’s approval is not required when: (i) previously approved materials are re-issued with minor modifications; (ii) TAM and Subadviser identify materials which they jointly determine do not require Subadviser’s approval, or (iii) the material is used as required under applicable law. If this Agreement is terminated with respect to the Fund and the Subadviser no longer serves as subadviser to the Fund, the Subadviser reserves the right to

 

- 7 -


withdraw from the Trust the right to the use of its name and its marks, symbols or logos that misleadingly imply a continuing relationship between the Fund and the Subadviser or any of its affiliates, except to the extent that continued use is required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations. This section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

11. Liability of the Subadviser. The Subadviser may rely on information reasonably believed by it to be accurate and reliable. The Subadviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called for hereunder, in good faith, and shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall protect the Subadviser against any liability to TAM or the Fund to which the Subadviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder As used in this Section 11, the term the “Subadviser” shall include any affiliates of the Subadviser performing services for the Trust or the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates.

TAM acknowledges and agrees that Subadviser has no duty or obligation with respect to the selection, monitoring or overseeing of the pooled investment vehicles (other than exchange-traded funds) in which the Fund may invest, including the managers of any such pooled investment vehicles, and that TAM will perform those duties (collectively, such duties “Underlying Fund and Manager Selection”). TAM further acknowledges and agrees that the Investment Guidelines and any Limitations may limit the investment options available to the Subadviser in implementing the Fund’s investment program.

The Subadviser gives no warranty as to the performance or profitability of the Allocated Assets, nor any guarantee that the investment objectives, expectations or targets described in this Agreement and/or in the Registration Statement will be achieved, including without limitation any risk control, risk management or return objectives, expectations or targets.

12. Registration Statement Disclosures. The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that it has reviewed the Trust’s current registration statement on Form N-1A with respect to the Fund as filed with the SEC and any amendments or supplements thereto, including without limitation any supplements filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Registration Statement”), each in the form provided by TAM to Subadviser, and Subadviser agrees to promptly review future amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement that relate to the Subadviser or the Fund that are provided by TAM to Subadviser. Subadviser represents and warrants that, solely with respect to the disclosure about the Subadviser, including any performance information the Subadviser provides that is included in or serves as the basis for information included in the Registration Statement, the Registration Statement does not contain any untrue statement of any material fact or omit any statement of material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.

The Subadviser further agrees to notify TAM and the Trust promptly of any statement about the Subadviser contained in the Registration Statement that becomes untrue in any material respect or if the Registration Statement omits any statement of material fact about the Subadviser that is required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.

 

- 8 -


13. Meanings of Certain Terms. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Fund’s “net assets” shall be determined as provided in the Fund’s then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the terms “assignment,” “interested person,” and “majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall have the meanings given to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions, interpretive guidance, and no action relief as may be granted by the SEC or its Staff.

14. Amendments. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally with respect to the Fund, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought. No material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective with respect to the Fund until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority outstanding voting securities of that Fund and by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties hereto or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of the terms of such amendment. Schedule A hereto may be amended at any time to add additional series of the Trust as agreed by the Trust, TAM and the Subadviser.

15. Books and Records. The Subadviser agrees that it will keep records relating to its services hereunder in accordance with all applicable laws, including Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act. Any such records maintained by Subadviser are its property and are not the official books and records of the Fund; however, Subadviser agrees to provide copies of any such records required to be maintained by it pursuant to Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act upon request of the Fund. The Subadviser further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by it by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.

16. Notices. Any notice herein required is to be in writing and is deemed to have been given to Subadviser or TAM upon receipt of the same at their respective addresses set forth below. All written notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be delivered by personal service, by postage mail return receipt requested, by electronic mail (which shall be deemed to be “in writing” for purposes of this Agreement) or by facsimile machine or a similar means of same delivery which provides evidence of receipt (with a conforming copy by mail as set forth herein).

All notices provided to TAM will be sent to the attention of:

Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.

