SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap ValueBFS Equity Fund

(formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund)

a series of

Valued Advisers Trust

225 Pictoria Drive,Dr., Suite 450


Cincinnati, OhioOH 45246

June 28, 2016

_______, 2021


Dear Shareholder:

Enclosed areis a Notice, Proxy Statement and Proxy Card for a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting“Special Meeting”) of the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap ValueBFS Equity Fund (formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) (the Fund“Fund”), a series portfolio of the Valued Advisers Trust (the Trust“Trust”). The Special Meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2016July 8, 2021 and will be held only in virtual meeting format at 9:0010:30 a.m., Eastern Time, atbecause of public health concerns regarding the offices ofcoronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). You will not be able to attend the Trust (225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246).Special Meeting in person. If you are a shareholder of record of the Fund as of the close of business on June 15, 2016,May 14, 2021, you are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournment thereof.

Dreman Value Management, LLC (“Dreman”) has served as the investment adviser to the Fund since the Fund’s inception on December 31, 2003. At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement between a new adviser, Foundry Partners, LLC (“Foundry”), and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The new investment advisory agreement (the “New Agreement”) has the same advisory fee as the prior investment advisory agreement and is substantially similar in all other terms (the “Prior Agreement”). You are being asked to approve the New Agreement because the Prior Agreement terminated following the transaction described below.

In a transaction that closed June 20, 2016, Foundry agreed to purchase certain assets of Dreman, including the Prior Agreement (the “Transaction”). As part of this Transaction, certain personnel of Dreman agreed to join Foundry including Mark Roach and Mario Tufano—two of the Fund’s three portfolio managers.

You should note that no changes are planned to the principal investment strategies for the Fund following the transaction, nor is the changing of the name intended to imply any change in the Fund’s investment objective or principal investment strategies. The Fund’s daily operations and investment activities are not expected to be affected in any way. Most of the Fund’s portfolio managers will become employees or officers of Foundry. Additionally, under the New Agreement, there will be no increase in any fees that the Fund pays to the adviser, and Foundry has agreed to cover all expenses related to this solicitation. Foundry has also agreed to limit the Fund’s expenses through August 31, 2017.


The Transaction resulted in an assignment and, therefore, the termination of the Prior Agreement. Section 15(a)(4) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) requires the automatic termination of an advisory contract when it is assigned. Therefore, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) and trust management are asking shareholders of the Fund to vote to approve the New Agreement so that the management of the Fund may continue without interruption.

At a meeting held on June 7 and 8, 2016, the Board approved the New Agreement with Foundry. At the same meeting, the Board approved an interim investment advisory agreement with Foundry, which became effective on June 20, 2016. Under this interim agreement, Foundry can provide advisory services to the Fund for up to 150 days from the termination of the Prior Agreement (the “Interim Agreement”). Compensation earned by Foundry under the Interim Agreement will be held in an interest-bearing escrow account for the earlier of a shareholders vote on the New Agreement or the expiration of the 150-day interim period. If the Fund’s shareholders approve the New Agreement before the expiration of the Interim Agreement, the Fund will pay Foundry the compensation (plus interest) payable under the Interim Agreement. But if the New Agreement is not approved by shareholder prior to the expiration of the interim period, Foundry will only receive the lesser of the costs incurred (plus interest) or the amount in the escrow account (including interest).

I am writing on behalf of the Board of Trustees to ask for your prompt vote for the approval of a new investment advisory agreement. The proposal has been carefully reviewed by the New Agreement.Board of Trustees of the Trust. The Board has carefully reviewed the proposal and the Boardof Trustees unanimously recommends that you voteFOR the proposal.

It is very important to receive your vote before August 15, 2016.July 8, 2021. Voting is quick and easy. Everything you need to vote is enclosed. Please mark, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and promptly return it in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope so that the maximum number of shares may be voted. Alternatively, you may call the toll free number on your proxy card to vote by telephone or vote over the Internet atproxyonline.com/docs/dremanscv.pdf. You should use the enclosed instructionswebsite listed on your proxy card. Please have the control number from your proxy card available to vote by telephonephone or overvia the Internet.

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (“BFS”) has served as investment adviser to the Fund since its inception in November 2013. At the Special Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement between BFS and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The new investment advisory agreement (“New Agreement”) has the same advisory fee as, and does not differ from, the prior investment advisory agreement (“Prior Agreement”). The individuals responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund will not change. You are being asked to approve the New Agreement because the Prior Agreement terminated as a result of the transaction described below.

The shareholders of BFS intend to engage in an equity recapitalization (the “Transaction”) to reallocate capital ownership interests among its management team in an effort to provide for continuing management ownership continuity as a registered investment adviser wholly owned by its employees. You should note that no changes are planned to the portfolio management team or investment approach for the Fund following the Transaction. The Fund’s daily operations and investment activities are not expected to be affected in any way. Additionally, under the new investment advisory agreement, there will be no increase in any fees or expenses the Fund pays as a result of the Transaction.

The Transaction may be deemed to constitute a “change of control,” which, in turn, resulted in an “assignment” of the Prior Agreement. Section 15(a)(4) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as

amended (the “1940 Act”) requires the automatic termination of an advisory contract when it is assigned and thus the Prior Agreement was terminated. Shareholders of the Fund are being asked to vote to approve the New Agreement so that the management of the Fund may continue without interruption.

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Trust held on April 28, 2021, the Board of the Trust approved the New Agreement with BFS, and recommended that shareholders approve the New Agreement. At the same meeting, the Board of Trustees approved an interim agreement with BFS, which will become effective upon the occurrence of the Transaction, under which BFS can provide advisory services to the Fund for up to 150 days between the termination of the Prior Agreement and shareholder approval of the New Agreement (the “Interim Agreement”). Compensation earned by BFS under the Interim Agreement will be held in an interest-bearing escrow account. If the Fund’s shareholders approve the New Agreement before the expiration of the Interim Agreement, the compensation (plus interest) payable under the Interim Agreement will be paid to BFS, but if the New Agreement is not so approved, only the lesser of the costs incurred (plus interest) or the amount in the escrow account (including interest) will be paid to BFS.

Please vote before July 8, 2021. I appreciate your participation and prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

R. Jeffrey YoungAdam T. Kornegay

Trustee, Chairman, and President


Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund

(formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund)

BFS Equity Fund

a series of

Valued Advisers Trust

225 Pictoria Drive,Dr., Suite 450


Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials for the

Shareholder Meeting to be
held on August 15, 2016. July 8, 2021

This Proxy Statement is Available online at the Following Website:

Proxyonline.com/docs/dremanscv.pdf_____________

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To Shareholders of Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap ValueBFS Equity Fund (formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) (the Fund“Fund”):

Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the shareholders of the Fund (the Special Meeting“Special Meeting”) will be held on August 15, 2016July 8, 2021 and will be held only in virtual meeting format, at 9:0010:30 a.m., Eastern Time, atbecause of public health concerns regarding the offices of the Trust,coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The Special Meeting will be held for the following purposes, which are more fully described in the accompanying Proxy Statement:

 

 

1.

To approve an investment advisory agreement with respect to the Fund between Foundry Partners, LLCBradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. and Valued Advisers Trust on behalf of the Fund;Trust; and

 2.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any postponement or adjournment thereof.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) recommends you voteFOR the Proposal identified in this Proxy Statement. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has fixed the close of business on June 15, 2016May 14, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. CopiesA copy of these proxy materials, including this notice of the Special Meeting, the Proxy Statement and the proxy card, also areis available to you at proxyonline.com/ https://vote.proxyonline.com/vat/docs/dremanscv.pdf.bfsequity.pdf. Information on how to obtain directionsvote can be obtained by calling (866) 828-6951. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time. You will not be able to attend the Special Meeting and vote in person can be obtained by calling 1-800-330-5897.person.

We urge you to mark, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy in the postage-paid envelope provided as soon as possible so that you will be represented at the Special Meeting. If you desire to vote in person at the Special Meeting, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised.

By order of the Board of Trustees of the Trust,

 

LOGOCarol Highsmith

Vice President and Secretary

________, 2021

 

Vice President and Secretary

Valued Advisers Trust

June 28, 2016


PROXY STATEMENT

Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value

BFS Equity Fund

(formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund)

a series of

Valued Advisers Trust

225 Pictoria Drive,Dr., Suite 450


Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

INTRODUCTION

The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Trustees (the Board“Board”) of Valued Advisers Trust (the Trust“Trust”) for use at the Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Special Meeting“Special Meeting”) to be held on August 15, 2016July 8, 2021 at 9:0010:30 a.m., Eastern Time, and any postponement or adjournment thereof, for action upon the matters set forth in the accompanying Notice of the Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Notice“Notice”). Shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2016May 14, 2021 are entitled to be present virtually and to vote at the Special Meeting or any postponed or adjourned session thereof. Shareholders of record will not be permitted to attend the Special Meeting in person because of concerns about COVID-19. The Notice, this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card are first being mailed to shareholders on approximately July 5, 2016._______, 2021.

The Trustees recommend that you vote:

 

 1.

1.

2.  

For the approval of an investment advisory agreement forwith respect to the Foundry Partners Small Cap Value Fund (formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) between Foundry Partners, LLCBradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. and the Trust; and

 

2.

