<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e) (2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12
ING Funds Trust
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
[ ] 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.
1. Amount Previously Paid:
2. Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
3. Filing Party:
4. Date Filed: ING Funds Trust
<PAGE>
ING Funds Trust
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(800) 992-0180
January 22, 2001
Dear Shareholder:
The Board of Trustees of the ING Funds Trust (the "Trust") has called a
Special Meeting of Shareholders of each operational series of the Trust (the
"Funds"), scheduled to be held at 1:00 p.m., local time, on February 22, 2001,
at 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258.
On September 1, 2000, ING Groep N.V., the indirect parent company of ING
Mutual Funds Management Co. LLC, the investment adviser to the Funds, acquired
ReliaStar Financial Corp., the indirect parent company of ING Pilgrim
Investments, Inc., the investment adviser to the Pilgrim Funds, a family of
registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds). As a result of this
acquisition, the ING Funds and the Pilgrim Funds are to be consolidated into a
single family of mutual funds. In order to provide uniformity across the Boards
of Directors/Trustees of all of the Pilgrim/ING Funds, the Board of Trustees of
the Trust has nominated a new slate of Trustees.
At the shareholder meeting, you will be asked to elect nine Trustees of the
Trust. In addition, you will be asked to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young
LLP as independent auditors for the Funds' current fiscal year.
In connection with the consolidation of the ING Funds and the Pilgrim Funds
into a single fund family, management of ING Funds and the Pilgrim Funds are
proposing the reorganization of a number of the ING Funds and the Pilgrim Funds
that they believe have similar or compatible investment policies. Shareholders
of each ING Fund which is proposed to be consolidated into a Pilgrim Fund will
receive a separate Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Proxy Card requesting their
vote on this matter. The Proxy Statement/Prospectus describes the proposed
reorganization and includes important information about the relevant Pilgrim
Fund.
Please note that the enclosed Proxy Statement and Proxy Card relate only to
the election of Trustees of the Trust and the ratification of the selection of
Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors. Your vote is important regardless of
the number of shares you own. To avoid the added cost of follow-up
solicitations and possible adjournments, please take a few minutes to read the
Proxy Statement and cast your vote. It is important that your vote be received
by no later than February 21, 2001.
We appreciate your participation and prompt response in this matter and
thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
/s/ Robert W. Stallings
President
<PAGE>
ING Funds Trust
ING Small Cap Growth Fund ING Tax Efficient Equity Fund
ING Mid Cap Growth Fund ING Intermediate Bond Fund
ING Large Cap Growth Fund ING High Yield Bond Fund
ING Focus Fund ING National Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
ING Growth & Income Fund ING Global Information Technology Fund
ING International Equity Fund ING Global Communications Fund
ING Global Brand Names Fund ING Internet Fund
ING Emerging Markets Equity Fund ING European Equity Fund
ING International Bond Fund ING Money Market Fund
(collectively, the "Funds")
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE
HELD ON FEBRUARY 22, 2001
To the Shareholders of the Funds:
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Funds (the "Meeting") will be held
on February 22, 2001 at 1:00 p.m., local time, at 7337 East Doubletree Ranch
Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 for the following purposes:
1. To elect nine Trustees of the Trust to serve until their successors
are elected and qualified;
2. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors
of the Funds for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2001; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournments thereof.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 26, 2000 are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. Your attention is called to
the accompanying Proxy Statement. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the
Meeting, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD so
that a quorum will be present and a maximum number of shares may be voted. If
you are present at the Meeting, you may change your vote, if desired, at that
time.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
/s/ James M. Hennessy, Secretary
Dated: January 22, 2001
<PAGE>
ING Funds Trust
(the "Trust")
ING Small Cap Growth Fund ING Tax Efficient Equity Fund
ING Mid Cap Growth Fund ING Intermediate Bond Fund
ING Large Cap Growth Fund ING High Yield Bond Fund
ING Focus Fund ING National Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
ING Growth & Income Fund ING Global Information Technology Fund
ING International Equity Fund ING Global Communications Fund
ING Global Brand Names Fund ING Internet Fund
ING Emerging Markets Equity Fund ING European Equity Fund
ING International Bond Fund ING Money Market Fund
(each a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds")
PROXY STATEMENT
Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on February 22, 2001
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Funds (the "Meeting") will be held
on February 22, 2001 at 1:00 p.m., local time, at 7337 East Doubletree Ranch
Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 for the following purposes:
1. To elect nine Trustees of the Trust to serve until their successors
are elected and qualified;
2. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors
of the Funds for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2001; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournments thereof.
Solicitation of Proxies
Solicitation of proxies is being made primarily by the mailing of this
Notice and Proxy Statement with its enclosures on or about January 22, 2001.
Shareholders of the Funds whose shares are held by nominees, such as brokers,
can vote their proxies by contacting their respective nominee. In addition to
the solicitation of proxies by mail, officers of the Trust and employees of ING
Mutual Funds Management Co. LLC and its affiliates, without additional
compensation, may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, telegraph,
facsimile, or oral communication.
A shareholder may revoke the accompanying proxy at any time prior to its
use by filing with the Trust a written revocation or duly executed proxy bearing
a later date. In addition, any shareholder who attends the Meeting in person
may vote by ballot at the Meeting, thereby canceling any proxy previously given.
The persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote as directed by the proxy,
but in the absence of voting
<PAGE>
directions in any proxy that is signed and returned, they intend to vote "FOR"
each of the proposals and may vote in their discretion with respect to other
matters not now known to the Board of Trustees of the Trust that may be
presented at the Meeting.
Shareholder Reports
The Trust will furnish, without charge, a copy of the Annual Report of the
Trust as of October 31, 2000 on request. Requests for such report should be
directed to the Trust at 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, Arizona
85258, or by calling (800) 992-0180.
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has nominated nine individuals (the
"Nominees") for election to the Board. Two of the Nominees, Mr. Blaine E. Rieke
and Mr. Richard A. Wedemeyer, currently serve as Trustees of the Trust.
