WIA Western Asset Inflation Linked Income Fund

Each of Proposal 1 and Proposal 2:

Approval of each Proposal will occur only if a sufficient number of votes at the Meeting are cast “FOR” that Proposal.

Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered “votes cast” and, therefore, do not constitute a vote “FOR” Proposals. Any abstentions or broker non-votes would effectively be treated as votes “AGAINST” Proposal 1 and Proposal 2. “Broker non-votes” are shares held by brokers or nominees, typically in “street name,” as to which proxies have been returned but (a) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and (b) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter. Please note that broker non-votes are not expected with respect to the matters to be voted on because brokers are required to receive instructions from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote in order to submit proxies.

Please note that even if shareholders of your Fund approve Proposal 1 and/or Proposal 2, it is possible that new management and subadvisory agreements for your Fund will not take effect. This is because the completion of the acquisition of Legg Mason by Franklin Templeton will not occur unless certain conditions are met. One of these conditions is that advisory clients of Legg Mason investment affiliates, which would include advisory clients that are not Funds, representing a specified percentage of Legg Mason revenue consent to the continuation of their advisory relationships after completion of the sale. If this does not take place, new management and subadvisory agreements will not take effect. On the other hand, the sale may take place even if shareholders of your Fund do not approve Proposal 1 and/or Proposal 2. If this should happen, your Fund’s manager and subadvisers would continue to provide services with respect to your Fund for a period of up to 150 days pursuant to

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interim management or subadvisory agreements. During the interim period the Board of your Fund will consider what additional actions to take, which could include continuing to solicit approval of new management or subadvisory agreements. The Board has approved interim management and subadvisory agreements to provide for maximum flexibility for your Fund’s future.

Adjournments and Postponements

In the absence of a quorum at the Meeting with respect to one or more proposals, or (even if a quorum is present) if sufficient votes in favor of one or more of the proposals in the proxy statement are not received by the time scheduled for the Meeting, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting after the date set for the original Meeting, with no other notice than announcement at the Meeting, to permit further solicitation of proxies with respect to such proposal. In addition, if, in the judgment of the persons named as proxies, it is advisable to defer action on a proposal, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting with respect to such proposal for a reasonable time. At the discretion of the chair, if a quorum is present with respect to a proposal to be considered at the Meeting, a vote may be taken on the proposal prior to such adjournment. Such vote will be considered final regardless of whether the Meeting is adjourned with respect to any other proposal. Any adjournment(s) with respect to a proposal will require the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of the Fund entitled to vote thereon present in person or represented by proxy at the session of the Meeting to be adjourned. The persons named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment those proxies which they are entitled to vote in favor of the proposal in question. They will vote against any such adjournment those proxies required to be voted against such proposal. Any proposals for which sufficient favorable votes have been received by the time of the Meeting may be acted upon and, if so, such action will be final regardless of whether the Meeting is adjourned to permit additional solicitation with respect to any other proposal. The Meeting for any Fund may be postponed prior to the Meeting. If we decide to hold the Meeting at a different time or in a different location, or partially or entirely by means of remote communication (i.e., a virtual meeting), we will announce any such updates by means of a press release, which will be posted on our website (http://www.leggmason.com/virtualproxyfundsmeeting). An announcement will also be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission via its EDGAR system. In the event of any inconsistency between this proxy statement and the Fund’s governing documents or applicable law, the Fund’s governing documents and applicable law will control.

PROPOSAL 1—TO APPROVE A NEW MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH YOUR FUND’S MANAGER

At the Meeting, you will be asked to approve a new management agreement between your Fund and Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”), the Fund’s investment adviser (a “New Management Agreement”).

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Introduction

Western Asset is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. Western Asset is referred to herein as the “Manager.”

You are being asked to approve a New Management Agreement for your Fund because your Fund’s current management agreement will terminate upon the sale of Legg Mason to Franklin Templeton. The sale, which will result in a “change of control” of Legg Mason, is described in more detail below.

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), requires that an advisory agreement of an investment company provide for automatic termination in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). A sale of a controlling block of an investment adviser’s “voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) generally is deemed to result in an assignment of the investment adviser’s advisory agreements. The consummation of the transaction described below will constitute a sale of a controlling block of voting securities of the Manager that will result in the automatic termination of the current management agreement between each Fund and the Manager (a “Current Management Agreement”).