In the discretion of the persons named as proxies in connection with any other matters that may properly come before the Special Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

Shareholders of the Fund will vote on the Proposal. Each whole share is entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional share is entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. Shares represented by your duly executed proxy will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If no instructions are made on a submitted proxy, the proxy will be votedFOR the Proposal.

 

1


PROPOSAL

APPROVAL OF NEW INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

Background

Dreman Value Management, LLC

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (“DremanBFS”) has served as the investment adviser to the Foundry Partners Small Cap ValueBFS Equity Fund (formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) (the Fund“Fund”) since itsthe Fund’s inception in November 2013. BFS was formed in 1993 and is independently owned and managed by fifteen principals of the firm.

On ____, 2021, the shareholders of BFS engaged in an equity recapitalization (the “Transaction”) to ensure continuity as a registered investment adviser wholly owned by its employees. When consummated, the Transaction will result in certain first-generation founders of the firm transitioning their leadership roles to a second-generation of shareholders. The transition of management has already resulted in changes to the membership of the Advisor’s Board of Directors. Rob Bradley will maintain his position as Chairman of the Advisor and continue in his full-time portfolio manager role. Tim Foster resigned from the Board of BFS coincident with the sale of his equity interest back to BFS, as of March 31, 2020. Keith LaRose and Tom Sargent have been named to the Board of BFS. Steve Willcox, the President and CEO of BFS, will continue as a member of the Board of BFS until his expected retirement on or around December 31, 2003 as2021. The Board of BFS is fully empowered to manage the organization.

As a portfolio seriesresult of the Dreman Contrarian Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Predecessor Trust”). On February 28, 2013, the Fund was reorganizedTransaction, Rob Bradley’s ownership of BFS will be reduced from the Predecessor Trust as a new portfolio series of the Trust. On June 20, 2016, Dreman sold certain of its assets34.7% to Foundry Partners, LLC (“Foundry”), an investment advisory firm that provides discretionary management of client assets for high net worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organization, and other legal entities. The assets include the Dreman’s Small and Mid Cap Value product lines. As of April 30, 2016, Foundry had approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management. Foundry is owned by Foundry Management Partners, LLC (a company owned by employees of Foundry) and Rosemont Partners III, LP a Delaware limited partnership (the “Transaction”)17.3%. Following the Transaction, Foundryno individual employee of BFS will have a controlling interest (above 25%) in the firm.

The Transaction is expectedbeing undertaken by BFS with its clients clearly in focus. Modifications to BFS’s corporate governance documents, which were required to implement the Transaction, have been structured to ensure continuity of BFS as an independent employee-owned and managed investment advisor, which BFS believes is in the best interests of its clients, including the Fund.

The Transaction may be deemed to have nearly $2.8 billionconstituted a “change of control” which, in assets under management. In addition to the purchase of assets, three Dreman personnel are joining Foundry, including Mark Roach, Mario Tufano, and David Greenberg. Mr. Roach will become a Managing Director and a memberturn, resulted in an assignment of the Investment Management Committee. Mr. Tufano will be joining Foundry as a portfolio manager forinvestment advisory agreement between BFS and the Small and Mid Cap Value product lines. Mr. Greenberg will be joining Foundry as a Senior Trader and will oversee the trading efforts of these product lines. Messrs. Roach and Tufano will continue to manage the portfolio of the Fund, but Mr. David N. Dreman will no longer be a co-portfolio manager.

UnderTrust (the "Prior Agreement") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act”), the Transaction will result in an assignment of the investment advisory agreement between Dreman and the Trust (the “Prior Agreement"1940 Act"). Section 15(a)(4) of the 1940 Act effectively requires the automatic termination of an advisory contract when it is assigned. As a result, the Prior Agreement terminated upon the closing of the Transaction.has been terminated. Accordingly, shareholders of the Fund are being asked to approve a new management agreement between FoundryBFS and the Trust (the New Agreement"New Agreement") so that management of the Fund may continue without any interruption.

If approved by shareholders of the Fund, the New Agreement will become effective on the shareholder meeting date, including any adjournments or postponements thereof (the Effective Date“Effective Date”). FoundryBFS has entered into a new expense limitation agreement that will limit the Fund’s Total Annual Operating Expenses to 1.25%, which is substantially the same as the current expense limit with Dreman, until August 31, 2017.

agreement that was previously in place but has an initial term ending September 30, 2022.

 

2


As part of the Transaction, the Fund’s name will change to the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund. Additionally, the Class A shares of the Fund will be converted into the existing Retail Class shares. This conversion of Class A shares to Retail Class shares will not result in any fees to shareholders, nor will there be any tax consequences as a result of the conversion. Class A shares and the Retail Class shares are identical in all material respects except that Class A shares are generally subject to a front-end sales load. This conversion will allow the purchase of shares in a class of shares without a front-end sales load. The Transaction willdid not result in any changes to the investment objectiveorganization or principal investment strategies, nor is the changingstructure of the name intended to imply any change in the Fund’s investment objective or principal investment strategies.Fund. After the Effective Date, FoundryBFS will continue to serve as the Fund’sFund's investment adviser. Noneadviser and none of the Fund’sFund's other service providers will change in connection with the Transaction.

For the purposes of the below sections, the “Adviser” constitutes either or both Dreman under the Prior Agreement The Fund will continue to be team-managed by same portfolio managers – Mr. Robert H. Bradley, Mr. Keith G. LaRose, and Foundry under the New Agreement, as applicable.Mr. Thomas D. Sargent.

The Prior Agreement

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (“BFS”) has served as the Fund’s investment adviser since the Fund’s inception in November 2013, pursuant to the Prior Agreement. The Prior Agreement for the Fund was initially approved by the Fund’s shareholdersBoard for a term of two years on February 8,July 23, 2013, in conjunction withand was also approved by the Fund’s reorganization into the Trust. On December 9-10, 2014, the Prior Agreement was continued for a one-year term by the Board and, most recently, on December 8-9, 2015, the Prior Agreement was continued for an additional one-year term by the Board.initial shareholder. The following table presentsdescribes the advisory fees paid by the Fund to DremanBFS and the fees waived by DremanBFS pursuant to an expense limitation agreement:agreement during the most recent three fiscal years ended May 31, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

  Advisory Fees
Accrued
   Fee Waiver/
Expense
Reimbursement
   Net Advisory Fees
Paid
 

October 31, 2013(1)

  $684,309    ($215,534  $468,775  

October 31, 2014

  $1,132,936    ($166,367  $966,569  

October 31, 2015

  $1,286,733    ($67,514  $1,219,219  

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

Advisory Fees

Accrued

Fee Waiver/

Expense Reimbursement

 

Net Advisory Fees

Paid

May 31, 2019$261,074($110,755)$150,319
May 31, 2020$298,463($108,051)$190,412
May 31, 2021$($      )$

 

(1)For the period December 11, 2012 through October 31, 2013.

The Interim Agreement

At its June 7-8, 2016April 28, 2021 meeting, (the “June Meeting”), the Board, including by separate vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, reviewed and approved an interim investment advisory agreement between FoundryBFS and the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the Interim Agreement"Interim Agreement"). The Interim Agreement took effect on the closing of the Transaction_____, 2021 and will continue in effect for a term ending on the earlier of 150 days from its effective dateeffectiveness or the date that shareholders of the Fund approve the New Agreement.

 

3


The terms of the Interim Agreement are substantially the same as those of the Prior Agreement, except for certain provisions that are required by law and except that the date and parties of the Interim Agreement wereis made current. The provisions required by law include a requirement that fees payable under the Interim Agreement be paid into an escrow account. If the Fund’sFund's shareholders approve the New Agreement by the end of the 150-day period, the compensation (plus any interest earned thereon) payable under the Interim Agreement will be paid to Foundry.BFS. However, if the New Agreement is not approved, only the lesser of the costs incurred (plus any interest earned thereon)interest) or the amount in the escrow account (plus any interest earned thereon)(including interest) will be paid to Foundry.BFS.

In

The Fund had been operating pursuant to an expense limitation agreement whereby BFS was limiting the operating expenses of the Fund at 1.00%, subject to certain exceptions. This expense limitation agreement terminated automatically due to the assignment of the Prior Agreement. However, in conjunction with the implementation of the Interim Agreement Foundryand the Board’s approval of the New Agreement, BFS has entered into an expense limitation agreement to cap fees at 1.25%1.00%, which is described in more detail in the next section. This interim expense limitation agreement will continue in effect until the expiration or termination of the Interim Agreement. Foundry has agreed that it will not seek recoupment of any amounts waived or reimbursed during this interim period although any amounts that it has waived and/or reimbursed may be recouped in the future if shareholders approve the New Agreement and the terms and conditions for recoupment are satisfied as described below.

The Terms of the Prior Agreement and the New Agreement and the New Expense Limitation Agreement

At the June Meeting,its April 28, 2021 meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, reviewed and approved the New Agreement between FoundryBFS and the Trust, and recommended that shareholders approve the New Agreement. IfIt is anticipated that, if approved by shareholders, the New Agreement will beginbecome effective on the Effective Date.shareholder meeting date, including any adjournments or postponements (the “Effective Date”). The New Agreement is substantially similaridentical to the Prior Agreement, in all material respects.except with respect to its date. Set forth below is a summary of all material terms of the New Agreement. The form of the New Agreement is included as Appendix A. The summary of all material terms of the New

Agreement below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of New Agreement included as Appendix A.

