# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000886043
**File Stem:** 0001193125-23-074093
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 909005
**Document Hash:** 4688c1985c627ea1ba1df152c17b2661
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-23-074093.hdr.sgml**: 20230317

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-23-074093

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: N-14 8C

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 20

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230317

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230317

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000886043
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0531

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** N-14 8C
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-270683
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23743938

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 620 EIGHTH AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** 47TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10018
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 888-777-0102

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 620 EIGHTH AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** 47TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10018

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MANAGED MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920929

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2023** 

**Securities Act File No. 333-[ ]** 

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**UNITED STATES** 

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** 

**Washington, D.C. 20549** 

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**FORM N-14** 

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

***UNDER***

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933*** |  |
| **Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]** | ☐ |
| **Post-Effective Amendment No.** | ☐ |

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## WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.
**(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)** 

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**620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor** 

**New York, New York 10018** 

**(Address of Principal Executive Offices: Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)** 

**1-888-777-0102** 

**(Area Code and Telephone Number)** 

**Jane Trust** 

**Franklin Templeton** 

**620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor** 

**New York, New York 10018** 

**(Name and Address of Agent for Services)** 

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***with copies to:***

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **David W. Blass, Esq.**<br> **Ryan P. Brizek, Esq.<br>Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP<br>900 G Street, N.W.<br>Washington, D.C. 20001** | **George P. Hoyt, Esq.<br>Franklin Templeton<br>100 First Stamford Place, 6th Floor<br>Stamford, Connecticut 06902** |

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**The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said section 8(a), may determine.** 

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**WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET INTERMEDIATE MUNI FUND INC.** 

620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor

New York, New York 10018

, 2023

Dear Stockholder:

A Joint Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") of Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. ("MMU"), Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. ("MNP") and Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. ("SBI" and together with MMU and MNP, the "Funds") will be held at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, on [ ], 2023 at [10:00 a.m.], Eastern Time, for the purposes of considering and voting on the proposals (each a "Proposal" and collectively, the "Proposals") to approve the mergers of each of MNP and SBI (each a "Target Fund" and collectively, the "Target Funds") with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law (each a "Merger" and collectively, the "Mergers").

The attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus asks for your approval of the Proposals applicable to your Fund. After careful consideration, the Board of each Fund recommends that you vote "FOR" each Proposal.

As a result of each Merger, each share of common stock of each Target Fund would convert into an equivalent dollar amount (to the nearest $0.001) of full shares of common stock of MMU, based on the net asset value of the Target Fund's shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on the business day immediately prior to the closing time of each respective Merger. MMU will not issue fractional shares to Target Fund stockholders. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, MMU will pay cash to each former holder of Target Fund common stock in an amount equal to the value of the fractional shares of MMU common stock that the investor would otherwise have received in the applicable Merger. The currently issued and outstanding common stock of MMU will remain issued and outstanding.

In addition, each of the Target Funds have a series of preferred stock outstanding: Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock ("VRDPS"). MNP and MMU also each have Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock ("ARPS") outstanding.

Subject to approval of the respective Proposal by the stockholders of MNP, MNP's ARPS will be redeemed in connection with—and prior to the closing of—its Merger, pursuant to the redemption terms outlined in the Articles Supplementary for the ARPS. Subject to the approval of either Proposal, MMU's ARPS will be redeemed in connection with—and prior to the closing of—a Merger, pursuant to the redemption terms outlined in the Articles Supplementary for the ARPS. MNP and MMU each would provide notice of such a redemption to its ARPS holders following the approval of the respective Proposal at the Meeting and on a timeline consistent with the notice requirements in the Articles Supplementary for each series of ARPS and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

With respect to the VRDPS, MMU will issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference and terms as SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS, respectively, issued and outstanding immediately before the date of the Merger. As the liquidation preference for the newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS that will replace the MNP's Series 1 VRDPS will be equal to the liquidation preference of the existing MMU's Series 1 VRDPS, MMU will issue a corresponding number of newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS so that the aggregate liquidation preference for the replaced MNP's Series 1 VRDPS remains the same. In addition, MMU will also issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference as SBI's ARPS and MNP's ARPS, respectively, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. Finally, MMU will issue additional VRDPS to replace its ARPS that are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The newly issued shares of

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MMU's VRDPS would have equal liquidation preference per share as any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS and equal priority with any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of MMU. The accrual for SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS with respect to any accrued and unpaid dividends as of date of the Mergers would be assumed by MMU and would apply and be payable on an equivalent share-for-share basis and on the same dividend payment schedule to avoid any disruption to VRDPS holders. In connection with the Mergers but separate from the issuance of new shares of MMU's VRDPS to each Target Fund's current VRDPS holders and as a replacement for each Target Fund's redeemed ARPS, MMU will issue additional shares of VRDPS to enable MMU to seek to approximately maintain its current level of leverage.

Both Target Funds are closed-end, diversified management investment companies listed on the NYSE.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MNP's primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current income which is exempt from regular
federal income taxes, consistent with the preservation of capital. MNP's secondary investment objective is to enhance portfolio value by purchasing tax-exempt securities that may appreciate in value
relative to other similar obligations in the marketplace.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• SBI's investment objective is to provide common stockholders a high level of current income exempt from
regular federal income taxes, consistent with prudent investing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MMU's investment objective is to seek as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax as is
consistent with the preservation of capital.

The Board of each Fund believes that the Mergers are in the best interests of the stockholders of each Fund. The Funds have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies. The Mergers will result in more streamlined product offerings, allowing for more focused marketing and stockholder servicing efforts. Moreover, the combined Fund will likely benefit from economies of scale, as one set of fixed expenses would be spread over a larger asset base, as well as from enhanced market liquidity and may experience improved market price trading relative to net asset value ("NAV").

Your vote is very important to us regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting in person, please read the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and cast your vote promptly. To vote, simply date, sign and return the proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope or follow the instructions on the proxy card for voting by touch-tone telephone or on the Internet.

If you have any questions about the Proposals to be voted on, please call Georgeson LLC, the proxy solicitor, at (888) 867-6963

It is important that your vote be received no later than the time of the Meeting.

Sincerely,

![LOGO](g451315g00x01.jpg)

Jane Trust

President and Chief Executive Officer

Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.

Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc.

Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.

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**WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET INTERMEDIATE MUNI FUND INC.** 

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IMPORTANT NEWS FOR STOCKHOLDERS

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The enclosed combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus describes separate proposals (each a "Proposal" and together, the "Proposals") to merge each of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. ("MNP") and Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. ("SBI") with and into Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. ("MMU" and together with MNP and SBI, the "Funds") in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law (each a "Merger" and collectively, the "Mergers").

While we encourage you to read the full text of the enclosed combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus, below is a brief overview of the Proposals. Please refer to the more complete information contained elsewhere in the combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus about the Proposals.

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**COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. Why am I receiving the Proxy Statement/Prospectus?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. As a stockholder of either MNP or SBI (each a "Target Fund" and collectively, the "Target Funds"), you are being asked to vote in favor of a proposal to merge your Target Fund with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law.

As a stockholder of MMU, you are being asked to vote in favor of both proposed Mergers of the Target Funds with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. How will the Mergers affect me?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. If each Merger is approved, the applicable Target Fund will be merged with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. Each Target Fund's assets and liabilities will be combined with the assets and liabilities of MMU, and stockholders of the Target Funds will become stockholders of MMU.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. What will happen to the common stock of MNP, SBI and/or MMU that I currently own as a result of the Merger?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. As a result of each Merger, each share of common stock of the applicable Target Fund would convert into an equivalent dollar amount (to the nearest $0.001) of full shares of common stock of MMU, based on the net asset value of each Fund's shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on the business day immediately prior to the closing time of each respective Merger. MMU will not issue fractional shares to each holder of Target Fund common shares. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, MMU will pay cash to each former Target Fund stockholder in an amount equal to the value of the fractional shares of MMU common stock that the investor would otherwise have received in the applicable Merger. The currently issued and outstanding shares of MMU common stock will remain issued and outstanding. Stockholders of MMU will be stockholders in a larger fund.

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Upon the consummation of each Merger, all shares of a Target Fund's common stock shall cease to be outstanding, shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist and the holders of certificates or book entry shares which, immediately prior to the effective date of the applicable Merger, represented such shares of the Target Fund common stock shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the consideration described above. Neither Merger is contingent upon the approval of the other Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. What will happen to the preferred stock of MNP, SBI and/or MMU that I currently own as a result of the Merger?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. *For holders of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock ("VRDPS"):*

As a result of each Merger, MMU will issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference and terms as SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS, respectively, issued and outstanding immediately before the date of the Merger. As the liquidation preference for the newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS that will replace the MNP's Series 1 VRDPS will be equal to the liquidation preference of the existing MMU's Series 1 VRDPS, MMU will issue a corresponding number of newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS so that the aggregate liquidation preference for the replaced MNP's Series 1 VRDPS remains the same. In addition, MMU will also issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference as SBI's ARPS and MNP's ARPS, respectively, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. Finally, MMU will issue additional VRDPS to replace its ARPS that are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS would have equal liquidation preference per share as any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS and equal priority with any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of MMU. The accrual for SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS with respect to any accrued and unpaid dividends as of date of the Mergers would be assumed by MMU and would apply and be payable on an equivalent share-for-share basis and on the same dividend payment schedule to avoid any disruption to VRDPS holders. In connection with the Mergers but separate from the issuance of new shares of MMU's VRDPS to each Target Fund's current VRDPS holders and as a replacement for each Target Fund's redeemed ARPS, MMU will issue additional shares of VRDPS to enable MMU to seek to approximately maintain its current level of leverage.

Upon the consummation of each Merger, all of a Target Fund's VRDPS shall cease to be outstanding, shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist and the holders of certificates or book entry shares which, immediately prior to the effective date of the applicable Merger, represented such VRDPS of the Target Fund shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the consideration described above. Neither Merger is contingent upon the approval of the other Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. *For holders of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock ("ARPS"):*

Subject to approval of the respective Proposal by the stockholders of MNP, MNP's ARPS will be redeemed in connection with—and prior to the closing of—its Merger, pursuant to the redemption terms outlined in the Articles Supplementary for the ARPS. Subject to the approval of either Proposal, MMU's ARPS will be redeemed in connection with—and prior to the closing of—a Merger, pursuant to the redemption terms outlined in the Articles Supplementary for the ARPS. MNP and MMU each would provide notice of such a redemption to its ARPS holders following the approval of the Proposal at the Meeting and on a timeline consistent with the notice requirements in the Articles Supplementary for each series of ARPS and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. What will the combined Fund be known as?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. If both Mergers are effected, MMU, the surviving fund, will retain the name "Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc." and will keep its NYSE ticker symbol "MMU".

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. What are the benefits of the Mergers?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. The Board of Directors of each Fund believes that the Mergers are in the best interests of the stockholders of each Fund. The Funds have similar investment objectives, policies and strategies. In addition, after careful consideration, the Board of Directors of each Target Fund believes that the Mergers will benefit the stockholders of each Target Fund for the following reasons:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Cost savings through elimination of duplicative expenses and greater economies of scale** 

It is anticipated that the combined Fund will likely benefit from economies of scale, as one set of fixed expenses would be spread over a larger asset base, as well as from enhanced market liquidity and may experience improved market price trading relative to net asset value ("NAV").

It is anticipated that the combined Fund would have a lower expense level with estimated aggregate cost savings of approximately $768,666 annually, with $521,815 expected to be attributed to reduced operating costs and $246,851 expected from reduced interest expenses.

The total expense ratio experienced by MNP and MMU stockholders is expected to decrease as a result of the Mergers. The total expense ratio experienced by SBI stockholders is expected to increase as a result of its Merger, but the increase would be as a result of the greater leverage usage of MMU, which is expected to result in higher distributions to SBI stockholders but also increases the cost of leverage borne by the Fund and results in higher management fees (which are charged on gross assets).

MNP currently pays an investment management fee to LMPFA, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of its average weekly net assets. Both SBI and MMU currently pay an investment management fee to LMPFA, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of its average daily net assets.

The following table shows the estimated expenses of each Fund and on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2022. The net management fees in the below table differ due to differences in the percentage of leverage outstanding for each Fund.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **MNP** | **SBI** | **MMU** | **Pro Forma<br>Combined Fund** |
|  **Management Fees (% of Net Assets)** | 0.87% | 0.76% | 0.82% | 0.82% |
|  **Operating Expenses (% of Net Assets)** | 0.27% | 0.25% | 0.15% | 0.12% |
|  **Sub-Total Expenses (% of Net Assets)** | 1.14% | 1.01% | 0.97% | 0.94% |
|  **Interest/Leverage** | 1.96% | 1.18% | 1.63% | 1.51% |
|  **Total Expenses (% of Net Assets)** | 3.10% | 2.19% | 2.60% | 2.45% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Larger Asset Base of the Combined Fund Relative to the Current Funds** 

The larger asset base of the combined Fund relative to each Fund may provide greater financial flexibility. In particular, as the merged larger entity, MMU stockholders may benefit from access to more attractive leverage terms (i.e. lower borrowing costs on debt and preferred stock) and a wider range of alternatives for raising capital to growing capital.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Enhanced Market Liquidity** 

A larger fund size and additional trading has the potential to make the merged fund more attractive to traditional and institutional investors. There is also the potential for tighter bid/ask spreads in the secondary market and guiding the combined Fund's market price to trade closer to its NAV.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Additional diversification from a larger pool of assets, a broader investment mandate and a more streamlined product offering** 

In addition to diversification from a larger pool of assets, a more streamlined product will allow for more focused marketing and stockholder servicing efforts.

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At a meeting held on February 8 and 9, 2023, the Board of Directors of each Fund, including all of the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Funds under the 1940 Act (the "Independent Directors"), unanimously approved an Agreement and Plan of Merger with respect to each Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. Who do we expect to vote on the Mergers?** 

A: Each Fund's common and preferred stockholders are being asked to vote, together as a class, on the Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. Are MMU's investment objectives and policies similar to those of the Target Funds?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. MMU's investment objectives, policies and strategies are substantially similar to those of the Target Funds.

**Comparison of MNP and MMU Investment Objectives and Strategies** 

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Western Asset Municipal<br>Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP<br>and MMU** |
| **Investment Objective(s)** | MNP's investment objective is to seek a high level of current income which is exempt from regular federal income taxes, consistent with the preservation of capital.<br>MNP's secondary investment objective is to enhance portfolio value by purchasing tax-exempt securities that, in the opinion of the investment manager, may appreciate in value relative to other similar obligations in the marketplace.<br>| MMU's investment objective is to seek as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax as is consistent with preservation of capital. | No difference in primary investment objective.<br>MNP has a secondary investment objective of enhancing portfolio value. |
| **Principal Investment Policies and Strategies** | Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of MNP's net assets will be invested in tax-exempt securities. Under normal market conditions, MNP invests substantially all of its assets in a diversified portfolio of tax-exempt securities that are rated "investment grade" at the time of purchase by at least one rating agency or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable credit quality by the subadviser, and that the subadviser believes do not involve undue risk to income or principal.<br>Investment grade tax-exempt securities are rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") or Fitch Ratings, | Under normal market conditions, MMU will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated, at the time of investment, no lower than BBB, SP-2 or A-1 by S&P or Baa, MIG3 or Prime-1 by Moody's, or BBB or F1 by Fitch.<br>Municipal obligations includes bonds and notes such as:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• general obligation bonds issued for various public purposes and supported by the municipal issuer's credit taxing power;<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• revenue bonds whose principal and interest is payable only from the revenues of a particular | Similar 80% policy. MMU invests in investment grade municipal obligations while MNP invests in investment grade tax-exempt securities.<br>MMU percentages are based on total assets while MNP's are based on net assets. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal<br>Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP<br>and MMU** |
| Inc. ("Fitch") or Baa or higher by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. ("Moody's") in the case of long-term obligations, and have equivalent ratings in the case of short-term obligations. | project or facility. Industrial revenue bonds depend on the credit standing of a private issuer and may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, or AMT; and<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• notes that are short-term obligations of municipalities or agencies sold in anticipation of a bond sale, collection of taxes or receipt of other revenues.<br>|  |
| MNP may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities rated below "investment grade" at the time of purchase. | MMU may invest up to 20% of its total assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined to be of equivalent quality by the investment manager. | Substantially similar 20% policy. |

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**Comparison of SBI and MMU Investment Objectives and Strategies** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between<br>SBI and MMU** |
| **Investment Objective(s)** | SBI's investment objective is to provide common shareholders a high level of current income exempt from regular federal income taxes, consistent with prudent investing. | MMU's investment objective is to seek as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax as is consistent with preservation of capital. | Substantially similar primary investment objectives. MMU focuses on being consistent with preservation of capital and SBI focuses on being consistent with prudent investing.<br>|
| **Principal Investment Policies and Strategies** | Under normal market conditions, SBI will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations. In addition, under normal market conditions, SBI will invest at least 80% of its total assets in debt securities that are, at the time of investment, rated investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the investment manager. | Under normal market conditions, MMU will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated, at the time of investment, no lower than BBB, SP-2 or A-1 by S&P or Baa, MIG3 or Prime-1 by Moody's, or BBB or F1 by Fitch.<br>Municipal obligations include bonds and notes such as:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• general obligation bonds issued for various public purposes and supported | Substantially similar 80% policy. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between<br>SBI and MMU** |
|  | by the municipal issuer's credit taxing power;<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• revenue bonds whose principal and interest is payable only from the revenues of a particular project or facility. Industrial revenue bonds depend on the credit standing of a private issuer and may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, or AMT; and<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• notes that are short-term obligations of municipalities or agencies sold in anticipation of a bond sale, collection of taxes or receipt of other revenues.<br>|  |
| 20% of SBI's total assets may be invested in debt securities that are, at the time of investment, rated below investment grade by an NRSRO or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the investment manager.<br>| MMU may invest up to 20% of its total assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined to be of equivalent quality by the investment manager.<br>| Substantially similar 20% policy. |
| SBI maintains a dollar-weighted average effective maturity of between three and ten years. Western Asset may adjust the average maturity of SBI's portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates. Western Asset may adjust the average maturity of SBI's portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates.<br>SBI may invest in zero coupon bonds. | Municipal obligations may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, floating and variable rate, zero coupon, payment in kind and auction rate features. | SBI only specifies that Western Asset may adjust the average maturity of the portfolio and may invest in zero coupon bonds, but does not go into detail regarding the other terms for the municipal obligations in which the Fund may invest. |

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Please see "Comparison of Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies, and Principal Risks" in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus for a more complete comparison of the Funds' investment objectives, policies and a summary of the principal risks of investing in the Funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. How does each Target Fund's performance compare to MMU's?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. For each Target Fund and MMU, set forth below are the average annual total returns for the Fund's common stock, on the basis of NAV price, for various periods ended December 31, 2022, as well as comparative performance information for each Fund's performance benchmark, Lipper peer group category average and ranking.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **MNP Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **MNP Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **MNP Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **MNP Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **MNP Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** |
| **Average Annual Total Returns** | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
|  **MNP (Target Fund) NAV** | -17.06% | -3.05% | -0.10% | 2.45% |
|  **Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index** | -8.53% | -0.77% | 1.25% | 2.13% |
|  **Lipper Category Average – General & Insured Municipal Debt (Leveraged) Closed-End Funds** | -17.18% | -2.65% | 0.28% | 2.70% |
|  **Lipper Category & Ranking – General & Insured Municipal Debt (Leveraged) Closed-End Funds** | 20 out of 57 | 26 out of 52 | 28 out of 48 | 24 out of 46 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **SBI Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **SBI Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **SBI Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **SBI Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **SBI Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** |
| **Average Annual Total Returns** | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
|  **SBI (Target Fund) NAV** | -12.13% | -1.94% | 0.42% | 2.19% |
|  **Bloomberg 1-15 Year Municipal Bond Index** | -5.95% | -0.22% | 1.44% | 1.95% |
|  **Lipper Category Average – Intermediate Municipal Debt Closed-End Funds** | -12.79% | -1.91% | 0.66% | 2.16% |
|  **Lipper Category & Ranking – Intermediate Municipal Debt Closed-End Funds** | 2 out of 3 | 2 out of 3 | 2 out of 3 | 1 out of 2 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **MMU Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **MMU Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **MMU Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **MMU Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** | **MMU Performance History (Through 12/31/22)** |
| **Average Annual Total Returns** | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
|  **MMU (Acquiring Fund) NAV** | -15.95% | -2.71% | 0.24% | 2.64% |
|  **Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index** | -8.53% | -0.77% | 1.25% | 2.13% |
|  **Lipper Category Average – General & Insured Municipal Debt (Leveraged) Closed-End Funds** | -17.18% | -2.65% | 0.28% | 2.70% |
|  **Lipper Category & Ranking – General & Insured Municipal Debt (Leveraged) Closed-End Funds** | 14 out of 57 | 10 out of 52 | 21 out of 48 | 17 out of 46 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. How will the Mergers affect fees and expenses?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. For MNP, assuming the Merger had occurred on December 31, 2022, the combined Fund would have (i) a total annual fund operating expense ratio for its shares of common stock that is lower than that of the corresponding shares of common stock of the MNP prior to the Merger, and (ii) a net annual fund operating expense ratio (i.e., the annual fund operating expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements under a contractual expense limitation agreement) for its shares of common stock that is lower than that of the corresponding shares of common stock of MNP prior to the Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• As of December 31, 2022, MNP had a total expense ratio of 3.10% of net assets. It is anticipated that
MNP's stockholders' total expense ratio will decline by 0.65%.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
For SBI, assuming the Merger had occurred on December 31, 2022, the combined Fund would have (i) a total annual fund operating expense ratio for its shares of common stock that is higher than that of the corresponding shares of common stock of the SBI prior to the Merger, and (ii) a net annual fund operating expense ratio (i.e., the annual fund operating expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements under a contractual expense limitation agreement) for its shares of common stock that is higher than that of the corresponding shares of common stock of SBI prior to the Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• As of December 31, 2022, SBI had a total expense ratio of 2.19% of net assets. It is anticipated that
SBI's stockholders' total expense ratio will increase by 0.26%. The increase in total expense ratio is a result of the increased leverage the combined Fund will use, leading to a higher interest expense. The increase in leverage is
expected to result in higher distributions for SBI stockholders.

For MMU, assuming the Mergers have occurred on December 31, 2022, the combined Fund would have (i) a total annual fund operating expense ratio for its shares of common stock that is lower than that of the corresponding shares of common stock of the MMU prior to the Merger, and (ii) a net annual fund operating expense ratio (i.e., the annual fund operating expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements under a contractual expense limitation agreement) for its shares of common stock that is lower than that of the corresponding shares of common stock of MMU prior to the Mergers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• As of December 31, 2022, MMU had a total expense ratio of 2.35% of net assets. It is anticipated that
MMU's stockholders' total expense ratio will decline by 0.15%.

MNP currently pays an investment management fee to LMPFA, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of its average weekly net assets. Both SBI and MMU currently pay an investment management fee to LMPFA, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of its average daily net assets.

**Q: Will management institute a fee waiver if a Merger is approved?** 

If either Merger is approved, MMU will institute a five basis point (0.05%) fee waiver of the investment management fee for a one-year period following the Mergers, or for as long as necessary to ensure the Funds only bear half of the Merger-related expenses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. What impact will the Mergers have on leverage levels?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. As of December 31, 2022, the leverage ratio of MMU is 32.7% while the leverage ratios of MNP and SBI are 36.5% and 27.2%, respectively. The leverage ratio of the combined Fund is expected to be that of MMU's, with possible incremental increases. The cost of leverage of the combined Fund will result in a reduced expense ratio for MNP and MMU. The cost of leverage for SBI will increase its gross expense ratio, but the increase in leverage is expected to result in higher distributions for SBI stockholders.

The table below illustrates the leverage of each Fund on a standalone basis.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Current Leverage (as of 12/31/2022)** | **Current Leverage (as of 12/31/2022)** | **Current Leverage (as of 12/31/2022)** | **Current Leverage (as of 12/31/2022)** |
|  | **ARPS** | **VRDPS** | **Total** |
|  **MNP** | $10600000 | $66500000 | $77100000 |
|  **SBI** | $500000 | $47400000 | $47900000 |
|  **MMU** | $25775000 | $217575000 | $243360000 |
|  **Total** | $36875000 | $331475000 | $368350000 |

---

Following the Mergers, the combined Fund may determine to increase leverage by issuing additional VRDPS, subject to market conditions.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. How will the Mergers impact distributions?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. If the Mergers are approved, it is anticipated that stockholders of each Target Fund will see higher distributions primarily due to an increased use of leverage. Distributions are expected to be in line with historic distributions received by MMU stockholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. What are the Funds' capital loss carryovers?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. As of December 31, 2022, the Funds are entitled to capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes in the amounts set forth below: Capital loss carryovers are favorable tax assets that can be used by a fund to offset income and gains in future taxable periods.

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **MNP (as of December 31, 2022)** | **MNP (as of December 31, 2022)** | **SBI (as of December 31,<br>2022)** | **SBI (as of December 31,<br>2022)** | **MMU (as of December 31,<br>2022)** | **MMU (as of December 31,<br>2022)** | **MMU (pro forma)** | **MMU (pro forma)** |
| **Amount of<br>Carryforward** | **Fiscal<br>Year of<br>Expiration** | **Amount of<br>Carryforward** | **Fiscal<br>Year of<br>Expiration** | **Amount of<br>Carryforward** | **Fiscal<br>Year of<br>Expiration** | **Amount of<br>Carryforward** | **Fiscal<br>Year of<br>Expiration** |
| $(6683221) | No<br>Expiration | $(3358897) | No<br>Expiration | $(19781319) | No<br>Expiration | $(30013437) | No<br>Expiration |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. Will I have to pay any taxes as a result of the Mergers?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Each Merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Assuming that each Merger qualifies for such treatment, you generally will not recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the Merger. Target Fund stockholders may, however, recognize gain or loss with respect to any cash those stockholders receive pursuant to a Merger in lieu of fractional shares. As a condition to the closing of the Mergers, each Fund will receive an opinion of counsel to the effect that each Merger will qualify for such treatment. Opinions of counsel are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts. You should talk to your tax advisor about any state, local and other tax consequences of the Mergers. See "Proposals 1.A and 1.B—Information About the Proposed Mergers—Federal Income Tax Consequences."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. Who will pay for the Mergers?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. The costs of the Mergers, including the costs of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing material in connection with this solicitation of proxies are estimated to be approximately $322,189 for MNP, $329,541 for SBI and $446,297 for MMU. The Funds will bear the costs of each Merger. However, if either Merger is approved, LMPFA will institute a five basis point (0.05%) fee waiver of the combined Fund's management fee for one-year post merger, or as long as necessary to ensure that the combined Fund only bears half of the Merger-related expenses. The Merger-related expenses should also be offset by the per year operating cost savings. In the event that either SBI or MNP does not merge with and into MMU, or the Mergers are not consummated at all, each of MNP, SBI and MMU would bear its related expenses of the Mergers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. How does the Board of Directors of each Fund recommend that I vote on the Mergers?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. After careful consideration, MNP's Board of Directors, including all of its Independent Directors, unanimously recommend that you vote FOR its Merger.

After careful consideration, SBI's Board of Directors, including all of its Independent Directors, unanimously recommend that you vote FOR its Merger.

After careful consideration, MMU's Board of Directors, including all of the Independent Directors, unanimously recommend that you vote FOR the Mergers.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. What will happen if a Merger is not approved?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Neither Merger is contingent upon the approval of the other Merger. If only one Merger is approved, that Merger will be consummated. If one or both Mergers is not approved, MNP, SBI and MMU (as applicable) will continue as separate investment companies, and each Board will consider such alternatives as it determines to be in the best interests of Fund stockholders, including re-proposing one or both Mergers, as applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. When are the Mergers expected to happen?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. If each Fund's stockholders approve the Mergers at the Meeting on [●], 2023 (without the need to adjourn to solicit additional votes) and all other conditions to closing are satisfied (or waived), the Mergers are expected to take effect on or about [●], 2023, or such other date as the parties may agree.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. Will my vote make a difference?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Your vote is very important and makes a difference in the governance of each Fund, no matter how many shares you own. Your vote can help ensure that the Proposals recommended by the Board of Directors of each Fund can be implemented. We encourage all stockholders to participate in the governance of the Funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. Whom do I call if I have questions?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. If you need more information, or have any questions about voting, please call Georgeson LLC, the proxy solicitor, at (888) 867-6963.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q. How do I vote my shares?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. You can provide voting instructions by telephone by calling the toll-free number on the enclosed proxy card or electronically by going to the Internet address provided on the proxy card and following the instructions, using your proxy card as a guide. Alternatively, you can vote your shares by signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

A stockholder may revoke a proxy at any time on or before the Meeting by (1) submitting to the applicable Fund a subsequently dated proxy, (2) delivering to the applicable Fund a written notice of revocation (addressed to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Funds at the address shown at the beginning of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus) or (3) otherwise giving notice of revocation at the Meeting, at all times prior to the exercise of the authority granted in the proxy card. Merely attending the Meeting, however, will not revoke any previously executed proxy. Unless revoked, all valid and executed proxies will be voted in accordance with the specifications thereon or, in the absence of such specifications, for approval of the Proposals.

You may also attend the Meeting and vote in person. However, even if you intend to attend the Meeting, we encourage you to provide voting instructions by one of the methods described above.

**It is important that you vote promptly.** 

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET INTERMEDIATE MUNI FUND INC.** 

**620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor** 

**New York, New York 10018** 

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**NOTICE OF A JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS** 

------

To the Stockholders:

A Joint Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") of Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. ("MMU"), Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. ("MNP") and Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. ("SBI" and together with MMU and MNP, the "Funds") will be held at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York, on Friday, [●], 2023 at [10:00 a.m.], Eastern Time, for the purposes of considering and voting on the following proposals (each a "Proposal," and collectively, the "Proposals"):

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **<u>Proposal 1.A:</u>** | For stockholders of MNP and MMU to approve the merger of MNP with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. |
| **<u>Proposal 1.B:</u>** | For stockholders of SBI and MMU to approve the merger of SBI with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. |

---

**The Board of each Fund recommends that you vote "FOR" the Proposals upon which you are being asked to vote.** 

Stockholders of record at the close of business on [ ], 2023 are entitled to vote at the Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

By order of the Board of Directors,

George P. Hoyt

Secretary

Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.

Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc.

Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.

[ ], 2023

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING PROXY CARDS** 

The following general rules for signing proxy cards may be of assistance to you and avoid the time and expense to the Funds involved in validating your vote if you fail to sign your proxy card properly.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*1. Individual Accounts:* Sign your name exactly as it appears in the registration on the proxy card.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*2. Joint Accounts:* Either party may sign, but the name of the party signing should conform exactly to a name shown in the registration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*3. All Other Accounts:* The capacity of the individual signing the proxy card should be indicated unless it is reflected in the form of registration. For example:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Registration** | **Valid Signature** |
|  **<u>Corporate Accounts</u>** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) ABC Corp. | ABC Corp. (by John Doe, Treasurer) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) ABC Corp. | John Doe, Treasurer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) ABC Corp., c/o John Doe, Treasurer | John Doe |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) ABC Corp. Profit Sharing Plan | John Doe, Trustee |
|  **<u>Trust Accounts</u>** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) ABC Trust | Jane B. Doe, Trustee |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Jane B. Doe, Trustee, u/t/d 12/28/78 | Jane B. Doe |
|  **<u>Custodial or Estate Accounts</u>** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) John B. Smith, Cust., f/b/o John B. Smith, Jr. UGMA | John B. Smith |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) John B. Smith | John B. Smith, Jr., Executor |

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**The information contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.** 

**SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 17, 2023** 

**PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**, 2023** 

**PROXY STATEMENT FOR:** 

**WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET INTERMEDIATE MUNI FUND INC.** 

**620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor** 

**New York, New York 10018** 

**888-777-0102** 

**PROSPECTUS FOR:** 

**WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** 

**620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor** 

**New York, New York 10018** 

**888-777-0102** 

This combined Proxy Statement and Prospectus (the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus") is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. ("MMU"), Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. ("MNP") and Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. ("SBI" and together with MMU and MNP, the "Funds") for a Joint Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") for each Fund. The Meeting will be held Friday, [●], 2023 at [10:00 a.m.], Eastern Time. At the Meeting, stockholders of the Funds will be asked to consider and act upon separate proposals ("Proposals 1.A and 1.B") to approve the mergers of each of MNP and SBI (each a "Target Fund" and collectively, the "Target Funds") with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law (each a "Merger" and collectively, the "Mergers"), as described below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Proposal 1.A:** | For stockholders of MNP and MMU to approve the merger of MNP with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. |
| **Proposal 1.B:** | For stockholders of SBI and MMU to approve the merger of SBI with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. |

---

If each Merger is approved, each share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of each Target Fund (respectively, the "MNP Common Shares," the "SBI Common Shares" and collectively, the "Target Fund Common Shares") would convert into an equivalent dollar amount (to the nearest $0.001) of full shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of MMU (the "MMU Common Shares"), based on the net asset value of each Fund's shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of trading on the NYSE on the business day immediately prior to the closing time of each respective Merger. MMU will not issue fractional MMU Common Shares to holders of Target Fund Common Shares. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, MMU will pay cash to each former holder of Target Fund Common Shares in an amount equal to the value of the fractional MMU Common Shares that the investor would otherwise have received in the applicable Merger. Although the MMU Common Shares received in each Merger will have the same total net asset value as the Target Fund Common Shares held immediately before the Mergers (disregarding fractional shares), their stock price on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") may be greater or less than that of the Target Fund Common Shares, based on current market prices existing at the time of the Merger. All MMU Common Shares currently issued and outstanding will remain issued and outstanding following the Merger.

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In addition, each of the Target Funds has a series of preferred stock outstanding: Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock ("VRDPS"). MNP and MMU also each have Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock ("ARPS") outstanding.

Subject to approval of the respective Proposal by the stockholders of MNP, MNP's ARPS will be redeemed in connection with—and prior to the closing of—its Merger, pursuant to the redemption terms outlined in the Articles Supplementary for the ARPS. Subject to the approval of either Proposal, MMU's ARPS will be redeemed in connection with—and prior to the closing of—a Merger, pursuant to the redemption terms outlined in the Articles Supplementary for the ARPS. MNP and MMU each would provide notice of such a redemption to its ARPS holders following the approval of the Proposal at the Meeting and on a timeline consistent with the notice requirements in the Articles Supplementary for each series of ARPS and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

With respect to the VRDPS, MMU will issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference and terms as SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS, respectively, issued and outstanding immediately before the date of the Merger. As the liquidation preference for the newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS that will replace the MNP's Series 1 VRDPS will be equal to the liquidation preference of the existing MMU's Series 1 VRDPS, MMU will issue a corresponding number of newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS so that the aggregate liquidation preference for the replaced MNP's Series 1 VRDPS remains the same. In addition, MMU will also issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference as SBI's ARPS and MNP's ARPS, respectively, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. Finally, MMU will issue additional VRDPS to replace its ARPS that are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS would have equal liquidation preference per share as any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS and equal priority with any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of MMU. The accrual for SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS with respect to any accrued and unpaid dividends as of date of the Mergers would be assumed by MMU and would apply and be payable on an equivalent share-for-share basis and on the same dividend payment schedule to avoid any disruption to VRDPS holders. In connection with the Mergers but separate from the issuance of new shares of MMU's VRDPS to each Target Fund's current VRDPS holders and as a replacement for each Target Fund's redeemed ARPS, MMU will issue additional shares of VRDPS to enable MMU to seek to approximately maintain its current level of leverage.

The Board of each Fund believes that the Mergers are in the best interests of stockholders and of each Fund. The Funds have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies. The Mergers will result in more streamlined product offerings, allowing for more focused marketing and stockholder servicing efforts. Moreover, the combined Fund will likely benefit from economies of scale, as one set of fixed expenses would be spread over a larger asset base, as well as from enhanced market liquidity and may experience improved market price trading relative to net asset value ("NAV").

At a meeting held on February 8 and 9, 2023, the Board of Directors of each Fund, including all of the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Funds under the 1940 Act (the "Independent Directors"), unanimously approved an Agreement and Plan of Merger with respect to each Fund.

MNP was incorporated in Maryland on November 24, 1992; SBI was incorporated in Maryland on December 19, 1991; MMU was incorporated in Maryland on April 9, 1992. Each Target Fund is a closed-end, diversified management investment company and MMU is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. Each Fund is listed on the NYSE.

ii

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Comparison of Investment Objectives** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Western Asset Municipal**<br> **Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Intermediate**<br> **Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** |
| **Investment Objective(s)** | MNP's investment objective is to seek a high level of current income which is exempt from regular federal income taxes, consistent with the preservation of capital.<br>MNP's secondary investment objective is to enhance portfolio value by purchasing tax-exempt securities that, in the opinion of the investment manager, may appreciate in value relative to other similar obligations in the marketplace. | SBI's investment objective is to provide common shareholders a high level of current income exempt from regular federal income taxes, consistent with prudent investing. | MMU's investment objective is to seek as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax as is consistent with preservation of capital. |

---

Please see "Comparison of Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies, and Principal Risks" in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus for a more complete comparison of the Funds' investment objectives and policies.

Each Merger will be effected pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, a form of which is attached to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix A. The material terms and conditions of each Agreement and Plan of Merger are summarized in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "Proposals 1.A and 1.B—Information About the Proposed Mergers—Each Agreement and Plan of Merger."

This Proxy Statement/Prospectus serves as a prospectus for MMU Common Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), in connection with the issuance of MMU Common Shares in the Merger.

Assuming the holders of Target Fund Common Shares approve each Merger and all other conditions to the consummation of the Mergers are satisfied or waived, the Funds will jointly file articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger") with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the "SDAT") with respect to each Merger. Each Merger will become effective when the SDAT accepts for record the Articles of Merger or at such later time, which may not exceed 30 days after the Articles of Merger are accepted for record, as specified in the Articles of Merger. The date when the Articles of Merger are accepted for record, or the later date, is referred to in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus as the "Closing Date." Each Target Fund, as soon as practicable after the Closing Date, will withdraw its registration under the 1940 Act.

Each Merger is being structured as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. See "Proposals 1.A and 1.B— Information About the Proposed Mergers—Federal Income Tax Consequences." Stockholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the actual impact of the applicable Merger on them in light of their individual tax circumstances.

You should retain this Proxy Statement/Prospectus for future reference as it sets forth concisely information about MNP, SBI and MMU that you should know before voting on the Proposals described below.

A Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") dated [ ], 2023, which contains additional information about the Mergers and the Funds, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The SAI, as

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
well as MNP's Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2022, filed on January 26, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-015796), SBI's Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2022, filed on January 30, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-018467) and MMU's Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders for the Six-Month Period Ended November 30, 2022, filed on January 27, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-017174) and Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2022, filed on August 1, 2022 (accession no. 0001193125-22-208348), which highlight certain important information such as investment performance and expense and financial information, are incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In addition, stockholder reports, proxy materials and other information concerning MNP (File No. 811-07362), SBI (File No. 811-6506) and MMU (File No. 811-06629) can be inspected at the NYSE. You may receive free of charge a copy of the SAI, or the annual report and semi-annual report for a Fund, by contacting MNP, SBI or MMU at 888-777-0102, by writing either Fund at the address listed above or by visiting our website at www.franklintempleton.com.

In addition, you can copy and review this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the complete filing on Form N-14 containing the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (File No. 333-[ ]) and any of the above-referenced documents at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. You may obtain information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 202-551-8090. Reports and other information about each Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549.

MNP's Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "MNP," SBI's Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "SBI" and the MMU Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "MMU." If the Merger between either Target Fund and MMU is effected, or if both Mergers are effected, MMU will retain its ticker symbol "MMU."

The information contained herein concerning each Fund has been provided by, and is included herein in reliance upon, the Fund.

**The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities nor passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.** 

iv

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**TABLE OF CONTENTS** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
|  [PROPOSALS 1.A and 1.B— TO APPROVE EACH OF THE MERGERS OF MNP AND SBI WITH AND INTO MMU IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW](#toc451315_1) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Summary](#toc451315_2) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Proposed Mergers](#toc451315_3) | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Risk Factors](#toc451315_4) | 24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Information About the Proposed Mergers](#toc451315_5) | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [The Agreement and Plan of Merger](#toc451315_6) | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Reasons for the Mergers and Board Considerations](#toc451315_7) | 35 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Federal Income Tax Consequences](#toc451315_8) | 39 |
|  [PORTFOLIO SECURITIES](#toc451315_9) | 43 |
|  [INFORMATION ABOUT MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS](#toc451315_10) | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Information About Directors and Officers](#toc451315_11) | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Security Ownership of Management](#toc451315_12) | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Director Compensation](#toc451315_13) | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Responsibilities of the Board of MNP, SBI and MMU](#toc451315_14) | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Audit Committee](#toc451315_15) | 50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Nominating Committee](#toc451315_16) | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Pricing and Valuation Committee](#toc451315_17) | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Compensation Committee](#toc451315_18) | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Officers](#toc451315_19) | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance](#toc451315_20) | 55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser](#toc451315_21) | 55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Codes of Ethics](#toc451315_22) | 56 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Proxy Voting Policies](#toc451315_23) | 57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Investment Professionals of the Funds](#toc451315_24) | 58 |
|  [ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS](#toc451315_25) | 61 |
|  [NET ASSET VALUE, MARKET PRICE AND PREMIUM/DISCOUNT](#toc451315_26) | 61 |
|  [CAPITALIZATION](#toc451315_27) | 63 |
|  [PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION](#toc451315_28) | 63 |
|  [PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS](#toc451315_29) | 64 |
|  [DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS](#toc451315_30) | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Distributions](#toc451315_31) | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [MMU Dividend Reinvestment Plan](#toc451315_32) | 65 |
|  [TAXATION](#toc451315_33) | 69 |
|  [NET ASSET VALUE](#toc451315_34) | 75 |
|  [DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND'S SECURITIES](#toc451315_35) | 75 |
|  [5% BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (MMU)](#toc451315_36) | 80 |
|  [5% BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (MNP)](#toc451315_37) | 80 |
|  [5% BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (SBI)](#toc451315_38) | 80 |
|  [VOTING INFORMATION](#toc451315_39) | 80 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Adjournments and Postponements](#toc451315_40) | 82 |
|  [OTHER BUSINESS](#toc451315_41) | 82 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [APPRAISAL RIGHTS](#toc451315_42) | 83 |
|  [EXPENSES OF PROXY SOLICITATION](#toc451315_43) | 83 |
|  [INDEX OF APPENDICES](#toc451315_44) | 84 |
|  [Appendix A Form of Agreement and Plan Of Merger](#toc451315_45) | A-1 |
|  [Appendix B Description of Moody's and S&P Ratings](#toc451315_46) | B-1 |
|  [Appendix C Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC Proxy Voting Policy](#toc451315_47) | C-1 |
|  [Appendix D Western Asset Management LLC Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures](#toc451315_48) | D-1 |

---

v

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**PROPOSALS 1.A AND 1.B— TO APPROVE EACH OF THE MERGERS OF MNP AND SBI WITH AND INTO MMU IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW** 

**Summary** 

*This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the additional information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and each Agreement and Plan of Merger, a form of which is attached to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix A.* 

**Proposed Mergers** 

The Board of each Fund believes that each Merger is in the best interests of stockholders of each Fund. The Target Funds and MMU have substantially similar primary investment objectives and substantially similar policies and strategies, which will allow Target Fund stockholders to continue to have exposure to municipal securities. Moreover, the combined Fund will likely benefit from economies of scale, as one set of fixed expenses would be spread over a larger asset base, as well as from enhanced market liquidity and additional opportunities for diversification. Furthermore, each Merger will result in more streamlined product offerings, allowing for more focused marketing and stockholder servicing efforts.

At a meeting held on February 8 and 9, 2023, the Boards of MNP, SBI and MMU, including all of the Independent Directors, unanimously approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger with respect to each Merger. As a result of the Mergers:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• each Target Fund Common Share will convert into an equivalent dollar amount (to the nearest $0.001) of full MMU
Common Shares, based on the net asset value of each Target Fund's Common Shares as of the close of trading on the NYSE on the business day immediately prior to the closing time of each respective Merger;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• each holder of Target Fund Common Shares will become a holder of MMU Common Shares and will receive, on the
Closing Date, that number of MMU Common Shares having an aggregate net asset value (disregarding fractional shares) equal to the aggregate net asset value of such stockholder's Target Fund Common Shares as of the close of business on the
business day preceding the Closing Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MMU will not issue any fractional MMU Common Shares to Target Fund stockholders. In lieu thereof, MMU will pay
cash to each former holder of Target Fund Common Shares in an amount equal to the value of the fractional MMU Common Shares that the investor would otherwise have received in the Merger; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MMU will issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate
liquidation preference and terms as SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS, respectively, issued and outstanding immediately before the date of the Merger. As the liquidation preference for the newly issued shares of MMU's
VRDPS that will replace the MNP's Series 1 VRDPS will be equal to the liquidation preference of the existing MMU's Series 1 VRDPS, MMU will issue a corresponding number of newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS so that the aggregate
liquidation preference for the replaced MNP's Series 1 VRDPS remains the same. In addition, MMU will also issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference as SBI's
ARPS and MNP's ARPS, respectively, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. Finally, MMU will issue additional VRDPS to replace its ARPS that are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS
would have equal liquidation preference per share as any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS and equal priority with any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the affairs of MMU. The accrual for SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS with respect to any accrued and unpaid

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
dividends as of date of the Mergers would be assumed by MMU and would apply and be payable on an equivalent share-for-share basis and on the same dividend payment schedule to avoid any disruption to VRDPS holders.

Subject to approval of the respective Proposal by the stockholders of MNP, MNP's ARPS will be redeemed in connection with—and prior to the closing of—its Merger, pursuant to the redemption terms outlined in the Articles Supplementary for the ARPS. Subject to the approval of either Proposal, MMU's ARPS will be redeemed in connection with—and prior to the closing of—a Merger, pursuant to the redemption terms outlined in the Articles Supplementary for the ARPS. MNP and MMU each would provide notice of such a redemption to its ARPS holders following the approval of the Proposal at the Meeting and on a timeline consistent with the notice requirements in the Articles Supplementary for each series of ARPS and the 1940 Act.

Additionally, if either Merger is approved, MMU will institute a five basis point (0.05%) fee waiver of the investment management fee for a one-year period following the Mergers, or for as long as necessary to ensure such Funds only bear half of the Merger-related expenses.

Neither Merger is contingent upon the approval of the other Merger. If only one Merger is approved, that Merger will be consummated. If one or both Mergers is not approved, the applicable Fund or Funds will continue as separate investment companies, and each Board will consider such alternatives as it determines to be in the best interests of Fund stockholders, including re-proposing one or both Mergers, as applicable.

For the reasons set forth below in "Information About the Proposed Mergers-Reasons for the Mergers and Board Considerations," the Boards of MNP, SBI and MMU, including all of the Independent Directors, have concluded that each Merger would be in the best interests of the applicable Funds, and that the interests of the holders of Target Fund Common Shares and MMU Common Shares would not be diluted as a result of the Merger. **The Board of each Fund, therefore, is hereby submitting Proposals 1.A and 1.B to the holders of the respective Target Fund's Common Shares and MMU Common Shares and recommends that stockholders of MNP, SBI and MMU vote "FOR" the applicable Merger(s).**

Each Merger was approved by the Board of each Fund. Because the Merger of MNP into MMU has been approved by at least 75% of MNP's "Continuing Directors," as that term is defined in MNP's charter, approval of the Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of MNP Common Shares and holders of preferred stock of MNP ("MNP Preferred Shares") (voting as a class). Additionally, because the Merger of SBI into MMU has been approved by at least 70% of SBI's Board, approval of the Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of SBI Common Shares and holders of preferred stock of SBI ("SBI Preferred Shares" and together with the MNP Preferred Shares, the "Target Fund Preferred Shares") (voting as a class). Similarly, because the Merger has been approved by at least 75% of MMU's "Continuing Directors" (as that term is defined in MMU's charter) approval of each Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of MMU Common Shares and holders of MMU preferred stock ("MMU Preferred Shares") (voting as a class). See "Voting Information" below. If each Fund's stockholders approve the Mergers at the Meeting on [●], 2023 (without the need to adjourn to solicit additional votes) and all other conditions to closing are satisfied (or waived), the Mergers are expected to take effect on or about [●], 2023, or such other date as the parties may agree.

Prior to completion of the Mergers, each Fund will receive an opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP to the effect that the applicable Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, for federal income tax purposes, (i) no gain or loss will generally be recognized by each Target Fund (except for consequences regularly attributable to a termination of its taxable year) or (subject to the following sentence) the holders of Target Fund Common Shares, MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS as a result of the Mergers, (ii) the aggregate tax basis of the MMU Common Shares (including fractional MMU Common Shares purchased by MMU) received by the holders of Target Fund Common Shares will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the holders' Target Fund Common Shares immediately prior to the completion of the applicable Merger, (iii) the aggregate tax basis of the MMU Series 1 VRDPS received by the holders of MNP

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Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the holders' MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS, as the case may be, immediately prior to the completion of the applicable Merger, (iv) a holder's holding period for MMU Common Shares received pursuant to a Merger (including that of fractional MMU Common Shares purchased by MMU) will be determined by including the period for which such stockholder held Target Fund Common Shares converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such shares were held by such stockholder as capital assets and (v) a holder's holding period for MMU Series 1 VRDPS received pursuant to a Merger will be determined by including the period for which such stockholder held MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS, as the case may be, converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such VRDPS were held by such stockholder as capital assets. Holders of Target Fund Common Shares may, however, recognize gain or loss with respect to cash such holders receive pursuant to a Merger in lieu of fractional shares. For more information about the federal income tax consequences of the Mergers, see "Information about the Proposed Mergers—Federal Income Tax Consequences" below.

**Comparison of Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies and Principal Risks** 

MNP's primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income which is exempt from regular federal income taxes, consistent with the preservation of capital. As a secondary investment objective, MNP intends to enhance portfolio value by purchasing tax-exempt securities that may appreciate in value relative to other similar obligations in the marketplace. SBI's investment objective is to provide common stockholders a high level of current income exempt from regular federal income taxes, consistent with prudent investing. MMU's investment objective is to seek as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax as is consistent with the preservation of capital.

Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of MNP's net assets will be invested in tax-exempt securities. Under normal market conditions, MNP invests substantially all of its assets in a diversified portfolio of tax-exempt securities that are rated investment grade at the time of purchase by at least one rating agency or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable credit quality by the subadviser, and that the subadviser believes do not involve undue risk to income or principal. MNP may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities rated below investment grade at the time of purchase.

Under normal market conditions, SBI will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations. In addition, under normal market conditions, SBI will invest at least 80% of its total assets in debt securities that are, at the time of investment, rated investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the investment manager. 20% of SBI's total assets may be invested in debt securities that are, at the time of investment, rated below investment grade by an NRSRO or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the investment manager.

Under normal market conditions, MMU will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated investment grade at the time of investment. MMU may invest up to 20% of its total assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined to be of equivalent quality by the investment manager.

While SBI maintains a dollar-weighted average effective maturity of between three and ten years, SBI's sub-adviser may adjust the average maturity of SBI's portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates. SBI's sub-adviser may adjust the average maturity of SBI's portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates. MNP's sub-adviser is free to take full advantage of the entire range of maturities offered by tax-exempt securities and may adjust the average maturity of MNP's portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates. MMU may invest in municipal obligations that have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, floating and variable rate, zero coupon, payment in kind and auction rate features.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
Each Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program, and there is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its objectives.

The preceding summary of the Funds' investment objectives and certain policies should be considered in conjunction with the discussion below under "Comparison of Investment Objectives, Strategies and Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds—Investment Objectives," "—Principal Investment Strategies," "—Fundamental Investment Restrictions" and "—Risk Factors."

**Effect on Expenses** 

MNP currently pays an investment management fee to LMPFA, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of its average weekly net assets. Both SBI and MMU currently pay LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of its average daily net assets.

If either Merger is approved, MMU will institute a five basis point (0.05%) fee waiver of the investment management fee for a one-year period following a Merger, or for as long as necessary to ensure such Funds only bear half of the merger-related expenses.

As of December 31, 2022, MNP had a total expense ratio of 3.10% of net assets, and SBI had a total expense ratio of 2.19% of net assets, whereas MMU had a total expense ratio of 2.60% of net assets. It is anticipated that MNP's stockholders' total expense ratio will decline by 0.65%, SBI's stockholders' total expense ratio will increase by 0.26% and MMU's stockholders' total expense ratio will decline by 0.15% if both Mergers are approved.

**Fee Table and Expense Example** 

The table below (1) compares the estimated fees and expenses of each Fund, as of December 31, 2022, and (2) shows the estimated fees and expenses of the combined Fund, on a pro forma basis, as if both Mergers occurred on December 31, 2022.

The estimates are based on the contracts and agreements in effect as of December 31, 2022 and reflect the operating expense accrual rates on that date, which are based on each Fund's net assets as of December 31, 2022. Accordingly, the actual fees and expenses of each Fund and the combined Fund as of the Closing Date of the Mergers may differ from those reflected in the tables below due to changes in net assets from those at such dates. No amount of any prior fee waiver or expense reimbursement to MNP, SBI or MMU may be recovered by any person.

Changes in net assets may result from market appreciation or depreciation and other factors occurring between December 31, 2022 and the Closing Date of the Merger. As a general matter, changes (positive or negative) in a Fund's expense ratio resulting from fluctuations in the Fund's net assets will be borne by the stockholders of that Fund and the combined Fund. For information concerning the net assets of each Fund as of December 31, 2022, please see "Capitalization."

The estimated expenses of MNP, SBI and MMU as of December 31, 2022 and pro forma expenses following the proposed Mergers are set forth below. The percentages in the table below are percentages of the Funds' net assets attributable to their Common Shares.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Fee Table (MNP and MMU Merger)***

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Pre-Merger** | **Pre-Merger** | |
|  | **MNP**<br>**(Target Fund)** | **MMU<br>(Acquiring Fund)** |<br>**MMU<br>(Pro Forma<br>Combined Fund)** |
|  Management Fee<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.87% | 0.82% | 0.83% |
|  Interest and Commitment Fees | 1.96% | 1.62% | 1.79% |
|  Other expenses<sup>(2)</sup> | 0.27% | 0.16% | 0.12% |
|  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 3.10% | 2.60% | 2.74% |

---

(1) MNP pays LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of
the Fund's average weekly net managed assets. MMU pays LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of its average daily net assets. For the purposes of this table, we have assumed that MNP
has utilized leverage in an aggregate amount of 36.5% of net assets (the actual average amount of MNP Preferred Shares during the period ended February 28, 2023) and MMU has utilized leverage in an aggregate amount of 32.7% of its Managed
Assets (the actual average amount of MMU Preferred Shares during the period ended February 28, 2023). If MNP were to use leverage in excess of 36.5% of its net Assets or MMU were to use leverage in excess of 32.7% of its net assets, the
management fees shown for each Fund would be higher.

(2) Estimated based on amounts incurred in the period ended February 28, 2023.

***Fee Table (SBI and MMU Merger)***

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Pre-Merger** | **Pre-Merger** | |
|  | **SBI<br>(Target Fund)** | **MMU<br>(Acquiring Fund)** |<br>**MMU<br>(Pro Forma<br>Combined Fund)** |
|  Management Fee<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.76% | 0.82% | 0.80% |
|  Interest and Commitment Fees | 1.18% | 1.62% | 1.45% |
|  Other expenses<sup>(2)</sup> | 0.25% | 0.16% | 0.13% |
|  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 2.19% | 2.60% | 2.38% |

---

(1) SBI and MMU each pay LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate
of 0.55% of their respective average daily net assets. For the purposes of this table, we have assumed that SBI has utilized leverage in an aggregate amount of 27.2% of net assets (the actual average amount of SBI Preferred Shares during the period
ended February 28, 2023) and MMU has utilized leverage in an aggregate amount of 32.7% of its Managed Assets (the actual average amount of MMU Preferred Shares during the period ended February 28, 2023). If SBI were to use leverage in
excess of 27.2% of its Managed Assets or MMU were to use leverage in excess of 32.7% of its net assets, the management fees shown for each Fund would be higher.

(2) Estimated based on amounts incurred in the period ended February 28, 2023.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Fee Table (both Mergers)***

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Pre-Merger** | **Pre-Merger** | **Pre-Merger** | |
|  | **MNP**<br>**(Target Fund)** | **SBI<br>(Target Fund)** | **MMU<br>(Acquiring Fund)** |<br>**MMU<br>(Pro Forma<br>Combined Fund)** |
|  Management Fee | 0.87% | 0.76% | 0.82% | 0.82% |
|  Interest and Commitment Fees | 1.96% | 1.18% | 1.62% | 1.51% |
|  Other expenses | 0.27% | 0.25% | 0.16% | 0.12% |
|  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 3.10% | 2.19% | 2.60% | 2.45% |

---

(1) MNP pays LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of
the Fund's average weekly net managed assets. SBI and MMU each pay LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of their respective average daily net assets. For the purposes of this table,
we have assumed that MNP has utilized leverage in an aggregate amount of 36.5% of net assets (the actual average amount of MNP Preferred Shares during the period ended February 28, 2023), SBI has utilized leverage in an aggregate amount of
27.2% of net assets (the actual average amount of MNP Preferred Shares during the period ended February 28, 2023) and MMU has utilized leverage in an aggregate amount of 32.7% of its Managed Assets (the actual average amount of MMU Preferred
Shares during the period ended February 28, 2023). If MNP were to use leverage in excess of 26.5% of its net Assets, SBI were to use leverage in excess of 27.2% of its net assets or MMU were to use leverage in excess of 32.7% of its net assets,
the management fees shown for each Fund would be higher.

(2) Estimated based on amounts incurred in the period ended February 28, 2023.

***Example (MNP and MMU Merger)***

The following example helps you compare the costs of investing in the Funds' Common Shares with the costs of investing in other funds. The example assumes that you invest $1,000 in each Fund's Common Shares for the periods shown, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you reinvest all distributions and dividends and that the Funds' operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
|  MNP | $313 | $957 | $1625 | $3411 |
|  MMU | $263 | $808 | $1380 | $2934 |
|  Pro Forma Combined Fund | $277 | $850 | $1449 | $3070 |

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***Example (SBI and MMU Merger)***

The following example helps you compare the costs of investing in the Funds' Common Shares with the costs of investing in other funds. The example assumes that you invest $1,000 in each Fund's Common Shares for the periods shown, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you reinvest all distributions and dividends and that the Funds' operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
|  SBI | $222 | $685 | $1174 | $2523 |
|  MMU | $263 | $808 | $1380 | $2934 |
|  Pro Forma Combined Fund | $241 | $742 | $1270 | $2716 |

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***Example (both Mergers)***

The following example helps you compare the costs of investing in the Funds' Common Shares with the costs of investing in other funds. The example assumes that you invest $1,000 in each Fund's Common Shares

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for the periods shown, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you reinvest all distributions and dividends and that the Funds' operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
|  MNP | $313 | $957 | $1625 | $3411 |
|  SBI | $222 | $685 | $1174 | $2523 |
|  MMU | $263 | $808 | $1380 | $2934 |
|  Pro Forma Combined Fund | $248 | $763 | $1305 | $2785 |

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**COMPARISON OF INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS** 

The following charts list the investment objectives, principal investment policies and fundamental investment restrictions of MNP and SBI, respectively, compares them to MMU and describes the principal differences between the Target Funds' respective policies and MMU's policies. The charts provide MNP, SBI and MMU stockholders with a means of comparing the investment objectives, policies and strategies of the Funds.