If shareholders of your Fund approve the New Management Agreement prior to the consummation of the transaction, it will be effective upon the consummation of the transaction. In the event that the transaction is not consummated, the Manager will continue to serve as investment adviser of your Fund pursuant to the terms of the Current Management Agreement.

There will be no increase in management fee rates as a result of the New Management Agreement for your Fund. The Transaction is not expected to result in any diminution in the nature, extent, or quality of the services provided by the Manager to your Fund.

The date of the Current Management Agreement for your Fund, the date on which the Current Management Agreement was last approved by your Fund’s shareholders and the contractual investment management fee rates payable to the Manager as investment adviser to your Fund are set forth in Appendix D of this Joint Proxy Statement. Aggregate management fees paid to the Manager by your Fund during the last fiscal year are set forth in Appendix F of this Joint Proxy Statement. The date the Board last approved the continuation of the Current Management Agreement is set forth in Appendix D of this Joint Proxy Statement.

Description of the Transaction

Legg Mason is the parent company of your Fund’s Manager and subadvisers. In February, 2020, Legg Mason entered into a definitive agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”) with Franklin Templeton, under which Franklin Templeton will acquire Legg Mason. Under the terms of the Transaction Agreement, Franklin Templeton will pay, in cash at closing, $50.00 per share of Legg Mason common stock and will assume approximately $2 billion of Legg Mason’s outstanding debt (the

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“Transaction”). The total value of the Transaction is approximately $6.5 billion. Upon completion of the Transaction, your Fund’s Manager and the subadvisers will become wholly owned subsidiaries of Franklin Templeton.

Consummation of the Transaction is subject to certain terms and conditions, including, among others: (i) approval of the Transaction by Legg Mason shareholders; (ii) receipt of applicable regulatory approvals; and (iii) consent by advisory clients of Legg Mason investment affiliates representing a specified percentage of the revenue attributable to the assets under management for those clients to continue their advisory relationships with the Legg Mason investment affiliates following the consummation of the Transaction. This includes approval by shareholders of Funds having sufficient assets of new management and subadvisory agreements to replace those that will terminate automatically upon consummation of the Transaction, as described below. Subject to satisfaction or waiver of the terms and conditions, the Transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2020.

As part of the Transaction, Franklin Templeton will maintain the investment autonomy of the Legg Mason investment affiliates that manage the investments of your Funds, including Western Asset.

Upon consummation of the Transaction, Franklin Templeton will be one of the world’s largest independent, specialized global investment managers with a combined $1.5 trillion in assets under management (based on its and Legg Mason’s assets under management as of January 31, 2020). Assets under management are subject to fluctuation based on market conditions and other factors. The investment platform of the combined organization will be balanced between retail and institutional client assets under management. The combined organization will have greater scale, broader distribution capabilities and new opportunities to grow. Approval of the new management and subadvisory agreements will provide continuity of the investment program you selected through your investment in the Funds and allow the Funds’ operations to continue uninterrupted after the sale.

Information Concerning the Parties to the Transaction

Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a financial services holding company that provides asset management and financial services through its investment affiliates. Legg Mason’s investment affiliates, which include Brandywine Global, Clarion Partners, ClearBridge, Martin Currie, QS Investors, Royce Investment Partners and Western Asset, operate with investment independence and have specialized expertise across equity, fixed income, alternative and liquidity investments and markets around the globe. Legg Mason’s assets under management were approximately $806 billion as of January 31, 2020.

Franklin Templeton. Franklin Resources, Inc. (“FRI”), whose principal executive offices are at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403, is a global investment management organization operating, together with its subsidiaries, as

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Franklin Templeton. Through specialized teams, Franklin Templeton has expertise across all asset classes, including equity, fixed income, alternatives and custom multi-asset solutions. Franklin Templeton has more than 600 investment professionals, who are supported by Franklin Templeton’s integrated, worldwide team of risk management professionals and global trading desk network, and has employees in over 30 countries. The common stock of FRI is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BEN” and is included in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

Impact on the Investment Advisory Services Provided to Your Fund

The Transaction is not expected to result in any diminution in the nature, extent or quality of the services provided by the Manager to your Fund and its shareholders. The Transaction also is not expected to result in any diminution in the nature, extent or quality of the services provided by the subadvisers to your Fund and its shareholders.

In particular, the Transaction is not expected to result in any material changes in the manner in which the Manager or the subadvisers provide investment management services to your Fund. The Transaction also is not expected to result in changes in the personnel providing portfolio management services to your Fund. Following the consummation of the Transaction, the Manager and the subadvisers will be able to draw upon the resources of the combined Franklin Templeton, which will be one of the world’s largest independent asset managers with a broad distribution footprint.