The annualized advisory fee rate under the Prior Agreement and the New Agreement is 0.85%the same. The annualized advisory fee rate paid to BFS by the Fund will remain at 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Under the

The New Agreement Foundry,would require BFS to provide the same services as provided under the Prior Agreement. BFS shall, subject to the supervision of the Board, willregularly provide the Fund with investment research, advice and supervision and shall furnish continuously an investment program for the Fund, consistent with its investment objectives and policies. FoundryBFS shall determine, the Fund’s portfolio investments, includingfrom time to time, what securities shall be bought,purchased for the Fund, what securities shall be held or sold by the Fund and what portion of the Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested in cash, subject always to the provisions of the NewTrust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended and supplemented, Bylaws and the Fund’s registration statement and with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund, as each as mayof the same shall be amended.from time to time in effect.

The New Agreement has the same duration and termination provisions as the Prior Agreement. The New Agreement will have an initial term of two years from its effective date and will continue annuallyfrom year to year so long as its renewal is specifically approved by (a) a majority of the Trustees including those who are not parties to the New Agreement and who are not “interested persons”"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act), of any party to the New Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and a majority vote of the Trustees or (b) by vote of a majority of the voting securities of the Fund. The New AgreementIt may be terminated by the Trust, without the payment of any penalty, by a vote of the Board or with respect to the Fund, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. It may also be terminated at any time upon 60 days’days' notice without the payment of any penalty by the Board, Foundry, orby a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.Fund or by BFS. The New Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

The New Agreement and the Prior Agreement subject FoundryBFS to the same standard of care and liability.

4


FoundryBFS has entered into a new expense limitation arrangement whereby it has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to reimburseassume certain other expenses of the Fund until at least August 31, 2017, to limit Total Annual Fund OperatingSeptember 30, 2022, so that total annual operating expenses of each share class to 1.25%the Fund do not exceed 1.00%. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of FoundryBFS and the Board, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the Interim Agreement, if the New Agreement is no longer in effect.not approved, or upon the termination of the New Agreement. This operating expense limitlimitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses,(vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant tounder Rule 12b-1, under the 1940 Act, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in any fiscal year. Foundry may be entitledmoney market funds or other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, that have their own expenses. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by BFS is subject to recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed under the new expense limitation agreement and the interim expense limitation agreement during any of the previous three (3) years during which Foundry has served as the investment adviser torepayment by the Fund less anywithin the three years following such waiver or reimbursement, previously paid, provided total expenses do not exceedthat the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver/waiver or reimbursement occurred. Foundry will not be ableand the expense limitation in place at the time of the repayment.

Information Concerning BFS

BFS, located at 185 Asylum Street, City Place II, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, was formed in 1993. BFS serves individuals, retirement plans, corporations and institutions, and as of May 31, 2021 had assets under management of approximately $___ billion. The names, addresses, and principal occupation of the principal executive officers of BFS are set forth below. No changes are anticipated to recoup amounts previously waived and/or reimbursed by Dreman. Ifthis information as a result of the Fund’s shareholders approve the New Agreement, it is expected that it would become effective on the shareholder meeting date, including any adjournments or postponements thereof.Transaction.

Name and AddressPrincipal Occupation

Robert H. Bradley

185 Asylum Street, City Place II

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Chairman

Stephen L. Willcox

185 Asylum Street, City Place II

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

President and Chief Executive Officer

Timothy H. Foster

185 Asylum Street, City Place II

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Executive Vice President

Andrew R. Gordon

185 Asylum Street, City Place II

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Chief Compliance Officer

Guergana Rangatcheva

185 Asylum Street, City Place II

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Chief Financial Officer

Joseph A. Walker

185 Asylum Street, City Place II

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Chief Operations Officer

Board Considerations in Approving the New Agreement

At the June Meeting,a meeting held on April 28, 2021 the Board considered the approval of the New Agreement between FoundryBFS and the Trust forwith respect to the Fund. FoundryBFS provided written information to the Board to assist the Board in its considerations.

The Board discussed the existing arrangements between DremanBFS and the Trust forwith respect to the Fund, as well asFund. The Board discussed with Counsel, among other things, the anticipated arrangements once Foundry assumesfiduciary duties and responsibilities as investment adviser.of the Board in reviewing and approving the New Agreement. Counsel discussed with the Trustees the types of information and factors that should be considered by the Board should consider in order to make an informed decision regarding the approval of the New Agreement, including the following material factors: (i) the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by Foundry;BFS; (ii) the investment performance of the Fund;Fund, (iii) the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by FoundryBFS from the relationship with the Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the Fund grows and whether advisory fee levels reflect those economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors; and (v) Foundry’BFS’s practices regarding possible conflicts of interest and other benefits to be derived by Foundry from managing the Fund.

interest.

 

5


The Trustees expressed the view that, although they were considering the New Agreement with Foundry, they believed they should take into accountrelied in part on their priorpast experience with the portfolio managers who managed the Fund and would beBFS in managing the Fund, due to the fact that the personnel and management of BFS is they notedexpected to remain the same as that Messrs. Roachcurrently in place and Tufanothat no changes are joining Foundryexpected as portfolio managers specifically responsiblea result of the Transaction. They also considered that the New Agreement

is identical to the Prior Agreement (except for managing the Fund. The Trusteesdate of effectiveness). They reflected upon their experience with the portfolio managers,BFS, including the information furnished for the Board’s review and consideration in the past at previousregular Board meetings, as well as information specifically prepared and/or presented in connection with the current approval process, including information presented at the June Meeting. Themeeting.

In assessing the factors and reaching its decision, the Board noted that one of the portfolio managers of the Fund, David Dreman, would not be transitioning to Foundry, and they expressed the view that this should not diminish the level of services provide to the Fund, especially in light of the perceived additional support that would be providedconsidered information furnished by FoundryBFS and the general view that Messrs. Roach and Tufano had been primarily responsibleTrust’s other service providers for the day-to-day management of the Fund recently.

The Board noted that it had recently conducted an annualBoard’s review and renewal ofconsideration throughout the investment advisory agreement between the Trust and Dremanyear, as well as information specifically prepared and/or presented in connection with respect to the Fund at its quarterly meeting held on December 8 and 9, 2015. In this regard, Counsel noted that the responses to the prior Dreman 15c response were similar in light of the nature of the transaction (i.e., it is a team lift out). In addition to the comparative information provided at this December meeting, the Board requested and received information and reports relevant to the consideration of the approval of the New Agreement,process, including: (i) proposalsreports regarding the services and support that Foundry would provided to the Fund and its shareholders;shareholders by BFS; (ii) quarterly assessments of the investment performance of the Fund by personnel of BFS; (iii) commentary on the reasons for the performance; (iv) presentations by FoundryBFS addressing its investment philosophy, investment strategy, personnel operations, and operations; (v) compliance program;and audit reports concerning the Fund and BFS; (vi) disclosure information contained in Foundry’sthe registration statement for the Fund and the Form ADV;ADV of BFS; and (vii) a memorandum from Counsel,counsel, that summarized the fiduciary duties and responsibilities of the Board in reviewing and approving the New Agreement, including the material factors set forth above and the types of information included in each factor that should be considered by the Board in order to make an informed decision.Agreement. The Board also requested and received various informational materials including, without limitation: (i)(a) documents containing information about Foundry, such asBFS, including its financial condition,information; a description of its personnel and the services it provides to the Fund; information on BFS’s investment performance, estimatedadvice and performance; summaries of Fund expenses, compliance program, current legal matters, and other general information; (ii)(b) comparative expense and performance information for other mutual funds with strategies similar to the FundFund; and performance of other accounts to be managed by Foundry similar to(c) the Fund; (iii) the anticipated effect of size on the Fund’s performance and expenses; and (iv) conflicts of interest and benefits to be realized by FoundryBFS from its relationship with the Fund. In considering the foregoing, the Board also considered the impact, if any, that the Transaction would have on the ability of FoundryBFS to continue to provide a similar level and quality of services to the Fund and its shareholders as had previously provided by Dreman. The Trustees observed that certain portfolio and trading personnel of Dreman, including two of the portfolio managers responsible for managing the Fund, would continue in similar capacities with Foundry. The Trustees further noted that Foundry represented that no significant changes to the Fund’s management or operations were anticipated. Accordingly, the Trustees expressed the view that their previous experiences with Dreman were relevant to their consideration of each of the factors described below.been provided. The Board did not identify any particular factorinformation that was most relevant to its consideration to approve the New Agreement and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors.

In deciding whether to approve the New Agreement, the Trustees considered the factgs and came to the conclusions set forth below.

