425 1 d188860d425.htm COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST Columbia Funds Series Trust

 

Filing by Columbia Funds Series Trust pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933, and deemed filed under Rule 14a-12(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Subject Company:

BMO Funds, Inc.

(SEC File No. 811-58433)

LOGO   
  

115 S LaSalle St.

11th Floor

Chicago, IL 60603

PRODUCT ALERT

BMO Funds - Reorganizations

   October 8, 2021  

 

 

 

 

In a previous communication, we shared that the BMO Funds’ Board of Directors approved the planned reorganizations of several BMO Funds. As an update to that communication, we wanted to inform you that shareholder proxy statements for each reorganization were filed in early October 2021 and are expected to be mailed by mid-October. Shareholders of each “Merging Fund” will receive a combined proxy statement/prospectus and a proxy card. The communication will include additional information about the shareholder meeting, the plan of reorganization and the new investment advisory or subadvisory agreements applicable with respect to certain Funds.

For your reference, the substance of the initial communication is included below, along with details regarding the “Merging Funds” and “Acquiring Funds” relating to CUSIPS, tickers and expense ratio caps.

 

 

In connection with the decision to exit the asset management business in the United States, BMO Asset Management Corp. (“BAMC”) recommended that the BMO Funds Board approve the fund reorganizations detailed at the end of this communication. On August 11, 2021, after a thoughtful review and analysis, the BMO Funds’ Board of Directors approved the planned reorganizations, which are subject to shareholder approval.

A supplement to each Fund’s prospectus announcing the plan of reorganization was filed on August 17, 2021. Pending shareholder approvals, the Merging Funds are scheduled to merge into their respective Acquiring Funds starting in December 2021 and completing in January 2022.

Each plan of reorganization is subject to approval by shareholders of the applicable Merging Fund. Shareholders of each Merging Fund will become shareholders of the corresponding Acquiring Fund, receiving shares of the Acquiring Fund equal in value to the shares of the Merging Fund held by the shareholders prior to the applicable reorganization. The reorganizations themselves are not expected to result in the recognition of gain or loss by the Merging Fund or its shareholders for federal tax purposes. Shareholders of the Merging Funds and the Acquiring Funds will not bear the costs of the reorganizations. Certain Merging Funds will reposition their portfolios prior to the reorganizations. Any resulting net capital gains are likely to be distributed to shareholders in early December.

A joint meeting of shareholders of the Merging Funds is expected to take place during the fourth quarter of 2021 at which they will be asked to consider and vote on a plan with respect to their Merging Fund. Shareholders of the Disciplined Equity Funds will also be asked to consider and vote on a new investment advisory agreement, and shareholders of the Pyrford Fund and LGM Fund will be asked to consider and vote on new subadvisory agreements.

 

FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY

LOGO   
  

115 S LaSalle St.

11th Floor

Chicago, IL 60603

PRODUCT ALERT

BMO Funds - Reorganizations

   October 8, 2021  

 

 

 

Pending shareholder approval, Merging Fund shareholders will receive shares of the corresponding Acquiring Fund as set forth in the table below:

 

Merging Fund Class        Acquiring Fund Class
Class A      Class A
Class I      Class Advisor
Class R6      Class Inst3
Class Y      Class A
Class R3      Class R

Equity Fund Reorganizations    

 