Shareholders are being asked to elect the Nominees to serve as Trustees, each to
serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. Pertinent
information about each Nominee is set forth below. Each Nominee has consented
to serve as a Trustee if elected.
On September 1, 2000, ING Groep, N.V., the indirect parent company of ING
Mutual Funds Management Co. LLC, the investment adviser to the Funds (the
"Investment Manager"), acquired ReliaStar Financial Corp., the indirect parent
company of ING Pilgrim Investments, Inc., the investment adviser to the Pilgrim
Funds, a family of registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds). As
a result of the acquisition, the investment companies advised by the Investment
Manager (the "ING Funds") and the Pilgrim Funds are to be consolidated into a
single family of mutual funds. The Nominees are being nominated to provide
uniformity across the Boards of Directors/Trustees of all of the Pilgrim/ING
Funds. In evaluating the Nominees, the Trustees took into account their
background and experience, including their familiarity with the issues relating
to these types of funds and investments as well as their careers in business,
finance, marketing and other areas. The Trustees also considered the experience
of the Nominees as trustees or directors of certain of the Pilgrim Funds.
Information Regarding Nominees
Below are the names, ages, business experience during the past five years
and other directorships of the Nominees. An asterisk (*) has been placed next
to the name of each Nominee who is deemed an "interested person," as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"),
by virtue of that person's affiliation with the Trust or any of the Funds'
investment advisers or their affiliates. The mailing address of each Trustee is
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258.
Paul S. Doherty. (Age 66). President of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy,
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P.C., Attorneys. Mr. Doherty was formerly a Director of Tambrands,
2
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Inc. (1993 -1998). Mr. Doherty is also a director or trustee of each of the
Pilgrim Funds.
Alan L. Gosule. (Age 60). Partner of Clifford Chance Rogers & Wells LLP (since
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1991). Mr. Gosule is a Director of F.L. Putnam Investment Management Co., Inc,
Simpson Housing Limited Partnership, Home Properties of New York, Inc., and
Colonnade Partners. Mr. Gosule is also a director or trustee of each of the
Pilgrim Funds.
Walter H. May. (Age 64). Retired. Mr. May was formerly Managing Director and
-------------
Director of Marketing for Piper Jaffray, Inc. Mr. May is also a director or
trustee of each of the Pilgrim Funds.
* Thomas J. McInerney. (Age 44). General Manager and Chief Executive Officer
-------------------
of ING U.S. Worksite Financial Services (since December 2000). Mr. McInerney was
formerly President of Aetna Financial Services (August 1997 - December 2000),
head of National Accounts and Core Sales and Marketing for Aetna U.S. Healthcare
(April 1996 - March 1997), head of Corporate Strategies for Aetna Inc. (July
1995 - April 1996), and held a variety of line and corporate staff positions
since 1978. Mr. McInerney is a member of the Board National Commission on
Retirement Policy, the Governor's Council on Economics Competitiveness and
Technology of Connecticut, the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Business &
Industry Association, the Board of Trustees of The Bushnell, the Board for The
Connecticut Forum, and the Board of the MetroHartford Chamber of Commerce, and
is Chairman of Concerned Citizens for Effective Government. Effective February
26, 2001, Mr. McInerney will become a director or trustee of each of the Pilgrim
Funds.
Jock Patton. (Age 55). Private Investor. Mr. Patton is a Director of Hypercom
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Corporation (since January 1999), JDA Software Group, Inc. (since January 1999),
Buick of Scottsdale, Inc., National Airlines, Inc., BG Associates, Inc., BK
Entertainment, Inc., Arizona Rotorcraft, Inc. and Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Rainbow Multimedia Group, Inc. Mr. Patton was formerly Director of
Stuart Entertainment, Inc., Director of Artisoft, Inc. (August 1994 - July 1998)
and President and co-owner of StockVal, Inc. (April 1993 - June 1997). Mr.
Patton is also a director or trustee of each of the Pilgrim Funds.
David W.C. Putnam. (Age 61). President and Director of F.L. Putnam Securities
-----------------
Company, Inc. and affiliates. Mr. Putnam is Director of Anchor Investment
Trusts, the Principled Equity Market Trust, and Progressive Capital Accumulation
Trust. Mr. Putnam was formerly Director of Trust Realty Corp. and Bow Ridge
Mining Co. Mr. Putnam is also a director or trustee of each of the Pilgrim
Funds.
Blaine E. Rieke. (Age 67). General Partner of Huntington Partners (1997 -
---------------
present). Mr. Rieke was formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Firstar
Trust Company (1973 - 1996). Mr. Rieke is currently the Chairman of the
3
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Board and a trustee of each of the ING Funds. Effective February 26, 2001, Mr.
Rieke will also become a director or trustee of each of the Pilgrim Funds.
*John G. Turner. (Age 61). Trustee and Vice Chairman of ING Americas. Mr.
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Turner was formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ReliaStar Financial
Corp. and ReliaStar Life Insurance Co. (1993 - 2000), Chairman of ReliaStar
United Services Life Insurance Company and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of
New York (1995 - 2000), Chairman of Northern Life Insurance Company (1992 -
2000), and Chairman and Director/Trustee of the Northstar affiliated investment
companies (1993 - 2000). Mr. Turner was formerly Director of Northstar
Investment Management Corporation and affiliates (1993 - 1999). Mr. Turner is
also Chairman of each of the Pilgrim Funds.
Richard A. Wedemeyer. (Age 64). Vice President of The Channel Corporation
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(1996 - present). Mr. Wedemeyer was formerly Vice President of Performance
Advantage, Inc. (1992 - 1996), and Vice President, Operations and
Administration, of Jim Henson Productions (1979 - 1997). Mr. Wedemeyer is a
trustee of the First Choice Funds. Mr. Wedemeyer is a trustee of each of the ING
Funds. Effective February 26, 2001, Mr. Wedemeyer will also become a director or
trustee of each of the Pilgrim Funds.