 

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1.The nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the adviserBFS. In this regard, theThe Board considered responsibilities that FoundryBFS would have under the New Agreement. The Trustees considered the services proposed to be provided by FoundryBFS to the Fund and the Trusteestheir experience with DremanBFS in providing similar services, including without limitation: the quality of advisory services (including research and recommendations onwith respect to portfolio securities), the process for formulating investment recommendations and assuring compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives and limitations, the coordination of services for the Fund among the itsFund’s service providers, and efforts to promote the Fund and grow its assets. The Trustees further considered Dreman’s priorBFS’s continuity of, and commitment to retain, qualified personnel, and the fact that Foundry appeared to have this same level of commitment, Dreman’s past and Foundry’s anticipatedBFS’s commitment to maintain appropriateits resources and systems, and Dreman’s past and Foundry’s anticipatedBFS’s cooperation with the Board Trust Management, and Counsel.counsel for the Fund. The Trustees considered the education and experience of FoundryBFS’s personnel, and Foundry’s compliance program, as well asincluding the education and experience of the two portfolio managers who would be transitioning from Dreman to Foundry.personnel and BFS’s compliance program, policies and procedures. The Trustees specifically acknowledged the fact that most of the personnel associated with the day-to-day management of the Fund at Dreman would remain intact at Foundry.is not anticipated to change. After considering the foregoing information and further information in the meeting materials provided by Dreman and Foundry,BFS, the Board concluded that, in light of all the facts and circumstances, the nature, extent, and quality of the services proposed to be provided by FoundryBFS will be satisfactory and adequate for the Fund.

 

2.Investment Performance of the Fund and the adviserBFS. In considering the investment performance of the Fund, theThe Trustees compared the performance of the Fund towith the performance of funds with similar objectives managed by other investment advisers, with aggregated peer group data, as well as with aggregated peer group data. The Trustees also considered the consistency of the portfolio managers’ management of the Fund with its investment objective, strategies, and limitations. The Trustees further considered the performance of other clients managed by the portfolio managers that are moving from Dreman to Foundry. After reviewing and discussing the investment performance of the Fund, the experience of the portfolio managers in managing the Fund, the Fund’s and Foundry’s historical performance, and other relevant factors, the Board concluded, in light of all the facts and circumstances, that the investment performance of the Fund and its portfolio managers was and should continue to be satisfactory.benchmark. The

Trustees also considered the consistency of BFS’s management of the Fund with its investment objectives, strategies, and limitations. The Trustees noted that the Fund had underperformed as compared to its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and since inception periods ended December 31, 2020. They also noted that the Fund had underperformed as compared to the median of its Morningstar custom category for the one-year, three-year, five-year and since inception periods. With regard to the custom peer group, the Trustees noted that the Fund had also underperformed as compared to the median for the one-year, three-year, five-year and since inception periods ended December 31, 2020. The Board reviewed the performance of BFS in managing a composite with investment strategies similar to that of the Fund and observed that the Fund’s performance was above the composite for the calendar year 2019 and below the composite for the calendar year 2020. The Trustees took into consideration discussions with representatives of BFS regarding the reasons for the performance of the Fund. After further reviewing and discussing these and other relevant factors, the Board concluded, in light of all the facts and circumstances, that the investment performance of the Fund and BFS was satisfactory.

 

3.

The costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by the adviserBFS from the relationship with the Fund. In considering the costs of services to be provided and the profits to be realized by Foundry from the relationship with the Fund, theThe Trustees considered: (1) Foundry’sBFS’s financial condition; (2) the current and projected asset levelslevel of the Fund; (3) the overall expenses of the Fund; and (4) the nature and frequency of advisory fee payments. The Trustees reviewed information provided by FoundryBFS regarding its expected profits associated with managing the Fund.Fund, noting that BFS is currently waiving a portion of its management fee. The Trustees also considered potential benefits for FoundryBFS in managing the Fund. The Trustees then compared the fees and expenses of the Fund (including the management fee) to other comparable mutual funds. The Trustees noted that the Fund’s management fee and net expense ratio is belowwas above the average and median for fundsmanagement fees of similar size

7


and class structure inits Morningstar custom category. The Trustees also noted that the Fund’s Morningstar category. The Boardnet expense ratio was also reviewedabove that of the average and median of its custom category, taking into consideration BFS’s contractual commitment to limit the expenses of the Fund. When comparing the Fund’s fees to those of its custom peer group, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s management fee was above the average and the median. They also noted that the Fund’s net expense ratio relative to certain select peers identified by Foundry as competitive funds, notingwas also above both the average and median of the peer group. The Trustees also noted that the Fund’s management fee is below the peer group’sfee charged by BFS to its separately management accounts, based on the average and median, butsize of shareholder accounts in the Fund’s net expense ratio is slight above the peer group average and median. The Trustees acknowledged the commitment of Foundry to continue to limit the expenses of the Fund going forward at levels that were currently in place.Fund. Based on the foregoing, the Board concluded that the fees to be paid to FoundryBFS by the Fund and the anticipated profits to be realized by Foundry,BFS, in light of all the facts and circumstances, arewere fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services to be provided by Foundry.BFS.

 

4.The extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows and whether advisory fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors. In this regard, theThe Board considered the Fund’s proposed fee arrangements with Foundry,BFS, noting that the proposed management isfees are the same as the current feefees paid to Dreman.BFS. The Board considered that while the management fee remained the same at all asset levels, the Fund’s shareholders could experienceexperienced benefits from the Fund’s expense limitation arrangement. The Trustees noted that the Fund, at its current asset levels, was operating right at the capping level of the expense limitation arrangement. The Trustees expressed the view that the expense limitation arrangements were more beneficial than breakpoints in an advisory fee structure in that the expense limitation arrangement provided substantially similar benefits as breakpoints without the Fund having to achieve high asset levels and it provided an element of assurance that the overall fees of the Fund would remain no higher than the cap in the event assets of the Fund were to decline. The Trustees noted that once the Fund’s expenses fell below the expense limit,cap set by the arrangement, the Fund’s shareholders would continue to benefit from the economies of scale under the Fund’s agreements with service providers other than Foundry – the Trustees expressed the view that this weighed favorably on the assessment of economies of scale as Foundry determined to continue to manage the Fund in the Trust as a result of this structure rather than seek to reorganize the Fund to another service provider.BFS. In light of its ongoing consideration of the Fund’s current and expected asset levels, expectations for growth in the Fund, and fee levels, the Board determined that the Fund’s fee arrangements, in light of all the facts and circumstances, arewere fair and reasonable economiesin relation to the nature and quality of scale are and would continuethe services to be realized in light of all of the arrangements that would be in place with Foundry serving as the investment adviser to the Fund.provided by BFS.

 

5.

Possible conflicts of interest and benefits to the adviserBFS. In considering Foundry’s mitigation of conflicts of interest, theThe Trustees evaluated the potential for conflicts of interest and considered such matters as the experience and ability of the advisory personnel to be assigned to the Fund; the basis of decisions to buy or sell securities for the Fund and Foundry’s other accounts (including the use of soft dollars); and the substance and anticipated administration of Foundry’s code of ethics. The Trustees also considered disclosure in the registration statement of the Trust relating to potential conflicts of interest. In addition to the fees associated with managing the Fund and the potential for using soft dollars, the Trustees noted the Adviser’s potential benefit of

8


 the publicity associated with managing a public mutual fund and promoting the brand of the Adviser. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the standards and practices of Foundry relating to the identification and mitigation of potential conflicts of interest and the benefits that it derives from managing the Fund are acceptable.

Information Concerning Foundry

Foundry, located at 510 First Avenue North, Suite 409, Minneapolis, MN 55403, was formedassigned to the Fund; the basis of decisions to buy or sell securities for the Fund and/or BFS’s other accounts; and the substance and administration of BFS’s code of ethics. The Trustees also considered disclosure in 2012. Foundrythe registration statement of the Trust relating to BFS’s potential conflicts of interest. The Trustees noted that BFS does not utilize soft dollars. The Trustees noted other potential benefits to BFS, including the fact that the Fund provides discretionary management of client assetsan attractive vehicle for high net worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organization, and other legal entities. As of December 31, 2015, Foundry had approximately $1.2 billion insmaller accounts, which may increase the total assets under management by BFS. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the standards and that amount had grown to approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management aspractices of April 30, 2016. The names, addresses, and principal occupation of the principal executive officers of Foundry are set forth below.

Name and Address

Principal Occupation

Timothy Ford*Chief Executive Officer
Seamus Murphy*Partner, Marketing and Client Services
Amy Denn*Partner, Portfolio Manager
Peter Klein*Partner, Portfolio Manager
Eric Holmes*Partner, Portfolio Manager
Mary Jane Matts*Partner, Portfolio Manager
Stacy Kleven*Chief Compliance Officer
Sara Saunders*Chief Financial Officer

*Address is 510 First Avenue North, Suite 409, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

In addition, after the Transaction, Mr. Roach, portfolio managerBFS relating to the identification and mitigation of potential conflicts of interest and the benefits to be realized by BFS in managing the Fund will become a Managing Director of Foundry.were satisfactory.

Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act

The parties to the Transaction intend for itthe Transaction to come within the safe harbor provided by Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act. Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act which permits an investment adviser of a registered investment company (or any affiliated persons of the investment adviser) to receive any amount or benefit in connection with a sale of an interest in the investment adviser, ifprovided that two conditions are satisfied.