**Comparison of MNP and MMU Investment Objectives and Strategies** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Western Asset Municipal<br>Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| Investment Objective(s) | MNP's investment objective is to seek a high level of current income which is exempt from regular federal income taxes, consistent with the preservation of capital.<br>MNP's secondary investment objective is to enhance portfolio value by purchasing tax-exempt securities that, in the opinion of the investment manager, may appreciate in value relative to other similar obligations in the marketplace. | MMU's investment objective is to seek as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax as is consistent with preservation of capital. | No difference in primary investment objective.<br> MNP has a secondary investment objective of enhancing portfolio value. |
| **Principal Investment Policies and Strategies** | Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of MNP's net assets will be invested in tax-exempt securities. Under normal market conditions, MNP invests substantially all of its assets in a diversified portfolio of tax-exempt securities that are rated "investment grade" at the time of purchase by at least one rating agency or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable credit quality by the subadviser, and that the subadviser believes do not involve undue risk to income or principal. | Under normal market conditions, MMU will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated, at the time of investment, no lower than BBB, SP-2 or A-1 by S&P or Baa, MIG3 or Prime-1 by Moody's, or BBB or F1 by Fitch.<br>Municipal obligations includes bonds and notes such as:<br>• general obligation bonds issued for various public purposes and supported by the municipal issuer's credit taxing power; | Similar 80% policy. MMU invests in investment grade municipal obligations while MNP invests in investment grade tax-exempt securities.<br>MMU percentages are based on total assets while MNP's are based on net assets. |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal<br>Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| Investment grade tax-exempt securities are rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") or Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch") or Baa or higher by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. ("Moody's") in the case of long-term obligations, and have equivalent ratings in the case of short-term obligations. | <br> • revenue bonds whose principal and interest is payable only from the revenues of a particular project or facility. Industrial revenue bonds depend on the credit standing of a private issuer and may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, or AMT; and<br>• notes that are short-term obligations of municipalities or agencies sold in anticipation of a bond sale, collection of taxes or receipt of other revenues.<br>|  |
| MNP may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities rated below "investment grade" at the time of purchase. | MMU may invest up to 20% of its total assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined to be of equivalent quality by the investment manager. | Substantially similar 20% policy. |
| Western Asset is free to take full advantage of the entire range of maturities offered by tax-exempt securities and may adjust the average maturity of MNP's portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates. | Municipal obligations may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, floating and variable rate, zero coupon, payment in kind and auction rate features. | Both Funds have the same ability to invest in securities on any terms. |
| MNP may use a variety of derivative instruments as part of its investment strategies or for hedging or risk management purposes. Examples of derivative instruments MNP may use | MMU may also use a variety of derivative instruments for investment purposes, as well as for hedging or risk management purposes. | Substantially similar. MNP explicitly provides examples and specifies that it does not expect its use of derivatives to be significant. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal<br>Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| include options contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, credit default swaps and swap agreements. Under normal market conditions, MNP does not expect that its use of such practices will be significant. |  |  |
| MNP may invest in participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations of municipal authorities or entities. | MMU may invest in participation interests in municipal bonds, including industrial development bonds, private activity bonds and floating and variable rate securities. | Similar. |
| MNP describes that many leases or contracts include "non-appropriation" clauses. | MMU may also invest in non-appropriation municipal lease obligations. | Similar. |
| MNP may enter into TOB transactions and may invest in inverse floating rate instruments issued in TOB transactions. | MMU may enter into TOB transactions and may invest in inverse floating rate instruments issued in TOB transactions. | No difference. |
| MNP may use leverage through the issuance of preferred stock in an aggregate amount of liquidation preference attributable to the preferred stock of up to approximately 50% of MNP's total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities immediately after such issuance. | MMU may use leverage through the issuance of preferred stock in an aggregate amount of liquidation preference attributable to the preferred stock of up to approximately 50% of MMU's total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities immediately after such issuance. | No difference. |
| MNP has not established any limit on the percentage of its portfolio that may be invested in tax-exempt securities subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of federal tax law and, accordingly, a substantial portion of the income produced by MNP may be includable in the | MMU invests with the objective that dividends paid by MMU may be excluded by shareholders from their gross incomes for federal income tax purposes. A portion of MMU's dividends may be taxable. MMU may invest without limit in private activity bonds. Income from these bonds may be a special | MNP is specific that it has no limit to investing in tax-exempt securities subject to the alternative minimum tax ("AMT"). MMU points out it has no limitation to investing in private activity bonds, which may be subject to the AMT. |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal<br>Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| calculation of alternative minimum taxable income. | preference item for purposes of the AMT. |  |
| MNP may acquire custodial receipts or certificates underwritten by securities dealers or banks that evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain municipal obligations. | No corresponding policy. | MMU does not have a specific policy regarding acquiring custodial receipts or certificates underwritten by securities dealers or banks that evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain municipal obligations |
| MNP will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the tax-exempt securities of any single issuer, except that up to 25% of MNP's total assets may be invested without regard to this limitation. As a result, up to 25% of MNP's total assets could be invested in tax-exempt securities of a single issuer. | MMU will limit its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year (1) not more than 25% of the market value of MMU's total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer and (2) with respect to 50% of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market value of its total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer. | Essentially no difference, except MMU includes a 50% "bucket" for determining how much of its total assets can be invested in a single issuer. |
| MNP will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry. This restriction does not apply to tax-exempt securities, other than those tax-exempt securities backed only by assets and revenues from non-governmental users, nor does this restriction apply to obligations issued or guarantees by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. | MMU generally will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any single industry. Government issuers of municipal obligations are not considered part of any "industry". Municipal obligations backed only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental users may be deemed to be issued by the non-governmental users, and would be subject to MMU's 25% industry limitation. | Essentially no difference. MNP explicitly states that tax-exempt securities are not covered by this restriction. |
| MNP may invest more than 25% of its total assets in a broader segment of the tax-exempt municipal securities market, such as revenue obligations of hospitals and other health | MMU may invest more than 25% of its total assets in a broad segment of the municipal obligations markets, if Western Asset determines that the yields available from obligations in | Essentially no difference. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal<br>Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| care facilities, housing agency revenue obligations or airport revenue obligations. | a particular segment of the market justify the additional risks associated with a large investment in the segment. |  |
| MNP reserves the right to invest more than 25% of its total assets in industrial development bonds or private activity bonds or in securities of issuers located in the same state, although it has no present intention to invest more than 25% of its total assets in issuers located in the same state and current rating agency requirements applicable to MNP's preferred shares prohibit such investment. | MMU reserves the right to invest more than 25% of its assets in industrial development bonds or in issuers located in the same state. | No difference. MNP specifies that it has no present intention to invest as such and its preferred shares prohibit such investment. |
| No corresponding policy. | Under normal conditions, MMU may hold up to 20% of its total assets in cash or money market instruments, including taxable money market instruments. | MNP does not have a specific policy regarding investments in cash or money market instruments. |
| MNP may, temporarily, use alternative strategies, primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the value of MNP's assets. In implementing these "defensive" strategies, MNP may invest substantially all of its assets in high-quality, tax-exempt obligations and/or short-term tax-exempt obligations. If these obligations are not available, or, in Western Asset's judgment, do not afford sufficient protection against adverse market conditions, MNP may invest in taxable obligations. | MMU may take a temporary defensive posture and invest without limitation in short-term municipal obligations and taxable investments, upon a determination by the manager that market conditions warrant such a posture. | Essentially no difference. |
| MNP may invest in securities of other investment companies. | MMU may invest in securities of other investment companies. | No difference. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal<br>Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| MNP may lend its portfolio securities so long as the terms and the structure of such loans are not inconsistent with requirements of the 1940 Act. | MMU may lend its portfolio securities so long as the terms and the structure of such loans are not inconsistent with requirements of the 1940 Act. | No difference. |
| MNP may enter into repurchase agreements as temporary investments. MNP will enter into repurchase agreements only with dealers, domestic banks or recognized financial institutions which, in the opinion of Western Asset based on guidelines established by the Board, present minimal credit risks. | MMU may enter into repurchase agreements. | Essentially no difference. MNP provides additional details for the counterparties to such repurchase agreements. |
| MNP may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. | MMU may trade securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. | No difference. |

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**Comparison of SBI and MMU Investment Objectives and Strategies** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between<br>SBI and MMU** |
| **Investment Objective(s)** | SBI's investment objective is to provide common shareholders a high level of current income exempt from regular federal income taxes, consistent with prudent investing. | MMU's investment objective is to seek as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax as is consistent with preservation of capital. | Substantially similar primary investment objectives. MMU focuses on being consistent with preservation of capital and SBI focuses on being consistent with prudent investing. |
| **Principal Investment Policies and Strategies** | Under normal market conditions, SBI will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations. In addition, under normal market conditions, SBI will invest at least 80% of its total assets in debt securities that are, at the time of investment, rated investment grade by a nationally | Under normal market conditions, MMU will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated, at the time of investment, no lower than BBB, SP-2 or A-1 by S&P or Baa, MIG3 or Prime-1 by Moody's, or BBB or F1 by Fitch. | Substantially similar 80% policy. |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between<br>SBI and MMU** |
| recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the investment manager. | <br> Municipal obligations include bonds and notes such as:<br>• general obligation bonds issued for various public purposes and supported by the municipal issuer's credit taxing power;<br>• revenue bonds whose principal and interest is payable only from the revenues of a particular project or facility. Industrial revenue bonds depend on the credit standing of a private issuer and may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, or AMT; and<br>• notes that are short-term obligations of municipalities or agencies sold in anticipation of a bond sale, collection of taxes or receipt of other revenues. |  |
| 20% of SBI's total assets may be invested in debt securities that are, at the time of investment, rated below investment grade by an NRSRO or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the investment manager. | MMU may invest up to 20% of its total assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined to be of equivalent quality by the investment manager. | Substantially similar 20% policy. |
| SBI maintains a dollar-weighted average effective maturity of between three and ten years. Western Asset may adjust the average maturity of SBI's portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates. Western Asset may adjust the average maturity of SBI's portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates.<br>SBI may invest in zero coupon bonds. | Municipal obligations may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, floating and variable rate, zero coupon, payment in kind and auction rate features. | SBI only specifies that Western Asset may adjust the average maturity of the portfolio and may invest in zero coupon bonds, but does not go into detail regarding the other terms for the municipal obligations in which the Fund may invest. |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between<br>SBI and MMU** |
| SBI may use a variety of derivative instruments as part of its investment strategy or for hedging and/or risk management purposes. As part of its strategies, SBI may purchase and sell futures contracts, purchase and sell (or write) exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, financial indices and futures contracts, enter into interest rate and currency transactions and enter into other similar transactions which may be developed in the future to the extent Western Asset determines that they are consistent with SBI's investment objectives and policies and applicable regulatory requirements.<br>SBI will not engage in over-the-counter ("OTC") options transactions if the amount invested by SBI in OTC options, plus, with respect to OTC options written by SBI, the amounts required to be treated as illiquid pursuant to the terms of certain no action letters published by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission staff (and the value of the assets used as cover with respect to OTC option sales which are not within the scope of such letters), plus the amount invested by SBI in illiquid securities, would exceed 25% of SBI's total assets. | MMU may also use a variety of derivative instruments for investment purposes, as well as for hedging or risk management purposes. | Substantially similar. SBI explicitly provides examples and details its limitations on OTC options transactions. |
| No explicit corresponding policy. | MMU may invest in participation interests in municipal bonds, including industrial development bonds, private activity bonds and floating and variable rate securities. | SBI does not have an explicit policy regarding participation interests in municipal bonds. |
| SBI may invest up to 100% of its assets in "non-appropriation" lease obligations and in unrated | MMU may also invest in non-appropriation municipal lease obligations. | Substantially similar. MMU does not |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between<br>SBI and MMU** |
| "non-appropriation" lease obligations believed, at the time of investment, by the investment manager to have credit characteristics equivalent to, and to be of comparable quality as, securities that are rated investment grade. |  | explicitly state that it may invest in unrated non-appropriation lease obligations. |
| SBI may enter into TOB transactions and may invest in inverse floating rate instruments issued in TOB transactions. | MMU may enter into TOB transactions and may invest in inverse floating rate instruments issued in TOB transactions. | No difference. |
| SBI may use leverage through the issuance of preferred stock in an aggregate amount of liquidation preference attributable to the preferred stock of up to approximately 50% of SBI's total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities immediately after such issuance. | MMU may use leverage through the issuance of preferred stock in an aggregate amount of liquidation preference attributable to the preferred stock of up to approximately 50% of MMU's total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities immediately after such issuance. | No difference. |
| SBI may use leverage through borrowings, including loans from certain financial institutions and/or the issuance of debt securities. SBI may use leverage through borrowings in an aggregate amount of up to approximately 33 1/3% of SBI's total net assets immediately after such borrowings. | MMU may not borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, and then not in amounts that are greater than 15% of total assets (including the amount borrowed). MMU also may not buy more securities if MMU has borrowed money in amounts greater than 5% of net assets. | SBI has more flexibility with respect to leverage. MMU is limited to borrowing for temporary or emergency purposes up to 15% of its total assets. SBI may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total net assets. |
| SBI has not established any limit on the percentage of its portfolio that may be invested in municipal securities subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of federal tax law, and a substantial portion of the income produced by SBI may be taxable under the alternative minimum tax. | MMU invests with the objective that dividends paid by MMU may be excluded by shareholders from their gross incomes for federal income tax purposes. A portion of MMU's dividends may be taxable. MMU may invest without limit in private activity bonds. Income from these bonds may be a special preference item for purposes of the AMT. | SBI is specific that it has no limit to investing in municipal securities subject to the alternative minimum tax ("AMT"). MMU points out it has no limitation to |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between SBI and<br>MMU** |
|  |  | investing in private activity bonds, which may be subject to the AMT. |
| SBI will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any single issuer. | MMU will limit its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year (1) not more than 25% of the market value of MMU's total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer and (2) with respect to 50% of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market value of its total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer. | MMU allows investments exceeding 5% of its total assets in a single issuer for a portion (50%) of its total assets. |
| SBI generally will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any industry. Government issuers of municipal securities are not considered part of any "industry". Municipal securities backed only by the assets and revenues of nongovernmental users may for this purpose be deemed to be issued by such nongovernmental users, and the 25% limitation would apply to the industries of such nongovernmental users. | MMU generally will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any single industry. Government issuers of municipal obligations are not considered part of any "industry". Municipal obligations backed only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental users may be deemed to be issued by the non-governmental users, and would be subject to MMU's 25% industry limitation. | No difference. |
| SBI may invest more than 25% of its total assets in a broader segment of the municipal securities market, such as: hospital and other health care facilities obligations, housing agency revenue obligations, or airport revenue obligations. | MMU may invest more than 25% of its total assets in a broad segment of the municipal obligations markets, if Western Asset determines that the yields available from obligations in a particular segment of the market justify the additional risks associated with a large investment in the segment. | Essentially no difference. |
| SBI may invest more than 25% of its assets in industrial development bonds or in | MMU reserves the right to invest more than 25% of its assets in industrial | No difference. |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between SBI and<br>MMU** |
| issuers located in the same state. | development bonds or in issuers located in the same state. |  |
| No corresponding policy. | Under normal conditions, MMU may hold up to 20% of its total assets in cash or money market instruments, including taxable money market instruments. | SBI does not have a specific policy regarding investments in cash or money market instruments. |
| When Western Asset believes a temporary defensive posture in the market is warranted (e.g., times when, in Western Asset's opinion, temporary imbalances of supply and demand or other temporary dislocations in the municipal securities market adversely affect the price at which municipal securities are available), and in order to keep cash on hand fully invested, SBI may temporarily invest to a substantial degree in high quality, short-term municipal securities. If these high-quality, short-term municipal securities are not available or, in Western Asset's judgment, do not afford sufficient protection against adverse market conditions, SBI may invest in the following taxable securities: obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; other debt securities rated within the four highest categories by an NRSRO; commercial paper rated in the highest category by an NRSRO; certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances; or repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing investments or any | MMU may take a temporary defensive posture and invest without limitation in short-term municipal obligations and taxable investments, upon a determination by the manager that market conditions warrant such a posture. | Essentially no difference. SBI provides examples of market conditions that may warrant such a defensive posture and the taxable securities it may invest in. |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Intermediate<br>Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between SBI and<br>MMU** |
| other fixed-income securities that Western Asset considers consistent with such strategy. |  |  |
| SBI may invest in securities of other investment companies. | MMU may invest in securities of other investment companies. | No difference. |
| SBI may use repurchase agreements to manage its cash position. | MMU may enter into repurchase agreements. | Essentially no difference. |
| SBI may purchase municipal securities on a "when-issued" and "delayed delivery" basis. | MMU may trade securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. | No difference. |

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**Comparison of MNP and MMU Fundamental Investment Restrictions** 

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Western Asset Municipal Partners<br>Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| **Fundamental Investment Restrictions** | With respect to 75% of its total assets, MNP may not invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets (taken at market value at time of purchase) in the outstanding securities of any one issuer other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof. | No corresponding restriction. | MMU does not have a limitation on the amount it may invest in a single issuer. |
|  | No corresponding restriction. | MMU may not purchase securities other than municipal obligations and taxable investments as those terms are described above. | MNP does not have a fundamental restriction on the type of securities it may purchase. |
|  | MNP may not borrow money, except that MNP may borrow money from banks for temporary or emergency purposes or for tender offers or repurchases of its shares or for payment of dividends, subject to the limits of the 1940 Act. | MMU may not borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, or for clearance of transactions, and then only in amounts not exceeding 15% of its total assets (not including the amount borrowed) and as otherwise described above. When MMU's borrowings exceed 5% of the value of its total assets, MMU will not make any additional investments. | MMU has a 15% limitation on its ability to borrow money even for temporary or emergency purposes and for clearance of transactions. |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal Partners<br>Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| MNP may not pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except that it may pledge securities to secure borrowings permitted by the subparagraph above or in connection with hedging transactions. | No corresponding restriction. | MMU does not have a fundamental restriction on pledging its assets. |
| MNP may not make short sales of securities or purchase any securities on margin (except for such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions). | MMU may not sell securities short or purchase securities on margin, except for such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, but MMU may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, futures and options on futures. | MMU may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, futures and options on futures. |
| MNP may not underwrite the securities of other issuers, except to the extent that (a) in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities or the sale of its own securities MNP may be deemed to be an underwriter and (b) the purchase of tax-exempt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies may be deemed to be an underwriting. | MMU may not underwrite any issue of securities, except to the extent that the purchase of municipal obligations may be deemed to be an underwriting. | Essentially no difference. |
| MNP may not purchase or sell real estate or interests therein other than tax-exempt securities secured by real estate or interests therein. | MMU may not purchase, hold or deal in real estate or oil and gas interests, except that MMU may invest in municipal obligations secured by real estate or interests in real estate. | MMU has an additional limitation on oil and gas interests. |
| MNP may not purchase or sell commodities, commodity futures contracts or commodity options except for Hedging Transactions.<br>"Hedging Transactions" include options contracts, | MMU may not invest in commodities, except that MMU may enter into futures contracts, including those relating to indexes and options on futures contracts or indexes described above. | MNP has more flexibility to engage in "Hedging Transactions" that include futures contracts but also other types of derivatives transactions. |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal Partners<br>Fund Inc. (MNP)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between MNP and<br>MMU** |
| futures contracts, options on futures contracts, credit default swaps and swap agreements. |  |  |
| MNP may not make loans of money or property to any person, except through loans of portfolio securities, the purchase of fixed income securities consistent with MNP's investment objectives and policies, the acquisition of securities subject to repurchase agreements or temporary investments in accordance with MNP's investment objectives and policies. | MMU may not lend any funds or other assets except through purchasing municipal obligations or taxable investments, lending portfolio securities and entering into repurchase agreements consistent with MMU's investment objective. | MNP allows for loans that take the form of temporary investments in accordance with its objectives and policies. |
| MNP may not issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than preferred stock, except to the extent such issuance might be involved with respect to borrowings described below or with respect to Hedging Transactions, defined above. | MMU may not issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by appropriate regulatory authorities. | Essentially no difference. |
| MNP may not invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in any one industry provided that such limitation shall not be applicable to tax-exempt securities other than those tax-exempt securities backed only by the assets and revenues from non-governmental users, nor shall it apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. | MMU may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, except that this limitation will not be applicable to the purchase of municipal obligations and U.S. government securities. | Essentially no difference. MNP explicitly excludes certain tax-exempt securities and MMU explicitly excludes municipal obligations and U.S. government securities. |
| MNP may not invest for the purpose of exercising control over any issuer. | MMU may not make any investments for the purpose of exercising control or management of any company. | Essentially no difference. |

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**Comparison of SBI and MMU Fundamental Investment Restrictions** 

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Western Asset Intermediate Muni<br>Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between SBI and<br>MMU** |
| **Fundamental Investment Restrictions** | SBI may not purchase securities (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or its agencies or instrumentalities) of any issuer if as a result of the purchase, more than 5% of the value of SBI's total assets would be invested in the securities of the issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of SBI's total assets may be invested without regard to this 5% limitation. | No corresponding restriction. | MMU does not have a limitation on the amount it may invest in a single issuer. |
|  | No corresponding restriction. | MMU may not purchase securities other than municipal obligations and taxable investments as those terms are described above. | SBI does not have a fundamental restriction on the type of securities it may purchase. |
|  | SBI may not borrow money in excess of 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount of money borrowed but excluding any liabilities and indebtedness not constituting senior securities) except that SBI may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes; pledge its assets other than to secure such borrowings or in connection with when-issued and forward commitment transactions and similar investment strategies. | MMU may not borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, or for clearance of transactions, and then only in amounts not exceeding 15% of its total assets (not including the amount borrowed) and as otherwise described above. When MMU's borrowings exceed 5% of the value of its total assets, MMU will not make any additional investments. | SBI has more flexibility with respect to leverage. MMU is limited to borrowing for temporary or emergency purposes up to 15% of its total assets. SBI may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total net assets. |
|  | SBI may not sell any securities "short," write, purchase or sell puts, calls or combinations thereof, or purchase or sell financial futures or options, except as described above. SBI may | MMU may not sell securities short or purchase securities on margin, except for such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, but MMU may make margin deposits in connection with transactions | MMU may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, futures and options on futures. |

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| **Western Asset Intermediate Muni<br>Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between SBI and<br>MMU** |
| not buy any securities on "margin." Neither the deposit of initial or variation margin in connection with hedging and risk management transactions nor short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions is considered the purchase of a security on margin. | in options, futures and options on futures. |  |
| SBI may not act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter in connection with the sale of securities in its portfolio. | MMU may not underwrite any issue of securities, except to the extent that the purchase of municipal obligations may be deemed to be an underwriting. | Essentially no difference. |
| SBI may not invest in equity interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs except pursuant to the exercise by SBI of its rights under agreements relating to municipal securities.<br>SBI may not purchase or sell real estate, commodities or commodity contracts, except to the extent that the municipal securities SBI may invest in are considered to be interests in real estate, commodities or commodity contracts, or to the extent that SBI exercises its rights under agreements relating to such municipal securities (in which case SBI may liquidate real estate acquired as a result of default on a mortgage). | MMU may not purchase, hold or deal in real estate or oil and gas interests, except that MMU may invest in municipal obligations secured by real estate or interests in real estate.<br>MMU may not invest in commodities, except that MMU may enter into futures contracts, including those relating to indexes and options on futures contracts or indexes described above. | MMU has a broader restriction on investing in any oil or gas interests, except for municipal obligations secured by such interests. SBI only specifically prohibits investing in equity interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs<br>SBI may not purchase or sell commodity contracts. MMU may enter into futures contracts.<br>SBI may purchase or sell real estate and commodities to the extent that the municipal securities it invests in are considered to be interests in real estate or commodities, and to the extent that SBI exercises its rights under agreements relating to such municipal securities. |

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| **Western Asset Intermediate Muni<br>Fund Inc. (SBI)** | **Western Asset Managed<br>Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU)** | **Differences between SBI and<br>MMU** |
| SBI may not make loans of money or property to any person, except to the extent that the securities in which SBI may invest are considered to be loans and except that SBI may lend money or property in connection with the maintenance of the value of or SBI's interest with respect to the municipal securities owned by SBI. | MMU may not lend any funds or other assets except through purchasing municipal obligations or taxable investments, lending portfolio securities and entering into repurchase agreements consistent with MMU's investment objective. | Substantially similar. SBI may lend money or property in connection with the maintenance of the value of or its interest with respect to SBI's municipal securities. |
| SBI may not issue senior securities if such issuance is specifically prohibited by the 1940 Act or the rules or regulations thereunder. | MMU may not issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by appropriate regulatory authorities. | Essentially no difference. |
| SBI may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in a single industry; however, SBI may from time to time invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular segment of the municipal securities market or in obligations of issuers located in the same state. | MMU may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, except that this limitation will not be applicable to the purchase of municipal obligations and U.S. government securities. | Substantially similar. SBI explicitly excludes issuers located in the same state. |
| SBI may not make investments for the purpose of exercising control or participation in management, except to the extent that exercise by SBI of its rights under agreements related to municipal securities would be deemed to constitute such control or participation. | MMU may not make any investments for the purpose of exercising control or management of any company. | Substantially similar. SBI is able to exercise its rights under agreements related to municipal securities. |

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**Risk Factors** 

There is no assurance that MNP, SBI or MMU will meet their investment objectives. You may lose money on your investment in any of the Funds. The value of each Fund's shares may go up or down, sometimes rapidly

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and unpredictably. Market conditions, financial conditions of issuers represented in each Fund's portfolio, investment strategies, portfolio management and other factors affect the volatility of each Fund's shares. An investment in a Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

The following section includes a summary of the principal risks of investing in MMU. Except as described below, your investment in MNP or SBI is subject to the same risks.

***Investment and Market Risk***

An investment in MMU is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire amount that you invest. Your investment in MMU Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the fixed income securities and other investments owned by MMU, most of which could be purchased directly. The value of the MMU's portfolio securities may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. At any point in time, your MMU Common Shares may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of MMU dividends and distributions.

***Interest Rate Risk***

MMU expects that under normal market circumstances at least 80% of its assets will consist of investment grade tax-exempt securities, the market value of which generally varies inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates. The market value of MMU's investments will change in response to changes in interest rates and other factors. During periods of declining interest rates, the values of fixed-income securities generally rise. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such securities generally decline. The magnitude of these fluctuations is generally greater for securities with longer maturities. The subadviser's judgment about interest rate trends may prove to be incorrect.

***Tax-Exempt Securities Risk***

In general, the secondary market for tax-exempt securities is less liquid than that for taxable fixed-income securities. Consequently, the ability of MMU to buy and sell tax-exempt securities may, at any particular time and with respect to any particular securities, be limited. The amount of information about the financial condition of an issuer of tax-exempt securities may not be as extensive as information about corporations whose securities are publicly traded. Obligations of issuers of tax-exempt securities may be subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and the United States Bankruptcy Code and applicable state laws, which could limit the ability of MMU to recover payments of principal or interest on such securities.

Certain tax-exempt securities which may be held by MMU may permit the issuer at its option to "call," or redeem, its securities. If an issuer were to redeem tax-exempt securities held by MMU during a time of declining interest rates, MMU may realize a capital loss on its investment if the security was purchased at a premium and may not be able to reinvest the proceeds in tax-exempt securities providing as high a level of investment return as the securities redeemed.

***Municipal Securities Risk***

Liquidity in the municipal securities market may vary from time to time. At times of decreased liquidity, the ability of MMU to buy and sell municipal securities may, with respect to any particular securities, be limited. The amount of information about the financial condition of an issuer of municipal securities may not be as extensive as information about corporations whose securities are publicly traded, and MMU's performance may therefore be more dependent on the sub-adviser's analytical abilities than if MMU were to invest in stocks or taxable bonds. The secondary market for municipal securities, particularly the below investment grade municipal securities in which MMU may invest, also tends to be less developed or liquid than many other securities markets, which may adversely affect MMU's ability to sell its municipal securities at attractive prices.

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Obligations of issuers of municipal securities may be subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and the United States Bankruptcy Code and applicable state laws, which could limit the ability of MMU to recover payments of principal or interest on such securities.

Certain municipal securities which may be held by MMU may permit the issuer at its option to "call," or redeem, its securities. If an issuer were to redeem municipal securities held by MMU during a time of declining interest rates, MMU may realize a capital loss on its investment if the security was purchased at a premium and may not be able to reinvest the proceeds in municipal securities providing as high a level of investment return as the securities redeemed.

***Inverse Floating Rate Securities and TOBs Risk***

Subject to certain limitations, MMU may invest in inverse floating rate securities. Typically, inverse floating rate securities represent beneficial interests in a special purpose trust (sometimes called a "tender option bond trust") formed by a third party sponsor for the purpose of holding municipal bonds purchased from MMU or from another third party. An investment in an inverse floating rate security may involve greater risk than an investment in a fixed-rate bond. Because changes in the interest rate on the underlying security or index inversely affect the residual interest paid on the inverse floating rate security, the value of an inverse floating rate security is generally more volatile than that of a fixed-rate bond.

Inverse floating rate securities have interest rate adjustment formulas which generally reduce or, in the extreme, eliminate the interest paid to MMU when short-term interest rates rise, and increase the interest paid to MMU when short-term interest rates fall. Inverse floating rate securities have varying degrees of liquidity, and the market for these securities is relatively volatile. These securities tend to underperform the market for fixed-rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed-rate bonds when interest rates decline. Shifts in long-term interest rates may, however, alter this tendency.

During times of reduced market liquidity, such as at the present, MMU may not be able to sell municipal securities readily at prices reflecting the values at which the securities are carried on MMU's books. Sales of large blocks of municipal securities by market participants, such as MMU, that are seeking liquidity can further reduce municipal security prices in an illiquid market. MMU may seek to make sales of large blocks of municipal securities as part of its investment strategy or it may be required to raise cash to re-collateralize, unwind or "collapse" tender option bond trusts that issued inverse floating rate securities to MMU or to make payments to such trusts to enable them to pay for tenders of the short-term securities they have issued if the remarketing agents for those municipal securities are unable to sell the short-term securities in the marketplace to other buyers (typically tax-exempt money market funds). MMU's potential exposure to losses related to or on inverse floating rate securities may increase beyond the value of MMU's inverse floater investments as MMU may potentially be liable to fulfill all amounts owed to holders of the floating rate certificates.

Although volatile, inverse floating rate securities typically offer the potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed-rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. These securities usually permit the investor to convert the floating rate to a fixed rate (normally adjusted downward), and this optional conversion feature may provide a partial hedge against rising rates if exercised at an opportune time.

Investment in inverse floating rate securities may amplify the effects of MMU's use of leverage. Any economic effect of leverage through MMU's purchase of inverse floating rate securities will create an opportunity for increased MMU Common Shares net income and returns, but may also result in losses if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the inverse floating rate securities purchased by MMU.

TOB transactions expose MMU to leverage and credit risk, and generally involve greater risk than investments in fixed rate municipal bonds, including the risk of loss of principal. The interest payments that

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MMU would typically receive on inverse floaters acquired in such transactions vary inversely with short-term interest rates and will be reduced (and potentially eliminated) when short-term interest rates increase. Inverse floaters will generally underperform the market for fixed rate municipal securities when interest rates rise. The value and market for inverse floaters can be volatile, and inverse floaters can have limited liquidity. Investments in inverse floaters issued in TOB transactions are derivative instruments and, therefore, are also subject to the risks generally applicable to investments in derivatives.

***Insurance Risk***

MMU may purchase municipal securities that are secured by insurance, bank credit agreements or escrow accounts. The credit quality of the companies that provide such credit enhancements will affect the value of those securities. Certain significant providers of insurance for municipal securities have recently incurred significant losses as a result of exposure to sub-prime mortgages and other lower credit quality investments that have experienced recent defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. As a result, such losses have reduced the insurers' capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations under such insurance if they are called upon to do so in the future. While an insured municipal security will typically be deemed to have the rating of its insurer, if the insurer of a municipal security suffers a downgrade in its credit rating or the market discounts the value of the insurance provided by the insurer, the rating of the underlying municipal security will be more relevant and the value of the municipal security would more closely, if not entirely, reflect such rating. In such a case, the value of insurance associated with a municipal security would decline, and the insurance may not add any value. The insurance feature of a municipal security does not guarantee the full payment of principal and interest through the life of an insured obligation, the market value of the insured obligation or the net asset value of the MMU Common Shares represented by such insured obligation.

***Leverage Risk***

***Special Risks Related to Municipal Securities***

MMU may invest in municipal leases and certificates of participation in such leases. Municipal leases and certificates of participation involve special risks not normally associated with general obligations or revenue bonds. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of "non-appropriation" clauses that relieve the governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate governmental body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition, such leases or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments in the event the governmental issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or utilizing the leased equipment. Although the obligations may be secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly, and may result in a delay in recovering or the failure to fully recover MMU's original investment. In the event of non-appropriation, the issuer would be in default and taking ownership of the assets may be a remedy available to MMU, although MMU does not anticipate that such a remedy would normally be pursued. To the extent that MMU invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Certificates of participation, which represent interests in unmanaged pools of municipal leases or

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installment contracts, involve the same risks as the underlying municipal leases. In addition, MMU may be dependent upon the municipal authority issuing the certificates of participation to exercise remedies with respect to the underlying securities. Certificates of participation also entail a risk of default or bankruptcy, both of the issuer of the municipal lease and also the municipal agency issuing the certificate of participation.

***Alternative Minimum Tax and Taxable Income Risk***

MMU will qualify to pay "exempt-interest dividends," which are exempt from regular U.S. federal income tax, for any taxable year only if at least 50% of the value of its assets, as of the close of each quarter of the taxable year, consists of state or local obligations described in Section 103(a) of the Code. Assuming that MMU qualifies to pay exempt-interest dividends, it is anticipated that certain of MMU's distributions will nevertheless constitute taxable income. Moreover, a portion of MMU's exempt-interest dividends may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax, and all or a portion of such dividends may be subject to state and local taxation.

A portion of MMU's distributions may be taxable to holders of MMU Common Shares. In particular, MMU may use a variety of derivative instruments and may sell certain fixed-income securities short including, but not limited to, U.S. Treasuries, for investment and/or hedging purposes. To the extent that MMU utilizes these strategies MMU could generate taxable income and gains. Distributions of any capital gain or other taxable income (including gains and "market discount" realized by MMU on the sale of municipal securities) will be taxable to holders of MMU Common Shares. MMU may not be a suitable investment for investors subject to the federal alternative minimum tax or who would become subject to such tax by investing in MMU. The suitability of an investment in MMU Common Shares will depend upon a comparison of the after tax yield likely to be provided from MMU with that from comparable tax-exempt investments not subject to the alternative minimum tax, and from comparable fully taxable investments, in light of each such investor's tax position. Special considerations apply to corporate investors.

Certain provisions of the Code relating to the issuance of municipal obligations impose restrictions on the volume of municipal obligations qualifying for federal tax exemption. One effect of these provisions could be to increase the cost of the municipal securities available for purchase by MMU and thus reduce available yield. Legislative proposals that may further restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal obligations may be introduced in the future. The value of MMU's investments and its net asset value may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies. Because interest income from municipal securities normally is not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates or changes in the tax-exempt status of interest income from municipal securities. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect MMU's net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels.

***Below Investment Grade (High Yield or Junk Bond) Securities Risk***

MMU may invest up to 20% of its assets in municipal obligations of below investment grade quality. High yield debt securities are generally subject to greater credit risks than higher-grade debt securities, including the risk of default on the payment of interest or principal. High yield debt securities are considered speculative, typically have lower liquidity and are more difficult to value than higher grade bonds. High yield debt securities tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments and may be difficult to sell at a desired price, or at all, during periods of uncertainty or market turmoil.

***Credit Crisis Liquidity and Volatility Risk***

The markets for credit instruments, including fixed income securities, have experienced periods of extreme illiquidity and volatility. General market uncertainty and consequent repricing risk have led to market imbalances

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of sellers and buyers, which in turn have also resulted in significant valuation uncertainties in a variety of debt securities, including certain fixed income securities. These conditions resulted, and in many cases continue to result in greater volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads and a lack of price transparency, with many debt securities remaining illiquid and of uncertain value. During times of reduced market liquidity, MMU may not be able to sell securities readily at prices reflecting the values at which the securities are carried on MMU's books. Sales of large blocks of securities by market participants, such as MMU, that are seeking liquidity can further reduce security prices in an illiquid market. These market conditions may make valuation of some of MMU's securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant valuation increases or decreases in its holdings. Illiquidity and volatility in the credit markets may directly and adversely affect the setting of dividend rates on the MMU Common Shares.

***Liquidity Risk***

MMU may invest, without limitation, in illiquid securities (similar to SBI), while MNP, as a matter of operating policy, does not invest in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the value at which MMU has valued the securities. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. Securities may become illiquid after purchase by MMU, particularly during periods of market turmoil. When MMU holds illiquid investments, the portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if MMU is forced to sell these investments in order to segregate assets or for other cash needs, MMU may suffer a loss.

***Government Intervention in Financial Markets Risk***

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government and foreign governments to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that have experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. U.S. federal and state governments and foreign governments, their regulatory agencies or self regulatory organizations may take additional actions that affect the regulation of the securities in which MMU invests, or the issuers of such securities, in ways that are unforeseeable. Issuers of corporate fixed income securities might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which MMU itself is regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude MMU's ability to achieve its investment objectives. Western Asset will monitor developments and seek to manage MMU's portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving MMU's investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.

***Derivatives Risk***

MMU may utilize a variety of derivative instruments for investment or risk management purposes, such as options, futures contracts, swap agreements and credit default swaps. Using derivatives can increase Fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves behave in a way not anticipated by MMU. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase Fund volatility. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Derivatives may not be available at the time or price desired, may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to MMU. Derivatives are generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. Use of derivatives may have different tax consequences for MMU than an investment in the underlying security, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. The U.S. government and foreign governments are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.

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Effective August 19, 2022, MMU began operating under Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act which, among other things, governs the use of derivative investments and certain financing transactions (e.g. reverse repurchase agreements) by registered investment companies. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 requires funds that invest in derivative instruments beyond a specified limited amount to apply a value at risk (VaR) based limit to their use of certain derivative instruments and financing transactions and to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program. A fund that uses derivative instruments in a limited amount is not subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. Compliance with Rule 18f-4 by MMU could, among other things, make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, or otherwise adversely affect their performance. Rule 18f-4 may limit the Fund's ability to use derivatives as part of its investment strategy.

***Lending Securities***

The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consist of possible delays in recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Although voting rights, or rights to consent, with respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower, MMU retains the right to call the loans at any time on reasonable notice, and it will do so in order that the securities may be voted by MMU if the holders of such securities are asked to vote upon or consent to matters materially affecting the investment. MMU also may call such loans in order to sell the securities involved. Unlike MMU and SBI, MNP typically does not engage in the practice of lending portfolio securities, although it has the ability to do so.

***Counterparty Risk***

MMU may enter into transactions with counterparties that become unable or unwilling to fulfill their contractual obligations. There can be no assurance that any such counterparty will not default on its obligations to MMU. In the event of a counterparty default, MMU may be hindered or delayed in exercising rights against a counterparty and may experience significant losses. To the extent that MMU enters into multiple transactions with a single or small set of counterparties, MMU will be subject to increased counterparty risk.

***Credit Risk***

If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by MMU or a counterparty to a financial contract with MMU defaults or its credit is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. Changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness may occur quickly. MMU could be delayed or hindered in its enforcement of rights against an issuer, guarantor or counterparty. Subordinated securities are more likely to suffer a credit loss than non-subordinated securities of the same issuer and will be disproportionately affected by a default, downgrade or perceived decline in creditworthiness.

***Prepayment Risk***

Prepayments may cause losses on securities purchased at a premium. At times, some of the securities in which MMU may invest may have higher than market interest rates and therefore may be purchased at a premium above their par value. Unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, may cause MMU to experience a loss equal to any unamortized premium. In addition, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of MMU.

***Inflation/Deflation Risk***

Inflation risk is the risk that the value of certain assets or income from MMU's investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the MMU Common Shares and distributions on the MMU Common Shares can decline. In addition, during any periods of

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rising inflation, the dividend rates or borrowing costs associated with MMU's use of leverage would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to stockholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time—the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of MMU's portfolio.

***Market Events Risk***

The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not MMU invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of MMU's investments may be negatively affected.

The rapid and global spread of a highly contagious novel coronavirus respiratory disease, designated COVID-19, first detected in China in December 2019, has resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets and severe losses; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel, significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability; and widespread uncertainty regarding the duration and long-term effects of this pandemic. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may result in a sustained economic downturn or a global recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Certain risks, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and counterparty risk, may be heightened as a result of such market events. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, are taking extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including by pushing interest rates to very low levels. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID-19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. The COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of MMU's investments and negatively impact MMU's performance. In addition, the outbreak of COVID-19, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to MMU by its service providers.

***Anti-Takeover Provisions Risk***

MMU's Charter and Bylaws include provisions that are designed to limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of MMU for short-term objectives, including by converting MMU to open-end status or changing the composition of the Board, that may be detrimental to MMU's ability to achieve its primary investment objective. Such provisions may limit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of MMU. There can be no assurance, however, that such provisions will be sufficient to deter activist investors that seek to cause MMU to take actions that may not be aligned with the interests of long-term shareholders.

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***Portfolio Turnover Risk***

Changes to the investments of MMU may be made regardless of the length of time particular investments have been held. A high portfolio turnover rate may result in increased transaction costs for MMU in the form of increased dealer spreads and other transactional costs, which may have an adverse impact on performance. The portfolio turnover rate of MMU will vary from year to year, as well as within a year.

***Management Risk***

MMU is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. The subadviser and each individual portfolio manager will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for MMU, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.

***Market Price Discount from Net Asset Value Risk***

Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. This risk is separate and distinct from the risk that MMU's net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities and may be a greater risk to investors expecting to sell their MMU Common Shares in a relatively short period following completion of this offering. Whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of the MMU Common Shares will depend not upon MMU's net asset value but upon whether the market price of the MMU Common Shares at the time of sale is above or below the investor's purchase price for the MMU Common Shares.

Because the market price of the MMU Common Shares will be determined by factors such as relative supply of and demand for the MMU Common Shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of MMU, MMU cannot predict whether the MMU Common Shares will trade at, above or below net asset value or at, above or below the initial public offering price. MMU's Common Shares is designed primarily for long term investors and you should not view MMU as a vehicle for trading purposes.

***Temporary Defensive Strategies Risk***

When the manager believes a temporary defensive posture in the market is warranted (e.g., times when, in the manager's opinion, temporary imbalances of supply and demand or other temporary dislocations in the municipal obligations market adversely affect the price at which municipal obligations are available), and in order to keep cash on hand fully invested, MMU may temporarily invest to a substantial degree in high quality, short-term municipal obligations. If these high-quality, short-term municipal obligations are not available or, in the manager's judgment, do not afford sufficient protection against adverse market conditions, MMU may invest in the following taxable securities: obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities; other debt securities rated within the four highest categories by an NRSRO; commercial paper rated in the highest category by an NRSRO; certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances; or repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing investments or any other fixed-income securities that the manager considers consistent with such strategy. To the extent MMU invests in taxable securities, MMU will not at such times be able to achieve its investment objective of earning income that is exempt from regular federal income taxes.

***LIBOR Risk***

MMU's investments, payment obligations, and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate, or "LIBOR," which is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. In 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") announced its intention to cease compelling banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR after 2021. ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a

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representative basis at the end of 2021 and is expected to cease publication of a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings on a representative basis after June 30, 2023. In addition, global regulators have announced that, with limited exceptions, no new LIBOR-based contracts should be entered into beginning in 2022. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. Various financial industry groups have been planning for the transition away from LIBOR, but there remains uncertainty regarding the nature of any replacement rate and the impact of the transition from LIBOR on MMU's transactions and the financial markets generally. The transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that rely on LIBOR and may adversely affect MMU's performance. The transition may also result in a reduction in the value of certain LIBOR-based investments held by MMU or reduce the effectiveness of related transactions such as hedges. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses for MMU. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could also deteriorate during the transition period, effects could occur at any time.

***Operational Risk***

The valuation of MMU's investments may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect MMU or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. MMU and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

***Cybersecurity Risk***

Cybersecurity incidents, both intentional and unintentional, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, Fund or proprietary information, cause MMU, LMPFA and Western Asset and/or their service providers to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality or prevent Fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares or receiving distributions. MMU, LMPFA and Western Asset have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to MMU or LMPFA. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to MMU and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in an effort to prevent or mitigate future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which MMU invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.

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**INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGERS** 

**The Agreement and Plan of Merger** 

The following is a summary of the material terms and conditions of each Agreement and Plan of Merger. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Form of Agreement and Plan of Merger attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Under the applicable Agreement and Plan of Merger, MNP and SBI will merge with and into MMU on the Closing Date.

As a result of the Mergers and on the Closing Date:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MNP and SBI each will no longer exist, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MMU will be the surviving corporation

Each of MNP and SBI will then:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• deregister as an investment company under the 1940 Act,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• cease its separate existence under Maryland law,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• remove its Common Shares from listing on the NYSE, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• withdraw from registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act").

Each outstanding Target Fund Common Share will be converted into an equivalent dollar amount (to the nearest one tenth of one cent) of full MMU Common Shares, based on the net asset value of each Target Fund's Common Shares outstanding as of the close of trading on the NYSE on the business day immediately prior to the closing time of each respective Merger. No fractional MMU Common Shares will be issued to the holders of Target Fund Common Shares. In lieu thereof, MMU will pay cash to each former holder of Target Fund Common Shares in an amount equal to the value of the fractional MMU Common Shares that the investor would otherwise have received in the applicable Merger.

In addition, MMU will issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference and terms as SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS, respectively, issued and outstanding immediately before the date of the Merger. As the liquidation preference for the newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS that will replace the MNP's Series 1 VRDPS will be equal to the liquidation preference of the existing MMU's Series 1 VRDPS, MMU will issue a corresponding number of newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS so that the aggregate liquidation preference for the replaced MNP's Series 1 VRDPS remains the same. In addition, MMU will also issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference as SBI's ARPS and MNP's ARPS, respectively, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. Finally, MMU will issue additional VRDPS to replace its ARPS that are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS would have equal liquidation preference per share as any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS and equal priority with any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of MMU. The accrual for SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS with respect to any accrued and unpaid dividends as of date of the Mergers would be assumed by MMU and would apply and be payable on an equivalent share-for-share basis and on the same dividend payment schedule to avoid any disruption to VRDPS holders.

No sales charge or fee of any kind will be charged to holders of Target Fund Common Shares in connection with their receipt of MMU Common Shares in the applicable Merger.

From and after the Closing Date, MMU will possess all of the properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers and shall be subject to all of the restrictions, liabilities, obligations, disabilities and duties of each Target Fund, all as provided under Maryland law.

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Under Maryland law, stockholders of a corporation whose shares are traded publicly on a national securities exchange, such as the Funds' Common Shares, are not entitled to demand the fair value of their shares upon a merger; therefore, the holders of the Funds' Common Shares will be bound by the terms of the Merger, if approved. However, any holder of either Fund's Common Shares may sell his or her Common Shares on the NYSE at any time prior to the Mergers.

Each Agreement and Plan of Merger may be terminated and the Mergers abandoned, whether before or after approval by MNP's or SBI's stockholders, at any time prior to the Closing Date by resolution of either Fund's Board, if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of that Board, make proceeding with the Mergers inadvisable with respect to MMU, MNP and SBI, respectively.

Each Agreement and Plan of Merger provides that either Fund may waive compliance with any of the terms or conditions made therein for the benefit of that Fund, other than the requirements that: (a) each Agreement and Plan of Merger be approved by stockholders of MMU and MNP or SBI, as applicable, and (b) MNP or SBI, as applicable, and MMU receive the opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP that the transactions contemplated by each Agreement and Plan of Merger will constitute a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes, if, in the judgment of the Fund's Board, after consultation with Fund counsel, such waiver will not have a material adverse effect on the benefits intended to be provided by the Mergers to the stockholders of the Fund.

Under each Agreement and Plan of Merger, each Fund, out of its assets and property, will indemnify and hold harmless the other Fund and the members of the Board and officers of the other Fund from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, without limitation, the payment of reasonable legal fees and reasonable costs of investigation) to which the other Fund and those board members and officers may become subject, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or is based on (a) any breach by the Fund of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement or (b) any act, error, omission, neglect, misstatement, materially misleading statement, breach of duty or other act wrongfully done or attempted to be committed by the Fund or the members of the Board or officers of the Fund prior to the Closing Date, provided that such indemnification by the Fund is not (i) in violation of any applicable law or (ii) otherwise prohibited as a result of any applicable order or decree issued by any governing regulatory authority or court of competent jurisdiction. In no event will a Fund or the members of the Board or officers of a Fund be indemnified for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising out of or based on conduct constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or the reckless disregard of duties.

The Board of each Fund, including the Independent Directors, has determined, with respect to its Fund, that the interests of the holders of that Fund's Common Shares will not be diluted as a result of the Mergers and that participation in the Mergers is in the best interests of that Fund. LMPFA, or an affiliate thereof, will bear the costs of the Mergers, whether or not the Mergers are consummated. Such expenses shall also include, but not be limited to, all costs related to the preparation and distribution of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, proxy solicitation expenses, SEC registration fees and NYSE listing fees.

Approval of each Agreement and Plan of Merger requires (i) the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by MNP Common Shares and MNP Preferred Shares (voting together), (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by SBI Common Shares and SBI Preferred Shares (voting together) and (iii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by MMU Common Shares and MMU Preferred Shares (voting together), See "Voting Information" below.

**Reasons for the Mergers and Board Considerations** 

***Board Considerations***

The Funds may be deemed affiliated investment companies as a result of LMPFA and Western Asset serving as each Fund's investment adviser and subadviser, respectively. In connection with a merger of affiliated

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investment companies, Rule 17a-8 requires the board of each affiliated investment company, including a majority of the directors who are not interested persons of the investment company, to determine that (1) participation in the transaction is in the best interests of the investment company, and (2) the interests of the existing stockholders of the investment company will not be diluted as a result of the transaction.

Moreover, Rule 17a-8 requires that the directors request and evaluate such information as may reasonably be necessary to make their findings. Rule 17a-8 does not specify the factors to be considered in making the findings required by the rule. In making its finding that the interests of the Fund's existing stockholders will not be diluted as a result of the Merger, the Board of each Fund considered that the Mergers would be conducted on the basis of the Funds' relative net asset values. The SEC has recommended that boards consider the following factors in determining whether a transaction is in the best interests of the investment company, in addition to any others that may be appropriate under the circumstances:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any fees or expenses that will be borne directly or indirectly by the fund in connection with the merger
("Factor 1");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any effect of the merger on annual fund operating expenses and stockholder fees and services
("Factor 2");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any change in the fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions that will result from the merger
("Factor 3"); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any direct or indirect federal income tax consequences of the transaction to fund stockholders
("Factor 4").

Proposals for the Mergers were presented to the Board of each Fund for consideration at simultaneous in-person meetings held on February 8 and 9, 2023 (together, the "Meeting"), and were approved by each Board at that meeting. At the meeting, LMPFA expressed its belief that the Mergers would be in the best interests of each Fund and provided information and analyses (the "Merger Evaluation Information") sufficient in LMPFA's belief for each Board to evaluate the Mergers. In considering the Mergers, with the advice of indpendent counsel to the Independent Directors, the Boards considered the factors noted above in view of LMPFA's belief that the Mergers would be in the best interests of each Fund, the Merger Evaluation Information and additional information received on an on-going basis in connection with the oversight of each Fund. The discussion below reflects all of the discussions and reviews at the Meeting. The Boards considered LMPFA's recommendation of the Merger and its belief that the Merger would be in the best interest of each Fund. With respect to each of the above Factors, the Boards considered:

<u>Merger of MNP with and into MMU</u>

*<u>Factor 1</u>*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If approved, the cost of the Merger will be partially offset by a five basis point (0.05%) waiver of MMU's
management fee for one year post-merger, or for as long necessary to ensure that the Funds only bear one half of the merger-related expenses.

*<u>Factor 2</u>*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• It is anticipated that MNP's total expense ratio will be reduced by 65 basis points (0.65%) and MMU's
stockholders' total expense ratio will be reduced by 15 basis points (0.15%) as a result of the Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The stockholders of each Fund may benefit from economies of scale, as one set of fixed expenses would be spread
over a larger asset base. The larger asset base of the combined Fund may have a greater ability to utilize capital loss carryovers.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A larger asset base may increase access by the combined Fund to more attractive leverage terms (i.e., lower
borrowing costs on debt and preferred stock) and a wider range of alternatives for raising capital to grow a combined fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The stockholders of each Fund may benefit from enhanced market liquidity and may experience improved market price
trading relative to NAV for the combined Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The combined Fund may benefit from potential cost savings from better trade executions as a result of increased
trading liquidity and tighter spreads.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The stockholders of each Fund may benefit from a more streamlined product offering, allowing for more focused
marketing and stockholder servicing efforts in support of the combined Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A larger fund size and additional trading liquidity following the Merger can make MMU more attractive to
traditional and institutional investors and reduce the risk of activism and associated costs.

*<u>Factor 3</u>*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• LMPFA and Western Asset are expected to continue to manage MMU, and stockholders of MNP and MMU may benefit from
the continuing experience and expertise of LMPFA and Western Asset and their commitment to the substantially similar investment style and strategies to be used in managing the assets of MMU.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MNP and MMU have, and following the Merger will have, substantially similar investment objectives and
substantially similar investment policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The stockholders of each Fund may benefit from additional diversification from a larger pool of assets and a
broader investment mandate for the combined Fund.

*<u>Factor 4</u>*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming the Merger qualifies for such treatment, MNP stockholders generally will not recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the Merger. MNP stockholders may, however,
recognize gain or loss with respect to any cash those stockholders receive pursuant to the Merger in lieu of fractional shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MMU will retain its pre-Merger capital loss carryover of
$19.78 million. MNP's capital loss carryover of $6.68 million will transfer to the combined Fund. The annual limitation and potential loss forfeitures are based on information currently available and could change significantly by the
time of the Merger.

<u>Merger of SBI with and into MMU</u>

*<u>Factor 1</u>*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If approved, the cost of the Merger will be partially offset by a five basis point (0.05%) waiver of MMU's
management fee for one year post-merger, or for as long necessary to ensure that the Funds only bear one half of the merger-related expenses.

<u>Factor 2</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• It is anticipated that SBI's total expense ratio will be increased by 26 basis points (0.26%) and MMU's
stockholders' total expense ratio will be reduced by 15 basis points (0.15%) as a result of the Merger. However, this increase is a result of the increased leverage SBI will use, which leads to a higher interest expense. The increase in
leverage is expected to result in higher distributions to SBI stockholders.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The stockholders of each Fund may benefit from economies of scale, as one set of fixed expenses would be spread
over a larger asset base. The larger asset base of the combined Fund may have a greater ability to utilize net operating loss and/or capital loss carryovers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A larger asset base may increase access by the combined Fund to more attractive leverage terms (i.e., lower
borrowing costs on debt and preferred stock) and a wider range of alternatives for raising capital to grow a combined fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The stockholders of each Fund may benefit from enhanced market liquidity and may experience improved market price
trading relative to NAV for the combined Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The combined Fund may benefit from potential cost savings from better trade executions as a result of increased
trading liquidity and tighter spreads.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The stockholders of each Fund may benefit from a more streamlined product offering, allowing for more focused
marketing and stockholder servicing efforts in support of the combined Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A larger fund size and additional trading liquidity following the Merger can make MMU more attractive to
traditional and institutional investors and reduce the risk of activism and associated costs.

<u>Factor 3</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• LMPFA and Western Asset are expected to continue to manage MMU, and stockholders of SBI and MMU may benefit from
the continuing experience and expertise of LMPFA and Western Asset and their commitment to the substantially similar investment style and strategies to be used in managing the assets of MMU.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• SBI and MMU have, and following the Merger will have, substantially similar investment objectives and
substantially similar investment policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The stockholders of each Fund may benefit from additional diversification from a larger pool of assets and a
broader investment mandate for the combined Fund.

<u>Factor 4</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming the Merger qualifies for such treatment, SBI stockholders generally will not recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the Merger. SBI stockholders may, however,
recognize gain or loss with respect to any cash those stockholders receive pursuant to the Merger in lieu of fractional shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• MMU will retain its pre-Merger capital loss carryover of
$19.78 million. SBI's capital loss carryover of $3.55 million will transfer to the combined Fund. The annual limitation and potential loss forfeitures are based on information currently available and could change significantly by the
time of the Merger.

In view of the forgoing and other relevant factors, the Board of each Fund determined, under the circumstances, that the Mergers (1) would be in the best interests of the shareholders of such Fund and (2) the Mergers would not result in the dilution of the interests of such Fund or its shareholders. The principal factor considered by the Board of each Fund in determining that the Mergers would not result in a dilution of the interests of such Fund or its shareholders was that the Mergers would be effected on the basis of the relative net asset values of the Fund. Otherwise, no single factor was identified by the Board as the principal factor in making the findings required by Rule 17a-8. The Independent Directors of each Board were represented throughout their evaluation of the Mergers by independent counsel. Prior to Meetings, each Board received a memorandum from LMPFA discussing its responsibilities in connection with the Mergers as part of the Merger Evaluation Information and, prior to the Approval Meeting, the Independent Directors of each Board met separately and discussed the Mergers with independent legal counsel in a private session at which no representatives of LMPFA or Western Asset were present.

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**Federal Income Tax Consequences** 

The following is a summary of the material federal income tax consequences of the Mergers applicable to a holder of Target Fund Common Shares that receives MMU Common Shares in a Merger or to a holder of MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS that receives MMU Series 1 VRDPS in a Merger. This discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury regulations, judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and other applicable authorities, all as currently in effect and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations (possibly with retroactive effect). This discussion is limited to U.S. holders (as defined below) that hold their Target Fund Common Shares, MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS as capital assets for federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment). This discussion does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular Target Fund stockholder or to Target Fund stockholders that are subject to special treatment under federal income tax laws.

This discussion does not address the tax consequences of the Mergers under state, local or foreign tax laws. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences set forth below.

Holders of Target Fund Common Shares, MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS are urged to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the Mergers in their particular circumstances, including the applicability and effect of the alternative minimum tax and any state, local or foreign and other tax laws and of changes in those laws.

For purposes of this section, the term "U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of Target Fund Common Shares, MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS, as applicable, that for federal income tax purposes is:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, created or organized in
or under the laws of the United States or any State or the District of Columbia;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an estate that is subject to federal income tax on its income regardless of its source; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a trust, the substantial decisions of which are controlled by one or more U.S. persons and which is subject to
the primary supervision of a court within the United States, or a trust that validly has elected under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for federal income tax purposes.

***Tax Consequences of the Mergers Generally***

The Funds intend each Merger to qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Each Merger is conditioned upon the receipt by both the applicable Target Fund and MMU of an opinion from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and representations of the parties, the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming the Merger qualifies for such treatment, the following will be the resulting tax consequences:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the applicable Target Fund and MMU will each be a "party to a reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) except for consequences regularly attributable to a termination of the applicable Target Fund's taxable year, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Target Fund as a result of the Mergers or upon the conversion of (a) Target Fund Common Shares into MMU Common Shares, (b) MNP Series 1 VRDPS into MMU Series 1 VRDPS and (c) SBI Series 1 VRDPS into MMU Series 1 VRDPS;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) no gain or loss will be recognized by MMU as a result of the Mergers or upon the conversion of (a) Target Fund Common Shares into MMU Common Shares, (b) MNP Series 1 VRDPS into MMU Series 1 VRDPS and (c) SBI Series 1 VRDPS into MMU Series 1 VRDPS;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of Target Fund Common Shares upon the conversion of their Target Fund Common Shares into MMU Common Shares, except to the extent such holders are paid cash in lieu of fractional MMU Common Shares in the Merger;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of MNP Series 1 VRDPS upon the conversion of their MNP Series 1 VRDPS into MMU Series 1 VRDPS;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of SBI Series 1 VRDPS upon the conversion of their SBI Series 1 VRDPS into MMU Series 1 VRDPS;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) the tax basis of the applicable Target Fund's assets in the hands of MMU will be the same as the tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Target Fund immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) immediately after the Mergers, (a) the aggregate tax basis of the MMU Common Shares received by each holder of Target Fund Common Shares in the Mergers (including that of fractional share interests purchased by MMU) will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Target Fund Common Shares owned by such holder immediately prior to the Merger, (b) the aggregate tax basis of the MMU Series 1 VRDPS received by each holder of MNP Series 1 VRDPS in the Mergers will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the MNP Series 1 VRDPS owned by such holder immediately prior to the Mergers and (c) the aggregate tax basis of the MMU Series 1 VRDPS received by each holder of SBI Series 1 VRDPS in the Mergers will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the SBI Series 1 VRDPS owned by such holder immediately prior to the Mergers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) a stockholder's holding period for MMU Common Shares received pursuant to the Merger (including that of fractional share interests purchased by MMU) will be determined by including the period for which such stockholder held Target Fund Common Shares converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such Target Fund Common Shares were held by such stockholder as capital assets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) a stockholder's holding period for MMU Series 1 VRDPS received pursuant to the Merger will be determined by including the period for which such stockholder held MNP Series 1 VRDPS converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such MNP Series 1 VRDPS were held by such stockholder as capital assets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) a stockholder's holding period for MMU Series 1 VRDPS received pursuant to the Merger will be determined by including the period for which such stockholder held SBI Series 1 VRDPS converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such SBI Series 1 VRDPS were held by such stockholder as capital assets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xii) MMU's holding period with respect to the applicable Target Fund assets transferred pursuant to the Mergers will include the period for which such assets were held by the Target Fund; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiii) the payment of cash to the holders of Target Fund Common Shares in lieu of fractional MMU Common Shares will be treated as though such fractional shares were distributed as part of the Mergers and then redeemed by MMU with the result that the holder of Target Fund Common Shares will generally have a capital gain or loss to the extent the cash distribution differs from such stockholder's basis allocable to the fractional MMU Common Shares (assuming such Target Fund Common Shares were held by such stockholder as capital assets).

***Information Reporting and Backup Withholding***

Cash payments received in lieu of fractional MMU Common Shares by a U.S. holder will generally be subject to information reporting unless the holder establishes that it is an exempt recipient. In addition, backup withholding at a rate of 24% may apply to the cash payable to a U.S. holder, unless the holder furnishes its taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, their social security number) and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules, or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.

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Any amounts withheld from payments to a holder under the backup withholding rules are not additional tax and will be allowed as a refund or credit against the holder's federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

***Reporting Requirements***

A holder of Target Fund Common Shares, MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS who receives MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS, as applicable, as a result of a Merger will generally be required to retain records pertaining to the Merger. Each holder of Target Fund Common Shares, MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS who is required to file a U.S. tax return and who is a "significant holder" that receives MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS in a Merger will be required to file a statement with the holder's federal income tax return setting forth certain information, including such holder's basis in and the fair market value of such holder's Target Fund Common Shares, MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS surrendered in the Merger. Holders of Target Fund Common Shares, MNP Series 1 VRDPS or SBI Series 1 VRDPS should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the application of these reporting requirements.

***Other Tax Considerations***

While neither MMU nor either Target Fund is aware of any adverse state or local tax consequences of the Mergers, they have not requested any ruling or opinion with respect to such consequences, and stockholders should consult their own tax advisor with respect to such matters.

Each Target Fund shall, to the extent necessary, declare a dividend or dividends, with a record and ex-dividend date prior to the business day immediately before the Closing Date, which, together with all previous dividends, shall have the effect of distributing to the shareholders of the Target Fund substantially all of the Target Fund's investment company taxable income (as defined in Section 852(b) of the Code, but computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and net capital gains (after reduction for any capital loss carryover) for all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date. Such dividends will be included in the taxable income of the stockholders of the Target Fund.

***Information Regarding Net Operating Loss and Capital Loss Carryovers***

As of December 31, 2022, the Funds are entitled to capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes in the amounts set forth below:

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **MNP<br>(as of December 31, 2022)** | **MNP<br>(as of December 31, 2022)** | **SBI<br>(as of December 31, 2022)** | **SBI<br>(as of December 31, 2022)** | **MMU<br>(as of December 31, 2022)** | **MMU<br>(as of December 31, 2022)** | **MMU<br>(as of December 31, 2022)** | **MMU (pro forma)** |
| **Amount of<br>Carryforward** | **Fiscal<br>Year of<br>Expiration** | **Amount of<br>Carryforward** | **Fiscal<br>Year of<br>Expiration** | **Amount of<br>Carryforward** | **Fiscal<br>Year of<br>Expiration** | **Amount of<br>Carryforward** | **Fiscal Year of<br>Expiration** |
| $(6683221) | No Expiration | $(3358897) | No Expiration | $(19781319) | No Expiration | $(30013437) | No Expiration |

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***MNP***

Based on the recent data referred to above, the Merger would impact the use of MNP's capital loss carryovers in the following manner: (1) MNP's carryovers would benefit the stockholders of the combined Fund, rather than only the stockholders of MNP; and (2) the aggregate amount of the carryovers that could be utilized in any taxable year would be limited to the product of the long-term tax-exempt rate at the time of the Merger and the net asset value of MNP at that time.

***SBI***

Based on the recent data referred to above, the Merger would impact the use of SBI's capital loss carryovers in the following manner: (1) SBI's carryovers would benefit the stockholders of the combined Fund, rather than

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only the stockholders of SBI; and (2) the aggregate amount of the carryovers that could be utilized in any taxable year would be limited to the product of the long-term tax-exempt rate at the time of the Merger and the net asset value of SBI at that time.

***MMU***

Based on the recent data referred to above, the Mergers would impact the use of MMU's capital loss carryovers in the following manner: (1) MMU's capital loss carryovers would benefit the stockholders of the combined Fund, rather than only the stockholders of MMU; and (2) address possible Section 384 consequences.

***Information Applicable to Both Funds***

The capital loss carryovers and limitations described above may change significantly between now and the Closing Date. Further, the ability of each Fund to use loss carryovers (even in the absence of the Mergers) depends on factors other than loss limitations, such as the future realization of capital gains or losses.

**Board Recommendation and Required Vote** 

Because the Merger of MNP into MMU has been approved by at least 75% of MNP's "Continuing Directors," as that term is defined in MNP's charter, approval of the Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of MNP Common Shares and holders of MNP Preferred Shares (voting as a class). Additionally, because the Merger of SBI into MMU has been approved by at least 70% of SBI's Board, approval of the Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of SBI Common Shares and holders of preferred stock of SBI Preferred Shares (voting as a class). Similarly, because the Merger has been approved by at least 75% of MMU's "Continuing Directors" (as that term is defined in MMU's charter) approval of each Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of MMU Common Shares and holders of MMU Preferred Shares (voting as a class). Approval of the Proposal will occur only if a sufficient number of votes at the Meeting are cast "FOR" the Proposal. Abstentions effectively result in a vote AGAINST the Proposal. Any broker non-votes would effectively be treated as a vote "AGAINST" the Proposal.

**Each Fund's Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors, unanimously recommends that stockholders of each Fund vote FOR the approval of the merger of the applicable Target Fund with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law.** 

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**PORTFOLIO SECURITIES** 

The securities in which each Target Fund may invest are permissible for investment under MMU's investment objectives and strategies. Based on current market conditions which may change, LMPFA estimates that the Funds will not experience any significant portfolio turnover in connection with either Merger.

No securities of MMU need to be sold in order for MMU to comply with its investment restrictions or policies. The Funds may buy and sell securities in the normal course of their operations.

