WARBURG PINCUS US CORE EQUITY FUND INC
N-1A, 1998-08-05
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<PAGE>   1
            As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
                               on August 5, 1998

                          Securities Act File No. 333-
                      Investment Company Act File No. 811-

                     U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM N-1A
           REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933      [x]

                        Pre-Effective Amendment No.__                   [ ]

                       Post-Effective Amendment No.__                   [ ]

                                     and/or

             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT
                                   OF 1940                              [x]

                               Amendment No.__                          [ ]
                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)

                  Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Equity Fund, Inc.
                     .......................................
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

                              466 Lexington Avenue
                          New York, New York 10017-3147
            ........................................................
              (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

       Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 878-0600

                               Mr. Eugene P. Grace
                  Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Equity Fund, Inc.
                              466 Lexington Avenue
                          New York, New York 10017-3147
                     ......................................
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

                                    Copy to:
                             Rose F. DiMartino, Esq.
                            Willkie Farr & Gallagher
                               787 Seventh Avenue
                          New York, New York 10019-6099
<PAGE>   2
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the
effective date of this Registration Statement.

        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Proposed Maximum
     Title of Securities              Amount Being           Proposed Maximum              Aggregate                Amount of
      Being Registered                 Registered          Offering Price per Unit      Offering Price           Registration Fee
   ------------------------    ------------------------     ---------------------     -------------------       -------------------
<S>                            <C>                         <C>                        <C>                       <C>
   Shares of common
   stock, $.001 par value
   per share                       Indefinite*                 Indefinite*               Indefinite*                $None
</TABLE>

*        An indefinite number of shares of common stock of the Registrant is
         being registered by this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 24f-2
         under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

                  The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the
Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or
until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the
Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
<PAGE>   3
                  WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. CORE EQUITY FUND, INC.

                                    FORM N-1A

                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Part A
Item No.                                                                   Prospectus Heading
- --------                                                                   ------------------

<S>                                                                        <C>
1.       Cover Page....................................................    Cover Page

2.       Synopsis......................................................    The Funds' Expenses

3.       Condensed Financial Information...............................    Not applicable

4.       General Description of
           Registrant..................................................    Cover Page; Investment Objectives and
                                                                           Policies; Risk Factors and Special
                                                                           Considerations and Certain Investment
                                                                           Strategies; Investment Guidelines;
                                                                           General Information

5.       Management of the Fund........................................    Management of the Funds

6.       Capital Stock and Other
           Securities..................................................    General Information

7.       Purchase of Securities Being
           Offered.....................................................    How to Open an Account; How to
                                                                           Purchase Shares; Management of the
                                                                           Funds; Net Asset Value

8.       Redemption or Repurchase......................................    How to Redeem and Exchange Shares

9.       Pending Legal Proceedings.....................................    Not applicable
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Part B
Item No.

<S>                                                                        <C>
10.      Cover Page....................................................    Cover Page

11.      Table of Contents.............................................    Contents

12.      General Information and History...............................    Directors and Officers

13.      Investment Objectives
           and Policies................................................    Common Investment Objectives and
                                                                           Policies

14.      Management of the Registrant..................................    Directors and Officers

15.      Control Persons and Principal
           Holders of Securities.......................................    Directors and Officers; See
                                                                           Prospectus-- "Management of the Funds"

16.      Investment Advisory and
           Other Services..............................................    Investment Advisory and Servicing
                                                                           Arrangements; See Prospectus--
                                                                           "Management of the Funds"

17.      Brokerage Allocation
           and Other Practices.........................................    Common Investment Policies --
                                                                           Portfolio Transactions; See
                                                                           Prospectus-- "Portfolio Transactions
                                                                           and Turnover Rate"

18.      Capital Stock and Other
           Securities..................................................    Additional Information Concerning the
                                                                           Company Shares; See
                                                                           Prospectus-"General Information"

19.      Purchase, Redemption and Pricing
           of Securities Being Offered.................................    Purchase and Redemption Information;
                                                                           See
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
                                                                           Prospectus-"How to Open an
                                                                           Account," "How to Purchase Shares,"
                                                                           "How to Redeem and Exchange Shares,"
                                                                           "Net Asset Value"

20.      Tax Status....................................................    Taxes; See Prospectus--"Dividends,
                                                                           Distributions and Taxes"

21.      Underwriters..................................................    Common Investment Policies-- Portfolio
                                                                           Transactions; See Prospectus--
                                                                           "Management of the Funds"

22.      Calculation of Performance Data...............................    Performance and Yield Information

23.      Financial Statements..........................................    Financial Statements; Report of
                                                                           PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
                                                                           Independent Accountants
</TABLE>

Part C

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth after the appropriate
item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.
<PAGE>   6
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 5, 1998



                                   PROSPECTUS
                                September, 1998



                                 WARBURG PINCUS
                              U.S. CORE EQUITY FUND

                                 ---------------

                                 WARBURG PINCUS
                           U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME FUND



                           [WARBURG PINCUS FUNDS LOGO]



    INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
    REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
    OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
    BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
    THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
    SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
    UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF
    ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>   7
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 5, 1998

PROSPECTUS                                                    September   , 1998

Warburg Pincus Funds is a family of open-end mutual funds that offer investors a
variety of investment opportunities. Two funds are described in this Prospectus:

WARBURG PINCUS U.S. CORE EQUITY FUND seeks to provide long-term appreciation of
capital. The Fund will invest primarily in U.S. equity securities.

WARBURG PINCUS U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME FUND seeks to provide high total return.
The Fund will invest primarily in domestic fixed-income securities consistent
with comparable broad market fixed-income indices, such as the Lehman Brothers
Aggregate Bond Index.

BEA Associates ("BEA" or the "Adviser") serves as investment adviser to each of
the Funds.

NO LOAD CLASS OF COMMON SHARES

Common Shares that are "no load" are offered by this Prospectus (i) directly
from the Funds' distributor, Counsellors Securities Inc., and (ii) through
various brokerage firms including Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. Mutual Fund
OneSource(TM) Program; Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. FundsNetwork(TM)
Program; Jack White & Company, Inc.; and Waterhouse Securities, Inc.

LOW MINIMUM INVESTMENT

The minimum initial investment in each Fund is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent
investment is $250. The minimum initial investment for Individual Retirement
Accounts, Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act accounts and through the
Automatic Investment Plan is $1,000, and the minimum subsequent investment in
each of these is $100. See "How to Purchase Shares."

This Prospectus briefly sets forth certain information about the Funds that
investors should know before investing. Investors are advised to read this
Prospectus and retain it for future reference. Additional information about each
Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The
SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the Statement of
Additional Information, material incorporated by reference and other information
regarding the Funds. The Statement of Additional Information is available to
investors without charge by calling Warburg Pincus Funds at (800) 927-2874.
Information regarding the status of shareholder accounts may be obtained by
calling Warburg Pincus Funds at the same number. Warburg Pincus Funds maintains
a Web site at www.warburg.com. The Statement of Additional Information, as
amended or supplemented from time to time, bears the same date as this
Prospectus and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this
Prospectus.

SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY ANY BANK, AND SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
INVESTMENTS IN SHARES OF THE FUNDS INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE
POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.

  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
       EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
   UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
                         CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   8
THE FUNDS' EXPENSES

     Although authorized to offer three separate classes of shares (Common
Shares, Institutional Shares and Advisor Shares), each of the Warburg Pincus
U.S. Core Equity Fund ("U.S. Equity Fund") and Warburg Pincus U.S. Core Fixed
Income Fund ("U.S. Fixed Income Fund") (each, a "Fund") currently offers two
separate classes of shares: Common Shares and Institutional Shares. For a
description of Institutional Shares and Advisor Shares see "General
Information." 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          U.S. FIXED
                                                           U.S. EQUITY      INCOME
                                                               FUND          FUND
                                                           -----------    ----------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>
         Shareholder Transaction Expenses
           Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
           (as a percentage of offering price)                      0             0
         Annual Fund Operating Expenses
           (as a percentage of average net assets)
           Management Fees                                        .71%          .25%
           12b-1 Fees                                             .25%          .25%
           Other Expenses                                         .29%          .20%
                                                               ------        ------
           Total Fund Operating Expenses (after fee
             waivers and expense reimbursements)+                1.25%          .70%
                                                               ======        ======
         EXAMPLE
           You would pay the following expenses on a
           $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5% annual
           return and (2) redemption at the end of each
           time period:
            1 year                                                $13           $ 7
            3 years                                               $40           $22
</TABLE>

+    The Funds' investment adviser and Counsellors Funds Service, Inc., the
     Funds' co-administrator ("Counsellors Service"), have undertaken to limit
     Total Fund Operating Expenses of each of the Funds for the one-year period
     following the closing date of the reorganization of the relevant BEA Fund
     (as defined below) to the extent necessary for the net expense ratio of
     each Fund to be no higher than that of the corresponding series of The RBB
     Fund, Inc. (the "BEA Funds") for the thirty-day period ending on the
     closing date of the reorganization of such series. (For a description of
     the reorganization, see "General Information.") The resulting Total Fund
     Operating Expenses limit may be greater or less than the estimate shown
     above. There is no obligation to continue these waivers after that time.
     Absent such waivers and/or reimbursements, Management Fees for the U.S.
     Equity Fund and U.S. Fixed Income Fund would equal .75% and .375%,
     respectively; Other Expenses would equal .43% and .355%, respectively; and
     Total Fund Operating Expenses would equal .1.43% and .98%, respectively.
     Other Expenses for the Funds are based on annualized estimates of expenses
     for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1999, net of any fee waivers or
     expense reimbursements.