Comparison of New Management Agreement with Current Management Agreement

The terms of the New Management Agreement for your Fund are identical to the terms of your Fund’s Current Management Agreement, except for the dates of execution, effectiveness and termination. The contractual management fee rates to be paid by your Fund are identical under the applicable Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement.

Set forth below is a general description of the New Management Agreement and a comparison of its terms to those of the Current Management Agreement. Shareholders should refer to Appendix J-1 for a more detailed comparison of the terms of the New Management Agreement and their Fund’s Current Management Agreement, and Appendix J-2 for a copy of the form of New Management Agreement.

As noted above, the current agreements are titled “investment management agreements” but are referred to herein for convenience as “management agreements.” The terms of your Fund’s new agreement are identical to the terms of your Fund’s current agreement, except for the dates of execution, effectiveness and termination.

Fees. As noted above, the contractual management fee rates to be paid by your Fund and the method of calculation are identical under the applicable Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement. The management fee

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payable by your Fund under both the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement is set forth in Appendix D.

Investment Management Services. Each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement provides that, subject to the supervision of the Fund’s Board, the Manager regularly provides the Fund with investment research, advice, management and supervision, and furnishes a continuous investment program for the Fund consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Manager determines from time to time what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold by the Fund and implements those decisions, all subject to the provisions of the Fund’s governing documents, the 1940 Act, the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, other applicable federal and state law and any specific policies adopted by the Fund’s Board and disclosed to the Manager.

As noted above, under each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement, the Fund’s Manager is authorized to place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. Subject to any policies and procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board that may modify or restrict the Manager’s authority regarding the execution of the Fund’s portfolio transactions, brokers or dealers may be selected by the Manager who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) to the Funds and/or the other accounts over which the Manager or its affiliates exercise investment discretion, a practice commonly referred to as “soft dollars.” The Manager is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for a Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission or spread another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Manager determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed either in terms of that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities that the Manager and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. Each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement states that, except to the extent it may be permitted to pay higher brokerage commissions for brokerage and research services as described above, the Fund’s Manager shall seek to obtain the most favorable price and execution available. In doing so, the Manager may consider all factors it deems relevant.

Each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement provides that the Manager will perform other functions of investment management and supervision, in each case subject to the discretion of the Fund’s Board.

Under each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement, the Manager is also required to supply the Fund’s Board and officers with

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all information and reports reasonably requested by them and reasonably available to the Manager.

Payment of Expenses. Each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement states that, except as specifically indicated therein, the Manager is not responsible for any of the Fund’s ordinary or extraordinary expenses. The Manager is required to bear all expenses, and furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel, in connection with its responsibilities to provide the Fund with investment advisory and administrative services thereunder.

Investment Subadvisers. Each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement authorizes the Manager or the Fund to enter into contracts with investment subadvisers.

Potential Conflicts of Interest. Each Fund and its Manager have adopted policies and procedures to address certain potential conflicts of interest that may arise in a typical investment advisory relationship. If transactions of a Fund and another client are combined, as permitted by applicable laws and regulations, such transactions must be consistent with the Manager’s policies and procedures as presented to the Fund’s Board from time to time. Each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement specifically provides that the Manager may engage in any other business or render services of any kind.

Limitation on Liability. Under each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement, the Manager is not liable for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for a Fund. A Manager is not protected, however, for willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.

Term and Continuance. If approved by shareholders prior to the consummation of the Transaction, the Fund’s New Management Agreement will go into effect upon the consummation of the Transaction for a two-year period. Thereafter, if not terminated, the New Management Agreement will continue in effect from year to year if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board, or (b) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board Members who are not interested persons of a party to the New Management Agreement, as required by the 1940 Act. The Current Management Agreements have similar provisions for their term and continuance, although the initial dates of the agreements differ and the initial two-year period has elapsed.

Termination. Each of the Current Management Agreement and the New Management Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Fund or the Manager, upon written notice as provided in the Agreement. Each Management Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). Each of the Current Management

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Agreement and New Management Agreement also limit the ongoing use of the name of the Manager following termination.

