UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement
Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant x |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
CLOUGH GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND |
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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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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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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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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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.
CLOUGH GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND
1290 Broadway, Suite 1100
Denver, Colorado 80203
(877) 256-8445
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON July 23, 2007
To the Shareholders of Clough Global Allocation Fund:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) of the Clough Global Allocation Fund (the Fund) will be held at the offices of the Fund, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203, on Monday, July 23, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. MDT, for the following purposes:
1. Shareholders of the Fund are being asked to elect two (2) Trustees of the Fund, one (1) Trustee to be elected by the holders of the Funds Common Shares and one (1) Trustee to be elected by holders of its Auction Market Preferred Stock (Preferred Shares), voting separately; and
2. To consider and vote upon such other matters, including adjournments, as may properly come before said Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
These items are discussed in greater detail in the attached Proxy Statement.
The close of business on May 23, 2007, has been fixed as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE OF YOUR HOLDINGS IN THE FUND. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE COMPLETE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH NEEDS NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Edmund J. Burke
President and Trustee
May 30, 2007
CLOUGH GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
July 23, 2007
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Trustees of the Clough Global Allocation Fund (the Fund) for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund (the Meeting) to be held on Monday, July 23, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., at the offices of the Fund, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203, and at any adjournments thereof. A Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and proxy card accompany this Proxy Statement, all of which are first being mailed to shareholders on or about June 5, 2007.
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, officers of the Fund and officers and regular employees of the Bank of New York (BNY), the Funds transfer agent, ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (ALPS), the Funds administrator, and affiliates of BNY, ALPS or other representatives of the Fund also may solicit proxies by telephone, internet or in person. The expenses incurred in connection with preparing the Proxy Statement and its enclosures will be paid by ALPS. ALPS will also reimburse brokerage firms and others for their expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of its shares.
THE FUNDS MOST RECENT ANNUAL REPORT, INCLUDING AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2007, IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, WITHOUT CHARGE, BY WRITING TO THE FUND AT 1290 BROADWAY, SUITE 1100, DENVER, COLORADO 80203 OR BY CALLING THE FUND AT 877-256-8445 OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.CLOUGHGLOBAL.COM.
If the enclosed proxy is properly executed and returned in time to be voted at the Meeting, the Shares (as defined below) represented thereby will be voted FOR the proposal listed in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, unless instructions to the contrary are marked thereon, and in the discretion of the proxy holders as to the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the Meeting. Any shareholder who has given a proxy has the right to revoke it at any time prior to its exercise either by attending the Meeting and voting his or her shares in person or by submitting a letter of revocation or a later-dated proxy to the Fund at the above address prior to the date of the Meeting.
If a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or if a quorum is present at the Meeting, but sufficient votes to approve any of the proposed items are not received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of such Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. A shareholder vote may be taken on one or more of the proposals in this Proxy Statement prior to such adjournment if sufficient votes have been received for approval and it is otherwise appropriate. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority of those shares present at the Meeting in person or by proxy. If a quorum is present, the persons named as proxies will vote those proxies that they are entitled to vote FOR any proposal in favor of such adjournment and will vote those proxies required to be voted AGAINST any proposal against such adjournment.
The close of business on May 23, 2007, has been fixed as the Record Date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and all adjournments thereof.
The Fund has two classes of capital stock: Common Shares (Common Shares) and Auction Market Preferred Shares, (Preferred Shares) (together with the Common Stock, the Shares). The holders of Shares are each entitled to one vote for each full share and an appropriate fraction of a vote for each fractional share held. As of the Record Date there were 10,434,607 Common Shares and 3,800 Preferred Shares outstanding.
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The following table shows, as of the Record Date, the ownership of Common Shares and Preferred Shares by each of the Trustees and Officers of the Fund, the Trustees and Officers of the Fund as a group and are the persons or organizations known to the Fund to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Funds outstanding Common Shares or Preferred Shares.