                                 ---------------

    The expense table shows the costs and expenses that an investor will bear
directly or indirectly as a Common Shareholder of each Fund. Certain
broker-dealers and financial institutions also may charge their clients fees in
connection with investments in a Fund's Common Shares, which fees are not
reflected in the table. The Example should not be considered a representation of
past or future expenses; actual Fund expenses may be greater or less than those
shown. Moreover, while the Example assumes a 5% annual return, each Fund's
actual performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%.
Long-term shareholders of each Fund may pay more than the economic equivalent of
the maximum sales charges permitted by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   9
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    Common Shares of each of the Funds had not been issued as of August 31, 1997
and, accordingly, no financial information is provided with respect to such
shares. Financial information with respect to Institutional Shares of the
corresponding series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "BEA Funds") are contained in
the BEA Funds' annual report, dated August 31, 1997. The report and the
semi-annual report for the period ended February 28, 1998 are incorporated by
reference in the Funds' Statements of Additional Information and may be obtained
without charge by calling the BEA Advisor Funds at (800) 401-2230.


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

    The investment objective of each Fund may not be changed without the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares (as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")). As with other
mutual funds, there can be no assurance that any Fund will achieve its
investment objective. Because of their different investment emphases, each Fund
should be considered as a specialized investment portfolio and not as a balanced
investment program by itself. The Statement of Additional Information contains a
more detailed description of various investments and investment techniques used
by the Funds.

U.S. EQUITY FUND

    The investment objective of the U.S. Equity Fund is to provide long-term
appreciation of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing,
under normal market conditions, at least 65% of its total assets in U.S. equity
securities. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, and
securities which are convertible into common stock and readily marketable
securities, such as rights and warrants, which derive their value from common
stock. The Fund may also purchase without limitation dollar-denominated American
Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") of foreign issuers and similar securities. For
defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in fixed income securities. The Fund
normally will not emphasize dividend or interest income in choosing securities,
unless BEA believes the income will contribute to the securities' appreciation
potential.

U.S. FIXED INCOME FUND

    The investment objective of the U.S. Fixed Income Fund is to provide high
total return. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing, under
normal market conditions, at least 65% of its total assets in domestic fixed
income securities consistent with comparable broad market fixed-income indices.
Debt securities may include, without limitation, bonds, debentures, notes,
equipment lease and trust certificates, mortgage-related securities of corporate
issuers, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets
in debt securities of foreign issuers, including emerging market debt. With
respect to 35% of the Fund's total assets, the Fund may also invest in other
securities, including, but not limited to, equity securities such as preferred
stock and equity-related securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund
will seek to maintain an average dollar-weighted credit rating comparable to the
AA rating of Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P"). Subject to this
condition, however, the Fund may invest in lower-rated debt securities. See
"Risk Factors and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities" below. The
Adviser estimates that the average weighted maturity of the Fund will range
between 5 and 15 years.

    Depending on prevailing market conditions, the Fund may purchase debt
securities at a discount from face value, which produces a yield greater than
the coupon rate. Conversely, if debt securities are purchased at a premium over
face value, the yield will be lower than the coupon rate. An increase in
interest rates will generally reduce the value of the fixed income investments
in the Fund and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of
those investments. Also, the value of such securities may be affected by changes
in real or perceived creditworthiness of the issuers.

PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

    TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. For defensive purposes or during temporary periods in
which BEA believes changes in economic, financial or political conditions make
it advisable, each Fund may reduce its holdings in other securities and invest
up to 100% of its assets in cash or certain short-term (less than twelve months
to maturity) and medium-term (not greater than five years to


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   10
maturity) interest-bearing instruments or deposits of United States and foreign
issuers. Such investments may include, but are not limited to, commercial paper,
certificates of deposit, variable or floating rate notes, bankers' acceptances,
time deposits, government securities and money-market deposit accounts. See
Statement of Additional Information, "Common Investment Policies -- Temporary
Investments." The Funds may also hold cash or cash equivalents pending
investment.

    RULE 144A SECURITIES. Rule 144A Securities (as defined below) are securities
which are restricted as to resale to the general public, but which may be resold
to qualified institutional buyers. Each Fund may invest in Rule 144A Securities
that BEA has determined are liquid pursuant to guidelines established by the
Fund's Board of Directors.

    BORROWING. Each Fund may borrow up to 33-1/3 percent of its total assets
without obtaining shareholder approval. The Funds intend to borrow or to engage
in reverse repurchase agreements or dollar roll transactions only for temporary
or emergency purposes with the exception of the U.S. Fixed Income Fund. See
Statement of Additional Information, "Common Investment Policies -- All Funds --
Reverse Repurchase Agreements" and " -- Borrowing."

    LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Each Fund may also lend its portfolio
securities to financial institutions against collateral consisting of cash, U.S.
Government securities or irrevocable bank letters of credit, which are equal at
all times to at least 102% of the value of the securities loaned (105% in the
case of foreign securities loaned). Such loans would involve risks of delay in
receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral
decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the
securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower
of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to
borrowers deemed by the Fund's investment adviser to be of good standing and
only when, in the Adviser's judgment, the income to be earned from the loans
justifies the attendant risks. Any loans of a Fund's securities will be fully
collateralized and marked to market daily. A Fund may not make loans in excess
of 50% of the value of its total assets immediately before such loans.

    INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. As a shareholder
of another investment company, each Fund would bear, along with other
shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses,
including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and
other expenses that a Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

    U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government in which each Fund may invest include direct obligations of the U.S.
Treasury and obligations issued by U.S. government agencies and
instrumentalities. Included among direct obligations of the United States are
Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds, which differ principally in
terms of their maturities. Treasury Bills have maturities of less than one year,
Treasury Notes have maturities of one to 10 years and Treasury Bonds generally
have maturities of greater than 10 years at the date of issuance. Included among
the obligations issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States
are: instruments that are supported by the full faith and credit of the United
States (such as certificates issued by the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA")); instruments that are supported by the right of the issuer
to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as securities of Federal Home Loan
Banks); and instruments that are supported by the credit of the instrumentality
(such as Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") bonds).

RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

     Investing in common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks is
subject to the inherent risk of fluctuations in the prices of such securities.
For certain additional risks related to each Fund's investments, see "Portfolio
Investments" and "Certain Investment Strategies."

    GENERAL. Among the factors that may be considered in deciding whether to
invest in a security are the issuer's financial resources, its sensitivity to
economic conditions and trends, its operating history and the ability of the
issuer's management. Bond prices generally vary inversely in relation to changes
in the level of interest rates, as well as in response to other market factors
and changes in the creditworthiness of the issuers of the securities. U.S.
Government Securities are considered to be of the highest credit quality
available. U.S. Government Securities, however, will be affected by general
changes in interest rates. The price volatility of a Fund's shares where the
Fund invests in intermediate maturity bonds will be substantially less than that
of long-term bonds. An intermediate maturity bond will generally have a lower
yield than that of a long-term bond. Longer-term


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   11
securities in which the Funds may invest generally offer a higher current yield
than is offered by shorter-term securities, but also generally involve greater
volatility of price and risk of capital than shorter-term securities.

    FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers involves
opportunities and risks that are different from investing in the securities of
U.S. issuers. The risks associated with investing in securities of non-U.S.
issuers are generally heightened for investments in securities of issuers in
emerging markets.

    Because foreign securities generally are denominated and pay dividends or
interest in foreign currencies, and the Funds may hold from time to time various
foreign currencies pending their investment in foreign securities or their
conversion into U.S. dollars, the value of the Funds' assets as measured in U.S.
dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in exchange rates.
In addition, investors should realize that the value of the Funds' investments
may be adversely affected by changes in political or social conditions,
diplomatic relations, confiscatory taxation, expropriation, limitation on the
removal of funds or assets, or imposition of (or change in) exchange control
regulations in those foreign nations. In addition, changes in government
administrations or economic or monetary policies in the U.S. or abroad could
result in appreciation or depreciation of portfolio securities and could
favorably or adversely affect the Funds' operations. Furthermore, the economies
of individual foreign nations may differ from that of the United States, whether
favorably or unfavorably, in areas such as growth of gross national product,
rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance
of payments position. Any foreign investments made by the Funds must be made in
compliance with U.S. and foreign currency restrictions and tax laws restricting
the amounts and types of foreign investments.

