SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a) (2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(4) Date Filed:
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SALOMON BROTHERS MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND II INC.
125 BROAD STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
September 7, 2005
To the Stockholders:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") of Salomon Brothers
Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (the "Fund") will be held at Citigroup Center,
153 East 53rd Street, 14th Floor Conference Center, New York, New York, on
Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 3:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, for the purposes
of considering and voting upon the following:
1. The election of Directors (Proposal 1); and
2. Any other business that may properly come before the Meeting.
The close of business on August 24, 2005 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Robert I. Frenkel
Secretary
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TO AVOID UNNECESSARY EXPENSE OF FURTHER SOLICITATION, WE URGE YOU TO INDICATE
VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY, DATE AND SIGN IT AND RETURN IT
PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED, NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR HOW SMALL YOUR
HOLDINGS MAY BE.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING PROXY CARDS
The following general rules for signing proxy cards may be of assistance to
you and avoid the time and expense to the Fund involved in validating your vote
if you fail to sign your proxy card properly.
1. Individual Accounts: Sign your name exactly as it appears in the
registration on the proxy card.
2. Joint Accounts: Either party may sign, but the name of the party
signing should conform exactly to a name shown in the registration.
3. All Other Accounts: The capacity of the individual signing the proxy
card should be indicated unless it is reflected in the form of
registration. For example:
<TABLE>
REGISTRATION VALID SIGNATURE
------------ ---------------
CORPORATE ACCOUNTS
------------------
(1) ABC Corp. ............................................ ABC Corp. (by John Doe, Treasurer)
(2) ABC Corp. ............................................ John Doe, Treasurer
(3) ABC Corp., c/o John Doe, Treasurer ................... John Doe
(4) ABC Corp. Profit Sharing Plan ........................ John Doe, Trustee
TRUST ACCOUNTS
--------------
(1) ABC Trust ............................................ Jane B. Doe, Trustee
(2) Jane B. Doe, Trustee, u/t/d 12/28/78 ................. Jane B. Doe
CUSTODIAL OR ESTATE ACCOUNTS
----------------------------
(1) John B. Smith, Cust., f/b/o John B. Smith, Jr. UGMA .. John B. Smith
(2) John B. Smith ........................................ John B. Smith, Jr., Executor
</TABLE>
SALOMON BROTHERS MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND II INC.
125 BROAD STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
----------------
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with a solicitation by the
Board of Directors of Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (the
"Fund") of proxies to be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of the Fund to be held at Citigroup Center, 153 East 53rd Street,
14th Floor Conference Center, New York, New York, on Tuesday, October 11, 2005
at 3:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (and at any adjournment or adjournments
thereof), for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. This proxy statement and the accompanying form of proxy
are first being mailed to stockholders on or about September 7, 2005.
Stockholders who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them in person at
the Meeting or by written notice received by the Secretary of the Fund at any
time before they are voted. Unrevoked proxies will be voted in accordance with
the specifications thereon and, unless specified to the contrary, will be voted
FOR the election of Directors. The close of business on August 24, 2005 has been
fixed as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Meeting. For purposes of this Meeting, each holder
on the record date of a share of the Fund's preferred stock and each holder on
the record date of a share of the Fund's common stock is entitled to one vote
for each full share in each case on the proposals on which they are entitled to
vote. On August 24, 2005, there were 6,007,094 shares of the Fund's common stock
outstanding and 900 shares of the Fund's preferred stock outstanding.
In accordance with the Fund's By-Laws, a quorum is constituted by the
presence in person or by proxy of the holders of record of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Fund's capital stock entitled to vote at the Meeting.
In the event that a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or in the event that a
quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve any of the proposals are not
received, the Meeting may be adjourned to a date not more than 120 days after
the original record date to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such
adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority of those shares
represented at the Meeting in person or by proxy. The persons named as proxies
will vote those proxies which they are entitled to vote FOR or AGAINST any such
proposal in their discretion. A stockholder vote may be taken on one or more of
the proposals in this proxy statement prior to any such adjournment if
sufficient votes have been received for approval.
Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc ("SBAM"), whose principal business
address is 399 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, is the Fund's investment
adviser and administrator and is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
Citigroup Inc. ("Citigroup").
SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL CLASS OF STOCKHOLDERS SOLICITED
-------- -------------------------------
1) Election of Class II Directors
Carol L. Colman Holders of Preferred Stock and Common Stock
R. Jay Gerken Holders of Preferred Stock
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
In accordance with the Fund's Charter, the Fund's Board of Directors is
divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and Class III. At the Meeting, the
holders of the Fund's preferred stock and common stock voting together as a
single class will be asked to elect one Class II Director to hold office until
the year 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or thereafter when her successor
is duly elected and qualified. Also at the Meeting, the holders of the Fund's
preferred stock will be asked to elect one Class II Director to hold office
until the year 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or thereafter until his
successor is duly elected and qualified. The terms of office of the remaining
Class I and Class III Directors expire at the year 2006 and 2007 Annual Meetings
of Stockholders, respectively, or thereafter in each case when their respective
successors are duly elected and qualified. The effect of these staggered terms
is to limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the
Fund by delaying the replacement of a majority of the Board of Directors.
The persons named in the proxy intend to vote at the Meeting (unless
directed not to vote) FOR the election of the nominees named below. Each of the
nominees is currently a member of the Fund's Board of Directors and has
indicated that he or she will serve if elected. However, if any nominee should
be unable to serve, the proxy will be voted for any other person determined by
the persons named in the proxy in accordance with their judgment.
The following table provides information concerning the nominees for
election as Class II Directors of the Fund:
<TABLE>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
POSITION(S) LENGTH OF NOMINEE
HELD WITH TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) (INCLUDING OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE THE FUND SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS THE FUND) HELD BY NOMINEE
--------------------- ------------- --------- ------------------------- -------------- --------------------
NOMINEES TO SERVE AS CLASS II DIRECTORS UNTIL THE 2008 ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NON-INTERESTED DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Carol L. Colman Director and Since President, Colman 37 None
Colman Consulting Member of 2003 Consulting Co.
278 Hawley Road Audit and
North Salem, NY 10560 Nominating
Birth year: 1946 Committees
</TABLE>
2
<TABLE>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
POSITION(S) LENGTH OF NOMINEE
HELD WITH TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) (INCLUDING OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE THE FUND SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS THE FUND) HELD BY NOMINEE
--------------------- ------------- ----------- ----------------------------- -------------- --------------------
INTERESTED DIRECTOR NOMINEE
R. Jay Gerken, CFA* Chairman, Since Managing Director, 185 None
Citigroup Asset Management CEO and 2002 Citigroup Global Markets
("CAM") Director Inc. ("CGM"); Chairman,
399 Park Avenue President and Chief
New York, NY 10022 Executive Officer of SBFM,
Birth year: 1951 Travelers Investment
Adviser, Inc. and Citi Fund
Management Inc.;
President and Chief
Executive Officer of certain
mutual funds associated
with Citigroup; Formerly
Portfolio Manager of Smith
Barney Allocation Series
Inc. (from 1996 to 2001)
and Smith Barney Growth
and Income Fund (from
1996 to 2000).