Possible Interim Management Agreement

If the shareholders of your Fund do not approve the New Management Agreement and the Transaction is completed, an interim investment management agreement between your Fund’s Manager and your Fund (the “Interim Management Agreement”) will take effect upon the closing of the Transaction. The Board has approved the Interim Management Agreement to allow the Fund’s Manager to continue providing services to the Fund while shareholder approval of the New Management Agreement continues to be sought. The terms of the Interim Management Agreement are identical to those of the Current Management Agreement, except for the term and escrow provisions described below. The Interim Management Agreement will continue in effect for a term ending on the earlier of 150 days from the closing of the Transaction (the “150-day period”) or when shareholders of your Fund approve the New Management Agreement. The Fund’s Board or a “1940 Act Majority Vote” of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund may terminate the Interim Management Agreement on 10 calendar days’ written notice to the Manager without the payment of any penalty. Pursuant to Rule 15a-4 under the 1940 Act, compensation earned by the Manager under the Interim Management Agreement will be held in an interest-bearing escrow account. If shareholders of your Fund approve the New Management Agreement prior to the end of the 150-day period, the amount held in the escrow account under the Interim Management Agreement will be paid to the Manager. If shareholders of your Fund do not approve the New Management Agreement prior to the end of the 150-day period, the Board of your Fund will consider what further action to take consistent with their fiduciary duties to the Fund, and the Manager will be paid the lesser of its costs incurred in performing its services under the Interim Management Agreement or the total amount of the escrow account, plus interest earned. Thereafter, the Board of your Fund would either negotiate a new investment advisory agreement with an advisory organization selected by the Board subject to shareholder approval, or make other appropriate arrangements.

Board Evaluation

At meetings held on May 14, 2020, the Board of each Fund, including a majority of the Board Members who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds or the Manager (the “Independent Board Members”), approved the New Management Agreement between the Fund and its Manager and each new subadvisory agreement (each a “New Subadvisory Agreement”) between the Fund’s Manager and its subadvisers, Western Asset Management Company Limited, Western Asset Management Company Ltd, and Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. (each a “Subadviser,” and collectively, the “Subadvisers”), relating to the

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Fund.¹ (The New Management Agreement for a Fund and the New Subadvisory Agreements for the Fund are referred to, collectively, as the “New Agreements,” the Current Management Agreement for a Fund and the Current Subadvisory Agreements for the Fund are referred to, collectively, as the “Current Agreements,” and the Manager and the Subadvisers for a Fund are referred to, collectively, as the “Advisers.”)

At these meetings, which included meetings of each full Board and separate meetings of the Independent Board Members of each Board, the Board of each Fund considered, among other things, whether it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its respective shareholders to approve the New Agreements, and the anticipated impacts of the Transaction on the Fund and its shareholders. To assist the Boards in their consideration of the New Agreements, Franklin Templeton provided materials and information about Franklin Templeton, including its financial condition and asset management capabilities and organization, and Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason provided materials and information about the proposed Transaction between Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton.

On May 6, 2020, the Independent Board Members met with representatives of Legg Mason to discuss the Transaction and the New Agreements. In addition, the Independent Board Members met separately, with the assistance of their independent legal counsel, to discuss and evaluate the information provided and to consider what additional information was desired.

Before or during the May 14, 2020 meetings, the Boards sought additional information as they deemed necessary and appropriate. In this connection, the Independent Board Members worked with their independent legal counsel to prepare requests for additional information that were submitted to Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason. The Boards’ requests for information sought information relevant to the Boards’ consideration of the New Agreements and other anticipated impacts of the Transaction on the Funds and their shareholders. Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason provided documents and information in response to these requests for information. Following their review of this information, the Independent Board Members submitted supplemental due diligence requests for additional information to Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason. Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason provided further information in response to this supplemental diligence request, which the Boards reviewed. Senior management representatives from Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason participated in a portion of each of these meetings and addressed various questions raised by the Boards.

¹ This meeting was held telephonically in reliance on an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2020. Reliance on the exemptive order is necessary and appropriate due to circumstances related to current or potential effects of COVID-19. All Board Members participating in the telephonic meeting were able to hear each other simultaneously during the meeting. Reliance on the exemptive order requires Board Members, including a majority of the Independent Board Members, to ratify actions taken pursuant to the exemptive order by vote cast at the next in-person meeting.

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At each Board’s May 14, 2020 meeting, representatives of Legg Mason (including representatives of Western Asset) and Franklin Templeton made presentations to, and responded to questions from, the Board. After the presentations and after reviewing the written materials provided, the Independent Board Members met in executive session with their counsel to consider the New Agreements.