**INFORMATION ABOUT MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS** 

**Information About Directors and Officers** 

The overall management of the business and affairs is vested in the Board of Directors of each Fund. In accordance with each Fund's charter, each Board of Directors is divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and Class III. Each Board approves all significant agreements between such Fund and persons or companies furnishing services to the Fund. The day-to-day operation of the Fund is delegated to the officers of each Fund, LMPFA and Western Asset, subject always to the investment objectives, restrictions and policies of each Fund and to the general supervision of the Board. The following table provides information concerning the Directors of each Fund.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Age** | **Position(s) Held<br>with the Funds** | **Length of<br>Term Served** | **Principal<br>Occupation(s) During<br>Past 5 Years** | **Number of<br>Portfolios in<br>Fund Complex<sup>(1)</sup>Overseen by<br>Nominee<br>(Including<br>the Fund)** | **Other<br>Directorships<br>Held by<br>Nominee** |
| Robert D. Agdern<br> c/o Chairman of the Fund<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue, 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth year: 1950 | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Compliance Liaison:<br> Class III (MMU),<br> Class III (MNP),<br> Class II (SBI) | Since 2015 (MMU), Since 2015 (MNP), Since 2015 (SBI) | Member of the Advisory Committee of the Dispute Resolution Research Center at the Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University (2002 to 2016); formerly, Deputy General Counsel responsible for western hemisphere matters for BP PLC (1999 to 2001); Associate General Counsel at Amoco Corporation responsible for corporate, chemical, and refining and | 19 |  |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Age** | **Position(s) Held<br>with the Funds** | **Length of<br>Term Served** | **Principal<br>Occupation(s) During<br>Past 5 Years** | **Number of<br>Portfolios in<br>Fund Complex<sup>(1)</sup>Overseen by<br>Nominee<br>(Including<br>the Fund)** | **Other<br>Directorships<br>Held by<br>Nominee** |
|  |  |  | marketing matters and special assignments (1993 to 1998) (Amoco merged with British Petroleum in 1998 forming BP PLC). |  |  |
| Carol L. Colman<br> c/o Chairman of the Fund<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue, 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth Year: 1946 | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit and Compensation Committees, and Chair of Pricing and Valuation Committee:<br> Class I (MMU),<br> Class I (MNP),<br> Class II (SBI) | Since 2006 (MMU), Since 2002 (MNP), Since 2007 (SBI) | President, Colman Consulting Company (consulting). | 19 |  |
| Daniel P. Cronin<br> c/o Chairman of the Fund<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue, 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth Year: 1946 | Director and Member of Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Nominating Committee:<br> Class II (MMU),<br> Class II (MNP),<br> Class III (SBI) | Since 2006 (MMU), Since 2002 (MNP),<br> Since 2007 (SBI) | Retired; formerly, Associate General Counsel, Pfizer, Inc. | 19 |  |
| Paolo M. Cucchi<br> c/o Chairman of the Fund<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue, 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth Year: 1941 | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Compensation Committee:<br> Class I (MMU),<br> Class II (MNP),<br> Class II (SBI) | Since 2001 (MMU), Since 2007 (MNP), Since 2007 (SBI) | Emeritus Professor of French and Italian (since 2014) and formerly, Vice President and Dean of The College of Liberal Arts (1984 to 2009) and Professor of French and Italian (2009 to 2014) at Drew University. | 19 |  |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Age** | **Position(s) Held<br>with the Funds** | **Length of<br>Term Served** | **Principal<br>Occupation(s) During<br>Past 5 Years** | **Number of<br>Portfolios in<br>Fund Complex<sup>(1)</sup>Overseen by<br>Nominee<br>(Including<br>the Fund)** | **Other<br>Directorships<br>Held by<br>Nominee** |
| Eileen Kamerick<br> c/o Chairman of the Fund<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue, 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth Year: 1958 | Lead Independent Director and Member of Nominating, Compensation, Pricing and Valuation and Audit Committees:<br> Class II (MMU),<br> Class III (MNP),<br> Class I (SBI) | Since 2013 (MMU), Since 2013 (MNP), Since 2013 (SBI) | Chief Executive Officer, The Governance Partners, LLC (consulting firm) (since 2015); National Association of Corporate Directors Board Leadership Fellow (since 2016, with Directorship Certification since 2019) and NACD 2022 Directorship 100 honoree; Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University Law Center (since 2021); Adjunct Professor, University of Chicago Law School (since 2018); Adjunct Professor, University of Iowa College of Law (since 2007); formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Press Ganey Associates (health care informatics company) (2012 to 2014); Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Houlihan Lokey (international investment bank) and President, Houlihan Lokey Foundation (2010 to 2012). | 19 | Director, VALIC Company I (since October 2022); Director of ACV Auctions Inc. (since 2021); Director of Hochschild Mining plc (precious metals company) (since 2016); Director of Associated Banc-Corp (financial services company) (since 2007); formerly Trustee of AIG Funds and Anchor Series Trust (2018 to 2021) |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Age** | **Position(s) Held<br>with the Funds** | **Length of<br>Term Served** | **Principal<br>Occupation(s) During<br>Past 5 Years** | **Number of<br>Portfolios in<br>Fund Complex<sup>(1)</sup>Overseen by<br>Nominee<br>(Including<br>the Fund)** | **Other<br>Directorships<br>Held by<br>Nominee** |
| Nisha Kumar<br> c/o Chairman of the Fund<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue, 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth year: 1970 | Director and Member of Nominating, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Audit Committee: Class II (MMU),<br> Class I (MNP),<br> Class III (SBI) | Since 2019 (MMU), Since 2019 (MNP), Since 2019 (SBI) | Formerly, Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Greenbriar Equity Group, LP (2011 to 2021); formerly, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Rent the Runway, Inc. (2011); Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AOL LLC, a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (2007 to 2009). Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. | 19 | Director of The India Fund, Inc. (since 2016); formerly, Director of Aberdeen Income Credit Strategies Fund (2017 to 2018); and Director of The Asia Tigers Fund, Inc. (2016 to 2018) |
| Jane Trust, CFA<sup>2</sup> c/o Chairman of the Fund<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue, 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth year: 1962 | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer:<br> Class I (MMU),<br> Class II (MNP),<br> Class I (SBI) | Since 2015 (MMU), Since 2015 (MNP), Since 2015 (SBI) | Senior Vice President, Fund Board Management, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Officer and/or Trustee/Director of 128 funds associated with Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC ("LMPFA") or its affiliates (since 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer of LMPFA (since 2015); formerly, Senior Managing | 128 |  |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Age** | **Position(s) Held<br>with the Funds** | **Length of<br>Term Served** | **Principal<br>Occupation(s) During<br>Past 5 Years** | **Number of<br>Portfolios in<br>Fund Complex<sup>(1)</sup>Overseen by<br>Nominee<br>(Including<br>the Fund)** | **Other<br>Directorships<br>Held by<br>Nominee** |
|  |  |  | Director (2018 to 2020) and Managing Director (2016 to 2018) of Legg Mason & Co.; Senior Vice President of LMPFA (2015). |  |  |

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(1) The term "Fund Complex" means two or more registered investment companies that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) have a common investment adviser or that have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the
investment adviser of any of the other registered investment companies.

(2) Ms. Trust is an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act because she is an officer of
LMPFA and certain of its affiliates.

The Directors were selected to join each Board based upon the following as to each Director: his or her character and integrity; such person's service as a board member of other funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex; such person's willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Director; as to each Director other than Ms. Trust, his or her status as not being an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act; and, as to Ms. Trust, her role with Franklin Templeton. No factor, by itself, was controlling.

In addition to the information provided in the table included above, each Director possesses the following attributes: Mr. Agdern, experience in business and as a legal professional; Ms. Colman, experience as a consultant and investment professional; Mr. Cronin, legal and managerial experience; Mr. Cucchi, experience as a college professor and leadership experience as an academic dean; Ms. Kamerick, experience in business and finance, including financial reporting, and experience as a board member of a highly regulated financial services company; Ms. Kumar, financial and accounting experience as the chief financial officer of other companies and experience as a board member of private equity funds; and Ms. Trust, investment management and risk oversight experience as an executive and portfolio manager and leadership roles within Franklin Templeton and affiliated entities. References to the qualifications, attributes and skills of the Directors are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Director as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.

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**Security Ownership of Management** 

The following table provides information concerning the dollar range of equity securities owned beneficially by each Director and nominee for election as Director as of December 31, 2022:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Director** | **Dollar Range<sup>(1)</sup> of<br>Equity Securities<br>in MNP** | **Dollar Range of<br>Equity in SBI** | **Dollar Range of<br>Equity in<br>MMU** | **Aggregate Dollar<br>Range of Equity<br>Securities in all<br>Funds Overseen<br>by Director in<br>Family of<br>Investment<br>Companies<sup>(2)</sup>** |
|  **NON-INTERESTED DIRECTORS** |  |  |  |  |
|  Robert D. Agdern | A | A | A | D |
|  Carol L. Colman | C | A | A | E |
|  Daniel P. Cronin | D | A | A | E |
|  Paolo M. Cucchi | A | A | A | C |
|  Eileen A. Kamerick | C | A | A | E |
|  Nisha Kumar | A | A | A | A |
|  **INTERESTED DIRECTOR** |  |  |  |  |
|  Jane E. Trust | A | A | A | E |

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(1) The dollar ranges are as follows: "A" = None; "B" = $1-$10,000; "C" = $10,001-$50,000; "D" = $50,001-$100,000; "E" = Over $100,000.

(2) The term, "Family of Investment Companies", means any two or more registered investment companies
that share the same investment adviser or principal underwriter or hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services

At March 1, 2023, the Directors and officers of the Funds as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund's common stock.

No Director or nominee for election as Director who is not an "interested person" of the Funds as defined in the 1940 Act, nor any immediate family members, to the best of the Funds' knowledge, had any interest in the Funds' investment adviser, or any person or entity (other than the Funds) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Franklin Templeton as of December 31, 2022.

**Director Compensation** 

Under the federal securities laws, and in connection with the Meeting, the Funds are required to provide to stockholders in connection with the Meeting information regarding compensation paid to the Directors by the Funds, as well as by the various other investment companies advised by LMPFA. The following table provides information concerning the compensation paid to each Director by the Funds and the Fund Complex during the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 and the total compensation paid to each Director during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2022 for each Target Fund and May 31, 2022 for MMU. Certain of the Directors listed below are members of the Funds' Sub-Audit Committees, as well as chairpersons of the Audit, Nominating, Pricing and Valuation and Compensation Committees of the Boards of each Fund. Accordingly, the amounts provided in the table include compensation for service on all such committees. The Funds do not provide any

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pension or retirement benefits to Directors. In addition, no remuneration was paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 to Ms. Trust who is an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Directors** | **Aggregate<br>Compensation<br>from MNP for<br>Fiscal Year<br>Ended<br>November 30,<br>2022** | **Aggregate<br>Compensation<br>from SBI for<br>Fiscal Year<br>Ended<br>November 30,<br>2022** | **Aggregate<br>Compensation<br>from MMU<br>for Fiscal<br>Year Ended<br>May 31, 2022** | **Total Pension<br>or Retirement<br>Benefits Paid<br>as Part of<br>Fund Expenses** | **Total<br>Compensation<br>from the Funds<br>and Fund<br>Complex<sup>(1)</sup> for<br>Calendar Year<br>Ended**<br>**12/31/22** | **Directorships<sup>(2)</sup>** |
|  Robert D. Agdern | $6292 | $5791 | $25760 |  | $296000 | 19 |
|  Carol L. Colman | $6737 | $6198 | $27584 |  | $314000 | 19 |
|  Daniel P. Cronin | $6626 | $6096 | $27128 |  | $311000 | 19 |
|  Paolo M. Cucchi | $6292 | $5791 | $25760 |  | $296000 | 19 |
|  William R Hutchinson<sup>(3)</sup> | $6995 | $6406 | $30775 |  | $328000 | 19 |
|  Eileen Kamerick | $7131 | $6560 | $28952 |  | $333778 | 19 |
|  Nisha Kumar | $6686 | $6152 | $26403 |  | $313778 | 19 |

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(1) "Fund Complex" means two or more Funds (a registrant or, where the registrant is a series company, a
separate portfolio of the registrant) that hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services or have a common investment adviser or have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the
investment adviser of any of the other Funds.

(2) The numbers indicate the applicable number of investment companies in the Fund Complex overseen by that
Director as of December 31, 2022.

(3) Mr. Hutchinson served as a Director until his passing on October 28, 2022

As of January 1, 2023, the Funds paid each of the Independent Directors an annual fee of $160,000, plus (a) a fee of $25,000 for attendance at each regular meeting of the Board of Trustees and (b) a fee of $2,000 for each telephonic meeting of the Board of Trustees. In addition to the payments described above, the Lead Independent Trustee of the Board of Trustees receives $55,000, the chairperson of the Audit Committee receives $35,000, each member of the Audit Sub-Committee receives $35,000, the chairperson of the Nominating Committee receives $15,000, the chairperson of the Pricing and Valuation Committee receives $20,000, the chairperson of the Compensation Committee receives $20,000 and the Compliance Liaison receives $15,000. The annual compensation, fees and expenses are allocated among all the funds in the fund complex, including the Fund, on the basis of average net assets.

**Responsibilities of the Board of MNP, SBI and MMU** 

The Board of Directors is responsible under applicable state law for overseeing generally the management and operations of each Fund. The Directors oversee each Fund's operations by, among other things, meeting at its regularly scheduled meetings and as otherwise needed with each Fund's management and evaluating the performance of each Fund's service providers including LMPFA, Western Asset, the custodian and the transfer agent. As part of this process, the Directors consult with each Fund's independent auditors and with their own separate independent legal counsel.

The Directors review each Fund's financial statements, performance, net asset value and market price and the relationship between them, as well as the quality of the services being provided to each Fund. As part of this process, the Directors review the Fund's fees and expenses in light of the nature, quality and scope of the services being received while also seeking to ensure that each Fund continues to have access to high quality services in the future.

The Board of Directors has four regularly scheduled meetings each year, and additional meetings may be scheduled as needed. In addition, the Board has a standing Audit Committee, Nominating Committee,

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Compensation Committee and Pricing and Valuation Committee that meet periodically and whose responsibilities are described below.

With respect to MNP, during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Board of Directors held four regular meetings and two special meetings. Each Director attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the committees for which he or she was eligible. With respect to SBI during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Board of Directors held four regular meetings and two special meetings. Each Director attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the committees for which he or she was eligible With respect to MMU, during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022, the Board of Directors held four regular meetings and three special meetings. Each Director attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the committees for which he or she was eligible. The Funds do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by Directors at annual meetings of stockholders.

Each of the Audit Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Pricing and Valuation Committee is composed of all Directors who have been determined not to be "interested persons" of each Fund, LMPFA, Western Asset or their affiliates within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and who are "independent" as defined in the New York Stock Exchange listing standards ("Independent Directors"), and is chaired by an Independent Director. The Board in its discretion from time to time may establish ad hoc committees.

The Board of Directors is currently composed of seven directors, six of whom are Independent Directors. Jane E. Trust serves as Chairman of the Board. Ms. Trust is an "interested person" of each Fund. The appointment of Ms. Trust as Chairman reflects the Board's belief that her experience, familiarity with each Fund's day-to-day operations and access to individuals with responsibility for each Fund's management and operations provides the Board with insight into each Fund's business and activities and, with her access to appropriate administrative support, facilitates the efficient development of meeting agendas that address each Fund's business, legal and other needs and the orderly conduct of board meetings. Ms. Kamerick serves as Lead Independent Director. The Chairman develops agendas for Board meetings in consultation with the Lead Independent Director and presides at all meetings of the Board. The Lead Independent Director, among other things, chairs executive sessions of the Independent Directors, serves as a spokesperson for the Independent Directors and serves as a liaison between the Independent Directors and each Fund's management between Board meetings. The Independent Directors regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board also has determined that its leadership structure, as described above, is appropriate in light of the size and complexity of each Fund, the number of Independent Directors (who constitute a super-majority of the Board's membership) and the Board's general oversight responsibility. The Board also believes that its leadership structure not only facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Directors from management, including Western Asset, each Fund's subadviser, but also enhances the independent and orderly exercise of its responsibilities.

**Audit Committee** 

Each Fund's Audit Committee is composed entirely of all of the Independent Directors: Mses. Colman, Kamerick and Kumar and Messrs. Agdern, Cronin and Cucchi. Ms. Kumar serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee and has been determined by the Board to be an "audit committee financial expert." The principal functions of the Audit Committee are: to (a) oversee the scope of each Fund's audit, each Fund's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls and enhance the quality and objectivity of the audit function; (b) approve, and recommend to the Independent Board Members (as such term is defined in the Audit Committee Charter) for their ratification, the selection, appointment, retention or termination of each Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, as well as approving the compensation thereof; and (c) approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to each Fund and certain other persons by each Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Each Target Fund's Audit Committee met five times during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 and MMU's Audit Committee met five times during the fiscal

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year ended May 31, 2022. Each Fund's Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Fund's website at www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds and click on the name of the Fund.

**Nominating Committee** 

Each Fund's Nominating Committee, the principal function of which is to select and nominate candidates for election as Directors of each Fund, is composed of all of the Independent Directors: Mses. Colman, Kamerick and Kumar and Messrs. Agdern, Cronin and Cucchi. Mr. Cronin serves as the Chair of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee may consider nominees recommended by the stockholder as it deems appropriate. Stockholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Fund's Secretary that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Directors. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board of Directors and to serve if elected by the stockholders. Each Target Fund's Nominating Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 and MMU's Nominating Committee met four times during the fiscal year end May 31, 2022. Each Fund's Nominating Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Fund's website at www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds and click on the name of the Fund.

The Nominating Committee identifies potential nominees through its network of contacts, and in its discretion may also engage a professional search firm. The Nominating Committee meets to discuss and consider such candidates' qualifications and then chooses a candidate by majority vote. The Nominating Committee does not have specific, minimum qualifications for nominees and has not established specific qualities or skills that it regards as necessary for one or more of each Fund's Directors to possess (other than any qualities or skills that may be required by applicable law, regulation or listing standard). However, as set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter, in evaluating a person as a potential nominee to serve as a Director of the Fund, the Nominee Committee may consider the following factors, among any others it may deem relevant:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• whether or not the person is an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act and whether the person
is otherwise qualified under applicable laws and regulations to serve as a Director of the Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his or her independence, such as any business,
financial or family relationships with Fund management, the investment manager of the Fund, Fund service providers or their affiliates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• whether or not the person serves on boards of, or is otherwise affiliated with, competing financial service
organizations or their related mutual fund complexes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• whether or not the person is willing to serve, and willing and able to commit the time necessary for the
performance of the duties of a Director of the Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the contribution which the person can make to the Board and the Fund (or, if the person has previously served as
a Director of the Fund, the contribution which the person made to the Board during his or her previous term of service), with consideration being given to the person's business and professional experience, education and such other factors as
the Committee may consider relevant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the character and integrity of the person; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• whether or not the selection and nomination of the person would be consistent with the requirements of the
Fund's retirement policies.

Further, each Fund has adopted Director qualification requirements which can be found in each Fund's bylaws and are applicable to all Directors that may be nominated or elected to serve as Directors, unless a majority of the Board of Directors then in office determine by resolution that failure to satisfy a particular

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qualification requirement will not present undue conflicts or impede the ability of the individual to discharge the duties of a Director or the free flow of information among Directors or between LMPFA and the Board of Directors. The qualification requirements include: (i) experience requirements; (ii) limits on service on other boards; and (iii) character and fitness requirements. The Nominating Committee, in its sole discretion, determines whether an individual satisfies these qualifications.

The Nominating Committee does not have a formal diversity policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying potential director nominees but may consider diversity of professional experience, education and skills when evaluating potential nominees for Board membership.

**Pricing and Valuation Committee** 

Each Fund's Pricing and Valuation Committee is composed of all of the Independent Directors. The members of the Pricing and Valuation Committee are Colman, Kamerick and Kumar and Messrs. Agdern, Cronin and Cucchi. Ms. Colman chi serves as Chair of each Fund's Pricing and Valuation Committee. The principal function of the Pricing and Valuation Committee is to assist the Board with its oversight of the process for valuing portfolio securities in light of applicable law, regulatory guidance and applicable policies and procedures adopted by each Fund. Each Target Fund's Pricing and Valuation Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 and MMU's Pricing and Valuation Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022.

**Compensation Committee** 

Each Fund's Compensation Committee is composed of all of the Independent Directors. The members of the Compensation Committee Mses. Colman, Kamerick and Kumar and Messrs. Agdern, Cronin and Cucchi. Mr. Cucchi serves as Chair of each Fund's Compensation Committee. The principal function of the Compensation Committee is to recommend the appropriate compensation of the Independent Directors for their service on the Board and the committees of the Board. Each Target Fund's Compensation Committee met once during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 and MMU's Compensation Committee met once during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Fund's website at www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds and click on the name of the Fund.

**Officers** 

Each Fund's executive officers are chosen each year at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fund, to hold office until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The same individuals serve as officers of each Fund. In addition to Ms. Trust, each Fund's Chairman, CEO and President, the executive officers of the Funds currently are:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Age** | **Position(s) Held with Fund** | **Length of Time Served** | **Principal Occupation(s)<br>During Past 5 Years** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fred Jensen<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue<br> 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth Year: 1963 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2020 (MMU);<br> Since 2020 (MNP);<br> Since 2020 (SBI) | Director - Global Compliance of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (2006 to 2020); Director of Compliance, Legg Mason Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (2006 to 2020); formerly, |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Age** | **Position(s) Held with Fund** | **Length of Time Served** | **Principal Occupation(s)<br>During Past 5 Years** |
|  |  |  | Chief Compliance Officer of Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation (prior to 2014); Chief Compliance Officer of Legg Mason Private Portfolio Group (prior to 2013); formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of The Reserve Funds (investment adviser, funds and broker-dealer) (2004) and Ambac Financial Group (investment adviser, funds and broker-dealer) (2000 to 2003) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; George P. Hoyt<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 100 First Stamford Place<br> Stamford, CT 06902<br> Birth year: 1965 | Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | Since 2020 (MMU);<br> Since 2020 (MNP);<br> Since 2020 (SBI) | Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2020); formerly, Managing Director (2016 to 2020) and Associate General Counsel for Legg Mason & Co. and Assistant Secretary of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (2006 to 2020) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thomas C. Mandia<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 100 First Stamford Place<br> 6th Floor<br> Stamford, CT 06902<br> Birth year: 1962 | Senior Vice President | Since 2022 (MMU);<br> Since 2022 (MNP);<br> Since 2022 (SBI) | Senior Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Secretary of LMPFA (since 2006); Assistant Secretary of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); Secretary of LM Asset Services, LLC ("LMAS") (since 2002) and Legg Mason Fund Asset Management, Inc. |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Age** | **Position(s) Held with Fund** | **Length of Time Served** | **Principal Occupation(s)<br>During Past 5 Years** |
|  |  |  | ("LMFAM") (since 2013) (formerly registered investment advisers); formerly, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020) and Assistant Secretary of certain funds in the fund complex (2006 to 2022) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jeanne M. Kelly<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue<br> 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth year: 1951 | Senior Vice President | Since 2007 (MMU);<br> Since 2007 (MNP);<br> Since 2009 (SBI) | U.S. Fund Board Team Manager, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Senior Vice President of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2007); Senior Vice President of LMPFA (since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer of LMAS and LMFAM (since 2015); formerly, Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020); Senior Vice President of LMFAM (2013 to 2015) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Christopher Berarducci<br> Franklin Templeton<br> 280 Park Avenue<br> 8th Floor<br> New York, NY 10017<br> Birth year: 1974 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Since 2019 (MMU); Since 2019 (MNP);<br> Since 2019 (SBI) | Vice President, Fund Administration and Reporting, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Treasurer (since 2010) and Principal Financial Officer (since 2019) of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates; formerly, Managing Director (2020), Director (2015 to 2020), and Vice President (2011 to 2015) of Legg Mason & Co. |

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**Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance** 

Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act and Section 30(h) of the 1940 Act in combination require each Fund's Directors and principal officers, persons who own more than 10% of the Funds' common stock, LMPFA and certain of its affiliates, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and the NYSE. Such persons and entities are required by SEC regulations to furnish each of the Funds with copies of all such filings. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, MNP believes that, during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, all such filing requirements were met with respect to MNP. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, SBI believes that, during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, all such filing requirements were met with respect to SBI. In addition, with respect to MMU and based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, MMU believes that, during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022, all such filing requirements were met with respect to MMU.

**Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser** 

LMPFA serves as each Fund's investment manager. LMPFA, located at 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017, is a registered investment adviser that provides administrative and compliance oversight services to each Fund.

Under each Fund's management agreement with LMPFA (the "Management Agreements"), subject to the supervision and direction of each Fund's Board, LMPFA is delegated the responsibility of managing the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's stated investment objective and policies, making investment decisions for the Fund and placing orders to purchase and sell securities. LMPFA performs administrative and management services necessary for the operation of each Fund, such as (i) supervising the overall administration of the Fund, including negotiation of contracts and fees with and the monitoring of performance and billings of the Fund's transfer agent, stockholder servicing agents, custodian and other independent contractors or agents; (ii) providing certain compliance, Fund accounting, regulatory reporting, and tax reporting services; (iii) preparing or participating in the preparation of Board materials, registration statements, proxy statements and reports and other communications to stockholders; (iv) maintaining the Fund's existence, and (v) maintaining the registration and qualification of the Fund's shares under federal and state laws.

Each Fund's Management Agreement will continue in effect from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Fund's Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Directors with such Independent Directors casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Each Fund's Management Agreement provides that LMPFA may render services to others. Each Fund's Management Agreement is terminable without penalty on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice by the Fund when authorized either by a vote of holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) or by a vote of a majority of the Fund's Directors, or by LMPFA on not less than 90 days' written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. Each Fund's Management Agreement provides that neither LMPFA nor its personnel shall 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 security transactions for the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of its or their obligations and duties.

LMPFA does not provide day-to-day portfolio management services. Rather, portfolio management for each Fund is provided by Western Asset Management Company, LLC ("Western Asset"), located at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018.

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Western Asset provides services to each Fund pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between LMPFA and Western Asset (the "Western Asset Sub-Advisory Agreements"). Under each Western Asset Sub-Advisory Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of each Fund's Board and LMPFA, Western Asset will manage the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's stated investment objective and policies, assist in supervising all aspects of the Fund's operations, make investment decisions for the Fund, place orders to purchase and sell securities, and employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research services to the Fund.

The Western Asset Sub-Advisory Agreements will continue in effect from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Directors with such Independent Directors casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) may terminate that Western Asset Sub-Advisory Agreement without penalty, in each case on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to Western Asset. Western Asset may terminate each Western Asset Sub-Advisory Agreement on 90 days' written notice to each Fund and LMPFA. LMPFA and Western Asset may terminate each Western Asser Sub-Advisory Agreement upon their mutual written consent. Each Western Asset Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of assignment by Western Asset and shall not be assignable by LMPFA without the consent of Western Asset.

MNP currently pays LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of MMU's average weekly net managed assets. SBI and MMU currently pay LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of their respective average daily net assets. The total dollar amounts paid to LMPFA under the Management Agreements with each Fund for the last three fiscal years are as follows:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **MNP** | **SBI** | **MMU** |
| 2020 | $1336783 | $1043283 | $4603386 |
| 2021 | $1380390 | $1074171 | $4642405 |
| 2022 | $1251176 | $991062 | $4595155 |
|  Total | $3968349 | $3108516 | $13840946 |

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With respect to each Fund, LMPFA pays sub-advisory fees to Western Asset at the rate of 70% of the management fee paid to LMPFA.

LMPFA and Western Asset are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.. Franklin Resources, whose principal executive offices are at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA, 94403, is a global asset management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 155 countries.

Additional information about the factors considered by the Board of MMU in approving its Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements is set forth in MMU's Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders for the Semi-Annual Period ending November 30, 2022. Additional information about the factors considered by the Board of each Target Fund in approving its Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements is set forth in each Target Fund's Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year ended November 30, 2022.

**Codes of Ethics** 

Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, each of the Funds, LMPFA and Western Asset have adopted codes of ethics that permit their respective personnel to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds (the "Codes of Ethics"). All personnel must place the interests of clients first and avoid activities, interests and relationships that might interfere with the duty to make

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decisions in the best interests of the clients. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the applicable Codes of Ethics and must be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest, the appearance of such a conflict, or the abuse of an employee's position of trust and responsibility.

When personnel covered by either Fund's Code of Ethics are employed by more than one of the managers affiliated with Legg Mason, those employees may be subject to such affiliate's Code of Ethics adopted pursuant to Rule 17j-1, rather than the Codes of Ethics of the Funds.

The Codes of Ethics of the Funds, LMPFA, and Western Asset can be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090, that these codes of ethics are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at <u>http://www.sec.gov</u>, and that copies of these codes of ethics may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC, 20549-0102.

**Proxy Voting Policies** 

Although individual Directors may not agree with particular policies or votes by LMPFA or Western Asset each Fund's Board has delegated proxy voting discretion to LMPFA and/or Western Asset, believing that LMPFA and/or Western Asset should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process.

LMPFA delegates the responsibility for voting proxies for each Fund to Western Asset through its contracts with Western Asset. Western Asset will use its own proxy voting policies and procedures to vote proxies. Accordingly, LMPFA does not expect to have proxy-voting responsibility for the Funds. Should LMPFA become responsible for voting proxies for any reason, such as the inability of Western Asset to provide investment advisory services, LMPFA shall utilize the proxy voting guidelines established by the most recent subadviser to vote proxies until a new subadviser is retained. In the case of a material conflict between the interests of LMPFA (or its affiliates if such conflict is known to persons responsible for voting at LMPFA) and either Fund, the Board of Directors of LMPFA shall consider how to address the conflict and/or how to vote the proxies. LMPFA shall maintain records of all proxy votes in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations, to the extent that LMPFA votes proxies. LMPFA shall be responsible for gathering relevant documents and records related to proxy voting from Western Asset and providing them to the relevant Fund as required for the Fund to comply with applicable rules under the 1940 Act.

LMPFA's and Western Asset's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures govern in determining how proxies relating to each Fund's portfolio securities are voted and are attached as Appendix C and D, respectively, to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling 888-777-0102, (2) on the Fund's website at *http://www.lmcef.com* and (3) on the SEC's website at *<u>http://www.sec.gov</u>.*

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**Investment Professionals of the Funds** 

Below is summary information for the Funds' investment professionals. Certain employees of Western Asset listed below are members of the management teams of each Fund; others are involved in the management of only one of the Funds.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Address** | **Length of Time Served** | **Principal Occupation(s)<br>During Last Five Years** |
| S. Kenneth Leech<br> Western Asset<br> 385 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 | Since 2014 (MNP);<br> Since 2014 (SBI);<br> Since 2014 (MMU) | Responsible for the day-to-day management with other members of the Fund's portfolio management team; Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset from 1998 to 2008 and since 2014; Senior Advisor/Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Western Asset from 2008-2013; Co- Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset from 2013-2014. |
| David Fare<br> Western Asset<br> 385 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 | Since 2007 (MNP);<br> Since 2006 (SBI);<br> Since 2004 (MMU) | Responsible for the day-to-day management with other members of the Fund's portfolio management team; portfolio manager at Western Asset since 2005; prior to that time, Mr. Fare was with Citigroup Asset Management or one of its affiliates since 1989. |
| Robert Amodeo<br> Western Asset<br> 385 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 | Since 1999 (MNP);<br> Since 2007 (SBI);<br> Since 2007 (MMU) | Responsible for the day-to-day management with other members of the Fund's portfolio management team; portfolio manager at Western Asset since 2005; prior to that time, Mr. Amodeo was a Managing Director and portfolio manager with Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc from 1992 to 2005 |

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***Other Accounts Managed by Investment Professionals***

The table below identifies the number of accounts (other than the Funds) for which the each Fund's investment professionals have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts. Data for registered investment companies is based on the specific investment professionals that are named in the applicable disclosure documents. Data for other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts is based on Western Asset's practice of naming a particular individual to maintain oversight responsibility for each vehicle/account. Where the named individual has been assigned primary responsibility for oversight of another pooled investment vehicle or other account, that vehicle/account has been allocated exclusively to that

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individual for disclosure purposes. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance is also indicated as of November 30, 2022.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of PM** | **Type of Account** | **Number of<br>Accounts<br>Managed** | **Total Assets<br>Managed** | **Number of<br>Accounts<br>Managed for<br>which<br>Advisory Fee<br>is<br>Performance-<br>Based** | **Assets<br>Managed for<br>which<br>Advisory Fee<br>is<br>Performance-<br>Based** |
| S. Kenneth Leech‡ | Other Registered Investment Companies | 95 | $143.71 billion |  |  |
| S. Kenneth Leech‡ | Other Pooled Vehicles | 319 | $71.67 billion | 27 | $2.82 billion |
| S. Kenneth Leech‡ | Other Accounts | 642 | $176.77 billion | 26 | $14.94 billion |
|  Robert E. Amodeo‡ | Other Registered Investment Companies | 19 | $10.61 billion |  |  |
|  Robert E. Amodeo‡ | Other Pooled Vehicles | 4 | $1.21 billion |  |  |
|  Robert E. Amodeo‡ | Other Accounts | 10 | $3.06 billion |  |  |
|  David T. Fare‡ | Other Registered Investment Companies | 17 | $10.08 billion |  |  |
|  David T. Fare‡ | Other Pooled Vehicles | 3 | $1.19 billion |  |  |
|  David T. Fare‡ | Other Accounts | 4 | $1.47 billion |  |  |

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‡ The numbers above reflect the overall number of portfolios managed by employees of Western Asset.
Mr. Leech is involved in the management of all the Firm's portfolios, but they are not solely responsible for particular portfolios. Western Asset's investment discipline emphasizes a team approach that combines the efforts of groups
of specialists working in different market sectors. They are responsible for overseeing implementation of Western Asset's overall investment ideas and coordinating the work of the various sector teams. This structure ensures that client
portfolios benefit from a consensus that draws on the expertise of all team members.

***Investment Professional Compensation***

With respect to the compensation of the investment professionals, Western Asset's compensation system assigns each employee a total compensation range, which is derived from annual market surveys that benchmark each role with its job function and peer universe. This method is designed to reward employees with total compensation reflective of the external market value of their skills, experience, and ability to produce desired results. Standard compensation includes competitive base salaries, generous employee benefits, and a retirement plan.

In addition, Western Asset's employees are eligible for bonuses. These are structured to closely align the interests of employees with those of Western Asset, and are determined by the professional's job function and pre-tax performance as measured by a formal review process. All bonuses are completely discretionary. The principal factor considered is an investment professional's investment performance versus appropriate peer groups and benchmarks (e.g., a securities index and with respect to a fund, the benchmark set forth in the fund's Prospectus to which the fund's average annual total returns are compared or, if none, the benchmark set forth in the fund's annual report). Performance is reviewed on a 1-, 3- and 5-year basis for compensation—with 3 years having the most emphasis. Western Asset may also measure an investment professional's pre-tax investment performance against other benchmarks, as it determines appropriate. Because investment professionals are generally responsible for multiple accounts (including the funds) with similar investment strategies, they are generally compensated based on the performance of the aggregate group of similar accounts, rather than a specific account. Other factors that may be considered when making bonus decisions include client service, business development, length of service to Western Asset, management or supervisory responsibilities, contributions to developing business strategy and overall contributions to Western Asset's business.

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Finally, in order to attract and retain top talent, all professionals are eligible for additional incentives in recognition of outstanding performance. These are determined based upon the factors described above and include Legg Mason stock options and long-term incentives that vest over a set period of time past the award date.

***Potential Conflicts of Interest***

LMPFA, Western Asset and the portfolio managers have interests which may conflict with the interests of the Fund. LMPFA and Western Asset currently and may at some time in the future manage and/or advise other investment funds or accounts with the same or substantially similar investment objectives and strategies as the Fund. As a result, LMPFA, Western Asset and the Funds' portfolio managers may devote unequal time and attention to the management of each Fund and those other funds and accounts, and may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities as might be the case if they were to devote substantially more attention to the management of each Fund. LMPFA, Western Asset and the Funds' portfolio managers may identify a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and accounts, and the opportunity may be allocated among these several funds and accounts, which may limit the Funds' ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity. Additionally, transaction orders may be aggregated for multiple accounts for purpose of execution, which may cause the price or brokerage costs to be less favorable to each Fund than if similar transactions were not being executed concurrently for other accounts. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and accounts for which he or she exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and accounts. For example, a portfolio manager may determine that it would be in the interest of another account to sell a security that each Fund holds, potentially resulting in a decrease in the market value of the security held by each Fund.

The portfolio managers may also engage in cross trades between funds and accounts, may select brokers or dealers to execute securities transactions based in part on brokerage and research services provided to LMPFA or Western Asset which may not benefit all funds and accounts equally and may receive different amounts of financial or other benefits for managing different funds and accounts. Finally, LMPFA or its affiliates may provide more services to some types of funds and accounts than others.

There is no guarantee that the policies and procedures adopted by LMPFA, Western Asset and the Funds will be able to identify or mitigate the conflicts of interest that arise between the Fund and any other investment funds or accounts that LMPFA and or Western Asset may manage or advise from time to time.

***Investment Professional Securities Ownership***

The table below identifies the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by the investment professionals of each Fund as of November 30, 2022.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Professional** | **Dollar Range of<br>MNP Securities<br>Beneficially<br>Owned** | **Dollar Range of<br>SBI Securities<br>Beneficially<br>Owned** | **Dollar Range of<br>MMU Securities<br>Beneficially<br>Owned** | **Aggregate dollar<br>Range of Fund<br>Securities<br>Beneficially Owned** |
| S. Kenneth Leech | A | A | A | A |
|  David T. Fare | A | A | A | A |
|  Robert Amodeo | B | B | A | B |

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**Dollar Range ownership is as follows:** 

A: none; B: $1 - $10,000; C: 10,001 - $50,000; D: $50,001 - $100,000; E: $100,001 - $500,000; F: $500,001 - $1 million; G: over $1 million

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS** 

Further information about MNP is included MNP's Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2022, filed on January 26, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-015796), SBI's Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2022, filed on January 30, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-018467) and MMU's Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders for the Six-Month Period Ended November 30, 2022, filed on January 27, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-017174), and Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2022, filed on August 1, 2022 (accession no. 0001193125-22-208348), which highlight certain important information such as investment performance and expense and financial information, are incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In addition, stockholder reports, proxy materials and other information concerning MNP (File No. 811-07362), SBI (File No. 811-6506) and MMU (File No. 811-06629) can be inspected at the NYSE. You may receive free of charge a copy of the SAI, or the annual report and semi-annual report for a Fund, by contacting MNP, SBI or MMU at 888-777-0102, by writing either Fund at the address listed above or by visiting our website at www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds.

The Funds are subject to the informational requirements of the 1934 Act and in accordance therewith, file reports and other information including proxy material, reports and charter documents with the SEC. These reports and other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Reports and other information about each Fund are available on the Edgar Database on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies of such material can also be obtained from the Public Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, SEC, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 at prescribed rates. You may obtain information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 202-551-8090.

**NET ASSET VALUE, MARKET PRICE AND PREMIUM/DISCOUNT** 

Common shares of closed-end investment companies, such as the Funds, have frequently traded at a discount from net asset value, but in some cases trade at a premium. Shares of closed-end investment companies investing primarily in fixed income securities tend to trade on the basis of income yield relative to the market price of the shares and the market price may also be affected by trading volume, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the fund. As a result, the market price of each Fund's Common Shares may be greater or less than the NAV per share. Since the commencement of each Fund's operations, each Fund's Common Shares have traded in the market at prices that were generally below NAV per share.

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The following tables set forth the high and low sales prices for MMU Common Shares and Target Fund Common Shares on the NYSE, the NAV per share and the discount or premium to NAV per share represented by the quotation for each quarterly period during the last two calendar years.

**MMU (Acquiring Fund) Fiscal Year End is May 31** 

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** |
| **Quarter Ended** | **Net Asset<br>Value Per<br>Share** | **NYSE<br>Price** | **Premium/<br>(Discount)** | **Net Asset<br>Value Per<br>Share** | **NYSE<br>Price** | **Premium/<br>(Discount)** |
|  December 31, 2020 | $14.03 | $13.05 | -7.0% | $13.44 | $12.07 | -10.2% |
|  March 31, 2021 | $14.33 | $13.51 | -5.7% | $13.81 | $12.45 | -9.8% |
|  June 30, 2021 | $14.36 | $13.89 | -3.3% | $13.95 | $12.95 | -7.2% |
|  September 30, 2021 | $14.42 | $13.98 | -3.1% | $13.97 | $13.30 | -4.8% |
|  December 31, 2021 | $14.06 | $13.60 | -3.3% | $13.83 | $12.72 | -8.0% |
|  March 31, 2022 | $14.03 | $13.18 | -6.1% | $12.55 | $11.32 | -9.8% |
|  June 30, 2022 | $12.64 | $11.80 | -6.6% | $11.56 | $10.16 | -12.1% |
|  September 30, 2022 | $12.21 | $11.22 | -8.1% | $10.96 | $9.63 | -12.1% |
|  December 30, 2022 | $11.63 | $10.64 | -8.5% | $10.58 | $9.37 | -11.4% |

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**MNP (Target Fund) Fiscal Year End is November 30** 

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** |
| **Quarter Ended** | **Net Asset<br>Value Per<br>Share** | **NYSE<br>Price** | **Premium/<br>(Discount)** | **Net Asset<br>Value Per<br>Share** | **NYSE<br>Price** | **Premium/<br>(Discount)** |
|  December 31, 2020 | $16.95 | $15.03 | -11.3% | $16.24 | $13.91 | -14.3% |
|  March 31, 2021 | $17.32 | $15.86 | -8.4% | $16.68 | $14.77 | -11.5% |
|  June 30, 2021 | $17.42 | $16.66 | -4.4% | $16.87 | $15.30 | -9.3% |
|  September 30, 2021 | $17.51 | $16.90 | -3.5% | $16.95 | $15.58 | -8.1% |
|  December 31, 2021 | $17.07 | $16.51 | -3.3% | $16.77 | $15.29 | -8.8% |
|  March 31, 2022 | $16.90 | $15.81 | -6.4% | $14.98 | $13.01 | -13.2% |
|  June 30, 2022 | $15.08 | $13.49 | -10.5% | $13.67 | $11.81 | -13.6% |
|  September 30, 2022 | $14.52 | $13.43 | -7.5% | $12.93 | $11.18 | -13.5% |
|  December 30, 2022 | $13.82 | $12.44 | -10.0% | $12.45 | $10.71 | -14.0% |

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**SBI (Target Fund) Fiscal Year End November 30** 

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly High Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** | **Quarterly Low Price** |
| **Quarter Ended** | **Net Asset<br>Value Per<br>Share** | **NYSE<br>Price** | **Premium/<br>(Discount)** | **Net Asset<br>Value Per<br>Share** | **NYSE<br>Price** | **Premium/<br>(Discount)** |
|  December 31, 2020 | $10.37 | $9.28 | -10.5% | $10.04 | $8.61 | -14.2% |
|  March 31, 2021 | $10.58 | $9.64 | -8.9% | $10.28 | $8.98 | -12.6% |
|  June 30, 2021 | $10.62 | $9.81 | -7.6% | $10.37 | $9.27 | -10.6% |
|  September 30, 2021 | $10.65 | $9.99 | -6.2% | $10.39 | $9.50 | -8.6% |
|  December 31, 2021 | $10.43 | $9.94 | -4.7% | $10.30 | $9.40 | -8.7% |
|  March 31, 2022 | $10.41 | $9.63 | -7.5% | $9.50 | $8.46 | -10.9% |
|  June 30, 2022 | $9.54 | $8.63 | -9.6% | $8.95 | $7.72 | -13.7% |
|  September 30, 2022 | $9.34 | $8.42 | -9.9% | $8.63 | $7.29 | -15.5% |
|  December 30, 2022 | $9.02 | $7.84 | -13.1% | $8.46 | $7.13 | -15.7% |

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As of February 28, 2023, the NAV per share of MNP was $13.54 and the closing price of MNP Common Shares on the NYSE was $11.91, meaning MNP Common Shares were trading at a 12.0% discount to MNP's NAV per share. As of February 28, 2023, the NAV per share of SBI was $8.89 and the closing price of SBI Common Shares on the NYSE was $7.80, meaning SBI Common Shares were trading at a 12.3% discount to SBI's NAV per share. As of February 28, 2023, the NAV per share of MMU was $11.40 and the closing price of MMU Common Shares on the NYSE was $10.18, meaning MMU Common Shares were trading at a 10.7% discount to MMU's NAV per share. The trading premium/discount for MMU Common Shares may change after the issuance of additional MMU Common Shares in the Mergers and the resulting increase in supply of MMU Common Shares in the market.

**CAPITALIZATION** 

The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of each Fund as of the date set out below, and on a pro forma basis as of that date, giving effect to the proposed acquisition of assets at net asset value. The pro forma capitalization information is for informational purposes only. No assurance can be given as to how many shares of MMU will be received by stockholders of each Target Fund on the Closing Date, and the information should not be relied upon to reflect the number of shares of MMU that actually will be received.

The following table sets out the effect of the proposed acquisition of assets at net asset value on a pro forma basis:

**Pro Forma Combined Capitalization Table As of December 31, 2022 (Unaudited)** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **MNP<br>(Target Fund)** | **SBI<br>(Target Fund)** | **MMU<br>(Acquiring<br>fund)** | **Pro Forma<br>Adjustments** | **MMU<br>(Pro Forma<br>Combined<br>fund)** |
|  Total Net Assets | $130815687 | $124942226 | $491289699 | $— | $747047612 |
|  Common Shares Outstanding | 9719063 | 14082315 | 43367851 | (1227864) | 65941365 |
|  ARPS Outstanding | 212 | 20 | 1031 | (1263) |  |
|  VRDPS Outstanding | 1330 | 1896 | 8703 | 2805 | 14734 |
|  Net Asset Value | $13.46 | $8.87 | $11.33 |  | $11.33 |

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(a) Reflects adjustments to the number of common shares outstanding due to the Mergers.

For more information about the Funds' capital stock, see "Description of the Funds' Securities—Capital Stock."

**PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION** 

As of December 31, 2022, 88.7% of the market value of MMU's portfolio was invested in investment grade municipal bonds.

As of December 31, 2022, 90.7% of the market value of MNP's portfolio was invested in investment grade municipal bonds.

As of December 31, 2022, 89.6% of the market value of SBI's portfolio was invested in investment grade municipal bonds.

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**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS** 

None of the Funds have an obligation to deal with any brokers or dealers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to policy established by the Boards of the Funds, the Managers are responsible for each Fund's portfolio decisions and the placing of the Fund's portfolio transactions.

Portfolio securities normally will be purchased or sold from or to dealers serving as market makers for the securities at a net price, which may include dealer spreads and underwriting commissions. In placing orders, it is the policy of each Fund to obtain the best results, taking into account the general execution and operational facilities of the broker or dealer, the type of transaction involved and other factors, such as the risk of the broker or dealer in positioning the securities involved. While the Managers generally seek the best price in placing its orders, neither Fund may necessarily be paying the lowest price available. Subject to seeking the best price and execution, securities firms which provide supplemental research to the Managers may receive orders for transactions by the Fund. Information so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Manager under each Fund's Management Agreement, and the expenses of the Managers will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information.

The aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid during the three most recent fiscal years was $322 for MNP, $723 for SBI and $2,716 for MMU. To the extent a Fund does effect brokerage transactions, affiliated persons (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or affiliated persons of such persons, may from time to time be selected to perform brokerage services for the Fund, subject to the considerations discussed above, but are prohibited by the 1940 Act from dealing with the Fund as a principal in the purchase or sale of securities. In order for such an affiliated person to be permitted to effect any portfolio transactions for a Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by such affiliated person must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow such an affiliated person to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arm's-length transaction.

Investment decisions for each Fund are made independently from those for other funds and accounts advised or managed by the Manager. Such other funds and accounts may also invest in the same securities as the Funds. When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of a Fund and another fund or account, the transaction will be averaged as to price, and available investments allocated as to amount, in a manner which the Manager believes to be equitable to the Fund and such other fund or account. In some instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the position obtained or sold by the Fund. To the extent permitted by law, the Managers may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other funds and accounts in order to obtain best execution.

Although neither Fund has any restrictions on portfolio turnover, it is neither Fund's policy to engage in transactions with the objective of seeking profits from short-term trading. It is expected that the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Funds will not exceed 200%. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of sales or purchases of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of a Fund's portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio securities exclude all securities having a maturity when purchased of one year or less. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater transaction costs than a lower rate, which costs are borne by the Funds and their stockholders.

**DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS** 

**Distributions** 

Under normal market conditions, each Fund intends to distribute from net investment income of the Fund, if any. The Fund intends to satisfy conditions that will enable interest from municipal securities, which is exempt

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from federal and certain state income taxes, to retain such tax-exempt status when distributed to the shareholders of the Fund.

The Fund intends to declare distributions quarterly and pay them on a monthly basis.

**MMU Dividend Reinvestment Plan** 

Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash (i.e., opt-out), all dividends, including any capital gain dividends and return of capital distributions, on your MMU Common Shares will be automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as agent for the stockholders (the "MMU Plan Agent"), in additional shares of MMU Common Shares under MMU's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"). You may elect not to participate in the Plan by contacting the MMU Plan Agent. If you do not participate, you will receive all cash distributions paid by check mailed directly to you by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as dividend paying agent.

If you participate in the Plan, the number of shares of MMU Common Shares you will receive will be determined as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) If the market price of the MMU Common Shares (plus $0.03 per share commission) on the payment date (or, if the payment date is not a NYSE trading day, the immediately preceding trading day) is equal to or exceeds the net asset value per share of the MMU Common Shares at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, MMU will issue new MMU Common Shares at a price equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date or (b) 95% of the market price per share of the MMU Common Shares on the payment date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) If the net asset value per share of the MMU Common Shares exceeds the market price of the MMU Common Shares (plus $0.03 per share commission) at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, the MMU Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will buy MMU Common Shares in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for your account as soon as practicable commencing on the trading day following the payment date and terminating no later than the earlier of (a) 30 days after the dividend or distribution payment date, or (b) the payment date for the next succeeding dividend or distribution to be made to the stockholders; except when necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. If during this period: (i) the market price (plus $0.03 per share commission) rises so that it equals or exceeds the net asset value per share of the MMU Common Shares at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date before the MMU Plan Agent has completed the open market purchases or (ii) if the MMU Plan Agent is unable to invest the full amount eligible to be reinvested in open market purchases, the MMU Plan Agent will cease purchasing MMU Common Shares in the open market and MMU shall issue the remaining MMU Common Shares at a price per share equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the day prior to the issuance of shares for reinvestment or (b) 95% of the then current market price per share.

MMU Common Shares in your account will be held by the MMU Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all shares of MMU Common Shares you have received under the Plan. You may withdraw from the Plan (i.e., opt-out) by notifying the MMU Plan Agent in writing at 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202 or by calling the MMU Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if notice is received by the MMU Plan Agent not less than ten business days prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise such withdrawal will be effective as soon as practicable after the MMU Plan Agent's investment of the most recently declared dividend or distribution on the MMU Common Shares.

Plan participants who sell their shares will be charged a service charge (currently $5.00 per transaction) and the MMU Plan Agent is authorized to deduct brokerage charges actually incurred from the proceeds (currently

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$0.05 per share commission). There is no service charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in MMU Common Shares. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the MMU Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases. Because all dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of MMU Common Shares, this allows you to add to your investment through dollar cost averaging, which may lower the average cost of your MMU Common Shares over time. Dollar cost averaging is a technique for lowering the average cost per share over time if MMU's net asset value declines. While dollar cost averaging has definite advantages, it cannot assure profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving dividends and distributions. Investors will be subject to income tax on amounts reinvested under the Plan.

MMU reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, the change is warranted. The Plan may be terminated, amended or supplemented by MMU upon notice in writing mailed to stockholders at least 30 days prior to the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by MMU for which the termination or amendment is to be effective. Upon any termination, you will be sent cash for any fractional share of MMU Common Shares in your account. You may elect to notify the MMU Plan Agent in advance of such termination to have the MMU Plan Agent sell part or all of your MMU Common Shares on your behalf. Additional information about the Plan and your account may be obtained from the MMU Plan Agent at 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202 or by calling the MMU Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151.

**MNP Dividend Reinvestment Plan** 

Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash (i.e., opt-out), all dividends, including any capital gain dividends and return of capital distributions, on your MNP Common Shares will be automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as agent for the stockholders (the "MNP Plan Agent"), in additional shares of MNP Common Shares under MNP's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"). You may elect not to participate in the Plan by contacting the MNP Plan Agent. If you do not participate, you will receive all cash distributions paid by check mailed directly to you by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as dividend paying agent.

If you participate in the Plan, the number of shares of MNP Common Shares you will receive will be determined as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) If the market price of the MNP Common Shares (plus $0.03 per share commission) on the payment date (or, if the payment date is not a NYSE trading day, the immediately preceding trading day) is equal to or exceeds the net asset value per share of the MNP Common Shares at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, MNP will issue new MNP Common Shares at a price equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date or (b) 95% of the market price per share of the MNP Common Shares on the payment date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) If the net asset value per share of the MNP Common Shares exceeds the market price of the MNP Common Shares (plus $0.03 per share commission) at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, the MNP Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will buy MNP Common Shares in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for your account as soon as practicable commencing on the trading day following the payment date and terminating no later than the earlier of (a) 30 days after the dividend or distribution payment date, or (b) the payment date for the next succeeding dividend or distribution to be made to the stockholders; except when necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. If during this period: (i) the market price (plus $0.03 per share commission) rises so that it equals or exceeds the net asset value per share of the MNP Common Shares at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date before the MNP Plan Agent has completed the open market purchases or (ii) if the MNP Plan Agent is unable to

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invest the full amount eligible to be reinvested in open market purchases, the MNP Plan Agent will cease purchasing MNP Common Shares in the open market and MNP shall issue the remaining MNP Common Shares at a price per share equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the day prior to the issuance of shares for reinvestment or (b) 95% of the then current market price per share.

MNP Common Shares in your account will be held by the MNP Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all shares of MNP Common Shares you have received under the Plan. You may withdraw from the Plan (i.e., opt-out) by notifying the MNP Plan Agent in writing at P.O. Box 43006, Providence, RI 02940-3078 or by calling the MNP Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if notice is received by the MNP Plan Agent not less than ten business days prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise such withdrawal will be effective as soon as practicable after the MNP Plan Agent's investment of the most recently declared dividend or distribution on the MNP Common Shares.

Plan participants who sell their shares will be charged a service charge (currently $5.00 per transaction) and the MNP Plan Agent is authorized to deduct brokerage charges actually incurred from the proceeds (currently $0.05 per share commission). There is no service charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in MNP Common Shares. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the MNP Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases. Because all dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of MNP Common Shares, this allows you to add to your investment through dollar cost averaging, which may lower the average cost of your MNP Common Shares over time. Dollar cost averaging is a technique for lowering the average cost per share over time if MNP's net asset value declines. While dollar cost averaging has definite advantages, it cannot assure profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving dividends and distributions. Investors will be subject to income tax on amounts reinvested under the Plan.

MNP reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, the change is warranted. The Plan may be terminated, amended or supplemented by MNP upon notice in writing mailed to stockholders at least 30 days prior to the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by MNP for which the termination or amendment is to be effective. Upon any termination, you will be sent cash for any fractional share of MNP Common Shares in your account. You may elect to notify the MNP Plan Agent in advance of such termination to have the MNP Plan Agent sell part or all of your MNP Common Shares on your behalf. Additional information about the Plan and your account may be obtained from the MNP Plan Agent at P.O. Box 43006, Providence, RI 02940-3078 or by calling the MNP Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151.

**SBI Dividend Reinvestment Plan** 

Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash (i.e., opt-out), all dividends, including any capital gain dividends and return of capital distributions, on your SBI Common Shares will be automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as agent for the stockholders (the "SBI Plan Agent"), in additional shares of SBI Common Shares under SBI's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"). You may elect not to participate in the Plan by contacting the SBI Plan Agent. If you do not participate, you will receive all cash distributions paid by check mailed directly to you by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as dividend paying agent.

If you participate in the Plan, the number of shares of SBI Common Shares you will receive will be determined as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) If the market price of the SBI Common Shares (plus $0.03 per share commission) on the payment date (or, if the payment date is not a NYSE trading day, the immediately preceding trading day) is equal to or exceeds

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the net asset value per share of the SBI Common Shares at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, SBI will issue new SBI Common Shares at a price equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date or (b) 95% of the market price per share of the SBI Common Shares on the payment date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) If the net asset value per share of the SBI Common Shares exceeds the market price of the SBI Common Shares (plus $0.03 per share commission) at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, the SBI Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will buy SBI Common Shares in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for your account as soon as practicable commencing on the trading day following the payment date and terminating no later than the earlier of (a) 30 days after the dividend or distribution payment date, or (b) the payment date for the next succeeding dividend or distribution to be made to the stockholders; except when necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. If during this period: (i) the market price (plus $0.03 per share commission) rises so that it equals or exceeds the net asset value per share of the SBI Common Shares at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date before the SBI Plan Agent has completed the open market purchases or (ii) if the SBI Plan Agent is unable to invest the full amount eligible to be reinvested in open market purchases, the SBI Plan Agent will cease purchasing SBI Common Shares in the open market and SBI shall issue the remaining SBI Common Shares at a price per share equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the day prior to the issuance of shares for reinvestment or (b) 95% of the then current market price per share.

SBI Common Shares in your account will be held by the SBI Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all shares of SBI Common Shares you have received under the Plan. You may withdraw from the Plan (i.e., opt-out) by notifying the SBI Plan Agent in writing at P.O. Box 43006, Providence, RI 02940-3078 or by calling the SBI Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if notice is received by the SBI Plan Agent not less than ten business days prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise such withdrawal will be effective as soon as practicable after the SBI Plan Agent's investment of the most recently declared dividend or distribution on the SBI Common Shares.

Plan participants who sell their shares will be charged a service charge (currently $5.00 per transaction) and the SBI Plan Agent is authorized to deduct brokerage charges actually incurred from the proceeds (currently $0.05 per share commission). There is no service charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in SBI Common Shares. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the SBI Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases. Because all dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of SBI Common Shares, this allows you to add to your investment through dollar cost averaging, which may lower the average cost of your SBI Common Shares over time. Dollar cost averaging is a technique for lowering the average cost per share over time if SBI's net asset value declines. While dollar cost averaging has definite advantages, it cannot assure profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving dividends and distributions. Investors will be subject to income tax on amounts reinvested under the Plan.

SBI reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, the change is warranted. The Plan may be terminated, amended or supplemented by SBI upon notice in writing mailed to stockholders at least 30 days prior to the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by SBI for which the termination or amendment is to be effective. Upon any termination, you will be sent cash for any fractional share of SBI Common Shares in your account. You may elect to notify the SBI Plan Agent in advance of such termination to have the SBI Plan Agent sell part or all of your SBI Common Shares on your behalf. Additional information about the Plan and your account may be obtained from the SBI Plan Agent at P.O. Box 43006, Providence, RI 02940-3078 or by calling the SBI Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151.

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**TAXATION** 

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations related to MMU and the ownership and disposition of the MMU Common Shares and MMU Series 1 VRDPS. This summary does not purport to be complete or to deal with all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to stockholders in light of their particular circumstances. Unless otherwise noted (for example, with respect to the discussion of non-U.S. stockholders), this discussion applies only to U.S. stockholders that hold MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For these purposes, a U.S. stockholder is a beneficial owner of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS that is an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S. domestic corporation, or any other person that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of an investment in MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS. This discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury regulations thereunder and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations (possibly with retroactive effect). This discussion does not represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, without limitation, if you are a dealer in securities or currencies, a financial institution, an insurance company, a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a regulated investment company, a real estate investment trust, a tax-exempt organization, a U.S. stockholder whose "functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar, a trader in securities that has elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities, a person liable for alternative minimum tax, a non-U.S. stockholder, a person holding MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS as part of a hedging, integrated or conversion transaction, constructive sale or a straddle, or a person holding MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account. In addition, this discussion does not address the Medicare tax on net investment income or the effects of any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws.

The discussion below is general in nature and does not address all of the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of MMU Common Shares and MMU Series 1 VRDPS. Current and prospective stockholders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of the ownership and disposition of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS, as well as any consequences arising under other U.S. federal tax laws and the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction.

**Treatment of MMU Series 1 VRDPS** 

MMU intends to take the position that the MMU Series 1 VRDPS will be treated as equity rather than debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes. There is, however, no direct legal authority on the classification of instruments similar to the MMU Series 1 VRDPS, and therefore it is possible that the IRS could assert a contrary position. If the IRS successfully asserted that the MMU Series 1 VRDPS should be treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions made with respect to the MMU Series 1 VRDPS would generally be treated as taxable interest income rather than "exempt-interest dividends" (as described below), possibly requiring holders of MMU Series 1 VRDPS to file amended tax returns and retroactively to recognize additional income or to pay additional tax, interest and penalties. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the MMU Series 1 VRDPS will be treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

**Qualification and Taxation of MMU** 

MMU has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (a "RIC") under Subchapter M of the Code. MMU intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a RIC under the Code for each taxable year. To so qualify, MMU must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and (ii) net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships ("QPTPs") (i.e., partnerships the

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interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market (or the subsequent equivalent thereof), other than partnerships that derive 90% or more of their gross income from the items described in clause (i) above); and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of MMU's taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of MMU's total assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), securities of other RICs, U.S. government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of MMU's total assets, and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of MMU's total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers of which 20% or more of the voting stock is held by MMU and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses or (III) one or more QPTPs.

As a RIC, MMU will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net investment income (i.e., income other than its net realized long-term and short-term capital gains) and its net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, that it distributes to its stockholders, provided that it distributes to its stockholders for each taxable year, in compliance with the Code's timing and other requirements, an amount equal to at least 90% of the sum of (i) its investment company taxable income (i.e., its taxable income minus the excess, if any, of its net realized long-term capital gains over its net realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), plus or minus certain other adjustments as specified in the Code) and (ii) its net tax-exempt income (as reduced by certain disallowed expenses). However, any taxable income or gain MMU does not distribute will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates. MMU intends to distribute to its stockholders substantially all of its net investment income and capital gains.

If MMU retains any net capital gain (i.e., the excess of its net realized long-term capital gains over its net realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers)), it may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its stockholders, who will be treated as if each received a distribution of its pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each stockholder will (i) be required to report its pro rata share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for its pro rata share of tax paid by MMU on the gain and (iii) increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.

*Excise Tax*. The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on a RIC to the extent it does not distribute by the end of any calendar year an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for that year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term, and adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending, as a general rule, on October 31 of that year. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by a RIC that is subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed by year-end. In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any underdistribution or overdistribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. MMU anticipates that it will pay such dividends and will make such distributions as are necessary in order to substantially minimize the application of this excise tax.

*Consequences of Insufficient Distributions*. If at any time when the MMU Series 1 VRDPS are outstanding MMU fails to meet certain VRDPS basic maintenance amount or minimum VRDPS asset coverage requirements, MMU will be required to suspend distributions to holders of MMU Common Shares until such maintenance amount or asset coverage, as the case may be, is restored. This may prevent MMU from distributing at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income for the taxable year, and may therefore jeopardize MMU's qualification for taxation as a RIC or cause MMU to incur an income tax liability or the non-deductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed taxable income (including gain), or both. Upon failure to meet the VRDPS basic maintenance amount or the minimum VRDPS asset coverage, MMU will be required to redeem MMU Series 1 VRDPS in order to maintain or restore such maintenance amount or asset coverage and avoid the adverse consequences to MMU and its stockholders of failing to qualify as a RIC. There can be no assurance, however, that any such redemption would achieve such objectives.

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*Investment Practices.* In addition, certain of MMU's investment practices are subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may defer or disallow the use of certain deductions or losses of MMU and affect the holding period of securities held by MMU and the character of the gains or losses realized by MMU. These provisions may also require MMU to recognize income or gain without receiving cash with which to make distributions in the amounts necessary to satisfy the requirements for maintaining RIC status and for avoiding income and excise taxes. These provisions could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to MMU's stockholders. MMU will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of MMU as a RIC.

*Foreign Taxes*. An investment by MMU in non-U.S. securities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes. In that case, MMU's yield on those securities would be decreased. Stockholders will generally not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to any foreign taxes paid by MMU.

*Failure to Qualify as a RIC.* If MMU failed to qualify as a RIC or failed to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement in any taxable year, MMU would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on its taxable income even if such income were distributed to its stockholders, and all distributions out of earnings and profits (including distributions of tax-exempt income) would be taxed to stockholders as ordinary dividend income. Such distributions generally would be eligible (i) to be treated as "qualified dividend income" in the case of individual and other non-corporate stockholders and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate stockholders. In addition, MMU could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions (which could be subject to interest charges) before re-qualifying for taxation as a RIC.