First, an “unfair burden"unfair burden" may not be imposed on the investment company becauseas a result of the sale of the interest, or any express or implied terms, conditions or understandings applicable to the sale of the interest. The term unfair"unfair burden,”," as defined in the 1940 Act, includes any arrangement during the two-year period after the transaction whereby the investment adviser (or predecessor or successor adviser), or any interested person"interested person" of the adviser (as defined in the 1940 Act), receives or is entitled to receive any compensation, directly or indirectly, from the investment company or its security holders (other than fees

9


for bona fide investment advisory or other services), or from any person in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or other property to, from or on behalf of the investment company (other than ordinary fees for bona fide principal underwriting services). The Board has not been advised by Dreman or FoundryBFS of any circumstances arising from the Transaction that might result in the imposition of an unfair burden"unfair burden" on the Fund. Moreover, subject to applicable law and applicable fiduciary duties, Foundry, Dreman, and their principals (each, a “Transaction Party”), have each agreed, to the extent within its control, to use their reasonable efforts to assure that Transaction meets the requirements of the provisions of Section 15(f) of 1940 Act. In furtherance of the foregoing, subject to applicable law and the fiduciary duties of each Transaction Party, each Transaction Party has agreed to take such actions as are reasonably within its control to ensure that no unfair burden is imposed on the Fund because of the Transaction.

Second, during the three-year period after the Transaction, at least 75% of the members of the investment company’scompany's board of trustees cannot be interested persons”"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the investment adviser or its predecessor. The Trust will use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that at all times at least 75% of the Trustees are not “interested persons”"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) for the three-year period after the completion of the Transaction.

PLEASE NOTE, AFFILIATES OF DREMAN, WHO ACT AS TRUSTEES FOR CERTAIN 401(K) PLAN ASSETS, HAVE DISCRETION OVER VOTING OF ASSETS HELD BY SUCH PLAN.

Required Vote

Approval of the Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Fund means the affirmative vote of the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Special Meeting or represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. All shareholders of the Fund will vote together on the Proposal.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL.

 

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FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING AND THE SPECIAL MEETING

Quorum and Required Vote.One-third (1/3) of the outstanding shares of the Fund entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Special Meeting.

Approval of the Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority“majority of the outstanding voting shares,, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. As defined in the 1940 Act, a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund means the vote of (1) 67% or more of the voting shares of the Fund present at the meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund, whichever is less.

Broker non-votesnon-votes” (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees as to which (i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or the persons entitled to vote and (ii) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter). Such shares shall and abstentions will be counted as present on the matter for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. However, since such shares arequorum but will not voted in favorhave any effect on the outcome of a Proposal, they have the effect of counting as a vote AGAINST that Proposal.election.

Please note that affiliates of Dreman, who act as trustees for certain 401(k) plan assets, have discretion over voting of assets held by such plan.

Other Business.  The Trustees know of no other business to be brought before the Special Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Special Meeting, they intend that proxies that do not contain specific restrictions to the contrary be voted on such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons named in the proxy card. The Trust does not have annual meetings and, as such, does not have a policy relating to the attendance by the Trustees at shareholder meetings.

Revocation of Proxies.  Proxies may be revoked at any time before they are voted either (i) by a written revocation delivered to the Trust, (ii) by a properly executed later-dated proxy received by the Trust, (iii) by an in-person vote at the Special Meeting, or (iv)(iii) by written notice of death or incapacity of the maker of the proxy received by the Trust before the vote pursuant to the proxy is counted. Attendance in-person at the Special Meeting willis not itself revoke a proxy.permitted. Shareholders may revoke a proxy as often as they wish before the Special Meeting. Only the latest dated, properly executed proxy card received prior to or at the Special Meeting will be counted.

Shareholder Proposals.Any shareholder proposals to be included in the proxy statement for the Trust’s next meeting of shareholders must be received by the Trust within a reasonable period of time before the Trust begins to print and send its proxy materials.

 

11


Adjournment.  If a quorum is not present or represented at the Special Meeting, or if a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve the proposal are not received, or if other matters arise that require shareholder attention, the persons named as proxy agents, the Chairperson of the meeting,Special Meeting, or other Trust officers present at the Special Meeting may propose one or more adjournments to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majorityone-third of those shares present at the Special Meeting or represented by proxy. The persons named as proxies will vote those proxies that are entitled to vote in favor of such an adjournment, ifprovided that they determine that such an adjournment and additional solicitation is reasonable and in the interest of shareholders based on a consideration of all relevant factors. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports.The most recent annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available) will be provided to shareholders at no cost. To request a report, please call

us toll-free at 1-800-247-1014(855) 575-2430 or write to us at Valued Advisers Trust, 225 Pictoria Drive,Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, Attention: Secretary.46246. The reports for the Fund are also available online at www.sec.gov.

Proxy Solicitation Costs.The costs of solicitation of proxies and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of proxy materials are being borne by Foundry.BFS. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, the Trustees and employees of the Trust may solicit proxies in person or by telephone. The Trust has engaged AST Fund Solutions, LLC to provide shareholder meeting services, including the distribution of this Proxy Statement and related materials to shareholders, as well as vote solicitation and tabulation. The costs of these services are expected be approximately $27,000.$7000. By voting immediately, you can help ensure the continued management of the Fund without disruption.

Only one copy of this Proxy Statement may be mailed to a shareholder holding shares in multiple accounts with the Fund. Unless the Trust has received contrary instructions, only one copy of this Proxy Statement will be mailed to a given address where two or more shareholders share that address. Additional copies of the Proxy Statement will be delivered promptly upon request. Requests may be sent to AST Fund Solutions, LLC, 55 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 or made by telephone by calling 1-800-330-5897.(866) 828-6951.

Outstanding Shares. The shares outstanding of the Fund as of June 15, 2016May 14, 2021, the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof, are: 6,961,818.866.2,274,349.

Beneficial Ownership.The table below sets forth the names, addresses and percentage ownership of those shareholders known by the Trust to own or record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the Fund as of June 15, 2016.

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Name and Address of Owner

  Number of Shares   Percentage Ownership  Share Class

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

101 Montgomery St.

San Francisco, CA 94104-4122

   

 

 

3,326,052.1680

905,915,543

42,215.891

  

  

  

   

 

 

69.80

44.43

25.57


 Institutional Class

Retail Class

Class A

National Financial Services

P.O. Box 3908

Church Street Station

New York, NY 10008

   608,123.711     29.83 Retail Class

TD AmeriTrade, Inc.

P.O. Box 2226

Omaha, NE 6t8103

   168,608,985     8.27 Retail Class

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

33 S. 6th St.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

   10,778.042     6.53 Class A

MG Trust Company

Suite 1300

Denver, CO 80202

   9,874.830     5.87 Class A

Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

P.O. Box 23559

St. Petersburg, FL 33742

   13,701,543     8.30 Class A

________, 2021. As of June 15, 2016,________, 2021, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust did not own shares of the Fund.

Name and Address of OwnerNumber of SharesPercentage Ownership






INVESTMENT ADVISER AND FUND INFORMATION

Investment Adviser.  As of June 20, 2016, Foundry Partners, LLC, located at 510 First Avenue North, Suite 409, Minneapolis, MN 55403, serves as the interim investment adviser to the Fund. Foundry is majority owned by Foundry Management Partners, LLC (a company owned by employees of Foundry)Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., which owns 65% of the adviser, and Rosemont Partners III, LP. The general partner to Rosemont Partners, LP is Rosemont Partners III, LP. Prior to June 20, 2016, Dreman Value Management, LLC, located at 1515 North Flagler Drive, Suite 920, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401,185 Asylum Street, CityPlace II, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, has served as the investment adviser tofor the Fund.Fund since the Fund’s inception in November 2013.

10 

Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent. Ultimus Asset Services,Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”), 225 Pictoria Drive,Dr, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 serves as the Trust’s administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent. Ultimus is owned by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the parent company of the Distributor (defined below). The officers of the Trust also are officers and/or employees of Ultimus.

 

13


Distributor. Unified Financial Securities,Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (“Distributor”), 225 Pictoria Drive,Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 serves as the principal underwriter for shares of the Fund.

Custodian. Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, is the Custodian of the Fund’s investments.

PLEASE EXECUTE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY TO ENSURE THAT A QUORUM IS PRESENT AT THE SPECIAL MEETING. A SELF-ADDRESSED, POSTAGE PREPAID ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.

 

14


11 

APPENDIX A 

NEW INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

This Investment Advisory Agreement

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") made as of this ___day of _____, 20__ by and betweenValued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of each series listed onSchedule A, (each, a “Fund”), andFoundry Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”), is made as of August         , 2016 (the “Agreement”).