    In general, less information is publicly available with respect to certain
foreign issuers than is available with respect to U.S. companies. Most foreign
companies are also not subject to the uniform accounting and financial reporting
requirements applicable to issuers in the United States. The Funds' foreign
investments may be less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than
comparable investments in securities in U.S. companies. Expenses relating to
foreign investments are generally higher than those relating to domestic
securities. In addition, there is generally less government supervision and
regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and issuers in foreign countries
than in the United States.

     DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. Certain of the above risks may be involved with
American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and
International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs"), instruments that evidence ownership
in underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. ADRs, EDRs and IDRs
may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities whose
ownership they represent. ADRs are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company. EDRs (sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts) are
issued in Europe, and IDRs (sometimes referred to as Global Depositary Receipts)
are issued outside the United States, each typically by non-U.S. banks and trust
companies.

    FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The over the counter market in forward
foreign currency exchange contracts offers less protection against defaults by
the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments
traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the
counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Since these
contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the
contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the
benefits of a currency hedge or force a Fund to cover its purchase or sale
commitments, if any, at the current market price. A Fund will not enter into
forward foreign currency exchange contracts unless the credit quality of the
unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is
considered to be investment grade by BEA.

    Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of
time. They generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the
foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments in different
countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates and other complex
factors as seen from an international perspective. Currency exchange rates also
can be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or
central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political
developments in the United States or abroad. The foreign currency market offers
less protection against defaults in the forward trading of currencies than is
available when trading in currencies occurs on an exchange. Since a forward
currency contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default
on the contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits or force such Fund to
cover its commitments for purchase or resale, if any, at the current market
price.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   12
    EMERGING MARKETS. Investing in securities of issuers located in emerging
markets involves not only the risks described below with respect to investing in
foreign securities, but also other risks, including exposure to economic
structures that are generally less diverse and mature than, and to political
systems that can be expected to have less stability than, those of developed
countries. For example, many investments in emerging markets experienced
significant declines in value due to political and  currency volatility in
emerging market countries during the latter part of 1997. Other characteristics
of emerging markets that may affect investment there include certain national
policies that may restrict investment by foreigners in issuers or industries
deemed sensitive to relevant national interests and the absence of developed
legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property.
The typically small size of the markets for securities of issuers located in
emerging markets and the possibility of a low or nonexistent volume of trading
in those securities may also result in a lack of liquidity and in price
volatility of those securities.

    LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and
corporate debt within the economy has made the corporate sector, especially
cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or
increased interest rates. Because lower-rated debt securities involve issuers
with weaker credit fundamentals (such as debt-to-equity ratios, interest charge
coverage, earnings history and the like), an economic downturn, or increases in
interest rates, could severely disrupt the market for lower-rated debt
securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding debt securities and the
ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

    Lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") possess
speculative characteristics and are subject to greater market fluctuations and
risk of lost income and principal than higher-rated debt securities for a
variety of reasons. The markets for and prices of lower-rated debt securities
have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated
investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual
corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period
of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial
stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and
interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain
additional financing. If the issuer of a debt security owned by a Fund
defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses in seeking recovery with no
guaranty of recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes
can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of
lower-rated debt securities and a Fund's net asset value. Lower-rated debt
securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example,
lower-rated debt securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an
issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, a Fund
would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in
a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a lower-rated debt security's
value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of a
Fund's assets. If a Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, this may force
it to sell its lower-rated debt securities, without regard to their investment
merits, thereby decreasing the asset base upon which a Fund's expenses can be
spread and possibly reducing a Fund's rate of return.

    In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary
market, there may be thin trading of lower-rated debt securities, and this may
have an impact on BEA's ability to both value accurately lower-rated debt
securities and the Fund's assets, and to dispose of the debt securities. Adverse
publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity of lower-rated debt securities,
especially in a thinly traded market.

    FIXED INCOME SECURITIES. The value of the securities held by a Fund, and
thus the net asset value of the shares of a Fund, generally will vary inversely
in relation to changes in prevailing interest rates. Thus, if interest rates
have increased from the time a debt or other fixed income security was
purchased, such security, if sold, might be sold at a price less than its cost.
Conversely, if interest rates have declined from the time such a security was
purchased, such security, if sold, might be sold at a price greater than its
cost. Also, the value of such securities may be affected by changes in real or
perceived creditworthiness of the issuers. Thus, if creditworthiness is
enhanced, the price may rise. Conversely, if creditworthiness declines, the
price may decline. A Fund is not restricted to any maximum or minimum time to
maturity in purchasing portfolio securities, and the average maturity of the
Fund's assets will vary based upon BEA's assessment of economic and market
conditions.

    NON-PUBLICLY TRADED SECURITIES; RULE 144A SECURITIES. Each Fund may purchase
securities that are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), but that can be sold to "qualified institutional buyers"
in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A Securities").
A Rule 144A Security will be considered illiquid and therefore subject to each
Fund's limitation on the purchase of illiquid securities, unless the Fund's
Board determines on an ongoing basis that an adequate trading market exists for
the security. In addition to an adequate trading market, the Board will also
consider factors such as trading activity, availability of reliable price
information and other relevant information in determining whether a Rule 144A
Security is liquid. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing
the level of illiquidity in the Funds to the extent that qualified institutional
buyers become uninterested for a time in purchasing Rule 144A Securities. The
Board of each Fund will carefully monitor any investments by the Fund in Rule
144A Securities. The Boards may adopt guidelines and delegate to BEA the daily
function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of Rule 144A Securities,
although each Board will retain ultimate responsibility for any determination
regarding liquidity.

    Non-publicly traded securities (including Rule 144A Securities) may involve
a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial
losses. These securities may be less liquid than publicly traded securities, and
a Fund may take longer to liquidate these positions than would be the case for
publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately
negotiated transactions, the price realized from these sales could be less than
those originally paid by the Fund. Further,


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   13
companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the
disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable
if their securities were publicly traded. A Fund's investment in illiquid
securities is subject to the risk that should the Fund desire to sell any of
these securities when a ready buyer is not available at a price that is deemed
to be representative of their value, the value of the Fund's net assets could be
adversely affected.

    NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Each Fund is classified as a non-diversified
investment company under the 1940 Act, which means that each Fund is not limited
by the 1940 Act in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in the
obligations of a single issuer. Each Fund will, however, comply with
diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), for qualification as a regulated investment company. As a
non-diversified investment company, each Fund may invest a greater proportion of
its assets in the obligations of a small number of issuers and, as a result, may
be subject to greater risk with respect to portfolio securities. To the extent
that a Fund assumes large positions in the securities of a small number of
issuers, its return may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified
company as a result of changes in the financial condition or in the market's
assessment of the issuers.

    EMERGING GROWTH AND SMALLER CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES; UNSEASONED ISSUERS.
Investing in securities of companies with continuous operations of less than
three years ("unseasoned issuers") may involve greater risks since these
securities may have limited marketability and, thus, may be more volatile than
securities of larger, more established companies or the market in general.
Because such companies normally have fewer shares outstanding than larger
companies, it may be more difficult for a Fund to buy or sell significant
amounts of such shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. These
companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may
lack management depth. In addition, these companies are typically subject to a
greater degree of changes in earnings and business prospects than are larger,
more established companies. There is typically less publicly available
information concerning these companies than for larger, more established ones.
Although investing in securities of unseasoned issuers offers potential for
above-average returns if the companies are successful, the risk exists that the
companies will not succeed and the prices of the companies' shares could
significantly decline in value. Therefore, an investment in a Fund may involve a
greater degree of risk than an investment in other mutual funds that seek
capital appreciation by investing in more established, larger companies.

    YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE. Many services provided to a Fund and their
shareholders by BEA, Counsellors Securities Inc., the Funds' distributor
("Counsellors Securities"), certain of the latter's affiliates (collectively,
the "Service Providers") and the Funds' other service providers rely on the
functioning of their respective computer systems. Many computer systems cannot
distinguish the year 2000 from the year 1900, with resulting potential
difficulty in performing various calculations (the "Year 2000 Issue"). The Year
2000 Issue could potentially have an adverse impact on the handling of security
trades, the payment of interest and dividends, pricing, account services and
other Fund operations.

    The Service Providers recognize the importance of the Year 2000 Issue and
are taking appropriate steps necessary in preparation for the year 2000. At this
time, there can be no assurance that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any
adverse impact on the Funds nor can there be any assurance that the Year 2000
Issue will not have an adverse effect on the Funds' investments or on global
markets or economies, generally.

    The Service Providers anticipate that their systems and those of the Funds'
other service providers will be adapted in time for the year 2000. To further
this goal, the Service Providers have coordinated a plan to repair, adapt or
replace systems that are not year 2000 compliant, and are seeking to obtain
similar representations from the Funds' other major service providers. The
Service Providers will be monitoring the Year 2000 Issue in an effort to ensure
appropriate preparation.