</TABLE>
------------
* Mr. Gerken is an "interested person" as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), because he is a Managing Director
of SBAM, the Fund's investment adviser.
The following table provides information concerning the remaining Directors
of the Fund:
<TABLE>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
POSITION(S) LENGTH OF DIRECTOR
HELD WITH TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) (INCLUDING OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE THE FUND SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS THE FUND) HELD BY DIRECTOR
--------------------- -------------- ----------- -------------------------- -------------- ---------------------------
CLASS I DIRECTORS SERVING UNTIL THE 2006 ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NON-INTERESTED DIRECTORS
Leslie H. Gelb Director and Since President, Emeritus and 34 Director of two registered
150 East 69th Street Member of 2000 Senior Board Fellow, The investment companies
New York, NY 10021 Audit and Council on Foreign advised by Advantage
Birth year: 1937 Nominating Relations; formerly, Advisers, Inc.
Committees Columnist, Deputy ("Advantage")
Editorial Page Editor and
Editor, Op-Ed Page, The
New York Times.
</TABLE>
3
<TABLE>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
POSITION(S) LENGTH OF DIRECTOR
HELD WITH TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) (INCLUDING OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE THE FUND SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS THE FUND) HELD BY DIRECTOR
------------------------------ -------------- ----------- ---------------------------- -------------- -----------------------
William R. Hutchinson Director and Since President, W.R. Hutchinson 44 Director of Associated
535 N. Michigan Avenue Member of 2003 & Associates Inc. Banc-Corp.
Suite 1012 Nominating (consulting), formerly
Chicago, IL 60611 and Audit Group Vice President,
Birth year: 1942 Committees Mergers and Acqusitions,
BP AMOCO p.l.c.
Dr. Riordan Roett Director and Since Professor and Director, 34 None
The Johns Hopkins University Member of 1997 Latin American Studies
1710 Massachusetts Ave., NW Audit and Program, Paul H. Nitze
Washington, D.C. 20036 Nominating School of Advanced
Birth year: 1938 Committees International Studies, The
Johns Hopkins University.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
POSITION(S) LENGTH OF DIRECTOR
HELD WITH TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) (INCLUDING OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE THE FUND SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS THE FUND) HELD BY DIRECTOR
--------------------- -------------- ---------- ---------------------------- -------------- ---------------------------
CLASS III DIRECTORS SERVING UNTIL THE 2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NON-INTERESTED DIRECTOR
Daniel P. Cronin Director and Since Formerly, Associate 34 None
24 Woodlawn Ave. Member of 2003 General Counsel, Pfizer,
New Rochelle, NY 10804 Audit and Inc.
Birth year: 1946 Nominating
Committees
Jeswald W. Salacuse Director and Since Henry J. Braker 34 Director of two registered
Tufts University Member of 2000 Professor of Commercial investment companies
The Fletcher School of Law Audit and Law and formerly Dean, advised by Advantage
& Diplomacy Nominating The Fletcher School of Law
160 Packard Avenue Committees & Diplomacy, Tufts
Medford, MA 02155 University.
Birth year: 1938
</TABLE>
4
The following table provides information concerning the dollar range of
equity securities owned beneficially by each Director and nominee for election
as Director as of June 30, 2005:
<TABLE>
DOLLAR RANGE(1) OF EQUITY AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE(1) OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL FUNDS
NAME OF DIRECTOR/NOMINEE SECURITIES IN THE FUND OVERSEEN BY DIRECTOR/NOMINEE AND ADVISED BY SBAM
------------------------ --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
NON-INTERESTED DIRECTORS/NOMINEES
Carol L. Colman A E
Daniel P. Cronin E E
Leslie H. Gelb A A
William R. Hutchinson C E
Dr. Riordan Roett B C
Jeswald W. Salacuse B C
INTERESTED DIRECTOR
R. Jay Gerken C E
</TABLE>
---------------
(1) The dollar ranges are as follows: "A" = None; "B" = $1-$10,000; "C" =
$10,001-$50,000; "D" = $50,001-$100,000; "E" = Over $100,000.
No Director or nominee for election as Director who is not an "interested
person" of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act, nor any immediate family
members, had any interest in SBAM, the Fund's investment adviser, or any person
or entity (other than the Fund) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled
by, or under common control with SBAM as of June 30, 2005.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the Fund is managed
in the best interest of its stockholders. The Directors oversee the Fund's
business by, among other things, meeting with the Fund's management and
evaluating the performance of the Fund's service providers including SBAM, the
custodian, the transfer agent and the administrator. As part of this process,
the Directors consult with the Fund's independent registered public accountants
and with their own separate independent counsel.
The Board of Directors has four regularly scheduled meetings each year and
additional meetings are scheduled as needed. In addition, the Board has an Audit
Committee and a Nominating Committee that meet periodically during the year and
whose responsibilities are described below.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, the Board of Directors held
four regular meetings and two special meetings. Each Director attended at least
75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the committees for
which he or she was eligible. The Fund does not have a formal policy regarding
attendance by Directors at Annual Meetings of Stockholders. Mr. Gerken attended
the Fund's 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Directors review the Fund's financial statements, performance and
market price as well as the quality of the services being provided to the Fund.
As part of this process, the Directors review the Fund's fees and expenses to
determine if they are reasonable and competitive in light of the services being
received and while also ensuring that the Fund continues to have access to high
quality services in the future. Based on these reviews, the Directors
periodically make suggestions to the Fund's management and monitor to ensure
that responsive action is taken. The Directors also monitor potential conflicts
of interest among the Fund, SBAM and its affiliates and other funds and clients
managed by SBAM to ensure that the Fund is managed in a manner which is in the
best interest of the Fund's stockholders.
5
At August 24, 2005, Peter Wilby, the President of the Fund, owned shares of
common stock equal to approximately 5.25% of the Fund's capital stock. The
Nominees, Directors and all the other officers of the Fund as a group
beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund's capital
stock. To the knowledge of management, two other entities owned of record or own
beneficially more than 5% of the Fund's capital stock outstanding at that date:
Cede & Co., a nominee for participants in Depository Trust Company, held of
record 5,665,136 shares, equal to approximately 94.31% of the Fund's outstanding
shares; and also, pursuant to a Schedule 13d filed with the SEC on August 8,
2005, Karpus Management Inc. owned shares of common stock equal to approximately
6.43% of the Fund's capital stock.