Merging Fund   Share Class   Ticker   CUSIP        Acquiring Fund   Share Class   Ticker   CUSIP   Expense
Cap
  Cap
Expiration
BMO Large-Cap Growth   A   BALGX   09658W402      Columbia Integrated Large   A   ILGCX   19766Q106   0.80%   12/31/2023
  Y   MASTX   09658L745      Cap Growth*   A   ILGCX   19766Q106   0.80%   12/31/2023
  I   MLCIX   09658L752        Advisor   ILGFX   19766Q403   0.55%   12/31/2023
  R6   BLGRX   09658W576        Institutional 3   ILGJX   19766Q700   0.40%   12/31/2023
BMO Large Cap Value   A   BALVX   09658W303      Columbia Integrated Large   A   ILVBX   19766Q809   0.80%   12/31/2023
  I   MLVIX   09658L844      Cap Value*   Advisor   ILVEX   19766Q866   0.55%   12/31/2023
  R6   BLCRX   09658W568        Institutional 3   ILVHX   19766Q833   0.40%   12/31/2023
BMO Mid-Cap Growth   A   BGMAX   09658W600      Columbia Mid Cap Growth   A   CBSAX   19765P299   1.20%   12/31/2023
  I   MRMIX   09658L737        Advisor   CPGRX   19766M725   0.95%   12/31/2023
BMO Mid-Cap Value   A   BAMCX   09658W501      Columbia Select Mid Cap   A   CMUAX   19765J863   1.13%   6/30/2024
  I   MRVIX   09658L711      Value   Advisor   CFDRX   19766B356   0.88%   6/30/2024
  R6   BMVGX   09658V438        Institutional 3   CMVYX   19765M239   0.73%   6/30/2024
BMO Small-Cap Growth   A   BSLAX   09658V339      Columbia Integrated Small   A   ISGDX   19766Q742   1.27%   12/31/2023
  I   MSGIX   09658L620      Cap Growth*   Advisor   ISGLX   19766Q718   1.02%   12/31/2023
BMO Small-Cap Value   A   BACVX   09658W709      Columbia Small Cap Value   A   COVAX   19765J798   1.27%   6/30/2024
  I   MRSNX   09658L596      II   Advisor   CLURX   19766B265   1.02%   6/30/2024
  R6   BSVGX   09658V388        Institutional 3   CRRYX   19766B240   0.83%   6/30/2024
BMO Dividend Income   A   BADIX   09658W204      Columbia Integrated Large   A   ILVBX   19766Q809   0.80%   12/31/2023
  I   MDIVX   09658L604      Cap Value*   Advisor   ILVEX   19766Q866   0.55%   12/31/2023
BMO Low Volatility Equity   A   BLVAX   09658W105      Columbia Integrated Large   A   ILVBX   19766Q809   0.80%   12/31/2023
  I   MLVEX   09658L208      Cap Value*   Advisor   ILVEX   19766Q866   0.55%   12/31/2023
BMO Disciplined International   A   BDAQX   09658W667      Columbia Overseas Value   A   COAVX   19765M338   1.16%   6/30/2024
Equity   I   BDIQX   09658W659        Advisor   COSVX   19766P884   0.91%   6/30/2024
BMO LGM Emerging Markets   A   BAEMX   09658W824      Columbia Emerging   A   EEMAX   19765Y878   1.47%   12/31/2023
Equity   I   MIEMX   09658L489      Markets   Advisor   CEMHX   19766M469   1.22%   12/31/2023
BMO Pyrford International   A   BPIAX   09658W840      Columbia Pyrford   A   PISDX   19766Q825   1.17%   12/31/2023
Stock   I   MISNX   09658L513      International Stock*   Advisor   PISKX   19766Q783   0.92%   12/31/2023
  R6   BISGX   09658V362        Institutional 3   PISQX   19766Q759   0.75%   12/31/2023

 

FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY

LOGO   
  

115 S LaSalle St.

11th Floor

Chicago, IL 60603

PRODUCT ALERT

BMO Funds - Reorganizations

   October 8, 2021 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Income and Target Risk Fund Reorganizations

 