    GENERAL. Investment methods described in this prospectus are among those
which the Funds have the power to utilize. Accordingly, reference to any
particular method or technique carries no implication that it will be utilized
or, if it is, that it will be successful.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND TURNOVER RATE

    A Fund will attempt to purchase securities with the intent of holding them
for investment but may purchase and sell portfolio securities whenever BEA
believes it to be in the best interests of the relevant Fund. BEA will effect
portfolio transactions in each Fund without regard to holding periods if, in its
judgment, such transactions are advisable in light of general market, economic
or


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   14
financial conditions. Portfolio turnover may vary greatly from year to year
as well as within a particular year. It is not possible to predict each Fund's
portfolio turnover rate. However, it is anticipated that, under normal market
conditions, each Fund's annual turnover rate should not exceed 100%. High
portfolio turnover rates (100% or more) may result in higher dealer mark-ups or
underwriting commissions as well as other transaction costs, including
correspondingly higher brokerage commissions. In addition, short-term gains
realized from portfolio turnover may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes -- Taxes" below and "Investment
Policies -- Portfolio Transactions" in the Statement of Additional Information.

    All orders for transactions in securities or options on behalf of a Fund are
placed by BEA with broker-dealers that it selects, including Counsellors
Securities and affiliates of Credit Suisse Group ("Credit Suisse"). A Fund may
utilize Counsellors Securities or affiliates of Credit Suisse in connection with
a purchase or sale of securities when BEA believes that the charge for the
transaction does not exceed usual and customary levels and when doing so is
consistent with guidelines adopted by the Board.

CERTAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

    FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The Funds may also enter into contracts to
purchase and sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts to seek to enhance
total return. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is a negotiated
agreement to exchange currency at a future time at a rate or rates that may be
higher or lower than those available on a "spot" (or cash) basis. A Fund may
enter into these contracts for purposes of increasing exposure to a foreign
currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country
to another. To the extent that such contracts are entered into to enhance total
return, they are considered speculative. If a Fund enters into such a contract
for any purpose, the Fund will be required to maintain cash or liquid assets in
an amount equal to the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the
consummation of the contract. The Funds will not invest more than 50% of their
respective total assets in such contracts for the purpose of enhancing total
return. There is no limit on the amount of assets that the Funds may invest in
such transactions for hedging purposes.

    MORTGAGE-RELATED PASS-THROUGHS AND DERIVATIVES. The Funds may invest in
mortgage-related securities. Purchasable mortgage-related securities are
represented by pools of mortgage loans assembled for sale to investors by
various governmental agencies such as GNMA and government-related organizations
such as FNMA and FHLMC, as well as by private issuers such as commercial
investment banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers and private
mortgage insurance companies. As with other interest-bearing securities, the
prices of such securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates.
However, though the value of a mortgage-related security may decline when
interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true because in periods of
declining interest rates, mortgages underlying securities are prone to
prepayment. For this and other reasons, a mortgage-related security's stated
maturity may be shortened by an unscheduled prepayment on underlying mortgages
and, therefore, it is not possible to predict accurately the security's return
to these Funds.

    Mortgage-related securities acquired by these Funds may include
collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") issued by FNMA, FHLMC or other U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities, as well as by private issuers. These
securities may be considered mortgage derivatives. CMOs provide an investor with
a specified interest in the cash flow of a pool of underlying mortgages or other
mortgage-related securities.

    ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Funds may purchase asset-backed securities,
which represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, a stream
of payments generated by particular assets, most often a pool of assets similar
to one another. Assets generating such payments will consist of such instruments
as motor vehicle installment purchase obligations, credit card receivables and
home equity loans.

    Asset-backed securities may involve certain risks arising primarily from the
nature of the underlying assets (i.e., credit card and automobile loan
receivables as opposed to real estate mortgages). For example, credit card
receivables are generally unsecured and may require the repossession of personal
property upon the default of the debtor which may be difficult or impracticable
in some cases. Asset-backed securities are considered an industry for industry
concentration purposes, and the Funds will therefore not purchase any
asset-backed securities which would cause 25% or more of a Fund's total assets
at the time of purchase to be invested in asset-backed securities.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   15
    CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note,
preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a
prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a
particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible
security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is
redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities
have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they
ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than
those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. The Funds will invest in
convertible securities without regard to their credit ratings. See "Risk Factors
and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities."

INVESTMENT GUIDELINES

    Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities with
contractual or other restrictions on resale and other instruments that are not
readily marketable ("illiquid securities"), including (i) securities issued as
part of a privately negotiated transaction between an issuer and one or more
purchasers; (ii) repurchase agreements with maturities greater than seven days;
(iii) time deposits maturing in more than seven calendar days; and (iv) certain
Rule 144A Securities. Each Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls for temporary or emergency purposes, such
as meeting redemption requests, provided that reverse repurchase agreements and
any other borrowing by the Fund may not exceed 33-1/3% of total assets, and may
pledge its assets to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings.
Whenever borrowings (including reverse repurchase agreements, dollars rolls and
borrowings from banks) exceed 5% of a Fund's assets, the Fund will not make any
investments (including roll-overs). Except for the limitations on borrowing and
the limitation on further investments when borrowings exceed 5% of Fund assets,
the investment guidelines set forth in this paragraph may be changed at any time
without shareholder consent by vote of the Board of each Fund, subject to the
limitations contained in the 1940 Act. A complete list of investment
restrictions that each Fund has adopted identifying additional restrictions that
cannot be changed without the approval of the majority of the Fund's outstanding
shares is contained in the Statement of Additional Information under "Investment
Limitations".

    Any investment policy or limitation which involves a maximum or minimum
percentage of securities shall not be considered to be violated unless an excess
over or a deficiency under the percentage occurs immediately after, and is
caused by, an acquisition or disposition of securities or utilization of assets
by a Fund.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

    INVESTMENT ADVISER. BEA serves as the Investment Adviser for each of the
Funds pursuant to investment advisory agreements (the "Advisory Agreements").
BEA is a general partnership organized under the laws of the State of New York
in December 1990 and, together with its predecessor firms, has been engaged in
the investment advisory business for over 60 years. BEA is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Credit Suisse and the U.S. arm of Credit Suisse Asset Management.
BEA is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended. BEA is a diversified investment adviser managing global
equity, fixed-income and derivative securities accounts for corporate pension
and profit-sharing plans, state pension funds, union funds, endowments and other
charitable institutions. As of June 30, 1998, BEA managed approximately $35.6
billion in assets. BEA currently acts as investment adviser for eleven other
investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, and acts as sub-adviser to
certain portfolios of thirteen other registered investment companies. BEA's
principal offices are located at One Citicorp Center, 153 East 53rd Street, New
York, New York 10022.

    For the advisory services provided and expenses assumed by BEA, the U.S.
Equity Fund and the U.S. Fixed Income Fund each pay BEA a fee computed at an
annual rate of .75%, and .375%, respectively, of the Fund's average net assets,
computed daily and payable quarterly. BEA and each Fund's co-administrators may,
at their discretion, from time to time agree to voluntarily waive all or any
portion of their fees and temporarily limit the expenses to be borne by the
Funds.

    The Advisory Agreements provide that BEA shall not be liable for any error
of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds in
connection with the matters to which the Advisory Agreements relate.


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   16
    PORTFOLIO MANAGERS. U.S. Equity Fund. The day-to day portfolio management of
the U.S. Equity Fund is the responsibility of the BEA Domestic Equity Management
Team. The Team consists of the following investment professionals: William W.
Priest, Jr. (Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of BEA), John B.
Hurford (Executive Director), Eric N. Remole (Managing Director), James A. Abate
(Senior Vice President), Marc Bothwell (Vice President) and Michael Welhoelter
(Vice President). Messrs. Priest and Hurford have, on an individual basis, been
engaged as investment professionals with BEA for more than twenty-five years.
Mr. Remole joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time he was managing director for
fourteen years at Citicorp Investment Management, Inc. (now Chancellor Capital
Management, Inc.). Mr. Abate joined BEA in 1995; previously, he was a managing
director for Vert Independent Capital Research. Prior to joining Vert, Mr. Abate
was a manager in Price Waterhouse's Valuation/Corporate Finance Group. Mr.
Bothwell joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time he was a vice president and
portfolio manager at Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc., where he was
involved in risk management and research on earnings and earnings surprise
modeling. Prior to 1994, he was a programmer and trader at Keane Dealer
Services, Inc. Mr. Welhoelter joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time he was a
portfolio manager and vice president at Chancellor LGT Asset Management, where
he developed risk management and portfolio construction strategies.

    U.S. Fixed Income Fund. The day-to-day portfolio management of the U.S.
Fixed Income Fund is the responsibility of the BEA Fixed Income Management Team.
The Team consists of the following investment professionals: Robert J. Moore
(Executive Director), William P. Sterling (Executive Director), Gregg Diliberto
(Managing Director), Robert Justich (Senior Vice President), Ira Edelblum
(Senior Vice President), Jo Ann Corkran (Senior Vice President) and Diane
Damskey (Vice President). Messrs. Moore Diliberto and Edelblum have, on an
individual basis, been engaged as investment professionals with BEA for more
than five years. Mr. Sterling joined BEA in 1995, prior to which time he was the
head of International Economics at Merrill Lynch & Company. Mr. Justich joined
BEA in 1995, prior to which he worked at Merrill Lynch and as a manager of
Financial Services with Arthur Young & Company. Ms. Corkran joined BEA in 1997,
prior to which time she was a director of mortgage-backed securities at Morgan
Stanley. Prior to 1994, she was a vice president at Greenwich Capital. Ms.
Damskey joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time she managed fixed income
portfolios at Global Emerging Markets Advisors. Prior to 1996, she was a senior
vice president and portfolio manager for the First National Bank of Chicago.