Name & Address |
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Percentage of Shares |
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Total Shares Owned |
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Common Shares |
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Merrill Lynch |
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101 Hudson Street, 9th Floor |
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Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
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81.20 |
% |
8,473,200 |
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Preferred Shares |
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Merrill Lynch |
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101 Hudson Street, 9th Floor |
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Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
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80.84 |
% |
3,072 |
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Wells Fargo Brokerage Services |
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608 Second Avenue South |
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Reorg Department N 9303-055 |
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Minneapolis, MN 55402 |
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10.84 |
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412 |
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In order that your Shares may be represented at the Meeting, you are requested to vote on the following matters:
PROPOSAL: TO ELECT TWO (2) TRUSTEES OF THE FUND
Nominees For The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, each class having a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class will expire. Edmund J. Burke and James E. Canty have been nominated by the Board of Trustees for a three-year term to expire at the Funds 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
Under the Funds Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Statement of Preferences, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), holders of the Funds outstanding Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect two Trustees, and holders of the Funds outstanding Common Stock and Preferred Stock, voting as a single class, are entitled to elect the remaining Trustees, subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act and the Funds Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Statement of Preferences, and Amended and Restated By-Laws. The holders of the Funds outstanding Preferred Stock would be entitled to elect the minimum number of additional Trustees that would represent a majority of the Trustees if dividends on the Funds Preferred Stock are in arrears for two full years. No dividend arrearages exist at this time. James Canty is the nominee for election as Trustee at the Meeting to be elected solely by the holders of the Funds Preferred Stock.
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Unless authority is withheld, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote the proxy FOR the election of the nominees named above. Each nominee has indicated that he has consented to serve as a Trustee if elected at the Meeting. If a designated nominee declines or otherwise becomes unavailable for election; however, the proxy confers discretionary power on the persons named therein to vote in favor of a substitute nominee or nominees.
Information About Trustees and Officers
Set forth in the table below are the nominees and existing Trustees for election to the Board of the Fund and officers, including information relating to their respective positions held with the Fund, a brief statement of their principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships, if any.
Name, Position(s), |
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Term of Office |
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Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
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Number of Portfolios in |
Non-Interested Trustees/Nominees |
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Andrew C. Boynton |
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Since 2005*** |
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Mr. Boynton is currently the Dean of the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. Mr. Boynton served as Professor of Strategy from 1996 to 2005 and Program Director of the Executive MBA Program from 1998 to 2005 at International Institute of Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland (IMD). Prior to that he was an Associate Professor at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill from 1994 to 1996, Visiting Professor at IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland from 1992 to 1994 and Assistant Professor, Darden School, University of Virginia from 1987 to 1992. Mr. Boynton is also a Trustee of the Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. |
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Robert L. Butler |
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Since 2004* |
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Mr. Butler is currently an independent consultant for businesses. Mr. Butler was President of the Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. from 1989 to 1998. He was Senior Vice-President from 1985 to 1988 and Executive Vice-President and Director from 1988 to 1999 of the Pioneer Group, Inc. While at the Pioneer Group, Inc. until his retirement in 1999, Mr. Butler was a Director or Supervisory Board member of a number of subsidiary and affiliated companies, including: Pioneer First Polish Investment Fund, JSC, Pioneer Czech Investment Company and Pioneer Global Equity Fund PLC. From 1975 to 1984 Mr. Butler was a Vice-President of the National Association of Securities Dealers. Mr. Butler is currently Chairman and a Trustee of the Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. |
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Adam D. Crescenzi |
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Since 2004*** |
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Mr. Crescenzi is a founding partner of Telos Partners, a business advisory firm founded in 1998. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President of CSC Index. Mr. Crescenzi is currently a Trustee of Dean College and Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Creative Realities and ICEX, Inc. Mr. Crescenzi is an active member of the strategic committee of the Patrons of Boston College McMullen Museum of Arts. |
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John F. Mee |
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Since 2004*** |