Attention: Chris Staples

Fax No.: 720-493-4065

Phone No.: 720-493-8033

E-mail: christopher.staples@transamerica.com

All notices provided to Subadviser will be sent to the attention of:

 

- 9 -


Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Attention: Jason Hudes

Fax No.:

Phone No: (212) 357-1979

E-mail: Jason.Hudes@gs.com & am-crmgt-ny-ias@gs.com

TAM and Subadviser agree that instructions or other communications related to this Agreement may be transmitted via the internet or other similar media, and that there is no guarantee that such communications will be delivered to the intended recipient promptly, in the correct format or at all. TAM consents to receive: (i) Part 2 of the Subadviser’s Form ADV, (ii) any offer letter for Part 2 of Form ADV, and/or (iii) FINRA Rule 5130 and 5131 negative consent letters, as applicable, via electronic mail.

17. Independent Contractor. In the performance of its duties hereunder, the Subadviser is and shall be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Fund or TAM in any way or otherwise be deemed to be an agent of the Fund or TAM.

18. Receipt of Form ADV. TAM and the Fund understand and acknowledge that Subadviser is part of a worldwide, full-service investment banking, broker-dealer, asset management organization, and as such, Subadviser and its affiliates and their managing directors, directors, officers and employees may have multiple advisory, transactional and financial and other interests in securities, instruments and companies that may be purchased, sold or held by Subadviser for the Fund. As a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, Subadviser is required to file a Form ADV with the SEC. Form ADV contains information about potential conflicts of interest and other relevant information regarding Subadviser. TAM and the Fund acknowledge receipt of Part 2 of Subadviser’s Form ADV prior to entering into this Agreement, and acknowledge its understanding of the potential conflicts of interest disclosed therein.

19. Miscellaneous. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Should any part of this Agreement be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.

20. Additional Representations and Warranties. TAM represents that neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement conflicts or will conflict with or constitutes or will constitute a breach of the Governing Documents, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which Subadviser is subject or by which it is bound.

 

- 10 -


TAM is a registered commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act. In the event its status changes during the term of this Agreement, TAM will promptly notify Subadviser of such change.

21. Third Party Beneficiaries. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the Trust and the Fund are third-party beneficiaries as to the covenants, obligations, representations and warranties undertaken by the Subadviser under this Agreement and as to the rights and privileges to which TAM is entitled pursuant to this Agreement, and that the Trust and the Fund are entitled to all of the rights and privileges associated with such third-party-beneficiary status. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, create any other third-party beneficiary or otherwise confer any rights, privileges, claims or remedies upon any shareholder or other person other than the Trust, the Fund, and the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

22. Governing Law and Forum Selection. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of laws principles. Any legal suit, action or proceeding related to, arising out of or concerning this Agreement shall be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, or if such action may not be brought in that court, then such action shall be brought in the New York Supreme Court, New York County (the “Designated Courts”). Each party (a) consents to jurisdiction in the Designated Courts; (b) waives any objection to venue in either Designated Court and (c) waives any objection that either Designated Court is an inconvenient forum. For any action commenced in the New York Supreme Court, New York County, application shall be submitted to the Commercial Division.

23. Interpretation. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to require the Trust or Subadviser to take any action contrary to its Governing Documents, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Board of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust.

24. Further Assurances. Each party agrees to perform such further acts and execute such further documents as are reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Agreement and the arrangements contemplated thereby, including without limitation concerning the winding down or liquidation of any Fund investments.

[signature page to follow]

 

- 11 -


The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized signatories as of the date and year first above written.

 

TRANSAMERICA ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

Christopher A. Staples

Title:  

Senior Director, Investments

GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT L.P.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

- 12 -


Schedule A

 

Fund

  

Investment Subadvisory Fee*

Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies VP

   0.10% of the first $1 billion; 0.08% over $1 billion

 

* The investment subadvisory fee rate applicable to Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio shall be determined based on the combined average daily net assets of Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies VP and Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio.


Schedule B

Authorized Agents of Transamerica Asset Management, Inc.