    CO-ADMINISTRATORS. The Funds employ Counsellors Service, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Warburg Pincus Asset Management, Inc. ("Warburg"), as a
co-administrator. As co-administrator, Counsellors Service provides shareholder
liaison services to the Funds including responding to shareholder inquiries and
providing information on shareholder investments. Counsellors Service also
performs a variety of other services, including furnishing certain executive and
administrative services, acting as liaison between the Funds and their various
service providers, furnishing corporate secretarial services, which include
preparing certain materials for meetings of the Board, assisting in the
preparation of proxy statements, annual and semiannual reports and tax returns
and monitoring and developing compliance procedures for the Funds. As
compensation, each Fund pays Counsellors Service a fee calculated at an annual
rate of .05% of the Fund's first $125 million in average daily net assets
attributable to Common Shares and .10% of average daily net assets attributable
to Common Shares over $125 million.

    Each Fund employs PFPC Inc. ("PFPC"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary
of PNC Bank Corp., as a co-administrator. As a co-administrator, PFPC calculates
the Fund's net asset value, provides all accounting services for the Fund and
assists in related aspects of the Fund's operations. As compensation, the Funds
each pay PFPC a fee calculated at an annual rate of .125% of each Fund's average
daily net assets, subject in each case to a minimum annual fee and exclusive of
out-of-pocket expenses. PFPC has its principal offices at 400 Bellevue Parkway,
Wilmington, Delaware 19809.

    CUSTODIAN. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ("BBH") serves as custodian of each
Fund's assets. BBH's principal business address is 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109.

    TRANSFER AGENT. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") serves
as shareholder servicing agent, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for
the Funds. It has delegated to Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., an
affiliated company ("BFDS"), responsibility for most shareholder servicing
functions. State Street's principal business address is 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110. BFDS's principal business address is 2 Heritage
Drive, North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171.

    DISTRIBUTOR. Counsellors Securities serves as distributor of the shares of
the Funds. Counsellors Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warburg and is
located at 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017-3147. Counsellors
Securities


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   17
receives a fee at an annual rate equal to .25% of the average daily net assets
of each Fund's Common Shares for distribution services, pursuant to a
shareholder servicing and distribution plan (the "12b-1 Plan") adopted by each
Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Amounts paid to Counsellors
Securities under a 12b-1 Plan may be used by Counsellors Securities to cover
expenses that are primarily intended to result in, or that are primarily
attributable to, (i) the sale of the Common Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing
and/or maintenance of the accounts of Common Shareholders of a Fund and (iii)
sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services
related to the sale of the Common Shares, all as set forth in the 12b-1 Plans.
Payments under the 12b-1 Plans are not tied exclusively to the distribution
expenses actually incurred by Counsellors Securities and the payments may exceed
distribution expenses actually incurred. The Boards of each Fund evaluate the
appropriateness of the 12b-1 Plans on a continuing basis and in doing so
consider all relevant factors, including expenses borne by Counsellors
Securities and amounts received under the 12b-1 Plans.

    BEA or its affiliate may, at its own expense, provide promotional incentives
for qualified recipients who support the sale of shares of a Fund, consisting of
securities dealers who have sold Fund shares or others, including banks and
other financial institutions, under special arrangements. Incentives may include
opportunities to attend business meetings, conferences, sales or training
programs for recipients' employees or clients and other programs or events and
may also include opportunities to participate in advertising or sales campaigns
and/or shareholder services and programs regarding one or more Warburg Pincus
Funds. BEA or its affiliate may pay for travel, meals and lodging in connection
with these promotional activities. In some instances, these incentives may be
offered only to certain institutions whose representatives provide services in
connection with the sale or expected sale of Fund shares.

    DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The officers of each Fund manage its day-to-day
operations and are directly responsible to the Board. The Boards set broad
policies for each Fund and choose its officers. A list of the Directors and
officers of each Fund and a brief statement of their present positions and
principal occupations during the past five years is set forth in the Statement
of Additional Information.

HOW TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT

    In order to invest in a Fund, an investor must first complete and sign an
account application. To obtain an application, an investor may telephone Warburg
Pincus Funds at (800) 927-2874. An investor may also obtain an account
application by writing to:

                                        Warburg Pincus Funds
                                        P.O. Box 9030
                                        Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9030
                              OR
                              Overnight to:

                                        BFDS
                                        Attn.: Warburg Pincus Funds
                                        2 Heritage Drive
                                        North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171

    Completed and signed account applications should be sent to the above.

    RETIREMENT PLANS AND UTMA/UGMA ACCOUNTS. For information (i) about investing
in the Funds through a tax-advantaged retirement plan, such as an Individual
Retirement Account ("IRA"), or (ii) about opening a Uniform Transfers to Minors
Act ("UTMA") account or Uniform Gifts to Minors Act ("UGMA") account, an
investor should telephone Warburg Pincus Funds at (800) 927-2874 or write to
Warburg Pincus Funds at an address set forth above. Investors should consult
their own tax advisers about the establishment of retirement plans and UTMA or
UGMA accounts.

    CHANGES TO ACCOUNT. For information on how to make changes to an account,
including changes to account registration, address and/or privileges, an
investor should telephone Warburg Pincus Funds at (800) 927-2874. Shareholders
are responsible for maintaining current account registration and addresses with
a Fund. No interest will be paid on amounts represented by uncashed distribution
or redemption checks.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   18
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES

    Common Shares of each Fund may be purchased either by mail or, with special
advance instructions, by wire and automated clearing house transactions ("ACH on
Demand").

    The minimum initial investment in each Fund is $2,500 and the minimum
subsequent investment is $250, except that subsequent minimum investments can be
as low as $100 under the Automatic Monthly Investment Plan or by ACH on Demand,
as described below. For certain retirement plans (described above) and UTMA/UGMA
accounts, the minimum initial investment is $1,000. The Fund reserves the right
to change the initial and subsequent investment minimum requirements at any
time. In addition, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, waive the initial and
subsequent investment minimum requirements with respect to investors who are
employees of Warburg, BEA or their affiliates or persons with whom Warburg has
entered into an investment advisory agreement. Existing investors will be given
15 days' notice by mail of any increase in minimum investment requirements.

    After an investor has made his initial investment, additional shares may be
purchased at any time by mail or by wire in the manner outlined below. Wire
payments for initial and subsequent investments should be preceded by an order
placed with the Fund and should clearly indicate the investor's account number
and the name of the Fund in which shares are being purchased. The Fund reserves
the right to suspend the offering of shares for a period of time or to reject
any specific purchase order. In the interest of economy and convenience,
physical certificates representing shares in the Funds are not normally issued.

    BY MAIL. If the investor desires to purchase Common Shares by mail, a check
or money order made payable to the Fund or Warburg Pincus Funds (in U.S.
currency) should be sent along with the completed account application to Warburg
Pincus Funds through its distributor, Counsellors Securities at an address set
forth above. Checks payable to the investor and endorsed to the order of the
Fund or Warburg Pincus Funds will not be accepted as payment and will be
returned to the sender. If payment is received in proper form prior to the close
of regular trading on The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") (currently
4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on a day that the Fund calculates its net asset value
(a "business day"), the purchase will be made at the Fund's net asset value
calculated at the end of that day. If payment is received at or after the close
of regular trading on the NYSE, the purchase will be effected at the Fund's net
asset value determined for the next business day after payment has been
received. Checks or money orders that are not in proper form or that are not
accompanied or preceded by a complete account application will be returned to
the sender. Shares purchased by check or money order are entitled to receive
dividends and distributions beginning on the day payment is received. Checks or
money orders in payment for shares of more than one Warburg Pincus Fund should
be made payable to Warburg Pincus Funds and should be accompanied by a breakdown
of amounts to be invested in each fund. If a check used for purchase does not
clear, the Fund will cancel the purchase and the investor may be liable for
losses or fees incurred. For a description of the manner of calculating the
Fund's net asset value, see "Net Asset Value" below.