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Mr. Mee is an attorney practicing commercial law, family law, products liability and criminal law. He is an Advisor, Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Workshop 1990 to present. Mr. Mee is a member of the Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He serves on the Board of Directors of Holy Cross Alumni Association and Board of Trustees of the Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. |
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Richard C. Rantzow |
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Since 2004* |
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Mr. Rantzow was the Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Ron Miller Associates, Inc. (manufacturer). Prior to that, Mr. Rantzow was Managing Partner (until 1990) of the Memphis office of Ernst & Young. Mr. Rantzow is also Vice-Chairman and a Trustee of the Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. Mr. Rantzow is also a Trustee of Liberty All-Star Funds. |
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Jerry G. Rutledge |
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Since 2004*** |
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Mr. Rutledge is the President and owner of Rutledges Inc., a retail clothing business. Mr. Rutledge is currently Director of the American National Bank, a Regent of the University of Colorado and a Trustee of Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. |
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3 |
Interested Trustees(3) |
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Edmund J. Burke(4) |
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Trustee since 2006** President since 2004 |
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Mr. Burke is President and a Director of ALPS. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 as Vice President and National Sales Manager. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. Burke is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Burke is currently the President of Reaves Utility Income Fund, Financial Investors Variable Insurance Trust and Financial Investors Trust, President and a Trustee of Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. Mr. Burke is also a Trustee and Vice-President of Liberty All-Star Funds. |
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3 |
James E. Canty(5)+ |
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Since 2004** |
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Mr. Canty is a founding partner, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel for Clough. Prior to founding Clough in 2000, Mr. Canty worked as a corporate and securities lawyer and Director of Investor Relations for Converse, Inc. from 1995 to 2000. He was a corporate and securities lawyer for the Boston offices of Goldstein & Manello, P.C. from 1993 to 1995 and Bingham, Dana and Gould from 1990 to 1993. Mr. Canty served as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University from 1996 to 2000. Mr. Canty is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Clough Offshore Fund, Ltd and Board of Trustees of Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. Because of his affiliation with Clough, Mr. Canty is considered an interested Trustee of the Fund |
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3 |
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Officers |
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Jeremy O. May |
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Since 2004 |
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Mr. May is Managing Director of ALPS. Mr. May joined ALPS in 1995 as a Controller. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. May is deemed an affiliate of the Fund as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. May is currently the Treasurer of Reaves Utility Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund, Financial Investors Variable Insurance Trust, Liberty All-Star Funds and Financial Investors Trust. |
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None |
Erin E. Douglas |
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Since 2004 |
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Ms. Douglas is Associate Counsel of ALPS. Ms. Douglas joined ALPS as Associate Counsel in 2003. Ms. Douglas is deemed an affiliate of the Fund as defined under the 1940 Act. Ms. Douglas is currently the Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. |
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None |
Michael T. Akins |
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Since 2004 |
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Mr. Akins is Deputy Chief Compliance Officer of ALPS. Mr. Akins served as Assistant Vice-president and Compliance Officer for UMB Financial Corporation. Before joining UMB, Mr. Akins was an Account Manager at State Street Corporation. Mr. Akins is deemed an affiliate of the Fund as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Akins also serves as Chief Compliance Officer of Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund, Financial Investors Trust and Reaves Utility Income Fund. |
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None |
Kimberly R. Storms |
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Since 2005 |
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Ms. Storms is Director of Fund Administration and Vice- President of ALPS. Ms. Storms joined ALPS in 1998 as Assistant Controller. Because of her position with ALPS, Ms. Storms is deemed an affiliate of the Fund as defined under the 1940 Act. Ms. Storms is also Assistant Treasurer of the Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund, Reaves Utility Income Fund, Liberty All-Star Funds, and Financial Investors Trust and Assistant Secretary of Ameristock Mutual Fund, Inc. |
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None |
* |
Term expires at the Funds 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. |
** |
Term expires at the Funds 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. |
*** |
Term expires at the Funds 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. |
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Trustees elected solely by holders of Preferred Stock. |
(1) Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203, unless otherwise noted.
(2) The Fund commenced operations on July 28, 2004.
(3) Interested person of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act.
(4) Mr. Burke is considered to be an interested person because of his affiliation with ALPS, which acts as the Funds administrator.
(5) Mr. Canty is considered to be an interested person because of his affiliation with Clough, which acts as the Funds investment adviser.
5
Beneficial Ownership Of Shares Held In The Fund And The Fund Complex For Each Trustee And Nominee For Election As Trustee
Set forth in the table below is the dollar range of equity securities held in the Fund and on an aggregate basis for the entire Fund Complex overseen by each of the Trustee.