Committees
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has an Audit Committee whose function is
to meet with the independent auditors for the Trust to review the scope of the
Trust's audit, the Trust's financial statements and internal accounting
controls, and to meet with management concerning these matters, among other
things. The Audit Committee for the Trust currently consists of the following
members, each of whom is not considered an "interested person" as defined in the
Investment Company Act ("Independent Trustee"): Joseph N. Hankin, Jack D.
Rehm, Blaine E. Rieke and Richard A. Wedemeyer. During the year ended October
31, 2000, the Audit Committee met two times.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has a Nominating Committee for the
purpose of considering candidates to fill Independent Trustee vacancies on the
Board and for the purpose of considering the compensation of the Independent
Trustees. The Trust currently does not have a policy regarding whether the
Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders of the
Trust. The Nominating Committee for the Trust currently consists of the
following members, each of whom is an Independent Trustee: Joseph N. Hankin,
Jack D. Rehm, Blaine E. Rieke and Richard A. Wedemeyer. During the year ended
October 31, 2000, the Nominating Committee met one time.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has a Valuation Committee for the
purpose of considering valuation issues related to securities held by the Funds.
The Valuation Committee for the Trust currently consists of the following
members, each of whom is an Independent Trustee: Joseph N. Hankin, Jack D.
Rehm, Blaine E. Rieke and Richard A.
4
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Wedemeyer. During the year ended October 31, 2000, the Valuation Committee did
not meet.
Remuneration of Trustees and Officers
The Trust currently pays each Independent Trustee an annual retainer of
$10,000 and a fee of $1,667 for each Board meeting and Board committee meeting
of the Trust attended. The Chairman of the Board receives from the ING Fund
complex an additional $1,000 per meeting of the Board of the Trust and/or joint
meeting of the Boards of the Trust and the ING Variable Insurance Trust (the
"Insurance Trust"). Trustees are reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses
relating to attendance at such meetings.
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation payable by the
Trust and the total compensation payable by all other investment companies in
the ING Fund complex for which such person is a Board member (the number of
which is set forth in parentheses next to the Trustee's total compensation) to
each of the current Trustees of the Trust for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2000. Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Trust do not receive any
compensation from the Trust.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Pension or Retirement
Compensation from Benefits Accrued As Estimated Annual Total Compensation from Fund
Name of Person, Position Trust Part of Fund Expenses Benefits Upon Retirement Complex Paid to Trustees***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John Pileggi* $0 $0 $0 $0(2)
Former Chairman of the Board
and Trustee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph N. Hankin
Trustee $19,592.00 $0 $0 $27,929.01(2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack D. Rehm
Trustee $19,592.00 $0 $0 $27,929.01(2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blaine E. Rieke**
Chairman of the Board/Trustee $22,434.05 $0 $0 $31,192.09(2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard A. Wedemeyer
Trustee $17,925.00 $0 $0 $25,845.01(2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Mr. Pileggi resigned as Chairman of the Board and a Trustee of the Trust
effective September 15, 2000. Mr. Pileggi was deemed an interested person
because of his affiliation with the Investment Manager.
** Mr. Rieke was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Trust, effective
September 15, 2000.
*** Each Trustee also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Insurance Trust.
The Insurance Trust is composed of 8 separate series, only one of which has
commenced operations as of the date of this proxy statement.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2000, the Board of Trustees held
four regular and three special meetings. Each Trustee attended at least 75% of
the aggregated total number of meetings of the Board of Trustees and meetings
held by all committees of the Board on which he served.
It is expected that Mr. Hankin and Mr. Rehm will resign as Trustees of the
Trust, effective February 26, 2001. The Investment Manager has adopted a plan
pursuant to
5
<PAGE>
which the Investment Manager (and not the ING Funds) will compensate each of
these resigning Trustees, in an amount equal to two times the Trustee's annual
compensation, for their service on the Boards of each of the ING Funds since the
inception of the Funds.
Vote Required
A plurality of the shares of the Trust voting at the Meeting is required to
approve the election of each Nominee.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust, including the Independent Trustees,
recommends that shareholders of the Funds vote "FOR" each of the Nominees under
Proposal No. 1.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC AUDITORS
Shareholders of the Funds are being asked to ratify the selection of the
accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP to act as the independent auditors for the
Funds for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2001.
At a meeting of the Board held on November 16, 2000, the Board of Trustees
of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, as well as the
Trustees who are members of the Audit Committee, selected Ernst & Young LLP to
act as the independent auditors for the current fiscal year.
Ernst & Young LLP has advised the Trust that it is an independent auditing
firm and has no direct financial or material indirect financial interest in the
Trust. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are not expected to be at the
Meeting but have been given the opportunity to make a statement if they wish,
and will be available telephonically should any matter arise requiring their
participation.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Trust voting at the
Meeting is required to approve this Proposal No. 2.
The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees,
recommends that you vote "FOR" this Proposal No. 2.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Other Matters to Come Before the Meeting
Management of the Trust does not know of any matters to be presented at the
Meeting other than those described in this Proxy Statement. If other business
should properly come before the Meeting, the proxy holders will vote thereon in
accordance with their best judgment.
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Voting Rights
Each share of each class of a Fund is entitled to one vote. Shareholders
of each Fund at the close of business on December 26, 2000 (the "Record Date")
will be entitled to be present and to give voting instructions for the Funds at
the Meeting and any adjournments thereof with respect to their shares owned as
of the Record Date. As of the Record Date, the Funds had the following shares
outstanding:
Fund Shares Outstanding
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ING Small Cap Growth Fund 3,861,095.519
ING Mid Cap Growth Fund 3,187,587.164
ING Large Cap Growth Fund 6,884,028.944
ING Focus Fund 4,919,823.193
ING Growth & Income Fund 3,676,010.529
ING International Equity Fund 5,040,542.957
ING Global Brand Names Fund 4,976,583.986
ING Emerging Markets Equity Fund 1,144,202.435
ING International Bond Fund 2,818,892.504
ING Tax Efficient Equity Fund 4,982,212.611
ING Intermediate Bond Fund 3,945,025.866
ING High Yield Bond Fund 4,258,125.405
ING National Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 2,241,042.968
ING Global Information Technology Fund 9,027,708.089
ING Global Communications Fund 11,774,934.477
ING Internet Fund 11,414,557.737
ING European Equity Fund 2,919,898.054
ING Money Market Fund 484,358,635.121
One third of the outstanding shares of the Funds on the Record Date,
represented in person or by proxy, must be present to constitute a quorum.