    BY WIRE. Investors may also purchase Common Shares in a Fund by wiring funds
from their banks. Telephone orders by wire will not be accepted until a
completed account application in proper form has been received and an account
number has been established. Investors should place an order with the Fund prior
to wiring funds by telephoning (800) 927-2874. Federal funds may be wired using
the following wire address:

                              State Street Bank and Trust Company
                              ABA# [0110 000 28]
                              Attn.: Mutual Funds/Custody Department
                              [Insert Warburg Pincus Fund name(s) here]
                              DDA# [9904-649-2]
                              F/F/C: [Account Number and Account Registration]

    If a telephone order is received prior to the close of regular trading on
the NYSE and payment by wire is received on the same day in proper form in
accordance with instructions set forth above, the shares will be priced
according to the net asset value of the Fund on that day and are entitled to
dividends and distributions beginning on that day. However, if a wire in proper
form that is not preceded by a telephone order is received at or after the close
of regular trading on the NYSE, the payment will be held uninvested until the
order is effected at the close of business on the next business day. Payment for
orders that are not accepted


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   19
will be returned to the prospective investor after prompt inquiry. If a
telephone order is placed and payment by wire is not received on the same day,
the Fund will cancel the purchase and the investor may be liable for losses or
fees incurred.

    AUTOMATIC MONTHLY INVESTMENT PLAN AND ACH ON DEMAND. The Automatic Monthly
Investment Plan allows shareholders to authorize a Fund or its agent to debit
their bank account monthly ($100 minimum) for the purchase of Fund shares on or
about either the tenth or twentieth calendar day of each month. Shareholders may
also purchase shares by calling Warburg Pincus Funds at (800) 927-2874 on any
business day to request direct debit or credit (for redemptions) of their bank
account through an ACH on Demand transaction.

    To establish the Automatic Monthly Investment Plan and/or ACH on Demand
option, obtain a separate application or complete the relevant section of the
account application. Only an account maintained at a financial institution which
is an automated clearing house member may be used, and one common name must
appear on both the shareholder's Fund registration and bank account
registration. Shareholders using this service must satisfy the initial
investment minimum for the Fund prior to or concurrent with the start of any
Automatic Monthly Investment Plan or ACH on Demand transaction. Please contact
Warburg Pincus Funds at (800) 927-2874 for additional information. Investors
should allow a period of up to 30 days in order to implement an Automatic
Investment Plan. The failure to provide complete information could result in
further delays.

    If an ACH on Demand transaction request is received prior to the close of
regular trading on the NYSE, the shares will be priced according to the net
asset value of Fund shares on that day and are entitled to dividends and
distributions beginning on that day. If a request is received at or after the
close of regular trading on the NYSE, the shares will be priced at the relevant
Fund's net asset value on the following business day.

    TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS. Unless otherwise indicated on the account
application or if the ACH on Demand option is elected, an investor may request
transactions by telephone. Investors should realize that in conducting
transactions by telephone they may be giving up a measure of security that they
may have if they were to conduct such transactions in writing. Neither a Fund
nor its agents will be liable for following instructions communicated by
telephone that it reasonably believes to be genuine. Reasonable procedures will
be employed on behalf of each Fund designed to give reasonable assurance that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures include
providing written confirmation of telephone transactions, tape recording
telephone instructions and requiring specific personal information prior to
acting upon telephone instructions.

    PURCHASES THROUGH INTERMEDIARIES. Common Shares of each Fund are available
through the Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. Mutual Fund OneSource(TM) Program;
Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. Funds-Network(TM) Program; Jack White &
Company, Inc.; and Waterhouse Securities, Inc. Generally, these programs require
customers to pay either no or low transaction fees in connection with purchases,
exchanges or redemptions. The Funds are also available through certain
broker-dealers, financial institutions and other industry professionals
(including the brokerage firms offering the programs described above,
collectively, "Service Organizations"), which may impose certain conditions on
their clients or customers that invest in the Funds, which are in addition to or
different than those described in this Prospectus, and may charge their clients
or customers direct fees. Certain features of the Funds, such as the initial and
subsequent investment minimums, redemption fees and certain trading
restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service
Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct
fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Fund shares are purchased
directly from the Funds. Therefore, a client or customer should contact the
Service Organization acting on his behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged
in connection with a purchase, exchange or redemption of Fund shares and should
read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing his accounts with the
Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly
transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Funds in
accordance with their agreements with the Funds and with clients or customers.

    Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees may enter confirmed
purchase or redemption orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment
to follow no later than the Funds' pricing on the following business day. If
payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held
liable for resulting fees or losses. A Fund may be deemed to have received a
purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its
authorized designee, accepts the order. Such orders received by a Fund in proper
form will be priced at the Fund's net asset value next computed after they are
accepted by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.


                                      -14-
<PAGE>   20
    For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services,
Counsellors Securities or its affiliates may pay Service Organizations and
certain recordkeeping organizations a fee of up to .35% (the "Service Fee") (or
up to 40% in connection with certain retirement plan programs) of the average
annual value of accounts with the Funds maintained by such Service Organizations
or recordkeepers. A portion of the Service Fee may be borne by the Funds as a
transfer agency fee. In addition, a Service Organization or recordkeeper may
directly or indirectly pay a portion of its Service Fee to the Funds' custodian
or transfer agent for costs related to accounts of its clients or customers. The
Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a
number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the
operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee
schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

    GENERAL. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order,
including certain purchases made by exchange (see "How to Redeem and Exchange
Shares -- Exchange of Shares" below). Purchase orders may be refused if, in
BEA's judgment, a Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in
accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise
potentially be adversely affected. A Fund may discontinue sales of its shares if
management believes that a substantial further increase in assets may adversely
affect that Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. In such event,
however, it is anticipated that existing shareholders would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in such Fund and to reinvest any dividends or
capital gains distributions.

HOW TO REDEEM AND EXCHANGE SHARES

    REDEMPTION OF SHARES. An investor in a Fund may redeem (sell) his shares on
any day that the Fund's net asset value is calculated (see "Net Asset Value"
below).

    Common Shares of the Funds may either be redeemed by mail or by telephone.
If an investor desires to redeem his shares by mail, a written request for
redemption should be sent to Warburg Pincus Funds at an address indicated above
under "How to Open an Account." An investor should be sure that the redemption
request identifies the Fund, the number of shares to be redeemed and the
investor's account number. Payment of redemption proceeds may be delayed in
connection with account changes. Each mail redemption request must be signed by
the registered owner(s) (or his legal representative(s)) exactly as the shares
are registered. If an investor has applied for the telephone redemption feature
on his account application, he may redeem his shares by calling Warburg Pincus
Funds at (800) 927-2874. An investor making a telephone withdrawal should state
(i) the name of the Fund, (ii) the account number of the Fund, (iii) the name of
the investor(s) appearing on the Fund's records, (iv) the amount to be withdrawn
and (v) the name of the person requesting the redemption.

    After receipt of the redemption request by mail or by telephone, the
redemption proceeds will, at the option of the investor, be paid by check and
mailed to the investor of record or be wired to the investor's bank as indicated
in the account application previously filled out by the investor. No Fund
currently imposes a service charge for effecting wire transfers but each Fund
reserves the right to do so in the future. During periods of significant
economic or market change, telephone redemptions may be difficult to implement.
If an investor is unable to contact Warburg Pincus Funds by telephone, an
investor may deliver the redemption request to Warburg Pincus Funds by mail at
an address shown above under "How to Open an Account." Although each Fund will
redeem shares purchased by check, through the Automatic Monthly Investment Plan
or by ACH on Demand before the check or funds clear, payments of the redemption
proceeds will be delayed for up to five days (for funds received through the
Automatic Monthly Investment Plan or by ACH on Demand) or up to ten days (for
check purchases) from the date of purchase. Investors should consider purchasing
shares using a certified or bank check, money order or federal funds wire if
they anticipate an immediate need for redemption proceeds.

    If a redemption order is received by a Fund or its agent prior to the close
of regular trading on the NYSE, the redemption order will be effected at the net
asset value per share as determined on that day. If a redemption order is
received at or after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, the redemption
order will be effected at the net asset value as next determined. Except as
noted above, redemption proceeds will normally be mailed or wired to an investor
on the next business day following the date a redemption order is effected. If,
however, in the judgment of BEA, immediate payment would adversely affect a
Fund, each Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption proceeds within seven
days after the redemption order is effected. Furthermore, each Fund may suspend
the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption (as well
as suspend or postpone the recordation of an exchange of shares) for such
periods as are permitted under the 1940 Act.


                                      -15-
<PAGE>   21
    The proceeds paid upon redemption may be more or less than the amount
invested depending upon a share's net asset value at the time of redemption. If
an investor redeems all the shares in his account, all dividends and
distributions declared up to and including the date of redemption are paid along
with the proceeds of the redemption.

    If, due to redemptions, the value of an investor's account drops to less
than $500, each Fund reserves the right to redeem the shares in that account at
net asset value. Prior to any redemption, the Fund will notify an investor in
writing that this account has a value of less than the minimum. The investor
will then have 60 days to make an additional investment before a redemption will
be processed by the Fund.

    AUTOMATIC CASH WITHDRAWAL PLAN. Each Fund offers investors an automatic cash
withdrawal plan under which investors may elect to receive periodic cash
payments of at least $250 monthly or quarterly. To establish this service,
complete the "Automatic Withdrawal Plan" section of the account application and
attach a voided check from the bank account to be credited. For further
information regarding the automatic cash withdrawal plan or to modify or
terminate the plan, investors should contact Warburg Pincus Funds at (800)
927-2874.