**Tax Character of Distributions** 

*Exempt-Interest Dividends*. MMU intends to qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends, as defined in Section 852(b)(5) of the Code, on the MMU Common Shares and MMU Series 1 VRDPS. Under such section, if, at the close of each quarter of MMU's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of MMU's total assets consists of obligations exempt from federal income tax ("tax-exempt obligations") under Section 103(a) of the Code (relating generally to obligations of a state or local governmental unit), MMU shall be qualified to pay exempt-interest dividends to holders of all outstanding classes of its shares. Exempt-interest dividends are dividends or any part thereof paid by MMU that are attributable to interest on tax-exempt obligations and are so reported by MMU as exempt-interest dividends.

Exempt-interest dividends will be excludable from a stockholder's gross income for federal income tax purposes, subject to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax. Exempt-interest dividends are included, however, in determining the portion, if any, of a person's social security and railroad retirement benefits subject to federal income taxes.

Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of a RIC paying exempt-interest dividends, such as MMU, will not be deductible by the investor for federal income tax purposes to the extent attributable to exempt-interest dividends. Under rules used by the IRS for determining whether borrowed funds are considered used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly used for the purchase or ownership of such shares.

A portion of MMU's expenditures that would otherwise be deductible may not be allowed as deductions by reason of MMU's investment in municipal securities. Such disallowed portion will generally be the same percentage of MMU's aggregate expenses as the percentage of MMU's aggregate income (other than capital gain income) that constitutes exempt-interest income from municipal securities. A similar disallowance rule also applies to interest expense paid or incurred by MMU, if any. Such disallowed deductions, if any, will reduce the amount that MMU can report as exempt-interest dividends by the disallowed amount. As a result, income distributions by MMU in excess of the amount of MMU's exempt-interest dividends may be taxable as ordinary income as described below.

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*Exempt-Interest Dividends Subject to the Federal Alternative Minimum Tax*. Federal law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to individuals, trusts and estates. Interest received on certain otherwise tax-exempt securities may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. The alternative minimum tax applies to interest received on certain private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986. Private activity bonds are bonds that, although tax-exempt, are used for purposes other than those generally performed by governmental units and that benefit non-governmental entities (e.g., bonds used for industrial development or housing purposes). Income received on such bonds is classified as an item of "tax preference," which could subject certain investors in such bonds to the federal alternative minimum tax. A portion of the dividends paid on the MMU Common Shares and MMU Series 1 VRDPS, although otherwise exempt from federal income tax, may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. MMU will report to stockholders after the close of each calendar year the portion of MMU's dividends declared during the year that constitute an item of tax preference for alternative minimum tax purposes.

*Treatment of "Substantial Users*." The interest on private activity bonds in most instances is not federally tax-exempt to a person who is a "substantial user" of a facility financed by such bonds or a "related person" of such "substantial user." As a result, MMU may not be an appropriate investment for stockholders who are considered either a "substantial user" or a "related person" within the meaning of the Code. In general, a "substantial user" of a facility includes a "non-exempt person who regularly uses a part of such facility in his trade or business." "Related persons" are in general defined to include persons between whom there exists a relationship, either by family or business, which would result in a disallowance of losses in transactions between them under various provisions of the Code (or if they are members of the same controlled group of corporations under the Code), including a partnership and each of its partners (and certain members of their families), an S corporation and each of its stockholders (and certain members of their families) and various combinations of these and other relationships. The foregoing is not a complete description of all of the provisions of the Code covering the definitions of "substantial user" and "related person."

Stockholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to whether exempt-interest dividends retain the exclusion under Code Section 103(a) if a stockholder would be treated as a "substantial user" or "related person" with respect to property financed with the proceeds of an issue of private activity bonds, if any, held by MMU.

*Dividends Attributable to Ordinary Income and Capital Gains*. Distributions to stockholders by MMU of any net income received from taxable investments, any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss and any income from hedging or derivatives transactions that is treated as ordinary income (together referred to as "ordinary income dividends") are taxable to stockholders as ordinary income to the extent that such distributions are paid out of MMU's current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). All or a portion of MMU's gains from the sale or redemption of tax-exempt obligations purchased at a market discount may also be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain, in which case the distribution of such amounts would also generally be treated as ordinary income dividends. Distributions made from an excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss (including gains or losses from hedging or derivatives transactions that are treated as capital in nature) that are properly reported by MMU as "capital gain dividends" are taxable to stockholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time the stockholder has owned shares of MMU. Distributions paid by MMU that are reported as exempt-interest dividends will not be subject to regular federal income tax, subject to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax.

As long as MMU qualifies as a RIC under the Code, no part of its distributions to stockholders are expected to qualify for (i) the reduced tax rates applicable to "qualified dividend income" received by individual and other non-corporate stockholders or (ii) the dividends received deduction available to corporate stockholders.

*Returns of Capital.* Distributions, if any, in excess of MMU's current and accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a stockholder's MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS, as the case may be, and after that basis has been reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the stockholder.

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*Dividend Reinvestment Plan*. In the case of MMU Common Shares, distributions will be treated in the manner described above regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or invested in additional MMU Common Shares pursuant to the Plan. Holders of MMU Common Shares that receive distributions in the form of additional MMU Common Shares will generally be treated as receiving a distribution in the amount of cash that they would have received if they had elected to receive the distribution in cash, unless MMU issues additional MMU Common Shares with a fair market value equal to or greater than NAV, in which case such holders will be treated as receiving a distribution in the amount of the fair market value of the distributed MMU Common Shares. The additional MMU Common Shares received pursuant to the Plan will have a new holding period commencing on the day following the day on which the MMU Common Shares are credited to the stockholder's account.

*Allocation of Income*. Although MMU expects that its distributions to its stockholders will generally constitute exempt-interest dividends, some of those distributions may be taxable as capital gains or ordinary income or may be subject to the alternative minimum tax (even if otherwise exempt from federal income tax). The IRS currently requires a RIC that has two or more classes of shares outstanding to allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income for each taxable year based upon the percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for such year. MMU presently intends that, so long as the IRS maintains this position, it will allocate tax-exempt interest, net capital gains (if any) and ordinary income (if any) in each year between MMU Common Shares and MMU Preferred Shares, including the MMU Series 1 VRDPS, in proportion to the total dividends paid to each such class with respect to such year. MMU reserves the right, however, to make special allocations of income within a class, consistent with MMU's objectives and subject to applicable law. Distributions in excess of MMU's current and accumulated earnings and profits, if any, will not be allocated proportionately between MMU Common Shares and MMU Preferred Shares. Since MMU's current and accumulated earnings and profits will first be used to pay dividends on MMU Preferred Shares, distributions in excess of such earnings and profits, if any, will be made disproportionately to holders of MMU Common Shares.

*Timing of Income*. A distribution by MMU will be treated as paid on December 31 of any calendar year if it is declared by MMU in October, November or December with a record date in such a month and paid by MMU during January of the following calendar year. Such distributions will be taxable to stockholders in the calendar year in which the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.

**Sale or Exchange of MMU Shares** 

Upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS, (except pursuant to a redemption by MMU, as described below), a stockholder will generally realize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for the shares and the stockholder's basis in the shares. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS have been held for more than one year; otherwise, such capital gain or loss generally will be short-term capital gain or loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, long-term capital gains are currently eligible for reduced rates of taxation.

Losses realized by a stockholder on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS held for six months or less are disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received with respect to such shares, and, if not disallowed, such losses are treated as long-term capital losses to the extent of any distributions of long-term capital gain received (or amounts designated as undistributed capital gains) with respect to such shares. For these purposes, in determining whether MMU Series 1 VRDPS have been held for six months or less, a stockholder's holding period will be suspended by reason of the purchase agreement pursuant to which a third party liquidity provider is required to purchase tendered MMU Series 1 VRDPS, thus causing the rule described in the preceding sentence to apply.

Any loss realized by a stockholder on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS will be disallowed to the extent the stockholder acquires (including pursuant to

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the Plan) or enters into a contract or option to acquire securities that are substantially identical to such shares within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the replacement shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

*Redemptions of MMU Series 1 VRDPS*. The MMU Series 1 VRDPS are subject to optional (and, in certain cases, mandatory) redemption by MMU. Under Section 302 of the Code, any gain or loss realized by a stockholder on a redemption of its MMU Series 1 VRDPS will be taxed as gain or loss from the sale or exchange of the MMU Series 1 VRDPS (as described above) rather than as a dividend, but only if the redemption (a) is deemed not to be essentially equivalent to a dividend, (b) is in complete redemption of the stockholder's interest in MMU, or (c) is substantially disproportionate with respect to the stockholder. For these purposes, a stockholder's ownership of MMU Common Shares, as well as shares considered to be owned pursuant to certain constructive ownership rules, will be taken into account.

**Non-U.S. Stockholders** 

Ordinary income dividends paid to nonresident aliens or foreign entities ("non-U.S. stockholders") generally will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under an applicable tax treaty. Certain dividends that are attributable to short-term capital gains or "qualified net interest income" and that satisfy certain requirements are exempt from this withholding tax. Non-U.S. stockholders are generally not subject to U.S. federal income tax on exempt-interest dividends, capital gain dividends, undistributed capital gains credited to such investors or gains from the sale, exchange or other disposition of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS. The foregoing rules apply when the non-U.S. stockholder's income from its shares is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. If, however, any ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends, undistributed capital gains credited to a non-U.S. stockholder's account or gains realized from the sale, exchange or other disposition of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a non-U.S. stockholder, then such income will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. citizens or domestic corporations. A foreign corporation that has effectively connected income may also be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" imposed at a rate of 30% (or any lower treaty rate). Different tax consequences may result to an individual non-U.S. stockholder that is present in the United States for more than 182 days during a taxable year.

**FATCA** 

Under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (such sections commonly referred to as "FATCA"), a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax may apply to any dividends that MMU pays to (i) a "foreign financial institution" (as specifically defined in the Code and whether such foreign financial institution is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) which does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (x) an exemption from FATCA, or (y) its compliance (or deemed compliance) with FATCA (which may alternatively be in the form of compliance with an intergovernmental agreement with the United States) in a manner which avoids withholding, or (ii) a "non-financial foreign entity" (as specifically defined in the Code and whether such non-financial foreign entity is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) which does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (x) an exemption from FATCA, or (y) adequate information regarding certain substantial United States beneficial owners of such entity (if any). If a dividend payment is both subject to withholding under FATCA and subject to the withholding tax discussed above under "—Non-U.S. Stockholders," an applicable withholding agent may credit the withholding under FATCA against, and therefore reduce, such other withholding tax. Holders of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS should consult their own tax advisors regarding these rules and whether they may be relevant to their ownership and disposition of MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS.

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**Reporting and Backup Withholding** 

Holders of MMU Common Shares and MMU Series 1 VRDPS are required to report on their tax returns the amount of exempt-interest dividends received from MMU during a taxable year. MMU may be required to backup withhold (currently at a rate of 24%), for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion of the dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to holders of MMU Common Shares and MMU Series 1 VRDPS who fail to provide MMU with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Certain stockholders, including foreign stockholders, are exempt from backup withholding. A foreign stockholder can generally establish its exemption from backup withholding by providing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, or other applicable form. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a stockholder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

**The foregoing is only a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences affecting MMU and its stockholders. Current and prospective stockholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in MMU Common Shares or MMU Series 1 VRDPS.** 

**NET ASSET VALUE** 

Each Fund determines the NAV of its Common Shares on each day the NYSE is open for business, as of the close of the customary trading session (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), or any earlier closing time that day. Each Fund determines the NAV per Common Share by dividing the value of the Fund's securities, cash and other assets (including interest accrued but not collected) less all its liabilities (including accrued expenses, the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock and dividends payable) by the total number of Common Shares outstanding. Each Fund values portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available at market value. Each Fund's short-term investments are valued at amortized cost when the security has 60 days or less to maturity. Determination of the Common Shares' NAV is made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Each Fund values all other securities and assets at their fair value. If events occur that materially affect the value of a security between the time trading ends on the security and the close of the customary trading session of the NYSE, a Fund may value the security at its fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund. The effect of using fair value pricing is that the Common Shares' NAV will be subject to the judgment of the Board of Directors or its designee instead of being determined by the market.

Any swap transaction that a Fund enters into may, depending on the applicable interest rate environment, have a positive or negative value for purposes of calculating NAV. Any cap transaction that a Fund enters into may, depending on the applicable interest rate environment, have no value or a positive value. In addition, accrued payments to a Fund under such transactions will be assets of the Fund and accrued payments by the Fund will be liabilities of the Fund.

**DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND'S SECURITIES** 

The authorized capital stock of MMU is 500,000,000 shares, classified and designated as 499,981,297 MMU Common Shares, par value $.001 per share, 8,703 shares of Series 1 VRDPS, par value $.001 per share, 2,000 shares of Series M ARPS, par value $.001 per share, 2,000 shares of Series T ARPS, par value $.001 per share, 2,000 shares of Series W ARPS, par value $.001 per share, 2,000 shares of Series Th ARPS, par value $.001 per share and 2,000 shares of Series F ARPS, par value $.001 per share.

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The authorized capital stock of MNP is 100,000,000 shares, classified and designated as 99,997,870 MNP Common Shares, par value $.001 per share, 1,330 shares of Series 1 VRDPS, par value $.001 per share and 800 shares of Series M ARPS, par value $.001 per share.

The authorized capital stock of SBI is 100,000,000 shares, classified and designated as 99,996,104 SBI Common Shares, par value $.001 per share, 1,896 shares of Series 1 VRDPS, par value $.001 per share and 2,000 shares of Series M ARPS, par value $.001 per share.

The following table presents the number of shares of (i) capital stock authorized by each Fund, and (ii) capital stock outstanding for each class of authorized shares of each Fund as of December 31, 2022:

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| **Fund** | **Amount<br>Authorized** | **Amount<br>Authorized** | **Amount Outstanding<br>as of December 31, 2022** | **Amount Outstanding<br>as of December 31, 2022** |
|  MMU (Common Shares) |  | 499981297 |  | 43367851 |
|  MNP (Common Shares) |  | 99997870 |  | 9719063 |
|  SBI (Common Shares) |  | 99996104 |  | 14082315 |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Amount<br>Authorized** | **Amount<br>Authorized** | **Amount Outstanding<br>as of December 31, 2022** | **Amount Outstanding<br>as of December 31, 2022** |
|  MMU Series 1 VRDPS |  | 8703 |  | 8703 |
|  MNP Series 1 VRDPS |  | 1330 |  | 1330 |
|  SBI Series 1 VRDPS |  | 1896 |  | 1896 |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Amount<br>Authorized** | **Amount<br>Authorized** | **Amount Outstanding<br>as of December 31, 2022** | **Amount Outstanding<br>as of December 31, 2022** |
|  MMU ARPS |  | 10000 |  | 1031 |
|  MNP ARPS |  | 800 |  | 212 |
|  SBI ARPS |  | 2000 |  | 20 |

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There are no material differences between the rights of holders of MMU Common Shares and the holders of Target Fund Common Shares and the rights of holders of MMU VRDPS and holders of each Target Fund's VRDPS.

*MMU's Common Shares*. The outstanding MMU Common Shares are, and the MMU Common Shares to be issued in the Mergers will be, when issued, fully paid and nonassessable. All Target Fund Common Shares are equal as to dividends, distributions and voting privileges. There are no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. In the event of liquidation, each MMU Common Share is entitled to its proportion of MMU's assets after the payment of debts and expenses. There are no cumulative voting rights for the election of Directors.

*MMU's VRDPS*. MMU's Board of Directors may classify and issue VRDPS with rights as determined by the Board of Directors, by action of the Board of Directors without the approval of the holders of MMU Common Shares. Common stockholders have no preemptive right to purchase any VRDPS that might be issued. The Fund may elect to issue preferred stock as part of its leveraging strategy. MMU currently has the ability to issue leverage through the issuance of Preferred Stock, representing up to 50% of its total assets less liabilities and indebtedness of MMU (other than leverage consisting of VRDPS and other senior securities) immediately after the leverage is issued. The liquidation preference, voting rights and redemption provisions of the VRDPS are summarized below. These summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Articles Supplementary.

With respect to the VRDPS, MMU will issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference and terms as SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS, respectively, issued and outstanding immediately before the date of the Merger. As the liquidation preference for the newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS that will replace the MNP's Series 1

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VRDPS will be equal to the liquidation preference of the existing MMU's Series 1 VRDPS, MMU will issue a corresponding number of newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS so that the aggregate liquidation preference for the replaced MNP's Series 1 VRDPS remains the same. In addition, MMU will also issue and deliver to each Target Fund newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS with the same aggregate liquidation preference as SBI's ARPS and MNP's ARPS, respectively, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. Finally, MMU will issue additional VRDPS to replace its ARPS that are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The newly issued shares of MMU's VRDPS would have equal liquidation preference per share as any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS and equal priority with any other outstanding MMU's VRDPS as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of MMU. The accrual for SBI's Series 1 VRDPS and MNP's Series 1 VRDPS with respect to any accrued and unpaid dividends as of date of the Mergers would be assumed by MMU and would apply and be payable on an equivalent share-for-share basis and on the same dividend payment schedule to avoid any disruption to VRDPS holders. In connection with the Mergers but separate from the issuance of new shares of MMU's VRDPS to each Target Fund's current VRDPS holders and as a replacement for each Target Fund's redeemed ARPS, MMU will issue additional shares of VRDPS to enable MMU to seek to approximately maintain its current level of leverage.

<u>Liquidation Preference</u>. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of VRDPS will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution, equal to $25,000 per share of VRDPS plus accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, before any distribution of assets is made to common stockholders. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of VRDPS will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.

<u>Voting Rights</u>. The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any VRDPS, voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at least two Directors at all times. The remaining Directors will be elected by holders of MMU Common Shares and MMU Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class. Paolo M. Cucchi and Nisha Kumar have been designated by the Board of Directors as the Preferred Directors of the Fund with respect to the MRPS. Holders of the MRPS, and not Common Stockholders, will be entitled to vote on the election of each Preferred Director at the scheduled stockholder meeting at which such Preferred Director's term expires. In addition, subject to the prior rights, if any, of the holders of any other class of senior securities outstanding, the holders of any Preferred Stock have the right to elect a majority of the directors of the Fund at any time that two years of dividends on any Preferred Stock are unpaid. The 1940 Act also requires that, in addition to any approval by the stockholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, would be required to: (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the Preferred Stock and (ii) take any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund's subclassification as a closed-end investment company or changes in its fundamental investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund's ability to take any such actions may be impeded. Except as otherwise indicated in this Prospectus and except as otherwise required by applicable law or the Articles of Incorporation, holders of VRDPS will have equal voting rights with common stockholders (one vote per share, unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act) and will vote together with common stockholders as a single class.

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding VRDPS, voting as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or powers of holders of VRDPS so as to affect materially and adversely such preferences, rights or powers, or to issue preferred stock that ranks equally or senior to the VRDPS. The class vote of holders of VRDPS described above will in each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.

<u>Redemption, Purchase and Sale of Preferred Stock by each Fund</u>. Subject to certain conditions, the VRDPS may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of each Fund. The redemption price per share is equal to the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The Fund is required to redeem its VRDPS on the mandatory redemption date, March 4, 2045. In addition, the Fund is required to

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redeem certain of the VRDPS shares if the Fund fails to maintain certain asset coverage and rating agency guidelines.

***Maryland Business Combination Act***

The Maryland Business Combination Act will not be applicable to MMU, MNP or SBI as a closed-end investment company unless and until its respective Board of Directors adopts a resolution to be subject to the statute, provided that the resolution will not be effective with respect to a "business combination" with any person who has become an interested stockholder before the time that the resolution is adopted. Under the Maryland Business Combination Act, "business combinations" between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any person who beneficially owns ten percent or more of the voting power of the corporation's shares; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation.

A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which he otherwise would have become an interested stockholder.

After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 66 <sup>2</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub>% of the votes
entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the
interested stockholder.

These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation's Common Stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.

The Maryland Business Combination Act may discourage others from trying to acquire control of a Fund and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.

***Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act***

Each Fund opted into the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act ("MCSSA"). Each Fund will be subject to the MCSAA to the same extent as if it were a corporation formed under the Maryland General Corporation Law. The MCSAA provides that a holder of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition will not be entitled to vote its control shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter (i.e., entitled to vote on the restoration of voting rights for the holder of the control shares). Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by directors (or, in the case of the Fund, a

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Trustee) who are employees of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors (i.e., the Fund's trustees) within one of the following ranges of voting power:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• one-tenth or more but less than one-third,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• one-third or more but less than a majority, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a majority or more of all voting power.

Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained shareholder approval as described above. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of shareholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the holder of control shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any shareholders meeting.

If voting rights for the holder of control shares are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may repurchase for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved, subject to compliance with the 1940 Act. The right of the statutory trust to repurchase control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the holder of control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of shareholders at which the voting rights of the holder of control shares are considered and not approved if such a meeting is held. If voting rights for the holder of control shares are approved at a shareholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.

The MCSAA does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the Fund is a party to the transaction, (b) to shares acquired under the satisfaction of a pledge or other security interest created in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing the MCSAA, or (c) to acquisitions of shares approved or exempted by a provision contained in the declaration of trust or bylaws of the Fund and adopted at any time before the acquisition of the shares. Shareholders (together with any "associated persons" (as defined in the MCSAA)) that own less than ten percent of the shares entitled to vote in the election of trustees are not affected by the restrictions under the MCSAA. In addition, the Fund's declaration of trust provides that the MCSAA will not apply to any acquisition or proposed acquisition of shares of the Fund by any company that, in accordance with the 1940 Act or SEC exemptive order or other regulatory relief or guidance, votes the shares held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such security or all securities.

The MCSAA is designed to discourage others from trying to acquire control of the Fund for short-term objectives, including by converting the Fund to open-end status or changing the composition of the Board, that may be detrimental to the Fund's ability to achieve its primary investment objective of seeking high current income. Such provisions may limit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of each Fund. There can be no assurance, however, that such provisions will be sufficient to deter activist investors that seek to cause each Fund to take actions that may not be aligned with the interests of long-term shareholders.

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**Use of Leverage** 

Each Fund uses leverage to pursue its investment objectives. The Funds may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Funds may source leverage through a number of methods including the issuance of preferred shares, investments in inverse floating rate securities and borrowings. In addition, the Funds may also use certain derivatives that have the economic effect of leverage by creating additional investment exposure. The amount and sources of leverage will vary depending on market conditions.

**5% BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (MMU)** 

At [ ], to the knowledge of management, the registered stockholders who owned of record or owned beneficially more than 5% of MMU's capital stock outstanding is noted in the table below. As of the close of business on [ ], Cede & Co., a nominee for participants in the Depository Trust Company, held of record [ ] shares, equal to approximately 99% of MMU's outstanding shares including the shares shown below.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Class** | **Percent** | **Percent** |  | **Name** | **Name** |  | **Address** | **Address** |  |
| [ ] |  | [ | ] |  | [ | ] |  | [ | ] |

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(1) [ ]

**5% BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (MNP)** 

At [ ], to the knowledge of management, the registered stockholders who owned of record or owned beneficially more than 5% of MNP's capital stock outstanding is noted in the table below. As of the close of business on [ ], Cede & Co., a nominee for participants in the Depository Trust Company, held of record [ ] shares, equal to approximately 99% of MNP's outstanding shares including the shares shown below.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Class** | **Percent** | **Percent** |  | **Name** | **Name** |  | **Address** | **Address** |  |
| [ ] |  | [ | ] |  | [ | ] |  | [ | ] |

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(1) [ ]

**5% BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (SBI)** 

At [ ], to the knowledge of management, the registered stockholders who owned of record or owned beneficially more than 5% of SBI's capital stock outstanding is noted in the table below. As of the close of business on [ ], Cede & Co., a nominee for participants in the Depository Trust Company, held of record [ ] shares, equal to approximately 99% of SBI's outstanding shares including the shares shown below.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Class** | **Percent** | **Percent** |  | **Name** | **Name** |  | **Address** | **Address** |  |
| [ ] |  | [ | ] |  | [ | ] |  | [ | ] |

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(1) [ ]

**VOTING INFORMATION** 

This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is furnished in connection with a solicitation of proxies by the Funds' Board of Directors to be used at the Meeting. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus, along with the Notice of Meeting and a proxy card, are first being mailed to MMU, MNP and SBI stockholders on or about [ ], 2023 or as soon as practicable thereafter.

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**<u>Record Date</u>**

Only stockholders of record of MMU, MNP and SBI at the close of business on May 3, 2023 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and at any postponement or adjournment thereof. On May 3, 2023, there were [ ].

**<u>Quorum</u>**

A quorum of MNP stockholders is required to take action at the Meeting. A majority of the outstanding MNP shares entitled to vote at the Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum of stockholders at the Meeting. Additionally, a quorum of SBI stockholders is required to take action at the Meeting. A majority of the outstanding SBI share entitled to vote at the Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum of stockholders at the Meeting. Similarly, a quorum of MMU stockholders is required to take action at the Meeting. A majority of the outstanding MMU share entitled to vote at the Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum of stockholders at the Meeting. Photographic identification will be required for admission to the Meeting.

**<u>Broker Non-Votes and Abstentions</u>**

Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Meeting will be tabulated by the inspector of election appointed for the Meeting. The inspector of election, who is an employee of the proxy solicitor engaged by the Funds, will determine whether or not a quorum is present at the Meeting. The inspector of election will treat abstentions and "broker non-votes" (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees, typically in "street name," as to which proxies have been returned but (a) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and (b) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter) as present for purposes of determining a quorum.

If you hold shares directly (not through a broker-dealer, bank or other financial intermediary) and if you return a signed proxy card that does not specify how you wish to vote on a proposal, your shares will be voted "FOR" the Proposal.

Broker-dealer firms holding MNP shares, SBI shares or MMU shares in "street name" for the benefit of their customers and clients will request the instructions of such customers and clients on how to vote their shares on the proposed Merger before the Meeting. The NYSE has taken the position that a broker-dealer that is a member of the NYSE and that has not received instructions from a customer or client prior to the date specified in the broker-dealer firm's request for voting instructions may not vote such customer or client's shares with respect to a proposal. If a service agent is not a member of the NYSE, it may be permissible for the service agent to vote shares with respect to which it has not received specific voting instructions from its customers on a proposal. A signed proxy card or other authorization by a beneficial owner of MNP shares, SBI shares or MMU shares that does not specify how the beneficial owner's shares should be voted on the proposed Merger will be deemed an instruction to vote such shares in favor of the proposed Merger.

If you hold MNP shares, SBI shares or MMU shares through a service agent that has entered into a service agreement with either Fund, the service agent may be the record holder of your MNP shares, SBI shares or MMU shares. At the Meeting, a service agent will vote shares for which it receives instructions from its customers in accordance with those instructions. A signed proxy card or other authorization by a stockholder that does not specify how the stockholder's shares should be voted on a proposal may be deemed to authorize a service agent to vote such shares in favor of the applicable proposal. Depending on its policies, applicable law or contractual or other restrictions, a service agent may be permitted to vote shares with respect to which it has not received specific voting instructions from its customers. In those cases, the service agent may, but may not be required to, vote such shares in the same proportion as those shares for which the service agent has received voting instructions. This practice is commonly referred to as "echo voting."

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If you beneficially own shares that are held in "street name" through a broker-dealer or that are held of record by a service agent and if you do not give specific voting instructions for your shares, they may not be voted at all or, as described above, they may be voted in a manner that you may not intend. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to give your broker-dealer or service agent specific instructions as to how you want your shares to be voted.

**<u>Revocation</u>**

A stockholder may revoke a proxy at any time on or before the Meeting by either (1) submitting to the applicable Fund a subsequently dated proxy, (2) delivering to the applicable Fund a written notice of revocation (addressed to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Fund at the address shown at the beginning of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus) or (3) otherwise giving notice of revocation at the Meeting, at all times prior to the exercise of the authority granted in the proxy card. Merely attending the Meeting, however, will not revoke any previously executed proxy. Unless revoked, all valid and executed proxies will be voted in accordance with the specifications thereon or, in the absence of such specifications, for approval of the proposed Merger.

Even if you plan to attend the Meeting, we ask that you return the enclosed proxy card or vote by telephone or through the internet. This will help us ensure that an adequate number of shares are present for the Meeting to be held.

**Required Vote:** 

Each Merger was approved by the Board of each Fund. Because the Merger of MNP into MMU has been approved by at least 75% of MNP's "Continuing Directors" as that term is defined in MNP's charter, approval of the Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of common stock of MNP and holders of preferred stock of MNP (voting as a class). Additionally, because the Merger of SBI into MMU has been approved by at least 70% of SBI's Board, approval of the Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of common stock of SBI and holders of preferred stock of SBI (voting as a class). Similarly, because the Merger has been approved by at least 75% of MMU's "Continuing Directors" (as that term is defined in MMU's charter) approval of each Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by holders of MMU common stock and MMU preferred stock (voting as a class).

Approval of the Proposal will occur only if a sufficient number of votes at the Meeting are cast "FOR" that Proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered "votes cast" and, therefore, do not constitute a vote "FOR" the Proposal. Abstentions effectively result in a vote AGAINST the Proposal. Any broker non-votes would effectively be treated as a vote "AGAINST" the Proposal.

**Adjournments and Postponements** 

If the necessary quorum to transact business or the vote required to approve the proposals is not obtained at the Meeting, the chairman of the Meeting or the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments or postponements of the Meeting in accordance with applicable law to permit further solicitation of proxies. If in the judgment of the chairman of the Meeting, it is advisable to defer action on the Proposals, the chairman of the Meeting may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting with respect to the Proposals for a reasonable period or periods. The Meeting may be adjourned up to 120 days after the original record date for the Meeting without further notice other than announcement at the Meeting.

**OTHER BUSINESS** 

The Board of each Fund does not intend to present any other business at the Meeting. If, however, any other matters are properly brought before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the persons named as proxies will vote thereon in accordance with their judgment.

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**APPRAISAL RIGHTS** 

Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, holders of MNP shares or SBI shares are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger.

**EXPENSES OF PROXY SOLICITATION** 

The costs of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing material in connection with this solicitation of proxies are estimated to be approximately $400,000, and will be borne by the Funds, or an affiliate thereof. Any additional costs of the Meeting will be borne by the Funds. Proxies may also be solicited in-person, by telephone or by use of the mails by officers of the Funds, by regular employees of LMPFA, Western Asset or their affiliates or by other representatives of the Funds. Brokerage houses, banks and other fiduciaries may be requested to forward proxy solicitation material to their principals to obtain authorization for the execution of proxies and will be reimbursed by the Funds for such out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, the Funds have retained Georgeson LLC ("Georgeson"), a proxy solicitation firm, to assist in the solicitation of proxies. It is anticipated that Georgeson will be paid approximately $[ ] for such solicitation services (not including reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses), which costs are to be borne by the Funds. Georgeson may solicit proxies personally and by telephone.

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**INDEX OF APPENDICES** 

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|:---|:---|:---|
|  Appendix A | Form of Agreement and Plan Of Merger | A-1 |
|  Appendix B | Description of Moody's and S&P Ratings | B-1 |
|  Appendix C | Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC Proxy Voting Policy | C-1 |
|  Appendix D | Western Asset Management, LLC Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures | D-1 |

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**APPENDIX A** 

**<u>FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER</u>**

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER ("Agreement") is made as of this [ ] day of [ ], 2023 between [ ] (the "Acquired Fund"), a Maryland corporation with its principal place of business at 620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor, New York, New York 10018, and Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (the "Acquiring Fund"), a Maryland corporation with its principal place of business at 620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor, New York, New York 10018.

WHEREAS, each of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund is a closed-end management investment company registered pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");

WHEREAS, it is intended that, for United States federal income tax purposes (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and (ii) that this Agreement shall constitute a "plan of reorganization" for purposes of the Code;

WHEREAS, the reorganization will consist of the merger of the Acquired Fund with and into the Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Maryland General Corporation Law as provided herein, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Acquired Fund currently owns securities that are generally assets of the character in which the Acquiring Fund is permitted to invest;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Acquiring Fund (the "Acquiring Fund Board") has determined, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, that the Merger (as hereinafter defined) is in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and its stockholders and that the interests of the existing stockholders of the Acquiring Fund will not be diluted as a result of this transaction;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Acquired Fund (the "Acquired Fund Board") has determined, with respect to the Acquired Fund, that the Merger (as hereinafter defined) is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its stockholders and that the interests of the existing stockholders of the Acquired Fund will not be diluted as a result of this transaction;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** BASIC TRANSACTION

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) On and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Acquired Fund will merge with and into the Acquiring Fund (the "Merger") at the Closing Date (as defined in Section 1.2 below) in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Acquiring Fund shall be the surviving corporation and an investment company registered pursuant to the 1940 Act. From and after the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund shall (i) possess all of the properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers and shall be subject to all of the restrictions, liabilities, obligations, disabilities and duties of the Acquired Fund (other than the investment objectives, policies, strategies or limitations of the Acquired Fund, whether fundamental or non-fundamental), all as provided under Maryland law and (ii) assume all of the Acquired Fund's liabilities, which assumed liabilities shall include all of the Acquired Fund's liabilities, debts, obligations, and duties of whatever kind or nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or otherwise.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquiring Fund shall, on the Closing Date, issue the number of shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock (as defined in Section 2.1(p)) having the same aggregate net asset value as the Acquired Fund's common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Acquired Fund Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately before the Closing Date, based on the net asset value per share of each of the parties at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Business Day (as hereinafter defined) immediately before the Closing Date (the "Valuation Time"). The Closing Date and the Valuation Time must each be on a day on which the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for trading (a "Business Day").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Acquiring Fund shall, on the Closing Date, issue the same number of newly issued shares of Series 2 Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock (as defined in Section 2.1(p)) having identical terms as the Acquired Fund's Series 1 preferred stock ("Acquired Fund Preferred Stock") as the number of shares of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately before the Closing Date. The aggregate liquidation preference of the Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock to be distributed to the holders of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock held immediately before the Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock will have equal priority with any other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The accrual for the Acquired Fund Preferred Stock with respect to any accrued and unpaid dividends as of the Closing Date will be assumed by the Acquiring Fund and will apply, and be payable on an equivalent share-for-share basis, with respect to the Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock on the same dividend payment schedule as applied to the Acquired Fund Preferred Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.2 Actions at Closing. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") on the date thereof (the "Closing Date"), (i) the Acquired Fund will deliver to the Acquiring Fund the various certificates and documents referred to in Article 6 below, (ii) the Acquiring Fund will deliver to the Acquired Fund the various certificates and documents referred to in Article 5 below, (iii) the Acquired Fund will file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the "Department") articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger") and make all other filings or recordings required by Maryland law in connection with the Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.3 Effect of Merger. Subject to the requisite approvals of the stockholders of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, and to the other terms and conditions described herein, the Merger shall become effective at such time as the Articles of Merger are accepted for record by the Department and the separate corporate existence of the Acquired Fund shall cease. Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired Fund is, and shall remain, the responsibility of the Acquired Fund up to and including the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.** REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund that the statements contained in this Section 2.1 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquired Fund that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Acquiring Fund is a corporation duly organized, validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the Department, and has the power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquiring Fund is duly registered under the 1940 Act as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company (File No. 811-06629) and such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full force and effect. The Acquiring Fund is qualified as a foreign corporation in every jurisdiction where required, except to the extent that failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except (i) such as have been

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obtained or applied for under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and the 1940 Act, (ii) such as may be required by state securities laws and (iii) such as may be required under Maryland law for the acceptance for record of the Articles of Merger by the Department.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Maryland or of the charter of the Acquiring Fund (the "Acquiring Fund Charter") or the Bylaws, as amended (the "Acquiring Fund Bylaws"), of the Acquiring Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Acquiring Fund has been furnished with the Acquired Fund's (i) Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended May 31, 2022 and (ii) Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders for the six-month period ended November 30, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Acquired Fund has been furnished with the Acquiring Fund's (i) Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended May 31, 2022 and (ii) Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders for the six-month period ended November 30, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Acquiring Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquiring Fund Board, and, subject to stockholder approval, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) No material litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending (in which service of process has been received) or to its knowledge threatened against the Acquiring Fund or any properties or assets held by it. The Acquiring Fund knows of no facts that might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings which would materially and adversely affect its business and is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) There are no material contracts outstanding to which the Acquiring Fund is a party that have not been disclosed in the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 2.1(n) below) or will not be otherwise disclosed to the Acquired Fund prior to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Since [ ], 2023, there has not been any material adverse change in the Acquiring Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or business and the Acquiring Fund has no known liabilities of a material amount, contingent or otherwise, required to be disclosed in a balance sheet with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") other than those shown on the Acquiring Fund's statements of assets, liabilities and capital referred to above, those incurred in the ordinary course of its business as an investment company since [ ], 2023, and those incurred in connection with the Merger. Prior to the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund will advise the Acquired Fund in writing of all known liabilities, contingent or otherwise, whether or not incurred in the ordinary course of business, existing or accrued. For purposes of this Section 2.1(j), a decline in net asset value per share of the Acquiring Fund due to declines in market values of securities in the Acquiring Fund's portfolio or the discharge of the Acquiring Fund liabilities will not constitute a material adverse change.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) All federal and other material tax returns and information reports of the Acquiring Fund required by law to have been filed shall have been timely filed (including any extensions) and such returns and reports are correct in all material respects. All taxes shown as due or required to be shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been paid or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof. To the best of the Acquiring Fund's knowledge, no federal or other material tax return of the Acquiring Fund is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to any such returns.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) The Acquiring Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (a "RIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes and for each taxable year of its operation, the Acquiring Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a RIC and has been eligible to and has computed its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code. The Acquiring Fund intends to continue to meet such requirements and to so compute its federal income tax for each subsequent taxable year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) The Acquiring Fund has not taken any action and does not know of any fact or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) The registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") by the Acquiring Fund on Form N-14 relating to the Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement, and any supplement or amendment thereto or to the documents therein (as amended, the "Registration Statement"), on the effective date of the Registration Statement, at the time of the stockholders' meeting referred to in Section 4.2 of this Agreement and at the Closing Date, insofar as it relates to the Acquiring Fund (i) shall have complied or will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) did not or will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and the prospectus included therein did not or will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the representations and warranties in this Section 2.1(n) shall not apply to statements in, or omissions from, the Registration Statement made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished by the Acquired Fund for use in the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) All issued and outstanding shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock (i) have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities laws, or applicable exemptions therefrom, (ii) are, and on the Closing Date will be, duly and validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and (iii) will be held at the time of the Closing by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the records of the transfer agent. The Acquiring Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue 499,978,071 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Acquiring Fund Common Stock") and 21,929 shares of preferred stock (the "Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock") The Acquiring Fund has filed Articles Supplementary with respect to the Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock before the Closing; each outstanding share of which is fully paid, non-assessable and has full voting rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) The offer and sale of the shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement will be in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws or applicable exemptions therefrom.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) At or prior to the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund will have obtained any and all regulatory, board and stockholder approvals necessary to issue the shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) The books and records of the Acquiring Fund made available to the Acquired Fund are substantially true and correct and contain no material misstatements or omissions with respect to the operations of the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) The Acquiring Fund Board has not adopted a resolution electing to be subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act or the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2 Representations and Warranties of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to the Acquiring Fund that the statements contained in this Section 2.2 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquiring Fund that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Acquired Fund is a corporation duly organized, validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the Department, and has the power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquired Fund is duly registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end, diversified management investment company (File No. 811-[ ]), and such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full force and effect. The Acquired Fund is qualified as a foreign corporation in every jurisdiction where required, except to the extent that failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except (i) such as have been obtained or applied for under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act, (ii) such as may be required by state securities laws and (iii) such as may be required under Maryland law for the acceptance for record of the Articles of Merger by the Department.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Acquired Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Maryland or of the charter of the Acquired Fund (the "Acquired Fund Charter") or the Bylaws, as amended (the "Acquired Fund Bylaws"), of the Acquired Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Acquired Fund has been furnished with the Acquiring Fund's (i) Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended May 31, 2022 and (ii) Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders for the six-month period ended November 30, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Acquiring Fund has been furnished with the Acquired Fund's (i) Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended May 31, 2022 and (ii) Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders for the six-month period ended November 30, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Acquired Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquired Fund Board, and, subject to stockholder approval, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) At the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to its assets held immediately before the Closing Date, which are free and clear of any material liens, pledges or encumbrances except those previously disclosed to the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) No material litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending (in which service of process has been received) or to its knowledge threatened against the Acquired Fund or any properties or assets held by it. The Acquired Fund knows of no facts that might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings which would materially and adversely affect its business and is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The Acquiring Fund Common Stock and the Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock to be issued to the Acquired Fund pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will not be acquired for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than to Acquired Fund stockholders as provided in Section 1.1(c).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) There are no material contracts outstanding to which the Acquired Fund is a party that have not been disclosed in the Registration Statement or will not be otherwise disclosed to the Acquiring Fund prior to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Since [ ], 2023, there has not been any material adverse change in the Acquired Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or business and the Acquired Fund has no known liabilities of a material amount, contingent or otherwise, required to be disclosed in a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP other than those shown on the Acquired Fund's statements of assets, liabilities and capital referred to above, those incurred in the ordinary course of its business as an investment company since [ ], 2023, and those incurred in connection with the Merger. Prior to the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will advise the Acquiring Fund in writing of all known liabilities, contingent or otherwise, whether or not incurred in the ordinary course of business, existing or accrued. For purposes of this Section 2.2(l), a decline in net asset value per share of the Acquired Fund due to declines in market values of securities in the Acquired Fund's portfolio or the discharge of the Acquired Fund liabilities will not constitute a material adverse change.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) All federal and other material tax returns and information reports of the Acquired Fund required by law to have been filed shall have been timely filed (including any extensions) and such returns and reports are correct in all material respects. All taxes shown as due or required to be shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been paid or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof. To the best of the Acquired Fund's knowledge, no federal or other material tax return of the Acquired Fund is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to any such returns.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) The Acquired Fund has elected to be treated as a "RIC" for U.S. federal income tax purposes and for each taxable year of its operation, the Acquired Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a RIC and has been eligible to and has computed its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code. The Acquired Fund intends to continue to meet such requirements and to so compute its federal income tax for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) The Acquired Fund has not taken any action and does not know of any fact or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The Registration Statement, on the effective date of the Registration Statement, at the time of the stockholders' meetings referred to in Section 4.2 of this Agreement and at the Closing Date, insofar as it relates to the Acquired Fund (i) shall have complied or will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) did not or will not

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contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and the prospectus included therein did not or will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the representations and warranties in this Section 2.2(o) shall only apply to statements in, or omissions from, the Registration Statement made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished by the Acquiring Fund for use in the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) All issued and outstanding shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock and Acquired Fund Preferred Stock (i) have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities laws, or applicable exemptions therefrom, (ii) are, and on the Closing Date will be, duly and validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and (iii) will be held at the time of the Closing by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the records of the transfer agent as provided in Section 4.7. The Acquired Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) The books and records of the Acquired Fund made available to the Acquiring Fund are substantially true and correct and contain no material misstatements or omissions with respect to the operations of the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) The Acquired Fund Board has not adopted a resolution electing to be subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act or the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) At or prior to the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will have obtained any and all regulatory, board and stockholder approvals necessary to enter into and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.** EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE ACQUIRED FUND

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 Merger Mechanics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Merger Consideration</u>. Subject to the requisite approval of the stockholders of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, and the other terms and conditions contained herein, on the Closing Date, each share of Acquired Fund Common Stock will be converted into an equivalent dollar amount (to the nearest one one-hundredth of one cent) of full shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock, computed based on the net asset value per share of each of the parties at the Valuation Time. No fractional shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock will be issued to the holders of Acquired Fund Common Stock. In lieu thereof, the Acquiring Fund will purchase all fractional shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock for cash at the current net asset value per share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock for the account of all holders of fractional interests, and each such holder will receive such holder's pro rata share of the proceeds of such purchase. In addition, each holder of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive that number of shares of Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock on such date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Computation of Net Asset Value</u>. The net asset value per share of the Acquired Fund Common Stock and the Acquiring Fund Common Stock shall be determined as of the Valuation Time, and no formula will be used to adjust the net asset value per share so determined of either of the parties' common stock to take into account differences in realized and unrealized gains and losses. The value of the assets of the Acquired Fund to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund shall be determined by the Acquiring Fund pursuant to the principles and procedures consistently utilized by the Acquiring Fund in valuing its own assets and determining its own liabilities for purposes of the Merger, which principles and procedures are substantially similar to those employed by the Acquired Fund when valuing its own assets and determining its own liabilities. Such valuation and determination shall be made by the Acquiring Fund in cooperation with the Acquired Fund and shall be

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confirmed in writing by the Acquiring Fund to the Acquired Fund. The net asset value per share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock shall be determined in accordance with such procedures, and the Acquiring Fund shall certify the computations involved.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2 Stock Certificates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) As of the Closing Date, all outstanding certificates representing shares of the Acquired Fund Common Stock and Acquired Fund Preferred Stock will be deemed cancelled and shall no longer evidence ownership thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In lieu of delivering certificates for Acquiring Fund Common Stock or Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock, the Acquiring Fund shall credit the Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock, as applicable, to the Acquired Fund's account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquired Fund's transfer agent shall deliver at Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the holders of Acquired Fund Common Stock and Acquired Fund Preferred Stock and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding shares owned by each such stockholder immediately before the Closing. The Acquiring Fund's transfer agent shall issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund's Secretary a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquired Fund that such Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock has been credited to the Acquired Fund's account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. Certificates for the Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock will be sent to receiving stockholders as soon as practicable after the Closing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) With respect to any holder of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock holding certificates representing shares of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock as of the Closing Date, and subject to the Acquiring Fund being informed thereof in writing by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund will not permit such stockholder to receive shares of Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock (or to vote as a stockholder of the Acquiring Fund) until such stockholder has surrendered his or her outstanding certificates evidencing ownership of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock, or, in the event of lost certificates, posted adequate bond or an affidavit of lost or destroyed certificate. The Acquired Fund will request its stockholders to surrender their outstanding certificates representing shares of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock or post adequate bond therefor. Dividends or other distributions payable to holders of record of shares of Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock as of any date after the Closing Date and before the exchange of certificates by any holder of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock shall be credited to such stockholder, without interest; however, such dividends or other distributions shall not be paid unless and until such stockholder surrenders his or her certificates representing shares of Acquired Fund Preferred Stock for exchange.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) After the Closing Date, the stock transfer books of the Acquired Fund shall be closed and thereafter there shall be no further registration of transfers of Acquired Fund Common Stock that were outstanding prior to the Closing Date. After the Closing Date, certificates or book-entry shares presented for transfer shall be canceled and exchanged for the merger consideration described in Section 3.1(a) above, as applicable, provided for, and in accordance with the procedures set forth in, this Article 3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3 Withholding Taxes. The Acquiring Fund or its designee will be entitled to deduct and withhold from amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock or Acquired Fund Preferred Stock such amounts as the Acquiring Fund shall determine in good faith are required to be deducted and withheld with respect to such payments under the Code and the rules and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. Any amounts so deducted and withheld will be timely paid to the applicable tax authority and will be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock or Acquired Fund Preferred Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.** COVENANTS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 Operations in the Normal Course. Each party covenants to operate its business in the ordinary course between the date hereof and the Closing Date, it being understood that such ordinary course of business will include (i) the declaration and payment of customary dividends and other distributions and (ii) in the case of the Acquired Fund, preparing for its deregistration, except that the distribution of dividends pursuant to Sections 4.10 and 6.7 of this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a breach of the provisions of this Section 4.1.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 Stockholders' Meetings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund each shall have held a meeting of its respective stockholders for the purpose of considering the Merger as described herein by the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund mailed to each of its respective stockholders of record entitled to vote at the meeting of stockholders at which action is to be considered regarding the Merger, in sufficient time to comply with requirements as to notice thereof, a combined proxy statement ("Proxy Statement") and prospectus ("Prospectus") which complies in all material respects with the applicable provisions of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act and Section 20(a) of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations, respectively, thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3 Articles of Merger. The parties agree that, as soon as practicable after satisfaction of all conditions to the Merger, they will jointly file executed Articles of Merger with the Department and make all other filings or recordings required by Maryland law in connection with the Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4 Regulatory Filings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Acquired Fund undertakes that, if the Merger is consummated, it will file, or cause its agents to file, an application pursuant to Section 8(f) of the 1940 Act for an order declaring that the Acquired Fund has ceased to be a registered investment company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquiring Fund has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which has become effective. The Acquired Fund agrees to cooperate fully with the Acquiring Fund, and has furnished to the Acquiring Fund the information relating to itself to be set forth in the Registration Statement as required by the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder and the state securities or blue sky laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.5 Preservation of Assets. The Acquiring Fund agrees that it has no plan or intention to sell or otherwise dispose of the assets of the Acquired Fund to be acquired in the Merger, except for dispositions made in the ordinary course of business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.6 Tax Matters. Each of the parties agrees that by the Closing Date all of its federal and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed on or before such date shall have been filed (including any extensions), and all taxes shown as due or required to be shown as due on said returns and reports will either have been paid or adequate liability reserves will have been provided for the payment of such taxes. In connection with this covenant, the parties agree to cooperate with each other in filing any tax return, amended return or claim for refund, determining a liability for taxes or a right to a refund of taxes or participating in or conducting any audit or other proceeding in respect of taxes. The Acquiring Fund agrees to retain for a period of seven (7) years following the Closing Date all returns, schedules and work papers and all material records or other documents relating to tax matters of the Acquired Fund for its final taxable year and for all prior taxable periods. Any information obtained under this Section 4.6 shall be kept confidential except as otherwise may be necessary in connection with the filing of returns or claims for refund or in conducting an audit or other proceeding. After the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund shall prepare, or cause its agents to prepare, any federal, state or local tax returns, including any Forms 1099, required to be filed and provided to required persons by the Acquired Fund

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with respect to its final taxable year ending with the Closing Date and for any prior periods or taxable years for which the due date for such return has not passed as of the Closing Date and further shall cause such tax returns and Forms 1099 to be duly filed with the appropriate taxing authorities and provided to required persons. Notwithstanding the aforementioned provisions of this Section 4.6, any expenses incurred by the Acquiring Fund (other than for payment of taxes) in excess of any accrual for such expenses by the Acquired Fund in connection with the preparation and filing of said tax returns and Forms 1099 after the Closing Date shall be borne by the Acquiring Fund.

As promptly as practicable following the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall furnish to the Acquiring Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund, a statement of the earnings and profits of the Acquired Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as well as any capital loss carryovers, that the Acquiring Fund will succeed to and take into account as a result of Section 381 of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7 Stockholder List. Prior to the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall have made arrangements with its transfer agent to deliver to the Acquiring Fund a list of the names and addresses of all of the holders of record of Acquired Fund Common Stock on the Closing Date and the respective number of shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock owned by each such stockholder, certified by the Acquired Fund's transfer agent or President to the best of their knowledge and belief. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund (i) will use all reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) shall execute and deliver officer's certificates containing appropriate representations at such time or times, including the effective date of the Registration Statement and the Closing Date, as may be reasonably requested by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel to the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, for purposes of rendering an opinion with respect to the tax treatment of the Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.8 Delisting, Termination of Registration as an Investment Company. The Acquired Fund agrees that the (i) delisting of the shares of the Acquired Fund with the NYSE and (ii) termination of its registration as an investment company will be effected in accordance with applicable law as soon as practicable following the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9 Preferred Stock. The Acquiring Fund will comply with the terms and provisions of Articles Supplementary for the Series [●] Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock, which Articles Supplementary will provide for such Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock to have identical terms as the Acquired Fund Preferred Stock for which it is being exchanged.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.10 Tax Dividend. The Acquired Fund shall, to the extent necessary, declare a dividend or dividends, with a record and ex-dividend date prior to the Valuation Time, which, together with all previous dividends, shall have the effect of distributing to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund substantially all of the Acquired Fund's investment company taxable income (as defined in Section 852(b) of the Code, but computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and net capital gains (after reduction for any capital loss carryover) for all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.** CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND

The obligations of the Acquired Fund to consummate the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at the Acquired Fund's election, to the following conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1 Certificates and Statements by the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Acquiring Fund shall have furnished a statement of assets, liabilities and capital, together with a schedule of investments with their respective dates of acquisition and tax costs, certified on its behalf by its President (or any Vice President) and its Principal Financial Officer (or Treasurer), and a certificate executed by both such officers, dated the Closing Date, certifying that there has been no material adverse change in its financial position since [ ], 2023 other than changes in its portfolio securities since that date or changes in the market value of its portfolio securities.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquiring Fund shall have furnished to the Acquired Fund a certificate signed by its President (or any Vice President), dated the Closing Date, certifying that as of the Closing Date, all representations and warranties made by the Acquiring Fund in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as if made at and as of such date and the Acquiring Fund has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such dates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2 Absence of Litigation. There shall be no material litigation pending with respect to the matters contemplated by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3 Legal Opinions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Acquired Fund shall have received an opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as counsel to the Acquiring Fund, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Acquired Fund and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Acquiring Fund is registered as a closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Acquired Fund, the Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws pertaining to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by equitable principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) to such counsel's knowledge, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any United States federal or New York state court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the Merger, except that it is understood that no opinion is expressed in this Section (iii) with respect to federal or state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under federal or state securities laws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) the Registration Statement has become effective under the 1933 Act and the Proxy Statement and Prospectus was filed on [ ], 2023 pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the rules and regulations of the SEC under the 1933 Act and, to such counsel's knowledge, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued or proceeding for that purpose has been instituted or threatened by the SEC; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the Merger will not, violate any material provision of any agreement set forth in a schedule to the opinion, which the Acquiring Fund has advised such counsel are all material contracts to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which the Acquiring Fund is bound, except insofar as the parties have agreed to amend such provision as a condition precedent to the Merger.

In giving the opinion set forth above, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP may state that it is relying on certificates of officers of the Acquiring Fund with regard to matters of fact and certain certificates and written statements of governmental officials with respect to the good standing of the Acquiring Fund and on the opinion of Venable LLP as to matters of Maryland law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquired Fund shall have received an opinion of Venable LLP, as Maryland counsel to the Acquiring Fund, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Acquired Fund and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Acquiring Fund is a corporation duly organized, validly existing under the law of the State of Maryland and in good standing with the Department;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the Acquiring Fund has the corporate power to carry on its business as a closed-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquiring Fund, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Acquired Fund, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws pertaining to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by equitable principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) to such counsel's knowledge, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any Maryland state court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the Merger, except that it is understood that no opinion is expressed in this Section (iv) with respect to federal or state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under federal or state securities laws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the Merger will not, violate any material provision of the Acquiring Fund Charter or the Acquiring Fund Bylaws, as amended, except insofar as the parties have agreed to amend such provision as a condition precedent to the Merger.

In giving the opinion set forth above, Venable LLP may state that it is relying on certificates of officers of the Acquiring Fund with regard to matters of fact and certain certificates and written statements of governmental officials with respect to the good standing of the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.4 Regulatory Orders. The Acquiring Fund shall have received from any relevant state securities administrator such order or orders as are reasonably necessary or desirable under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any applicable state securities or blue sky laws in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that all such orders shall be in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.5 Satisfaction of the Acquired Fund. All proceedings taken by the Acquiring Fund and its counsel in connection with the Merger and all documents incidental thereto shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.** CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND

The obligations of the Acquiring Fund to consummate the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at the Acquiring Fund's election, to the following conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1 Certificates and Statements by the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Acquired Fund shall have furnished a statement of assets, liabilities and capital, together with a schedule of investments with their respective dates of acquisition and tax costs, certified on its behalf by its President (or any Vice President) and its Principal Financial Officer (or Treasurer), and a certificate executed by both such officers, dated the Closing Date, certifying that there has been no material adverse change in its financial position since [ ], 2023, other than changes in its portfolio securities since that date or changes in the market value of its portfolio securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund a certificate signed by its President (or any Vice President), dated the Closing Date, certifying that as of the Closing Date, all representations and warranties made by the Acquired Fund in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as if made at and as of such date and that the Acquired Fund has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.2 Absence of Litigation. There shall be no material litigation pending with respect to the matters contemplated by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.3 Legal Opinions.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Acquiring Fund shall have received an opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as counsel to the Acquired Fund, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Acquired Fund is registered as a closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Acquiring Fund, the Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquired Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws pertaining to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by equitable principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) to such counsel's knowledge, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any United States federal or New York state court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the Merger, except that it is understood that no opinion is expressed in this Section (iii) with respect to federal or state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under federal or state securities laws; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the Merger will not, violate any material provision of any agreement set forth in a schedule to the opinion, which the Acquired Fund has advised such counsel are all material contracts to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound, except insofar as the parties have agreed to amend such provision as a condition precedent to the Merger.

In giving the opinion set forth above, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP may state that it is relying on certificates of officers of the Acquired Fund with regard to matters of fact and certain certificates and written statements of governmental officials with respect to the good standing of the Acquired Fund and on the opinion of Venable LLP, as to matters of Maryland law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Acquiring Fund shall have received an opinion of Venable LLP, as Maryland counsel to the Acquired Fund, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Acquired Fund is a corporation duly organized, validly existing under the law of the State of Maryland and in good standing with the Department;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the Acquired Fund has the corporate power to carry on its business as a closed-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquired Fund, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Acquiring Fund, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquired Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws pertaining to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by equitable principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) to such counsel's knowledge, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any Maryland state court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the Merger, except that it is understood that no opinion is expressed in this Section (iv) with respect to federal or state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under federal or state securities laws; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the Merger will not, violate any material provision of the Acquired Fund Charter or the Acquired Fund Bylaws, as amended, except insofar as the parties have agreed to amend such provision as a condition precedent to the Merger.

In giving the opinion set forth above, Venable LLP may state that it is relying on certificates of officers of the Acquired Fund with regard to matters of fact and certain certificates and written statements of governmental officials with respect to the good standing of the Acquired Fund.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.4 Satisfaction of the Acquiring Fund. All proceedings taken by the Acquired Fund and its counsel in connection with the Merger and all documents incidental thereto shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.5 Custodian's Certificate. The Acquired Fund's custodian shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a certificate identifying all of the assets of the Acquired Fund held or maintained by such custodian as of the Valuation Time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.6 Books and Records. The Acquired Fund's transfer agent shall have provided to the Acquiring Fund (i) the originals or true copies of all of the records of the Acquired Fund in the possession of such transfer agent as of the Closing Date, (ii) a certificate setting forth the number of shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock outstanding as of the Valuation Time, and (iii) the name and address of each holder of record of any shares and the number of shares held of record by each such stockholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.7 Tax Dividend. The Acquired Fund shall, to the extent necessary, have declared any dividend or dividends required by Section 4.10 of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.** FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF ACQUIRING FUND AND ACQUIRED FUND

If any of the conditions set forth below have not been satisfied on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the other party to this Agreement shall be entitled, at its option, to refuse to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1 Approval of Merger. The Merger shall have been approved by (i) the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock and Acquired Fund Preferred Stock (voting together) and (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock (voting together) cast at the stockholders' meeting; the Acquiring Fund shall have delivered to the Acquired Fund a copy of the resolutions approving this Agreement pursuant to this Agreement adopted by the Acquiring Fund Board, certified by its secretary; and the Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a copy of the resolutions approving this Agreement adopted by the Acquired Fund Board and the Acquired Fund's stockholders, certified by its secretary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2 Regulatory Filings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The SEC shall not have issued an unfavorable advisory report under Section 25(b) of the 1940 Act, nor instituted or threatened to institute any proceeding seeking to enjoin consummation of the Merger under Section 25(c) of the 1940 Act; no other legal, administrative or other proceeding shall be instituted or threatened which would materially affect the financial condition of the Acquired Fund or would prohibit the Merger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) On the Closing Date, no court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any order that remains in effect and that restrains or enjoins the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund from completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.3 Consents. All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.4 Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued and, to the best knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.5 Tax Opinion. The parties shall have received the opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, dated the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and representations made by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund and their respective authorized officers, the Merger as provided in this Agreement will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The delivery of such opinion is conditioned upon the receipt by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP of representations it shall request of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the condition set forth in this Section 7.5.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.6 Assets and Liabilities. The assets and liabilities of the Acquired Fund to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund shall not include any assets or liabilities which the Acquiring Fund, by reason of limitations in its Registration Statement or the Acquiring Fund Charter, may not properly acquire or assume. The Acquiring Fund does not anticipate that there will be any such assets or liabilities but the Acquiring Fund will notify the Acquired Fund if any do exist and will reimburse the Acquired Fund for any reasonable transaction costs incurred by the Acquired Fund for the liquidation of such assets and liabilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.** INDEMNIFICATION

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.1 The Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund, out of its assets and property, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Acquired Fund and the members of the Acquired Fund Board and its officers from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, without limitation, the payment of reasonable legal fees and reasonable costs of investigation) to which the Acquired Fund and those board members and officers may become subject, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or is based on (a) any breach by the Acquiring Fund of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement or (b) any act, error, omission, neglect, misstatement, materially misleading statement, breach of duty or other act wrongfully done or attempted to be committed by the Acquiring Fund or the members of the Acquiring Fund Board or its officers prior to the Closing Date, provided that such indemnification by the Acquiring Fund is not (i) in violation of any applicable law or (ii) otherwise prohibited as a result of any applicable order or decree issued by any governing regulatory authority or court of competent jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2 The Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund, out of its assets and property, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Acquiring Fund and the members of the Acquiring Fund Board and its officers from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, without limitation, the payment of reasonable legal fees and reasonable costs of investigation) to which the Acquiring Fund and those board members and officers may become subject, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or is based on (a) any breach by the Acquired Fund of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement or (b) any act, error, omission, neglect, misstatement, materially misleading statement, breach of duty or other act wrongfully done or attempted to be committed by the Acquired Fund or the members of the Acquired Fund Board or its officers prior to the Closing Date, provided that such indemnification by the Acquired Fund is not (i) in violation of any applicable law or (ii) otherwise prohibited as a result of any applicable order or decree issued by any governing regulatory authority or court of competent jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.** BROKER FEES AND EXPENSES

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.1 No Broker Fees. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund represent and warrant to each other that there are no brokers or finders entitled to receive any payments in connection with the transactions provided for herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.2 Payment of Expenses. The costs of the Merger, including the costs of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing material in connection with this solicitation of proxies are estimated to be approximately $[●] for the Acquired Fund and $[●] for the Acquiring Fund (approximately $[●] total). The Acquired Fund will bear [●]% of

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its costs and the Acquiring Fund will bear [●]% of its costs whether or not the Merger is consummated. Such expenses shall include, but not be limited to, all costs related to the preparation and distribution of the Registration Statement, proxy solicitation expenses, SEC registration fees, and NYSE listing fees. Neither of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund owes any broker's or finder's fees in connection with the transactions provided for herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.** COOPERATION FOLLOWING CLOSING DATE

In case at any time after the Closing Date any further action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, each of the parties will take such further action (including the execution and delivery of such further instruments and documents) as the other party may reasonably request, all at the sole cost and expense of the requesting party (unless the requesting party is entitled to indemnification as described below). The Acquired Fund acknowledges and agrees that from and after the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund shall be entitled to possession of all documents, books, records, agreements and financial data of any sort pertaining to the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.** ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1 Entire Agreement. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund agree that neither party has made any representation, warranty or covenant not set forth herein and that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.2 Survival of Warranties. The covenants to be performed after the Closing by both the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, and the obligations of the Acquiring Fund in Article 8, shall survive the Closing. All other representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder and shall terminate on the Closing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.** TERMINATION AND WAIVERS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date by resolution of either the Acquiring Fund Board or the Acquired Fund Board, if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of that board, make proceeding with the Agreement inadvisable with respect to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, respectively. Any such termination resolution to be effective shall be promptly communicated to the other party and, in any event, prior to the Closing Date. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof, the Agreement shall become void and have no further effect, and there shall not be any liability hereunder on the part of either of the parties or their respective board members or officers, except for any such material breach or intentional misrepresentation, as to each of which all remedies at law or in equity of the party adversely affected shall survive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.2 Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing Date, any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement may be waived by either the Acquired Fund Board or the Acquiring Fund Board (whichever is entitled to the benefit thereof), if, in the judgment of such board after consultation with its counsel, such action or waiver will not have a material adverse effect on the benefits intended in this Agreement to the stockholders of their respective fund, on behalf of which such action is taken.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.** TRANSFER RESTRICTION

For purposes of monitoring compliance with Rule 145 under the 1933 Act, the Acquired Fund will provide the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date with the name of any Acquired Fund Stockholder who is to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund an affiliate of it on such date.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.** MATERIAL PROVISIONS

All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made under this Agreement and any certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to have been material and relied upon by each of the parties, notwithstanding any investigation made by them or on their behalf.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.** AMENDMENTS

This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the authorized officers of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund; provided, however, that following the meeting of the Acquired Fund stockholders called by the Acquired Fund pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement, no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be issued to the holders of Acquired Fund Common Stock under this Agreement to the detriment of such stockholders without their further approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**16.** NOTICES

Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by facsimile, electronic delivery (i.e., e-mail), personal service or prepaid or certified mail addressed to the Acquiring Entity or the Acquired Entity, at its address set forth in the preamble to this Agreement, in each case to the attention of its President.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.** ENFORCEABILITY; HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; SEVERABILITY; ASSIGNMENT; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.1 Enforceability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.2 Headings. The Article headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, including by facsimile or other electronic transmission (including Portable Document Format or "PDF"), each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The words "execution," "signed," "signature," "delivery," and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws to the extent that the application of the laws of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.5 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

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**IN WITNESS WHEREOF,** each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer.