Merging Fund   Share Class   Ticker   CUSIP        Acquiring Fund   Share Class   Ticker   CUSIP   Expense
Cap
  Cap
Expiration
BMO Core Plus Bond   A   BATCX   09658W725      Columbia Total Return   A   LIBAX   19765N492   0.74%   8/31/2024
  Y   MCYBX   09658L877      Bond   A   LIBAX   19765N492   0.74%   8/31/2024
  I   MCBIX   09658L885        Advisor   CBNRX   19766M774   0.49%   8/31/2024
BMO Corporate Income   A   BATIX   09658W733      Columbia Corporate   A   LIIAX   19765N542   0.87%   8/31/2024
  Y   MCIYX   09658L851      Income   A   LIIAX   19765N542   0.87%   8/31/2024
  I   MCIIX   09658L869        Advisor   CIFRX   19766M808   0.62%   8/31/2024
BMO Strategic Income   A   BMTAX   09658W758      Columbia Strategic Income   A   COSIX   19765L801   0.98%   12/31/2023
  Y   MRGIX   09658L810        A   COSIX   19765L801   0.98%   12/31/2023
  I   MGIIX   09658L828        Advisor   CMNRX   19766M576   0.73%   12/31/2023
BMO Short-Term Income   A   BTMAX   09658W774      Columbia Short Term   A   NSTRX   19765H396   0.74%   7/31/2024
  I   MSIFX   09658L570      Bond   Advisor   CMDRX   19766B315   0.49%   7/31/2024
BMO Intermediate Tax-Free   A   BITAX   09658W766      Columbia Intermediate   A   LITAX   19765L686   0.61%   2/29/2024
  Y   MITFX   09658L760      Municipal Bond   A   LITAX   19765L686   0.61%   2/29/2024
  I   MIITX   09658L778        Advisor   CIMRX   19766M428   0.41%   2/29/2024
BMO Short Tax-Free   A   BASFX   09658W782      Columbia Short Term   A   NSMMX   19765J350   0.66%   8/31/2024
  I   MTFIX   09658L646      Municipal Bond   Advisor   CSMTX   19766B182   0.41%   8/31/2024
BMO Ultra Short Tax-Free   A   BAUSX   09658W790      Columbia Ultra Short   A   USMBX   19766J235   0.51%   12/31/2023
  I   MUISX   09658L539      Municipal Bond*   Advisor   USMDX   19766J227   0.36%   12/31/2023
BMO Conservative Allocation   Y   BDVYX   09658L299      Columbia Capital Allocation   A   ABDAX   19766G546   0.54%   5/31/2024
  I   BDVIX   09658L331      Conservative   Advisor   CPCYX   19766C263   0.29%   5/31/2024
  R3   BDVRX   09658L323        R   CBVRX   19766G512   0.79%   5/31/2024
  R6   BDVSX   09658L315        Institutional 3   CPDHX   19766N400   0.23%   5/31/2024
BMO Moderate Allocation   Y   BMBYX   09658L166      Columbia Capital Allocation   A   ABUAX   19766G348   0.54%   5/31/2024
  I   BMBHX   09658L190      Moderate   Advisor   CPCZX   19766C255   0.29%   5/31/2024
  R3   BMBQX   09658L182        R   CBMRX   19766G314   0.79%   5/31/2024
  R6   BMBTX   09658L174        Institutional 3   CPDMX   19766N608   0.24%   5/31/2024
BMO Balanced Allocation   Y   BGRYX   09658L216      Columbia Capital Allocation   A   NBIAX   19765H792   0.51%   5/31/2024
  I   BGRHX   09658L240      Moderate Aggressive   Advisor   CGBRX   19766B489   0.26%   5/31/2024
  R3   BGRRX   09658L232        R   CLBRX   19765M528   0.76%   5/31/2024
  R6   BGRQX   09658L224        Institutional 3   CPHNX   19766B224   0.18%   5/31/2024
BMO Growth Allocation   Y   BABYX   09658L380      Columbia Capital Allocation   A   AXBAX   19766G611   0.51%   5/31/2024
  I   BABHX   09658L422      Aggressive   Advisor   CPDAX   19766C248   0.26%   5/31/2024
  R3   BABRX   09658L414        R   CPARX   19766G579   0.76%   5/31/2024
  R6   BABQX   09658L398        Institutional 3   CPDIX   19766N806   0.19%   5/31/2024
BMO Aggressive Allocation   Y   BDSYX   09658L257      Columbia Capital Allocation   A   AXBAX   19766G611   0.51%   5/31/2024
  I   BDSHX   09658L281      Aggressive   Advisor   CPDAX   19766C248   0.26%   5/31/2024
  R3   BDSRX   09658L273        R   CPARX   19766G579   0.76%   5/31/2024
  R6   BDSQX   09658L265        Institutional 3   CPDIX   19766N806   0.19%   5/31/2024