    EXCHANGE OF SHARES. An investor may exchange Common Shares of a Fund for
Common Shares of another Fund or for Common Shares of another Warburg Pincus
Fund at their respective net asset values. Exchanges may be effected by mail or
by telephone in the manner described under "Redemption of Shares" above. If an
exchange request is received by Warburg Pincus Funds or its agent prior to the
close of regular trading on the NYSE, the exchange will be made at each fund's
net asset value determined at the end of that business day. Exchanges will be
effected without a sales charge but must satisfy the minimum dollar amount
necessary for new purchases. A Fund may refuse exchange purchases at any time
without prior notice.

    The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in
which the Common Shares being acquired may legally be sold. When an investor
effects an exchange of shares, the exchange is treated for federal income tax
purposes as a redemption. Therefore, the investor may realize a taxable gain or
loss in connection with the exchange. Investors wishing to exchange Common
Shares of a Fund for Common Shares in another Warburg Pincus Fund should review
the prospectus of the other fund prior to making an exchange. For further
information regarding the exchange privilege or to obtain a current prospectus
for another Warburg Pincus Fund, an investor should contact Warburg Pincus Funds
at (800) 927-2874.

    Each Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases by any person or
group if, in BEA's judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest the money
effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would
otherwise potentially be adversely affected. Examples of when an exchange
purchase could be refused are when a Fund receives or anticipates receiving
large exchange orders at or about the same time and/or when a pattern of
exchanges within a short period of time (often associated with a "market timing"
strategy) is discerned. Each Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify the
exchange privilege at any time upon 30 days' notice to shareholders.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

    DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Each Fund calculates its dividends from net
investment income. Net investment income includes interest accrued and dividends
earned on the Fund's portfolio securities for the applicable period less
applicable expenses. Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net
realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders annually. The U.S. Equity
Fund will distribute net investment income, if any, annually. The U.S. Fixed
Income Fund will distribute net investment income at least quarterly. Net
investment income earned on weekends and when the NYSE is not open will be
computed as of the next business day. Unless an investor instructs a Fund to pay
dividends or distributions in cash, dividends and distributions will
automatically be reinvested in additional Common Shares of the relevant Fund at
net asset value. The election to receive dividends in cash may be made on the
account application or, subsequently, by writing to Warburg Pincus Funds at an
address set forth under "How to Open an Account" or by calling Warburg Pincus
Funds at (800) 927-2874.

     A Fund may be required to withhold for U.S. federal income taxes 31% of all
distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their
correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or
who have been notified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that they are
subject to backup withholding.


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   22
     TAXES. Each Fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment
company" within the meaning of the Code. Each Fund, if it qualifies as a
regulated investment company, will be subject to a 4% non-deductible excise tax
measured with respect to certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income and
capital gain. Each Fund expects to pay such additional dividends and to make
such additional distributions as are necessary to avoid the application of this
tax.

     Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions derived from
net realized short-term capital gains are taxable to investors as ordinary
income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares.
Distributions derived from net realized long-term capital gains will be taxable
to investors as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long investors have
held Fund shares or whether such distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares. As a general rule, an investor's gain or loss on a
sale or redemption of Fund shares will be a long-term capital gain or loss if
the investor has held the shares for more than one year and will be a short-term
capital gain or loss if the investor has held the shares for one year or less.
However, any loss realized upon the sale or redemption of shares within six
months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital
loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital
gain during such six-month period with respect to such shares.

     The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 made certain changes to the Code with
respect to taxation of long-term capital gains earned by taxpayers other than a
corporation. In general, for sales made after May 6, 1997, the maximum tax rate
for individual taxpayers on net long-term capital gains is lowered to 20% for
most assets (including long-term capital gains recognized by shareholders on the
sale or redemption of Fund shares that were held as capital assets). This 20%
rate applies to sales on or after July 29, 1997 only if the asset was held for
more than 18 months at the time of disposition. Capital gains on the disposition
of assets on or after July 29, 1997 held for more than one year and up to 18
months at the time of disposition will be taxed as "mid-term gain" at a maximum
rate of 28%. A rate of 18% instead of 20% will apply after December 31, 2000 for
assets held for more than five years. However, the 18% rate applies only to
assets acquired after December 31, 2000 unless the taxpayer elects to treat an
asset held prior to such date as sold for fair market value on January 1, 2001.
In the case of individuals whose ordinary income is taxed at a 15% rate, the 20%
rate is reduced to 10% and the 10% rate for assets held for more than five years
is reduced to 8%. Each Fund will provide information relating to that portion of
a "capital gain dividend" that may be treated by investors as eligible for the
reduced capital gains rate for capital assets held for more than 18 months.

     Investors may be proportionately liable for taxes on income and gains of
the Funds, but investors not subject to tax on their income will not be required
to pay tax on amounts distributed to them. A Fund's investment activities,
including short sales of securities, will not result in unrelated business
taxable income to a tax-exempt investor. A Fund's dividends may qualify for the
dividends received deduction for corporations to the extent they are derived
from dividends attributable to certain types of stock issued by U.S. domestic
corporations.

     Dividends and interest received by the Funds may be subject to withholding
and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. However, tax conventions between
certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If a
Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, if certain asset and
distribution requirements are satisfied and if more than 50% of the Fund's total
assets at the close of its fiscal year consists of stock or securities of
foreign corporations, the Fund may elect for U.S. income tax purposes to treat
foreign income taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders. A Fund may qualify
for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all, of its taxable
years. If a Fund were to make an election, shareholders of the Fund would be
required to take into account an amount equal to their pro rata portions of such
foreign taxes in computing their taxable income and then treat an amount equal
to those foreign taxes as a U.S. federal income tax deduction or as a foreign
tax credit against their U.S. federal income taxes. Shortly after any year for
which it makes such an election, each Fund will report to its shareholders the
amount per share of such foreign income tax that must be included in each
shareholder's gross income and the amount which will be available for the
deduction or credit. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a
shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Certain limitations will be imposed
on the extent to which the credit (but not the deduction) for foreign taxes may
be claimed.

     GENERAL. Statements as to the tax status of each investor's dividends and
distributions are mailed annually. Each investor will also receive, if
applicable, various written notices after the close of a Fund's prior taxable
year with respect to certain dividends and distributions which were received
from the Fund during the Fund's prior taxable year. Investors should consult
their own tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations,
including their state and local tax liabilities.


                                      -17-
<PAGE>   23
NET ASSET VALUE

    Each Fund's net asset value per share is calculated as of the close of
regular trading on the NYSE (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each business
day, Monday through Friday, except on days when the NYSE is closed. The NYSE is
currently scheduled to be closed on New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and on the preceding Friday or subsequent
Monday when one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.
The net asset value per share of each Fund generally changes each day.

    The net asset value per Common Share of each Fund is computed by adding the
Common Shares' pro rata share of the value of the Fund's assets, deducting the
Common Shares' pro rata share of the Fund's liabilities and the liabilities
specifically allocated to Common Shares and then dividing the result by the
total number of outstanding Common Shares.

    Securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange (including securities traded
through the Nasdaq National Market System) or foreign securities exchange or
traded in an over-the-counter market will be valued at the most recent sale
price when the valuation is made. Options and futures contracts will be valued
similarly. Debt obligations that mature in 60 days or less from the valuation
date are valued on the basis of amortized cost, unless the Board determines that
using this valuation method would not reflect the investments' value.
Securities, options and futures contracts for which market quotations are not
readily available and other assets will be valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith pursuant to consistently applied procedures established
by the Board. Further information regarding valuation policies is contained in
the Statement of Additional Information.

PERFORMANCE

    The Funds quote the performance of Common Shares separately from
Institutional Shares and Advisor Shares. The net asset value of Common Shares is
listed in The Wall Street Journal each business day under the heading "Warburg
Pincus Funds." From time to time, each Fund may advertise yield and average
annual total return of its Common Shares over various periods of time. The yield
refers to net investment income generated by the Common Shares over a specified
thirty-day period, which is then annualized. That is, the amount of net
investment income generated by the Common Shares during that thirty-day period
is assumed to be generated over a 12-month period and is shown as a percentage
of the investment. The tax equivalent yield demonstrates the yield on a taxable
investment necessary to produce an after-tax yield equal to the Common Shares'
tax-free yield. It is calculated by increasing the yield shown for the Common
Shares to the extent necessary to reflect the payment of specified tax rates.
Thus, the tax equivalent yield will always exceed a Fund's Common Shares' yield.
Total return figures show the average percentage change in value of an
investment in the Common Shares from the beginning of the measuring period to
the end of the measuring period. The figures reflect changes in the price of the
Common Shares assuming that any income dividends and/or capital gain
distributions made by a Fund during the period were reinvested in Common Shares
of the Fund. Total return will be shown for recent one-, five- and ten-year
periods, and may be shown for other periods as well (such as from commencement
of the Fund's operations or on a year-by-year, quarterly or current year-to-date
basis).