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|:---|:---|
| **[ ]** | **[ ]** |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: Jane Trust |
|  | Title: President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |

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|:---|:---|
| **WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** | **WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: Jane Trust |
|  | Title: President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |

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**APPENDIX B** 

**DESCRIPTION OF S&P, MOODY'S AND FITCH RATINGS<sup>1</sup>** 

**S&P Global Ratings**—A brief description of the applicable S&P Global Ratings and its affiliates (collectively, "S&P") rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P) follows:

**ISSUE CREDIT RATING DEFINITIONS** 

An S&P issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings' view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term issue credit ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. Short-term issue credit ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

**Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings\*** 

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P's analysis of the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The likelihood of payment—the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitments on
an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise we impute; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of a bankruptcy,
reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

An issue rating is an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

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| "AAA" | An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong. |
| "AA" | An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong. |

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<sup>1</sup> The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings available at the date of this Statement of Additional Information for the securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent ratings which would be given to these securities on the date of the Fund's fiscal year end. 

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| "A" | An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong. |
| "BBB" | An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC," and "C" | Obligations rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC," and "C" are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions. |
| "BB" | An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| "B" | An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB", but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| "CCC" | An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| "CC" | An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The "CC" rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. |
| "C" | An obligation rated "C" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher. |
| "D" | An obligation rated "D" is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition |

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|  | or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to "D" if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
|  PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-) | The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. |

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**Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings** 

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| "A-1" | A short-term obligation rated "A-1" is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely strong. |
| "A-2" | A short-term obligation rated "A-2" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory. |
| "A-3" | A short-term obligation rated "A-3" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| "B" | A short-term obligation rated "B" is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. |
| "C" | A short-term obligation rated "C" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| "D" | A short-term obligation rated "D" is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to "D" if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |

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**Active Qualifiers (Currently applied and/or outstanding)** 

S&P uses the following qualifiers that limit the scope of a rating. The structure of the transaction can require the use of a qualifier such as a "p" qualifier, which indicates the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only. A qualifier appears as a suffix and is part of the rating.

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|  Federal deposit insurance limit: "L" qualifier | Ratings qualified with "L" apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits. |
| Principal: "p" qualifier | This suffix is used for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The "p" suffix indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only and that the interest is not rated. |
| Preliminary Ratings: "prelim" qualifier | Preliminary ratings, with the "prelim" suffix, may be assigned to obligors or obligations, including financial programs, in the circumstances described below. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt by S&P of appropriate documentation. S&P reserves the right not to issue a final rating. Moreover, if a final rating is issued, it may differ from the preliminary rating. |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal opinions. |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations that will likely be issued upon the obligor's emergence from bankruptcy or similar reorganization, based on late-stage reorganization plans, documentation and discussions with the obligor. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligors. These ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the reorganized or post-bankruptcy issuer as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s). |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preliminary ratings may be assigned to entities that are being formed or that are in the process of being independently established when, in S&P's opinion, documentation is close to final. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligations of these entities. |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preliminary ratings may be assigned when a previously unrated entity is undergoing a well-formulated restructuring, recapitalization, significant financing or other transformative event, generally at the point that investor or lender commitments are invited. The preliminary rating may be assigned to the entity and to its proposed obligation(s). These preliminary ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the obligor, as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s), assuming successful completion of the transformative event. Should the transformative event not occur, S&P would likely withdraw these preliminary ratings. |

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|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A preliminary recovery rating may be assigned to an obligation that has a preliminary issue credit rating. |
|  Termination Structures: "t" qualifier | This symbol indicates termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash settle all their contracts before their final maturity date. |
|  Counterparty Instrument Rating: "cir" qualifier | This symbol indicates a Counterparty Instrument Rating (CIR), which is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an issuer in a securitization structure with respect to a specific financial obligation to a counterparty (including interest rate swaps, currency swaps, and liquidity facilities). The CIR is determined on an ultimate payment basis; these opinions do not take into account timeliness of payment. |

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**Inactive Qualifiers (No longer applied or outstanding)** 

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|  Contingent upon final documentation: "\*" inactive qualifier | This symbol indicated that the rating was contingent upon S&P's receipt of an executed copy of the escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming investments and cash flows. Discontinued use in August 1998. |
|  Termination of obligation to tender: "c" inactive qualifier | This qualifier was used to provide additional information to investors that the bank may terminate its obligation to purchase tendered bonds if the long-term credit rating of the issuer was lowered to below an investment-grade level and/or the issuer's bonds were deemed taxable. Discontinued use in January 2001. |
|  U.S. direct government securities: "G" inactive qualifier | The letter "G" followed the rating symbol when a fund's portfolio consisted primarily of direct U.S. government securities. |
|  Public Information Ratings: "pi" inactive qualifier | This qualifier was used to indicate ratings that were based on an analysis of an issuer's published financial information, as well as additional information in the public domain. Such ratings did not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuer's management and therefore, could have been based on less comprehensive information than ratings without a "pi" suffix. Discontinued use as of December 2014 and as of August 2015 for Lloyd's Syndicate Assessments. |
|  Provisional Ratings: <br>"pr" qualifier | The letters "pr" indicate that the rating was provisional. A provisional rating assumed the successful completion of a project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements was largely or entirely dependent upon the successful, timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the project, made no comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon failure of such completion. |
|  Quantitative Analysis of public information "q" inactive qualifier | A "q" subscript indicates that the rating is based solely on quantitative analysis of publicly available information. Discontinued use in April 2001. |

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|  Extraordinary risks "r" inactive qualifier | The "r" modifier was assigned to securities containing extraordinary risks, particularly market risks, that are not covered in the credit rating. The absence of an "r" modifier should not be taken as an indication that an obligation would not exhibit extraordinary non-credit related risks. S&P discontinued the use of the "r" modifier for most obligations in June 2000 and for the balance of obligations (mainly structured finance transactions) in November 2002. |

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**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**—A brief description of the applicable Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody's) follows:

**LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS RATINGS** 

Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Moody's defines credit risk as the risk that an entity may not meet its contractual financial obligations as they come due and any estimated financial loss in the event of default or impairment. The contractual financial obligations<sup>2</sup> addressed by Moody's ratings are those that call for, without regard to enforceability, the payment of an ascertainable amount, which may vary based upon standard sources of variation (e.g., floating interest rates), by an ascertainable date. Moody's rating addresses the issuer's ability to obtain cash sufficient to service the obligation, and its willingness to pay.<sup>3</sup> Moody's ratings do not address non- standard sources of variation in the amount of the principal obligation (e.g., equity indexed), absent an express statement to the contrary in a press release accompanying an initial rating.<sup>3</sup> <sup>4</sup> Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment.<sup>5</sup><sup>,</sup> <sup>6</sup> Moody's issues ratings at the issuer level and instrument level on both the long- term scale and the short-term scale. Typically, ratings are made publicly available although private and unpublished ratings may also be assigned.<sup>7</sup>

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<sup>2</sup> In the case of impairments, there can be a financial loss even when contractual obligations are met.

<sup>3</sup> In some cases the relevant credit risk relates to a third party, in addition to, or instead of the issuer. Examples include credit-linked notes and guaranteed obligations.

<sup>4</sup> Because the number of possible features or structures is limited only by the creativity of issuers, Moody's cannot comprehensively catalogue all the types of non-standard variation affecting financial obligations, but examples include indexed values, equity values and cash flows, prepayment penalties, and an obligation to pay an amount that is not ascertainable at the inception of the transaction. 

<sup>5</sup> For certain structured finance, preferred stock and hybrid securities in which payment default events are either not defined or do not match investors' expectations for timely payment, long-term and short-term ratings reflect the likelihood of impairment (as defined below in this publication) and financial loss in the event of impairment. 

<sup>6</sup> Supranational institutions and central banks that hold sovereign debt or extend sovereign loans, such as the IMF or the European Central Bank, may not always be treated similarly to other investors and lenders with similar credit exposures. Long-term and short-term ratings assigned to obligations held by both supranational institutions and central banks, as well as other investors, reflect only the credit risks faced by other investors unless specifically noted otherwise. 

<sup>7</sup> Supranational institutions and central banks that hold sovereign debt or extend sovereign loans, such as the IMF or the European Central Bank, may not always be treated similarly to other investors and lenders with similar credit exposures. Long-term and short-term ratings assigned to obligations held by both supranational institutions and central banks, as well as other investors, reflect only the credit risks faced by other investors unless specifically noted otherwise. 

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Moody's differentiates structured finance ratings from fundamental ratings (i.e., ratings on nonfinancial corporate, financial institution, and public sector entities) on the global long-term scale by adding (sf) to all structured finance ratings. <sup>8</sup> The addition of (sf) to structured finance ratings should eliminate any presumption that such ratings and fundamental ratings at the same letter grade level will behave the same. The (sf) indicator for structured finance security ratings indicates that otherwise similarly rated structured finance and fundamental securities may have different risk characteristics. Through its current methodologies, however, Moody's aspires to achieve broad expected equivalence in structured finance and fundamental rating performance when measured over a long period of time.

**Long-Term Rating Definitions:** 

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| "Aaa" | Obligations rated "Aaa" are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
| "Aa" | Obligations rated "Aa" are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
| "A" | Obligations rated "A" are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
| "Baa" | Obligations rated "Baa" are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
| "Ba" | Obligations rated "Ba" are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
| "B" | Obligations rated "B" are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
| "Caa" | Obligations rated "Caa" are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
| "Ca" | Obligations rated "Ca" are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
| "C" | Obligations rated "C" are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |

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<sup>8</sup> Like other global scale ratings, (sf) ratings reflect both the likelihood of a default and the expected loss suffered in the event of default. Ratings are assigned based on a rating committee's assessment of a security's expected loss rate (default probability multiplied by expected loss severity), and may be subject to the constraint that the final expected loss rating assigned would not be more than a certain number of notches, typically three to five notches, above the rating that would be assigned based on an assessment of default probability alone. The magnitude of this constraint may vary with the level of the rating, the seasoning of the transaction, and the uncertainty around the assessments of expected loss and probability of default. 

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***Note:*** Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a "(hyb)" indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.\*

**MEDIUM-TERM NOTE PROGRAM RATINGS** 

Moody's assigns provisional ratings to medium-term note (MTN) programs and definitive ratings to the individual debt securities issued from them (referred to as drawdowns or notes).

MTN program ratings are intended to reflect the ratings likely to be assigned to drawdowns issued from the program with the specified priority of claim (*e.g.* senior or subordinated). To capture the contingent nature of a program rating, Moody's assigns provisional ratings to MTN programs. A provisional rating is denoted by a (P) in front of the rating and is defined elsewhere in this document.

The rating assigned to a drawdown from a rated MTN or bank/deposit note program is definitive in nature, and may differ from the program rating if the drawdown is exposed to additional credit risks besides the issuer's default, such as links to the defaults of other issuers, or has other structural features that warrant a different rating. In some circumstances, no rating may be assigned to a drawdown.

Moody's encourages market participants to contact Moody's Ratings Desks or visit www.moodys.com directly if they have questions regarding ratings for specific notes issued under a medium-term note program. Unrated notes issued under an MTN program may be assigned an NR (not rated) symbol.

**Short-Term Rating Definitions:** 

Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment.<sup>9</sup> <sup>10</sup>

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\* By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security. 

<sup>9</sup> For certain structured finance, preferred stock and hybrid securities in which payment default events are either not defined or do not match investors' expectations for timely payment, the ratings reflect the likelihood of impairment (as defined below in this publication).

<sup>10</sup> Supranational institutions and central banks that hold sovereign debt or extend sovereign loans, such as the IMF or the European Central Bank, may not always be treated similarly to other investors and lenders with similar credit exposures. Long-term and short-term ratings assigned to obligations held by both supranational institutions and central banks, as well as other investors, reflect only the credit risks faced by other investors unless specifically noted otherwise. 

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Moody's employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

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| "P-1" | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
| "P-2" | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
| "P-3" | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. |
| "NP" | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. |

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**Fitch IBCA, Inc.**—A brief description of the applicable Fitch IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:

**INTERNATIONAL ISSUER AND CREDIT RATING SCALES** 

The Primary Credit Rating Scales (those featuring the symbols "AAA"-"D" and "Fi"-"D") are used for debt and financial strength ratings. The below section describes their use for issuers and obligations in corporate, public and structured finance debt markets.

**Long-Term Ratings Scales—Issuer Credit Ratings Scales** 

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns, insurance companies and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs are also assigned to certain entities or enterprises in global infrastructure, project finance and public finance. IDRs opine on an entity's relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The "threshold" default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency's view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default.

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| "AAA" | **Highest credit quality**. "AAA" ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. |
| "AA" | **Very high credit quality**. "AA" ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. |
| "A" | **High credit quality**. "A" ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. |

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| "BBB" | **Good credit quality**. "BBB" ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. |
| "BB" | **Speculative**. "BB" ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments. |
| "B" | **Highly speculative**. "B" ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. |
| "CCC" | **Substantial credit risk**. Default is a real possibility. |
| "CC" | **Very high levels of credit risk**. Default of some kind appears probable. |
| "C" | **Near default**. A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a 'C' category rating for an issuer include: |
|  | a. the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; |
|  | b. the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; |
|  | c. the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; or<br>d. a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent. |
| "RD" | **Restricted default**. "RD" ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings' opinion has experienced:<br>a. an uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but<br>b. has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and<br>c. has not otherwise ceased operating.<br>This would include: |
|  | i. the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; |

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|  | ii. the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; |
|  | iii. the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. |
| "D" | **Default**. "D" ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings' opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business.<br>Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.<br>In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice. |

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***Note:*** The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below "B".

*Limitations of the Issuer Credit Rating Scale:* 

Specific limitations relevant to the issuer credit rating scale include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not predict a specific percentage of default likelihood or failure likelihood over any given time
period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on the market value of any issuer's securities or stock, or the likelihood that
this value may change.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on the liquidity of the issuer's securities or stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on the possible loss severity on an obligation should an issuer default.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on the suitability of an issuer as a counterparty to trade credit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on any quality related to an issuer's business, operational or financial profile
other than the agency's opinion on its relative vulnerability to default.

Ratings assigned by Fitch Ratings articulate an opinion on discrete and specific areas of risk. The above list is not exhaustive, and is provided for the reader's convenience.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Short-Term Ratings—Short-Term Ratings Assigned to** 

**Obligations in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance** 

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short term" based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| "F1" | Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. |
| "F2" | Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. |
| "F3" | Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. |
| "B" | Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. |
| "C" | High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. |
| "RD" | Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only. |
| "D" | Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a specific short-term obligation. |

---

*Limitations of the Short-Term Ratings Scale:* 

Specific limitations relevant to the Short-Term Ratings scale include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not predict a specific percentage of default likelihood over any given time period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on the market value of any issuer's securities or stock, or the likelihood that
this value may change.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on the liquidity of the issuer's securities or stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on the possible loss severity on an obligation should an obligation default.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ratings do not opine on any quality related to an issuer or transaction's profile other than the
agency's opinion on the relative vulnerability to default of the rated issuer or obligation.

Ratings assigned by Fitch Ratings articulate an opinion on discrete and specific areas of risk. The above list is not exhaustive, and is provided for the reader's convenience.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**APPENDIX C** 

**LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC** 

**PROXY VOTING POLICY** 

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC ("LMPFA") delegates the responsibility for voting proxies for the fund to the subadviser through its contracts with the subadviser. The subadviser will use its own proxy voting policies and procedures to vote proxies. Accordingly, LMPFA does not expect to have proxy-voting responsibility for the fund. Should LMPFA become responsible for voting proxies for any reason, such as the inability of the subadviser to provide investment advisory services, LMPFA shall utilize the proxy voting guidelines established by the most recent subadviser to vote proxies until a new subadviser is retained.

The subadviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures govern in determining how proxies relating to the fund's portfolio securities are voted and are provided below. Information regarding how each fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling 888-777-0102, (2) on the fund's website at http://www.lmcef.com and (3) on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**The information contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.** 

**SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 17, 2023** 

**WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND INC.** 

**WESTERN ASSET INTERMEDIATE MUNI FUND INC.** 

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** 

This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus, supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated [ ], 2023, relating specifically to the proposed mergers of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. ("MNP") and Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. ("SBI") with and into Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. ("MMU" and together with MNP and SBI, the "Funds") in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "Merger"). You may obtain a copy of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to by contacting each Fund at (888) 777-0102, by writing each Fund at the address listed above or by visiting our website at www.franklintempleton.com. Each Merger is to occur pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger. Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the same meanings as are given to them in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [1. General Information](#sai451315_1) | S-2 |
| [2. Financial Statements and Other Incorporated Documents](#sai451315_2) | S-2 |
| [3. Pro Forma Financial Statements](#sai451315_3) | S-2 |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**GENERAL INFORMATION** 

A Joint Special Meeting of Stockholders of MMU, MNP and SBI, at which stockholders of MMU, MNP and SBI will consider the Merger, will be held at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, on [ ], 2023 at [10:00 a.m.], Eastern Time. For further information about the Merger, see the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

The Statement of Additional Information related to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated , 2023 consists of this cover page and the following documents, each of which was filed electronically with the SEC and is incorporated by reference herein:

The financial statements of each Fund as included in the Funds' Annual Reports for the last-completed fiscal year, and semi-annual period, if applicable, for each Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc., Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year End May 31,
2022, filed on August 1, 2022 (accession no. 0001193125-22-208348) and Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders for the Six-Month period Ended November 30, 2022, filed on January 27, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-017174).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc., Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended
November 30, 2022, filed on January 26, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-015796).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc., Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended
November 30, 2022, filed on January 30, 2023 (accession no. 0001193125-23-01846).

**SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION** 

Rule 6-11(d)(2) under Regulation S-X requires that, with respect to any fund acquisition, registered investment companies must provide certain supplemental financial information in lieu of pro forma financial statements required by Regulation S-X. For this reason, pro forma financial statements of MMU are not included in this SAI.

A table showing the current fees of MMU and each Target Fund, and the fees and expenses of the combined Fund on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Reorganizations, is included in the section entitled "Proposed Mergers—Fee Table and Expense Example" of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

There are no material differences in accounting policies of the Target Funds as compared to those of MMU.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**PART C** 

**OTHER INFORMATION** 

**Item 15. Indemnification** 

The Registrant has entered into an Indemnification Agreement with each director whereby the Registrant has agreed to indemnify each director against expenses and costs actually and reasonably incurred by such director in connection with any claims, suits or proceedings; provided that no indemnification shall be provided to the extent that the director engaged in conduct for which indemnification may not lawfully be provided to such director.

Sections 1, 2 and 3 of Article VII of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference as Exhibit 1(a) to this Registration Statement, provide that:

To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland statutory or decisional law, as amended or interpreted, no current or former director or officer of the Registrant shall have any liability to the Registrant or its stockholders for money damages. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or officer of the Registrant whether or not such person is a director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.

The Registrant shall indemnify and advance expenses to its currently acting and its former directors to the fullest extent that indemnification of directors is permitted by Maryland statutory or decisional law. The Registrant shall indemnify and advance expenses to its officers to the same extent as its directors and may do so to such further extent as is consistent with law. The Board of Directors may by By-Law, resolution or agreement make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland statutory or decisional law. The foregoing rights of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled. The Board of Directors may take such action as is necessary to carry out these indemnification provisions and is expressly empowered to adopt, approve and amend from time to time such by-laws, resolutions or contracts implementing such provisions or such further indemnification arrangements as may be permitted by law. This indemnification applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or officer of the Registrant whether or not such person is a director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.

No provision of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the Registrant against any liability to the Registrant or its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Item 16. Exhibits** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Exhibit** |
| 1(a) | Articles of Incorporation, dated April 9, 1992.(1) |
| 1(b) | Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.(1) |
| 1(c) | Articles Supplementary.(2) |
| 1(d) | Articles Supplementary. (3) |
| 2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws.(4) |
| 3 | Not applicable. |
| 4 | Form of Agreement and Plan of Merger is included in Appendix A of the Registration Statement on Form N-14. |
| 5 | Not applicable |
| 6(a) | [Form of Management Agreement between Registrant and Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC with respect to Registrant.\*](d451315dex996a.htm) |
| 6(b) | [Form of Subadvisory Agreement between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC and Western Asset Management Company, LLC with respect to Registrant.\*](d451315dex996b.htm) |
| 7 | Not applicable. |
| 8 | Not applicable |
| 9(a) | [Custodian Services Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 1, 2018.\*](d451315dex999a.htm) |
| 9(b) | [Amendment No. 1 to the Custodian Services Agreement, dated January 2, 2019, with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 1, 2018\*](d451315dex999b.htm) |
| 9(c) | [Amendment No. 2 to the Custodian Services Agreement, dated March 18, 2019, with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 1, 2018\*](d451315dex999c.htm) |
| 10 | Not applicable. |
| 11 | Opinion of Venable LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered.\*\* |
| 12(a) | [Form of Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP supporting tax matters and consequences to stockholders discussed in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.\*](d451315dex9912a.htm) |
| 12(b) | Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP supporting tax matters and consequences to stockholders discussed in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.\*\* |
| 13 | Not applicable. |
| 14(a) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.\*\* |
| 14(b) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc.\*\* |
| 14(c) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.\*\* |
| 15 | Not applicable. |
| 16 | [Power of Attorney.\*](d451315dex9916.htm) |
| 17(a) | [Forms of Proxy Card.\*](d451315dex9917a.htm) |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Exhibit** |
| 17(b) | [Code of Ethics of the Registrant and Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC.\*](d451315dex9917b.htm) |
| 17(c) | [Code of Ethics of Western Asset Management Company, LLC.\*](d451315dex9917c.htm) |
| 17(d) | [Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with Computershare Trust Company, N.A.\*](d451315dex9917d.htm) |
| 18 | [Calculation of Filing Fee Tables\*](d451315dexfilingfees.htm) |

---

------

(1) Filed on May 14, 1992 with the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 33-37116 and 811-06629) and incorporated by reference herein.

(2) Filed on May 10, 2002 with the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2/A (File Nos. 333-76788 and 811-06629) and incorporated by reference herein.

(3) Filed on July 24, 2015 with the Registrant's Semiannual Report on Form NSAR-B (File No. 811-06629) and incorporated by reference herein.

(4) Filed on August 8, 2020 with the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 811-06629) and incorporated by reference herein.

\* Filed herewith.

\*\* To be filed by amendment.

**Item 17. Undertakings.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The undersigned registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through the use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.145c], the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for the reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form..

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The undersigned registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**SIGNATURES** 

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed on behalf of the Registrant, in the City of New York and State of New York, on the 17th day of March, 2023.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC. | WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC. |
| By: | /S/<u> </u><u>J</u><u>ANE TRUST</u><u> </u> |
|  | **Jane Trust**<br> **Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President** |

---

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| /s/ JANE TRUST<br> **Jane Trust** | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,<br> President and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | March 17, 2023 |
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER BERARDUCCI<br> **Christopher Berarducci** | Principal Financial Officer<br> (Principal Financial Officer) | March 17, 2023 |
| /s/ ROBERT D. AGDERN\*<br> **Robert D. Agdern** | Director | March 17, 2023 |
| /s/ CAROL L. COLMAN\*<br> **Carol L. Colman** | Director | March 17, 2023 |
| /s/ DANIEL P. CRONIN\*<br> **Daniel P. Cronin** | Director | March 17, 2023 |
| /s/ PAOLO M. CUCCHI\*<br> **Paolo M. Cucchi** | Director | March 17, 2023 |
| /s/ EILEEN KAMERICK\*<br> **Eileen Kamerick** | Director | March 17, 2023 |
| /s/ NISHA KUMAR\*<br> **Nisha Kumar** | Director | March 17, 2023 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  \*BY: | /s/ JANE TRUST |
|  | **Jane Trust,** |
|  | Attorney-in-Fact, March 17, 2023 |

---

The original power of attorney authorizing Jane Trust to execute this Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto, for each a trustee of the Registrant on whose behalf this Registration Statement is filed have been executed and incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit 16.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**EXHIBIT INDEX** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Exhibit** |
| 6(a) | [Form of Management Agreement between Registrant and Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC with respect to Registrant.](d451315dex996a.htm) |
| 6(b) | [Form of Subadvisory Agreement between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC and Western Asset Management Company, LLC with respect to Registrant.](d451315dex996b.htm) |
| 9(a) | [Custodian Services Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 1, 2018.](d451315dex999a.htm) |
| 9(b) | [Amendment No. 1 to the Custodian Services Agreement, dated January 2, 2019, with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 1, 2018.](d451315dex999b.htm) |
| 9(c) | [Amendment No. 2 to the Custodian Services Agreement, dated March 18, 2019, with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 1, 2018.](d451315dex999c.htm) |
| 12(a) | [Form of Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP supporting tax matters and consequences to stockholders discussed in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.](d451315dex9912a.htm) |
| 16 | [Power of Attorney.](d451315dex9916.htm) |
| 17(a) | [Forms of Proxy Card.](d451315dex9917a.htm) |
| 17(b) | [Code of Ethics of the Registrant and Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC.](d451315dex9917b.htm) |
| 17(c) | [Code of Ethics of Western Asset Management Company, LLC.](d451315dex9917c.htm) |
| 17(d) | [Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with Computershare Trust Company, N.A.](d451315dex9917d.htm) |
| 18 | [Calculation of Filing Fee Tables.](d451315dexfilingfees.htm) |

---

## Exhibit 99.6

**Exhibit 6(a)** 

**MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT** 

**Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC** 

This MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made this 31st day of July, 2020, by and between Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (the "Fund") and Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Manager").

WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");

WHEREAS, the Manager is engaged primarily in rendering investment advisory, management and administrative services and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended;

WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to retain the Manager to provide investment advisory, management, and administrative services to the Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Manager is willing to furnish such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Fund hereby appoints the Manager to act as investment adviser and administrator of the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Manager accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Fund shall at all times keep the Manager fully informed with regard to the securities owned by it, its funds available, or to become available, for investment, and generally as to the condition of its affairs. It shall furnish the Manager with such other documents and information with regard to its affairs as the Manager may from time to time reasonably request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board"), the Manager shall regularly provide the Fund with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund's portfolio of securities and other investments consistent with the Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as stated in the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The Manager shall determine from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the assets of the Fund's portfolio will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions, all subject to the provisions of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (collectively, the "Governing Documents"), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund referred to above, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Manager. The Manager is authorized as the agent of the Fund to give instructions 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 and direction from the Board, 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. The Manager 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 other accounts over which the Manager or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager's authority regarding the execution of the Fund's portfolio transactions provided herein. The Manager shall also provide advice and recommendations with respect to other aspects of the business and affairs of the Fund, shall exercise voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the Fund's portfolio securities subject to such direction as the Board may provide, and shall perform such other functions of investment management and supervision as may be directed by the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to the direction and control of the Board, the Manager shall perform such administrative and management services as may from time to time be reasonably requested by the Fund as necessary for the operation of the Fund, such as (i) supervising the overall administration of the Fund, including negotiation of contracts and fees with and the monitoring of performance and billings of the Fund's transfer agent, shareholder servicing agents, custodian and other independent contractors or agents, (ii) providing certain compliance, fund accounting, regulatory reporting, and tax reporting services, (iii) preparing or participating in the preparation of Board materials, registration statements, proxy statements and reports and other communications to shareholders, (iv) maintaining the Fund's existence, and (v) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Fund's shares under federal and state laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager shall not be deemed to have assumed any duties with respect to, and shall not be responsible for, the distribution of the shares of the Fund, nor shall the Manager be deemed to have assumed or have any responsibility with respect to functions specifically assumed by any transfer agent, fund accounting agent, custodian, shareholder servicing agent or other agent, in each case employed by the Fund to perform such functions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Fund hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Manager 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 of 1934 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 Manager agrees that it will not deal with itself, or with members of the Board 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 Manager or its affiliates is participating, or arrange for purchases and sales of securities between the Fund and another account advised by the Manager 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 from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Manager and its directors and officers.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Subject to the Board's approval, the Manager or the Fund may enter into contracts with one or more investment subadvisers or subadministrators, including without limitation, affiliates of the Manager, in which the Manager delegates to such investment subadvisers or subadministrators any or all its duties specified hereunder, on such terms as the Manager will determine to be necessary, desirable or appropriate, provided that in each case the Manager shall supervise the activities of each such subadviser or subadministrator and further provided that such contracts impose on any investment subadviser or subadministrator bound thereby all the conditions to which the Manager is subject hereunder and that such contracts are entered into in accordance with and meet all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. (a) The Manager, at its expense, shall supply the Board and officers of the Fund with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Manager and shall furnish the Fund with office facilities, including space, furniture and equipment and all personnel reasonably necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Manager shall oversee the maintenance of all books and records with respect to the Fund's securities transactions and the keeping of the Fund's books of account in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Manager hereby agrees that any records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund's request. The Manager further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. The Manager shall authorize and permit any of its directors, officers and employees, who may be elected as Board members or officers of the Fund, to serve in the capacities in which they are elected.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Manager shall bear all expenses, and shall furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities under this Agreement. Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Manager shall not be responsible for the Fund's expenses, including, without limitation, advisory fees; distribution fees; interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the Fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Fund's securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the Fund's shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Fund's shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Fund's shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, members of the Board and employees of the Fund, if any; and the Fund's pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Board members and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Fund's Board members and officers with respect thereto.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. No member of the Board, officer or employee of the Fund shall receive from the Fund any salary or other compensation as such member of the Board, officer or employee while he is at the same time a director, officer, or employee of the Manager or any affiliated company of the Manager, except as the Board may decide. This paragraph shall not apply to Board members, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Manager's or any affiliated company's staff.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. As compensation for the services performed and the facilities furnished and expenses assumed by the Manager, including the services of any consultants retained by the Manager, the Fund shall pay the Manager, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided however, that if the Fund invests all or substantially all of its assets in another registered investment company for which the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager serves as investment adviser or investment manager, the annual fee computed as set forth on such Schedule A shall be reduced by the aggregate management fees allocated to that Fund for the Fund's then-current fiscal year from such other registered investment company. 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 Manager 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 promptly as possible after such date of termination, shall be based on the average daily net assets of the Fund 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 business days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund shall in all cases be based only 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 may be determined by the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. The Manager 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 Manager against any liability to the Fund to which the Manager 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 8, the term "Manager" shall include any affiliates of the Manager performing services for the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Manager and such affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Manager who may also be a Board member, officer, or employee of the Fund, to engage in any other business or to devote his 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 Manager 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 consistent with the investment policies of the Fund or one or more other accounts of the Manager 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 Manager. Such transactions may be combined, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Manager's policies and procedures as presented to the Board from time to time.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Fund's "net assets" shall be determined as provided in the Fund's 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 as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. This Agreement will become effective with respect to the Fund on the date set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided that it shall have been approved by the Fund's Board and by the shareholders of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, will continue in effect until the second anniversary of the date of effectiveness. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in each case on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the Manager, or by the Manager upon not less than 90 days' written notice to the Fund, and will be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Manager and shall not be assignable by the Fund without the consent of the Manager.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought, and no material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

[signature page to follow]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC. | WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC. |
| By: | /s/ Jane Trust |
| Name: | Jane Trust |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC | LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Jane Trust |
| Name: | Jane Trust |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

------

**Schedule A** 

**Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.** 

**Date:** 

July 31, 2020

**Fee:** 

The following percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets: 0.55%

## Exhibit 99.6

**Exhibit 6(b)** 

**SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT** 

This SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made this 31st day of July, 2020, by and between Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Manager"), and Western Asset Management Company, LLC, a California limited liability company (the "Subadviser").

WHEREAS, the Manager has been retained by Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (the "Fund"), a registered management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") to provide investment advisory, management, and administrative services to the Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Manager wishes to engage the Subadviser to provide certain investment advisory services to the Fund, and the Subadviser is willing to furnish such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. In accordance with and subject to the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager (the "Management Agreement"), the Manager 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 the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Manager 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. Manager 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") and the Manager, Subadviser shall regularly provide the Fund with respect to such portion of the Fund's assets as shall be allocated to the Subadviser by the Manager 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 Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The Subadviser shall, with respect to the Allocated Assets, determine from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased (including, as permitted in accordance with this paragraph, swap agreements, options and futures), 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 invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation), all subject to the provisions of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (collectively, the "Governing Documents"), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund referred to above, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Subadviser. 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

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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. 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 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. The Subadviser shall exercise voting rights, rights to consent to corporate action and any other rights pertaining to the Allocated Assets subject to such direction as the Board may provide, and shall perform such other functions of investment management and supervision as may be directed by the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) 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 members of the Board 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 from time to time, and will comply with all other provisions of the Governing Documents and the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relative to the Subadviser and its directors and officers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. The Subadviser may delegate to any other one or more companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or to specified employees of any such companies, certain of the Subadviser's duties under this Agreement, provided in each case the Subadviser will supervise the activities of each such entity or employees thereof, that such delegation will not relieve the Subadviser of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement and provided further that any such arrangements are entered into in accordance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. The Subadviser agrees that it will keep records relating to its services hereunder in accordance with all applicable laws, and in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that any records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund's request. The Subadviser further agrees to arrange for the preservation of the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. (a) The Subadviser, at its expense, shall supply the Board, the officers of the Fund, and the Manager with all information and reports reasonably required by them and reasonably available to the Subadviser relating to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Subadviser shall bear all expenses, and shall furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities under this Agreement. Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Fund's expenses, including, without limitation, advisory fees; distribution fees; interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the Fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Fund's securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuing and redemption or repurchase of the Fund's shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Fund's shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Fund's shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, members of the Board and employees of the Fund, if any; and the Fund's pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Board members and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Fund's Board members and officers with respect thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. No member of the Board, officer or employee of the Fund shall receive from the Fund any salary or other compensation as such member of the Board, 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 Board members, executive committee members, consultants and other persons who are not regular members of the Subadviser's or any affiliated company's staff.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. As compensation for the services performed by the Subadviser, including the services of any consultants retained by the Subadviser, the Manager shall pay the Subadviser out of the management fee it receives with respect to the Fund, and only to the extent thereof, as promptly as possible after the last day of each month, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate set forth 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 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 business days in such period bears to the number of business days in such month. The average daily net assets of the Fund or the portion thereof comprising the Allocated Assets shall in all cases be based only 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 may be determined by the Board.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. 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 the Manager 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 9, the term "Subadviser" shall include any affiliates of the Subadviser performing services for the Fund contemplated hereby and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Subadviser who may also be a Board member, officer, or employee of the Fund, to engage in any other business or to devote his 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 consistent with the investment policies of the Fund or 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Fund's "net assets" shall be determined as provided in the Fund's 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 as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. This Agreement will become effective with respect to the Fund on the date set forth opposite the Fund's name on Schedule A annexed hereto, provided that it shall have been approved by the Fund's Board and, if so required by the 1940 Act, by the shareholders of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, will continue in effect through the second anniversary of the date of effectiveness. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in each case on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the Subadviser, or by the Subadviser upon not less than 90 days' written notice to the Fund and the Manager, and will be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Subadviser and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. The Subadviser agrees that for any claim by it against the Fund in connection with this Agreement or the services rendered under this Agreement, it shall look only to assets of the Fund for satisfaction and that it shall have no claim against the assets of any other portfolios of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought, and no material amendment of the Agreement shall be effective until approved, if so required by the 1940 Act, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. This Agreement, and any supplemental terms contained on Annex I hereto, if applicable, 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

[signature page to follow]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC | LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND ADVISOR, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Jane Trust |
| Name: | Jane Trust |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC | WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Daniel E. Giddings |
| Name: | Daniel E. Giddings |
| Title: | Manager of Global Legal Affairs |

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The foregoing is acknowledged:

The undersigned officer of the Fund has executed this Agreement not individually but in his/her capacity as an officer of the Fund. The Fund does not hereby undertake, on behalf of the Fund or otherwise, any obligation to the Subadviser.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC. | WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC. |
| By: | /s/ Jane Trust |
| Name: | Jane Trust |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

------

ANNEX I

Not applicable.

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SCHEDULE A

**Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.** 

**Date:** 

July 31, 2020

**Fee:** 

The sub-advisory fee will be 70% of the management fee paid to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.

## Exhibit 99.9

**Exhibit 9(a)** 

**CUSTODIAN SERVICES AGREEMENT** 

**THIS AGREEMENT** is made as of January 1, 2018 by and among each Fund (as defined below) on behalf of each of its Portfolios (as defined below) and The Bank of New York Mellon (the "<u>Custodian</u>").

**WHEREAS**, the Custodian is a bank having at least the minimum qualifications required by Section 17(f)(1) of the 1940 Act to act as custodian of the portfolio securities and other assets of investment companies; and

**WHEREAS**, each of the Funds on behalf of each of its Portfolios wishes to retain the Custodian to act as custodian of its portfolio securities and other assets, and the Custodian has indicated its willingness to so act;

**NOW, THEREFORE**, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

**1.** **DEFINITIONS**. As used in this Agreement:

"<u>Authorized Person</u>" means any of the persons duly authorized by the applicable Fund's Board of Trustees or Directors to give Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund or one or more of its Portfolios as set forth in a certificate (which shall also set forth any limitations on such persons' scope of authority), such certificate to be executed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the applicable Fund, as the same may be revised from time to time.

"<u>Board</u>" means the Board of Trustees or Directors of the applicable Fund.

"<u>CEA</u>" means the Commodities Exchange Act, as amended, and "<u>CFTC</u>" means the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

"<u>Domestic Securities</u>" means securities and other Financial Assets or instruments and other investments of a Portfolio to be held in places within the United States.

"<u>Domestic Sub-Custodian</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(b).

"<u>Federal Securities Laws</u>" means the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act and the CEA.

"<u>Financial Assets</u>" has the meaning set forth in the Uniform Commercial Code.

"<u>FINRA</u>" means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

"<u>Foreign Assets</u>" means any of the Portfolios' investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States and such cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Portfolios' transactions in such investments.

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"<u>Foreign Custody Manager</u>" has the meaning set forth in Section (a)(3) of Rule 17f-5 promulgated under the 1940 Act.

"<u>Foreign Securities</u>" means securities and other Financial Assets of a Portfolio for which the primary market is outside the United States.

"<u>Foreign Securities Depository</u>" means a foreign securities clearing system qualifying as an Eligible Securities Depository (as defined in Section (b)(1) of Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act) that is listed on <u>Schedule B</u> annexed hereto, as amended from time to time pursuant to Section 4.5 hereof.

"<u>Foreign Sub-Custodian</u>" means a foreign banking institution qualifying as an Eligible Foreign Custodian (as defined in Section (a)(1) of Rule 17f-5 promulgated under the 1940 Act) that has been selected by the Custodian and is listed on <u>Schedule</u> <u>A</u> annexed hereto, as amended from time to time pursuant to Section 4.3 hereof.

"<u>Funds"</u> means the investment companies, or wholly owned subsidiaries thereof, identified on <u>Exhibit</u> <u>A</u> annexed hereto, and such additional Funds made subject to this Agreement pursuant to Section 13(e) hereof.

"<u>Governing Documents</u>" means, with respect to each of the Portfolios, (i) the declaration of trust, charter or other constituting document of the Fund of which the Portfolio is a series or portfolio, (ii) in the case of a Portfolio identified to the Custodian in writing as being an open-end fund, the currently effective prospectus and statement of additional information under the 1933 Act and the most recent statement of additional information or, as applicable, the most recent offering circular, offering circular or other comparable document, and (iii) a certified copy of the applicable Fund Board's resolution approving the engagement of the Custodian to act as custodian of the securities and other assets of its Portfolio(s).

"<u>1933 Act</u>" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

"<u>1934 Act</u>" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"<u>1940 Act</u>" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

"<u>Portfolios</u>" means the separate series or portfolios of the Funds identified on <u>Exhibit A</u> hereto, and such additional Portfolios made subject to this Agreement pursuant to Section 13(e) hereof, and, in the case of any closed-end investment company or other Fund for which no separate series or portfolio is so identified, the Fund itself.

"<u>Proper Instructions</u>" means (1) written instructions given by an Authorized Person (or a person reasonably believed by the Custodian to be an Authorized Person) to the Custodian in such form and manner as the Custodian and the Funds shall agree upon from time to time, including communications effected directly between protected electromechanical or electronic devices, in each case in accordance with such testing and authentication procedures as may be agreed to from time to time by the Custodian and the Funds ("<u>Written Instructions</u>") and (2) subject to any limitations in scope of authority, oral instructions ("<u>Oral Instructions</u>") received by the Custodian in such manner and in accordance with such testing and authentication procedures

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as the Custodian and the Funds shall agree upon from time to time, from a person reasonably believed by the Custodian to be an Authorized Person. It is understood that the Funds must follow such security procedures as the Custodian and the Funds shall agree upon from time to time. "<u>Special Instructions</u>" shall be Written Instructions accompanied by a copy of a resolution by the appropriate Board authorizing the action, or, if so approved by the Board, Written Instructions given by two Authorized Persons (or persons reasonably believed by the Custodian to be Authorized Persons) with authority (as specified in a certificate executed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the applicable Fund) to give such Special Instructions.

"<u>Repo Custodian</u>" means a custodian appointed by a Fund for the purpose of engaging in tri-party repurchase agreement transactions.

"<u>Rule 17f-5</u>" means Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act.

"<u>Rule 17f-7</u>" means Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act.

"<u>SEC</u>" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"<u>Securities System</u>" means a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or a book-entry system authorized by the United States Department of the Treasury or another federal agency.

"<u>Shares</u>" mean the shares of beneficial interest of any Portfolio.

"<u>Transfer Agent</u>" means, with respect to each Fund, any transfer agent appointed by its Board.

"<u>Underlying Fund Shares</u>" means uncertificated shares of registered "investment companies" (as defined in Section 3(a)(1) of the 1940 Act) that are held by, or under the control of, the Custodian, the ownership of which is evidenced through entries in the books and records of the transfer agent of the applicable registered "investment company."

"<u>Underlying Transfer Agent</u>" means the transfer agent with respect to Underlying Fund Shares.

"<u>U.S. Clearing System</u>" means a clearing agency located in the United States which is registered with the SEC as a clearing agency under Section 17A of the 1934 Act or a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

**2.** **APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN; GENERAL DUTIES.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1. <u>Appointment</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each of the Funds hereby appoints the Custodian as the custodian of the cash, securities and other assets of each of its Portfolios, including Domestic Securities and Foreign Securities.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Upon becoming a party to this Agreement, each of the Funds shall provide the Custodian with a copy of its Governing Documents (unless the same has previously been provided to the Custodian), and will provide the Custodian with a copy of amendments, supplements and modifications thereof from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as custodian of the securities and assets of the Portfolios of the Funds, agrees to keep safely all cash, securities and other assets of each Portfolio delivered to the Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations, and agrees to perform the duties of such custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and all statutes, laws, rules and regulations with which the Custodian or the Funds are required to comply in the performance of the services set forth in this Agreement. The duties of the Custodian shall only be those specifically undertaken pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2. <u>Delivery of Portfolio Assets</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each Fund, on behalf of its Portfolio(s), shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Custodian all securities, cash and other assets of such Portfolio(s), and from time to time all payments of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to Portfolio securities and other assets, and the cash consideration received by it for such new or treasury Shares representing interests in its Portfolio(s) as may be issued or sold from time to time. Securities may be delivered to the Custodian in physical form or by means of book-entry.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a Portfolio which is not delivered to the Custodian or which has been delivered out by the Custodian in accordance with Proper Instructions, including without limitation Portfolio property (i) held by brokers, private bankers or other entities on behalf of the Portfolio, (ii) held by a sub-custodian or Repo Custodian authorized pursuant to Section 2.6(b) hereof, (iii) held by entities which have advanced monies to or on behalf of the Portfolio and which have received Portfolio property as security for such advance(s), or (iv) delivered or otherwise removed from the custody of the Custodian in advance of payment therefor pursuant to Section 2.5(vii) hereof. With respect to Underlying Fund Shares, the holding of confirmation statements that identify the shares as being recorded in the Custodian's name on behalf of the Portfolios will be deemed custody for purposes hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3. <u>Reliance on Instructions and Authority</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, duly certified by such Fund's Secretary or Assistant Secretary, a certificate setting forth: (i) the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all Authorized Persons, (ii) the names, titles and signatures of those Authorized Persons, if any, who are authorized to give Special Instructions, and (iii) a copy of resolutions of the Boards of the applicable Funds effecting the authorizations referred to in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii). Such certificate may be accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of a similar certificate to the contrary.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Custodian will be protected in acting upon any Proper or Special Instructions which are transmitted with testing or authentication pursuant to terms and conditions agreed to by the Custodian and the Fund from time to time, provided that such instructions comply with the other provisions of this Agreement. The Funds shall promptly confirm any Oral Instructions with Written Instructions, provided that failure of such confirming Written Instructions to be received by the Custodian or to conform to the Oral Instructions shall in no way invalidate the transactions or enforceability of the transactions authorized by the Oral Instructions and effected prior to receipt by the Custodian of non-conforming Written Instructions, and provided further that if Written Instructions confirming Oral Instructions are inconsistent with such Oral Instructions the only obligation of the Custodian in connection therewith shall be to promptly notify the Fund of such inconsistency.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Custodian may receive and accept a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of any Fund as conclusive evidence (i) of the authority of any person to act in accordance with such resolution or (ii) of any determination or of any action by the applicable Board as described in such resolution, and such resolution may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Third party providers of information to the Custodian may impose terms and conditions on a Fund's use of that information, which can be found at http://www.bnymellon.com/products/assetservicing/vendoragreement.pdf (or any successor website the address of which is provided by Custodian to the Funds) (the "Data Terms Website"), and the Funds agree to those terms as they are posted in the Data Terms Website from time to time. The Custodian shall promptly notify the Funds in writing of any new postings or changes to the terms of any conditions previously posted in the Data Terms Website.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4 <u>Bank Accounts</u>. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio of each Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a bank account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the 1940 Act. Funds held by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the banking department of the Custodian or with sub-custodians appointed pursuant to Sections 2.6(b) or (c) hereof. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity. The Custodian shall take reasonable steps to ensure that, to the extent reasonably possible, such funds are covered by federal deposit insurance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5 <u>Payment of Fund Moneys</u>. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only (other than as set forth in Section 4.7(b) hereof; the provisions of Section 4.7(b) govern with respect to the transactions referenced therein):

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Upon the purchase of Domestic Securities for the account of the Portfolio but only (A) against the delivery of such securities or evidence of title thereto to the Custodian or its agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.6(a) hereof registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of the Custodian referred to in Section 3.3 hereof or in proper form for transfer; (B) in the case of a purchase effected through a U.S. Clearing System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 3.5 hereof; (C) in the case of a purchase of Underlying Fund Shares, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 3.7 hereof; (D) in the case of repurchase agreements entered into between the applicable Fund on behalf of a Portfolio and the Custodian or another bank, or a broker-dealer, (i) against delivery of the securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the Custodian's account at the U.S. Clearing System with such securities or (ii) where the counterparty is the Custodian, against delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Portfolio of securities owned by the Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Portfolio; or (E) for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund as defined herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 3.2(viii) hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued as set forth in Section 5 hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments for the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) For the payment of any declared dividends on Shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of securities sold short;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) Upon the purchase of domestic investments that cannot, in accordance with domestic market practice, be delivered versus payment for such security, including without limitation repurchase agreement transactions involving delivery of Portfolio monies to a Repo Custodian in advance of delivery of the purchased securities, in accordance with Written Instructions, which (except in the case of a repurchase agreement transaction) have been signed by two Authorized Persons (or persons reasonably believed by the Custodian to be Authorized Persons), that set forth (A) that such payment is to be made as a "free delivery," (B) the amount of such payment and (C) the person(s) to whom such payment is to be made;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer, relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation or of any registered national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant, relating to compliance with the rules of the CFTC and/or any contract market, or any similar organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Special Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio setting forth (A) the amount of such payment and (B) the person(s) to whom such payment is to be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.6. <u>Appointment of Agents and Sub-Custodians</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Agents.* The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust company which is itself qualified under the 1940 Act to act as a custodian (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act), as its agent, as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities hereunder. (The Underlying Transfer Agent and any securities depository or clearing system shall not be deemed an agent or subcustodian of the Custodian for purposes of this Section 2.6 or any other provision of this Agreement.)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Domestic Sub-Custodians*. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall with respect to the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to time employ one or more subcustodians located in the United States that qualify to serve as custodians for registered management companies under the 1940 Act ("<u>Domestic</u> <u>Sub-Custodians</u>"), including without limitation any Repo Custodian or other sub-custodian appointed by a Fund for special purposes, provided that the Custodian shall have no more or less responsibility or liability to any Fund on account of any actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such subcustodian has to the Custodian; provided further, however, that the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund, in accordance with Section 8 hereof, for the Custodian's own actions in transmitting any instructions received by it from the Fund and for the Custodian's own actions in connection with the delivery of any securities, cash or other assets held by it to any sub-custodian. In addition, if, at any time, a Portfolio suffers or incurs any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim as a result of any action or omission on the part of any such sub-custodian, then, to the extent that the Custodian has a claim in connection therewith against such sub-custodian, the Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to pursue such claim on behalf of the applicable Portfolio and shall promptly remit to the account of such Portfolio the amount of any recovery by the Custodian in connection therewith (less reasonable expenses incurred by the Custodian). Notwithstanding the immediately foregoing sentence, at a Fund's election, the applicable Portfolio shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against any such sub-custodian as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent that the Portfolio has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Foreign Sub-Custodians.* The Custodian may employ as sub-custodian for each Fund's Foreign Securities on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) the foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated in <u>Schedules A and B</u> hereto, but only in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 4 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.7. <u>Actions Permitted Without Express Authority</u>. The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the applicable Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive form;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) In general, attend to all non-discretionary details and mandatory actions in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the securities and property of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed by Proper Instructions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.8. <u>Records and Reports</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian shall, with respect to each Portfolio, create and maintain all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement in such manner as will, to the extent applicable, meet the obligations of each Fund under (i) the 1940 Act, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder, and (ii) the CEA for any Portfolio identified to the Custodian in writing as being a commodity pool operated by a registered commodity pool operator.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) All records created for or on behalf of any Fund, including those maintained by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.8(a) above, shall be the property of the applicable Fund and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees, agents or independent auditors of such Fund and employees and agents of the SEC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Custodian shall promptly provide or otherwise make available to the Funds on a daily or less frequent basis, such notifications, reports, statements, summaries, schedule, balances and trial balances, rollforwards, reconciliations and other information as may be mutually acceptable to the Funds and the Custodian, which may be included on a schedule to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) If a Fund elects to receive communications via the internet, the Fund acknowledges that there are risks inherent in receiving communications via such method (including but not limited to virus contamination, disruptions in service and the fact that such communications may not be secure) and that by electing to receive communications via the internet the Fund is assuming the risks of such communication method. For purposes of clarification, nothing in this Section 2.8(d) shall be deemed to reduce the standard of care or any obligation of the Custodian set forth elsewhere in this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.9. <u>Accountants; Compliance Matters</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as a Fund with respect to a Portfolio may from time to time request, in order for the Funds to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with respect to the Custodian's activities hereunder and/or in connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-lA or Form N-2, as applicable, and Form N-CSR, Form N-SAR (or any comparable successor thereto, including Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN), or other reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Custodian shall provide the applicable Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios, as such Fund may reasonably request, with a SOC 1 report under SSAE 18 (or any comparable successor report thereto) by independent public accountants on the Custodian's system, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement; such reports shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail to provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination. The Custodian shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event, in not greater than sixty (60) days) notify each Fund of each determination of a significant deficiency, material weakness or inadequacy in the accounting controls of the Custodian which notification may be accomplished, among other means, by delivery of such SOC 1 report under SSAE 18.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Custodian further agrees to provide such information and assistance from time to time as may be reasonably requested by any of the Funds in connection with the Custodian's compliance procedures as applicable to the Funds and/or in connection with the Funds' periodic compliance audits of the Custodian. Without limiting the preceding sentence, the Custodian agrees to provide: (i) in connection with the Funds' compliance programs pursuant to Rule 38a-l promulgated under the 1940 Act, such periodic reports, documentation and certifications as any Fund or its compliance officers may reasonably request, and reasonably prompt notification of any Material Compliance Matter (as such term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) that comes to the attention of the Custodian related to the performance of the services under this Agreement; (ii) reasonably prompt notification of any event that could materially adversely impact the services provided by the Custodian to the Funds under this Agreement; (iii) summary information about each business continuity plan, disaster recovery plan and similar plan enacted by the Custodian and applicable to the services provided under this Agreement and such amendments thereto as may be adopted from time to time, in order for the Fund to meet its regulatory obligations; (iv) sub-certificates in connection with the certification requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 applicable to services for the Funds and (v) a copy of each SSAE 18 (SOC 1) audit report (or any comparable successor report thereto) prepared in accordance with all applicable industry standards by an independent third party with respect to services hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.10. <u>Advances by the Custodian</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian may, in its sole discretion, advance funds on behalf of any of the Portfolios to make any payment permitted by this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Upon mutual agreement between a Fund, on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, and the Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio make federal funds available to such Portfolio as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks received and/or wire transfers initiated in payment for Shares of such Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Should a payment or payments pursuant to Section 2.10(a) or (b) above, with advanced funds, result in an overdraft (due to insufficiencies of the Portfolio's account with the Custodian, or for any other reason), any such overdraft or indebtedness shall be deemed for purposes of this Agreement a loan made by the Custodian to the Fund for the account of the Portfolio payable on demand. Such overdraft or indebtedness shall bear interest, on any day, at the rate per annum set forth in the then-current written agreement between the Parties under Section 6 hereof. Each of the Funds agrees that the Custodian has and grants to the Custodian a continuing first lien and security interest (i) to the extent of any overdraft or indebtedness (prior to any rights of any other entity except as granted by statute, law, rule or regulation), and (ii) to the extent of any unpaid fees and expenses owing hereunder, after giving effect to applicable notice and cure periods, if any (or, in the absence of any notice and cure period stated herein, after giving written notice of any past due fees and expenses and providing a cure period of 30 days), in and to any property at any time held by the Custodian for the benefit of the applicable Portfolio or in which the applicable Portfolio has an interest and which is then in the Custodian's possession or control (or in the possession or control of any third party acting on the Custodian's behalf). Each of the Funds authorizes the Custodian, in the Custodian's sole discretion, at any time to charge any overdraft or indebtedness, together with interest due thereon, against any balance of account standing to the credit of the applicable Portfolio on the Custodian's books. In addition, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such Portfolio's Financial Assets and other assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement, provided, however, the Custodian shall have provided the Fund three (3) days' notice with respect thereto. In this regard, the Custodian shall be entitled to all the rights and remedies of a pledgee and secured creditor under applicable laws, rules and regulations as then in effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.11. <u>Disruption of Services; Contingency Facilities</u>. In order to minimize the disruption of the services to be provided under this Agreement or any exhibit, schedule or annex hereto, the Custodian shall implement and maintain directly or through third parties contingency facilities and procedures reasonably designed to provide for periodic back-up of the computer files and data with respect to the Portfolios and emergency use of electronic data processing equipment to provide services under this Agreement or any exhibit, schedule or annex hereto. The Custodian shall, upon reasonable request, discuss with senior management of the Funds such disaster recovery plan and shall, upon reasonable request, provide a high-level presentation summarizing such plan. In the event of equipment failure, work stoppage, governmental action, communication disruption or other impossibility of performance beyond the Custodian's control, the Custodian shall, at no additional expense to the Funds, take reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.12 <u>Not</u> <u>Payor</u>. In making payments to service providers pursuant to Proper Instructions, each Fund acknowledges that the Custodian is acting in an administrative or in a ministerial capacity, and not as the payor, for tax information reporting and withholding purposes.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.13. <u>Float</u>. Each Fund acknowledges that, as part of the Custodian's compensation, the Custodian, to the extent permissible under applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations, will earn interest on cash balances held by the Custodian as provided in the Custodian's indirect compensation disclosures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.14. <u>Contractual Settlement and Income</u>. The Custodian may, as a matter of bookkeeping convenience, credit a Portfolio with the proceeds from the sale, redemption or other disposition of securities or interest, dividends or other distributions payable on securities prior to its actual receipt of final payment therefor. All such credits shall be conditional until the Custodian's actual receipt of final payment and may be reversed by the Custodian to the extent that final payment is not received. Payment with respect to a transaction will not be "final" until the Custodian shall have received immediately available funds that under applicable local law, rule and practice are irreversible and not subject to any security interest, levy or other encumbrance, and that are specifically applicable to such transaction.

**3.** **CUSTODY WITH RESPECT TO DOMESTIC SECURITIES** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1. <u>Holding Domestic Securities</u>. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by it in the United States, including all Domestic Securities owned by such Portfolio other than (i) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 3.5 in a U.S. Clearing System and (ii) Underlying Fund Shares owned by each Fund which are maintained pursuant to Section 3.7 hereof in an account with the Underlying Transfer Agent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2. <u>Delivery of Securities</u>. The Custodian shall release and deliver Domestic Securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian, or in a U.S. Clearing System account of the Custodian or in an account at the Underlying Transfer Agent, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions (other than those actions which are expressly permitted to be taken without Proper Instructions under Section 2.7 hereof) on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio and receipt of payment therefor as provided in this Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase agreement related to such securities entered into by the Portfolio;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Clearing System, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.5 hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the Custodian or into the name or nominee name of any agent or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 2.6; or for exchange for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio, to the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for examination in accordance with "street delivery" custom;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for definitive securities; provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by the Portfolio under a securities lending agreement to the lending agent, or the lending agent's custodian, in accordance with Written Instructions (provided that the applicable Fund executes such agreement as the Custodian may reasonably require in connection with such arrangement, in such form as shall be reasonably negotiated by the Custodian, the lending agent and the applicable Fund);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowing by a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio, but only against receipt of amounts borrowed;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xii) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer, relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation or of any registered national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiii) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant, relating to compliance with the rules of the CFTC and/or any contract market, or any similar organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiv) Upon the sale or other delivery of such investments (including, without limitation, to one or more sub-custodians authorized pursuant to Section 2.6(b)), as set forth in Written Instructions, provided that such Written Instructions shall set forth (x) the securities of the Portfolio to be delivered and (y) the person(s) to whom delivery of such securities shall be made;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xv) For delivery to the Portfolio's Transfer Agent or to the holders of Shares in connection with distributions or redemptions in kind in satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xvi) In the case of a sale processed through the Underlying Transfer Agent for Underlying Fund Shares, in accordance with Section 3.7 hereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xvii) For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Special Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio specifying (A) the Domestic Securities of the Portfolio to be delivered and (B) the person(s) to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3. <u>Registration of Securities</u>. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement shall be in "street name" or other good delivery form. Domestic Securities held by the Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of a Fund on behalf of the Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian, or in the name or nominee name of any agent or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 2.6. If, however, a Fund directs the Custodian to maintain securities in "street name", the Custodian shall utilize commercially reasonable efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such securities and to notify the Fund on a commercially reasonable efforts basis only of relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.4. <u>Collection of Income</u>. Except with respect to Portfolio property released and delivered pursuant to Section 3.2(xiv) or purchased pursuant to Section 2.5(vii), and subject to the last sentence of Section 3.3, the Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to registered Domestic Securities held hereunder to which each Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to bearer Domestic Securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to such Portfolio's custodian account maintained hereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest when due on securities held hereunder. Income due each Portfolio on securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.2(x) shall be the responsibility of the applicable Fund. The Custodian, in its capacity as custodian hereunder, will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is properly entitled. The Custodian shall as soon as reasonably practicable notify the Fund in such manner as the Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable to the Fund or other asset of the Fund is not received by the Custodian when due.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5. <u>Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Clearing Systems</u>. The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities or other Financial Assets owned by a Portfolio in a U.S. Clearing System in compliance with the conditions of Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.6. <u>Segregated Account</u>. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions, establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each such Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 3.5 hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer (or any futures commission merchant), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation or of any registered national securities exchange (or the CFTC or any registered contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent rule or release of the SEC, or interpretative opinion of the staff of the SEC, relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies, and (iv) for any other purpose in accordance with Proper Instructions and as required or permitted by applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations and agreed between the Custodian and the applicable Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.7. <u>Deposit of Fund Assets with the Underlying Transfer Agent</u>. Underlying Fund Shares shall be deposited and/or maintained in an account or accounts maintained with the Underlying Transfer Agent, provided that such securities are maintained in an account or accounts on the books and records of the Underlying Transfer Agent in the name of the Custodian as custodian for the Portfolio. The records of the Custodian with respect to Underlying Fund Shares which are maintained with the Underlying Transfer Agent shall identify by book-entry those Underlying Fund Shares belonging to each Portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.8. <u>Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes</u>. The Custodian shall execute as soon as reasonably practicable, and shall require any Domestic Sub-Custodian to execute as soon as reasonably practicable, ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to Domestic Securities of each Portfolio held by it and in connection with transfers of securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.9. <u>Voting Domestic Shares</u>. The Custodian shall, with respect to the Domestic Securities held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such securities.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.10. <u>Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information and notices received by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian from issuers with regard to the Domestic Securities being held for the Portfolio and/or any corporate action by such issuer affecting such securities (including without limitation stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, pendency of calls and maturities of Domestic Securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith, notices of exercise of call and put options written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio). For clarity, matters relating to bankruptcy cases are the responsibility of the applicable Fund; provided that the Custodian shall continue to be responsible for transmission of initial notice of the bankruptcy case received by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian and transmission of any required action relating to the bankruptcy case.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund all written information received by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian from issuers of the Domestic Securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or its agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If a Fund desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian prior to the deadline established by the Custodian in its reasonable discretion as will give the Custodian sufficient time to take such action, which deadline shall in no event be longer than three (3) business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action. If the Fund provides the Custodian with such notification after such deadline, the Custodian shall continue to use commercially reasonable efforts to take such action but will not be responsible if such efforts are unsuccessful. The Custodian shall inform the Fund or its appointed investment adviser a reasonable time in advance, to the extent reasonably possible, of pertinent deadlines in each case.