The Fund's executive officers are chosen each year by the Board of
Directors of the Fund, to hold office until their respective successors are duly
elected and qualified. In addition to Mr. Gerken, the Fund's Chairman, the
executive officers of the Fund currently are:
<TABLE>
POSITION(S) HELD LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH FUND TIME SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS
--------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------- -------------------------------------------
Peter J. Wilby President Since 2002 Managing Director of CGM and SBAM;
CAM Officer of certain mutual funds associated
399 Park Avenue Executive Vice President 1994-2002 with Citigroup.
New York, NY 10022
Birth year: 1958
Robert E. Amodeo Executive Vice President Since 1999 Managing Director of CGM and SBAM;
CAM Officer of certain mutual funds
399 Park Avenue associated with Citigroup.
New York, NY 10022
Birth year: 1964
Andrew B. Shoup Senior Vice President and Chief Since 2003 Director of CAM; Senior Vice President
CAM Administrative Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of
125 Broad Street, mutual funds associated with Citigroup;
11th Floor Head of International Funds
New York, NY 10004 Administration of CAM (from 2001 to
Birth year: 1956 2003); Director of Global Funds
Administration of CAM (from 2000 to
2001); Head of U.S. Citibank Funds
Administration of CAM (from 1998 to
2000).
Frances M. Guggino Treasurer and Chief Financial Since 2004 Vice President of CGM; Treasurer of
CAM Officer certain mutual funds associated with
125 Broad Street, Citigroup.
10th Floor Controller
New York, NY 10004 2002-2004
Birth year: 1957
Wendy Setnicka Controller Since 2004 Vice President of CGM since 2003;
CAM Assistant Vice President of CGM (from
125 Broad Street, 2001 to 2003); Controller since 2004;
New York, NY 10004 an Assistant Controller (from 2002 to
Birth year: 1964 2004) of certain mutual funds associated
with Citigroup; Accounting Manager
with CGM from 1998 to 2002.
Robert I. Frenkel Secretary and Chief Legal Officer Since 2003 Managing Director and General Counsel
CAM of Global Mutual Funds for CAM and its
300 First Stamford Place predecessor (since 1994); Secretary of
Stamford, CT 06902 CFM; Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Birth year: 1954 of certain mutual funds associated with
Citigroup.
</TABLE>
6
<TABLE>
POSITION(S) HELD LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH FUND TIME SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS
----------------------- ----------------------------- ------------- ----------------------------------------
Andrew Beagley Chief Compliance Officer Since 2004 Compliance Officer; Chief Compliance
CAM Officer and Vice President of certain
399 Park Avenue mutual funds associated with Citigroup;
New York, NY 10022 Director of Compliance, Europe, the
Birth year: 1962 Middle East and Africa, Citigroup Asset
Management from 1999 to 2000,
</TABLE>
The Fund's Audit Committee is composed of all Directors who have been
determined not to be "interested persons" of the Fund, SBAM or its affiliates
within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and who are "independent" as defined in the
New York Stock Exchange listing standards. Currently, the Audit Committee is
composed of Ms. Colman, Messrs. Cronin, Gelb, Hutchinson and Salacuse and Dr.
Roett. The principal functions of the Audit Committee are: to (a) oversee the
scope of the Fund's audit, the Fund's accounting and financial reporting
policies and practices and its internal controls and enhance the quality and
objectivity of the audit function; (b) approve, and recommend to the Independent
Board Members (as such term is defined in the Audit Committee Charter) for their
ratification, the selection, appointment, retention or termination of the Fund's
independent registered public accounting firm, as well as approving the
compensation thereof; and (c) approve all audit and permissible non-audit
services provided to the Fund and certain other persons by the Fund's
independent registered public accounting firm. This Committee met twice during
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005. The Fund's Board of Directors adopted an
Audit Committee Charter at a meeting held on January 20, 2004, a copy of which
is attached to this Proxy Statement as Annex A.
The Fund's Nominating Committee, the principal function of which is to
select and nominate candidates for election as Directors of the Fund, is
currently composed of Ms. Colman, Messrs. Cronin, Gelb, Hutchinson and Salacuse
and Dr. Roett. Only Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund as
defined in the 1940 Act and who are "independent" as defined in the New York
Stock Exchange listing standards are members of the Nominating Committee. The
Nominating Committee may accept nominees recommended by the stockholder as it
deems appropriate. Stockholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send
recommendations to the Fund's Secretary that include all information relating to
such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the
election of Directors. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent
of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board of Directors
and to serve if elected by the stockholders. The Nominating Committee did not
meet during the Fund's fiscal year ended June 30, 2005. The Fund, Board of
Directors adopted a Nominating Committee Charter at a meeting held on January
20, 2004, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Annex B.
The Nominating Committee identifies potential nominees through its network
of contacts, and may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search
firm. The Nominating Committee meets to discuss and consider such candidates'
qualifications and then chooses a candidate by majority vote. The Nominating
Committee does not have specific, minimum qualifications for nominees and has
not established specific qualities or skills that it regards as necessary for
one or more of the Fund's Directors to possess (other than any qualities or
skills that may be required by applicable law, regulation or listing standard).
However, as set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter, in evaluating a
person as a potential nominee to serve as a Director of the Fund, the Committee
may consider the following factors, among any others it may deem relevant:
o whether or not the person is an "interested person" as defined in the
1940 Act and whether the person is otherwise qualified under
applicable laws and regulations to serve as a Director of the Fund;
7
o whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his
or her independence, such as any business, financial or family
relationships with Fund management, the investment manager of the
Fund, Fund service providers or their affiliates;
o whether or not the person serves on boards of, or is otherwise
affiliated with, competing financial service organizations or their
related mutual fund complexes;
o whether or not the person is willing to serve, and willing and able to
commit the time necessary for the performance of the duties of a
Director of the Fund;
o the contribution which the person can make to the Board and the Fund
(or, if the person has previously served as a Director of the Fund,
the contribution which the person made to the Board during his or her
previous term of service), with consideration being given to the
person's business and professional experience, education and such
other factors as the Committee may consider relevant;
o the character and integrity of the person; and
o whether or not the selection and nomination of the person would be
consistent with the requirements of the Fund's retirement policies.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Pursuant to a meeting of the Audit Committee on August 22, 2005, the Audit
Committee reports that it has: (i) reviewed and discussed the Fund's audited
financial statements with management; (ii) discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP ("PwC"), the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, the matters required to be discussed by
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61; and (iii) previously received written
confirmation from PwC that it is independent and written disclosures regarding
such independence as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1,
and discussed with PwC the independent registered public accounting firm's
independence.
Pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Fund's Board, the
Audit Committee is responsible for conferring with the Fund's independent
registered public accounting firm, reviewing annual financial statements and
recommending the selection of the Fund's independent registered public
accounting firm. The Audit Committee advises the full Board with respect to
accounting, auditing and financial matters affecting the Fund. The independent
registered public accounting firm is responsible for planning and carrying out
the proper audits and reviews of the Fund's financial statements and expressing
an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America.
The members of the Audit Committee are not professionally engaged in the
practice of auditing or accounting and are responsible for oversight. Moreover,
the Audit Committee relies on and makes no independent verification of the facts
presented to it or representations made by management or the independent
registered public accounting firm. Accordingly, the Audit Committee's oversight
does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has
maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principals and
policies, or internal controls and procedures, designed to assure compliance
with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Futhermore, the
Audit Committee's considerations and discussions referred to above do not
provide assurance that the audit of the Fund's financial statements has been
carried out in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or that
the financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
8
Based on the review and discussions referred to in items (i) through (iii)
above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board
has approved) that the audited financial statements be included in the Fund's
annual report for the Fund's fiscal year ended June 30, 2005.
Submitted by the Audit Committee
of the Fund's Board of Directors
Carol L. Colman
Daniel P. Cronin
Leslie H. Gelb
William R. Hutchinson
Dr. Riordan Roett
Jeswald W. Salacuse
August 22, 2005
9
ADDITIONAL MATTERS
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER NOTICE
On June 23, 2005, Citigroup entered into an agreement to sell substantially
all of its worldwide asset management business, including the Funds' investment
advisor, to Legg Mason, Inc. ("Legg Mason").
As part of this transaction, SBAM, currently an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Citigroup, would become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Legg Mason. SBAM is the investment adviser to the Fund.
The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals, as well as
other customary conditions to closing. Subject to such approvals and the
satisfaction of the other conditions, Citigroup expects the transaction to be
completed later this year.
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, consummation of the transaction
will result in the automatic termination of the Fund's investment management
contract with the SBAM. At a meeting held on August 12, 2005, the Fund's Board,
including the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund or SBAM as
defined in the 1940 Act, unanimously approved a new investment management
contract between the Fund and the SBAM. The Fund has filed a preliminary proxy
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with a
special meeting of shareholders [to be held October 21, 2005] for approval of
the new investment management contract.
Under the federal securities laws, the Fund is required to provide to
stockholders in connection with the Meeting information regarding compensation
paid to the Directors by the Fund, as well as by the various other investment
companies advised by SBAM. The following table provides information concerning
the compensation paid to each Director by the Fund during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2005 and the total compensation paid to each Director during the
calendar year ended December 31, 2004. Certain of the Directors listed below are
members of the Fund's Audit and Nominating Committees, as well as other
committees of the boards of certain other investment companies advised by SBAM.
Accordingly, the amounts provided in the table include compensation for service
on all such committees. The Fund does not provide any pension or retirement
benefits to Directors. In addition, no remuneration was paid during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2005 by the Fund to Mr. Gerken who is an "interested person"
as defined in the 1940 Act.
TOTAL COMPENSATION
FROM THE FUND AND
AGGREGATE OTHER FUNDS
COMPENSATION ADVISED BY SBAM
FROM THE FUND AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED CALENDAR YEAR ENDED
NAME OF DIRECTORS 6/30/05 12/31/04
----------------- --------------------- ----------------------
DIRECTORSHIPS(A)
Carol L. Colman .............. $12,233 $ 274,250(37)
Daniel P. Cronin ............. $11,533 $ 171,950(34)
Leslie H. Gelb ............... $10,333 $ 157,050(34)
William R. Hutchinson ........ $13,633 $ 338,000(44)
Dr. Riordan Roett ............ $11,733 $ 199,000(34)
Jeswald W. Salacuse .......... $12,233 $ 190,550(34)
----------
(A) The numbers in parentheses indicate the applicable number of investment
company directorships held by that Director.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
Section 30(h) of the 1940 Act in combination require the Fund's Directors and
officers, persons who own more than 10% of the Fund's capital
10
stock, SBAM, and its directors and officers, to file reports of ownership and
changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New
York Stock Exchange. The Fund believes that for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2005, all relevant persons have complied with applicable filing requirements.
REQUIRED VOTE
The election of Ms. Colman as Director requires a plurality of the votes
cast by the holders of shares of common stock and preferred stock, voting
together as a single class, present or represented by proxy at the Meeting at
which a quorum is present. The election of Mr. Gerken requires a plurality of
the votes cast by the holders of shares of preferred stock of the Fund present
or represented by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present. For purposes
of the election of Directors, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be
considered votes cast, and do not affect the plurality vote required for
Directors.
THE DIRECTORS, INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS WHO ARE NOT "INTERESTED PERSONS,"
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMEND THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE NOMINEES FOR
DIRECTOR.
FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
AUDIT FEES. The aggregate fees billed by PwC in connection with the annual
audit of the Fund's financial statements and for services normally provided by
PwC in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings of the Fund for the
fiscal years ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004 were $40,000 and $40,000,
respectively, including out of pocket expenses.
AUDIT RELATED FEES. The aggregate fees billed by PwC in connection with
assurance and related services related to the annual audit of the Fund and for
review of the Fund's financial statements, other than the Audit Fees described
above, for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004 were $15,500
and $32,000, respectively.
In addition, there were no Audit Related Fees billed in the years ended
June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004 for assurance and related services by PwC to
SBAM and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with SBAM
that provides ongoing services to the Fund (SBAM and such other entities
together, the "Service Affiliates"), that were related to the operations and
financial reporting of the Fund. Accordingly, there were no such fees that
required pre-approval by the Audit Committee for the period May 6, 2003 to June
30, 2005 (prior to May 6, 2003 services provided by PwC were not subject to
pre-approval requirements).
TAX FEES. The aggregate fees billed by PwC for tax compliance, tax advice
and tax planning services, which include the filing and amendment of federal,
state and local income tax returns, timely RIC qualification review, and tax
distribution and analysis planning, rendered by PwC to the Fund for the fiscal
years ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004 were $3,000 and $3,000,
respectively.
There were no fees billed by PwC to the Service Affiliates for tax services
for the period May 6, 2003 through June 30, 2005 that were required to be
approved by the Fund's Audit Committee.
ALL OTHER FEES. There were no other fees billed for other non-audit
services rendered by PwC to the Fund for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2005
and June 30, 2004.
All other fees billed by PwC to the Service Affiliates for other non-audit
services for the period May 6, 2003 through June 30, 2005 that were required to
be approved by the Fund's Audit Committee, which included the issuance of
reports on internal controls under Statement of Auditing Standards No. 70
relating to various CAM entities, a profitability review of SBAM, and phase 1 of
an analysis of Citigroup's current and future real estate
11
occupancy requirements in the tri-state area and security risk issues in the New
York metro region, were $1.3 million, all of which were pre-approved by the
Audit Committee.