Each Board’s evaluation of the New Agreements reflected the information provided specifically in connection with its review of the New Agreements, as well as, where relevant, information that was previously furnished to the Boards in connection with the most recent renewal of the Current Agreements at in-person meetings and at other Board meetings throughout the prior year.

Among other things, the Board Members considered:

(i) the reputation, experience, financial strength and resources of Franklin Templeton and its investment advisory subsidiaries;

(ii) that Franklin Templeton has informed the Boards that it intends to maintain the investment autonomy of the Legg Mason investment advisory subsidiaries;

(iii) that Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason have informed the Boards that, following the Transaction, there is not expected to be any diminution in the nature, quality and extent of services provided to the Funds and their shareholders by the Advisers, including compliance and other non-advisory services, and have represented that there are not expected to be any changes in the portfolio management personnel managing the Funds as a result of the Transaction;

(iv) that Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason have informed the Boards regarding transition plans, including Legg Mason’s provision of retention incentives for certain Legg Mason corporate personnel until the transaction closes, and Franklin Templeton’s provision of long-term retention mechanisms for certain personnel following the closing;

(v) that there are not expected to be any changes to each Fund’s custodian or other service providers as a result of the Transaction;

(vi) that Franklin Templeton does not expect to propose any changes to the investment objectives of either Fund or any changes to the principal investment strategies of either Fund as a result of the Transaction;

(vii) the potential benefits to Fund shareholders from being part of a combined fund family with Franklin Templeton-sponsored funds and access to a broader array of investment opportunities;

(viii) that Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason will each derive benefits from the Transaction and that, as a result, they have a financial interest in the matters that were being considered;

(ix) the fact that each Fund’s contractual management and administrative fee rates will remain the same and will not increase by virtue of the New Agreements;

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(x) the terms and conditions of the New Agreements, including that each New Agreement is identical to its corresponding Current Agreement except for their respective dates of execution, effectiveness and termination;

(xi) the support expressed by the current senior management team at Legg Mason for the Transaction and Legg Mason’s recommendation that the Boards approve the New Agreements;

(xii) that the Current Agreements are the product of multiple years of review and negotiation and information received and considered by the applicable Boards in the exercise of their business judgment during those years, and that within the past year the Board of each Fund had performed a full review of and approved the Current Agreements as required by the 1940 Act and had determined in the exercise of the Board Members’ business judgment that each applicable Adviser had the capabilities, resources and personnel necessary to provide the services provided to each Fund, and that the management and subadvisory fees paid by or in respect of the Fund represented reasonable compensation to the applicable Adviser in light of the services provided, the costs to the Adviser of providing those services, the fees and other expenses paid by similar funds, and such other matters as the Board Members considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment, and represented an appropriate sharing between Fund shareholders and the Advisers of any economies of scale in the management of the Fund at current and anticipated asset levels (the date of each Board’s most recent full annual review of the Current Agreements is noted in Appendix D (Current Management Agreements) and Appendix E (Current Subadvisory Agreements));

(xiii) that the Current Agreements were considered and approved as recently as November 2019;

(xiv) that the Funds will not bear the costs of obtaining shareholder approval of the New Agreements, including proxy solicitation costs, legal fees and the costs of printing and mailing the proxy statement, regardless of whether the Transaction is consummated; and

(xv) that under the Transaction Agreement Franklin Templeton acknowledged that Legg Mason had entered into the Agreement in reliance upon the benefits and protections provided by Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act, and that, in furtherance of the foregoing, Franklin Templeton represented to the Board Members that it would conduct its business such that (a) for a period of not less than three years after the closing of the Transaction no more than 25% of the members of the Board shall be “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any investment adviser for a Fund, and (b) for a period of not less than two years after the closing, neither Franklin Templeton nor any of its affiliates shall impose an “unfair burden” (within the meaning of the 1940 Act, including any interpretations or no-action letters of the Securities and Exchange Commission) on the Fund as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or any express or implied terms, conditions or understandings applicable thereto.

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Certain of these considerations are discussed in more detail below.

In their deliberations, the Board Members considered information received in connection with the most recent approval or continuation of each Current Agreement in addition to information provided by Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason in connection with their evaluation of the terms and conditions of the New Agreements. In connection with the most recent approval or continuation of each Current Agreement, and in connection with their review of each New Agreement, the Board Members did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and each Board Member may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Board Members evaluated all information available to them on a Fund-by-Fund basis with respect to their consideration of the Current Agreements and the New Agreements, and their determinations were made separately in respect of each Fund.