**4.** **CUSTODY WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN SECURITIES** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1. <u>Foreign Custody Manager</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each Fund, by resolution adopted by its Board, hereby delegates to the Custodian, subject to Section (b) of Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, the responsibilities set forth in Sections 4.1 through 4.4 with respect to Foreign Assets of the Portfolios held outside the United States, and the Custodian hereby accepts such delegation as Foreign Custody Manager with respect to the Portfolios.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Foreign Custody Manager shall be responsible for performing the delegated responsibilities defined below only with respect to the countries and custody arrangements for each such country listed on <u>Schedule A</u> to this Agreement, which list of countries may be amended from time to time by any Fund with the consent of the Foreign Custody Manager, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, or as set forth in Section 4.1(d) hereof. <u>Schedule A</u> further lists the Foreign Sub-Custodians selected by the Foreign Custody Manager to maintain the assets of the Portfolios.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Upon the receipt by the Foreign Custody Manager of Proper Instructions to open an account or to place or maintain Foreign Assets in a country listed on <u>Schedule A</u>, and the fulfillment by each Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), of the applicable account opening requirements for such country, the Foreign Custody Manager shall be deemed to have been delegated by such Fund's Board on behalf of such Portfolio(s) responsibility as Foreign Custody Manager with respect to that country and to have accepted such delegation. Execution of this Agreement by the Fund shall, to the extent any particular Fund has or will have Foreign Assets, be deemed to be a Proper Instruction to open an account or to place or maintain Foreign Assets in each country listed on Schedule A in which the Custodian has previously placed or currently maintains such Fund's Foreign Assets pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. Following the receipt of Proper Instructions directing the Foreign Custody Manager to close the account of a Portfolio with the Foreign Sub-Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in a designated country, the delegation by the Board on behalf of such Portfolio to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager for that country shall be deemed to have been withdrawn and the Custodian shall immediately cease to be the Foreign Custody Manager with respect to such Portfolio with respect to that country and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the closing of such account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Foreign Custody Manager may withdraw its acceptance of delegated responsibilities with respect to a designated country upon at least 60 days (or such longer period which the parties may agree) prior written notice to the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2. <u>Foreign Sub-Custodians</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section 4, the Foreign Custody Manager may place and maintain the Foreign Assets in the care of a Foreign Sub-Custodian in each country listed on Schedule A, as amended from time to time. In performing its delegated responsibilities as Foreign Custody Manager to place or maintain Foreign Assets with a Foreign Sub-Custodian, the Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the Foreign Assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Foreign Assets will be held by that Foreign Sub-Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f- 5(c)(1) under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the contract governing the foreign custody arrangements with each Foreign Sub-Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager will satisfy the requirements of Rule 17f-5(c)(2).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) In each case in which the Foreign Custody Manager maintains Foreign Assets with a Foreign Sub-Custodian, the Foreign Custody Manager shall establish a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Foreign Assets with such Foreign Sub-Custodian and (ii) the performance of the contract governing the custody arrangements established by the Foreign Custody Manager with the Foreign Sub-Custodian. In the event the Foreign Custody Manager determines that the custody arrangements with any Foreign Sub-Custodian it has selected are no longer appropriate pursuant to the requirements of Rule 17f-5, the Foreign Custody Manager shall notify the Board in accordance with Section 4.3 hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The applicable Board shall, or in the event such Board shall have delegated to the applicable Adviser such duty in accordance with Rule 17f-5, such Adviser shall consider the Country Risk incurred by placing and maintaining the Foreign Assets in each country listed on

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<u>Schedule A</u> (for which the Custodian is serving as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios). For these purposes, "<u>Country Risk</u>" means all factors reasonably related to the systemic risk of holding Foreign Assets in a particular country including, but not limited to, such country's political environment, economic and financial infrastructure (including any securities depositories or clearing systems operating in that country), prevailing or developing custody and settlement practices, governmental actions, market conditions which affect the orderly execution of transactions or affect the value of assets, and laws and regulations applicable to the safekeeping or recovery of Foreign Assets held in custody in that country; provided, however, that "Country Risk" shall not include the custody or settlement practices and procedures of a Foreign Sub-Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager that are not substantially consistent with prevailing practices in the country in which the Foreign Assets are held or to be held by such Foreign Sub-Custodian. The Custodian's responsibilities with respect to selection of Foreign Sub-Custodians do not include consideration of Country Risk, except to the extent necessary for the Custodian to perform its duties under Section 4.2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Upon reasonable request of a Fund, and subject to restrictions under applicable law, the Custodian will use reasonable efforts to arrange for the independent accountants of the Fund to be afforded reasonable access to the books and records of any foreign banking institution employed as a Foreign Sub-Custodian as may be required in connection with the examination of the Fund's books and records.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3. <u>Reporting Requirements</u>. The Foreign Custody Manager shall report the withdrawal of the Foreign Assets from any Foreign Sub-Custodian and the placement of such Foreign Assets with another Foreign Sub-Custodian by providing the Board an amended Schedule A at the end of the calendar quarter in which an amendment to such schedule has occurred. The Foreign Custody Manager shall make reasonably prompt written reports to the Board of any other material change in the foreign custody arrangements of the Portfolios described in this Section 4 after the occurrence of the material change.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4. <u>Representations with respect to Rule 17f-5</u>. The Foreign Custody Manager represents to each Fund that it is a U.S. Bank as defined in Section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5. Each Fund represents to the Custodian that its Board has determined that it is reasonable for such Board to rely on the Custodian to perform the responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Agreement to the Custodian as the Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.5. <u>Foreign Securities Depositories</u>. The Custodian shall provide the Fund with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Foreign Securities Depositories set forth on <u>Schedule B</u> hereto, in accordance with Section (a)(l)(i)(A) of Rule 17f- 7. The Custodian shall monitor such risks on a continuing basis and shall promptly notify the Fund of any material change in such risks, in accordance with Section (a)(1)(i)(B) of Rule 17f-7, and the Funds shall, as soon as reasonably practicable and via Proper Instructions to the Custodian, withdraw the Fund's assets from a Foreign Securities Depository if the custody arrangements with such Foreign Securities Depository no longer meet the requirements of Rule 17f-7. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 8 of this Agreement, for the avoidance of doubt the Custodian shall have no obligation to withdraw assets from a Foreign Securities Depository other than upon receipt of such Proper Instructions from the Funds. <u>Schedule B</u> shall be updated from time to time by the Custodian's provision to the Fund of an updated <u>Schedule B</u> at the end of the calendar quarter in which an amendment to such schedule has occurred.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.6. <u>Holding Foreign Securities</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Portfolios the Foreign Securities held by each Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities Depository. The Custodian may hold Foreign Securities for all of its customers, including the Portfolios, with any Foreign Sub-Custodian in an account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers; provided, however, that (i) the records of the Custodian with respect to Foreign Securities of the Portfolios which are maintained in such account shall identify those securities as belonging to the Portfolios and (ii) to the extent permitted and customary in the market in which the account is maintained, the Custodian shall require that securities so held by the Foreign Sub-Custodian be held separately from any assets of such Foreign Sub-Custodian or of other customers of such Foreign Sub-Custodian.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Foreign securities shall be maintained in a Foreign Securities Depository in a designated country through arrangements implemented by the Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian, as applicable, in such country.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7. <u>Transactions in Foreign Custody Account</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall release and deliver Foreign Securities of the Portfolios held by the Custodian or such Foreign Sub-Custodian, or in a Foreign Securities Depository account, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions (other than those actions which are expressly permitted to be taken without Proper Instructions under Section 2.7 hereof), which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Upon the sale of such Foreign Securities for the Portfolio in accordance with market practice for institutional customers in the country where such Foreign Securities are held or traded, including, without limitation: (A) delivery against expectation of receiving later payment, provided the Custodian has advised the Fund or its duly appointed investment adviser of such practice in accordance with Section 4.7A(b) below; or (B) in the case of a sale effected through a Foreign Securities Depository, in accordance with the rules governing the operation of the Foreign Securities Depository;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) In connection with any repurchase agreement related to Foreign Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for Foreign Securities of the Portfolios;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such Foreign Securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the Custodian (or the name of the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian or of any nominee of the Custodian or such Foreign Sub-Custodian) or for exchange for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) To brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination or trade execution in accordance with market custom;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) In the case of warrants, rights or similar Foreign Securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for definitive securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowing by a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio, but only against receipt of amounts borrowed;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) In connection with trading in options and futures contracts, including delivery as original margin and variation margin;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) Subject to Section 4.7(a)(i) hereof, upon the sale or other delivery of such Foreign Securities (including, without limitation, to one or more Repo Custodians) in advance of payment therefor, provided that applicable Proper Instructions shall set forth (A) the Foreign Securities to be delivered and (B) the person(s) to whom delivery shall be made;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xii) In connection with the lending of Foreign Securities (provided that the applicable Fund executes such agreement as the Custodian may reasonably require in connection with such arrangement, in such form as shall be reasonably negotiated by the Custodian, the applicable Fund, the lending agent and/or such other party or parties as may be applicable);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiii) For delivery to the Portfolio's Transfer Agent or to the holders of Shares in connection with distributions or redemptions in kind (or, with respect to a closed-end investment company, as may otherwise be described in writing in the Proper Instructions), in satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiv) For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Special Instructions specifying (A) the Foreign Securities to be delivered and (B) the person(s) to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out, or direct the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian or the respective Foreign Securities Depository to pay out, monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Upon the purchase of Foreign Securities for the Portfolio in accordance with market practices for institutional customers in the country where such Foreign Securities are held or traded, unless otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, by (A) delivering money to the seller thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such seller or dealer) against expectation of receiving later delivery of such Foreign Securities provided the Custodian has advised the Fund or its duly appointed investment adviser of such practice in accordance with Section 4.7A(b) below; or (B) in the case of a purchase effected through a Foreign Securities Depository, in accordance with the rules governing the operation of such Foreign Securities Depository;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender of Foreign Securities of the Portfolio as set forth in Section 4.7(a)(vii) hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) For the payment of any expense or liability of the Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments: interest, taxes, investment advisory fees, transfer agency fees, fees under this Agreement, legal fees, accounting fees, and other operating expenses of the related Portfolio;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) For the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or foreign exchange contracts for the Portfolio, including transactions executed with or through the Custodian or its Foreign Sub-Custodians;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) In connection with trading in options and futures contracts, including delivery as original margin and variation margin;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) Subject to Section 4.7(a)(i) hereof, upon the purchase of foreign investments including, without limitation, repurchase agreement transactions involving delivery of Portfolio monies to Repo Custodian(s), in advance of delivery of the purchased securities, provided that applicable Proper Instructions shall set forth (A) the amount of such payment and (B) the person(s) to whom payment shall be made;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) For payment of part or all of the dividends received in respect of securities sold short;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) In connection with the borrowing or lending of Foreign Securities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Special Instructions specifying (A) the amount of such payment and (B) the person(s) to whom such payment is to be made.

4.7A. <u>Market Conditions</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Except as more particularly set forth in Sections 4.7(a)(i) and 4.7(b)(i), settlement and payment for Foreign Assets received for the account of the Portfolios and delivery of Foreign Assets maintained for the account of the Portfolios may be effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or processing practices and procedures in the country or market in which the transaction occurs.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Custodian shall provide to each Board or its duly authorized designee information with respect to custody and settlement practices in countries in which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-Custodian.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.8. <u>Registration of Foreign Securities</u>. The Foreign Securities maintained in the custody of a Foreign Sub-Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the applicable Portfolio or in the name of the Custodian or in the name of any Foreign SubCustodian or in the name of any nominee of the foregoing, and the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such foreign securities. The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall not be obligated to accept securities on behalf of a Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement unless the form of such securities and the manner in which they are delivered are in accordance with reasonable market practice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9. <u>Bank Accounts</u>. With respect to transactions under this Section 4, the Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the applicable Fund cash (including cash denominated in foreign currencies) deposited with the Custodian. Where the Custodian is unable to maintain, or market practice does not facilitate the maintenance of, cash on the books of the Custodian, a bank account or bank accounts shall be opened and maintained outside the United States on behalf of a Portfolio with a Foreign Sub-Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and Rule 17f-5. The Custodian shall take reasonable steps to ensure that, to the extent reasonably possible, such funds arc covered by any deposit insurance provided by the local government or other similar protections. All accounts referred to in this Section 4.9 shall be subject only to draft or order by the Custodian (or, if applicable, a Foreign Sub-Custodian) acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to hold cash received by or from or for the account of the Portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.10. <u>Collection of Income</u>. The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all income and other payments with respect to the Foreign Assets held hereunder to which the Portfolios shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business and shall credit such income, as collected, to the applicable Portfolio. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such income, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to such measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures and the Custodian's services with respect thereto shall be subject to agreement regarding such measures. The Custodian shall as soon as reasonably practicable notify the Fund in such manner as the Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable to the Fund or other asset of the Fund is not received by the Custodian when due.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.11. <u>Shareholder Voting Rights</u>. With respect to the Foreign Securities held pursuant to this Section 4, the Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject always to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such securities are issued. Each Fund acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of such Fund to exercise shareholder rights.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.12. <u>Communications Relating to Foreign Securities</u>. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials received by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian via the Foreign Sub-Custodians from issuers of the Foreign Securities being held for the account of the Portfolios (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of foreign securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith). For clarity, matters relating to bankruptcy cases are the responsibility of the applicable Fund; provided that the Custodian shall continue to be responsible for transmission of initial notice of the bankruptcy case received by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian and transmission of any required action relating to the bankruptcy case. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information received by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian from issuers of the Foreign Securities whose tender or exchange is sought or from the party (or its agents) making the tender or exchange offer and shall promptly forward to the Foreign Sub-Custodian or the issuer, as applicable, any instructions, forms or other documents as the Custodian shall receive from the Fund in connection therewith. All primary written communications to the Funds with respect to Foreign Securities shall be in English. If a Fund desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian prior to the deadline established by the Custodian in its reasonable discretion as will give the Custodian (including any Foreign Sub-Custodian) sufficient time to take such action. If the Fund provides the Custodian with such notification after such deadline, the Custodian shall continue to use commercially reasonable efforts to take such action (or to cause the Foreign Sub-Custodian to take such action) but will not be responsible if such efforts are unsuccessful. The Custodian shall inform the Fund or its duly appointed investment adviser a reasonable time in advance, to the extent reasonably possible, of pertinent deadlines in each case.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.13. <u>Liability in Respect of Foreign Assets</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall meet the requirements set forth in Rule 17f-5(c)(2). If, at any time, a Portfolio suffers or incurs any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim as a result of any action or omission on the part of a Foreign Sub-Custodian, then, to the extent that the Custodian has a claim in connection therewith against such Foreign Sub-Custodian under the Custodian's agreement with the Foreign Sub-Custodian or under applicable law, the Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to pursue such claim on behalf of the applicable Portfolio and shall promptly remit to the account of such Portfolio the amount of any recovery by the Custodian in connection therewith (less reasonable expenses incurred by the Custodian). Notwithstanding the immediately foregoing sentence, at a Fund's election, the applicable Portfolio shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a Foreign Sub-Custodian as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent that the Portfolio has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim by such Foreign Sub-Custodian. Such subrogation shall not relieve the Custodian to any extent from its liability or obligations to a Fund or Portfolio hereunder, provided that any recovery by the applicable Fund or Portfolio pursuant to such subrogation shall relieve the Custodian of liability and obligations to the extent of such recovery.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to Sections 8(a), 8(b) and 8(c) of this Agreement, the Custodian shall be responsible for the acts and omissions of any Foreign or Domestic Sub-Custodian as follows, taking into account established market practices and local laws prevailing in the jurisdiction in which the acts and omissions of the Foreign or Domestic Sub-Custodian occur: (1) with respect to damages incurred by a Fund as a result of an act or omission of a Foreign or Domestic Subcustodian relating to such Sub-Custodian's provision of sub-custody services in a market listed in Schedule D hereto at the time such damages were incurred, the Custodian will be liable for such damages to the same extent as if the act or omission was that of the Custodian under this Agreement and (2) with respect to damages incurred by a Fund as a result of an act or omission of a Foreign or Domestic Sub-Custodian relating to such Sub-Custodian's provision of subcustody services in a market other than one listed in Schedule D hereto at the time such damages were incurred, the Custodian shall take appropriate action to recover such damages from such Sub-Custodian and the Custodian's liability with respect to such damages shall be limited to amounts recovered from such Sub-Custodian (less reasonable expenses incurred by the Custodian). If the Custodian no longer maintains client assets with a Foreign or Domestic SubCustodian in a market listed in Schedule D hereto or if the Custodian intends to remove all client assets from all Foreign and Domestic Sub-Custodians in a market listed in Schedule D hereto, the Custodian may remove that market from the list in Schedule D hereto upon prior notice to the applicable Fund; in all other circumstances the Custodian may not remove a market listed in Schedule D hereto without prior agreement of the applicable Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Subject to and to the extent of receipt by the Custodian of relevant and necessary information with respect to the Funds and Portfolios that the Custodian has requested, the Custodian shall perform the following services: (i) file claims for exemptions, reductions in withholding taxes, or refunds of any tax with respect to withheld foreign (non-U.S.) taxes in instances in which such claims are appropriate; (ii) withhold appropriate amounts as required by U.S. tax laws with respect to amounts received on behalf of nonresident aliens; and (iii) provide to the Funds such information actually received by the Custodian that could, in the Custodian's reasonable belief and sole discretion, assist any of the Funds in their submission of any reports or returns with respect to taxes, it being specifically understood and agreed that the Custodian shall not thereby or otherwise be considered any Fund's tax advisor or tax counsel. Other than the servicing responsibilities identified herein, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any tax payment obligations now or hereafter imposed on any Fund, the Portfolios or the Custodian as custodian of the Portfolios by the tax law of the United States or of any state or political subdivision thereof. It shall be the responsibility of each Fund to notify, or cause to be notified, the Custodian of the obligations imposed by such countries other than those mentioned in the above sentence, including responsibility for withholding and other taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and governmental reporting. The sole responsibilities of the Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to effect the withholding of local taxes and related charges with regard to market entitlement/payment in accordance with local law and subject to local market practice or custom and to assist the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the tax law of countries for which such Fund has provided such information. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement or otherwise agreed to in writing by the Custodian, the Custodian shall have no independent obligation to determine the tax obligations now or hereafter imposed on any of the Funds by any taxing authority or to obtain or provide information relating thereto. Without limiting the Custodian's obligations set forth in this Section 4.13(c), the Custodian shall have no obligation

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or liability for tax obligations of the Funds. Each of the Funds agrees that the Custodian is authorized to deduct from any cash received or credited to the account of a Portfolio any taxes or levies required by any tax or other governmental authority having jurisdiction in respect of such Portfolio's transactions, and that the Custodian is authorized to disclose any information required by any such tax or other governmental authority in relation to processing any claim for exemption from or reduction or refund of any taxes relating to Portfolio transactions and holdings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.14. <u>Foreign Exchange Transactions</u>. Any foreign exchange transaction effected by the Custodian in connection with this Agreement may be entered with the Custodian or an affiliate of the Custodian acting as a principal or otherwise through customary channels. A Fund may issue standing instructions with respect to foreign exchange transactions (including for the establishment of rate methodology), but the Custodian may establish rules or limitations concerning any foreign exchange facility made available to the Fund. With respect to foreign exchange transactions done through the Custodian's foreign exchange desk, it is acting as a principal counterparty on its own behalf and is not acting as a fiduciary or agent for, or in connection with, a Fund or its investment manager. Nevertheless, the Custodian will make full and appropriate disclosure of the rate methodology for all foreign exchange transactions.

**5.** **PAYMENTS FOR SALES OR REPURCHASES OR REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian shall receive from the distributor of the Shares or from the Transfer Agent and deposit into the account of the appropriate Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares thereof issued or sold from time to time by the applicable Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to such Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) From such funds as may be available for the purpose, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by a Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between such Fund and the Custodian.

**6.** **COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN.** The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its services and expenses
as may be agreed to from time to time in writing by the Funds and the Custodian.

**7.** **ADDITIONAL SERVICES.** The Funds engage the Custodian to provide, and the Custodian agrees to provide,
those additional services (if any) set forth in Exhibit B annexed hereto.

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**8.** **STANDARD OF CARE; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In performing its responsibilities under this Agreement (including without limitation in regard to its capacity as Foreign Custody Manager), the Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of assets of management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act would exercise ("Standard of Care") and shall not be liable for any damages arising out of the Custodian's performance of or failure to perform its duties under this Agreement except to the extent that such damages arise out of the Custodian's willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or otherwise from a breach of this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian shall not be liable for any damages arising out of any matter with respect to which the Custodian is otherwise relieved of liability as provided elsewhere in the Agreement. In no event shall a party to this Agreement be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages, or lost profits or loss of business, arising under or in connection with this Agreement, even if previously informed of the possibility of such damages and regardless of the form of action.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Custodian shall not be liable for any defect in the title, validity or genuineness of any property or in the evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement. Without limiting the Custodian's obligations under Section 2.11 of this Agreement, the Custodian shall not be liable for any losses suffered by any of the Funds due to items within Country Risk or factors beyond the Custodian's reasonable control (including acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, general work stoppages, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, terrorism, nationalization or expropriation, currency restrictions, or failure of the mails, transportation, communication or power supply), provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, a Fund's failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall be excused to the extent that such failure to perform is caused by or results from the Custodian's aforementioned failure to perform. Further, the Custodian shall not be liable for the validity or invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any Oral Instruction or Written Instruction delivered in accordance with Section 2.3(b) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Custodian shall be without liability for any loss, damage or expense caused by or resulting from the insolvency of any Domestic Sub-Custodian or Foreign Sub-Custodian that is not a majority-owned subsidiary of the Custodian; provided, however, that the foregoing exculpation of the Custodian with respect to the insolvency of a particular Foreign SubCustodian shall not be applicable if the Custodian fails to comply with its obligations as a Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to Rule 17f-5 with respect to such Foreign Sub-Custodian.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Without limiting the Custodian's responsibilities set forth in Section 4.5 hereof, the Custodian shall be without liability for any loss, damage or expense caused by or resulting from the action, inaction or insolvency of any U.S. Clearing System or Foreign Securities Depository; provided, however, that the foregoing exculpation of the Custodian with respect to the insolvency of any Foreign Securities Depository shall not be applicable if the Custodian fails to comply with its obligations under Section 4.5 of this Agreement or under Rule 17f-7 with respect to such Foreign Securities Depository.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) At any time, the Custodian may request Written Instructions from a Fund and may seek advice from legal counsel for the Fund, or its own legal counsel, with respect to any matter arising in connection with this Agreement, and it shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken or suffered by it in good faith in accordance with such Written Instructions or in accordance with the opinion of counsel for the Fund or for the Custodian, provided that the Custodian at its own expense communicates to the Fund such opinion of counsel to the Custodian within a reasonable period of time prior to taking the action in question. Written Instructions requested by the Custodian will be provided by a Fund within a reasonable period of time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The applicable Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian from all taxes, charges, assessments, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, liabilities arising under the Federal Securities Laws and any state or foreign securities and blue sky laws, and amendments thereto), and costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and reasonable disbursements (including, without limitation, those incurred in asserting any claim by the Custodian against the Fund arising from the obligations of the Fund hereunder), arising from any action which the Custodian takes in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or any omission by the Custodian to act or any other matter with respect to which the Custodian is otherwise relieved of liability or entitled to be held harmless as provided elsewhere in the Agreement; provided that the Custodian shall not be indemnified against any liability (or any expenses incident to such liability) to the extent arising out of the Custodian's own, or its affiliate's or agent's (for whose actions the Custodian is responsible under this Agreement) willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or breach of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Custodian shall indemnify and hold harmless the Funds from all taxes, charges, assessments, claims, damages and liabilities arising directly from the Custodian's failure to meet its obligations pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, liabilities arising under the Federal Securities Laws, and any state and foreign securities and blue sky laws, and amendments thereto) and costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and reasonable disbursements (including, without limitation, those incurred in asserting any claim by any Fund against the Custodian arising from the obligations of the Custodian hereunder), to the extent that such damages arise out of the Custodian's own, or its affiliate's or agent's (for whose actions the Custodian is responsible under this Agreement) willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or breach of this Agreement, provided that the Funds shall not be indemnified against any liability (or any expenses incident to such liability) to the extent arising out of any Fund's own willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or breach of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Upon the occurrence of any event relating to the services provided under this Agreement that causes or may cause any loss, damage or expense to one or more Funds or Portfolios, the Custodian (i) shall reasonably promptly notify each such Fund or Portfolio of the occurrence of such event and (ii) shall use (and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any applicable agent or domestic or foreign sub-custodian to use) commercially reasonable efforts and take reasonable steps under the circumstances to attempt to mitigate the effects of such event and avoid continuing harm to each such Fund or Portfolio. Upon the occurrence of any event that causes or may cause any loss, damage or expense to the Custodian, the applicable Fund (i) shall reasonably promptly notify the Custodian of the occurrence of such event and (ii) shall use commercially reasonable efforts and take reasonable steps under the circumstances to attempt to mitigate the effects of such event and avoid continuing harm to the Custodian.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Custodian will maintain, at all times during the term of this Agreement, errors and omissions insurance, fidelity bonds and such other insurance as the Custodian may deem appropriate, in each case in a commercially reasonable amount deemed by the Custodian to be sufficient to cover its potential liabilities under this Agreement, including without limitation cyberliability insurance coverage deemed by the Custodian to be appropriate (with due regard for industry standards, if any) to address damages arising from a Security Breach (as defined in Section 10(i)). The Custodian agrees to provide the Funds with summaries of its applicable insurance coverage, and agrees to provide updated summaries monthly or as requested by the Funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section 8 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the right to control the defense of the claim, and the party seeking indemnification shall have the option to participate in the defense of such claim, at its own cost and expense. The party seeking indemnification will cooperate reasonably, at the indemnifying party's expense, with the indemnifying party in the defense of such claim; provided, however, that the party seeking indemnification shall not be required to take any action that would impair any claim it may have against the indemnifying party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the other party's prior written consent. The indemnifying party shall not settle or compromise any claim or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to which indemnification is being sought hereunder without the prior written consent of the party seeking indemnification, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

**9. DURATION AND TERMINATION.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Term</u>. This Agreement shall be effective on the date first written above and shall continue in full force and effect until 11:59:59 PM (Eastern time) on December 31, 2021 (the "<u>Initial</u> <u>Term</u>"). The effective date of the Agreement for each Fund or Portfolio thereof listed at Exhibit A will be the first day the assets of the Fund or Portfolio are held in custody by the Custodian and the Custodian commences providing the services contemplated hereunder. This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive periods of one (1) year each (each a "Renewal Term"), unless a particular Fund or the Custodian gives written notice to the other party of its intent not to renew and such notice is received by the other party not less than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or the then-current Renewal Term (a "NonRenewal Notice"). In the event a party provides a Non-Renewal Notice this Agreement shall terminate with respect to the relevant Fund at 11:59:59 PM (Eastern time) on the last day of the Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. For purposes of this Agreement, "<u>Term</u>" shall mean the Initial Term including, if applicable, any Renewal Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Termination for Cause</u>. Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph (a) of this Section 9, in the event that the Custodian or a Fund (as applicable, a "<u>Defaulting</u> <u>Party</u>") shall fail in any material respect to perform its duties and obligations hereunder pursuant to the applicable standard of care set forth herein (including, in the case of the Custodian, through

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(I) persistent non-material failures to perform its duties or obligations hereunder or (II) the persistent failure to meet key performance indicators pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement, including the failure, as determined by a Fund in its sole discretion, of the Custodian to deliver the Anticipated Improvements under a Rectification Plan), the other party (the "<u>Other</u> <u>Party</u>") shall have given written notice thereof to the Defaulting Party, and such material failure shall not have been remedied to the reasonable satisfaction of the Other Parly within thirty (30) days after such written notice is received, then, as applicable, the Fund or Funds may terminate this Agreement by providing thirty (30) days written notice of such termination to the Custodian, or the Custodian may terminate this Agreement by providing one-hundred twenty (120) days written notice of such termination to the Fund or Funds. In addition, notwithstanding the preceding sentence, this Agreement may be terminated by one or more Funds (i) immediately in the event of an appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian or any parent of the Custodian by a regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction or, (ii) by providing thirty (30) days written notice of such termination to the Custodian in the event that the Custodian is indicted for a crime, commences any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or has such a proceeding initiated against it which is not dismissed within sixty (60) days, or suffers any other material adverse change in its condition, operations or professional reputation that is determined by a Fund in its reasonable discretion to threaten the continuing performance of services hereunder or the reputation of the Fund. Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph (b) with respect to any Fund or Portfolio, the applicable Fund shall pay Custodian its compensation due through, and shall reimburse Custodian for its reasonable costs, expenses and disbursements incurred through, the effective date of such termination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Termination for Convenience</u>. Any Fund may terminate this Agreement with respect to such Fund or its Portfolio(s) for any reason provided that (i) the applicable Fund shall be required to provide the Custodian at least sixty (60) days' notice of the effective date of such termination (the "Termination for Convenience Date"); (ii) on the Termination for Convenience Date, the applicable Fund shall pay the Custodian its compensation due through the Termination for Convenience Date and shall reimburse Custodian for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs, expenses and disbursements incurred through the Termination for Convenience Date; provided, however, that if the applicable Fund provides less than sixty (60) days' notice of the Termination for Convenience Date, then on the Termination for Convenience Date the Fund shall pay the Custodian its compensation due through the date occurring sixty (60) days after the date of delivery of such lesser notice (based upon the average compensation previously earned by Custodian with respect to such Fund or Portfolio for the two (2) calendar months most recently preceding the delivery date of such notice) and shall reimburse the Custodian for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs, expenses and disbursements incurred through the Termination for Convenience Date; and (iii) notwithstanding the foregoing, if the end of the Term (as defined in paragraph (a) of this Section 9) is to occur less than sixty (60) days from the date of notice of termination, the applicable Fund shall provide such lesser notice as may be reasonably practicable, and on the Termination for Convenience Date the applicable Fund shall pay the Custodian its compensation due through the Termination for Convenience Date and shall reimburse Custodian for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs, expenses and disbursements incurred through the Termination for Convenience Date.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Termination of this Agreement with respect to the coverage of any one particular Fund or Portfolio shall in no way affect the rights and duties under this Agreement with respect to any other Fund or Portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) If a successor custodian for one or more Portfolios shall be appointed by the applicable Board, the Custodian shall, upon termination pursuant to this Agreement and receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver to such successor custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities of each applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in a Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent. The Custodian shall also provide to the successor custodian a Fund's records (as described in Section 2.8 of this Agreement) as reasonably requested by the Fund. The Custodian also agrees to reasonably cooperate with the successor custodian and the Fund in the execution of such documents and the performance of such other necessary actions as is in accordance with standard industry practice in order to substitute the successor custodian for the Custodian. If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like manner, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, transfer such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such instructions. In the event that no Proper Instructions designating a successor custodian or alternative arrangements shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the 1940 Act, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts or New York, New York, of its own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than $250,000,000 and which satisfies any other then applicable criteria for service as a custodian for registered management companies under the 1940 Act, all securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Agreement on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in any Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Agreement. All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with the transfer of custody hereunder upon termination hereof shall be borne by the respective Funds (except as may be specifically agreed in writing by the parties in relation to special arrangements) and the Custodian shall not be required to undertake any non-industry standard activity until assured to its reasonable satisfaction of payment therefor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the possession of the Custodian after the effective date of the termination hereof owing to failure of any Fund to provide Proper Instructions as aforesaid, the Custodian shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 9 to the contrary, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in its entirety, the parties agree to continue operating under the terms of this Agreement as if this Agreement remained in full force and effect for one year or for such shorter period of time as the parties mutually agree is necessary for the Custodian to deliver the books and records and any other properties of the Funds held hereunder by the Custodian to a successor custodian in an orderly manner.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Any termination of services under this Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations of the parties under Sections 4.13(c), 8, 9 and 10 hereof.

**10.** **CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA SECURITY.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian agrees to keep confidential, and to cause its employees and agents to keep confidential, all records of the Funds and information relating to the Funds, including without limitation information as to their respective shareholders and their respective portfolio holdings, unless the release of such records or information is made (i) in connection with the services provided under this Agreement, (ii) at the written direction of the applicable Fund or otherwise consented to, in writing, by the respective Funds, (iii) in response to a request of a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority or agency or pursuant to a subpoena, court order or other legal process, in each case with respect to which the Custodian has determined, on the advice of counsel, that it is required to comply, or (iv) where the Custodian has determined, on the advice of counsel, that the failure to release such information would expose the Custodian to civil or criminal contempt proceedings; provided in the case of clause (iii) or (iv) the Custodian provides the applicable Fund written notice of such requirement to release such records or information, to the extent such notice is permitted. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information that is publicly available when provided and shall cease to be applicable to any information that thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of this Section 10(a), or that is independently derived by any party hereto without the use of any information derived in connection with the services provided under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing but subject to Section 10(d), (1) the Custodian may use information regarding the Funds in connection with certain functions performed on a centralized basis by the Custodian, its affiliates or its or their service providers (including audit, accounting, risk, legal, compliance, sales, administration, product communication, relationship management, compilation and analysis of customer-related data and storage) and disclose such information to its affiliates and to its or their service providers who are subject to the confidentiality obligations hereunder with respect to such information, but only for the purpose of servicing the Funds in connection with the relationship contemplated by this Agreement or providing additional services to the Funds, and (2) the Custodian may aggregate Fund or Portfolio data with similar data of other customers of the Custodian ("Aggregated Data") and may use Aggregated Data so long as such Aggregated Data represents such a sufficiently large sample that no Fund or Portfolio data can be identified either directly or by inference or implication.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each Fund agrees to keep confidential all information obtained hereunder relating to the Custodian's business (it being understood, however, that the existence and the terms of this Agreement are required to be publicly disclosed by the Funds), unless the release of such records or information is (i) necessary to facilitate the receipt of services provided under this Agreement, (ii) in response to a request of a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority or agency or pursuant to a subpoena, court order or other legal process, in each case with respect to which the Fund has determined, on the advice of counsel, that it is required to comply, or (iii) where the Fund has determined, on the advice of counsel, that the failure to release such information would expose the Fund to civil or criminal contempt proceedings;

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provided in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) the Fund provides the Custodian written notice of such requirement to release such records or information, to the extent such notice is permitted. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information that is publicly available when provided and shall cease to be applicable to any information that thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of this Agreement, or that is independently derived by any party hereto without the use of any information derived in connection with the services provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, each party hereto agrees that any Nonpublic Personal Information, as defined under Section 248.3(t) of Regulation S-P ("Regulation S-P"), promulgated under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "GLB Act"), disclosed or otherwise made accessible by a party hereunder is for the specific purpose of permitting the other party to perform its duties as set forth in this Agreement. Each party agrees that, with respect to such information, it will comply with Regulation S-P and the GLB Act and that it will not disclose any Nonpublic Personal Information received in connection with this Agreement to any other party, except to the extent necessary to carry out the services set forth in this Agreement or as otherwise permitted by Regulation S-P or the GLB Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Without limiting the generality of Section 10(a) hereof, the Custodian acknowledges and agrees that the Funds are prohibited by law from making selective public disclosure of information regarding portfolio holdings, that disclosure of any and all such information to the Custodian hereunder is made strictly under the conditions of confidentiality set forth in Section 10(a) hereof and solely for the purposes of the performance of custodial services hereunder, that any unauthorized disclosure or misuse of such information (including by the Custodian or any of its employees or agents, or any trading on the basis of such information by anyone in receipt of such information) may constitute a criminal offense of trading on or tipping of material inside information regarding publicly traded securities, that access to any and all such information regarding portfolio holdings of the Funds shall be restricted to those persons needing such information in the course of the performance of duties hereunder, and that the Custodian shall apprise all such persons having access of the obligation hereunder and under applicable law to prevent unauthorized disclosure of such confidential information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The parties acknowledge and agree that any breach of Section 10(a) hereof would cause not only financial damage, but irreparable harm to the other party, for which money damages will not provide an adequate remedy. Accordingly, in the event of a breach of Section 10(a) hereof, the non-breaching party shall (in addition to all other rights and remedies it may have pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation Section 8(g) hereof, and at law and in equity) be entitled to an injunction, without the necessity of posting any bond or surety, to restrain disclosure or misuse, in whole or in part, of any information in violation of Section 10(a) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Custodian will implement and maintain a written information security program (the "Security Program") that contains appropriate security measures designed to safeguard confidential records and information of the Funds consistent with applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations, and definitive and binding guidance or interpretations by applicable authorities of any of the foregoing from time to time, including without limitation the personal information of the Funds' shareholders, employees, trustees, directors and/or officers that the

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Custodian receives, stores, maintains, processes or otherwise accesses in connection with the provision of services hereunder. For these purposes, "personal information" shall mean (i) an individual's name (first initial and last name or first name and last name), plus (a) social security number, (b) driver's license number, (c) state identification card number, (d) debit or credit card number, (e) financial account number or (f) personal identification number or password that would permit access to a person's account or (ii) any combination of the foregoing that would allow a person to log onto or access an individual's account with the Custodian. Notwithstanding the foregoing "personal information" shall not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from federal, state or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Security Program shall have administrative, technical and physical safeguards, appropriate to the type of information concerned, designed: (i) to maintain the security and confidentiality of records and information of the Funds; (ii) to protect against anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records and information; and (iii) to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records and information. The Custodian shall develop, implement and maintain, at its sole expense, a system or methodology to audit for compliance with the requirements of the preceding sentence that is consistent with the SOC controls framework. Such safeguards will include, but shall not be limited to, virus protection, password protection and encryption of data in transmission at a minimum standard of AES 256. The Custodian will provide the Fund, at least annually, with the most recent SOC reports of its systems and methodologies prepared by an independent third party, and will provide executive summaries of its most recent penetration and ethical hack testing of its internet-facing environment relevant to the systems used to provide services under this Agreement (in the form generally provided by the Custodian to other similarly situated customers of services similar to the services provided under this Agreement), as conducted by a qualified, independent third party selected by the Custodian. The Custodian shall maintain books and records sufficient to demonstrate its compliance with the terms of this Section 10(g).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Upon reasonable notice to the Custodian, the Custodian will arrange for its relevant subject matter experts to meet with the relevant subject matter experts of the Funds once annually and at such other times as the Funds may reasonably request to review the Custodian's security controls and any deficiencies identified in the SSAE-18 audit reports, and for the Custodian to review with the Funds the penetration testing results and provide such additional information concerning the penetration tests as the Custodian determines to be prudent. At such meeting, the Funds may view the Custodian's security-related policies and procedures; however, no documentation may be copied, shared, transmitted or removed from the Custodian's premises, except as mutually agreed. In the event that the Funds identify any control deficiencies, the Custodian will discuss such findings with the Funds and will use reasonable efforts to develop a mutually agreeable remediation plan. All nonpublic documentation and information disclosed to the Funds in accordance with this Section 10(h) shall be deemed proprietary and confidential information of the Custodian. The Funds shall not disclose such documentation or information to any third party (except to the extent permitted, necessary or required pursuant to Section 10(b)) or use it for any purpose other than evaluating the Custodian's security controls, except that the Funds may disclose the Custodian's SSAE-18 summary to the Funds' external auditors provided that such external auditors are required to maintain the confidentiality of the summary and any related information.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) In the event of any actual or reasonably suspected, based on Custodian's experience, breach of security of its systems resulting in the actual, probable or reasonably suspected unauthorized access to or acquisition, use, loss, destruction, compromise or disclosure of any of the confidential records or information of a Fund (each, a "Security Breach"), upon learning of the Security Breach, the Custodian shall notify such Fund as promptly as reasonably possible of the relevant facts related to such Security Breach then known to the Custodian, and of additional relevant facts promptly after they become known to the Custodian, in the manner provided in Section 12 hereof and also by sending notice to cybersecurity@leggmason.com and/or such other electronic mail address or addresses as a Fund may specify by written notice to the Custodian. The Custodian shall at its sole cost: (i) promptly investigate such Security Breach; (ii) resolve or mitigate the vulnerability that facilitated the Security Breach to the extent possible; (iii) restore any lost or damaged data using generally accepted data restoration techniques; and (iv) conduct a root cause analysis to provide the Fund with a summary of the findings and actions taken to prevent recurrence of such Security Breach. If a Security Breach occurs with respect to personal information in the possession or under the control of the Custodian or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, agents or employees the Custodian shall be responsible for each Fund's reasonable costs associated with responding to such Security Breach, including, but not limited to, the costs of notifying affected individuals and taking any remedial action required by applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations and any such other remedial action that the Custodian reasonably deems necessary (with due regard for industry standards, if any).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) If the Custodian uses any subsidiary or affiliate or, pursuant to Section 2.6(a), agent to perform the duties assigned to the Custodian by this Agreement, such subsidiary, affiliate or agent shall have appropriate controls in place to meet the objectives of this Section 10, and the Custodian shall exercise oversight over each such subsidiary, affiliate or agent to ensure ongoing compliance with the objectives of this Section 10. The Custodian will require each Foreign Sub-Custodian that it engages to provide services under this Agreement to establish and maintain reasonably designed safeguards and controls against the unauthorized access to and use of Fund data and information.

**11.** **KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian and the Funds may from time to time agree to document the manner in which they expect to deliver and receive the services contemplated by this Agreement. The parties agree that any such key performance indicators (hereinafter referred to as "<u>KPIs</u>" or, individually as a "<u>KPI</u>") shall be agreed upon in writing by the parties and shall be reflected in one or more schedules to this Agreement. The Custodian and the Funds acknowledge that any failure to perform in accordance with KPIs shall not in and of itself be considered a breach of contract that gives rise to contractual or other remedies provided that such failure may be a breach giving rise to contractual or other remedies if it is persistent and not remedied after consultation. Nothing in this Section 11 shall modify any party's applicable standard of care under this Agreement; nor shall any meeting or discussion among the parties regarding KPIs be construed to prevent a party from pursuing any remedy otherwise available to it pursuant to this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The parties agree to periodically review the Custodian's performance against the KPIs. Where any such review reveals that the Custodian's performance with respect to any KPI has been unsatisfactory, as measured in accordance with any schedule to this Agreement pertaining to such KPI, for three consecutive months (a "<u>Rectification Trigger</u>"), the Funds may, in their sole discretion, invoke the process set out in this Section 11(b):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Custodian shall investigate, assemble and preserve (in accordance with its records management policy) all pertinent information with respect to, and report the root causes of the problem that led to, the Rectification Trigger;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Custodian shall propose an appropriate written corrective action plan ("<u>Rectification Plan</u>") with respect to such failure and in any event within ten (10) business days, or as otherwise reasonably agreed by the parties. The Rectification Plan shall set out the anticipated improvements ("<u>Anticipated Improvements</u>") and the timeline over which those improvements are expected to be realized ("<u>Plan Period</u>"), which shall be no longer than sixty (60) days (without the Funds' prior written consent). The Funds shall review the Rectification Plan within five (5) business days and shall (without liability or any resulting obligation or deemed acceptance of approach) comment on the Rectification Plan, suggest improvements and challenge any assumptions and ideas embodied in the Rectification Plan. It is acknowledged that the Funds shall not be obligated or required to acknowledge the Rectification Plan will achieve the relevant KPIs. Upon approval of the Rectification Plan, the Custodian shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, implement the Rectification Plan so as to deliver the anticipated improvements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The Custodian shall provide the Funds with regular updates of the progress of the Rectification Plan and the parties shall periodically review the progress during the Plan Period;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) The Custodian shall as soon as reasonably practicable notify the Funds in writing of any material changes to the Rectification Plan from time to time and the reasons for those changes; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) At the end of the Plan Period, the Custodian shall report on whether the Rectification Plan has delivered the Anticipated Improvements in accordance with this Section 11(b).

**12. NOTICES.** 

All notices and other communications, excluding Oral Instructions, shall be in writing or by confirming telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending device. If notice is sent by confirming telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending device, it shall be deemed to have been given immediately. If notice is sent by first-class mail, it shall be deemed to have been given three days after it has been mailed. If notice is sent by messenger, it shall be deemed to have been given on the day it is delivered. Notices shall be addressed,

if to the Custodian, to:

The Bank of New York Mellon

135 Santilli Highway

Everett, MA 02149

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Attention: Christopher Healy

with a copy to:

The Bank of New York Mellon

225 Liberty Street

New York, NY 10286

Attention: Asset Servicing – Legal

if to any of the Funds, to:

Legg Mason & Co., LLC

Attn: General Counsel

100 First Stamford PL, 6th FL

Stamford, CT 06902

or at such other address as shall have been provided by like notice to the sender of any such notice or other communication by the other party.

**13.** **FUNDS AS PARTIES; LIMITATION ON FUND LIABILITIES.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Custodian acknowledges and agrees that the obligations assumed by each of the Funds hereunder shall be limited in all cases to the assets of the Fund or Portfolio(s) thereof, as applicable, and that the Custodian may not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the officers, agents, employees, trustees, directors or shareholders of the Fund or of any Portfolio of the Fund, and to the extent such trustees or officers are regarded as entering into this Agreement, they do so only as trustees or officers and not individually and that the obligations of this Agreement are not binding upon any such trustee, officer, employee or shareholder individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of said Fund (or Portfolio thereof). The Custodian hereby agrees that such trustees, officers, employees or shareholders shall not be personally liable under this Agreement and that the Custodian shall look solely to the property of the Fund (or Portfolio thereof) for the performance of the Agreement or payment of any claim under the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A person who is not a party to this Agreement shall have no rights to enforce any provision of this Agreement, and no Fund or Portfolio shall have a right to enforce any provision of this Agreement as it relates to another Fund or Portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) This Agreement is an agreement entered into between the Custodian and each of the Funds with respect to each of such Fund's Portfolios, as applicable. With respect to any obligation of the Fund on behalf of any Portfolio arising out of this Agreement, the Custodian shall look for payment or satisfaction of such obligation solely to the assets of the Portfolio to which such obligation relates with the same effect as if the Custodian had separately contracted with the Fund by separate written instrument with respect to each Portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Notwithstanding that certain Funds are not registered with the SEC as investment companies under the 1940 Act, all services provided hereunder by the Custodian to or for the benefit of such Funds shall be performed as if such Funds were so registered.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Additional management investment companies (each a "<u>New Fund</u>") may from time to time become parties as Funds to this Agreement by (A) delivery to the Custodian of (i) an instrument of adherence agreeing to become bound by and party to this Agreement executed by any such New Fund on behalf of each of its series or portfolios and (ii) an amendment and restatement of Exhibit A setting forth the appropriate information as to such New Fund and its series or portfolios and (B) the Custodian's receipt of the foregoing documents, whereupon the Custodian, shall agree in writing to the addition of such New Fund and its series or portfolios, which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld, it being understood that the Custodian shall not be deemed to be unreasonable in the event that (i) the Custodian's ability to provide services hereunder to the New Fund is otherwise restricted by regulatory requirements or (ii) the Custodian does not generally offer custodial services to institutional clients regarding the particular type of fund or assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Additional portfolios or series of existing management investment companies that are already party to this Agreement (each a "<u>New Portfolio</u>") may from time to time be added to the list of series or portfolios serviced under this Agreement by (A) delivery to the Custodian of (i) an instrument of adherence agreeing to become bound by and party to this Agreement executed by the existing party Fund on behalf its New Portfolio and (ii) an amendment and restatement of Exhibit A setting forth the appropriate information as to such New Portfolio and (B) the Custodian's receipt of the foregoing documents, whereupon the Custodian, subject to satisfactory completion of its customary due diligence, shall agree in writing to the addition of such New Portfolio, which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld, it being understood that the Custodian shall not be deemed to be unreasonable in the event that (i) the Custodian's ability to provide services hereunder to the New Portfolio is otherwise restricted by regulatory requirements or (ii) the Custodian does not generally offer custodial services to institutional clients regarding the particular type of fund or assets.

**14.** **MISCELLANEOUS.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement, or any term thereof, may be changed or waived only by written amendment, signed by the party against whom enforcement of such change or waiver is sought.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party, nor may the duties of either party be delegated, without the prior written consent of the other party, except that (1) the Custodian may assign or delegate certain of its noncustodial obligations hereunder to an affiliate or subsidiary of the Custodian without the Funds' prior written consent, provided that the Custodian shall remain responsible for the actions and omissions of such affiliate or subsidiary as if such actions or omissions were taken by the Custodian, (2) the Custodian may utilize sub-custodians as contemplated in this Agreement without limitation by this Section 14(b) and (3) the Custodian may assign or transfer this Agreement in connection with a sale of a majority or more of its assets, equity interests or voting control, provided that the Custodian gives the relevant Funds ninety (90) days' prior written notice of such assignment or transfer, such assignment or transfer does not impair the provision of services under this Agreement in any material respect, in the reasonable view of the Funds, and the assignee or transferee agrees to be bound by all terms of this Agreement in place of the Custodian. The Custodian shall notify the Funds promptly following the execution of any agreement that would result in, or would be expected to result in, a change of control of the Custodian or any parent of the Custodian.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement and all schedules, exhibits, appendices, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Each party agrees to perform such further acts and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract made in the State of New York and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Each of the parties hereby consents to the jurisdiction of a state or federal court situated in New York City, New York in connection with any dispute arising hereunder, and waives to the fullest extent permitted by law its right to a trial by jury. To the extent that in any jurisdiction any Fund may now or hereafter be entitled to claim, for itself or its assets, immunity from suit, execution, attachment (before or after judgment) or other legal process, such Fund irrevocably agrees not to claim, and it hereby waives, such immunity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Regulation GG</u>. Each Fund hereby represents and warrants that it does not engage in an "Internet gambling business," as such term is defined in Section 233.2(r) of Federal Reserve Regulation GG (12 CFR 233) ("***Regulation GG").*** For the avoidance of doubt, the term "engage" shall not be deemed to include a passive investment made in the ordinary course of business. Each Fund hereby covenants and agrees that it shall not engage in an Internet gambling business. In accordance with Regulation GG, each Fund is hereby notified that "restricted transactions," as such term is defined in Section 233.2(y) of Regulation GG, are prohibited in any dealings with the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise between or among any party hereto.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) <u>Shareholder Communications Election</u>. With respect to securities issued in the United States, Rule 14b-2 under the 1934 Act requires banks that hold securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with the rule, the Custodian needs each Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide such Fund's name, address, and share position to requesting companies whose securities the Fund owns. If a Fund tells the Custodian "no," the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If a Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or does not check either "yes" or "no" below, the Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund. For a Fund's protection, Rule 14b-2 prohibits the requesting company from using the Fund's name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| YES ☐ | The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name, address, and share positions |
| NO ☒ | The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name, address, and share positions. |

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With respect to securities issued outside the United States, the Custodian will disclose information required by law, regulation, rules of a stock exchange or organizational documents of an issuer.

A Fund will provide to the Custodian any required information if it is not otherwise reasonably available to the Custodian.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) As an accommodation to the Funds, the Custodian may provide consolidated recordkeeping services pursuant to which the Custodian reflects on statements securities and other assets not held by, or under the control of, the Custodian ("Non-Custody Assets"). NonCustody Assets shall be designated on the Custodian's books as "shares not held" or by other similar characterization. Each Fund acknowledges and agrees that it shall have no security entitlement against the Custodian with respect to Non-Custody Assets, that the Custodian shall rely, without independent verification, on information provided by the Fund, its designee or the entity having custody regarding Non-Custody Assets (including but not limited to positions and market valuations), and that the Custodian shall have no responsibility whatsoever with respect to Non-Custody Assets or the accuracy of any information maintained on the Custodian's books or set forth on account statements concerning Non-Custody Assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) The Funds acknowledge and agree that the Custodian is not a fiduciary by virtue of accepting and carrying out its obligations under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Each Fund represents that it maintains compliance policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent the Fund from violating any applicable laws, rules, regulations, executive orders or requirements administered by any governmental authority of the United States (including the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control) concerning economic sanctions.

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Unless otherwise prohibited, a Fund will promptly provide to the Custodian such information in the Fund's possession as the Custodian reasonably requests in connection with the matters referenced in this Section 14(m), including information regarding its accounts, the assets held or to be held in its accounts, the source thereof, and the identity of any individual or entity having or claiming an interest therein. The Custodian may decline to act or provide services in respect of an account if the Custodian determines, on the advice of legal counsel, that it is not permitted to take such action or provide such service under applicable law. If the Custodian declines to act or provide services as provided in the preceding sentence, the Custodian will inform the applicable Fund as soon as reasonably practicable and will communicate to the Fund the advice received from counsel to the Custodian.

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF,** each of the parties has caused this instrument to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first above-written.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **EACH INVESTMENT COMPANY IDENTIFIED ON <u>EXHIBIT A</u> HERETO** | **EACH INVESTMENT COMPANY IDENTIFIED ON <u>EXHIBIT A</u> HERETO** |
| By: | /s/ Jane Trust |
|  | Name: Jane Trust<br> Title: President |
| **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** | **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** |
| By: | /s/ Christopher Healy |
|  | Name: Christopher Healy<br> Title: Managing Director |

---

------

<u>List of Exhibits/Schedules</u> 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <u>Exhibit A:</u> | List of Funds and Portfolios1 |
| <u>Exhibit B:</u> | Additional Services |
| <u>Schedule A:</u> | Foreign Sub-Custodians |
| <u>Schedule B:</u> | Foreign Securities Depositories |
| <u>Schedule C:</u> | Information Provided regarding Foreign Custody and Settlement Practices |
| <u>Schedule D:</u> | Markets Relating to Sub-Custodian Liability |

---

------

<u>1</u> Note that open-end Funds, closed-end Funds and Cayman Islands Funds should be identified as such in Exhibit A.

------

**<u>Exhibit A</u>**

Western Asset Mortgage Defined Opportunity Fund Inc

------

**<u>Exhibit B</u>**

Reserved

------

**<u>Exhibit C</u>**

None

## Exhibit 99.9

**Exhibit 9(b)** 

**Amendment No. 1** 

**To** 

**Custodian Services Agreement** 

This Amendment No. 1 To Custodian Services Agreement ("**Amendment No. 1**"), dated as of January 2, 2019 ("**Effective Date**"), is being entered into by and among The Bank of New York Mellon (the "**Custodian**") and each Fund identified on **Exhibit A** to this Amendment No. 1 on behalf of each of its Portfolios identified on Exhibit A. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Original Agreement (as defined below).

**<u>Background</u>**

The Custodian and certain of the Funds on behalf of certain of the Portfolios previously entered into the Custodian Services Agreement made as of January 1, 2018 ("**Original Agreement**"). The parties wish to amend the Original Agreement as set forth in this Amendment No. 1.

**<u>Terms</u>**

**NOW, THEREFORE,** in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree to all statements made above and as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Modifications to Original Agreement</u>. The Original Agreement is hereby amended by deleting Exhibit A in its entirety and replacing it with the Exhibit A attached to this Amendment No. 1.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Adoption of Amended Agreement by New Funds and New Portfolios</u>. Each Fund and each Portfolio of a Fund that has been added to Exhibit A by virtue of this Amendment No. 1 acknowledges and agrees that (i) by virtue of its execution of this Amendment No. 1 it becomes and is a party to the Original Agreement as amended by this Amendment No. 1 ("**Amended Agreement**") as of the Effective Date, or if the Custodian commenced providing services to the Fund or Portfolio, respectively, prior to the Effective Date, as of the date the Custodian first provided services to such Fund or Portfolio, respectively, (ii) it is bound by all terms and conditions of the Amended Agreement as of such date, and (iii) the duly authorized officer of the Fund or Portfolio identified on the signature page annexed hereto has full power and authority to enter into this Amendment No. 1 on behalf of such Fund or Portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Remainder of Original Agreement</u>. Except as specifically modified by this Amendment No. 1, all terms and conditions of the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>Governing Law</u>. The governing law of the Original Agreement shall be the governing law of this Amendment No. 1.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Amendment No. 1 constitutes a complete, exclusive and fully integrated record of the agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and the amendment of the Original Agreement with respect to such subject matter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>Facsimile Signatures</u>: Counterparts. This Amendment No. 1 may be executed in one more counterparts; such execution of counterparts may occur by manual signature, facsimile signature, manual signature transmitted by means of facsimile transmission or manual signature contained in an imaged document attached to an email transmission; and each such counterpart executed in accordance with the foregoing shall be deemed an original, with all such counterparts together constituting one and the same instrument. The exchange of executed copies of this Amendment No. 1 or of executed signature pages to this Amendment No. 1 by facsimile transmission or as an imaged document attached to an email transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery hereof and may be used for all purposes in lieu of a manually executed copy of this Amendment No. 1.

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF,** the parties hereto have caused this Amendment No. 1 to be executed by their duly authorized officers, as of the Effective Date.

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **EACH FUND ON BEHALF OF EACH OF**<br> **ITS PORTFOLIOS IDENTIFIED ON**<br> **EXHIBIT A ANNEXED HERETO** | **EACH FUND ON BEHALF OF EACH OF**<br> **ITS PORTFOLIOS IDENTIFIED ON**<br> **EXHIBIT A ANNEXED HERETO** |
| By: | /s/ Jane Trust |
| Name: | Jane Trust |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** | **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** |
| By: | /s/ Tara Fitzgerald |
| Name: | Tara Fitzgerald |
| Title: | Managing Director |

---

------

**EXHIBIT A<u><sub>1</sub></u>** 

(Dated: January 2, 2019)

This Exhibit A, amended and restated effective as of January 2, 2019, is Exhibit A to the Original Agreement, as amended through the Effective Date.

<u>**Funds/**Portfolios</u> 

---

| |
|:---|
| ***Open-End Funds*** |
| **Legg Mason Global Asset Management Trust** |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Alternative Credit Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Diversified US Large Cap Value Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Dynamic US Large Cap Value Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Global Flexible Income Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Global High Yield Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Global Opportunities Bond Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Global Unconstrained Bond Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – International Opportunities Bond Fund |
| ClearBridge International Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge Small Cap Fund |
| ClearBridge Value Trust |
| Martin Currie Emerging Markets Fund |
| Martin Currie International Unconstrained Equity Fund |
| Martin Currie SMASh Series EM Fund |
| QS Global Market Neutral Fund |
| QS International Equity Fund |
| QS Strategic Real Return Fund |
| QS U.S. Small Capitalization Equity Fund |
| RARE Global Infrastructure Value Fund |
| **Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust** |
| ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund |
| ClearBridge Appreciation Fund |
| ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund |
| ClearBridge Energy MLP & Infrastructure Fund |
| ClearBridge International Small Cap Fund |
| ClearBridge International Value Fund |
| ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund |
| ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund |
| ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge Select Fund |
| ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund |
| ClearBridge Sustainability Leaders Fund |
| ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund |

---

------

1 Note that open-end Funds, closed-end Funds and Cayman Islands Funds should be identified as such in Exhibit A.

------

---

| |
|:---|
| EnTrustPermal Alternative Core Fund |
| QS Conservative Growth Fund |
| QS Defensive Growth Fund |
| QS Global Dividend Fund |
| QS Global Equity Fund |
| QS Growth Fund |
| QS Moderate Growth Fund |
| QS S&P 500 Index Fund |
| QS U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund |
| QS SMASh Series ID Fund\* |
| **Legg Mason Partners Income Trust** |
| Western Asset Adjustable Rate Income Fund |
| Western Asset California Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Corporate Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
| Western Asset Global High Yield Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Income Fund |
| Western Asset Intermediate Maturity California Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Intermediate Maturity New York Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Intermediate-Term Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Mortgage Backed Securities Fund |
| Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund |
| Western Asset New Jersey Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset New York Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Oregon Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Pennsylvania Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Short Duration High Income Fund |
| Western Asset Short Duration Municipal Income Fund |
| Western Asset Short Term Yield Fund |
| Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund |
| **Legg Mason Partners Institutional Trust** |
| Western Asset Institutional Government Reserves |
| Western Asset Institutional Liquid Reserves |
| Western Asset Institutional U.S. Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund |
| Western Asset Institutional U.S. Treasury Reserves |
| Western Asset Select Tax Free Reserves |
| Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund |
| Western Asset SMASh Series EC Fund |
| Western Asset SMASh Series M Fund |
| Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund |
| **Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust** |
| Western Asset Government Reserves |
| Western Asset New York Tax Free Money Market Fund |
| Western Asset Prime Obligations Money Market Fund |
| Western Asset Tax Free Reserves |
| Western Asset U.S. Treasury Reserves |

---

------

---

| |
|:---|
| **Legg Mason Partners Premium Money Market Trust** |
| Western Asset Premium Liquid Reserves |
| Western Asset Premium U.S. Treasury Reserves |
| **Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust** |
| ClearBridge Variable Aggressive Growth Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Appreciation Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Dividend Strategy Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Large Cap Growth Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Large Cap Value Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Mid Cap Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Small Cap Growth Portfolio |
| QS Legg Mason Dynamic Multi-Strategy VIT Portfolio |
| QS Variable Conservative Growth |
| QS Variable Growth |
| QS Variable Moderate Growth |
| **Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust** |
| Western Asset Core Plus VIT Portfolio |
| Western Asset Variable Global High Yield Bond Portfolio |
| **Master Portfolio Trust** |
| Government Portfolio |
| Liquid Reserves Portfolio |
| Short Term Yield Portfolio |
| Tax Free Reserves Portfolio |
| U.S. Treasury Obligations Portfolio |
| U.S. Treasury Reserves Portfolio |
| **Western Asset Funds, Inc.** |
| Western Asset Core Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund |
| Western Asset High Yield Fund |
| Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Macro Opportunities Fund |
| Western Asset Total Return Unconstrained Fund |
| ***Open-End Funds (ETFs)*** |
| **Legg Mason ETF Investment Trust** |
| BrandywineGLOBAL - Global Total Return ETF\* |
| ClearBridge All Cap Growth ETF |
| ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF |
| ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF |
| Legg Mason Developed ex-US Diversified Core ETF |
| Legg Mason Emerging Markets Diversified Core ETF |
| Legg Mason Emerging Markets Low Volatility High Dividend ETF |
| Legg Mason Global Infrastructure ETF |

---

------

---

| |
|:---|
| Legg Mason International Low Volatility High Dividend ETF |
| Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF |
| Legg Mason Small-Cap Quality Value ETF |
| Legg Mason US Diversified Core ETF |
| Western Asset Short Duration Income ETF\* |
| Western Asset Total Return ETF |
| ***Closed-End Funds*** |
| **ClearBridge MLP and Midstream Fund Inc.** |
| **ClearBridge Energy MLP Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **ClearBridge MLP and Midstream Total Return Fund Inc.** |
| **BrandywineGLOBAL-Global Income Opportunities Fund Inc.** |
| **Legg Mason Permal Alternatives Fund Inc.** |
| **LMP Capital and Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Corporate Loan Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.** |
| **Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset High Yield Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Income Fund** |
| **Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Middle Market Debt Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Middle Market Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Mortgage Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.** |

---

------

---

| |
|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Premier Bond Fund** |
| **Western Asset Variable Rate Strategic Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund** |
| **Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund** |
| ***Cayman Island Funds*** |
| **Western Asset Government Money Market Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset Institutional Cash Reserves, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset Institutional Liquid Reserves, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset Short Term Yield Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset U.S. Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset U.S. Treasury Reserves, Ltd.** |
| ***Cayman Island Funds (CFCs)*** |
| **Alternative Core Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Permal Hedge Strategies Fund Ltd.** |
| **Real Return Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund** |

---

\* Added to Exhibit as of the Effective Date

## Exhibit 99.9

**Exhibit 9(c)** 

**Amendment No. 2** 

**To** 

**Custodian Services Agreement** 

This Amendment No. 2 To Custodian Services Agreement ("**Amendment No. 2**"),dated as of March 18, 2019 ("**Effective Date**"), is being entered into by and among The Bank of New York Mellon (the "**Custodian**") and each Fund identified on **Exhibit A** to this Amendment No. 2 on behalf of each of its Portfolios identified on Exhibit A. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Original Agreement (as defined below).

**<u>Background</u>**

The Custodian and certain of the Funds on behalf of certain of the Portfolios previously entered into the Custodian Services Agreement made as of January 1, 2018 ("**Original Agreement**"). The parties wish to amend the Original Agreement as set forth in this Amendment No. 2.

**<u>Terms</u>**

**NOW, THEREFORE,** in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree to all statements made above and as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Modifications to Original Agreement</u>. The Original Agreement is hereby amended by deleting Exhibit A in its entirety and replacing it with the Exhibit A attached to this Amendment No. 2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Adoption of Amended Agreement by New Funds and New Portfolios</u>. Each Fund and each Portfolio of a Fund that has been added to Exhibit A by virtue of this Amendment No. 2 acknowledges and agrees that (i) by virtue of its execution of this Amendment No. 2 it becomes and is a party to the Original Agreement as amended by this Amendment No. 2 ("**Amended Agreement**") as of the Effective Date, or if the Custodian commenced providing services to the Fund or Portfolio, respectively, prior to the Effective Date, as of the date the Custodian first provided services to such Fund or Portfolio, respectively, (ii) it is bound by all terms and conditions of the Amended Agreement as of such date, and (iii) the duly authorized officer of the Fund or Portfolio identified on the signature page annexed hereto has full power and authority to enter into this Amendment No. 2 on behalf of such Fund or Portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Remainder of Original Agreement</u>. Except as specifically modified by this Amendment No. 2, all terms and conditions of the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>Governing Law</u>. The governing law of the Original Agreement shall be the governing law of this Amendment No. 2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Amendment No. 2 constitutes a complete, exclusive and fully integrated record of the agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and the amendment of the Original Agreement with respect to such subject matter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>Facsimile Signatures; Counterparts</u>. This Amendment No. 2 may be executed in one more counterparts; such execution of counterparts may occur by manual signature, facsimile signature, manual signature transmitted by means of facsimile transmission or manual signature contained in an imaged document attached to an email transmission; and each such counterpart executed in accordance with the foregoing shall be deemed an original, with all such counterparts together constituting one and the same instrument. The exchange of executed copies of this Amendment No. 2 or of executed signature pages to this Amendment No. 2 by facsimile transmission or as an imaged document attached to an email transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery hereof and may be used for all purposes in lieu of a manually executed copy of this Amendment No. 2.