Generally, the Audit Committee must approve (a) all audit and permissible
non-audit services to be provided to the Fund and (b) all permissible non-audit
services to be provided by PwC to the Service Affiliates that relate directly to
the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Audit Committee may
implement policies and procedures by which such services are approved other than
by the full Committee, but has not yet done so.
For the Fund the percentage of fees that were approved by the Audit
Committee, with respect to: Audit-Related Fees were 100% and 100% for the years
ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004; Tax Fees were 100% and 100% for the years
ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004. There were no Other Fees paid by the
Fund.
The Audit Committee shall not approve non-audit services that the Committee
believes may impair the independence of the independent registered public
accounting firm. As of the date of the approval of the Audit Committee Charter,
permissible non-audit services include any professional services (including tax
services), that are not prohibited services as described below, provided to the
Fund by the independent registered public accounting firm, other than those
provided to the Fund in connection with an audit or a review of the financial
statements of the Fund. Permissible non-audit services may not include: (i)
bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial
statements of the Fund; (ii) financial information systems design and
implementation; (iii) appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or
contribution-in-kind reports; (iv) actuarial services (v) internal audit
outsourcing services; (vi) management functions or human resources; (vii) broker
or dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services; (viii) legal
services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (ix) any other service
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is
impermissibie.
Pre-approval by the Audit Committee of any permissible non-audit services
is not required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible
non-audit services provided to the Fund and the Service Affiliates constitutes
not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the Fund's independent
registered public accounting firm during the fiscal year in which the
permissible non-audit services are provided to (a) the Fund, (b) SBAM and (c)
any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with SBAM that
provides ongoing services to the Fund during the fiscal year in which the
services are provided that would have to be approved by the Committee; (ii) the
permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the Fund at the time of
the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly
brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved by the Audit
Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of the audit.
The aggregate non-audit fees billed by PwC for services rendered to the
Fund for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004 for which
pre-approval was not required were $0 and $0, respectively. The aggregate
non-audit fees billed by PwC for services rendered to the Fund and the Service
Affiliates for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004 were $2.7
million and $6.4 million, respectively.
The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit
services to the Service Affiliates that were not pre-approved by the Audit
Committee (because they did not require pre-approval) is compatible with
maintaining PwC's independence. All services provided by PwC to the Fund or to
the Service Affiliates that were required to be approved by the Audit Committee
were pre-approved.
PwC has resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm for
the Fund, effective upon completion of its audit of the Fund's financial
statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005. The Fund's
12
Audit Committee has approved the engagement of KPMG LLP as the Fund's new
independent registered public accounting firm. A majority of the Fund's Board of
Directors, including a majority of the independent Directors, approved the
appointment of KPMG LLP, subject to the right of the Fund, by a majority vote of
the stockholders at any meeting called for that purpose, to terminate the
appointment without penalty.
The reports of PwC on the Fund's financial statements for each of the last
two fiscal years contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were
not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting
principles. There have been no disagreements with PwC during the Fund's two most
recent fiscal years and any subsequent interim period on any matter of
accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing
scope or procedure which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have
caused them to make reference thereto in their reports on the financial
statements for such years.
A representative of PwC, if requested by any stockholder, will be present
via telephone at the Meeting to respond to appropriate questions from
stockholders and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she
chooses to do so. KPMG will not be present at this Meeting, however, they will
be available at any annual meeting following the issuance of an annual report of
the Fund that they independently audited.
PROPOSALS TO BE SUBMITTED BY STOCKHOLDERS AND OTHER SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
All proposals by stockholders of the Fund which are intended to be
presented at the Fund's next Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2006
must be received by the Fund for inclusion in the Fund's proxy statement and
proxy relating to that meeting no later than May 3, 2006. Any stockholder who
desires to bring a proposal at the Fund's 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
without including such proposal in the Fund's proxy statement must deliver
written notice thereof to the Secretary of the Fund (addressed to Salomon
Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc., 300 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT
06902) during the period from July 17, 2006 to June 19, 2006. However, if the
Fund's 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is held earlier than August 16, 2006
or later than November 14, 2006, such written notice must be delivered to the
Secretary of the Fund during the period from 90 days before the date of the 2006
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to the later of 60 days prior to the date of the
2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or 10 days following the public announcement
of the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Fund's Audit Committee has also established guidelines and procedures
regarding the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding
accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters (collectively,
"Accounting Matters"). Persons with complaints or concerns regarding Accounting
Matters may submit their complaints to the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer
("CCO"). Persons who are uncomfortable submitting complaints to the CCO,
including complaints involving the CCO, may submit complaints directly to the
Fund's Audit Committee Chair (together with the CCO, "Complaint Officers").
Complaints may by submitted on an anonymous basis.
The CCO may be contacted at:
Citigroup Asset Managment
Compliance Department
399 Park Avenue, 4th floor
New York, NY 10022
Complaints may also be submitted by telephone at 800-742-5274. Complaints
submitted through this number will be received by the CCO.
13
The Fund's Audit Committee Chair may be contacted at:
Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.
Audit Committee Chair
c/o Robert K. Fulton, Esq.
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
2600 One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
A stockholder who wishes to send any other communications to the Board of
Directors should also deliver such communications to the Secretary of the Fund
at the address listed above. The Secretary is responsible for determining, in
consultation with other officers of the Fund, counsel, and other advisers as
appropriate, which stockholder communications will be relayed to the Board.
OTHER INFORMATION
THE FUND'S ANNUAL REPORT CONTAINING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2005 IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE BY WRITING TO THE FUND C/O
SALOMON BROTHERS ASSET MANAGEMENT INC AT THE ADDRESS LISTED ON THE FRONT COVER,
OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-888-777-0102.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY ONE ANNUAL REPORT OR PROXY STATEMENT MAY BE DELIVERED
TO TWO OR MORE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND WHO SHARE AN ADDRESS, UNLESS THE FUND
HAS RECEIVED INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CONTRARY. TO REQUEST A SEPARATE COPY OF AN
ANNUAL REPORT OR THE PROXY STATEMENT, OR FOR INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO REQUEST A
SEPARATE COPY OF THESE DOCUMENTS OR AS TO HOW TO REQUEST A SINGLE COPY IF
MULTIPLE COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTS ARE RECEIVED, SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONTACT THE
FUND AT THE ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER SET FORTH ABOVE.
EXPENSES OF PROXY SOLICITATION
The costs of preparing, assembling and mailing material in connection with
this solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Fund. Proxies may also be
solicited personally by officers of the Fund and by regular employees of SBAM or
its affiliates, or other representatives of the Fund or by telephone, in
addition to the use of mails. Brokerage houses, banks and other fiduciaries may
be requested to forward proxy solicitation material to their principals to
obtain authorization for the execution of proxies, and will be reimbursed by the
Fund for such out-of-pocket expenses.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board of Directors of the Fund does not know of any other matter which
may come before the Meeting. If any other matter properly comes before the
Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote the
proxies in accordance with their judgment on that matter.