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act“1940 Act”), and presently offers sharesBradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., (the “Adviser”), a Connecticut corporation with its principal place of beneficial interestbusiness in separate investment portfolios, each a “series”;Hartford, Connecticut.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS,, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust has selected the Adviser is registeredto act as an investment adviser underto the 1940 Act,series portfolios of the Trust set forth on Schedule A to this Agreement (each, a “Fund”), as such schedule may be amended from time to time upon mutual agreement of the parties, and engages in the business of asset managementto provide certain related services, as more fully set forth below, and is willing to furnishperform such services to each Fund onunder the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and

WHEREAS,the Trust desires to retain the Adviser to furnish investment advisory and certain other services to each Fund, as more fully benefits set forth below, and the Adviser is willing to so furnish such services;

NOW, THEREFORE,herein, the Trust and the Adviser do hereby agree as follows:

1.       The Adviser’s Services.

1.ADVISORY SERVICES(a)Discretionary Investment Management Services. The Adviser shall act as investment adviser with respect to each Fund. In such capacity, the Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board, regularly provide each Fund with investment research, advice and supervision and shall furnish continuously an investment program for each Fund, consistent with the respective investment objectives and policies of each Fund. The Adviser shall determine, from time to time, what securities shall be purchased for each Fund, what securities shall be held or sold by each Fund and what portion of each Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested in cash, subject always to the provisions of the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”), as amended and supplemented (the “Declaration of Trust”), Bylaws and its registration statement on Form N-1A (the “Registration Statement”) under the 1940 Act, and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), and with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of each Fund, as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect. To carry out such obligations, and to the extent not prohibited by any of the foregoing, the Adviser shall exercise full discretion and act for each Fund in the same manner and with the same force and effect as each Fund itself might or could do with respect to purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other such things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other transactions. No reference in this Agreement to the Adviser having full discretionary authority over each Fund’s investments shall in any way limit the right of the Board, in its sole discretion, to establish or revise policies in connection with the management of a Fund’s assets or to otherwise exercise its right to control the overall management of a Fund.
(b)Compliance. The Adviser agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and the respective rules
12 

and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. The Adviser will regularly provide each Fundalso agrees to comply with such investment advice as it, in its discretion, deems advisable and will furnish a continuous investment program for each Fund consistent with each Fund’s investment objectives and policies. The Adviser will determine the securities to be purchased for each Fund, the portfolio securities to be held or sold by each Fund and the portion of each Fund’s assets to be held un-invested, subject always to each Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions set forth in the Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented, of each Fund, and with any policies, guidelines, instructions and procedures approved by the Board and provided to the Adviser. In selecting each Fund’s portfolio securities and performing the Adviser’s obligations hereunder, the Adviser shall cause the Fund to comply with the diversification and source of income requirements of Subchapter M of the sameInternal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company. The Adviser shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure its compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Board shall limit the Adviser’s full responsibility for any of the foregoing.

(c)Recordkeeping. The Adviser agrees to preserve any Trust records that it creates or possesses that are required to be maintained under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder (“Fund Books and Records”) for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Adviser agrees that all such records are the property of the Trust and will surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request.
(d)Holdings Information and Pricing. The Adviser shall provide regular reports regarding Fund holdings, and shall, on its own initiative, furnish the Trust and its Board from time to time with whatever information the Adviser believes is appropriate for this purpose, and at the request of the Board, such information and reports requested by the Board. The Adviser agrees to notify the Trust as soon as practicable if the Adviser reasonably believes that the value of any security held by a Fund may not reflect fair value. The Adviser agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Adviser is aware to the Trust, its Board and/or any Fund pricing agent to assist in the determination of the fair value of any Fund holdings for which market quotations are not readily available or as otherwise required in accordance with the 1940 Act or the Trust’s valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Fund net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board.
(e)Cooperation with Agents of the Trust. The Adviser agrees to cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Trust, any Trust custodian or foreign sub-custodians, any Trust pricing agents and all other agents and representatives of the Trust with respect to such information regarding each Fund as such entities may reasonably request from time to time in the performance of their obligations, provide prompt responses to reasonable requests made by such persons and use appropriate interfaces established by such persons so as to promote the efficient exchange of information and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
(f)Delegation of Authority. Any of the duties, responsibilities and obligations of the Adviser specified in this Section 1 and throughout the remainder of this Agreement with respect to one or more Funds may be delegated by the Adviser, at the Adviser’s expense, to an appropriate party (a “Sub-Adviser”), subject to such approval by the Board and shareholders of the applicable Funds to the extent required by the 1940 Act. The Adviser shall oversee the performance of delegated duties by any Sub-Adviser and shall furnish the Board with periodic reports concerning the performance of delegated responsibilities by such Sub-Adviser. The retention of a Sub-Adviser by the Adviser pursuant to this
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Paragraph 1(f) shall in no way reduce the responsibilities and obligations of the Adviser under this Agreement and the Adviser shall be responsible to the Trust for all acts or omissions of any Sub-Adviser to the same extent the Adviser would be liable hereunder. Insofar as the provisions of this Agreement impose any restrictions, conditions, limitations or requirements on the Adviser, the Adviser shall take measures through its contract with, or its oversight of, the Sub-Adviser that attempt to impose similar (insofar as the circumstances may require) restrictions, conditions, limitations or requirements on the Sub-Adviser.

2.Code of Ethics. The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics (“Adviser’s Code of Ethics”) that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it has provided to the Trust. The Adviser has adopted procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Trust with a (i) copy of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and any proposed amendments thereto that the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of the Trust determines should be presented to the Board, and (ii) certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Annually, the Adviser shall furnish a written report to the Board, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. The Adviser shall respond to requests for information from the Trust as to violations of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Adviser. The Adviser shall notify the Trust as soon as practicable after it becomes aware of any material violation of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by any Fund.
3.Information and Reporting. The Adviser shall provide the Trust and its respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Adviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust may from time to time reasonably request.
(a)Notification of Breach / Compliance Reports. The Adviser shall notify the Trust’s CCO promptly upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage any Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law, or (ii) any material breach of any of each Fund’s or the Adviser’s policies, guidelines or procedures with respect to the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall respond to quarterly requests for information concerning the Fund’s compliance with its investment objectives and policies, applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act and Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund’s policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Adviser’s obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. Upon request, the Adviser shall also provide the officers of the Trust with supporting certifications in connection with such certifications of Fund financial statements and disclosure controls pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Adviser will promptly notify the Trust in the event (x) the Adviser is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board, or body, involving the affairs of the Trust (excluding class action suits in which a Fund is a member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Fund’s ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Adviser with the federal or state securities laws, or (y) of an actual change in control of the Adviser resulting in an “assignment” (as defined in Section 15) that has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.
(b)Board and Filings Information. The Adviser will also provide the Trust with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of each Fund required for any
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meeting of the Board, or for any shareholder report on Form N-CSR, Form N-Q, Form N-PX, Form N-SAR, Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, proxy statement, prospectus supplement, or other form or document to be filed by the Trust with the Commission. The Adviser will make its officers and employees available to meet with the Board from time to time in effect, and subject furtheron a reasonable basis on due notice to such policies and instructions as the Board of Trustees for the Trust (the “Board”) may from time to time establish. The Adviser will advise and assist the officers of the Trust in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of the Board and the appropriate committees of the Board regarding the conduct of the business of each Fund.

2.ALLOCATION OF CHARGES AND EXPENSES

The Adviser will pay the compensation and expenses of any persons rendering anyreview its investment management services to each Fund who are officers, directors, equity owners or employeesin light of it,current and will make available, without expenseprospective economic and market conditions and shall furnish to each Fund, the services ofBoard such of its employeesinformation as may dulyreasonably be elected officers or trustees of the Trust, subject to their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law. The compensation and expenses of any officers, trustees, and employees of the Trust who are not officers, directors, equity owners or employees of the Adviser will be paid by the Trust.

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Each Fund will be responsiblenecessary in order for the payment of all operating expenses ofBoard to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed amendments thereto.

(c)Transaction Information. The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust such information concerning portfolio transactions as may be necessary to enable the Trust or its designated agent to perform such compliance testing on each Fund including fees and the Adviser’s services as the Trust may, in its sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. The provision of such information by the Adviser to the Trust or its designated agent in no way relieves the Adviser of its own responsibilities under this Agreement.

4.       Brokerage.

(a)Principal Transactions. In connection with purchases or sales of securities for the account of a Fund, neither the Adviser nor any of its directors, officers or employees will act as a principal or agent or receive any commission except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
(b)Placement of Orders. The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for each Fund’s account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser. The Adviser will not execute transactions with a broker dealer which is an "affiliated person" of the Trust except in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to each Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act) to each Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for each Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser 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 Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board shall periodically review the commissions paid by each Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits received by each Fund.
5.Custody. Nothing in this Agreement shall permit the Adviser to take or receive physical possession of cash, securities or other investments of a Fund.
6.Allocation of Charges and Expenses. The Adviser will bear its own costs of providing services hereunder. Other than as herein specifically indicated or otherwise agreed to in a separate signed writing, the Adviser shall not be responsible for a Fund’s expenses, including
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brokerage and other expenses incurred by each Fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations; brokerage fees and commissions; legal, auditing and accounting expenses; non-organizational expenses of registering shares under federal and state securities laws; insurance expenses; taxes or governmental fees; fees and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent, shareholder service agent, dividend disbursing agent, plan agent, administrator, accounting and pricing services agent and distributor of each Fund; expenses, including clerical expenses, of issue, sale, redemption or repurchase of shares of each Fund; its share of the fees and expenses of trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with the Adviser; the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders; the cost of printing or preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information for delivery to each Fund’s shareholders; the cost of printing or preparing stock certificates or any other documents, statements or reports to shareholders; expenses of shareholders’ meetings and proxy solicitations; such extraordinary or non-recurring expenses as may arise, including litigation to which the Trust may be a party and indemnification for the Trust’s officers and trustees with respect thereto; or any other expense not specifically described above incurred in the performance of each Fund’s obligations. All other expenses not assumed by the Adviser herein, which are incurred by each Fund in connection with its organization, registration of shares, and operations, will be borne by each Fund. Each Fund will also pay expenses, which it is authorized to pay pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

The Adviser may obtain reimbursement from each Fund, at such time or times as it may determine in its sole discretion, for any of the expenses advanced by the Adviser, which each Fund is obligated to pay, and such reimbursement shall not be considered part of its compensation pursuant to this Agreement.