The information provided and presentations made to each Board encompassed each Fund and all other Funds for which the Board has responsibility. The discussion below for each Fund covers both the advisory and the administrative functions rendered by the Manager for the Fund, both of which functions are encompassed by the New Management Agreement for the Fund, as well as the advisory functions rendered by the Subadvisers pursuant to the New Subadvisory Agreements for the Fund. The Independent Board Members of each Fund considered the New Management Agreement and the New Subadvisory Agreements separately in the course of their review. In doing so, they considered the respective roles and compensation of the Manager and the Subadvisers in providing services to the Fund.

The Independent Board Members were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. Prior to voting, the Independent Board Members of each Fund received a memorandum from their independent legal counsel discussing the legal standards for their consideration of the New Agreements for the Fund. The Independent Board Members of each Fund reviewed the proposed approval of the New Agreements for the Fund on multiple occasions with their independent legal counsel in private sessions at which no representatives of Franklin Templeton, Legg Mason, or the Manager or Subadvisers for the Fund were present.

Nature, extent and quality of the services under the New Agreements

The Board of each Fund received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Manager and the Subadvisers under the Current Agreements. In evaluating the nature, quality and extent of the services to be provided by the Advisers under the New Agreements, the Board Members considered, among other things, the expected impact, if any, of the Transaction on the operations, facilities, organization and personnel of each Adviser, and that Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason have advised the Boards that, following the Transaction, there is not expected to be any diminution in the nature, quality and extent of services provided to the Funds and their shareholders by the Advisers, including compliance and other non-advisory services, and that there are not expected

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to be any changes in portfolio management personnel as a result of the Transaction. The Board has received information at regular meetings throughout the past year related to the services rendered by the Manager in its management of the Fund’s affairs and the Manager’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers. The Board’s evaluation of the services provided by the Manager and the Subadvisers took into account the Board Members’ knowledge gained as Board Members of other Funds in the Legg Mason fund complex, including knowledge gained regarding the scope and quality of the investment management and other capabilities of the Manager and the Subadvisers, and the quality of the Manager’s administrative and other services. The Board considered that the scope of services provided by the Manager and the Subadvisers, and the undertakings required of the Manager and Subadvisers in connection with those services, including maintaining and monitoring their own and the Fund’s compliance programs, liquidity management programs and cybersecurity programs, had expanded over time as a result of regulatory, market and other developments. The Board has received and reviewed on a regular basis information from the Manager and the Subadvisers regarding the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, and took that information into account in its evaluation of the New Agreements. The Board also considered the risks associated with the Fund borne by the Advisers and their affiliates (such as entrepreneurial, operational, reputational, litigation and regulatory risk), as well as the risk management processes of the Manager and Subadvisers.

The Board of each Fund considered information provided by Franklin Templeton regarding its business and operating structure, scale of operation, leadership and reputation, distribution capabilities, and financial condition.

The Board also reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the senior personnel of the Manager and the Subadvisers and the team of investment professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. The Board also considered the financial resources of Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton and the importance of having a Fund manager with, or with access to, significant organizational and financial resources. The Board considered the benefits to the Fund of being part of a larger combined organization with greater financial resources following the Transaction, particularly during periods of market disruptions and volatility.

The Board also considered the policies and practices of the Manager and the Subadvisers regarding the selection of brokers and dealers and the execution of portfolio transactions for the Fund.

The Board received performance information for the Fund, as well as for a group of funds (the “Performance Universe”). The Board was provided with a description of the methodology used to determine the similarity of the Fund with the funds included in the Performance Universe. As in previous reviews, while the Board Members found the data generally useful the Board Members recognized its limitations, including that the data may vary depending on the end date selected and that the results of the

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performance comparisons may vary depending on the selection of the peer group and its composition over time. It was also noted that the Board has received and discussed with management information throughout the year at periodic intervals comparing the Fund’s performance against its benchmark and against the Fund’s peers. In addition, the Board considered the Fund’s performance in light of overall financial market conditions. Where the Fund’s relative underperformance to its peers was significant during one or more specified periods, the Board noted the explanations from the Advisers concerning the Fund’s relative performance versus the peer group for the various periods.