If a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or if a quorum is present but
sufficient votes to approve either or both of the Proposals are not received,
the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting
to permit further solicitation of proxies. A shareholder vote may be taken on
one of the Proposals in this proxy statement prior to any adjournment if
sufficient votes have been received with respect to a Proposal. Any adjournment
will require the affirmative vote of a majority of those shares represented at
the Meeting in person or by proxy. The persons named in the enclosed proxies
will vote in favor of such adjournment those proxies which they are
7
<PAGE>
entitled to vote in favor of any Proposal that has not been adopted, will vote
against any adjournments those proxies required to be voted against any Proposal
that has not been adopted, and will not vote any proxies that direct them to
abstain from voting on such Proposals.
The Trust expects that, before the Meeting, broker-dealer firms holding
shares of the Funds in "street name" for their customers will request voting
instructions from their customers and beneficial owners. If these instructions
are not received by the date specified in the broker-dealer firms' proxy
solicitation materials, the Trust understands that the broker-dealers that are
members of the New York Stock Exchange may vote on the items to be considered at
the Meeting on behalf of their customers and beneficial owners under rules of
the New York Stock Exchange.
If a shareholder abstains from voting as to any matter, or if a broker
returns a "non-vote" proxy, indicating a lack of authority to vote on a matter,
then the shares represented by such abstention or non-vote will be considered to
be present at the Meeting for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum.
However, abstentions and broker non-votes will be disregarded in determining the
"votes cast" on an issue. For this reason, with respect to matters requiring
the affirmative vote of a majority of the total shares outstanding, an
abstention or broker non-vote will have the effect of a vote against such
matters.
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of December 26, 2000, no current Trustee
of the Trust owned 1% or more of the outstanding shares of any Fund, and the
officers and Trustees of the Trust owned, as a group, less than 1% of the shares
of each Fund.
As of December 26, 2000, ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("ING") owns
71.79% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING Small Cap Growth Fund,
72.82% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING Mid Cap Growth Fund,
32.51% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING Large Cap Growth Fund,
50.18% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING Focus Fund, 44.00% of the
outstanding voting securities of the ING Growth & Income Fund, 55.27% of the
outstanding voting securities of the ING International Equity Fund, 44.21% of
the outstanding voting securities of the ING Global Brand Names Fund, 87.40% of
the outstanding voting securities of the ING Emerging Markets Equity Fund,
93.11% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING International Bond Fund,
50.51% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING Tax Efficient Equity
Fund, 68.68% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING Intermediate Bond
Fund, 66.84% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING High Yield Bond
Fund, 94.00% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING National Tax-Exempt
Bond Fund, 26.29% of the outstanding voting securities of the ING Global
Information Technology Fund, and 87.25% of the outstanding voting securities of
the ING European Equity Fund. ING therefore controls each of these Funds and ING
intends to vote in favor of each proposal.
Appendix A to this proxy statement lists the persons that, to the knowledge
of the Trust, owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding
shares of any class of a Fund as of December 26, 2000.
8
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Expenses
The Investment Manager or one of its affiliates will pay the expenses of
the Funds in connection with this Notice and Proxy Statement and the Meeting,
including the printing, mailing, solicitation and vote tabulation expenses,
legal fees, and out of pocket expenses. The Funds will not bear the expenses of
the Proxy Statement.
Adviser, Sub-Advisers and Principal Underwriter
The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of ING Groep
N.V. and is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Investment Manager supervises all aspects of the Funds'
operations and provides investment advisory services, including engaging sub-
advisers and monitoring and evaluating the management of the assets of each Fund
by its sub-adviser. The address of the Investment Manager is 7337 East
Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale Arizona 85258.
The Investment Manager has engaged affiliated investment firms to act as
sub-advisers to each of the Funds, as indicated below. Each sub-adviser has
full investment discretion to make all determinations with respect to the
investment of their respective Funds assets and the purchase and sale of
portfolio securities, and other investments. Each sub-adviser is a wholly owned
subsidiary of the ING Groep, N.V. and is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND SUB-ADVISER
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
ING Small Cap Growth Fund* ING Pilgrim Investments, Inc.
ING Mid Cap Growth Fund Furman Selz Capital Management LLC
ING Large Cap Growth Fund Baring Asset Management, Inc.
ING Focus Fund Furman Selz Capital Management LCC
ING Growth & Income Fund ING Investment Management LLC
ING International Equity Fund Baring Asset Management, Inc./Baring
International Investment Limited/Baring Asset
Management (Asia) Limited
ING Global Brand Names Fund ING Investment Management Advisors B.V.
ING Emerging Markets Equity Fund Baring Asset Management, Inc./Baring
International Investment Limited/Baring Asset
Management (Asia) Limited
ING International Bond Fund Baring Asset Management, Inc./ Baring
International Investment Limited/Baring Asset
Management (Asia) Limited
ING European Equity Fund ING Investment Management Advisors B.V.
ING Tax Efficient Equity Fund Delta Asset Management
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
ING Intermediate Bond Fund ING Investment Management LLC
ING High Yield Bond Fund ING Investment Management LLC
ING National Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Furman Selz Capital Management LLC
ING Global Information Technology Fun ING Investment Management Advisors B.V.
ING Global Communications Fund ING Investment Management Advisors B.V.
ING Internet Fund ING Investment Management Advisors B.V.