Name of Trustee/Nominee |
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Dollar Range of Equity Securities |
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Aggregate Dollar Range of |
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Andrew C. Boynton |
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None |
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None |
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Edmund J. Burke |
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None |
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None |
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Robert L. Butler |
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$10,001-$50,000 |
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$50,001-$100,000 |
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James E. Canty |
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$10,001-$50,000 |
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Over $100,000 |
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Adam D. Crescenzi |
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None |
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Over $100,000 |
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John F. Mee |
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None |
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None |
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Richard C. Rantzow |
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$50,001-$100,000 |
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Over $100,000 |
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Jerry G. Rutledge |
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Over $100,000 |
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Over $100,000 |
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(1) This information has been furnished by each Trustee and Nominee for election as Trustee as of December 31, 2006. Beneficial Ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act).
(2) Ownership amount constitutes less than 1% of the total shares outstanding.
(3) The Fund Complex consists of the Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund, as all have a common investment adviser.
The Fund pays the Chairman of the Board (the Chairman) and each Trustee who is not affiliated with ALPS or Clough or their affiliates (the Independent Trustees). The Chairman receives an annual retainer of $16,800 per year plus $1,800 per meeting attended in person and by telephone. Independent Trustees receive an annual retainer of $14,000 per year plus $1,500 per meeting attended in person and by telephone, together with the Chairman and each Independent Trustees actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to their attendance at such meetings. The aggregate remuneration (not including out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund to Messrs. Boynton, Butler, Crescenzi, Mee, Rantzow, and Rutledge during the period from April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, amounted to $121,500. The aggregated remuneration (not including out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund Complex to Messrs. Boynton, Butler, Crescenzi, Mee, Rantzow and Rutledge during the period from April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, amounted to $364,500. Clough Global Opportunities Fund did not commence operations until April 26, 2006; therefore, there was no compensation paid by Clough Global Opportunities Fund to the Trustees from April 1, 2006, through inception. However, compensation paid to the Trustees for attendance at the organizational Board of Trustees meeting of Clough Global Opportunities Fund and the quarterly retainer amount was borne evenly by ALPS and Clough. During the period April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, the Trustees of the Fund met 4 times. Each Trustee then serving in such capacity attended at least 75% of the meetings of Trustees and of any Committee of which he is a member.
Shareholders of the Fund may send communications to an individual Trustee or the Board of Trustees via the Funds Secretary. The Secretary will review the communications and forward suitable communications to the appropriate Trustee(s).
Audit Committee Report
The role of the Funds Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Trustees in its oversight of (i) the quality and integrity of Funds financial statements, reporting process, and the independent audit and reviews thereof; (ii) the Funds accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; (iii) the Funds compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and (iv) the independent auditors qualifications, independence and performance. The Audit Committee is also required to prepare an audit committee report pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for inclusion in the Funds annual proxy statement. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter (the Charter) that
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was most recently reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees on December 13, 2006. The Charter is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. As set forth in the Charter, management is responsible for maintaining appropriate systems for accounting and internal control, and the Funds independent accountants are responsible for planning and carrying out proper audits and reviews. The independent accountants are ultimately accountable to the Board of Trustees and to the Audit Committee, as representatives of shareholders. The independent accountants for the Fund report directly to the Audit Committee.
In performing its oversight function, at a meeting held on May 15, 2007, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management of the Fund and the independent accountants, Deloitte & Touche, LLP (Deloitte), the audited financial statements of the Fund as of and for the period April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, and discussed the audit of such financial statements with the independent accountants.
In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent accountants the accounting principles applied by the Fund and such other matters brought to the attention of the Audit Committee by the independent accountants required by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, COMMUNICATIONS WITH AUDIT COMMITTEES, as currently modified or supplemented. The Audit Committee also received from the independent accountants the written disclosures and statements required by the SECs independence rules, delineating relationships between the independent accountants and the Fund, and discussed the impact that any such relationships might have on the objectivity and independence of the independent accountants.
As set forth above, and as more fully set forth in the Charter, the Audit Committee has significant duties and powers in its oversight role with respect to the Funds financial reporting procedures, internal control systems, and the independent audit process.
The members of the Audit Committee are not, and do not represent themselves to be, professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting and are not employed by the Fund for accounting, financial management, or internal control purposes. Moreover, the Audit Committee relies on and makes no independent verification of the facts presented to it or representations made by management or the Funds independent accountants. Accordingly, the Audit Committees oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and/or financial reporting principles and policies, or internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards, and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Audit Committees considerations and discussions referred to above do not provide assurance that the audit of the Funds 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.