Based on their review of the materials provided and the assurances received from Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason, the Board Members determined that the Transaction was not expected to affect adversely the nature, extent and quality of services provided by each Adviser and that the Transaction was not expected to have an adverse effect on the ability of the Advisers to provide those services, and the Board of each Fund concluded that, overall, the nature, extent and quality of services expected to be provided, including performance, under the New Agreements for the Fund were sufficient for approval.

Management fees and expense ratios

The Board considered that it had reviewed each Fund’s management fee and total expense ratio at the 2019 contract renewal meetings. The Board considered that the New Management Agreement does not change any Fund’s management fee rate or the computation method for calculating such fees.

The Board of each Fund reviewed and considered the contractual management fee and the actual management fees paid by the Fund to the Manager in light of the nature, extent and quality of the management and subadvisory services to be provided by the Manager and the Subadvisers. The Board also noted that the compensation paid to the Subadvisers is the responsibility and expense of the Manager, not the Fund. In addition, the Board received and considered information comparing the contractual management fee and the actual management fee for the Fund, as well as the total actual expenses for the Fund, with those of funds in both the relevant expense group and a broader group of funds. As in previous reviews, while the Board Members found the data generally useful the Board Members recognized its limitations, including that the data may vary depending on the selection of the peer group. The Board also considered the management fee, the fees of each Subadviser and the portion of the management fee retained by the Manager after payment of the subadvisory fees, in each case in light of the services rendered for those amounts. The Board also received an analysis of Legg Mason complex-wide management fees for Funds with a similar strategy provided by the Manager, which, among other things, set out a framework of fees based on asset classes.

The Board of each Fund reviewed information regarding fees charged by the Manager and/or the Subadvisers to other U.S. clients investing primarily in an asset class similar to that of the Fund, including, where applicable, separate accounts. The

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Manager reviewed with the Board the differences in services provided to these different types of accounts, including that the Fund is provided with certain administrative services, office facilities, and Fund officers (including the Fund’s chief executive, chief financial and chief compliance officers), and that the Manager coordinates and oversees the provision of services to the Fund by other Fund service providers. The Board considered the fee comparisons in light of the differences in management of these different types of accounts and the differences in associated risks borne by the Advisers.

In evaluating the costs of the services to be provided by the Advisers under the New Agreements, the Board Members considered, among other things, whether management fees or other expenses would change as a result of the Transaction. Based on their review of the materials provided and the assurances they had received from Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason, the Board Members determined that the Transaction would not increase the total fees payable by the Fund for management services.

Taking all of the above into consideration, as well as the factors identified below, the Board of each Fund determined that the management fee and the subadvisory fees for the Fund were reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided to the Fund under the New Agreements.

Profitability and economies of scale

The Board received and considered an analysis of the profitability of the Manager and its affiliates in providing services to the Fund. The Board also received profitability information with respect to the Legg Mason fund complex as a whole. In addition, the Board received information with respect to the Manager’s allocation methodologies used in preparing this profitability data. It was noted that the allocation methodologies had been previously reviewed by an outside consultant. The profitability of the Manager and its affiliates was considered by the Board not excessive in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund.

The Board of each Fund received and considered information concerning whether the Advisers realize economies of scale as the Fund’s assets grow. In conjunction with their most recent or prior deliberations concerning the Current Agreements, the Board Members had determined that the total fees for management and administrative services for the Funds were reasonable in light of the services provided, and that any economies of scale were being shared appropriately.

The Board Members noted that Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason are expected to realize cost savings from the Transaction based on synergies of operations, as well as to benefit from possible growth of the Funds resulting from enhanced distribution capabilities. However, they noted that other factors could also affect profitability and potential economies of scale, and that it was not possible to predict with any degree of certainty how the Transaction would affect the Advisers’ profitability from their relationship with the Funds, nor to quantify at this time any

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possible future economies of scale. The Board Members noted they will have the opportunity to periodically re-examine such profitability and any economies of scale going forward.

Other benefits to the Advisers

The Board of each Fund considered other benefits received by the Manager, the Subadvisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund, including the opportunity to offer additional products and services to Fund shareholders. In light of the costs of providing investment management and other services to the Fund and the ongoing commitment of the Manager and the Subadvisers to the Fund, the Board considered that the ancillary benefits that the Manager, the Subadvisers and their affiliates received are reasonable. In evaluating the fall-out benefits to be received by the Advisers under the New Agreements, the Board Members considered whether the Transaction would have an impact on the fall-out benefits received by virtue of the Current Agreements.