ING Money Market Fund ING Investment Management LLC
* Prior to December 1, 2000, Furman Selz Capital Management LLC acted as sub-
adviser to the ING Small Cap Growth Fund. Prior to October 31, 1999, Baring
Asset Management, Inc. acted as sub-adviser to the ING Small Cap Growth Fund.
Baring Asset Management Inc. ("BAMI") serves as sub-adviser to the ING
Large Cap Growth Fund and as co-sub-adviser, with Baring International
Investment Limited ("BIIL") and Baring Asset Management (Asia) Limited ("BAW"),
to the ING International Equity Fund, the ING Emerging Markets Equity Fund and
the ING International Bond Fund. BAMI is located at 125 High Street, Boston, MA
02110. BIIL is located at 155 Bishopsgate, London, England EC2M 3XY. BAML is
located at 19/F Edinburgh Tower, The Landmark, 15 Queens Road, Central, Hong
Kong. BAMI, BIIL and BAML, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baring Asset
Management Holdings Limited ("BAMHL").
ING Investment Management LLC ("IIM") serves as sub-adviser to the ING
Growth and Income Fund, ING Intermediate Bond Fund, ING High Yield Bond Fund and
ING Money Market Fund. IIM is located at 5780 Powers Ferry Road, N.W., Suite
300, Atlanta, GA 30327.
ING Investment Management Advisors B.V. ("IIMA") serves as sub-adviser to
the ING Global Brand Names Fund, the ING European Equity Fund, the ING Global
Information Technology Fund, the ING Internet Fund, and the ING Global
Communications Fund. IIMA is located at Schenkkade 65, 2595 AS The Hague, The
Netherlands.
Furman Selz Capital Management LLC ("FSCM") serves as sub-adviser to the
ING Mid Cap Growth Fund, the ING Focus Fund and the ING National Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund. FSCM is located at 230 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10169.
Delta Asset Management ("Delta") is a division of FSCM. Delta, through FSCM
serves as sub-adviser to the ING Tax Efficient Equity Fund. Delta is located at
333 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071
10
<PAGE>
ING Pilgrim Investments, Inc. ("IPI") serves as sub-adviser to the ING
Small Cap Growth Fund. IPI is located at 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road,
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258.
The principal underwriter of the Funds' shares is ING Pilgrim Securities,
Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager. The address
of the Distributor is 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, Arizona
85258.
Executive Officers of the Trust
Officers of the Trust are elected by the Board and hold office until they
resign, are removed or are otherwise disqualified to serve. The principal
executive officers of the Trust, together with such person's position with the
Trust and principal occupation for the last five years, are listed on Appendix B
attached hereto.
Shareholder Proposals
The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and
currently does not intend to hold such meetings unless shareholder action is
required in accordance with the Investment Company Act. A shareholder proposal
to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement at any subsequent meeting
of shareholders must be submitted a reasonable time before the proxy statement
for that meeting is mailed. Whether a proposal is submitted in the proxy
statement will be determined in accordance with applicable federal and state
laws.
Prompt execution and return of the enclosed proxy is requested. A self-
addressed, postage-paid envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
/s/ James M. Hennessy, Secretary
January 22, 2001
11
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
As of December 26, 2000, to the knowledge of management, no person owned
beneficially or of record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of
the Funds, except as listed below. A Shareholder who owns 25% on more of the
outstanding shares of a Fund may be deemed a control person of the Fund under
federal securities law.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT
TYPE OF OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OF CLASS OF FUND
--------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ING ING American Insurance Holdings Inc. Record Holder 59.66% 50.18%
Focus Investment Accounts
Fund Attn: David Pendergrass
Class A 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30327
ING Carn & Co #02265101 Record Holder 22.99% 19.34%
Focus ING Savings Plan
Fund Attn: Mutual Funds - Star
Class A PO Box 96211
Washington, DC 20090
ING First Union Securities Inc FBO Record Holder 7.41% 0.87%
Focus Gary Oliver Trust, Acct #5946-6875
Fund 1004 Sand Hill Drive
Class B St. Albans, WV 25177
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 77.53% 44.00%
Growth & Investment Accounts
Income Attn: David S Pendergrass
Fund 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Class A Atlanta, GA 30327
ING State Street Bank & Trust Cust FBO Beneficial Owner 7.61% 0.23%
Growth & John M Murphy IRA
Income 871 Shawmut Ct NW
Fund Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Class C
ING State Street Bank & Trust Cust FBO Beneficial Owner 8.09% 0.24%
Growth & Robert R Wysocki IRA
Income 741 Sligh Blvd NE
Fund Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Class C
ING Dr Jonathon S Jahr & Record Holder 10.09% 0.30%
Growth & Dr JamieLynn M Hanam-Jahr JTWROS
Income 4036 Crondall Dr
Fund Sacramento, CA 95864
Class C
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 53.40% 32.51%
Large Investment Accounts
Cap Attn: David S Pendergrass
Growth 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Fund Atlanta, GA 30327
Class A
</TABLE>
A-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT
TYPE OF OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OF CLASS OF FUND
--------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ING Carn & Co #02265101 Record Holder 21.79% 13.26%
Large ING Savings Plan
Cap Attn: Mutual Funds - Star
Growth PO Box 96211
Fund Washington, DC 20090
Class A
ING Tribal Government Record Holder 77.62% 17.26%
Large Forest County Potawatomi Children
Cap PO Box 340
Growth Crandon, WI 54520
Fund
Class C