Based on its consideration of the audited financial statements and the discussions referred to above with management and the Funds independent accountants, and subject to the limitations on the responsibilities and role of the Audit Committee set forth in the Charter and those discussed above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Trustees that the Funds audited financial statements be included in the Funds Annual Report for the period from April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007.
SUBMITTED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE FUNDS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Richard C. Rantzow, Chairman
Andrew C. Boynton
Robert L. Butler
Adam D. Crescenzi
John F. Mee
Jerry G. Rutledge
May 15, 2007
7
The Audit Committee met 3 times during the period from April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007. The Audit Committee is composed of six of the Funds independent (as such term is defined by the American Stock Exchange, Inc.s listing standards (the AMEX Listing Standards)) Trustees, namely Messrs. Boynton, Butler, Crescenzi, Mee, Rantzow, and Rutledge.
Nominating Committee
The Board of Trustees has a Nominating Committee composed of six independent trustees as such term is defined by the AMEX Listing Standards Trustees, namely Messrs. Boynton, Butler, Crescenzi, Mee, Rantzow, and Rutledge. The Nominating Committee met once during the period from April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007. The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending to the Board of Trustees individuals believed to be qualified to become Board members in the event that a position is vacated or created. The Nominating Committee will consider Trustee candidates recommended by shareholders. In considering candidates submitted by shareholders, the Nominating Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board of Trustees, the qualifications of the candidate, and the interests of shareholders.
The shareholder recommendation described above must be sent to the Funds Secretary c/o ALPS Fund Services, Inc. The Funds Nominating Committee has not adopted a charter. If a charter is adopted in the future, it will be available at the time on the Funds website (www.cloughglobal.com).
Mr. Burke, a Trustee proposed to be elected at the Annual meeting of Shareholders, was approved by the Nominating Committee as Trustee on July 12, 2006. Mr. Burke was recommended to the Nominating Committee by members of the Nominating Committee familiar with Mr. Burke through his service as the President of the Fund and as President of ALPS.
Other Board Related Matters
The Fund does not require Trustees to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. No Trustees attended the Funds Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on July 6, 2006.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation of the Funds Trustees for the period April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007. Trustees and Officers of the Fund who are employed by ALPS or Clough receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.
Compensation Table For The Period April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007
Name of Person and Position |
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Aggregate Compensation Paid |
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Total Compensation From |
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Andrew C.
Boynton, |
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$18,500 |
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$55,500 |
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Edmund J. Burke |
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None |
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None |
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Robert L. Butler, Chairman of the Board and Trustee |
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$ |
23,000 |
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$ |
69,000 |
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James E. Canty, Trustee |
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None |
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None |
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Adam D. Crescenzi, Trustee |
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$ |
20,000 |
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$ |
60,000 |
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John F. Mee, Trustee |
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$ |
20,000 |
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$ |
60,000 |
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Richard C. Rantzow, Trustee |
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$ |
20,000 |
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$ |
60,000 |
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Jerry G. Rutledge, Trustee |
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$ |
20,000 |
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$ |
60,000 |
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* Represents the total compensation paid to such persons during the period from April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, by the Fund.
** Represents the total compensation paid to such persons during the time period from April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, by the Fund Complex. The Fund Complex consist of the Fund, the Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund.
*** Clough Global Opportunities Fund did not commence operations until April 26, 2006; therefore no compensation was paid by the Clough Global Opportunities Fund to the Trustees from April 1, 2006, through inception. However, compensation paid to the Trustees for attendance at the organizational Board of Trustees meeting of Clough Global Opportunities Fund and the quarterly retainer amount was borne evenly by ALPS and Clough.
REQUIRED VOTE
The election of each of the listed nominees for Trustee of the Fund requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of Shares represented at the Meeting, if a quorum is present.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, INCLUDING THE NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMMON AND PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touche, LLP, 555 17th Street, 36th Floor Denver, CO 80202, has been selected to serve as the Funds independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds fiscal year ending March 31, 2008. Deloitte acted as the Funds independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. The Fund knows of no direct financial or material indirect financial interest of Deloitte in the Fund. A representative of Deloitte will not be present at the Meeting, but will be available by telephone and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if asked, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Audit Fees
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, and the period from June 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Funds annual financial statements were $26,000 and $25,000, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
For the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2007, and the period from June 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, there were no fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant.