 

FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY

LOGO   
  

115 S LaSalle St.

11th Floor

Chicago, IL 60603

PRODUCT ALERT

BMO Funds - Reorganizations

   October 8, 2021 

 

 

 

 

All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal.

BMO Global Asset Management is the brand name for various affiliated entities of BMO Financial Group that provide investment management, retirement, and trust and custody services. Certain of the products and services offered under the brand name BMO Global Asset Management are designed specifically for various categories of investors in a number of different countries and regions and may not be available to all investors. Products and services are only offered to such investors in those countries and regions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. BMO Financial Group is a service mark of Bank of Montreal (BMO).

Investment products are: NOT A DEPOSIT – NOT FDIC INSURED - NO BANK GUARANTEE – MAY LOSE VALUE

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the BMO Funds. This and other important information is contained in the prospectuses and/or summary prospectuses, which can be obtained by calling 1-800-236-3863. Please read carefully before investing.

BMO Asset Management Corp. is the investment adviser to the BMO Funds. BMO Funds are distributed by Foreside

Financial Services, LLC.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

BMO Funds, its directors and officers are deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from BMO Funds’ shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the joint meeting of shareholders described herein. Information regarding the names of the directors and officers of BMO Funds, and their interests in BMO Funds by security holdings or otherwise, can be found in the most recent statement of additional information of BMO Funds, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on July 6, 2021. A combined prospectus/proxy statement has been filed with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies from BMO Funds’ shareholders in connection with each Plan of

Reorganization and, as applicable, the new investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. SHAREHOLDERS ARE

STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ SUCH PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY, AS IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders will be able to obtain copies of the combined prospectus/proxy statement and other documents filed by BMO Funds with the SEC for no charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also be available at no charge by contacting BMO Funds’ proxy solicitor toll free at 888-991-1289. C11:13637206

 

FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY

 

LOGO

COLUMBIA THREADNEEDLE INVESTMENTS — BMO FUND MERGERS AND PROXY UPDATE

As a follow-up to our August 17, 2021 bulletin regarding our acquisition of Bank of Montreal’s (BMO) EMEA asset management business and the proposed reorganization of BMO’s U.S. mutual funds into existing and newly formed Columbia funds, we are writing to inform you that the final filings for the proposed mergers have been made with the SEC and that the related proxy mailing and voting process has begun. As a reminder, the merging BMO funds and their acquiring Columbia funds are listed in the table below, grouped by anticipated merger closing date (assuming shareholder approval).

 

 

    Merging fund

 

 

  

  Acquiring fund

 

 

 

    Anticipated merger closing date: December 10, 2021

  
 

    BMO Core Plus Bond Fund

     Columbia Total Return Bond Fund
 

    BMO Corporate Income Fund

     Columbia Corporate Income Fund
 

    BMO Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
 

    BMO LGM Emerging Markets Equity Fund

     Columbia Emerging Markets Fund
 

    BMO Pyrford International Stock Fund

     Columbia Pyrford International Stock Fund
 

    BMO Short Tax-Free Fund

     Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund
 

    BMO Short-Term Income Fund

     Columbia Short Term Bond Fund
 

    BMO Strategic Income Fund

     Columbia Strategic Income Fund
 

    BMO Ultra Short Tax-Free Fund

     Columbia Ultra Short Municipal Bond Fund
 

    Anticipated merger closing date: January 21, 2022

  
 