The Board of each Fund considered that Franklin Templeton may derive reputational and other benefits from its ability to use the Legg Mason investment affiliates’ names in connection with operating and marketing the Funds. The Board of each Fund considered that the Transaction, if completed, would significantly increase Franklin Templeton’s assets under management and expand Franklin Templeton’s investment capabilities.

Conclusion

After consideration of the factors described above as well as other factors, and in the exercise of their business judgment, the Board Members of each Fund, including the Independent Board Members, concluded that the New Agreements for your Fund, including the fees payable thereunder, were fair and reasonable and that entering into the New Agreements for the Fund was in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders, and they voted to approve the New Agreements and to recommend that shareholders approve the New Agreements.

Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act

Section 15(f) provides a non-exclusive “safe harbor” for an investment company’s adviser or any affiliated persons of the adviser to receive any amount or benefit in connection with a change of control of the investment adviser as long as two conditions are met. First, during the three-year period immediately following the sale of such interest, at least 75% of the investment company’s board of directors/trustees must not be “interested persons” of the investment adviser (or predecessor investment adviser, if applicable) within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Second, there may not be imposed an “unfair burden” on the investment company as a result of the sale of such interest, or any express or implied terms, conditions or understandings applicable thereto. The term “unfair burden,” as defined in the 1940 Act, includes any arrangement during the two-year period after the transaction whereby the investment

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adviser (or predecessor or successor adviser), or any interested person of any such adviser, receives or is entitled to receive any compensation, directly or indirectly, from the investment company or its security holders (other than fees for bona fide investment advisory or other services), or from any person in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or other property to, from or on behalf of the investment company (other than ordinary fees for bona fide principal underwriting services).

The Boards have not been advised by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton of any circumstances arising from the Transaction that might result in the imposition of an “unfair burden” being imposed on the Fund. Moreover, Franklin Templeton has advised the Boards that Franklin Templeton will not take, nor cause its affiliates to take, any action that would have the effect of causing the conditions of Section 15(f) not to be met with respect to the Transaction.

Information about the Manager, the Subadvisers and Affiliated Service Providers

Manager and Subadvisers

Western Asset, established in 1971, has offices at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. Western Asset Management Company Limited (“Western Asset London”) was founded in 1984 and has offices at 10 Exchange Square, Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EN. Western Asset Management Company Ltd (“Western Asset Japan”) was founded in 1991 and has offices at 36F Shin-Marunouchi Building, 5-1 Marunouchi 1-Chome Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-6536, Japan. Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. (“Western Asset Singapore”) was established in 2000 and has offices at 1 George Street #23-01, Singapore 049145. Western Asset, Western Asset London, Western Asset Japan and Western Asset Singapore act as investment advisers to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. As of December 31, 2019, the total assets under management of Western Asset and its supervised affiliates, including Western Asset London, Western Asset Japan and Western Asset Singapore, were approximately $456.3 billion.

Affiliated Service Providers

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) is a registered investment adviser and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, provides administrative services to the Funds. LMPFA will continue to provide such services following the consummation of the Transaction.

Additional Information about the Manager, the Subadvisers and Affiliated Service Providers

The tables set forth in Appendix F show amounts the Funds paid to the Manager during the Funds’ most recently completed fiscal year. There were no other material payments by the Funds to Legg Mason, the Manager, the Subadvisers or any of their

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affiliates during that period. No Fund paid commissions to an affiliated broker for the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year.

The names and principal occupations of the directors and principal executive officers (or persons performing similar functions) of the Manager and the Subadvisers are as set forth in Appendix G-1. The principal address of each individual as it relates to his or her duties at the applicable Manager/Subadviser is the same as that of the Manager/Subadviser.

Each officer of the Funds is an employee of the Manager and/or a Subadviser as set forth in Appendix G-2. No Independent Board Member of a Fund owns any securities of, or has any other material direct or indirect interest in, Legg Mason, Franklin Templeton or any of their respective affiliates.

The Manager and the Subadvisers may provide investment advisory services to certain other funds that may have investment objectives and policies similar to those of the Funds. The table set forth in Appendix H lists other funds advised by the Manager or the Subadvisers, the net assets of those funds, and the management fees the Manager or the Subadvisers received from those funds during the fiscal years ended on the dates noted.

Required Vote

To become effective with respect to your Fund, the New Management Agreement with your Fund’s Manager must be approved by a “1940 Act Majority Vote” of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as such term is defined above in “Vote Required and Manner of Voting Proxies.”

Your Fund’s Board recommends that you vote “FOR” this proposal.