September 7, 2005
14
ANNEX A
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF JANUARY 20, 2004
ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE
This document serves as the Charter for the Audit Committee (the
"Committee") of the Board of each registered investment company (the "Fund")
advised by Smith Barney Fund Management or Salomon Brothers Asset Management or
one of their affiliates (each, an "Adviser") listed on Appendix A hereto (each
such Charter being a separate Charter). The primary purposes of the Committee
are to (a) assist Board oversight of (i) the integrity of the Fund's financial
statements, (ii) the Fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements,
(iii) the qualifications and independence of the Fund's independent auditors and
(iv) the performance of the Fund's internal audit function and independent
auditors; (b) approve, and recommend to the Independent Board Members (as such
term is defined below) for their ratification, the selection, appointment,
retention or termination of the Fund's independent auditors, as well as
approving the compensation thereof; (c) approve all audit and permissible
non-audit services provided to the Fund and certain other persons by the Fund's
independent auditors; and (d) for each closed-end Fund, prepare the report
required to be prepared by the Committee pursuant to the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission for inclusion in the Fund's annual Proxy Statement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Fund's independent auditors are accountable to the Committee.
The Committee shall:
1. Bear direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation,
retention and oversight of the Fund's independent auditors, or of any
other public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of performing
other audit, review or attest services for the Fund.
2. Confirm with any independent auditor retained to provide audit
services that the independent auditor has ensured the appropriate
rotation of the lead audit partner pursuant to applicable regulations.
3. Approve (a) all audit and permissible non-audit services(1) to be
provided to the Fund and (b) all permissible non-audit services to be
provided by the Fund's independent auditors to the Adviser and any
Covered Service Providers if the engagement relates directly to the
operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Committee may
implement policies and procedures by which such services are approved
other than by the full Committee.
--------------
(1) The Committee shall not approve non-audit services that the Committee
believes may impair the independence of the auditors. As of the date of the
approval of this Audit Committee Charter, permissible non-audit services
include any professional services (including tax services), that are not
prohibited services as described below, provided to the Fund by the
independent auditors, other than those provided to the Fund in connection
with an audit or a review of the financial statements of the Fund.
Permissible non-audit services may not include: (i) bookkeeping or other
services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the
Fund; (ii) financial information systems design and implementation; (iii)
appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind
reports; (iv) actuarial services; (v) internal audit outsourcing services;
(vi) management functions or human resources; (vii) broker or dealer,
investment adviser or investment banking services; (viii) legal services
and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (ix) any other service the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is
impermissible.
A-1
4. Discuss with the independent auditors any disclosed relationships or
services that may diminish the objectivity and independence of the
independent auditors and, if so determined by the Committee, recommend
that the Board take appropriate action to ensure the independence of
the independent auditors.
5. Review, in consultation with the independent auditors, the proposed
scope of the Fund's audit each year, including the audit procedures to
be utilized in the review of the Fund's financial statements.
6. Inquire of the Adviser and the independent auditors as to significant
tax and accounting policies elected by the Fund (including matters
affecting qualification under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code).
7. Review with the independent auditors any problems or difficulties the
auditors may have encountered during the conduct of the audit and
management's response, including a discussion with the independent
auditors of the matters required to be discussed by Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61, 89, 90 or any subsequent Statement,
relating to the conduct of the audit.
8. Review, in consultation, as appropriate, with the independent auditors
and significant Fund service providers, matters relating to internal
controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and
procedures of the Fund and of the Fund's significant service
providers.
9. Request, receive and/or review from the independent auditors such
other materials as deemed necessary or advisable by the Committee in
the exercise of its duties under this Charter; such materials may
include, without limitation, any other material written communications
bearing on the Fund's financial statements, or internal or disclosure
controls, between the independent auditors and the Fund, the Adviser
or other Fund service providers, such as any management letter or
schedule of unadjusted differences, and any comment or "deficiency"
letter (to the extent such letters relate to financial reporting)
received from a regulatory or self-regulatory organization addressed
to the Fund or the Adviser that relates to services rendered to the
Fund.
10. For each closed-end Fund, establish procedures regarding the receipt,
retention and treatment of complaints that the Fund may receive
regarding Fund accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing
matters, including procedures for the confidential or anonymous
submission by Fund officers, employees, stockholders or service
providers of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing
matters related to the Fund.
11. For each closed-end Fund, obtain and review a report by the Fund's
independent auditors describing (i) the auditing firm's internal
quality-control procedures; (ii) any material issues raised by the
most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the
auditing firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or
professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting
one or more independent audits carried out by the auditing firm, and
any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (iii) (to assess the
auditor's independence) all relationships between the independent
auditor and the Fund.
-----------------
Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not
required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible non-audit
services provided to the Fund, the Adviser and any service providers
controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide
ongoing services to the Fund ("Covered Service Providers") constitutes not more
than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the independent auditors during
the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided to (a)
the Fund, (b) the Adviser and (c) any entity controlling, controlled by or under
common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund
during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be
approved by the Committee; (ii) the permissible non-audit services were not
recognized by the Fund at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services;
and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee
and approved by the Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of
the audit.
A-2
12. For each closed-end Fund, discuss policies with respect to risk
assessment and risk management.
13. For each closed-end Fund, review hiring policies for employees or
former employees of the Fund's independent auditors.
14. For each closed-end Fund, discuss with management and the Fund's
independent auditors the Fund's audited and discuss with management
the Fund's unaudited financial statements, including any narrative
discussion by management concerning the Fund's financial condition and
investment performance and, if appropriate, recommend the publication
of the Fund's annual audited financial statements in the Fund's annual
report in advance of the printing and publication of the annual
report.
15. For each closed-end Fund, discuss the Fund's earnings press releases,
as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to
analysts and rating agencies;
16. For each closed-end Fund, review and evaluate annually the performance
of the Committee and the adequacy of this Charter and recommend any
proposed changes to the Charter to the Board for approval.
The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to
discharge its responsibilities, including the authority to retain, as it deems
necessary to carry out its duties, special counsel and other experts or
consultants at the expense of the Fund. The Fund shall provide appropriate
funding, as determined by the Committee, for the Committee to carry out its
duties and its responsibilities, including (a) for compensation to be paid to,
or services to be provided by, the Fund's independent auditors or other public
accounting firm providing audit, review or attest services for the Fund, (b) for
payment of compensation to any outside legal, accounting or other advisors,
counsel or consultants employed by the Committee and (c) for the ordinary
administrative expenses of the Committee. In performing its duties, the
Committee shall consult as it deems appropriate with the members of the Board,
officers and employees of the Fund, the Adviser, the Fund's sub-adviser(s), if
any, the Fund's counsel, counsel to the Independent Board Members and the Fund's
other service providers.