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment No. 2 to be executed by their duly authorized officers, as of the Effective Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **EACH FUND ON BEHALF OF EACH OF**<br> **ITS PORTFOLIOS IDENTIFIED ON**<br> **EXHIBIT A ANNEXED HERETO** | **EACH FUND ON BEHALF OF EACH OF**<br> **ITS PORTFOLIOS IDENTIFIED ON**<br> **EXHIBIT A ANNEXED HERETO** |
| By: | /s/ Jane Trust |
| Name: | Jane Trust |
| Title: | President & CEO |
| **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** | **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** |
| By: |  |
| Name: |  |
| Title: |  |

---

------

**EXHIBIT A<u>1</u>** 

(Dated: March 18, 2019)

This Exhibit A, amended and restated effective as of March 18, 2019, is Exhibit A to the Original Agreement, as amended through the Effective Date.

<u>**Funds/**Portfolios</u> 

---

| |
|:---|
| ***Open-End Funds*** |
| **Legg Mason Global Asset Management Trust** |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Alternative Credit Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Diversified US Large Cap Value Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Dynamic US Large Cap Value Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Global Flexible Income Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Global High Yield Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Global Opportunities Bond Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – Global Unconstrained Bond Fund |
| BrandywineGLOBAL – International Opportunities Bond Fund |
| ClearBridge International Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge Small Cap Fund |
| ClearBridge Value Trust |
| Martin Currie Emerging Markets Fund |
| Martin Currie International Unconstrained Equity Fund |
| Martin Currie SMASh Series EM Fund |
| QS Global Market Neutral Fund |
| QS International Equity Fund |
| QS Strategic Real Return Fund |
| QS U.S. Small Capitalization Equity Fund |
| RARE Global Infrastructure Value Fund |
| **Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust** |
| ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund |
| ClearBridge Appreciation Fund |
| ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund |
| ClearBridge Energy MLP & Infrastructure Fund |
| ClearBridge International Small Cap Fund |
| ClearBridge International Value Fund |
| ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund |
| ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund |
| ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge Select Fund |
| ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund |
| ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund |

---

------

1 Note that open-end Funds, closed-end Funds and Cayman Islands Funds should be identified as such in Exhibit A.

------

---

| |
|:---|
| ClearBridge Sustainability Leaders Fund |
| ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund |
| EnTrustPermal Alternative Core Fund |
| QS Conservative Growth Fund |
| QS Defensive Growth Fund |
| QS Global Dividend Fund |
| QS Global Equity Fund |
| QS Growth Fund |
| QS Moderate Growth Fund |
| QS S&P 500 Index Fund |
| QS U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund |
| QS SMASh Series ID Fund |
| **Legg Mason Partners Income Trust** |
| Western Asset Adjustable Rate Income Fund |
| Western Asset California Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Corporate Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
| Western Asset Global High Yield Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Income Fund |
| Western Asset Intermediate Maturity California Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Intermediate Maturity New York Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Intermediate-Term Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Mortgage Backed Securities Fund |
| Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund |
| Western Asset New Jersey Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset New York Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Oregon Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Pennsylvania Municipals Fund |
| Western Asset Short Duration High Income Fund |
| Western Asset Short Duration Municipal Income Fund |
| Western Asset Short Term Yield Fund |
| Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund |
| **Legg Mason Partners Institutional Trust** |
| Western Asset Institutional Government Reserves |
| Western Asset Institutional Liquid Reserves |
| Western Asset Institutional U.S. Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund |
| Western Asset Institutional U.S. Treasury Reserves |
| Western Asset Select Tax Free Reserves |
| Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund |
| Western Asset SMASh Series EC Fund |
| Western Asset SMASh Series M Fund |
| Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund |
| **Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust** |
| Western Asset Government Reserves |
| Western Asset New York Tax Free Money Market Fund |
| Western Asset Prime Obligations Money Market Fund |

---

------

---

| |
|:---|
| Western Asset Tax Free Reserves |
| Western Asset U.S. Treasury Reserves |
| **Legg Mason Partners Premium Money Market Trust** |
| Western Asset Premium Liquid Reserves |
| Western Asset Premium U.S. Treasury Reserves |
| **Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust** |
| ClearBridge Variable Aggressive Growth Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Appreciation Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Dividend Strategy Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Large Cap Growth Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Large Cap Value Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Mid Cap Portfolio |
| ClearBridge Variable Small Cap Growth Portfolio |
| QS Legg Mason Dynamic Multi-Strategy VIT Portfolio |
| QS Variable Conservative Growth |
| QS Variable Growth |
| QS Variable Moderate Growth |
| **Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust** |
| Western Asset Core Plus VIT Portfolio |
| Western Asset Variable Global High Yield Bond Portfolio |
| **Master Portfolio Trust** |
| Government Portfolio |
| Liquid Reserves Portfolio |
| Short Term Yield Portfolio |
| Tax Free Reserves Portfolio |
| U.S. Treasury Obligations Portfolio |
| U.S. Treasury Reserves Portfolio |
| **Western Asset Funds, Inc.** |
| Western Asset Core Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund |
| Western Asset High Yield Fund |
| Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund |
| Western Asset Macro Opportunities Fund |
| Western Asset Total Return Unconstrained Fund |
| ***Open-End Funds (ETFs)*** |
| **Legg Mason ETF Investment Trust** |
| BrandywineGLOBAL - Global Total Return ETF |
| ClearBridge All Cap Growth ETF |
| ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF |
| ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF |
| Legg Mason Developed ex-US Diversified Core ETF |
| Legg Mason Emerging Markets Diversified Core ETF |

---

------

---

| |
|:---|
| Legg Mason Emerging Markets Low Volatility High Dividend ETF |
| Legg Mason Global Infrastructure ETF |
| Legg Mason International Low Volatility High Dividend ETF |
| Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF |
| Legg Mason Small-Cap Quality Value ETF |
| Legg Mason US Diversified Core ETF |
| Western Asset Short Duration Income ETF |
| Western Asset Total Return ETF |
| ***Closed-End Funds*** |
| **Clarion Partners Real Estate Income Fund Inc.** |
| **ClearBridge MLP and Midstream Fund Inc.** |
| **ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **ClearBridge Energy MLP and Midstream Total Return Fund Inc.** |
| **BrandywineGLOBAL-Global Income Opportunities Fund Inc.** |
| **LMP Capital and Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Corporate Loan Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.** |
| **Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset High Yield Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Investment Grade Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Middle Market Debt Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Middle Market Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Mortgage Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.** |

---

------

---

| |
|:---|
| **Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Premier Bond Fund** |
| **Western Asset Variable Rate Strategic Fund Inc.** |
| **Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund** |
| **Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund** |
| ***Cayman Island Funds*** |
| **Western Asset Government Money Market Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset Institutional Cash Reserves, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset Institutional Liquid Reserves, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset Short Term Yield Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset U.S. Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset U.S. Treasury Reserves, Ltd.** |
| ***Cayman Island Funds (CFCs)*** |
| **Alternative Core Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Permal Hedge Strategies Fund Ltd.** |
| **Real Return Fund, Ltd.** |
| **Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund** |

---

\* Added to Exhibit as of the Effective Date

## Exhibit 99.12

**Exhibit 12(a)** 

**Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP** 

425 LEXINGTON AVENUE

NEW YORK, NY 10017-3954

------

TELEPHONE: +1-212-455-2000

FACSIMILE: +1-212-455-2502

[•], 2023

[•]

620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor

New York, New York 10018

Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.

620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor

New York, New York 10018

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of [•], 2023 (the "Merger Agreement"), between [•], a Maryland corporation (the "Acquired Fund"), and Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Acquiring Fund"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Acquired Fund will merge with and into the Acquiring Fund (the "Merger"), with the Acquiring Fund continuing as the surviving corporation. The time at which the Merger becomes effective pursuant to Section 1.3 of the Merger Agreement is hereafter referred to as the "Effective Time." We have acted as U.S. counsel to the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Merger, and this opinion is being delivered pursuant to Section 7.5 of the Merger Agreement.

We have examined (i) the Merger Agreement, (ii) the registration statement on Form N-14 (Registration No. 333-[•]) (as amended, the "Registration Statement"), including the proxy statement/prospectus constituting a part thereof, filed by the Acquiring Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (iii) the representation letters of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund delivered to us in connection with this opinion (the "Representation Letters"). In addition, we have examined, and have relied as to matters of fact upon, originals, or duplicates or certified or conformed copies, of such records, agreements, documents and other instruments and such certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, and have made such other and further investigations as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or certified or conformed copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.

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In rendering such opinion, we have assumed, with your permission, that (i) the Merger will be effected in accordance with the Merger Agreement, (ii) the statements concerning the Merger set forth in the Merger Agreement and the Registration Statement are true, complete and correct and will remain true, complete and correct at all times up to and including the Effective Time, (iii) the representations made by the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund in their respective Representation Letters are true, complete and correct and will remain true, complete and correct at all times up to and including the Effective Time and (iv) any representations made in the Merger Agreement or the Representation Letters "to the knowledge of", or based on the belief of, the Acquiring Fund and/or the Acquired Fund are true, complete and correct and will remain true, complete and correct at all times up to and including the Effective Time, in each case without such qualification. We have also assumed that each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund has complied with and, if applicable, will continue to comply with, its respective covenants contained in the Merger Agreement at all times up to and including the Effective Time.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that the Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

We express our opinion herein only as to those matters specifically set forth above and no opinion should be inferred as to the tax consequences of the Merger under any state, local or foreign law, or with respect to other areas of U.S. federal taxation. We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than U.S. federal income tax law.

Our opinion is based on the Code, United States Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations and judicial precedents as of the date hereof. If there is any subsequent change in the applicable law or regulations, or if there are subsequently any new applicable administrative or judicial interpretations of the law or regulations, or if there are any changes in the facts or circumstances surrounding the Merger, the opinion expressed herein may become inapplicable.

This opinion letter is rendered to you in connection with the above-described transaction. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purposes, or relied upon by, or furnished to, any other person, firm or corporation without our prior written consent.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we hereby consent to the filing of the form of this opinion as Exhibit 12(a) to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm name therein. ****

Very truly yours,

## Exhibit 99.16

**Exhibit 16** 

**POWER OF** 

**ATTORNEY** 

KNOW ALL PEOPLE BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby makes, constitutes and appoints each of Jane E. Trust, Christopher Berarducci, Thomas Mandia and George P. Hoyt with full power to act without the other, as his or her agent and attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing in his or her name, in his or her capacity as a Director and/or officer of Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. ("MMU"), the registration statement and a proxy statement/prospectus on Form N-14 (including amendments thereto) to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as applicable.

This Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which taken together shall constitute one instrument.

This power of attorney shall be valid from the date hereof until revoked by me.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this instrument as of the 10th day of March 2023.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| /s/ Jane E. Trust |  |
| Jane E. Trust | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer<br> (Principal Executive Officer) |
| /s/ Christopher Berarducci |  |
| Christopher Berarducci | Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
| /s/ Robert D. Agdern |  |
| Robert D. Agdern | Director |
| /s/ Carol L. Colman |  |
| Carol L. Colman | Director |
| /s/ Daniel P. Cronin |  |
| Daniel P. Cronin | Director |
| /s/ Paolo M. Cucchi |  |
| Paolo M. Cucchi | Director |
| /s/ Eileen A. Kamerick |  |
| Eileen A. Kamerick | Director |
| /s/ Nisha Kumar |  |
| Nisha Kumar | Director |

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## Exhibit 99.17

**Exhibit 17)(a)** 

**Please detach at perforation before mailing.** 

**PROXY** 

**Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.** 

**Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc.** 

**Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.** 

**PROXY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS** 

**TO BE HELD ON [•], 2023** 

**THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.** The undersigned hereby appoints Jane E. Trust, Thomas C. Mandia, Jeanne M. Kelly, George P. Hoyt, Tara Gormel, and Marc De Oliveira and each of them proxies with several powers of substitution to attend the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Fund(s) listed on the reverse side scheduled to be held at [●], [●], [●] on [●], 2023 at [●] [●].m. ([●] time), or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, to cast on behalf of the undersigned all votes that the undersigned is entitled to cast at such meeting and otherwise to represent the undersigned at the meeting with all powers possessed by the undersigned if personally present at the meeting. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the Special Meeting of Stockholders and of the accompanying Proxy Statement (the terms of each of which are incorporated by reference herein) and revokes any proxy heretofore given with respect to such meeting.

**This proxy, if properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by the stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted "FOR" the proposals and in the discretion of the proxies upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **VOTE VIA THE INTERNET: <u>www.proxy-direct.com</u>** | **VOTE VIA THE INTERNET: <u>www.proxy-direct.com</u>** |
| **VOTE VIA THE TELEPHONE: 1-800-337-3503** | **VOTE VIA THE TELEPHONE: 1-800-337-3503** |
| ![LOGO](g451315g0317172248246.jpg) | ![LOGO](g451315g0317172248355.jpg) |
| **CHANGE OF ADDRESS** | **CHANGE OF ADDRESS** |

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**WES_33279_031723** 

**PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.** 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx   <u> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;code </u>

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**EVERY STOCKHOLDER'S VOTE IS IMPORTANT** 

**Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the** 

**Special Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on [**●**], 2023.** 

**The Proxy Statement and Proxy Card are available at:** 

**<u>https://www.proxy-direct.com/fnk-33279</u>** 

<u>FUNDS</u> <u>FUNDS</u> <u>FUNDS</u> <br> Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. (MNP) Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU) Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. (SBI)

**Please detach at perforation before mailing.** 

**If no specific instructions are provided, this proxy will be voted "FOR" the proposals and in the discretion of the proxies upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **TO VOTE MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN IN THIS EXAMPLE:** | **X** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **A** | **Proposals** | **The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" for the following proposals.** |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1A.** | To approve the merger of MNP with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. | To approve the merger of MNP with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. | To approve the merger of MNP with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. | To approve the merger of MNP with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. |
|  |  | FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN |
| 01 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. (MNP) | 01 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. (MNP) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| 02 Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU) | 02 Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| **1B.** | To approve the merger of SBI with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. | To approve the merger of SBI with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. | To approve the merger of SBI with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. | To approve the merger of SBI with and into MMU in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law. |
|  |  | FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN |
| 01 Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. (SBI) | 01 Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. (SBI) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| 02 Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU) | 02 Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |

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Any other business that may properly come before the Meeting.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **B** | **Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted.— Sign and Date Below** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Note**: | Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this Proxy Card, and date it. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, officer of corporation or other entity or in another representative capacity, please give the full title under the signature.  |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below** | **Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box** | **Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; / / | | |

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Scanner bar code

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx WES 33279 xxxxxxxx

## Exhibit 99.17

**Exhibit(17)(b)** 

CODE OF ETHICS

**I. Introduction** 

**A. Individuals Covered by the Code** 

This Code applies to all employees of Legg Mason & Co., LLC and interested directors of the Proprietary Funds who are not otherwise subject to another code of ethics adopted pursuant to either Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act or Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act ("Covered Persons").

1. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Code covers all employees of Legg Mason & Co.,
LLC who perform services on behalf of the Proprietary Funds as part of the following regulated entities:

a. Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC ("LMIS").

b. Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC ("LMPFA").

2. For the avoidance of doubt, each of the Legg Mason Registered Advisers (other than LMPFA) have adopted their
own codes of ethics, and employees of the Legg Mason Registered Advisers who are subject to the requirements of those codes of ethics (including any who may be registered representatives of LMIS) are not subject to the requirements of this Code.

**B. Standards of Business Conduct** 

This Code is based on the principle that Legg Mason and its affiliates owe a fiduciary duty to Legg Mason's clients, and that all Covered Persons must therefore avoid activities, interests and relationships that might (i) present a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, or (ii) otherwise interfere with Legg Mason's ability to make decisions in the best interests of any of its clients. In particular, Covered Persons must at all times comply with the following standards of business conduct:

1. Compliance with Applicable Law. All Covered Persons must comply with the Federal Securities Laws that apply to
the business of Legg Mason.

2. Clients Come First. Covered Persons must scrupulously avoid serving their personal interests ahead of the
interests of clients. For example, a Covered Person may not induce or cause a client to take action, or not to take action, for the Covered Person's personal benefit at the expense of the client's best interests.

3. Avoid Taking Advantage. Covered Persons may not use their knowledge of the Legg Mason Registered Advisers'
investment activities or client portfolio holdings to profit by the market effect of such activities or to engage in short-term or other abusive trading in Reportable Funds.

4. Avoid Other Inappropriate Relationships or Activities. Covered Persons should avoid relationships or activities
that could call into question the Covered Person's ability to exercise independent judgment in the best interests of Legg Mason's clients. In particular, Covered Persons should take note of the provisions of the Legg Mason Code of Conduct
and the Legg Mason Employee Handbook that pertain to confidentiality, corporate opportunities, gifts and entertainment, insider trading and outside business activities. In addition, Covered Persons who are registered representatives of LMIS should
also take note of LMIS's policies and procedures pertaining to these activities.

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5. Observe the Spirit of the Code. Doubtful situations should be resolved in favor of Legg Mason's clients.
Technical compliance with the Code's procedures will not automatically insulate from scrutiny any personal Securities Transactions or other course of conduct that might indicate an abuse of these governing principles.

**C. Duty to Report Violations** 

Covered Persons must promptly report all violations of this Code to the Compliance Department.

**D. Fiduciary Duty / Political Contributions** 

Covered Persons are prohibited from making political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining any Legg Mason Registered Adviser or its affiliates as investment advisers. Covered Persons are specifically prohibited from making political contributions to any person for the purpose of influencing the selection or retention of an investment adviser by a government entity. Covered Persons will be required to certify annually that they have and will comply with this provision.

**II. Personal Securities Transactions** 

**A. Prohibited Transactions in Individual Securities** 

Covered Persons are subject to the following restrictions on their personal trading activities in individual securities:

1. Fraudulent Transactions. In connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by a Covered Person
of (A) a Reportable Security which, within the most recent fifteen (15) calendar days, (i) is or has been held by a Legg Mason client, or (ii) is being or has been considered by a Legg Mason Registered Adviser for purchase by a
client, or (B) an Equivalent Security thereof, Covered Persons are prohibited from:

a. Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud Legg Mason's clients;

b. Making any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

c. Engaging in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on Legg
Mason's clients; or

d. Engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to Legg Mason's clients.

2. Inside Information. Covered Persons are prohibited from engaging in any transaction in a Security (or
Equivalent Security) at a time when the Covered Person is in possession of material non-public information regarding the Security or the issuer of the Security.

3. Market Manipulation. Covered Persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions in a Security (or
Equivalent Security) intended to raise, lower or maintain the price of that Security or to create a false appearance of active trading in that Security.

4. Trading on the Knowledge of Client Transactions. Covered Persons are prohibited from engaging in any
transactions in a Security (or an Equivalent Security) on the basis of any information they may be in possession of to the effect that (i) a Legg Mason Registered Adviser is or may be considering an investment in or sale of such Security on
behalf of its clients or (ii) has or may have an open order in such Security on behalf of its clients.

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5. Legg Mason, Inc. Stock. Covered Persons are prohibited from engaging in any transaction in Legg Mason
securities that is not in compliance with the "Legg Mason, Inc. Policies and Procedures Regarding Acquisitions and Dispositions of Legg Mason Securities," as the same may be amended from time to time. A copy of this policy is available on
the Legg Mason Legal and Compliance Website.

**B. Prohibited Transactions in Reportable Funds** 

1. Market Timing in Reportable Funds. No Covered Person may use his or her knowledge of the portfolio holdings or
investment activities of a Reportable Fund to engage in any short-term or other abusive trading strategy involving such Fund that may conflict with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

2. 60-Day Holding Period for Investments in Proprietary Funds. Subject to
the exemptions set forth below, no Covered Person may sell (or exchange out of) shares of a Proprietary Fund in which the Covered Person has a Beneficial Interest if the Covered Person has not held the shares of the same Proprietary Fund for sixty
(60) calendar days, including any individual retirement account or 401(k) participant account.

3. Additionally, Proprietary Funds that are sold in the LM 401(k) account are also subject to a 60-day minimum waiting period. No Covered Person may buy (or exchange into) shares of a Proprietary Fund within sixty (60) calendar days of a sell of (or exchange out of) shares of the same Proprietary Fund
within the same LM 401(k) account.

The following Securities Transactions involving Proprietary Funds are exempt from the 60-day minimum holding period requirement set forth in this Section II.B.2 and II.B.3:

a. Money Market Funds and Other Short-Term Trading Vehicles. Purchases or redemptions of Proprietary Funds that
are money market funds or that hold themselves out as short-term trading vehicles.

b. Managed Accounts. Transactions in Proprietary Funds held in a Managed Account in connection with which the
Covered Person has no direct or indirect influence or control over the account, is neither consulted nor advised of the trade before it is executed, and has no knowledge of specific management actions taken by a trustee or investment manager.

c. Systematic Investment. Purchases or redemptions of Proprietary Funds pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan
where a prescribed purchase or sale is made automatically on a regular predetermined basis without affirmative action by the Covered Person or pursuant to a similar arrangement approved by the Compliance Department (for example, automated payroll
deduction investments by 401(k) participants or automatic dividend reinvestment).

**C. Pre-Approval of Investments in Initial Public Offerings and Private Placements** 

Covered Persons are prohibited from acquiring a Beneficial Interest in a Reportable Security through an initial public offering (other than a new offering of securities issued by a registered open-end investment company) or Private Placement without the prior written approval of the Compliance Department. Requests for such approval shall be submitted to the Compliance Department through Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. ("FIS")/PTA using substantially the form of "Request for Approval to Invest in an Initial Public Offering or Private Placement" attached hereto as Appendix A.

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**D. Reporting and Trading Requirements** 

1. Acknowledgement of Receipt; Initial and Periodic Disclosure of Personal Holdings; Annual Certification.

a. Within ten (10) calendar days of being identified as a Covered Person under this Code, each Covered Person
must acknowledge that he or she has received and reviewed a copy of the Code, and has disclosed all Securities holdings in which such Covered Person has a Beneficial Interest..

b. Thereafter, on an annual basis, each Covered Person shall give the same acknowledgements and, in addition,
shall certify that he or she has complied with all applicable provisions of the Code.

c. Such acknowledgments and certifications shall be provided through FIS/PTA using substantially the form of the
"Acknowledgement of Receipt of Code of Ethics, Personal Holdings Report and Annual Certification" attached hereto as Appendix B.

2. Execution of Personal Securities Transactions.

a. Approved Accounts. Unless one of the following exceptions applies, Covered Persons must execute their personal
securities transactions involving any Reportable Securities or Reportable Funds in which they have or acquire a Beneficial Interest through one of the following two types of accounts ("Approved Accounts"):

i. Approved Securities Accounts. Securities accounts (including IRA accounts) with financial intermediaries that
have been approved by the Compliance Department (an "Approved Securities Account"); or

ii. Approved Retirement Accounts. Participant accounts in retirement plans approved by the Compliance Department on
the grounds that either (i) automated feeds into FIS/PTA have been established, or (ii) sufficient policies and procedures are in place to protect any Reportable Funds that may be in the plan from the types of activities prohibited by
Sections A and B above (an "Approved Retirement Account").1

b. Exceptions. The following types of accounts are exempt from the requirements of section 2.a above, subject to
compliance with the conditions set forth below:

i. Mutual Fund-Only and Managed Accounts. Covered Persons may have or acquire a Beneficial Interest in Mutual
Fund-Only and Managed Accounts that are not Approved Securities Accounts, provided that the requirement set forth in this Code relating to a Managed Account or Mutual Fund-Only Account, as the case may be, are satisfied. To qualify for this
exemption, a Covered Person must deliver to the Compliance Department through FIS/PTA a certification in substantially the form of the "Certificate for Managed Accounts or Mutual Fund-Only Accounts" attached hereto as Appendix D.

ii. Outside Retirement Accounts. Covered Persons may have or acquire a Beneficial Interest in a retirement account
other than an Approved Retirement Account (an "Outside Retirement Account"), provided that the Covered Person complies with the certification or reporting requirements set forth in Section 3.c below, and provided further that, for
purposes of this Code, an IRA account shall be treated as a securities account and not as a retirement account.

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1 A list of the approved financial intermediaries and retirement plans may by found on the Legal and Compliance home page on LMEX.

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iii. Dividend Reinvestment Plans. Covered Person may have or acquire a Beneficial Interest in securities held in a
dividend reinvestment plan account directly with the issuer of the securities or its transfer agent (a "Dividend Reinvestment Plan"), subject to compliance with the requirements of Section 3.a below.

c. Outside Securities Accounts. Covered Persons that have or acquire a Beneficial Interest in a securities account
(including an IRA account) other than an Approved Account, Mutual Fund-Only Account, Managed Account or Outside Retirement Account (an "Outside Securities Account") must obtain the prior written approval to maintain such account from the
Compliance Department.

i. A request for such approval must be submitted to the Compliance Department through FIS/PTA using substantially
the form of "Request for Approval for an Outside Securities Account" attached hereto as Appendix C. Such approvals will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.

ii. If the Compliance Department does not approve such request, the Covered Person must arrange to transfer or
convert such account into an Approved Account, Managed Account, Mutual Fund-Only Account or Outside Retirement Account as promptly as practicable.

6. Transaction Reporting Requirements. Covered Persons shall report all Securities Transactions in which they have
a Beneficial Interest to the Compliance Department in accordance with the following provisions:

a. Approved Accounts, Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund Only and Dividend Reinvestment Plan Accounts. Covered Persons
will <u>not</u> be required to arrange for the delivery of duplicate copies of confirmations or periodic statements for any Approved Accounts, Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund Only Accounts or Dividend Reinvestment Plans in which they have or acquire a
Beneficial Interest. However, the existence of all such accounts must be disclosed to the Compliance Department pursuant to either Section II.D.1 above or II.D.4 below. In addition, copies of any statements for any Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund Only
Accounts or Dividend Reinvestment Plans must be made available for review at the specific request of the Compliance Department.

b. Outside Securities Accounts. For any Outside Securities Account approved by the Compliance Department, a
Covered Person must arrange for the Compliance Department to receive, directly from the applicable broker-dealer, bank or other financial intermediary, duplicate copies of each confirmation and periodic statement issued by such financial
intermediary in respect of such Outside Securities Account.

i. Periodic statements must be received by the Compliance Department no later than thirty (30) calendar days
after the close of each calendar quarter. Confirmations must be delivered to the Compliance Department contemporaneously with delivery to the applicable Covered Person.

ii. A form of letter that may be used to request duplicate confirmations and periodic statements from financial
intermediaries is attached as Appendix E. If a Covered Person is not able to arrange for duplicate confirmations and periodic statements to be sent, the Covered Person must immediately cease trading in such account and notify the Compliance
Department.

iii. It shall be the Covered Person's responsibility to promptly input into FIS/PTA all initially required
information relating to any holdings in an Outside Securities Account. and to notify the Compliance Department on the same day of any subsequent Securities Transactions in such Outside Retirement Account.

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d. Outside Retirement Accounts. For any Outside Retirement Account in which a Covered Person has a Beneficial
Interest, such Covered Person must either:

i. Certify that such account does not hold any shares of a Reportable Fund or Reportable Security and that no
Securities Transactions involving a Reportable Fund or Reportable Security have been executed in such account (such certifications shall be provided to the Compliance Department through FIS/PTA using substantially the form of the "Certificate
for Outside Retirement Accounts" attached hereto as Appendix F); or.

ii. If a Covered Person is unable to provide such certification with respect to an Outside Retirement Account, the
Covered Person must notify the Compliance Department and provide the Compliance Department with duplicate copies of each confirmation and periodic statement issued by such financial intermediary in respect of such Outside Retirement Account.

(a) Periodic statements must be received by the Compliance Department no later than thirty (30) calendar days
after the close of each calendar quarter.

(b) It shall be the Covered Person's responsibility to promptly input into FIS/PTA all initially required
information relating to any holdings in an Outside Retirement Account and to notify the Compliance Department on the same day of any subsequent Securities Transactions in such Outside Retirement Account.

7. New Reportable Accounts. If a Covered Person opens a new reportable account that has not previously been
disclosed, the Covered Person must notify the Compliance Department in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the existence of the account and make arrangements to comply with the requirements set forth in Sections II.D.2 & 3 above.

8. Disclaimers. Any report of a Securities Transaction for the benefit of a person other than the individual in
whose account the transaction is placed may contain a statement that the report should not be construed as an admission by the person making the report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Security to which the
report relates.

9. Availability of Reports. All information supplied pursuant to this Code may be made available for inspection to
the CCO of any affected Legg Mason Registered Adviser or Reportable Fund, the board of directors of each company employing the Covered Person, the board of directors of any affected Reportable Fund, the Compliance Department, the Covered
Person's department manager (or designee), any party to which any investigation is referred by any of the foregoing, the Securities and Exchange Commission, any self-regulatory organization of which Legg Mason is a member, any state securities
commission, and any attorney or agent of the foregoing or of the Reportable Funds.

10. Outside Business Activities. No Covered Person may engage in outside business activities or serve on the board
of directors of a publicly-held company absent prior written authorization of (i) the Compliance Department, and (ii) in the case of service on the board of directors of a publicly-held company, the General Counsel of Legg Mason, Inc.

a. A request for such approval must be submitted to the Compliance Department through FIS/PTA using substantially
the form of "Request for Approval of Outside Business Activities" attached hereto as Appendix G.

b. Requests for approval to serve as a director of a publicly held company will rarely be approved.

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**III. Personal Securities Transactions** 

**A. Surveillance** 

The Compliance Department shall be responsible for maintaining a surveillance program reasonably designed to monitor the personal trading activities of all Covered Persons for compliance with the provisions of this Code and for investigating any suspected violation of the Code. Upon reaching the conclusion that a violation of the Code has occurred, the Compliance Department shall report the results of such investigation to the applicable Covered Person, the Covered Person's department manager and to the CCOs of any affected Legg Mason Registered Adviser or Reportable Fund.

**B. Remedies** 

1. Authority. The Compliance Department has authority to determine the remedy for any violation of the Code,
including appropriate disposition of any monies forfeited pursuant to this provision. Failure to promptly comply with any sanction directive may result in the imposition of additional sanctions..

2. Sanctions. If the Compliance Department determines that a Covered Person has committed a violation of the Code,
the Compliance Department may, in consultation with the Human Resources Department and the Covered Person's supervisor, as appropriate, impose sanctions and take other actions as it deems appropriate, including a verbal warning, a letter of
caution or warning, suspension of personal trading rights, suspension of employment (with or without compensation), fine, civil referral to the Securities and Exchange Commission, criminal referral, and termination of employment of the violator for
cause. The Compliance Department may also require the Covered Person to reverse the transaction in question and forfeit any profit or absorb any loss associated or derived as a result. The amount of profit shall be calculated by the Compliance
Department. No member of the Compliance Department may review his or her own transaction or those of his or her supervisors. If necessary, the General Counsel of Legg Mason or the CCO of the relevant Legg Mason Registered Adviser shall review these
transactions..

**C. Exceptions to the Code** 

Although exceptions to the Code will rarely be granted, the Compliance Department may grant exceptions to the requirements of the Code if the Compliance Department finds that the proposed conduct involves negligible opportunity for abuse. All such exceptions must be in writing..

**IV. Definitions** 

When used in the Code, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

**A. General Defined Terms** 

"CCO" means the Chief Compliance Officer of any Reportable Fund, Legg Mason Registered Adviser or Legg Mason entity that is a principal underwriter of a Reportable Fund.

"Code" means this Code of Ethics, as the same may be amended from time to time.

"Compliance Department" means the Legal and Compliance Department of Legg Mason.

"Covered Person" means any employee of Legg Mason & Co., LLC who is covered by this Code in accordance with the provisions of Section I.A above.

------

"Federal Securities Laws" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act, the Investment Advisers Act, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to Legg Mason and any Reportable Funds, and any rule adopted thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Department of the Treasury.

"Investment Advisers Act" means the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

"Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

"Legg Mason" means Legg Mason, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.

"Legg Mason Registered Advisers" means those subsidiaries of Legg Mason that are registered as investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act.

"FIS/PTA" means FIS Personal Trading Assistant, a web browser-based automated personal trading compliance platform used by the Compliance Department to administer this Code.

**B. Terms Defining the Scope of a Beneficial Interest in a Security** 

"Beneficial Interest" means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, to profit, or share in any profit derived from, a transaction in the subject Securities.

A Covered Person is deemed to have a Beneficial Interest in the following:

1. Any Security owned individually by the Covered Person.

2. Any Security owned jointly by the Covered Person with others (for example, joint accounts, spousal accounts,
partnerships, trusts and controlling interests in corporations).

3. Any Security in which a member of the Covered Person's Immediate Family has a Beneficial Interest if:

a. The Security is held in an account over which the Covered Person has decision making authority (for example,
the Covered Person acts as trustee, executor, or guardian); or

b. The Security is held in an account for which the Covered Person acts as a broker or investment adviser
representative.

A Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in any Security in which a member of the Covered Person's Immediate Family has a Beneficial Interest if the Immediate Family member resides in the same household as the Covered Person.

Any uncertainty as to whether a Covered Person has a Beneficial Interest in a Security should be brought to the attention of the Compliance Department. Such questions will be resolved in accordance with, and this definition shall be subject to, the definition of "beneficial owner" found in Rules 16a-1(a) (2) and (5) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

------

"Immediate Family" of a Covered Person means any of the following persons:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  child | grandparent | son-in-law |
|  stepchild | spouse | daughter-in-law |
|  grandchild | sibling | brother-in-law |
|  parent | mother-in-law | sister-in-law |
|  stepparent | father-in-law |  |

---

Immediate Family includes adoptive relationships, domestic partner relationships and other relationships (whether or not recognized by law) that the Compliance Department determines could lead to the possible conflicts of interest, diversions of corporate opportunity, or appearances of impropriety, which this Code is intended to prevent.

**C. Terms Defining the Scope of a Reportable Transaction** 

"Automatic Investment Plan" means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in or from investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.

"Equivalent Security" means any Security issued by the same entity as the issuer of a subject Security, including options, rights, stock appreciation rights, warrants, preferred stock, restricted stock, phantom stock, bonds, and other obligations of that company or Security otherwise convertible into that Security. Options on Securities are included even if, technically, they are issued by the Options Clearing Corporation or a similar entity.

"Managed Account" means an account where a Covered Person has no:

• Direct or indirect influence or control over the account (for example, the trustee or investment manager simply
summarizes, describes, or explains account activity without the Covered Person providing directions or suggestions);

• Knowledge of the transaction before it is completed (for example, transactions effected for a Covered Person by a
trustee of a blind trust, or discretionary trades made by an investment manager retained by the Covered Person, in connection with which the Covered Person is neither consulted nor advised of the trade before it is executed); and

• Knowledge of the specific management actions taken by a trustee or investment manager and no right to intervene
in the trustee's or investment manager's management (for example, the Covered Person is not consulted as to the allocation of investments for the account).

"Mutual Fund-Only Account" means a Securities account or account held directly with a mutual fund that holds only non-Reportable Funds and in which no other type of Securities may be held. For purposes of this Code, a Mutual Fund-Only Account includes a 529 plan or variable annuity life insurance account that holds only non-Reportable Funds and in which no other type of Securities may be held.

------

"Private Placement" means a Securities offering that is exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or pursuant to Rules 504, 505 or 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

"Proprietary Fund" means an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act (or any portfolio or series thereof, as the case may be) that is part of one of the fund families sponsored by Legg Mason or its affiliates.

"Reportable Fund" means (a) any fund registered under the Investment Company Act for which a Legg Mason Registered Adviser serves as an investment adviser, or (b) any fund registered under the Investment Company Act whose investment adviser or principal underwriter is controlled by or under common control with Legg Mason. For purposes of this definition, "investment adviser" has the same meaning as it does in section 2(a)(20) of the Investment Company Act, and "control" has the same meaning as it does in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act.

"Reportable Security" means any Security (as defined herein) other than the following types of Securities:

1. Direct obligations of the Government of the United States;

2. Bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt
instruments, including repurchase agreements; and

3. Shares of open-end mutual funds that are not Reportable Funds.

"Securities Transaction" means a purchase or sale of Securities in which a Covered Person has or acquires a Beneficial Interest.

"Security" includes stock, notes, bonds, debentures, and other evidences of indebtedness (including loan participations and assignments), limited partnership interests, investment contracts, closed-end investment companies, and all derivative instruments of the foregoing, such as options and warrants. "Security" does not include futures or options on futures, but the purchase and sale of such instruments are nevertheless subject to the reporting requirements of the Code.

## Exhibit 99.17

**Exhibit 17(C)** 

**CODE OF ETHICS** 

**Western Asset Income Fund** 

**Western Asset Management Company** 

**Western Asset Management Company Limited** 

**Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd.** 

**Western Asset Funds, Inc.** 

**Western Asset Premier Bond Fund** 

**Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Securities & Income Fund** 

**Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund** 

Revised January 1, 2016

------

**TABLE OF CONTENTS** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  What are the Objectives and Spirit of the Code? | 3.0 |
|  Who is Subject to the Code? | 5.0 |
|  Who Administers the Code? | 7.0 |
|  Fiduciary Duty to Clients and Funds | 9.0 |
|  Reporting of Personal Trading | 11.0 |
|  Preclearance Process for Personal Trading | 16.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• What Trades Must Be Precleared? | 16.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• What Trades are Not Required to be Precleared? | 17.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• How does the Preclearance Process Work? | 19.0 |
|  Personal Trading Restrictions | 20.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Holding Periods | 21.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Blackout Periods | 21.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preclearance Sought in Good Faith | 21.0 |
|  Requirements for Fund Directors | 22.0 |

---

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**WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES AND SPIRIT OF THE CODE?** 

**Adoption of Code of Ethics by Western Asset and the Funds.** Western Asset Management Company, Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. and Western Asset Management Company Limited (referred to generally as "Western Asset") act as fiduciaries and, as such, are entrusted to act in the best interests of all clients, including investment companies. Accordingly, Western Asset has adopted this Code of Ethics in order to ensure that employees uphold their fiduciary obligations and to place the interests of clients, including the Funds, before their own.

In addition, Western Asset Income Fund, Western Asset Premier Bond Fund, Western Asset Funds, Inc., Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Securities & Income Fund and Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (referred to generally as the "Funds") have also adopted this Code of Ethics in order to ensure that persons associated with the Funds, including Directors/Trustees ("Directors"), honor their fiduciary commitment to place the interests of the Funds before their own.

**Regulatory Requirement.** The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires each investment company (*i.e.,* the Funds), as well as its investment adviser and principal underwriter, to adopt a code of ethics. In addition, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 requires each investment adviser (*i.e.,* Western Asset) to adopt a code of ethics. Both Acts also require that records be kept relating to the administration of the Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics shall be read and interpreted in a manner consistent with these Acts and their related rules.

**Compliance with Applicable Law.** All persons associated with Western Asset are obligated to understand and comply with their obligations under applicable law. Among other things, laws and regulations make clear that it is illegal to defraud clients and Funds in any manner, mislead clients or Funds by affirmative statement or by omitting a material fact that should be disclosed, or to engage in any manipulative conduct with respect to clients, Funds, or the trading of securities.

**Confidential Information.** All persons associated with Western Asset and the Funds may be in a position to know about client identities, investment objectives, funding levels, and future plans as well as information about the transactions that Western Asset executes on their behalf and the securities holdings in their accounts. All this information is considered confidential and must not be shared unless otherwise permitted.

**Avoiding Conflicts of Interest.** Neither Western Asset employees nor Fund Directors may take advantage of their knowledge or position to place their interests ahead of Western Asset clients or the Funds, as the case may be. Different obligations may apply to different persons under this Code of Ethics, but this duty includes an obligation not to improperly trade in personal investment accounts, as well as an obligation to maintain complete objectivity and independence in making decisions that impact the management of client assets, including the Funds. Western Asset employees and Fund Directors must disclose all material facts concerning any potential conflict of interest that may arise to the Funds' Chief Compliance Officer or the Western Asset Chief Compliance Officer, as appropriate.

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**Upholding the Spirit of the Code of Ethics.** The Code of Ethics sets forth principles and standards of conduct, but it does not and cannot cover every possible scenario or circumstance. Each person is expected to act in accordance with the spirit of the Code of Ethics and their fiduciary duty. Technical compliance with the Code of Ethics is not sufficient if a particular action or series of actions would violate the spirit of the Code of Ethics.

**Western Asset Compliance Policies and Procedures.** In addition to the Code of Ethics, Western Asset has established policies and procedures that are designed to address compliance requirements and conflicts and potential conflicts of interest not related to personal trading. Employees have an obligation to follow Western Asset's compliance policies and procedures.

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**WHO IS SUBJECT TO THE CODE?** 

While the spirit and objectives of the Code generally are the same for each person covered by the Code of Ethics, different specific requirements may apply to different categories of people. Western Asset and the Funds have both adopted the Code of Ethics, and the requirements for Western Asset employees differ from those for Fund Directors. You must understand what category or categories apply to you in order to understand which requirements you are subject to.

**Western Asset Employees, Officers and Directors.** As a condition of employment, all Western Asset employees, officers and directors (generally referred to as "Western Asset employees") must read, understand and agree to comply with the Code of Ethics. You have an obligation to seek guidance or take any other appropriate steps to make sure you understand your obligations under the Code of Ethics. On an annual basis, you are required to certify that you have read and understand the Code of Ethics and agree to comply.

**Western Asset Independent Contractors.** Independent contractors may be subject to the Code of Ethics depending on the length of time with Western Asset, the nature of the engagement and the access to information. If designated, you are required to comply with the Code of Ethics and make all the required certifications. All independent contractors are still obliged to observe obligations of confidentiality and other terms of their engagements.

**Directors of the Funds.** The Code of Ethics applies to interested Directors of the Funds who are also Western Asset employees or otherwise interested persons because of their business affiliations with Western Asset. Interested Directors who are also employees or are otherwise interested persons because of their business affiliations with Legg Mason or Guggenheim are subject to the Legg Mason and Guggenheim Codes of Ethics, respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• What are the "Funds"?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset Funds, Inc.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset Income Fund

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset Premier Bond Fund

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Securities & Income Fund

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If a Director is considered to be an "interested person" of a Fund, its investment adviser or principal
underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, then he or she is considered an Interested Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If a Director is not considered to be an "interested person," then he or she is considered to be a
Disinterested Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you are both a Fund Director and an employee of Western Asset, you are subject to the requirements that apply
to you as an employee of Western Asset, as applicable.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Western Asset Interested Directors are subject to those requirements forth in the Section below titled
"Requirements for Fund Directors."

**Access Persons.** Western Asset employees and Fund Officers and Directors are considered "Access Persons" because they may have access to information regarding investment decisions, transactions and holdings. Other people may also be considered to be "Access Persons" and subject to the same requirements as Western Asset employees including the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any natural person that has the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management and policies of
Western Asset or the Funds and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to a client account, including a Fund, with regard to the purchase or sale of a security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any person who provides advice on behalf of Western Asset and is subject to Western Asset's supervision and
control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any other such person as the Chief Compliance Officer of Western Asset or the Funds designate.

**Investment Persons.** If you are a Western Asset employee and you also make recommendations or investment decisions on behalf of Western Asset as part of your regular functions or duties, or you make or participate in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities for a Western Asset client or account, you are considered an "Investment Person." Investment Persons are subject to all the requirements of Western Asset employees, but also must comply with additional restrictions due to their knowledge and involvement with investment decisions Western Asset is considering or planning for the future.

**Other Codes of Ethics.** If you are an Access Person under this Code, but you are employed principally by affiliates of Western Asset and you are subject to a Code of Ethics that complies with applicable law, you are subject to the relevant provisions of the Code of Ethics of your principal employer and not subject to this Code.

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**WHO ADMINISTERS THE CODE?** 

<u>Western Asset Operations Committee:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Responsibilities.** The Western Asset Operations Committee has ultimate responsibility for the Code of
Ethics. The Operations Committee shall review and approve or deny any changes or proposed changes to the Code of Ethics. The Operations Committee shall also receive periodic reports from the Legal and Compliance Department regarding violations of
the Code of Ethics. The Operations Committee shall determine the appropriate policy with respect to sanctions for Code of Ethics violations. The Operations Committee may delegate the administration of this Code of Ethics to other individuals or
departments, including the power to impose sanctions for particular violations according to the framework approved by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Interpretation:** The Operations Committee is the final arbiter of questions of interpretation under this
Code of Ethics.

<u>Western Asset Chief Compliance Officer:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Receipt of Violations.** The Chief Compliance Officer (known as the "CCO") for Western Asset is
the person designated to receive all violations of the Code of Ethics. If a Western Asset employee becomes aware of a violation of this Code of Ethics or a violation of applicable law, they have an obligation to report the matter promptly to the
CCO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Review of Violations.** The Western Asset CCO must review all violations of the Code of Ethics and oversee
any appropriate investigation and subsequent response with respect to Western Asset.

<u>Chief Compliance Officer for the Funds:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Responsibilities.** The Chief Compliance Officer for the Funds is responsible for overseeing the
administration of the Funds' compliance policies and procedures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Reporting of Violations.** All violations of the Funds' Code of Ethics must be reported to the
Funds' Chief Compliance Officer. To the extent that a violation involves a Fund Director, the Funds' CCO shall oversee any appropriate investigation and subsequent response with respect to the Funds.

<u>Sanctions for Violations of the Code of Ethics:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you violate the Code of Ethics, you may be subject to sanctions. Violations may take a variety of forms,
depending on the facts and circumstances and should reflect the nature of the violation, the risk to clients and other similar factors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In evaluating a violation, a variety of factors may be considered including any evidence of a violation of the
law, potential or actual harm to client interests, evidence of fraud, neglect or indifference to the Code of Ethics, frequency of violations, prior violations, and cooperation or mitigation efforts of the employee.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Sanctions may include any of the following types of sanctions or such other sanctions as may be deemed
appropriate:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Verbal or written warnings

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Written warnings with copies to the employee's supervisor and/or personnel file

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Limits on personal trading activities, such as limits on the ability to trade or open new positions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Requirements to disgorge profits and/or reverse trades

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Referrals to Human Resources for disciplinary action

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Terminations

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**FIDUCIARY DUTY TO CLIENTS AND FUNDS** 

**Comply with Applicable Law.** A variety of securities laws, including those described in this Code of Ethics, apply to the operation of Western Asset and the Funds. It is your responsibility to understand your obligations under these laws and to comply with those requirements. You have an obligation to seek assistance from the Legal and Compliance Department if you are unsure of what your obligations are under this Code of Ethics.

**Fiduciary Duty.** As a fiduciary for Western Asset clients, including the Funds, you have an obligation to act in clients' best interests. You must scrupulously avoid serving your personal interests ahead of the interests of clients and the Funds. That includes making sure that client interests come first and that you avoid any potential or actual conflicts of interest. That fiduciary duty extends to all aspects of the business. Conflicts and potential conflicts can arise in a variety of situations. You may have information regarding clients, their investment strategies, strategic plans, assets, holdings, transactions, personnel matters and other information. This information may not be communicated in any manner to benefit yourself or other persons. This obligation extends to avoiding potential conflicts between client accounts as well. You may not inappropriately favor the interests of one client over another.

**Compliance with the Code of Ethics.** All new staff are provided with a copy of this Code of Ethics upon joining the Firm and the current version is posted on the Firm's intranet. From time to time, the Firm may revise the Code of Ethics and you will be provided with a copy of any such amendments to the Code. On an annual basis and when the Code of Ethics is amended, you will be required to acknowledge in writing that you have received, understand and agree to comply with the Code of Ethics.

**Personal Interests.** As a general matter, you may not improperly take personal advantage of your knowledge of recent, pending or intended securities activities for clients, including the Funds. In addition, you may not improperly take advantage of your position to personally gain at the expense of the interests of Western Asset, clients, or the Funds.

**Maintaining the Best Interests of Clients.** The provisions of this Code of Ethics address some of the ways in which you are expected to uphold the fiduciary duty to clients and the Funds. It is not an exclusive list.

**Confidentiality.** Unless otherwise permitted, information regarding clients or their accounts may not be shared with persons outside of the Firm, such as vendors, family members, or market participants. In particular, information regarding the trading intentions of clients or Western Asset on behalf of its clients may not be shared.

------

**Personal trading:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A potential conflict exists between the interests of clients (including the Funds) and your personal investment
activities. This conflict may take shape in a variety of ways, including the particular trades you execute and the volume of trading you do.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You may not engage in an excessive volume of trading in your personal accounts. High volumes of personal
trading may raise concerns that your energies and interests are not aligned with client interests.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Depending on the particular security that you choose to buy, a holding period may also apply that requires you
to hold that security for a minimum period of time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At all times, you have an obligation to refrain from personally trading to manipulate the prices of securities
and trading on material non-public information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Given the potential conflict that exists between client transactions, holdings and intentions and your personal
trading activity, the Code of Ethics contains detailed requirements regarding your personal conduct and the monitoring of your personal trading activity. The remaining sections of the Code of Ethics provide guidance on the requirements that must be
followed in connection with your personal trading activity.

------

**REPORTING OF PERSONAL TRADING** 

You must provide information regarding your personal investment accounts as required under this Code of Ethics. Reporting obligations take effect at the inception of your involvement with Western Asset or a Fund, and continue on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. As with other provisions of the Code of Ethics, you are expected to understand and comply with the obligations that apply to you. (Applicable provisions for Western Asset Interested Directors are described more fully below in the Section titled "Requirements for Fund Directors.")

In order to monitor potential conflicts of interest and your compliance with the Code, Western Asset employees and Interested Directors must identify investment accounts and provide information on particular securities transactions in those accounts.

Western Asset Management Company employees (*i.e.,* those located in the Pasadena and New York offices) must maintain personal brokerage accounts only with brokers approved by the Firm. New hires must transfer their accounts within 90-days of hire. The criterion for broker approval is whether a broker is willing and able to provide electronic feeds to Western Asset for purposes of monitoring and administration of the Code of Ethics and Western Asset's systems can effectively accommodate the electronic feeds. A list of approved brokers shall be published by the Legal and Compliance Department for reference by employees. Limited exceptions may be granted by the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer in such cases as may be necessary or prudent on a case by case basis (such as for accounts of family members of employees).

**Which investment accounts do Western Asset employees and Western Asset Interested Directors need to report?** 

<u>Report any of the following investment accounts:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any investment account with a broker-dealer or bank in which you have a direct or indirect interest, including
accounts that are yours or that you share jointly with another person. This includes joint accounts, spousal accounts, UTMA accounts, partnerships, trusts and controlling interests in corporations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• This requirement generally will cover any type of brokerage account opened with a broker-dealer or bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You must also report any Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") held with a broker-dealer or bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any investment account with a broker-dealer or bank over which you have investment decision-making authority
(including accounts you are named on, such as being a guardian, executor or trustee, as well as accounts you are not named on, such as an account owned by another person for which you have been granted trading authority).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any investment account with a broker-dealer or bank established by partnership, corporation, or other entity in
which you have a direct or indirect interest through any formal or informal understanding or agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any college savings account in which you hold securities issued under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue
Code and in which you have a direct or indirect interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any other account that the Western Asset Operations Committee or its delegate deems appropriate in light of your
interest or involvement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You are presumed to have investment decision-making authority for, and therefore must report, any investment
account of a member of your immediate family if they live in the same household as you. (Immediate family includes a spouse, child, grandchild, stepchild, parent, grandparent, sibling, mother or father-in-law, son or daughter in-law, or brother or sister in-law.) You may rebut this presumption if you are able to provide
Western Asset with satisfactory assurances that you have no material interest in the account and exercise no control over investment decisions made regarding the account. Consult with the Legal and Compliance Department for guidance regarding this
process.

<u>Do not report any of the following accounts:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Do not report investment accounts that are not held at a broker-dealer or bank that permit investments <u>only</u> in shares of open-end investment companies or funds:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Do not report such an investment account if the account holds <u>only</u> shares in money market funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Do not report such an investment account if you <u>only</u> invest in open-end funds not advised or sub-advised by Western Asset or a Legg Mason affiliate. If you begin investing in open-end funds
advised or sub-advised by Western Asset or an affiliate, you must report the investment account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Do not report any 401(k), 403(b) or other company sponsored retirement accounts unless there is trading activity
in funds advised or sub-advised by Western Asset or an affiliate. The list is available from the Legal and Compliance Department. Note: If you have a Legg Mason 401(k) account, no additional reporting is
required, but you are subject to the holding period requirements described in the Section below titled "Personal Trading Restrictions."

**What reports are Western Asset employees and Western Asset Interested Directors required to provide?** 

<u>At hire:</u> What information is required when you are hired or become a Western Asset employee or a Western Asset Interested Director of a Fund?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You must report all of your investment accounts. (See information above for more detail on which accounts must be
reported.)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The report must either include copies of statements or the name of the broker, dealer or bank, title on the
account, security names, and the number of shares and principal amount of all holdings.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You must sign and date all initial reports.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You must report required information within 10 calendar days from the date of hire or the date on which you
become a Western Asset employee or Western Asset Interested Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All the information that you report must be no more than 45 days old.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Legal and Compliance Department will attempt to arrange with your brokerage firm to receive duplicate
confirmations and statements to enable the firm to monitor your trading activities, but your assistance may be required.

<u>Electronic Confirmations and Statements:</u> The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department will attempt to arrange to receive duplicate copies of transaction confirmations and account statements for each investment account directly from each financial institution with whom you have reported having an investment account. To the extent that Western Asset is able to directly obtain such information, you will not be required to separately provide the information described below for quarterly or annual transaction reports. You may be asked to confirm Western Asset's records in lieu of providing your own holdings or transaction reports. Your assistance may be required for information Western Asset does not have or is not able to obtain otherwise, which may include providing statements to Western Asset yourself or coordinating with your financial institution to send confirmations and statements to Western Asset.

<u>Quarterly Transaction Reports:</u> What information is required on a quarterly basis?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You must report all transactions in covered securities in which you have a direct or indirect beneficial
interest during a quarter to the Legal and Compliance Department within 30 days after quarter end, regardless of whether the account is required to be reported as described above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• What are "covered securities"? "Covered securities" are any security as defined by the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Investment Company Act of 1940, any financial instrument related to a security, including fixed income securities, any equity securities, any derivatives on fixed income or equity securities, ETFs, closed-end mutual funds, and any open-end mutual funds managed, advised or sub-advised by Western Asset or an affiliate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• "Covered securities" does not include obligations of the US government, bankers acceptances, bank
certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short term debt instruments such as repurchase agreements and other instruments as described below in the Section titled "What Trades are Not Required to be Precleared?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The report shall state the title and number of shares, the principal amount of the security involved, the
interest rate and maturity date if applicable, the date and nature of the transaction, the price at which the transaction was effected and the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The report must also include the date it was submitted.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You may not be required to file a quarterly report if the Legal and Compliance Department received duplicate
copies of your broker confirmations and statements within the 30 day time period. From time to time, however, the Legal and Compliance Department may not receive all duplicate statements from brokers or may not receive them on a timely basis. In
those cases, you will be notified by the Legal and Compliance Department and you have an obligation to provide copies of the statements or report all transactions you execute during the quarter in some other form.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you have no investment accounts or executed no transactions in covered securities, you may be asked to
confirm that you had no investment activity (either independent of an account or in a newly opened account).

<u>Annual Holdings Reports:</u> What information is required on an annual basis?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You must provide a list of all covered securities in which you have a direct or indirect interest, including
those not held in an account at a broker-dealer or bank. The list must include the title, number of shares and principal amount of each covered security. Copies of investment account statements containing such information are sufficient.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You must report the account number, account name and financial institution for each investment account with a
broker-dealer of bank for which you are required to report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• While the Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department may be receiving duplicate statements and confirmations
for your investment accounts, this annual reporting requirement is intended to serve as a check to make sure that all of Western Asset's information is accurate and current.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The information in the annual report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is
submitted and the annual report must include the date it was submitted to the Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You also must certify annually that you have complied with the requirements of this Code of Ethics and that you
have disclosed or reported all transactions and holdings required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of this Code.

<u>New Investment Accounts:</u> When do I need to report new investment accounts that are required to be reported under the Code of Ethics?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• After you open an account or after you assume a role or obtain an interest in an account that requires
reporting (as discussed in the Section titled "Reporting of Personal Trading"), you have 30 calendar days after the end of the quarter to report the account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You must report the title of the account, the name of the financial institution for the account, the date the
account was established (or the date on which you gained an interest or authority that requires the account to be reported) and the date reported.

<u>Additional Reporting for Certain Persons.</u> What additional reporting obligations exist for Directors and Officers of Closed-End Investment Companies, officers or Western Asset, or designated members of the Western Asset Investment Strategy Group?

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Directors and Officers of any closed-end investment company to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission changes in their personal ownership of that closed-end investment company's stock. Note
that reporting is not required for all close-end investment companies, but only the shares of those closed-end funds for which a person serves as a director or officer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In addition, Section 16 requires Western Asset officers and designated members of the Western Asset
Investment Strategy Group to forfeit to the Fund any profit realized from any purchase and sale, or any sale and purchase, of Fund shares within any period of less than six months. Under Section 16, holding periods operate on a "last in,
first out" methodology, so the six month holding period for all holdings re-sets with each new purchase. Such persons should consult the Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department for further guidance
regarding specific provisions of the law, including applicable reporting requirements

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If provided with the necessary information, the Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department will assist and
make the filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on your behalf.

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**PRECLEARANCE PROCESS FOR PERSONAL TRADING** 

Before you execute a personal trade, the trade may need to be precleared to ensure that there is no conflict with Western Asset's current trading activities on behalf of its clients (including the Funds). All Western Asset employees are required to preclear trades in securities except as provided below.

**WHAT TRADES MUST BE PRECLEARED?** 

**Any Security (unless excluded below).** You must preclear trades in any security, which means any bond, stock, debenture, certificate of interest or participation in any profit sharing venture, warrant, right and generally anything that meets the definition of "security" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the Investment Company Act of 1940. Except for money market instruments and G-7 government direct obligations, all fixed income securities must be precleared.

**Restricted List.** Subject to the caveat below for common stock, you are required to preclear the securities of any issuer that are listed on the Western Asset restricted list.

**Common Stocks.** You are only required to preclear publicly traded common stocks if the issuer of the common stock is listed on the Western Asset restricted list. In cases where the common stock is on the restricted list, designated as being eligible for trading, and the issuer has USD$10 billion or more in market capitalization, pre-clearance is only required if your trade is over USD$100,000 in value. Restrictions also apply to investments in private placements (including private funds) or initial public offerings (see discussion below). Preclearance is not required, however, for trading in stocks issued by Legg Mason as long as all other restrictions regarding Legg Mason securities such as restricted periods are followed.

**Stocks of Brazilian Issuers.** You must preclear all Brazilian equity trades except trades of a *de minimis* amount (*i.e.,* trades of 500 shares or less per day for any issuer with a market capitalization in excess of USD$10 billion). This preclearance requirement includes both common and preferred shares as well as local shares and GDR/ADR securities.

**Derivatives.** Trades in any financial instrument related to a security that is required to be pre-cleared, including options on securities, futures contracts, single stock futures, options on futures contracts and any other derivative must be precleared.

**Shares in any Affiliated Open or Closed-end Mutual Fund or REIT**. Preclearance is required if you purchase or sell shares of open-end or closed-end funds and/or REITs advised or sub-advised by Western Asset outside of your Legg Mason 401(k) participant account. This includes preclearance for such purchases or sales in a spouse's retirement account. You are not required to preclear trades in your Legg Mason 401(k) participant account. *Note:* No preclearance is required for investments in any money market funds.

**Systematic Investment Plans.** Preclearance is required when executing an initial instruction for any purchases or sales that are made pursuant to a systematic investment or withdrawal plan involving a security that requires preclearance. For example, a systematic investment plan that regularly purchases

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shares of a Western Asset Fund would need to be precleared when the initial instruction was made, but not for each specific subsequent purchase. A systematic investment or withdrawal plan is one pursuant to which a prescribed purchase or sale will be automatically made on a regular, predetermined basis without affirmative action by the Access Person. As such, only the initial investment instruction (and any subsequent changes to the instruction) requires preclearance.

**Private Placement Securities.** All Western Asset employees must preclear any trades in private placement securities (*i.e.,* any offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to section 4(2) or 4(6) or pursuant to rule 504, rule 505, or rule 506 under the Securities Act of 1933) whether or not fixed income related. This requirement includes all private investment partnerships or funds such as hedge funds and private real estate holding partnerships.

**Initial Public Offerings.** Investment Persons are prohibited from participating in Initial Public Offerings, but other Western Asset employees may participate after obtaining preclearance.

**529 College Savings Plans.** Any transaction in units of a college savings plan established under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code where the underlying investments are open-end funds advised or sub-advised by Western Asset or an affiliate. A list of such funds is available from the Legal and Compliance Department.

**Transactions in Retirement Accounts and Deferred Compensation Plans.** All purchases or sales of investment companies or funds advised or sub-advised by Western Asset in any retirement account <u>other</u> than your Legg Mason 401(k) participant account or Deferred Compensation Plan must be precleared. *Note:* Trades in your Legg Mason 401(k) account are not required to be precleared, but are subject to a 60-day holding period if they are Legg Mason funds or if they are advised or sub-advised by Western Asset.

**Shares of Preferred Stock.** You are required to preclear all transactions in shares of preferred stock.

**WHAT TRADES ARE <u>NOT</u> REQUIRED TO BE PRECLEARED?** 

**Common Stocks.** As long as the issuer of the securities is not listed on the Western Asset restricted list, you are not required to preclear publicly traded common stocks. All Western Asset employees are also required to preclear an equity security in the case of a private placement or an initial public offering (see discussion above).

**Government Securities.** Trades in any direct obligations of the U.S. Government or any G7 government are not required to be precleared.

**High Quality Short-term Debt Instruments.** High quality short term debt instruments including bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, variable-rate demand notes, repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments (meaning any instrument that has a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and that is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, such as S&P or Moody's) are not required to be precleared.

------

**Money Market Funds.** Trades in any investment company or fund that is a money market fund are not required to be precleared.

**Open-End Mutual Funds.** Trades in open-end mutual funds that are not advised or sub-advised by Western Asset are not required to be precleared.

**Closed-End Mutual Funds, Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs") and Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs").** Transactions of closed end mutual funds, ETFs and REITs are not required to be precleared unless they are advised by Western Asset.

**Transactions Retirement Accounts and Deferred Compensation Plans.** Purchases or sales of investment companies or funds in your Legg Mason 401(k) participant account or Deferred Compensation Plan are not required to be precleared. Note: Trades in your Legg Mason 401(k) account are not required to be precleared, but are subject to a holding period requirement if they are advised or sub-advised by Western Asset.

**Systematic Investment Plans.** Any purchases or sales that are made pursuant to a systematic investment or withdrawal plan that has previously been approved by a Preclearance Officer. A systematic investment plan is any plan where a sale or purchase will be automatically made on a regular, predetermined basis without your authorization for each transaction. The first instruction must be precleared, but each subsequent purchase is not required to be precleared unless changes are made to the terms of the standing order.

**No Knowledge.** Securities transactions where you have no knowledge of the transaction before it is completed (for example, a transaction effected by a Trustee of a blind trust or discretionary trades involving an investment partnership or investment club, when you are neither consulted nor advised of the trade before it is executed) are not required to be precleared.

**Certain Corporate Actions.** Any acquisition of securities through stock dividends, dividend reinvestments, stock splits, reverse stock splits, mergers, consolidations, spin-offs, exercise of rights or other similar corporate reorganizations or distributions generally applicable to all holders of the same class of securities is not required to be precleared.