Tax Fees
For the fiscal years ending March 31, 2007, and the period from June 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, the aggregate fees of $3,550 and $3,605, respectively, were billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.
All Other Fees
For the fiscal years ending March 31, 2007, and the period from June 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, $8,000 and $7,000 were, respectively billed to the Fund by the principal accountant for services that are typically provided by the accountant in connection with agreed upon procedures related to the ratings for the Auction Market Preferred Shares.
The Funds Audit Committee Charter requires that the Audit Committee pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the auditors to the Fund, and all non-audit services to be provided by
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the auditors to the Funds investment adviser and service providers controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Funds investment adviser (affiliates) that provide on-going services to the Fund (a Covered Services Provider), if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Audit Committee may delegate its responsibility to pre-approve any such audit and permissible non-audit services to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, and the Chairman must report to the Audit Committee, at its next regularly scheduled meeting after the Chairmans pre-approval of such services, his decision(s). The Audit Committee may also establish detailed pre-approval policies and procedures for pre-approval of such services in accordance with applicable laws, including the delegation of some or all of the Audit Committees pre-approval responsibilities to other persons (other than the Adviser or the Funds officers). 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, the Adviser, and any Covered Services Provider constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the Fund to its independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided; (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 the Chairman prior to the completion of the audit. All of the audit, audit-related, and tax services described above for which Deloitte billed the Fund fees for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR
Clough is the Funds Adviser, and its business address is One Post Office Square, 40th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
ALPS is the administrator of the Fund, and its business address is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act and Section 30(h) of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, require the Funds Officers and Trustees, Officers and Directors of the Adviser, affiliated persons of the Adviser, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Funds Shares to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and the AMEX and to furnish the Fund with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
BROKER NON-VOTES AND ABSTENTIONS
The affirmative vote of a plurality of votes cast for each nominee by the holders entitled to vote for a particular nominee is necessary for the election of a nominee.
For the purposes of electing nominees, abstentions, or broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the election. Abstentions or broker non-votes, however, will be considered to be present at the Meeting for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum.
Shareholders of the Fund will be informed of the voting results of the Meeting in the Funds Semi-Annual Report dated September 30, 2007.
OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
The Trustees of the Fund do not intend to present any other business at the Meeting, nor are they aware that any shareholder intends to do so. If, however, any other matters, including adjournments, are properly brought before the Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy will vote thereon in accordance with their judgment.
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
All proposals by shareholders of the Fund, which are intended to be presented at the Funds next Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in the third calendar quarter 2008, must be received by the Fund for consideration for inclusion in the Funds Proxy Statement and proxy relating to that meeting no later than February 28, 2008. The Funds proxy may confer discretionary authority to vote on all proposals by shareholders of the Fund received after February 28, 2008, but no later than April 20, 2008, which are intended to be presented at the Funds next Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in the third calendar quarter 2008. There are additional requirements regarding proposals of shareholders, and a shareholder contemplating submission of a proposal is referred to Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING ARE THEREFORE URGED TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
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APPENDIX A
CLOUGH GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
ORGANIZATION
There shall be a committee of the Board of Trustees of the Clough Global Allocation Fund (the Fund) to be known as the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall be composed of at least three members, comprised solely of Trustees who are independent of the management of the Fund and are free of any relationship that would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment as a committee member. Each member of the Audit Committee must be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the Funds balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement or will become able to do so within a reasonable period of time after his or her appointment to the Audit Committee. Additionally, at least one member of the Audit Committee must have past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or any other comparable experience or background which results in the individuals financial sophistication, including being or having been a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or other senior officer with financial oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee shall meet on a regular basis and is empowered to hold special meetings as circumstances require. The Audit Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including the authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Fund.