COMPOSITION
The Committee shall be composed of each Board member who has been
determined not to be an "interested person," as that term is defined in Section
2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), of the
Fund (the "Independent Board Members"), or such lesser number as the Board of
the Fund may specifically determine and reflect in the Board's minutes, each of
whom shall be financially literate and at least one of whom shall have
accounting or related financial management expertise as determined by the Fund's
Board in its business judgment. Each member of the Committee must also meet the
independence and experience requirements as set forth in the New York Stock
Exchange's Listed Company Manual or as set forth in the American Stock
Exchange's listing standards, as applicable, and the independence requirements
applicable to investment companies set forth in Rule 10A-3 under of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For those Funds listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, no member of the Committee may serve on the audit committees of more
than three public companies, including the Funds, unless the Board determines
that such simultaneous service would not impair the ability of such member to
serve on the Committee effectively. The Committee shall elect a Chairperson, who
shall preside over Committee meetings. The Chairperson shall serve for a term of
three years, which term may be renewed from time to time.
MEETINGS
The Committee shall meet on a regular basis, but not less frequently than
twice a year. Special meetings may also be held upon reasonable notice to the
members of the Committee. An agenda shall be established for each
A-3
meeting. The Committee may request any officer or employee of the Fund, the
Fund's counsel, counsel to the Independent Board Members, the Adviser, the
Fund's independent auditors or other interested persons to attend a meeting of
the Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Committee.
The Committee will meet periodically with the Fund's independent auditors
outside the presence of the Fund's and the Adviser's officers and employees. The
Committee will also meet periodically with the Fund's management outside the
presence of the Fund's independent auditors. Meetings of the Committee may be
held in person, by telephone or by other appropriate means.
One-third of the Committee's members, but not fewer than two members, shall
constitute a quorum. At any meeting of the Committee, the decision of a majority
of the members present and voting shall be determinative as to any matter
submitted to a vote.
REPORTING
The Chairperson shall report regularly to the Board on the result of the
Committee's deliberations and make such recommendations as deemed appropriate.
LIMITS ON ROLE OF COMMITTEE
The function of the Committee is oversight. The Fund's management is
responsible for (i) the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Fund's
financial statements, (ii) the maintenance of appropriate accounting and
financial reporting principles and policies and (iii) the maintenance of
internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting
standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent auditors are
responsible for planning and carrying out proper audits and reviews. In
fulfilling their responsibilities hereunder, it is recognized that members of
the Committee are not employees of the Fund. As such, it is not the duty or
responsibility of the Committee or its members to conduct "field work" or other
types of auditing or accounting reviews or procedures or to set auditor
independence standards. Each member of the Committee shall be entitled to rely
on (i) the integrity of those persons and organizations within and outside the
Fund from which it receives information and (ii) the accuracy of the financial
and other information provided to the Committee by such persons and
organizations absent actual knowledge to the contrary (which shall be promptly
reported to the Fund's Board) and (iii) statements made by the officers and
employees of the Fund, the Adviser or other third parties as to any information
technology, internal audit and other non-audit services provided by the
independent auditors to the Fund. The designation of a person as an "audit
committee financial expert," within the meaning of the rules adopted and
implemented under Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, shall not
impose any greater responsibility or liability on that person than the
responsibility and liability imposed on such person as a member of the
Committee, nor does it decrease the duties and obligations of other Committee
members or the Board.
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee's policies and
procedures shall be adapted, as appropriate, in order to best react to a
changing environment.
AMENDMENTS
This Charter may be amended by a vote of a majority of the Board members.
A-4
APPENDIX A
AS OF OCTOBER 22, 2004
Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc (SFS)
Salomon Brothers Institutional Series Funds Inc (ISFS)
Salomon Brothers Variable Series Funds Inc (VSFS)
Salomon Brothers Capital and Income Fund Inc. (SCD) *
Salomon Brothers Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (ESD) *
Salomon Brothers Emerging Markets Floating Rate Fund Inc. (EFL) *
Salomon Brothers Emerging Markets Income Fund Inc. (EMD) *
Salomon Brothers Emerging Markets Income Fund II Inc. (EDF) *
Salomon Brothers Global High Income Fund Inc. (EHI) *
Salomon Brothers Global Partners Income Fund Inc. (GDF) *
Salomon Brothers High Income Fund Inc. (HIF) *
Salomon Brothers High Income Fund II Inc. (HIX) *
Salomon Brothers Inflation Management Fund Inc. (IMF) *
Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund Inc. (MNP) *
Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (MPT) *
Salomon Brothers Variable Rate Strategic Fund Inc (GFY)*
Salomon Brothers Worldwide Income Fund Inc. (SBW) *
Salomon Brothers 2008 Worldwide Dollar Government Term Trust Inc. (SBG) *
-------------
* Closed-end Fund. The duties and responsibilities of paragraphs 10, 11, 12
and 13 and any other provision applicable exclusively to closed-end funds
apply to these funds only.
A-5
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ANNEX B
NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER
ORGANIZATION
The Nominating Committee of each registered investment company listed on
Appendix A hereto (each, a "Fund" and together, the "Funds") shall be composed
solely of Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in
Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act") and, with respect to those Funds listed on the New York Stock Exchange,
who are "independent" as defined in the New York Stock Exchange listing
standards ("Independent Directors"). The Board of Directors of the Fund (the
"Board") shall nominate the members of the Committee and shall designate the
Chairperson of the Committee. The Chairperson shall preside at each meeting of
the Committee.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Committee shall select and nominate persons for election or appointment
by the Board as Directors of the Fund.
EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL NOMINEES
In evaluating a person as a potential nominee to serve as a Director of the
Fund, the Committee should consider among other factors it may deem relevant:
o whether or not the person is an "interested person" as defined in the
1940 Act and whether the person is otherwise qualified under
applicable laws and regulations to serve as a Director of the Fund;
o whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his
or her independence, such as any business, financial or family
relationships with Fund management, the investment manager of the
Fund, other Fund service providers or their affiliates;
o whether or not the person serves on boards of, or is otherwise
affiliated with, competing financial service organizations or their
related mutual fund complexes;
o whether or not the person is willing to serve, and willing and able to
commit the time necessary for the performance of the duties of a
Director of the Fund;
o the contribution which the person can make to the Board and the Fund
(or, if the person has previously served as a Director of the Fund,
the contribution which the person made to the Board during his or her
previous term of service), with consideration being given to the
person's business and professional experience, education and such
other factors as the Committee may consider relevant;
o the character and integrity of the person; and
o whether or not the selection and nomination of the person would be
consistent with the requirements of the Fund's retirement policies.