3.COMPENSATION OF THE ADVISER

For all of the services to be rendered and payments to be made as provided in this Agreement, as of the last business day of each month, each Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed and accrued daily, and paid monthly, at an annual rate as listed on Schedule A, based on the average value of the Fund daily net assets.

The average value of the daily net assets of each Fund shall be determined pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust or a resolution of the Board, if required. If, pursuant to such provisions, the determination of net asset value (“NAV”) of each Fund is suspended for any particular business day, then for the purposes of this paragraph, the value of the net assets of each Fund as last determined shall be deemed to be the value of the net assets as of the close of the business day, or as of such other time as the value of each Fund’s net assets may lawfully be determined, on that day. If the determination of the NAV of each Fund has been suspended for a period including such month, the Adviser’s compensation payable at the end of such month shall be computed on the basis of the value of the net assets of each Fund as last determined (whether during or prior to such month).

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The Adviser agrees that the Board may suspend the payment of the advisory fee set forth above if the Adviser fails to follow the directions of the Board as communicated in writing on behalf of the Board by its agents or the Trust’s administrator, and that such suspension may continue until such time as the Adviser reasonably complies with such directions.

4.EXECUTION OF PURCHASE AND SALE ORDERS

In connection with purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the account of each Fund, it is understood that the Adviser will arrange for the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and other investment instruments.

7.        Representations, Warranties and Covenants.

(a)Properly Registered. The Adviser is registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of the Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation pending or threatened that is reasonably likely to result in the Adviser being prohibited from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Trust of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser to an investment company. The Adviser is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its investment management operations.
(b)ADV Disclosure. The Adviser has provided the Board with a copy of its Form ADV and will, promptly after amending its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendments to the Trust. The information contained in the Adviser’s Form ADV is accurate and complete in all material respects and does not omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(c)Fund Disclosure Documents. The Adviser has reviewed and will in the future review the Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto, the annual or semi-annual reports to shareholders, other reports filed with the Commission and any marketing material of a Fund (collectively the “Disclosure Documents”) and represents and warrants that with respect to disclosure about the Adviser, the manner in which the Adviser manages the Fund or information relating directly or indirectly to the Adviser, such Disclosure Documents contain or will contain, as of the date thereof, no untrue statement of any material fact and do not and will not omit any statement of material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.
(d)Use of the Name “BFS”. The Adviser has the right to use the name “BFS” or any derivation thereof in connection with its services to the Trust and, subject to the terms set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement, the Trust shall have the right to use the name “BFS” in connection with the management and operation of each Fund. The Adviser is not aware of any actions, claims, litigation or proceedings existing or threatened that would adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the Adviser or the Trust to use the name “BFS”.
(e)Insurance. The Adviser maintains errors and omissions insurance coverage in the amount disclosed to the Trust in connection with the Board’s approval of the Agreement and shall provide prior written notice to the Trust (i) of any material changes in its insurance policies or insurance coverage, or (ii) if any material claims will be made on its insurance policies. Furthermore, the Adviser shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
(f)No Detrimental Agreement. The Adviser represents and warrants that it has no arrangement or understanding with any party, other than the Trust, that would influence the decision of the Adviser with respect to its selection of securities for a Fund and its management of the
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assets of the Fund, and that all selections shall be done in accordance with brokerswhat is in the best interest of the Fund.

(g)Conflicts. The Adviser shall act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of its clients and the Fund. The Adviser maintains a Code of Ethics which defines the standards by which the Adviser conducts its operations consistent with its fiduciary duties and other obligations under applicable law.
(h)Representations. The representations and warranties in this Section 7 shall be deemed to be made on the date this Agreement is executed and at the time of delivery of the quarterly compliance report required by Section 3(a), whether or not specifically referenced in such report.
8.The Name “BFS”. The Adviser grants to the Trust a license to use the name “BFS” (the “Name”) as part of the name of any Fund during the term of this Agreement. The foregoing authorization by the Adviser to the Trust to use the Name as part of the name of any Fund is not exclusive of the right of the Adviser itself to use, or to authorize others to use, the Name; the Trust acknowledges and agrees that, as between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser has the right to use, or authorize others to use, the Name. The Trust shall: (i) only use the Name in a manner consistent with uses approved by the Adviser; (ii) use its best efforts to maintain the quality of the services offered using the Name; and (iii) adhere to such other specific quality control standards as the Adviser may from time to time promulgate. At the request of the Adviser, the Trust will (i) submit to the Adviser representative samples of any promotional materials using the Name, and (ii) change the name of any Fund within three months of its receipt of the Adviser’s request, or such other shorter time period as may be required under the terms of a settlement agreement or court order, so as to eliminate all reference to the Name and will not thereafter transact any business using the Name in the name of any Fund. As soon as practicable following the termination of this Agreement, but in no event longer than three months, the Trust shall cease the use of the Name and any related logos or any confusingly similar name and/or logo in connection with the marketing or operation of the Funds.
9.Adviser’s Compensation. Each Fund shall pay to the Adviser, as compensation for the Adviser’s services hereunder, a fee, determined as described in Schedule A that is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Such fee shall be computed daily and paid not less than monthly in arrears by each Fund. The method for determining net assets of a Fund for purposes hereof shall be the same as the method for determining net assets for purposes of establishing the offering and redemption prices of Fund shares as described in the Fund’s Registration Statement. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month.
10.Independent Contractor. In the performance of its duties hereunder, the Adviser is and shall be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or any Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed to be an agent of the Trust or any Fund. If any occasion should arise in which the Adviser gives any advice to its clients concerning the shares of a Fund, the Adviser will act solely as investment counsel for such clients and not in any way on behalf of the Fund.
11.Assignment and Amendments. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without the payment of any penalty, in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in Section 15). This
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Agreement may not be added to or dealers selectedchanged orally and may not be modified or rescinded except by it, subject to review of this selectiona writing signed by the Board from time to time. The Adviser will be responsible forparties hereto and in accordance with the negotiation and the allocation of principal business and portfolio brokerage. In the selection of brokers or dealers and placing of orders, the Adviser is directed at all times to seek for each Fund the best qualitative execution, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), the execution capability, financial responsibility and responsiveness of the broker or dealer and the brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer.

The Adviser should generally seek favorable prices and commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In seeking best qualitative execution, the Adviser is authorized to select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage and research services to each Fund and the other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a Fund portfolio transaction which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that the amount of the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing broker or dealer. The determination may be viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or the Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to each Fund and to accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. Each Fund and the Adviser understand and acknowledge that, although the information may be useful to each Fund and the Adviser, it is not possible to place a dollar value on such information. The Board shall periodically review the commissions paid by each Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods were reasonable in relation to the benefits to each Fund.

Subject to the provisionsrequirements of the 1940 Act, and other applicable law,when applicable.

12.Duration and Termination.
(a)This Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall remain in full force and effect continually thereafter, subject to renewal as provided in Section 12(a)(ii) hereof and unless terminated automatically as set forth in Section 11 hereof or until terminated as follows:
(i)Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other, terminate this Agreement, without payment of any penalty. With respect to a Fund, termination may be authorized by action of the Board or by an “affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund” (as defined in Section 15); or
(ii)This Agreement shall automatically terminate two years from the date of its execution unless the terms of such contract and any renewal thereof is specifically approved at least annually thereafter by (i) a majority vote of the Trustees, including a majority vote of such Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in Section 15) of the Trust or the Adviser, at an in-person meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund; provided, however, that if the continuance of this Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of each Fund for their approval and such shareholders fail to approve such continuance of this Agreement as provided herein, the Adviser may continue to serve hereunder as to each Fund in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(b)In the event of termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Adviser shall, immediately upon notice of termination or on such later date as may be specified in such notice, cease all activity on behalf of the Fund and with respect to any of its assets, except as otherwise required by any fiduciary duties of the Adviser under applicable law. In addition, the Adviser shall deliver the Fund Books and Records to the Trust by such means and in accordance with such schedule as the Trust shall direct and shall otherwise cooperate, as reasonably directed by the Trust, in the transition of portfolio asset management to any successor of the Adviser.
13.Notice. Any notice or other communication required by or permitted to be given in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be delivered in person or sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the respective parties at their last known address, or by e-mail or fax to a designated contact of the other party. Oral instructions may be given if authorized by the Board and preceded by a certificate from the Trust’s Secretary so attesting. Notices to the Trust shall be directed to Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246, Attention: President, Valued Advisers Trust; and notices to the Adviser shall be directed to Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., 185 Asylum Street, City Place II, Hartford, CT 06103, Attention: President and CEO.
14.Confidentiality. The Adviser agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially all records and other information relative to the Trust and its shareholders received
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by the Adviser any of its affiliates, or any affiliate of its affiliates may retain compensation in connection with effecting each Fund’s portfolio transactions, including transactions effected through others. If any occasion should arise in which the Adviser gives any advice to its clients concerning shares of each Fund, the Adviser will act solely as investment adviser for such client and not in any way on behalf of each Fund. The Adviser’s services to each Fund pursuant to this Agreement, areincluding any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P, and that it shall not to be deemed exclusive and it is understooduse or disclose any such information except for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser may render investment advice, management and other services to others, including other registered investment companies.