ING Baring North America 401k Plan Record Holder 60.40% 0.12%
Large Attn: Melinda B Dee
Cap 125 High St, Ste 2700
Growth Boston, MA 02110
Fund
Class I
ING Baring North America Pension Plan Record Holder 39.59% 0.08%
Large Attn: Melinda B Dee
Cap 125 High St, Ste 2700
Growth Boston, MA 02110
Fund
Class I
ING Mid ING American Insurance Holdings Inc. Record Holder 82.93% 72.82%
Cap Investment Accounts
Growth Attn: David Pendergrass
Fund 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Class A Atlanta, GA 30327
ING ING American Insurance Holdings Inc. Record Holder 84.80% 71.79%
Small Investment Accounts
Cap Attn: David Pendergrass
Growth 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Fund Atlanta, GA 30327
Class A
ING Tax ING American Insurance Holdings Inc. Record Holder 65.41% 50.51%
Efficient Investment Accounts
Class A Attn: David Pendergrass
5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30327
ING Tax Richard & Deloria Bradley Record Holder 12.56% 0.60%
Efficient Investment Copeland Rd
Class A Buckatunna, MS
ING ING American Insurance Holdings Inc. Record Holder 92.74% 87.40%
Emerging Investment Accounts
Markets Attn: David Pendergrass
Equity 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Fund Atlanta, GA 30327
Class A
ING Robert Baird & Co Inc FBO Beneficial Owner 9.78% 0.43%
Emerging Acct #6272-8958
Markets 777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Equity Milwaukee, WI 53202
Fund
Class B
</TABLE>
A-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT
TYPE OF OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OF CLASS OF FUND
--------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ING Robert Baird & Co Inc FBO Beneficial Owner 5.61% 0.25%
Emerging Acct #4208-3731
Markets 777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Equity Milwaukee, WI 53202
Fund
Class B
ING JB Oxford & Co FBO Record Holder 41.97% 1.84%
Emerging Immo-Invest-Anstalt, Acct #12436330
Markets 9665 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 302
Equity Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Fund
Class B
ING James & Janet Norris JTWROS Record Holder 10.31% 0.14%
Emerging 505 N 3rd Street
Markets Red Oak, IA 51566
Equity
Fund
Class C
ING First Clearing Corp FBO Record Holder 43.70% 0.61%
Emerging David Chisamore, Acct #4065-2847
Markets 4160 Suisun Vly, Ste E PMB 436
Equity Suisun, Ca 94585
Fund
Class C
ING Eric Tilenius Record Holder 19.03% 0.27%
Emerging 388 Beale St, Apt 808
Markets San Francisco, Ca 94105
Equity
Fund
Class C
ING Dennis & Judith Krumholz Record Holder 7.05% 0.10%
Emerging 228 Cedar Ave
Markets Morton, IL
Equity
Fund
Class C
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 93.57% 87.25%
European Investment Accounts
Equity Attn: David S Pendergrass
Fund 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Class A Atlanta, GA 30327
ING Janet Klipstein Record Holder 12.43% 0.06%
European 201 Countryview Dr
Equity Youngsville, LA
Fund
Class C
ING First Clearing Corp FBO Record Holder 10.99% 0.06%
European Stanley & Mary Rose Trust
Equity Acct# 7025-7775
Fund 3425 Cabrito Dr
Class C El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 72.37% 44.21%
Global Investment Accounts
Brand Attn: David S Pendergrass
Names 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Fund Atlanta, GA 30327
Class A
ING Tribal Government Record Holder 91.63% 22.72%
Global Forest County Potawatomi Children
Brand PO Box 340
Names Crandon, WI 54520
Fund
Class C
</TABLE>
A-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT
TYPE OF OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OF CLASS OF FUND
--------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 24.19% 13.10%
Global Investment Accounts
Communica- Attn: David S Pendergrass
tions 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Fund Atlanta, GA 30327
Class A
ING ING American Insurance Holdings Inc. Record Holder 42.71% 26.29%
Global Investment Accounts
Informati- Attn: David Pendergrass
on 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Technology Atlanta, GA 30327
Fund
Class A
ING Carn & Co #02265101 Record Holder 5.58% 3.43%
Global ING Savings Plan
Informati- Attn: Mutual Funds - Star
on PO Box 96211
Technology Washington, DC 20090
Fund
Class A
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 61.08% 55.27%
Internati- Investment Accounts
onal Attn: David S Pendergrass
Equity 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Fund Atlanta, GA 30327
Class A
ING Carn & Co #02265101 Record Holder 18.46% 16.71%
Internati- ING Savings Plan
onal Attn: Mutual Funds - Star
Equity PO Box 96211
Fund Washington, DC 20090
Class A
ING Strawser Inc 401K Savings & Record Holder 19.76% 0.79%
Internati- Retirement Plan
onal 1595 Frank Rd
Equity Columbus, OH 43223
Fund
Class C
ING Baring North America 401k Plan Record Holder 68.72% 0.02%
Internati- Attn: Melinda B Dee
onal 125 High St, Ste 2700
Equity Boston, MA 02110
Fund
Class I
ING Baring North America Pension Plan Record Holder 31.28% 0.01%
Internati- Attn: Melinda B Dee
onal 125 High St, Ste 2700
Equity Boston, MA 02110
Fund
Class I
ING High ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 79.86% 66.84%
Yield Investment Accounts
Fund Attn: David S Pendergrass
Class A 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30327
ING High Margaret Engstrom Ttee Record Holder 7.42% 0.89%
Yield Frederick Engstrom Rev Liv Trust
Fund 170 Brentwood Dr
Class B Dearborn, MI 48124
</TABLE>
A-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT
TYPE OF OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OF CLASS OF FUND
--------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ING High First Trust Corp Ttee FBO Beneficial Owner 5.46% 0.23%
Yield Natasha Bennett
Fund PO Box 173301
Class C Denver, CO 80217
ING High State Street Bank & Trust Cust FBO Beneficial Owner 8.21% 0.35%
Yield Robert R Wysocki IRA
Fund 741 Sligh Blvd NE
Class C Grand Rapids, MI 49505
ING High First Clearing Corp Ttee FBO Beneficial Owner 8.38% 0.36%
Yield Acct# 2015-7598
Fund 454 Gaviota
Class C Newport Beach, CA 92660
ING High First Clearing Corp FBO Beneficial Owner 7.26% 0.31%
Yield Kenneth Evory, Acct# 2685-2979