While the Committee is solely responsible for the selection and nomination
of Directors, the Committee may consider nominees recommended by Fund
stockholders as it deems appropriate. Stockholders who wish to
B-1
recommend a nominee should send nominations to the Secretary of the Fund that
include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed
in solicitations of proxies for the election of Directors. The recommendation
must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election
if nominated by the Board of Directors and to serve if elected by the
stockholders.
QUORUM
A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the members of the
Committee present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of
the Committee.
NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS
After a determination by the Committee that a person should be selected and
nominated as a Director of the Fund, the Committee shall present its
recommendation to the full Board for its consideration.
MEETINGS
The Committee may meet either on its own or in conjunction with meetings of
the Board. Meetings of the Committee may be held in person, video conference or
by conference telephone. The Committee may take action by unanimous written
consent in lieu of a meeting.
Adopted: January 20, 2004
B-2
APPENDIX A
AS OF OCTOBER 22, 2004
Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc (SFS)
Salomon Brothers Institutional Series Funds Inc (ISFS)
Salomon Brothers Variable Series Funds Inc (VSFS)
Salomon Brothers Capital and Income Fund Inc. (SCD)
Salomon Brothers Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (ESD)
Salomon Brothers Emerging Markets Floating Rate Fund Inc. (EFL)
Salomon Brothers Emerging Markets Income Fund Inc. (EMD)
Salomon Brothers Emerging Markets Income Fund II Inc. (EDF)
Salomon Brothers Global High Income Fund Inc. (EHI)
Salomon Brothers Global Partners Income Fund Inc. (GDF)
Salomon Brothers High Income Fund Inc. (HIF)
Salomon Brothers High Income Fund II Inc. (HIX)
Salomon Brothers Inflation Management Fund Inc. (IMF)
Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund Inc. (MNP)
Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (MPT)
Salomon Brothers Variable Rate Strategic Fund Inc. (GFY)
Salomon Brothers Worldwide Income Fund Inc. (SBW)
Salomon Brothers 2008 Worldwide Dollar Government Term Trust Inc. (SBG)
B-3
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
DETACH HERE ZSBC42
COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK
SALOMON BROTHERS MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND II INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE DIRECTORS
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - OCTOBER 11, 2005
The undersigned hereby appoints R. Jay Gerken, Robert I. Frenkel, Robert M.
Nelson and William J. Renahan, and each of them, attorneys and proxies for the
undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation to represent the
undersigned and to vote on behalf of the undersigned all shares of common stock
of Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (the "Fund") which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Fund to be held at Citigroup Center, 153 East 53rd Street, 14th Floor Conference
Center, New York, New York on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, at 3:30 p.m., and at
any adjournments thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and accompanying Proxy Statement and
hereby instructs said attorneys and proxies to vote said shares as indicated
hereon. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Meeting. A majority of the proxies
present and acting at the Meeting in person or by substitute (or, if only one
shall be so present, then that one) shall have and may exercise all of the power
and authority of said proxies hereunder. The undersigned hereby revokes any
proxy previously given.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE FUND'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
THIS PROXY, IF PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED BY THE
STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE NOMINEE
FOR DIRECTOR.
Please refer to the Proxy Statement for a discussion of the Proposal.
---------------- ----------------
SEE REVERSE CONTINUED ON REVERSE SIDE SEE REVERSE
SIDE SIDE
---------------- ----------------
SALOMON BROTHERS
MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND II INC.
C/O COMPUTERSHARE
P.O. BOX 8694
EDISON, NJ 08818-8694
DETACH HERE ZSBC41
[X] PLEASE MARK |
VOTES AS IN | 3547
THIS EXAMPLE. |----
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS:
1. Election of Director:
NOMINEE: (01) Carol L. Colman
WITHHELD
FOR FROM
NOMINEE [ ] [ ] NOMINEE
2. Any other business that may properly come before the Meeting.
Please check the box to the right if you will be attending the Meeting. [ ]
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE HEREON AND MAIL IN ACCOMPANYING POSTPAID
ENVELOPE.
NOTE: Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears on this proxy. If
joint owners, EITHER may sign this proxy. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee, guardian or corporate officer, please give your full
title.
Signature: Date:
------------------------------------ ---------------------
IF JOINTLY HELD
SIGNATURE: Date:
------------------------------------ ---------------------
DETACH HERE ZSBP32
PREFERRED STOCK PREFERRED STOCK
SALOMON BROTHERS MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND II INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE DIRECTORS
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - OCTOBER 11, 2005
The undersigned hereby appoints R. Jay Gerken, Robert I. Frenkel, Robert M.
Nelson and William J. Renahan, and each of them, attorneys and proxies for the
undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation to represent the
undersigned and to vote on behalf of the undersigned all shares of preferred
stock of Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (the "Fund") which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Fund to be held at Citigroup Center, 153 East 53rd Street, 14th Floor Conference
Center, New York, New York on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, at 3:30 p.m., and at
any adjournments thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and accompanying Proxy Statement and
hereby instructs said attorneys and proxies to vote said shares as indicated
hereon. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Meeting. A majority of the proxies
present and acting at the Meeting in person or by substitute (or, if only one
shall be so present, then that one) shall have and may exercise all of the power
and authority of said proxies hereunder. The undersigned hereby revokes any
proxy previously given.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE FUND'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
THIS PROXY, IF PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED BY THE
STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE NOMINEES
FOR DIRECTORS.
Please refer to the Proxy Statement for a discussion of the Proposal.
---------------- ----------------
SEE REVERSE CONTINUED ON REVERSE SIDE SEE REVERSE
SIDE SIDE
---------------- ----------------
SALOMON BROTHERS
MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND II INC.
C/O COMPUTERSHARE
P.O. BOX 8694
EDISON, NJ 08818-8694
DETACH HERE ZSBP31
[X] PLEASE MARK |
VOTES AS IN | 3547
THIS EXAMPLE. |----
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS:
1. Election of Directors:
NOMINEES: (01) Carol L. Colman
(02) R. Jay Gerken
FOR WITHHELD
ALL FROM ALL
NOMINEES [ ] [ ] NOMINEES
[ ]
-----------------------------------------------------------
(Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee, write the name of the nominee(s) on the line above.)
2. Any other business that may properly come before the Meeting.
Please check the box to the right if you will be attending the Meeting. [ ]
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE HEREON AND MAIL IN ACCOMPANYING POSTPAID
ENVELOPE.
NOTE: Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears on this proxy. If
joint owners, EITHER may sign this proxy. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee, guardian or corporate officer, please give your full
title.
Signature: Date:
------------------------------------ ---------------------
IF JOINTLY HELD
SIGNATURE: Date:
------------------------------------ ---------------------