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5.LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF THE ADVISER

The Adviser may rely ondisclose such information reasonably believed by it to be accurate and reliable. Except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder, neither the Adviser nor its shareholders, members, officers, directors, employees, agents, control persons or affiliates of any thereof shall be subject to any liability for, or any damages, expenses or losses incurred by the Trust in connection with, any error of judgment, mistake of law any act or omission connected with or arising out of any services rendered under, or payments made pursuant to, this Agreement or any other matter to which this Agreement relates, except by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of any such persons in the performance of their duties under this Agreement, or by reason of reckless disregard by any of such persons of the Adviser’s obligations and duties under this Agreement.

Any person, even though also a director, officer, employee, member, shareholder or agent of the Adviser, who may be or become an officer, director, trustee, employee or agent of the Trust, shall be deemed, when rendering services to the Trust or acting on any business of the Trust (other than services or business in connection with the Adviser’s duties hereunder), to be rendering such services to or acting solely for the Trust and not as a director, officer, employee, member, shareholder or agent of the Adviser, or one under the control or direction of the Adviser, even though paid by the Adviser.

6.DURATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

This Agreement shall take effect on the date of its execution, and shall remain in force for a period of two years from the date of its execution, and from year to year thereafter, subject to annual approval by: (i) the Board; or (ii) a vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of each Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act; provided that in either event continuance is also approved by a majority of the trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Adviser or the Trust, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

If the shareholders of each Fund fail to approve the Agreement in the manner set forth above, upon request of the Board, the Adviser will continue to serve or act in such capacity for each Fund for the period of time pending required approval of the Agreement, of a new agreement with the Adviser or a different adviser, or other definitive action; provided that the compensation to be paid by each Fund to the Adviser for its services to and payments on behalf of each Fund will be equal to the lesser of the Adviser’s actual costs incurred in furnishing such services and payments or the amount the Adviser would have received under this Agreement for furnishing such services and payments.

This Agreement may, on 60 days’ written notice, be terminated with respect to each Fund, at any time without the payment of any penalty, by the Board, by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund, or by the Adviser. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment, as such terms is defined in the 1940 Act.

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7.USE OF NAME

The Trust and the Adviser acknowledge that all rights to the name “Foundry Partners” belong to the Adviser, and that the Trust is being granted a limited license to use such words in its Fund name or in any class name. In the event the Adviser ceases to be the investment adviser to each Fund, the Trust’s right to the use of the name “Foundry Partners” shall automatically cease on the 90th day following the termination of this Agreement. The right to the name may also be withdrawn by the Adviser during the term of this Agreement upon 90 days’ written notice by the Adviser to the Trust. Nothing contained herein shall impair or diminish in any respect, the Adviser’s right to use the name “Foundry Partners” in the name of, or in connection with any other business enterprisesrequested disclosure to a regulatory authority with which the Adviser is or may become associated. There is no chargeappropriate jurisdiction after prior notification to the Trust for the right to use this name.

Trust.

8.AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT15.Certain Definitions. For the purpose of this Agreement, the terms “affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund,” “assignment” and “interested person” shall have their respective meanings as defined in the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the Commission under the 1940 Act or any interpretations of the Commission staff.

No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, and no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective until approved by the Board, including a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Adviser or of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (if required under interpretations of the 1940 Act by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or its staff) by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the series to which the amendment relates.

9.LIMITATION OF LIABILITY TO TRUST PROPERTY16.Liability of the Adviser. Neither the Adviser nor its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliated persons or controlling persons or assigns 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 securities transactions of a Fund; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to a Fund or its shareholders to which the Adviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or obligations hereunder or by reason of its reckless disregard of its duties or obligations hereunder.

The term “trustees” means and refers to the Trust’s trustees from time to time serving under the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust as the same may be amended from time to time. It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust personally, but bind only the trust property of the Trust, as provided in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the trustees and shareholders of the Trust and signed by officers of the Trust, acting as such, and neither such authorization by such trustees and shareholders nor such execution and delivery by such officers shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Trust as provided in its Agreement and Declaration of Trust.

10.SEVERABILITY17.Relations with the Trust. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested persons of the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become interested persons of the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested persons of the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.

In the event any provision of this Agreement is determined to be void or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue to be in force.

11.QUESTIONS OF INTERPRETATION18.

(a)This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.

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(b)For the purpose of this Agreement, the terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “control,” “assignment”, and “interested person” shall have their respective meanings as defined in the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC under the 1940 Act; and the term “brokerage and research services” shall have the meaning given in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(c)Any question of interpretation ofEnforceability. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid. This Agreement shall be severable as to each Fund.
19.Limitation of Liability. The Adviser is expressly put on notice of the limitation of liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other Trust organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by each Fund pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to each Fund and each Fund’s respective assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from shareholders or any shareholder of each Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees of the Trust or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any of and all other Funds.
20.Non-Exclusive Services. The services of the Adviser to the Trust are not deemed exclusive, and the Adviser shall be free to render similar services to others, to the extent that such service does not affect the Adviser’s ability to perform its duties and obligations hereunder.
21.Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed to be in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without preference to choice of law principles thereof, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of

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this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretationany interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by the SECCommission or its staff. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is revised by rule, regulation, order or interpretation of the SECCommission or its staff, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such revised rule, regulation, order or interpretation.

12.NOTICES22.Paragraph Headings; Syntax. All Section headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, do not form a part of this Agreement and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender specifically used, will be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine, or neuter, as the contract requires.
23.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and delivered or mailed postage paid to the other party at such address as such other party may designate for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, Attention: Secretary, and the address of the Adviser is 510 First Avenue North, Suite 409, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

13.COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute the same instrument.

14.BINDING EFFECT

Each of the undersigned expressly warrants and represents that he or she has the full power and authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party indicated, and that his or her signature will operate to bind the party indicated to the foregoing terms.

15.CAPTIONS

The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.

Signatures located on the next page.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executedsigned on their behalf by their duly authorized officers designated below.

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST,

on behalfas of each Fund(s) listed on Schedule A

FOUNDRY PARTNERS, LLC

By:

By:

Name:

Title:

Name:

Title:

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SCHEDULE A

To the

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

Between date first above written.

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

And

FOUNDRY PARTNERS, LLC

Dated August         , 2016Signature

Fund

Management Fee*

Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund

(formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund)

0.85%

*As a percent of average daily net assets. Note, however, that the Adviser shall have the right, but not the obligation, to voluntarily waive any portion of the advisory fee from time to time.
By: ____________________________


    LOGO

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN.PLEASE CAST YOUR PROXY VOTETODAY!

LOGO

LOGO

Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund

(formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund)

A SERIES OF VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PROXY FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 15, 2016

The undersigned, revoking prior proxies, hereby appoints Carol Highsmith, John Lively, and John Swhear, and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, granted in connection with the voting of the shares subject hereto with full power of substitution, to vote shares held in the name of the undersigned on the record date at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) (the “Fund”) to be held at the offices of the Trust at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, on August 15, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, or at any adjournment thereof, upon the Proposal described in the Notice of Meeting and accompanying Proxy Statement, which have been received by the undersigned.

Do you have questions? If you have any questions about how to vote your proxy or about the meeting in general, please call toll-free1-800-330-5897. Representatives are available to assist youMonday through Friday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for this Special Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held on August 15, 2016. The proxy statement for this meeting is available at:

proxyonline.com/docs/dremanscv.pdfTitle: ___________________________

 

 

 

LOGO

BRADLEY, FOSTER & SARGENT, INC.


Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund

YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED.The signer(s) acknowledges receipt with this Proxy Statement of the Board of Trustees. Your signature(s) on this should be exactly as your name(s) appear on this Proxy (reverse side). If the shares are held jointly, each holder should sign this Proxy. Attorneys-in-fact, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians should indicate the full title and capacity in which they are signing.

PROXY CARDSignature

By: ____________________________

Title: ___________________________

 

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SIGNATURE (AND TITLE IF APPLICABLE)

DATE
SIGNATURE (IF HELD JOINTLY)DATE

Schedule A

Investment Advisory Agreement

between

Valued Advisers Trust (the "Trust")

and

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (the "Adviser")

Dated as of _______

 

 

This proxy is solicitedThe Trust will pay to the Adviser as compensation for the Adviser’s services rendered, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on behalfthe average daily net assets of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, and the Proposals have been unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees and recommended for approval by shareholders. When properly executed, this proxy will be voted as indicated or “FOR” the proposals if no choice is indicated. The proxy will be votedrespective Fund in accordance with the proxy holders’ best judgment as to any other matters that may arise at the Special Meeting.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSALS.

TO VOTE, MARK CIRCLES BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS. Example:lfollowing fee schedule:

 

FundRate
  FORAGAINSTABSTAIN

1.

To approve an investment advisory agreement between Foundry Partners, LLC and Valued Advisers Trust on behalf of theBFS Equity FundLOGO  LOGO  LOGO  

2.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any postponement or adjournment thereof.LOGO  LOGO  LOGO  0.75%

THANK YOU FOR VOTING

 

 

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