Fund 1017 Stratford Dr
Class C Encinitas, CA 92024
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 86.46% 68.68%
Intermedi- Investment Accounts
ate Bond Attn: David S Pendergrass
Fund 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Class A Atlanta, GA 30327
ING State Street Bank & Trust Cust FBO Beneficial Owner 5.00% 0.31%
Intermedi- James C Sheron IRA
ate Bond 739 Gilead Church Rd
Fund Glendale, KY 42740
Class B
ING Raymond James & Assoc FBO Beneficial Owner 7.53% 0.47%
Intermedi- Michael & Deborah Spaulding JTWROS
ate Bond 401 Park Meadow Court
Fund Beech Grove, IN 46107
Class B
ING Tribal Government Record Holder 9.64% 1.39%
Intermedi- Forest County Potawatomi
ate Bond PO Box 340
Fund Crandon, WI 54520
Class C
ING Tribal Government Record Holder 79.75% 11.47%
Intermedi- Forest County Potawatomi Children
ate Bond PO Box 340
Fund Crandon, WI 54520
Class C
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 97.35% 93.11%
Internati- Investment Accounts
onal Attn: David S Pendergrass
Bond Fund 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Class A Atlanta, GA 30327
ING State Street Bank & Trust Cust FBO Beneficial Owner 6.77% 0.28%
Internati- Gurbakhsh Kapur IRA
onal 18982 Harrison Ave
Bond Fund Livonia, MI 48152
Class B
</TABLE>
A-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT
TYPE OF OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OF CLASS OF FUND
--------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ING State Street Bank & Trust Cust FBO Beneficial Owner 9.09% 0.38%
Internati Sonja Wayman
onal 5305 Gallatin Pl
Bond Fund Boulder, CO 80303
Class B
ING Southwest Securities Inc FBO Beneficial Owner 5.59% 0.23%
Internati James F Berschback
onal PO Box 509002
Bond Fund Dallas, TX 75250
Class B
ING Bear Stearns Securities Corp FBO Beneficial Owner 6.71% 0.28%
Internati Acct #981-96255-19
onal 1 Metrotech Center North
Bond Fund Brooklyn, NY 11201
Class B
ING Jane F Hahn Record Holder 25.98% 0.05%
Internati 577 W 5th Avenue
onal Roselle, NJ 07203
Bond Fund
Class C
ING Laurelle C Muehling Record Holder 48.03% 0.09%
Internati 25 Ione Dr, unit B
onal South Elgin, 60177
Bond Fund
Class C
ING State Street Bank & Trust Cust FBO Beneficial Owner 6.66% 0.01%
Internati Norris L Flowers IRA
onal 8815 N Anita Ave
Bond Fund Kansas City, MO 64154
Class C
ING Christopher M Everett Trust Record Holder 14.22% 0.03%
Internati 4472 Hosner Road
onal Oxford, MI 48370
Bond Fund
Class C
ING Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc. FBO Beneficial Owner 5.39% 0.04%
Money Acct# 413-70459-12
Market PO Box 1476
Fund Baltimore, MD 21203
Class B
ING Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc. FBO Beneficial Owner 5.39% 0.04%
Money Acct# 413-05721-10
Market PO Box 1476
Fund Baltimore, MD 21203
Class B
ING Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc. FBO Beneficial Owner 5.01% 0.03%
Money Acct# 413-71315-14
Market PO Box 1476
Fund Baltimore, MD 21203
Class B
ING Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc. FBO Beneficial Owner 5.01% 0.03%
Money Acct# 413-70943-16
Market PO Box 1476
Fund Baltimore, MD 21203
Class B
ING Robert Baird & Co Inc FBO Beneficial Owner 5.19% 0.03%
Money Acct #8246-5862
Market 777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Fund Milwaukee, WI 53202
Class B
</TABLE>
A-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT
TYPE OF OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OF CLASS OF FUND
--------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ING First Clearing Corp FBO Beneficial Owner 6.32% 0.04%
Money James Godwin, Acct# 3216-9858
Market 10 Dunham Ln
Fund Houston, TX 77024
Class B
ING Pineview Mobile Home 401k Plan Record Holder 18.33% 0.09%
Money Employees of Pineview Mobile Homes
Market PO Box 319
Fund Waterville, ME 04903
Class C
ING Strawser Inc 401K Savings & Record Holder 6.82% 0.03%
Money Retirement Plan
Market 1595 Frank Rd
Fund Columbus, OH 43223
Class C
ING First Clearing Corp Cust FBO Beneficial Owner 13.13% 0.06%
Money Acct# 1896-7598
Market 39 Greenwood Bay Dr
Fund Tiburon, CA 94920
Class C
ING Louis Bluver Record Holder 8.91% 0.04%
Money 1901 Walnut St, Suite 19A
Market Thr Rittenhouse Plaza
Fund Philadelphia, PA 19103
Class C
ING Alexander David Begin Record Holder 8.91% 0.04%
Money 4055 Willoway Pl
Market Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Fund
Class C
ING Diane Gail Begin Record Holder 8.91% 0.04%
Money 4055 Willoway Pl
Market Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Fund
Class C
ING Alan Paul & Judi Sari Rosefielde Record Holder 6.69% 0.03%
Money 2135 Lake Ave
Market Miami, FL 33140
Fund
Class C
ING ING Investment Management FBO Beneficial Owner 100.00% 2.19%
Money Commercial Mortgage Escrow Funds
Market Attn: Matt Pearce
Fund 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Ste 300
Class I Atlanta, GA 30327
ING ING America Insurance Holdings Inc Record Holder 97.28% 94.00%
National Investment Accounts
Tax Attn: David S Pendergrass
Exempt 5780 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Bond Fund Atlanta, GA 30327
Class A
ING Ron & Kim Vansessen Ten Comm Record Holder 5.72% 0.11%
National 2402 Old Oak Dr
Tax Valparaiso, IN 46385
Exempt
Bond Fund
Class C
</TABLE>
A-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT
TYPE OF OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OF CLASS OF FUND
--------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ING First Clearing Corp FBO Beneficial Owner 9.32% 0.30%
National Jessie Lee Cain, Acct# 1900-0625
Tax 107 Willowend Dr
Exempt Houston, TX 77024
Bond Fund
Class C
ING Edwin & Regina Broderick Record Holder 46.51% 0.90%
National 1936 Chippewa Dr
Tax Wheaton, IL 60187
Exempt
Bond Fund
Class C
ING J Michael & Carmen Grimley Record Holder 17.29% 0.33%
National 2548 Royal Palm Way
Tax Weston, FL 33327
Exempt
Bond Fund
Class C
</TABLE>
A-8
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
The following persons currently are principal executive officers of the
Trust. The mailing address of each officer is 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road,
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258.