INDEPENDENCE
A Trustee will be considered independent so long as:
· Neither the Trustee, his/her spouse, any of his/her minor children, children residing in the Trustees home or entity controlled by the Trustee, receives any compensation from the Fund other than in the Trustees capacity as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Fund or of any committee of the Board; and
· The Trustee is not an interested person as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
STATEMENT OF POLICY
The Audit Committee shall provide assistance to the Board of Trustees in fulfilling their responsibility relating to accounting, reporting practices of the Fund and the quality and integrity of the financial reports of the Fund. In so doing, it is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to maintain free and open means of communication between the Trustees, the independent auditors and the financial management of the Fund.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The function of the Audit Committee is oversight; it is managements responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal control, and the auditors responsibility to plan and carry out a proper audit.
The principal objectives of the Audit Committee are to
· oversee the Funds accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers;
· oversee the quality and objectivity of the Funds financial statements and the independent audit thereof; and
· act as liaison between the Funds independent auditors and the full Board of Trustees.
RESPONSIBILITIES
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee believes its policies and procedures should remain flexible, in order to best react to changing conditions and to ensure to the Trustees and shareholders that the accounting and reporting practices of the Fund are in accordance with all requirements and are of the highest quality.
In carrying out these responsibilities, the Audit Committee will:
· Assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and reporting practices of the Fund.
· Recommend the selection, retention or termination of the auditors and, in connection therewith, to evaluate, upon receipt of a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditors and the Funds adviser or other members of management, the independence of the auditors in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including whether the auditors provide any consulting services to the manager, and to receive the auditors specific representations as to their independence.
· Be directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of the work of the Funds auditors, including resolution of disagreements between Fund management and the auditors regarding financial reporting.
· Pre-approve, or establish pre-approval policies and procedures concerning, the following:
(1) all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided to the Fund; and
(2) all permitted non-audit services to be provided by the Funds auditors to its investment adviser and to entities controlling, controlled by or under common control
with the adviser that provide ongoing services o the Fund, if the services related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund, except that de minimis non-audit services, may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be approved prior to completion of the audit.
· Meet with the Funds independent auditors, including private meetings, as necessary (i) to review the arrangements for and scope of the annual audit and any special audits; (ii) to discuss any matters of concern relating to the Funds financial statements, including any adjustments to such statements recommended by the auditors, or other results of said audit(s); (iii) to consider the auditors comments with respect to the Funds financial policies, procedures and internal accounting controls and managements responses thereto.
· Ensure that the Board is fully informed about any findings or recommendations of the auditors.
· Receive reports by the auditors required to be provided by the rules and regulations of the SEC.
· Receive the reports of management required by SEC Rule 30b-2(b) and applicable law.
· Consider the effect upon the Fund of any changes in accounting principles or practices proposed by management or the auditors.
· Review the fees charged by the auditors for audit and non-audit services.
· Establish procedures for the receipt and handling of complaints regarding accounting, internal control or auditing matters, which procedures shall provide for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Funds service providers of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
· Investigate improprieties or suspected improprieties in fund operations.
· Report its activities to the full Board of Trustees on a regular basis and to make such recommendations with respect to the above and other matters as the Audit Committee may deem necessary or appropriate.
· Review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board of Trustees.
· Only the electronic version of this data is the most current information.
CLOUGH GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The undersigned hereby appoints Erin E. Douglas and Jeremy O. May, and each of them, attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full powers of substitution and revocation, to represent the undersigned and to vote on behalf of the undersigned all shares of Clough Global Allocation Fund (the Fund) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be held at the offices of the Fund, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203 on Monday, July 23, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., and at any adjournments thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement and hereby instructs said attorneys and proxies to vote said shares as indicated herein. 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, if properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR Proposal and in the discretion of the proxy holder as to any other matter that may properly come before the Meeting. Please refer to the Proxy Statement for a discussion of Proposal.
PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Please sign this proxy exactly as your name(s) appear(s) in the records of the Fund. If joint owners, either may sign. Trustees and other fiduciaries should indicate the capacity in which they sign, and where more than one name appears, a majority must sign. If a corporation, this signature should be that of an authorized officer who should state his or her title.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE WITH AN X
To Elect two (2) Trustees of the Fund:
Common and Preferred Shares
(1) Edmund J. Burke |
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For |
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Withhold |
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Preferred Shares Only
(1) James E. Canty |
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For All |
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Withhold |
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Please be sure to sign and date this proxy.
Signature: |
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Date: |
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Co-owner: |
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Date: |
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