**Options-Related Activity.** Any acquisition or disposition of a security in connection with an option-related transaction that has been previously approved. For example, if you receive approval to write a covered call, and the call is later exercised, you are not required to obtain preclearance in order to exercise the call. Preclearance of a derivative of a security is required only if the underlying security requires preclearance.

**Commodities, Futures and Options on Futures.** Any transaction involving commodities, futures (including currency futures and futures on securities comprising part of a broad-based, publicly traded market based index of stocks) and options on futures. Preclearance is required for any single issuer derivatives, such as single stock futures.

**529 College Savings Plans.** Any transaction in units of a college savings plan established under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the underlying investment includes open-end funds advised or sub-advised by Western Asset or an affiliate.

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**Miscellaneous.** Any transaction in any other securities as the Western Asset Chief Compliance Officer may designate on the grounds that the risk of abuse is minimal or non-existent.

**HOW DOES THE PRECLEARANCE PROCESS WORK?** 

**Understand the Preclearance requirements.** Review the Section above titled "Preclearance Process for Personal Trading" to determine if the security requires preclearance.

**Trading Authorization Form.** Obtain and complete a Trading Authorization Form.

**Submission for approval.** Submit the completed form to a Preclearance Officer for a determination of approval or denial. The Chief Compliance Officer shall designate Preclearance Officers to consider requests for approval or denials.

**Approval or Denial.** The Preclearance Officer shall determine whether approval of the proposed trade would place the individual's interests ahead of the interests of Western Asset clients (including the Funds). To be valid, a Preclearance Officer must sign the Trading Authorization Form or otherwise evidence approval.

**Expiration of Trading Permission.** Trade authorizations expire at the end of the trading day during which authorization is granted. Trade authorizations also expire if they are revoked or if you learn that the information provided in the Trade Authorization request is not accurate. If the authorization expires, a new authorization must be obtained before the trade order may be placed. If an order is placed but has not been executed before the authorization expires (*e.g.,* a limit order), no new authorization is necessary unless the order is amended in any way.

**Transactions of a Preclearance Officer.** A Preclearance Officer may not approve his or her own Trading Authorization Form.

**Proxies.** You may designate a representative to complete and submit a Trade Authorization Form if you are unable to complete the form on your behalf in order to obtain proper authorization.

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**PERSONAL TRADING RESTRICTIONS** 

In addition to reporting and preclearance obligations, you are also subject to restrictions regarding the manner in which you trade and hold securities in any personal investment accounts for which you report transactions. (The Section above titled "Reporting of Personal Trading" describes which accounts must be reported.)

<u>For all Western Asset employees:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Market Manipulation.** You shall not execute any securities transactions with the intent to raise, lower,
or maintain the price of any security or to falsely create the appearance of trading activity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Spread Betting.** Spread Betting is a speculative transaction that involves taking a bet on the price
movement of a security, index or other financial product via a spread betting company. Spread betting on financial products is not permitted and employees may not use spread betting accounts to circumvent the Code of Ethics. Spread betting on non-financial products, such as sporting events, is not covered by the Code of Ethics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Trading on Inside Information.** You shall not purchase or sell any security if you have material
nonpublic information about the security or the issuer of the security. You are also subject to Western Asset's policy on insider trading. This policy applies both to personal transactions and to transactions executed by Western Asset personnel
on behalf of client accounts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Excessive Personal Trading.** You are limited to 75 transactions per calendar quarter. Transactions are
defined as executions—therefore, a buy and a sell of the same security are considered as two transactions and multiple fills for limit orders are each considered a transaction unless brokers provide information to permit independent
confirmation that multiple confirmations originated from a single order. This does not apply to accounts held by family members where you do not have any trading authority, fully managed accounts where you have given permission to another party to
manage your account, and rebalancing of investments in the 401(k), 403(b) or any other company sponsored retirement accounts. Single expressions of investment intent with multiple executions are counted as a single trade (*i.e.,* multiple fills
on a limit or a block trade across multiple family accounts).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Initial Public Offerings for Investment Persons:** Investment Persons may not purchase any securities
through an initial public offering.

Regardless of whether a transaction is specifically prohibited in this Code of Ethics, you may not engage in any personal securities transactions that (i) impact your ability to carry out your assigned duties or (ii) increase the possibility of an actual or apparent conflict of interest.

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<u>Holding Periods for securities in personal accounts for all Western Asset employees:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• After making a purchase, you must hold that security for at least 30 calendar days unless specified otherwise
below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Holding periods apply for all securities except transactions in money market funds, government/sovereign
securities issued by G-7 countries and derivatives on such securities, high quality short-term debt instruments, ETFs or other index securities, options on broad-based indices, currencies, and open-end mutual funds not advised by Western Asset.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A 60-day holding period applies for all mutual funds, investment
companies, unit trusts, REITs, or other commingled vehicles for which Western Asset serves as adviser or sub-adviser.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• This limitation applies to any purchases or sales in your individual retirement account, 401(k), deferred
compensation plan, or any similar retirement plan or investment account for you or your immediate family. There is no holding period for purchases or sales done through a systematic investment or withdrawal plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• There is no holding period for accounts held by family members where you do not have any trading authority or
fully managed accounts where you have given permission to another party to manage your account. You may not direct or recommend trades or take any other action that serves to circumvent the provisions of the Code of Ethics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The holding period may be deemed inapplicable in circumstances such as stop-loss orders declared in advance or
extreme market volatility if prudent and consistent with the Firm's overarching fiduciary duties to clients and regulatory obligations.

<u>Blackout Periods:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• One Day Blackout period for all Western Asset employees:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You may not purchase or sell a fixed-income security (or any security convertible into a fixed income security)
of an issuer on the same day in which Western Asset is purchasing or selling a fixed-income security from that same issuer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Contemporaneous trading activity will be the basis for a denial of a request for trading preclearance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Seven Day Blackout period for Investment Persons:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You may not purchase or sell a fixed income security (or any security convertible into a fixed income security)
if Western Asset purchases or sells securities of the same issuer within seven calendar days before or after the date of your purchase or sale.

<u>Preclearance Sought and Obtained in Good Faith:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The blackout period restriction may be deemed inapplicable if, consistent with the overarching duty to put
client interests ahead of personal or Firm interests, an Access Person making a personal transaction has sought and received preclearance. This determination will take into account such factors as the degree of involvement in or access to the
persons or teams making the investment decision.

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**REQUIREMENTS FOR FUND DIRECTORS** 

<u>Interested Directors of the Funds that are also Western Asset employees</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you are an Interested Director and also a Western Asset, Legg Mason or Guggenheim employee, you are subject
to all the Code of Ethics requirements that apply to you as a Western Asset, Legg Mason or Guggenheim employee. Accordingly, if you are a Western Asset employee, you are required to comply with all provisions of this Code of Ethics. If you are a
Legg Mason or Guggenheim employee, you are not subject to the provision of this Code of Ethics, but you are required to comply with the Legg Mason or Guggenheim Code of Ethics, as applicable

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You are also subject to the requirements under Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. For
Interested Directors who are also Western Asset employees, this obligation is addressed in the Section above titled "Reporting of Personal Trading."

<u>Interested Directors of the Funds that are not Western Asset employees</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Applicable Provisions of the Code of Ethics.** For an Interested Director that is not a Western Asset
employee, only the requirements as set forth in the following Sections of the Code of Ethics shall apply:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Objectives and Spirit of the Code

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Persons Subject to the Code

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Persons Who Administer the Code

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Reporting of Personal Trading

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Requirements for Fund Directors

These sections may also incorporate other parts of the Code of Ethics by reference.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Rule 17j-1 Requirements with Respect to Reporting of Personal Trading.** The requirements described above in the Section titled "Reporting of Personal Trading" shall only apply to the extent required by Rule 17j-1. In particular, no reporting of any open-end mutual funds is required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Section 16 Reporting.** Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934
requires all Directors of closed-end investment companies to report changes in your personal ownership of shares of investment companies for which you a Director. If provided with the necessary information,
the Legal and Compliance Department will assist and make filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on your behalf.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Section 16 Personal Trading Restrictions.** Section 16 of the Securities and
Exchange Act requires a Director to forfeit to the Fund any profit realized from any purchase and sale, or any sale and purchase, of Fund shares within any period of less than six months. Under Section 16, holding periods operate on a
"last in, first out" methodology, so the six month holding period for all holdings re-sets with each new purchase.

## Exhibit 99.17

**Exhibit 17(d)** 

TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT, dated as of March 14, 2016 (the "Effective Date") by and between each of the investment companies listed on Schedule A attached hereto, as amended from time to time (each a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds") and each having its principal place of business as listed on Schedule A, as amended from time to time, and Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Computershare"), and its fully owned subsidiary Computershare Trust Company, N.A., a federally chartered trust company ("Trust Company", and together with Computershare, "Transfer Agent") each having a principal office and place of business at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021. Any references herein to "the Fund" are meant to encompass each applicable Fund or any series thereof, as the context requires.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, each Fund desires to appoint Trust Company as its sole transfer agent and registrar for the Shares, and any dividend reinvestment plan or direct stock purchase plan for each Fund, and Computershare as dividend disbursement agent and as processer of all payments received or made by each Fund under this Agreement;

WHEREAS, Trust Company and Computershare will each separately provide specified services covered by this Agreement and, in addition, Trust Company may arrange for Computershare to act on behalf of Trust Company in providing certain of its services covered by this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Trust Company and Computershare desire to accept such respective appointments and perform the services related to such appointments;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth, each Fund and Transfer Agent agree as follows:

Article 1 Definitions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) "Account" means the account of each Shareholder which reflects any full or fractional Shares held by such Shareholder, outstanding funds, or reportable tax information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) "Agreement" means this agreement and any and all exhibits or schedules attached hereto and any and all amendments or modifications which may from time to time be executed.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) "Articles of Incorporation" shall mean the Articles of Incorporation, Declaration of Trust, or other similar organizational document as the case may be, of a Fund as the same may be amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) "Authorized Person" shall be any person, whether or not such person is an officer or employee of a Fund, duly authorized to give Oral Instructions or Written Instructions on behalf of a Fund as indicated in a written document that has been executed by the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary of the Fund and delivered to Transfer Agent from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) "Board Members" shall mean the Directors or Trustees of the governing body of the Fund, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) "Board of Directors" shall mean the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees of the Fund, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) "Confidential Information" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 17.1(a) herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) "Custodian" refers to any custodian or subcustodian of securities and/or other property which a Fund may from time to time deposit, or cause to be deposited or held under the name or account of such a custodian pursuant to a custodian agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) "DSPP" means direct stock purchase plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) "FATCA" shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code and any regulations or agreements thereunder or official interpretations thereof or any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction facilitating the implementation thereof (or any law implementing such an intergovernmental agreement).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) "IRS" shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) "1933 Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) "1934 Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) "1940 Act" shall mean the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as amended from time to time.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) "Oral Instructions" shall mean instructions (including via electronic mail), other than Written Instructions, received by Transfer Agent from a person reasonably believed by Transfer Agent to be an Authorized Person, with subsequent Written Instructions confirming the instructions (as described below), provided acceptance of Oral Instructions by Transfer Agent is subject to its policies and/or procedures for the specific type of instruction submitted;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) "Plans" means any dividend reinvestment plan, DSPP, or other investment programs administered by Trust Company for each Fund, whether as of the Effective Date or at any time during the term of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) "Prohibited Person" shall mean (1) a person, entity, or organization named on the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the "SDN List"), as amended from time or (2) a person resident in, an entity organized under the laws of or having a place of business in, or the government of, a country or territory subject to the country-based U.S. trade sanctions programs administered and enforced by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute including, but not limited to, the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (50 U.S.C. § § 1701 et seq.), the Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. 1 et seq.) and any executive order, rule, or regulation promulgated thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) "Prospectus" shall mean the currently effective Fund Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, including supplements thereto, if any, which has been filed under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(u) "Services" means all services performed or made available by Transfer Agent pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) "Shareholder" shall mean a holder of Shares of a Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(w) "Shareholder Data" means all information maintained on the records database of Transfer Agent concerning Shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) "Shares" refers collectively to such shares of capital stock or beneficial interest, as the case may be, of a Fund as may be issued from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(y) "Side Agreement" means the Side Agreement for Transfer Agency Services between the Funds and Transfer Agent dated as of March 1, 2016.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(z) "Written Instructions" shall mean (i) a written instruction signed by an Authorized Person, including manually executed originals and telefacsimile of a manually executed original or other process; (ii) trade instructions transmitted (and received by Transfer Agent) by means of an electronic transaction reporting system access to which requires use of a password or other authorized identifier; and (iii) electronic mail from an Authorized Person in a format mutually acceptable to the parties to this Agreement, provided acceptance of Written Instructions by Transfer Agent is subject to its policies and/or procedures for the specific type of instruction submitted.

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Article 2 Appointment of Transfer Agent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 Each Fund hereby appoints Trust Company to act as sole Transfer Agent and registrar for all Shares and as administrator of Plans in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof and appoints Computershare as the service provider to Trust Company and as processor of all payments received or made by or on behalf of the Fund under this Agreement. Transfer Agent accepts each such appointment and agrees to perform the duties hereinafter set forth.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2 In connection with the appointments herein, each Fund will provide the following appointment and corporate authority documents to Transfer Agent:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Copies of resolutions appointing Trust Company as the Transfer Agent;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If applicable, specimens of all forms of outstanding Share certificates, in forms approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, with a certificate of the Secretary of the Fund as to such approval;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Specimens of the signatures of the officers or other authorized persons of the Fund authorized to sign Written Instructions and requests and, if applicable, sign Share certificates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Any and all opinions of counsel issued to the underwriter for any new Fund or future original issuance of Shares for any Fund added after the Effective Date for which Transfer Agent will act as transfer agent hereunder that may include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Fund is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) All Shares issued and outstanding on the date hereof were issued as part of an offering that was registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act") and any other applicable federal or state statute or that was exempt from such registration;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) All Shares issued and outstanding on the date hereof are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) The use of facsimile signatures by Transfer Agent in connection with the countersigning and registering of
Share certificates has been duly authorized by the Fund and is valid and effective.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) A certificate of each Fund as to the Shares authorized, issued and outstanding, as well as a description of all reserves of unissued Shares relating to the exercise of options;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) A completed Internal Revenue Service Form 2678; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) A completed W-8 or W-9, as applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3 Fund shall, if applicable, inform Transfer Agent as soon as possible in advance as to: (a) the existence or termination of any restrictions on the transfer of Shares, the application to or removal from any Share of any legend restricting the transfer of such Shares (subject, in the case of removal of any legend, to delivery of a legal opinion from counsel to Fund in form and substance acceptable to Transfer Agent), or the substitution for such Share of a Share without such legend; (b) any authorized but unissued Shares reserved for specific purposes; (c) any outstanding Shares which are exchangeable for Shares and the basis for exchange; (d) reserved Shares subject to option and the details of such reservation; (e) any Share split or Share dividend; (f) any other relevant event or special instructions which may affect the Shares; and (g) any bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding regarding Fund affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4 Fund shall perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, documents, instruments and assurances as Transfer Agent may reasonably require in order to carry out or perform its obligations under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5 Scope of Agency.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Transfer Agent shall act solely as agent for each Fund under this Agreement and owes no duties hereunder to any other person. Transfer Agent undertakes to perform the duties and only the duties that are specifically set forth in this Agreement, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement under Transfer Agent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Transfer Agent may rely upon, and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting in reliance upon, (i) any communication from Fund, any predecessor transfer agent or co-transfer agent or any registrar (other than Transfer Agent), predecessor registrar or co-registrar; (ii) any instruction, notice, request, direction, consent, report, certificate, opinion or other instrument, paper, document or electronic transmission believed by Transfer Agent in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or given by the proper parties; (iii) any guaranty of signature by an "eligible guarantor institution" that is a member or participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or other comparable "signature guarantee program" or insurance program in addition to, or in substitution for, the foregoing; or (iv) any instructions received through Direct Registration System/Profile. In addition, Transfer Agent is authorized to refuse to make any transfer that it determines in good faith not to be in good order.

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Article 3 Duties of Transfer Agent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 Transfer Agent shall be responsible for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Administering and/or performing the customary services of a transfer agent, agent of each Fund's dividend reinvestment plan, and dividend disbursing agent; acting as service agent in connection with dividend and distribution functions; and, if applicable for performing shareholder account and administrative agent functions in connection with the Shares of each Fund, as more fully described in the written schedule of Duties of Transfer Agent in Exhibit 2 of the Side Agreement, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and requirements of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over Transfer Agent with respect to the duties of Transfer Agent hereunder, and the procedures established from time to time between a Fund and Transfer Agent, provide services requested by a Fund to assist with liquidation or termination of the Fund, or provide assistance with any rights offerings to Shareholders, on terms and fees agreed upon by the parties. Transfer Agent shall perform its services as agent under each Fund's dividend reinvestment plan in accordance with the plan described in the Fund's reports to Shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Transfer Agent shall perform its services as agent under each Fund's dividend reinvestment plan in accordance with the plan described in the Fund's reports to Shareholders. Trust Company shall perform all services under the Plans, as the administrator of such Plans, with the exception of payment processing for which Computershare has been appointed as agent by a Fund, and certain other services that Trust Company may subcontract to Computershare as permitted by applicable law (*e.g.*, ministerial services).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) To the extent that a Fund does not have a DSPP as of the Effective Date, the Fund agrees that Trust Company may implement and administer Trust Company's DSPP on behalf of the Fund at any time during the term of this Agreement, upon providing prior written notice to the Fund. In consideration of Trust Company receiving service and transaction fees from the DSPP participants in connection with its administration of the DSPP, Transfer Agent shall not charge any fees to the Fund for such administration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Transfer Agent shall act as agent for Shareholders pursuant to the Plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Plans. If applicable, each Fund hereby authorizes Computershare to receive all payments made to the Fund (*i.e.*, optional cash purchases) or Transfer Agent under the Plans and make all payments required to be made under such Plans, including all payments required to be made to the Fund. For optional cash purchases, in the event funds are unavailable for any reason (including, without limitation, due to a rejection or reversal of the payment), Computershare shall sell the Shares purchased and any gain thereon shall accrue to Computershare.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Recording the issuance of Shares and maintaining pursuant to Rule 17Ad-10(e) under the 1934 Act a record of the total number of Shares of each Fund which are authorized, based upon data provided to it by the Fund, and issued and outstanding. Transfer Agent shall provide each Fund on a regular basis, at such intervals as the parties hereto shall agree from time to time, with the total number of Shares that are authorized and issued and outstanding and shall have no obligation, when recording the issuance of Shares, to monitor the issuance of such Shares or to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund. Transfer Agent will comply with all requirements applicable to a transfer agent under the 1934 Act and other state or federal securities laws, as applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Providing a quarterly certification in its standard form and, upon request, information, access and reports to a Fund or the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, as necessary for the Chief Compliance Officer or Fund to comply with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2 In addition to the duties set forth in Exhibit 2 of the Side Agreement Transfer Agent shall perform such other duties and functions, and shall be paid such amounts therefor, as may from time to time be agreed upon in writing between a Fund and Transfer Agent. The compensation for such other duties and functions shall be reflected in a written amendment to Exhibit 3 of the Side Agreement and the duties and functions shall be reflected in an amendment to Exhibit 2 of the Side Agreement, both dated and signed by authorized persons of the parties hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3 In the event that any requests or demands are made for the disclosure of Confidential Information, other than requests to Transfer Agent for Shareholder records pursuant to subpoenas from state or federal government authorities (*e.g.*, probate, divorce and criminal actions), the party receiving such request will promptly notify the other party to secure instructions from an authorized officer of such party as to such request and to enable the other party the opportunity to obtain a protective order or other confidential treatment, unless such notification is otherwise prohibited by law or court order. Each party expressly reserves the right, however, to disclose Confidential Information to any person whenever it is advised by counsel that it may be held liable for the failure to disclose such Confidential Information or if required by law or court order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.4 If the parties mutually agree, they will negotiate in good faith certain service level standards that, once agreed upon, may be incorporated into this Agreement subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5 Transfer Agent shall make available to each Fund and its Shareholders, through <u>www.computershare.com</u> ("Web Site"), online access to certain Account and Shareholder information and certain transaction capabilities ("Internet Services"), subject to Transfer Agent's security procedures and the terms and conditions set forth herein and on the Web Site. Transfer Agent provides Internet Services "as is," on an "as available" basis, and hereby specifically disclaims any and all representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding such Internet Services, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and implied warranties arising from course of dealing or course of performance.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.6 Fund agrees that the databases, programs, screen and report formats, interactive design techniques, Internet Services, software (including methods or concepts used therein, source code, object code, or related technical information) and documentation manuals furnished to a Fund by Transfer Agent as part of the Services are under the control and ownership of Transfer Agent or a third party (including its affiliates) and constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, "Proprietary Information"). In no event shall Proprietary Information be deemed Shareholder Data. Each Fund agrees that Proprietary Information is of substantial value to Transfer Agent or other third party and will treat all Proprietary Information as confidential in accordance with Article 17 of this Agreement. Each Fund shall take reasonable efforts to advise its relevant employees and agents of its obligations pursuant to this Section 3.6.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.7 Transfer Agent may provide real-time or delayed quotations and other market information and messages ("Market Data"), which Market Data is provided to Transfer Agent by certain third parties who may assert a proprietary interest in Market Data disseminated by them but do not guarantee the timeliness, sequence, accuracy or completeness thereof. Each Fund agrees and acknowledges that Transfer Agent shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage arising from or occasioned by any inaccuracy, error, delay in, omission of, or interruption in any Market Data or the transmission thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.8 <u>Lost Shareholders; In-Depth Shareholder Search</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Transfer Agent shall conduct such database searches to locate lost Shareholders as are required by Rule 17Ad-17 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("1934 Act"), without charge to the Shareholder. If a new address is so obtained in a database search for a lost Shareholder, Transfer
Agent shall conduct a verification mailing and update its records for such Shareholder accordingly.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Computershare may facilitate the performance of a more in-depth search
for the purpose of (i) locating lost Shareholders for whom a new address is not obtained in accordance with clause (a) above, (ii) identifying Shareholders who are deceased (or locating the deceased Shareholder's estate
representative, heirs or other party entitled to act with respect to such Shareholder's account ("Authorized Representative")), and (iii) locating Shareholders whose accounts contain an uncashed check older than 180 days, in each
case using the services of a locating service provider selected by Computershare, which service provider may be an affiliate of Computershare. Such provider may compensate Computershare for processing and other services that Computershare
provides in connection with such in-depth search, including providing Computershare a portion of its service fees.

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(c) Upon locating any Shareholder (or such Shareholder's Authorized Representative) pursuant to clause
(b) above, the locating service provider shall clearly identify to such Shareholder (or such Shareholder's Authorized Representative) all assets held in such Shareholder's account. Such provider shall inform any such located
Shareholders (or such Shareholder's Authorized Representative) that such Shareholder (or such Shareholder's Authorized Representative) may choose either (i) to contact Transfer Agent directly to obtain the assets in such account, at
no charge other than any applicable fees to replace lost certificates, if applicable, or (ii) to use the services of such provider for a processing fee, which may not exceed 20% of the asset value of such Shareholder's property where the
registered Shareholder is living, deceased, or not a natural person; provided that in no case shall such fee exceed the maximum statutory fee permitted by the applicable state jurisdiction. If a Fund selects a locating service provider other
than one selected by Computershare, then Transfer Agent shall not be responsible for the terms of any agreement between such provider and the Fund and additional fees may apply.

(d) Pursuant to Section 6.2 of this Agreement, each Fund hereby authorizes and instructs Transfer Agent to
provide a Shareholder file or list of those Shareholders not located following the required Rule 17Ad-17 searches to any service provider administering any in-depth shareholder location program on behalf of Transfer Agent or a Fund. Each Fund hereby authorizes Computershare to stop payment of checks issued in payment of sales proceeds and of dividends, if applicable, but not presented for payment, when the
payees thereof allege either that they have not received the checks or that such checks have been mislaid, lost, stolen, destroyed or, through no fault of theirs, are otherwise beyond their control and cannot be produced by them for presentation and
collection, and Computershare shall issue and deliver duplicate checks in replacement thereof, and each Fund shall indemnify Transfer Agent against any loss or damage resulting from reissuance of the checks.

Article 4 Delegation of Responsibilities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 With respect to any Fund, Transfer Agent may without the consent of the Funds delegate some or all of its duties under this Agreement to the subcontractors listed on Exhibit 4 of the Side Agreement, and to any new or existing subcontractor except with respect to the functions set forth in Section 4.2. Transfer Agent shall provide the Funds with written notice in the form of a quarterly report of any new subcontractor with access to Shareholder Data and a description of the services to be provided by each such subcontractor. Transfer Agent shall be as fully responsible to the applicable Fund for the acts and omissions of any subcontractor as it is for its own acts and omissions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 Transfer Agent may delegate any transfer agent functions set forth in Section 3(a)(25) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with the consent of the applicable Funds, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, to other parties that after reasonable inquiry Transfer Agent deems to be competent to assume such duties. In the event of any such delegation, Transfer Agent shall enter into a written agreement with the delegate in which the delegate will, among other things:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) agree to provide the services delegated consistent with the terms of this Agreement, a written schedule of performance standards developed by Transfer Agent as deemed necessary to comply with the terms of this Agreement, and applicable laws, regulations and requirements of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the provision of such services; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) represent and warrant that it is duly registered as may be required under all federal and state securities laws to perform the services delegated.

In any such circumstance, Transfer Agent will be responsible for the services of the delegates, as if Transfer Agent were performing the services itself.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3 Nothing herein shall impose any duty upon Transfer Agent in connection with or make Transfer Agent liable for the actions or omissions to act of unaffiliated third parties other than delegates referenced in Section 4.2 and subcontractors referenced in Sections 4.1 of this Agreement such as, by way of example and not limitation, airborne services, delivery services, the U.S. mails, and telecommunication companies, provided, if Transfer Agent selected such company, Transfer Agent exercised due care in selecting the same.

Article 5 Recordkeeping and Other Information

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1 Transfer Agent may adopt as part of its records all Shareholder lists, Share ledgers, records, books, and documents which have been employed by a Fund or any of its agents and which are certified to be true, authentic and complete. Transfer Agent shall keep records as set forth in Exhibit 2 of the Side Agreement, in a form and manner it deems advisable, but in any event in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and consistent with the reasonable standards of the transfer agency industry. Transfer Agent agrees that all records prepared or maintained by it relating to the services provided under this Agreement, including records held in electronic storage, are the property of the applicable Fund and will be preserved, maintained and made available in accordance with the requirements of law and Transfer Agent's records management policy, and will be surrendered promptly to the applicable Fund in accordance with its request subject to applicable law and Transfer Agent's records management policy. The Transfer Agent will employ commercially reasonable security measures (including, but not limited to, virus protection safeguards, password protection and encryption – minimum AES 256 standard – at rest and in transit) reasonably acceptable to the Funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2 Transfer Agent agrees that all records prepared or maintained by Transfer Agent pertaining to the Services provided to a Fund hereunder are the property of the Fund and will be preserved, maintained and made available in accordance with Articles 5 and 15, and will be

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surrendered promptly to the Fund on and in accordance with the Fund's request subject to applicable law and Transfer Agent's records management policy. Transfer Agent will provide the Fund, at least annually, with the most recent SSAE16 or equivalent controls report in support of the services provided hereunder prepared by an independent third-party, and will provide executive summaries of the results of the most recent penetration and ethical hack testing conducted by a qualified independent third party on behalf of the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall cooperate with the Funds on any reasonable ongoing due diligence request, including, but not limited to, completion of Legg Mason's Service Provider Security and Global Business Continuity questionnaires. Transfer Agent shall, upon 30 days written notice and no more frequently than once per year and at mutually agreed dates and times, allow a Fund, its auditors and/or its regulators, to inspect, examine, and audit (each, an "Audit") Transfer Agent's operations, procedures and business records that are relevant to the Services provided hereunder by Transfer Agent (collectively, "Records") solely to determine Transfer Agent's compliance with this Agreement and only to the extent that such Records were not included within the scope of the SSAE 16, AT 101, or equivalent audit conducted for Transfer Agent within the previous calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Transfer Agent may, in its sole discretion, prohibit the Fund from entering certain areas of its facilities for security reasons, in which case Transfer Agent will provide a Fund with alternative access to the Records, information or personnel in such restricted area, to the extent reasonably possible. Audits shall not include penetration testing. Further, the Fund agrees that any Audit includes the right of the Fund to inspect Records on site at Transfer Agent's office, but not the right to copy Records, except for Fund records or Shareholder Data. The Fund will provide Transfer Agent with a written Scope of Work including a mutually agreed level of detail, at least 10 business days in advance of commencement of an Audit. Transfer Agent shall cooperate reasonably and in good faith with the Fund's internal or external auditors to ensure a prompt and accurate Audit. In addition, Transfer Agent shall address within a reasonable time period and in the manner determined by Transfer Agent any practices found to be non-compliant with this Agreement after receipt of the Fund's Audit report. The Fund acknowledges that Transfer Agent may require any such auditors and/or regulators of the Fund to agree to written confidentiality provisions relating to Transfer Agent's proprietary and confidential information that such auditors and/or regulators may have access to during any such Audit. The Fund agrees to compensate Transfer Agent for all out of pocket expenses incurred in connection with any Audit, and also agrees to compensate Transfer Agent in accordance with the Transfer Agent fee schedule in effect at the time such Audit, for the time of each Transfer Agent employee required to assist such Audit; provided, however, that in no event shall the Fund be charged for the time incurred by Transfer Agent's Relationship Management employees required to assist such Audit. Such fees must be pre-approved by Fund. For the avoidance of doubt, a Fund's reasonable request to review a sampling of Fund records in connection with any routine diligence will not constitute an Audit.

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Article 6 Fund Instructions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1 Transfer Agent will not be liable for its acting upon Written or Oral Instructions reasonably believed to have been delivered by an Authorized Person in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the standard of care provided in Article 10, and Transfer Agent will not be held to have any notice of any change of authority of any person, including any Authorized Person, until receipt of a Written Instruction thereof from a Fund. Transfer Agent will maintain written procedures reasonably designed to promptly respond to changes in the identities of Authorized Persons.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.2 At any time, Transfer Agent may request Written Instructions from a Fund with respect to any matter arising in connection with this Agreement, and it shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken or suffered by it in good faith in accordance with such Written Instructions. Written Instructions requested by Transfer Agent will be provided by a Fund within a reasonable period of time. At any time, Transfer Agent may seek advice from legal counsel for the Fund, or its own legal counsel, with respect to any question of law arising in the course of Transfer Agent performing its duties in connection with this Agreement, and it shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken or suffered by it in good faith in accordance with the opinion of counsel for a Fund or for Transfer Agent, provided that Transfer Agent at its own expense communicates to a Fund such opinion of counsel to Transfer Agent prior to taking the action in question.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.3 Transfer Agent, its officers, agents or employees, shall accept Oral Instructions or Written Instructions given to them by any person representing or acting on behalf of a Fund only if said representative is an Authorized Person.

Article 7 Compensation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1 Each Fund will compensate Transfer Agent or cause Transfer Agent to be compensated for the performance of its obligations hereunder (including for providing support services after a Fund's termination, liquidation, reorganization or merger if requested) in accordance with the fees set forth in the written schedule of fees in Exhibit 3 of the Side Agreement. Transfer Agent will transmit an invoice to a Fund as soon as practicable after the end of each calendar month which will be detailed in accordance with Exhibit 3 of the Side Agreement, and the Fund will pay to Transfer Agent the amount of such invoice within thirty (30) days after the Fund's receipt of the invoice, except for any fees or expenses that are subject to a good faith dispute. In the event of such a dispute, a Fund may only withhold that portion of the fee or expense subject to the good faith dispute. A Fund shall notify Transfer Agent in writing within thirty (30) days following the receipt of each invoice if the Fund is intends to dispute any amounts in good faith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2 In addition, each Fund agrees to pay, and will be billed separately for, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Transfer Agent in the performance of its duties hereunder. Out-of-pocket expenses shall be the items specified in the written schedule of out-of-pocket charges in Exhibit 3 of the Side Agreement, and such other items to which the parties may agree from time to time. Exhibit 3 of the Side Agreement may be modified only by written agreement between the parties. Unspecified out-of-pocket expenses shall be limited to those unexpected and non-routine out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by Transfer Agent in the performance of its obligations hereunder. Out-of-pocket rates may change from time to time based upon charges received from Transfer Agent's vendors, at Transfer Agent's sole discretion, including any postal rate increases.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.3 Any compensation agreed to hereunder may be adjusted from time to time by attaching to Exhibit 3 of the Side Agreement a revised fee schedule executed and dated by the parties hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.4 All funds received by Computershare under this Agreement that are to be distributed or applied by Computershare in the performance of Services (the "Monies") shall be held by Computershare as agent for the Fund and deposited in one or more bank accounts to be maintained by Computershare in its name as agent for the Fund. Until paid pursuant to this Agreement, Computershare may hold or invest the Monies through such accounts in: (i) obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States of America, (ii) commercial paper obligations rated A-1 or P-1 or better by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), respectively, (iii) AAA rated money market funds with a Fixed NAV that comply with Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, or (iv) bank deposit accounts of commercial banks with Tier 1 capital exceeding $1 billion or with an average rating above investment grade by S&P (LT Local Issuer Credit Rating), Moody's (Long Term Rating) and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (LT Issuer Default Rating) (each as reported by Bloomberg Finance L.P.). The Funds shall have no responsibility or liability for any diminution of the Monies that may result from any deposit or investment made by Computershare in accordance with this paragraph, except for any losses resulting from a default by any bank, financial institution or other third party. Computershare may from time to time receive interest, dividends or other earnings in connection with such deposits or investments. Computershare shall not be obligated to pay such interest, dividends or earnings to the Fund, any Shareholder or any other party.

Article 8 Representations and Warranties

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.1 Each Fund represents and warrants to Transfer Agent that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) it is duly organized, existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) it is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and/or By-laws to enter into this Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) all corporate proceedings required by said Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and applicable laws have been taken to authorize it to enter into this Agreement; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) a registration statement under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act on behalf of the Fund, with respect to all Funds subject to this Agreement that are to be sold in transactions requiring such registration, is currently effective and will remain effective, and all appropriate state securities law filings have been made with respect to all Shares being offered for sale except for any Shares which are offered in a transaction or series of transactions which are exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and state securities laws..

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Shares issued and outstanding on the date hereof have been duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and are non-assessable; and any Shares to be issued hereafter, when issued, shall have been duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid and will be non-assessable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The use of facsimile signatures by Transfer Agent in connection with the countersigning and registering of Share certificates has been duly authorized by Fund and is valid and effective.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2 Transfer Agent makes the representations and warranties below, which are and shall remain true and correct throughout the term of the Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Trust Company is a federally chartered trust company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the United States and Computershare is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and each has full power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) it is qualified to carry on its business in jurisdictions in which it is present;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) it is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws to enter into and perform this Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) all corporate proceedings required by said Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and applicable laws have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement, which constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Transfer Agent enforceable against Transfer Agent in accordance with its terms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) it is a transfer agent fully registered as a transfer agent pursuant to Section 17A(c)(2) of the 1934 Act, and such registration will remain in effect for the duration of this Agreement and Transfer Agent will promptly notify the Funds in the event of any change in its status as a registered transfer agent;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) it is in compliance with all federal and state laws, rules and regulations applicable to its transfer agency business and the performance of its duties, obligations and services under this Agreement;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) the various procedures and systems which it has implemented with regard to safeguarding from loss or damage attributable to fire, theft, data/security breaches or any other cause, each Fund's records and other data and Transfer Agent's records, data equipment facilities and other property used in the performance of its obligations hereunder are consistent with industry standards applicable to serving as a transfer agent and that Transfer Agent will make such changes therein from time to time as it may deem reasonably necessary to make this representation and warranty true throughout the term of this Agreement and any extensions thereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) it will provide to a Fund, upon request, its certification by a senior officer relating to the adequacy of its internal controls for handling of the Fund's information and it will engage a certified public accounting firm to conduct a SSAE 16, AT 101, or equivalent audit of the control environment and activities of Transfer Agent and prepare a report on an annual basis. Transfer Agent shall make available to the Funds a copy of each such report prepared in connection with each such audit, within a reasonable amount of time after receipt; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) it has access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.3 If any out-of-proof condition caused by Fund or any of its prior agents arises during any term of this Agreement, Fund will, promptly upon Transfer Agent's request, provide Transfer Agent with funds or shares sufficient to resolve the out-of-proof condition.

Article 9 Indemnification

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.1 Transfer Agent shall not be responsible for, and the relevant Fund shall indemnify and hold Transfer Agent harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, reasonable costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, reasonable expenses and liability (collectively referred to as "Losses") arising out of or attributable to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) All actions of Transfer Agent or its agents or delegates required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Fund, provided that such actions are taken in good faith and without negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of its duties or their own duties hereunder and are not violations of applicable law or regulation pertaining to the manner transfer agency services are performed and not otherwise a breach of this Agreement (including the standard of care provided in Article 10);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The reasonable reliance by Transfer Agent or its agents or delegates upon, and any subsequent use of or action taken or omitted by Transfer Agent or its agents or delegates pursuant to: (i) any Written Instructions of any Authorized Person; or (ii) any paper or document, reasonably believed, in conformity with security procedures established by Transfer Agent from time to time, to be genuine, authentic and signed by an Authorized Person; unless, in each case, such Losses are due to its failure to perform in accordance with its procedures, or its negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or reckless disregard, violations of applicable law or regulation pertaining to the manner transfer agency services are performed or otherwise a breach of this Agreement (including the standard of care provided in Article 10); or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The offer or sale of Shares in violation of federal or state securities laws or regulations requiring that such Shares be registered or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal or any state agency with respect to the offer or sale of such Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.2 A Fund shall not be responsible for, and Transfer Agent shall indemnify and hold each Fund, and its affiliates, Board Members, officers, employees, successors, permitted assigns, agents and representatives (the "Fund Indemnitees"), harmless from and against any and all Losses arising out of or attributable to all actions of Transfer Agent or its agents taken outside of the scope of this Agreement or caused by Transfer Agent's negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct, its breach of Article 17 of this Agreement or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder, or violations of applicable laws or regulations pertaining to the manner in which transfer agency services are performed or otherwise are a breach of this Agreement. Any liability of the Transfer Agent shall be limited as set forth in Exhibit 1 of the Side Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.3 In any case in which a party hereto (the "Indemnifying Party") may be asked to indemnify or hold the other party (the "Indemnified Party") harmless, the Indemnifying Party shall be promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question. The Indemnified Party will notify the Indemnifying Party promptly after identifying any situation which it believes presents or appears likely to present a claim for indemnification against the Indemnifying Party although the failure to do so shall not prevent recovery by the Indemnified Party, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party shall have been prejudiced by such failure. The Indemnified Party shall keep the Indemnifying Party advised with respect to all such developments concerning any claim, demand, action or suit or other proceeding (a "Claim"), which may be the subject of this indemnification. The Indemnifying Party shall have the option to participate with the Indemnified Party in defending against any Claim which may be the subject of this indemnification, and, in the event that the Indemnifying Party so elects, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party and reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, and thereupon the Indemnifying Party shall take over complete defense of the Claim and the Indemnified Party shall sustain no further legal or other expenses in respect of such Claim. The Indemnified Party will not confess any Claim or make any compromise in any case in which the Indemnifying Party will be asked to provide indemnification, except with the Indemnifying Party's prior written consent. The parties shall cooperate with each other in defense of any Claim. In no event will either party be liable for any settlement of any action or Claim effected without its prior written consent. The obligations of the parties hereto under this Article 9 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.4 Except for remedies that cannot be waived as a matter of law (and injunctive or provisional relief), the provisions of this Article 9 shall be a party's sole and exclusive remedy for Claims or other actions or proceedings to which the other party's indemnification obligations pursuant to this Article 9 may apply.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.5 The Board Members of a Fund, its officers and Shareholders shall not be liable for any obligations of the Fund under this Agreement, and Transfer Agent agrees that in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement against a Fund, it shall look only to the assets and property of the Fund in settlement of such rights or Claims and not to such members of the Board, its officers or Shareholders, or any other Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.6 Transfer Agent agrees to provide each Fund with certificates of its insurance coverage for errors and omissions insurance, fidelity bonds or crime insurance, electronic data processing coverages and any other insurance coverage related to Transfer Agent's services to the Funds, and agrees to provide updated certificates annually or as requested by the Fund.

Article 10 Standard of Care

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.1 Transfer Agent shall provide its services as transfer agent in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 17A under the 1934 Act. In performing the responsibilities delegated to it under this Agreement, Transfer Agent shall at all times act in good faith and agrees to exercise reasonable care, diligence and expertise of a transfer agent having responsibility for providing transfer agent services, but shall not be liable for any damages arising out of Transfer Agent's performance of or failure to perform its duties under this Agreement, except to the extent set forth in Section 9.2 of this Agreement and subject to Exhibit 1 of the Side Agreement.

Article 11 Consequential Damages

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither Transfer Agent nor a Fund shall be liable to the other party for any consequential, special or indirect losses or damages which the party may incur or suffer by or as a consequence of the other party's performance of the services provided hereunder.

Article 12 Insurance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.1 Transfer Agent shall maintain insurance coverage including, without limitation, errors and omissions, fidelity bond or equivalent crime insurance and electronic data processing coverages at levels of coverage consistent with those customarily maintained by other high quality transfer agents for registered investment companies. Upon the request of a Fund, Transfer Agent shall provide evidence that such coverage is in place. Transfer Agent shall promptly notify the Funds in the event that such coverage is materially reduced or cancelled. To the extent that policies of insurance may provide for coverage of claims for liability or indemnity by the parties set forth in this Agreement, the contracts of insurance shall take precedence, and to the extent permitted by Transfer Agent's respective policies no provision of this Agreement shall be construed to relieve an insurer of any obligation to pay claims to the Fund, Transfer Agent or other insured party which would otherwise be a covered claim in the absence of any provision of this Agreement.

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Article 13 Security

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.1 Transfer Agent represents, warrants and agrees that it shall itself implement and, as required, enter into and shall maintain in effect with appropriate parties one or more agreements making reasonable procedures and systems with regard to the safeguarding from loss or damage attributable to fire, theft or any other cause (including provision for twenty-four hours a day restricted access) of Confidential Information and each Fund's records and other data and Transfer Agent's records, data equipment facilities and other property used in the performance of its obligations hereunder, that are consistent with industry standards applicable to entities, including those serving as a transfer agent, that hold "personally identifiable information," as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and, provided further, that Transfer Agent will make such changes therein from time to time as it may deem reasonably necessary for the secure performance of its obligations hereunder, and that Transfer Agent's equipment, facilities and other property used in the performance of its obligations hereunder are and shall be reasonable and comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and governmental standards, and it will make such changes therein from time to time as in its reasonable judgment, are required for the secure performance of its obligations hereunder, or as agreed upon by the parties. Transfer Agent agrees to review and consider the implementation of any written safeguarding policy concerning the security, confidentiality and privacy of a Fund's blank checks, records and other data, which policy may be changed from time to time. Transfer Agent shall review such systems and procedures on a periodic basis (no less than annually). In no event shall Transfer Agent's systems and procedures described in this Article 13.1 be less protective than those systems and procedures provided by Transfer Agent to other registered investment companies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.2 In the event of a breach of Confidential Information arising out of Transfer Agent's negligence or willful misconduct, Transfer Agent will provide notices to and offer credit monitoring or other similar services for a one-year period to Fund Shareholders, subject to the limitation of liability in Exhibit 1 of the Side Agreement. Transfer Agent agrees that a breach of this Article 13.2 would irreparably damage each Fund and accordingly agrees that each Fund is entitled, without bond or other security, to an injunction or injunctions to prevent or halt breaches of this Article 13.2. The provisions of this Article 13.2 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.3 <u>Unauthorized Disclosure</u>. As may be required by law and without limiting any party's rights in respect of a breach of this Section 13, each party will promptly:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) notify the other party in writing of any unauthorized possession, use or disclosure of the other party's
Confidential Information by any person or entity that may become known to such party;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) furnish to the other party full details of the unauthorized possession, use or disclosure; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent a recurrence of any such unauthorized possession, use or
disclosure of Confidential Information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.4 <u>Costs</u>. Each party will bear the costs it incurs as a result of compliance with this Article 13.

Article 14 Disaster Recovery

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.1 Transfer Agent shall enter into and shall maintain in effect with appropriate parties one or more agreements making reasonable provisions for periodic backup of computer files and data with respect to a Fund and emergency use of electronic data processing equipment. In the event of equipment failures, Transfer Agent shall, at no additional expense to a Fund, take reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions caused by equipment failure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.2 Transfer Agent shall: (i) maintain a comprehensive business recovery plan that: (A) is not less protective than the plan overview provided to a Fund by Transfer Agent as part of the Fund's periodic review of its service providers; and (B) provides for sufficient recovery of its back office and administrative operations to enable Transfer Agent, within 24 hours or such other period as may be agreed upon in writing between the parties after any event necessitating the use of such plan to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) test such business recovery plan no less frequently than annually and upon request, the Fund may test its ability to access Issuer Online or similar issuer portal to Transfer Agent's recordkeeping system during the disaster recovery test. Transfer Agent, upon request, will provide Fund a copy of its annual disaster recovery attestation letter. Transfer Agent shall maintain, at a location other than its normal location, appropriate redundant facilities for operational back-up in the event of a power failure, disaster or other interruption. Transfer Agent shall back-up each Fund's records maintained by Transfer Agent, and shall store the backup in a secure manner at a location other than its normal location, so that, in the event of a power failure, disaster or other interruption at such normal location, the records will be maintained intact and will enable Transfer Agent to perform the Services under this Agreement. In the event of a business disruption that materially impacts Transfer Agent's provision of Services under this Agreement, Transfer Agent will promptly notify the Funds of the disruption and the steps being implemented under the business continuity plan.

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Article 15 The U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.1 Transfer Agent shall collect from all shareholders registered on the books of each Fund (each a "Customer", and, collectively, the "Customers"), valid documentation sufficient to establish the US-status or non-US status, as the case may be, of each such Customer, for purposes of FATCA including by requiring Customers to provide Transfer Agent with an executed IRS Form W-8BEN, Form W-8BEN-E or other applicable IRS Form W-8 (or any successor thereto) and/or an IRS Form W-9 (or any successor thereto). All such documentation is hereinafter referred to as the "Customer Information." Transfer Agent shall resolve to the reasonable satisfaction of a Fund any discrepancies in any Customer Information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.2 Transfer Agent shall monitor Customers and Customer Information for any changes with respect to a Customer's US or non-US status in accordance with IRS FATCA regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.3 Transfer Agent shall comply with all applicable provisions of FATCA to the extent it is US Withholding Agent as that term is defined under FATCA, and shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure that (i) it is not and does not become subject to any withholding under FATCA on any payments made to it pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the Funds do not become subject to any withholding under FATCA solely as a result of this Agreement or the provision of services by the Transfer Agent hereunder.

Article 16 Term and Termination

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.1 This Agreement shall be effective on the date first written above and shall continue for a period of 4 years from the date first stated above (the "Initial Term") unless terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Article 16 or, with respect to any individual Fund, until the earlier liquidation and/or merger of such Fund, as applicable. This Agreement will renew automatically from year to year (each a "Renewal Term"), unless a terminating party gives; written notice at least 90 days prior to termination of the then-current Initial Term or Renewal Term. This Agreement may be terminated by Transfer Agent or the Funds upon written notice to the other party of a material breach of this Agreement that is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice (provided a material breach by Transfer Agent could be as a result of persistent non-material breaches or persistent failure to meet the key performance indicators pursuant to Article 31, which taken together amount to a material breach), in which case the termination shall be effective as soon as practicable or such later date as may be specified in the breach termination notice. A material breach includes (i) the loss or suspension of the Transfer Agent's registration as a transfer agent pursuant to Section 17(a)(c)2 of the 1934 Act, or any other license or registration necessary for the Transfer Agent to perform its duties under this Agreement and (2) the insolvency or bankruptcy of either party or the appointment of a receiver for a party. In all cases, termination by the non-breaching party shall not constitute a waiver by the non-breaching party of any other rights it might have under this Agreement or otherwise against the defaulting party. For purposes of this Agreement, the merger, reorganization or liquidation of a Fund shall not be deemed a termination of the Agreement with respect to any other Fund. Fees with respect to such Fund shall cease on the date of such merger, reorganization or liquidation.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.2 In the event a termination notice is given by a Fund (other than in connection with the liquidation, reorganization or merger of the Fund), the Fund shall provide to Transfer Agent a resolution of the Board of Directors, certified by the Secretary of the Fund, designating a successor transfer agent or transfer agents. Until such a successor transfer agent or transfer agents are designated, this Agreement will remain in effect unless Transfer Agent is notified otherwise by the applicable Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.3 Upon any notice of termination of services hereunder (whether as to only certain Funds or as to some or all of the non-core transfer agency services under this Agreement), Transfer Agent shall commence taking commercially reasonable steps, without additional compensation (except as provided below), to transfer the books and records and any other property of the applicable Fund held hereunder to a successor transfer agent, in a mutually agreed upon format, and to provide reasonable assistance and cooperation in connection with the transition, provided however, that such reasonable assistance and cooperation shall be limited to a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of termination of this Agreement (or such longer period to which Transfer Agent and a Fund may agree, including any period of post-termination services for the Fund), under the terms that the parties may agree upon. Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason, (a) all fees earned and expenses incurred by Transfer Agent up to and including the date of such termination or expiration shall be immediately due and payable to Agent on or before the effective date of such termination or expiration, (b) any applicable Fund shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket costs as contemplated by Article 7.2 and (ii) a conversion fee in an amount equal to 10% of the aggregate fees (not including reimbursable expenses) incurred by Funds during the immediately preceding twelve (12) month period, for standard conversion services.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.4 A Fund will not be responsible for any fees, other than as set forth in Section 16.3, to Transfer Agent after the date of the Fund's termination, liquidation, reorganization or merger unless the Fund requests Transfer Agent to provide support services after such action and Transfer Agent agrees to provide such services.

Article 17 Confidentiality/Privacy

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.1 Each party shall keep the Confidential Information (as defined in subsection (a) below) of the other party in confidence and will not use or disclose or allow access to or use of such Confidential Information except as further set forth herein or as otherwise expressly agreed in writing. Each party acknowledges that the Confidential Information of the disclosing party will remain the sole property of such party. The parties further agree that a breach of this provision would irreparably damage the other party and accordingly agree that each of them is entitled, without bond or other security, to an injunction or injunctions to prevent or halt breaches of this provision. Notwithstanding the foregoing, or anything in this Agreement to the contrary, each Fund is hereby authorized to identify Transfer Agent in its reports to Shareholders, registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act, and to file this Agreement as an exhibit to such registration statement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) "Confidential Information" means (i) any and all technical or business information relating to a party, including, without limitation, financial, marketing and product development information and Proprietary Information, (ii) non-public personal information of a Fund's Shareholders, including Customer Information, (iii) the terms and conditions (but not the existence) of this Agreement, including all compensation agreements, arrangements and understandings (including waivers) respecting this Agreement, disputes pertaining to this Agreement, (iv) information related to security, disaster recovery, business continuity and any other operational plans, procedures, practices and protocols, and (v) anything designated as confidential, that is disclosed or otherwise becomes known to the other party or its affiliates, agents or representatives before or during the term of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Information or data that would otherwise constitute Confidential Information under subsection (a) above shall not constitute Confidential Information to the extent it: (i) is already known to the receiving party without a duty of confidentiality at the time it is obtained; (ii) is or becomes publicly known or available through no wrongful act of the receiving party; (iii) is rightfully received from a third party who, to the receiving party's knowledge, is not under a duty of confidentiality; (iv) is released by the protected party to a third party without restriction; or (v) has been or is independently developed or obtained by the receiving party without reference to the Confidential Information provided by the protected party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) To the extent that a party hereto discloses the Confidential Information of another party hereto in accordance with Article 3.3, such disclosing party shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the recipient of such Confidential Information is bound, contractually or otherwise, to confidentiality terms consistent with this Article 17.1.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The provisions of this Article 17.1 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.2 Each party represents, warrants and agrees that it has adopted and implemented, and shall maintain written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, or other compromise of Confidential Information, and address administrative, technical and physical safeguards, including encryption where required or appropriate, for the protection of Confidential Information in compliance with Regulation S-P promulgated under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 ("Regulation S-P"), to the extent applicable, and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and governmental standards. Each party represents, warrants and agrees that it will use Confidential Information only in compliance with all of the following: (i) the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation Article 17; (ii) its own privacy policy, as amended and updated from time to time; and (iii) privacy laws and regulations applicable to it, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999.

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When each party disposes of Confidential Information, it shall properly dispose of Confidential Information, including, without limitation, any electronic or physical copies in any form subject to the terms of Section 5.1, by taking reasonable measures to protect against unauthorized access to or use of the records or information in connection with its disposal by properly destroying such records and data so that the information contained therein cannot be practicably read or reconstructed, as required by all applicable laws, rules, regulations and governmental standards. The provisions of this Article 17.2 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

Article 18 Force Majeure

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.1 No party shall be liable for any default or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement if and to the extent such default or delay is caused, directly or indirectly, by (i) fire, flood, elements of nature or other acts of God; (ii) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, war, riots or civil disorders in any country; (iii) any act or omission of any governmental authority; (iv) any labor disputes beyond the reasonable control of such party; (v) terrorist acts; or (v) nonperformance by a third party or any similar cause beyond the reasonable control of such party, including without limitation, failures or fluctuations in telecommunications or other equipment; except, in each case, to the extent that the non-performing party shall have failed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the likelihood of occurrence of such circumstances or to mitigate any loss or damage to the other party caused by such circumstances, or has not complied with the terms of Article 14. In any such event, the non-performing party shall be excused from any further performance and observance of the obligations so affected only for as long as such circumstances prevail and such party continues to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate damages and to recommence performance or observance as soon as practicable. This Article 18 shall not in any way limit Transfer Agent's obligations under Article 14.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.2 Upon request, Transfer Agent shall provide the Funds with a summary of any business continuity plan and disaster recovery plan during the term of this Agreement.

Article 19 Assignment

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19.1 This Agreement may not be assigned or otherwise transferred by either party, without the prior written consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that Transfer Agent may, upon 90 days' notice to the Fund, in its sole discretion, assign all its right, title and interest in this Agreement to an affiliate, parent or subsidiary of Transfer Agent who meets all qualifications required of Transfer Agent under this Agreement and is qualified to act as such under the 1934 Act. In any event, the assignment or transfer of this Agreement shall not relieve Transfer Agent of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement.

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Article 20 Notices

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20.1 Any notice or other instrument authorized or required by this Agreement to be given in writing to a Fund or Transfer Agent, shall be sufficiently given if addressed to that party and received by it at its office set forth below or at such other place as it may from time to time designate in writing.

To the Funds:

Legg Mason Funds

100 First Stamford Place - 7th Floor

Stamford, Connecticut 06902

Attn: Robert I. Frenkel, Secretary

Fax: (203) 703-6248

For a data or cybersecurity breach:

E-mail: <u>Cybersecurity@leggmason.com</u>

To Transfer Agent:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

250 Royall Street

Canton, MA 02021

Attn: General Counsel

Article 21 Governing Law/Venue

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21.1 The laws of the State of New York, shall govern the interpretation, validity, and enforcement of this agreement, without regard to the laws on conflicts of laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21.2 Any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chosen Court. The Chosen Court shall be the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ("SDNY"), unless such action cannot be brought in SDNY, in which case the Chosen Court shall be the appropriate New York State court located in New York (Manhattan), New York. Each Fund and Transfer Agent (a) waive any objection to the jurisdiction of the Chosen Court; (b) waive any objection to venue in the Chosen Court; and (c) waive any objection that the Chosen Court is an inconvenient forum.

Article 22 Counterparts

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22.1 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original; but such counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument. A signature to this Agreement executed and/or transmitted electronically shall have the same authority, effect, and enforceability as an original signature.

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Article 23 Captions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23.1 The captions of this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.

Article 24 Survival

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1 All provisions regarding indemnification, warranty, liability and limits thereon, compensation and expenses and confidentiality and protection of proprietary rights and trade secrets shall survive the termination and expiration of this Agreement.

Article 25 Priorities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25.1 In the event of any conflict, discrepancy, or ambiguity between the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and any schedules or attachments hereto, the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement shall take precedence.

Article 26 Reserved

Article 27 Publicity

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27.1 Neither a Fund nor Transfer Agent shall release or publish news releases, public announcements, advertising or other publicity relating to this Agreement or to the transactions contemplated by it without the prior review and written approval of the other party; provided, however, that either party may make such disclosures as are required by legal, accounting or regulatory requirements after making reasonable efforts under the circumstances to notify the other party in advance.

Article 28 Relationship of Parties

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28.1 The parties agree that they are independent contractors and not partners or coventurers and nothing contained herein shall be interpreted or construed otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28.2 Except as explicitly stated elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing under this Agreement shall be construed to give any rights or benefits in this Agreement to anyone other than Transfer Agent and the Funds, and the duties and responsibilities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of Transfer Agent and the Funds. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

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Article 29 Entire Agreement; Severability

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29.1 This Agreement, including Schedules and Exhibits hereto and any agreed-upon procedures referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous proposals, agreements, contracts, representations, and understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No change, termination, modification, or waiver of any term or condition of the Agreement shall be valid unless in writing signed by the Transfer Agent and the applicable Fund. A party's waiver of a breach of any term or condition in the Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or another term or condition.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29.2 The parties intend every provision of this Agreement to be severable. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any term or provision is illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties. Without limiting the generality of this Article 29.2, if a court determines that any remedy stated in this Agreement has failed of its essential purpose, then all other provisions of this Agreement, including the limitations on liability and exclusion of damages, shall remain fully effective.

Article 30 Customer Identification Program Notice

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30.1 To help the U.S. government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, U.S. Federal law requires each financial institution to obtain, verify, and record certain information that identifies each person who initially opens an account with that financial institution. Transfer Agent and certain of Transfer Agent's affiliates are financial institutions, and Transfer Agent may, as a matter of policy, request (or may have already requested) a Fund's name, address and taxpayer identification number or other government-issued identification number. Transfer Agent may also ask (and may have already asked) for additional identifying information, and Transfer Agent may take steps (and may have already taken steps) to verify the authenticity and accuracy of these data elements.

Article 31 Key Performance Indicators

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31.1 The Transfer Agent and the Funds may from time to time agree to document the manner in which they expect to deliver and receive the services contemplated by this Agreement. The parties agree that such measures (hereinafter referred to as a "KPI (s)") listed in Exhibit 5 of the Side Agreement reflect performance goals and any failure to perform in accordance with the provisions thereof shall not in and of itself be considered a breach of contract that gives rise to contractual or other remedies unless such failure is persistent and not remedied after consultation. Nothing in this Article 31 shall modify any party's applicable standard of care under this Agreement, and the holding of such meeting of the parties shall not be construed to prevent a party from pursuing any remedy otherwise available to it pursuant to this Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31.2 The parties agree to periodically review the Transfer Agent's performance against the KPIs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31.3 Where any such review reveals that one specific KPI has measured at a "red" or "amber" status for three consecutive months ("Rectification Trigger") (provided there have been at least 50 transactions during each month for such KPI), the Funds may, in their sole discretion invoke the process set out in this Article 31.3:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Transfer Agent shall investigate, assemble and preserve (in accordance with its records management policy)
all pertinent information with respect to, and report the root causes of the problem that led to the Rectification Trigger and the Funds shall provide such assistance as the Transfer Agent may request;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Transfer Agent shall propose an appropriate written corrective action plan ("Rectification Plan")
with respect to such failure and in any event within ten (10) Business Days, or as otherwise reasonably agreed by the Parties. The Rectification Plan shall set out the anticipated improvements ("Anticipated Improvements") and the
timeline over which those improvements are expected to be realized ("Plan Period"), which shall be no longer than sixty (60) days (without the Fund's prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Funds
shall review the Rectification Plan within five (5) Business Days and shall (without liability or any resulting obligation or deemed acceptance of approach) comment on the Rectification Plan, suggest improvements and challenge any assumptions
and ideas embodied in the Rectification Plan. It is acknowledged that the Funds shall not be obligated or required to acknowledge the Rectification Plan will achieve the relevant KPIs. Upon approval of the Rectification Plan, the Transfer Agent
shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, implement the Rectification Plan so as to deliver the anticipated improvements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Transfer Agent shall provide the Funds with regular updates of the progress of the Rectification Plan and
the parties shall periodically review the progress during the Plan Period;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Transfer Agent shall as soon as reasonably practicable notify the Funds in writing of any minor changes to
the Rectification Plan from time to time and the reasons for those changes; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) At the end of the Plan Period, the Transfer Agent shall report on whether the Rectification Plan has delivered
the Anticipated Improvements in accordance with this Article 31.3.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.

Each of the Investment Companies Listed On Schedule A Hereto,

Each of Which Is Acting On Its Own Behalf And

Not On Behalf Of Any Other Investment Company

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Jane Trust |
|  | Name: Jane Trust |
|  | Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |

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Computershare Trust Company, N.A and

Computershare Inc.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Martin J. McHale, Jr. |
|  | Name: Martin J. McHale, Jr. |
|  | Title: President, U.S. Equities Services |

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SCHEDULE A

LIST OF FUNDS AND PRINCIPAL PLACES OF BUSINESS

**<u>List of Funds</u>**

ClearBridge American Energy MLP Fund Inc.

ClearBridge Energy MLP Fund Inc.

ClearBridge Energy MLP Opportunity Fund Inc.

ClearBridge Energy MLP Total Return Fund Inc.

Legg Mason BW Global Income Opportunities Fund Inc.

LMP Capital and Income Fund Inc.

LMP Corporate Loan Fund Inc.

LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund Inc.

Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.

Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc.

Western Asset Global Partners Income Fund Inc.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc.

Western Asset High Yield Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.

Western Asset Income Fund

Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.

Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

Western Asset Managed High Income Fund Inc.

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Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.

Western Asset Middle Market Debt Fund Inc.

Western Asset Middle Market Income Fund Inc.

Western Asset Mortgage Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.

Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc.

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund

Western Asset Variable Rate Strategic Fund Inc.

Western Asset Worldwide Income Fund Inc.

Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund

Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Securities & Income Fund

**<u>Principal Places of Business</u>**

The principal place of business for all Funds is:

620 Eighth Avenue

49th Floor

New York, NY 10018

## Ex-Filing

**Exhibit 18** 

**EX-FILING FEES** 

**FEE TABLE FOR** 

**FORM N-14** 

**Calculation of Filing Fee Tables** 

**N-14 8C** 

(Form Type)

**WESTERN ASSET MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC.** 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

**Table 1: Newly Registered Securities** 

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Security<br>Type | Security<br>Class<br> Title | Fee<br>Calculation<br>Rule | Amount<br>Registered | Proposed<br>Maximum<br>Offering<br>Price Per<br>Unit | Maximum<br>Aggregate<br>Offering<br> Price | Fee<br> Rate | Amount of<br>Registration<br>Fee | Carry<br>Forward<br>Form<br>Type | Carry<br>Forward<br>File<br>Number | Carry<br>Forward<br>Initial<br>effective<br>date | Filing Fee<br>Previously<br>Paid In<br>Connection<br>with<br>Unsold<br>Securities<br>to be<br>Carried<br>Forward |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fees to Be<br> Paid | Equity | Common stock, par value $0.001 | 457(o) |  |  | $1000000<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.00011010 | $110.20 |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fees<br> Previously<br> Paid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Total Offering Amounts | Total Offering Amounts | Total Offering Amounts | Total Offering Amounts |  | $1000000 |  | $110.20 |  |  |  |  |
|  | Total Fees Previously Paid | Total Fees Previously Paid | Total Fees Previously Paid | Total Fees Previously Paid |  |  |  | $0.00 |  |  |  |  |
|  | Total Fee Offsets | Total Fee Offsets | Total Fee Offsets | Total Fee Offsets |  |  |  | $0.00 |  |  |  |  |
|  | Net Fee Due | Net Fee Due | Net Fee Due | Net Fee Due |  |  |  | $110.20 |  |  |  |  |

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(1) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of determining the
registration fee.