Robert W. Stallings (Age 51), Chief Executive Officer and President of the
-------------------
Trust. Director or Trustee of each of the Pilgrim Funds, and Chief Executive
Officer and President of each of the ING Funds. Formerly Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and President of ING Pilgrim Group, Inc. ("ING Pilgrim Group")
(December 1994 - December 2000); Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
of ING Lexington Management Corporation and Lexington Funds Distributor, Inc.
(July 2000 - December 2000); President and Chief Investment Officer, ING Pilgrim
Investments, Inc. ("ING Pilgrim Investments") (August 2000 - December 2000);
Chairman, ING Pilgrim Securities, Inc. ("ING Pilgrim Securities") (December 1994
- December 2000); and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ING
Pilgrim Capital Corporation, (formerly, Express America Holdings Corporation)
("ING Pilgrim Capital")(August 1991 - December 2000).
James M. Hennessy (Age 51), Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating
-----------------
Officer and Secretary of the Trust. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer (since June 2000) and Secretary (since April 1995), of ING
Pilgrim Capital, ING Pilgrim Group, ING Pilgrim Securities and ING Pilgrim
Investments. Senior Executive Vice President and Secretary of each of the ING
Funds and Pilgrim Funds. Formerly, Executive Vice President, ING Pilgrim Capital
and its affiliates (May 1998 - June 2000); and Senior Vice President, Pilgrim
Capital and its affiliates (April 1995 - April 1998).
Stanley D. Vyner (Age 50), Executive Vice President of the Trust. Executive
----------------
Vice President of most of the Pilgrim Funds and each of the ING Funds.
Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer Pilgrim Investments (August 1996
- August 2000).
Mary Lisanti (Age 44), Executive Vice President of the Trust. Executive Vice
------------
President of most of the Pilgrim Funds and each of the ING Funds. Formerly
Portfolio Manager, Strong Capital Management; and Managing Director and Head of
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Equity Strategies at Bankers Trust Corp. (1993 -
1996).
Michael J. Roland (Age 42), Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
-----------------
the Trust. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Pilgrim Group,
Pilgrim Investments and Pilgrim Securities (since June 1998); Senior Vice
President and Principal Financial Officer of each of the Pilgrim Funds; and
Senior Vice President of each of the ING Funds. He served in same capacity from
January, 1995 - April, 1997. Formerly, Chief Financial Officer of Endeavor Group
(April 1997 to June 1998).
B-1
<PAGE>
Robert S. Naka (Age 37), Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the
--------------
Trust. Senior Vice President, ING Pilgrim Investments (since November 1999) and
ING Pilgrim Group (since August 1999). Senior Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of each of the Pilgrim Funds and each of the ING Funds. Formerly Vice
President, ING Pilgrim Investments (April 1997 - October 1999), ING Pilgrim
Group (February 1997 - August 1999). Formerly Assistant Vice President, ING
Pilgrim Group (August 1995 - February 1997).
Robyn L. Ichilov (Age 33), Vice President of the Trust. Vice President (since
----------------
August 1997), Accounting Manager (since November 1995), ING Pilgrim Investments.
Vice President and Treasurer of most of the Pilgrim Funds and Vice President of
each of the ING Funds.
B-2
<PAGE>
PROXY
-----
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The undersigned hereby instructs Robert W. Stallings and James M. Hennessy
(Proxies) to vote the shares held by him at the Special Meeting of Shareholders
of ING Funds Trust (the "Meeting") to be held at 1:00 p.m., local time, on
February 22, 2001 at 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
and at any adjournment thereof, in the manner directed below with respect to the
matters referred to in the Proxy Statement for the Meeting, receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, and in the Proxies' discretion, upon such other matters as
may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Please vote, sign and date this voting instruction and return it in the enclosed
envelope.
These voting instructions will be voted as specified. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS
MADE, THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL PROPOSALS.
IN ORDER TO AVOID THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSE OF FURTHER SOLICITATION, WE STRONGLY
URGE YOU TO REVIEW, COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR BALLOT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. YOUR
VOTE IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN.
Please indicate your vote by an "X" in the appropriate box below.
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Against For all
For All All Except Abstain
1. To elect [] Trustees. [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Nominees: Paul S. Doherty Alan L. Gosule Walter H. May
Thomas J. McInerney Jock Patton David W.C. Putman
Blaine E. Rieke John G. Turner Richard A. Wedemeyer
</TABLE>
TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, MARK THE "FOR ALL
EXCEPT" BOX AND STRIKE THROUGH THAT NOMINEE'S NAME.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
For Against Abstain
2. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & [ ] [ ] [ ]
Young LLP as independent auditors for the
fiscal year ending October 31, 2001.
For Against Abstain
3. To transact such other business as may [ ] [ ] [ ]
properly come before the Meeting of
Shareholders or any adjournments thereof.
</TABLE>
1
<PAGE>
This proxy must be signed exactly as your name(s) appears hereon. If as an
attorney, executor, guardian or in some representative capacity or as an officer
of a corporation, please add titles as such. Joint owners must each sign.
----------------------- -------------------------
Signature Date
----------------------- -------------------------
Signature (if held jointly) Date
2