    BMO Aggressive Allocation Fund

     Columbia Capital Allocation Aggressive Portfolio
 

    BMO Balanced Allocation Fund

     Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Aggressive Portfolio
 

    BMO Conservative Allocation Fund

     Columbia Capital Allocation Conservative Portfolio
 

    BMO Disciplined International Equity Fund

     Columbia Overseas Value Fund
 

    BMO Dividend Income Fund

     Columbia Integrated Large Cap Value Fund
 

    BMO Growth Allocation Fund

     Columbia Capital Allocation Aggressive Portfolio
 

    BMO Large-Cap Growth Fund

     Columbia Integrated Large Cap Growth Fund
 

    BMO Large-Cap Value Fund

     Columbia Integrated Large Cap Value Fund
 

    BMO Low Volatility Equity Fund

     Columbia Integrated Large Cap Value Fund
 

    BMO Mid-Cap Growth Fund

     Columbia Mid Cap Growth Fund
 

    BMO Mid-Cap Value Fund

     Columbia Select Mid Cap Value Fund
 

    BMO Moderate Allocation Fund

     Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Portfolio
 

    BMO Small-Cap Growth Fund

     Columbia Integrated Small Cap Growth Fund
 

    BMO Small-Cap Value Fund

     Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II

Acquiring fund names shown in italics above represent new Columbia funds that will not be publicly offered until their registration is effective and their applicable acquired funds are reorganized into them.

Key proxy dates

Key dates for the proxy process are as follows:

 

The record date for determining shareholders who will be sent the applicable combined proxy statement/prospectus and vote on the mergers and other applicable proposals was August 31, 2021.

 

Mailings will begin on or about October 10, 2021.

 

A joint shareholder meeting is scheduled for November 8, 2021.

 

The first merger closings are scheduled to take place at the close of business on December 10, 2021, and the second set of merger closings is scheduled to take place at the close of business on January 21, 2022. Actual merger dates are dependent on shareholder approval and may be modified for operational or other reasons.

  As always, your relationship manager or dedicated service team can assist with any questions regarding this information.

For institutional and broker/dealer use only. This material has not been filed with FINRA and may not be shown, quoted to, or used with members of the general public.

©2021 Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. All rights reserved.

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

290 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02210

columbiathreadneedle.com/us

 

800.426.3750   

3857588 (10/21)

 

October 8, 2021       LOGO

 

         

Institutional Dealers

 

  

Broker Dealers

 

  

            Registered

            Investment

            Advisors

 

  

Independent Advisors

 

  

Investment-Only
Distribution (DC/VA)

 

         

866.548.9501

 

  

800.215.5005

 

  

866.444.5435

 

  

800.446.4008

 

  

877.894.3592

 

Please have your clients read and consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Remind them to contact you or visit columbiathreadneedleus.com for a prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other important information about the fund. The foregoing is not an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, shares of any fund, nor is it a solicitation of any proxy.

Investors should also review the Combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to their fund for more information about the reorganizations and acquiring funds.

Investment products are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution and involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.

Columbia funds are distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., member FINRA. Columbia funds are managed by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC.

The foregoing is not an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, shares of any acquiring fund, nor is it a solicitation of any proxy. Because each acquired fund will reorganize into the corresponding acquiring fund on its reorganization date, you should consider the appropriateness of making a new or subsequent investment in the acquired fund prior to its reorganization date. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the acquiring fund and/or acquired fund carefully before investing. For information regarding an acquiring fund, the proposed mergers or other proposals, or to receive a free copy of the applicable combined proxy statement/prospectus, please call the BMO Funds’ proxy solicitor at 888-991-1289.

 

 

 

 

For institutional and broker/dealer use only. This material has not been filed with FINRA and may not be shown, quoted to, or used with members of the general public.