    When considering average total return figures for periods longer than one
year, it is important to note that the annual total return for one year in the
period might have been greater or less than the average for the entire period.
When considering total return figures for periods shorter than one year,
investors should bear in mind that each Fund seeks long-term appreciation and
that such return may not be representative of any Fund's return over a longer
market cycle. Each Fund may also advertise aggregate total return figures of its
Common Shares for various periods, representing the cumulative change in value
of an investment in the Common Shares for the specific period (again reflecting
changes in share prices and assuming reinvestment of dividends and
distributions). Aggregate and average total returns may be shown by means of
schedules, charts or graphs and may indicate various components of total return
(i.e., change in value of initial investment, income dividends and capital gain
distributions).

    Investors should note that yield, tax equivalent yield and total return
figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended to indicate future
performance. The Funds' Statement of Additional Information describes the method
used to determine the yield and total return. Current performance figures may be
obtained by calling Warburg Pincus Funds at (800) 927-2874.


                                      -18-
<PAGE>   24
     The Funds may also from time to time include in advertisings an aggregate
total return figure or a total return figure that is not calculated according to
the standardized formula in order to compare more accurately a Fund's
performance with other measures of investment return. For example, a Fund's
total return or expense ratio may be compared with data published by Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Weisenberger Investment Technologies, Inc.,
Mutual Fund Forecaster or Morningstar, Inc. or with the performance of the
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index, Moody's
Bond Survey Bond Index, Wilshire 5000 Index, Lehman Brothers Bond Indexes,
Morgan Stanley Composite Index EAFE, Morgan Stanley Composite Index-Free
Emerging Markets, JP Morgan Global Government Bond Index (Unhedged), First
Boston High Yield Index, Consumer Price Index, Bond Buyer's 20-Bond Index, Dow
Jones Industrial Average, Salomon Smith Barney U.S. 1-Month Treasury Bill Index
(TM), national publications such as Money, Forbes, Barron's, The Wall Street
Journal or the New York Times or publications of a local or regional nature, and
other industry publications. For these purposes, the performance of a Fund, as
well as the performance published by such services or experienced by such
indices, will usually not reflect redemption fees, the inclusion of which would
reduce performance results. If a Fund advertises non-standard computations,
however, the Fund will disclose such fees, and will also disclose that the
performance data do not reflect such fees and that inclusion of such fees would
reduce the performance quoted.

    In reports or other communications to investors or in advertising, each Fund
may also describe the general biography or work experience of the portfolio
managers of the Fund and may include quotations attributable to the portfolio
managers describing approaches taken in managing the Fund's investments,
research methodology underlying stock selection or the Fund's investment
objective. In addition, a Fund and its portfolio managers may render periodic
updates of Fund activity, which may include a discussion of significant
portfolio holdings; analysis of holdings by industry, country, credit quality
and other characteristics; and comparison and analysis of the Fund with respect
to relevant market and industry benchmarks. Each Fund may also discuss measures
of risk, the continuum of risk and return relating to different investments and
the potential impact of foreign stocks on a portfolio otherwise composed of
domestic securities.

GENERAL INFORMATION

    ORGANIZATION. The U.S. Equity Fund and the U.S. Fixed Income Fund were each
incorporated on July 31, 1998 under the laws of the State of Maryland under the
name "Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Equity Fund, Inc." and "Warburg, Pincus U.S.
Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc.," respectively. On August __, 1998, the Funds and
The RBB Fund, Inc. entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization whereby
the Funds agreed to acquire all of the assets and liabilities of the
corresponding BEA Funds (the "Reorganization"). The Reorganization is expected
to be completed on or about October 2, 1998.

    Each Fund's charter authorizes its Board to issue three billion full and
fractional shares of capital stock, $.001 par value per share, of which one
billion shares are designated Common Shares, one billion shares are designated
Institutional Shares and one billion shares are designated Advisor Shares. Under
each Fund's charter documents, the Board has the power to classify or reclassify
any unissued shares of the Fund into one or more additional classes by setting
or changing in any one or more respects their relative rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and
conditions of redemption. A Board may similarly classify or reclassify any class
of its shares into one or more series and, without shareholder approval, may
increase the number of authorized shares of the Fund.

    MULTI-CLASS STRUCTURE. Each Fund currently offers another class of shares,
the Institutional Shares, pursuant to a separate prospectus. Individual
investors may only purchase Institutional Shares and, if and when offered,
Advisor Shares, through institutional shareholders of record, broker-dealers,
financial institutions, depository institutions, retirement plans and financial
intermediaries. Shares of each class represent equal pro rata interests in the
respective Fund and accrue dividends and calculate net asset value and
performance quotations in the same manner. Because of the higher fees paid by
Common Shares and Advisor Shares, the total return on Common Shares can be
expected to be lower than the total return on Institutional Shares and the total
return of Advisor Shares can be expected to be lower than the total return on
Common Shares and Institutional Shares. Investors may obtain information
concerning the Institutional Shares and, if and when offered, the Advisor Shares
from their investment professional or by calling Counsellors Securities at (800)
369-2728. Unless the context clearly suggests otherwise, references to a Fund
in this prospectus are to the Fund as a whole and not to any particular class
of the Fund's shares.

    VOTING RIGHTS. Investors in a Fund are entitled to one vote for each full
share held and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Shareholders of a
Fund will vote in the aggregate except where otherwise required by law and
except that each class will vote separately on certain matters pertaining to its
distribution and shareholder servicing arrangements. There will normally be


                                      -19-
<PAGE>   25
no meetings of investors for the purpose of electing members of the Board unless
and until such time as less than a majority of the members holding office have
been elected by investors. Any Director of a Fund may be removed from office
upon the vote of shareholders holding at least a majority of the relevant Fund's
outstanding shares, at a meeting called for that purpose. A meeting will be
called for the purpose of voting on the removal of a Board member at the written
request of holders of 10% of the outstanding shares of a Fund.

    SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS. Each investor will receive a quarterly statement
of his account, as well as a statement of his account after any transaction that
affects his share balance or share registration (other than the reinvestment of
dividends or distributions or investment made through the Automatic Monthly
Investment Plan). Each Fund will also send to its investors a semiannual report
and an audited annual report, each of which includes a list of the investment
securities held by the Fund and a statement of the performance of the Fund.
Periodic listings of the investment securities held by the Fund, as well as
certain statistical characteristics of the Fund, may be obtained by calling
Warburg Pincus Funds at (800) 927-2874 or on the Warburg Pincus Funds Web site
at www.warburg.com.

    The Common Share prospectuses of the Funds are combined in this Prospectus.
Each Fund offers only its own shares, yet it is possible that a Fund might
become liable for a misstatement, inaccuracy or omission in this Prospectus with
regard to another Fund.

                      -----------------------------------

    NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE FUNDS'
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR THE FUNDS' OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF SHARES OF THE FUNDS, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY EACH FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE
COMMON SHARES OF THE FUNDS IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH
OFFER MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.


                                      -20-
<PAGE>   26
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



                  THE FUNDS' EXPENSES........................3
                  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS.......................4
                  INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.........4
                  PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS......................4
                  RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS....5
                  PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND TURNOVER RATE...8
                  CERTAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES..............9
                  INVESTMENT GUIDELINES.....................10
                  MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS...................10
                  HOW TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT....................12
                  HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES....................13
                  HOW TO REDEEM AND EXCHANGE SHARES.........15
                  DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES........16
                  NET ASSET VALUE...........................18
                  PERFORMANCE...............................18
                  GENERAL INFORMATION.......................19



                           [WARBURG PINCUS FUNDS LOGO]
                      P.O. Box 9030, Boston, MA 02205-9030
                           800-WARBURG (800-927-2874)
                                 www.warburg.com

COUNSELLORS SECURITIES INC., DISTRIBUTOR.                            WP**1-0998


                                      -21-
<PAGE>   27
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 5, 1998

                             BEA INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
                                   PROSPECTUS
                                 September __, 1998

                            EMERGING MARKETS II FUND
                                 ---------------

                                 HIGH YIELD FUND
                                 ---------------

                            INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
                                 ---------------

                         LONG-SHORT MARKET NEUTRAL FUND
                                 ---------------

                             LONG-SHORT EQUITY FUND
                                 ---------------

                               MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
                                 ---------------

                        SELECT ECONOMIC VALUE EQUITY FUND
                                 ---------------

                       STRATEGIC GLOBAL FIXED INCOME FUND
                                 ---------------

                              U.S. CORE EQUITY FUND
                                 ---------------

                           U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME FUND

                                [BEA FUNDS LOGO]

INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>   28
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 5, 1998

                                                              September __, 1998

BEA Institutional Funds is the name under which the Institutional class of
shares of certain Warburg Pincus Funds are offered. Ten BEA Institutional Funds
are described in this Prospectus:

EMERGING MARKETS II FUND seeks to provide long-term appreciation of capital. The
Fund will invest primarily in equity securities in emerging country markets.

HIGH YIELD FUND seeks to provide high total return. The Fund will invest
primarily in high yield fixed income securities issued by corporations,
governments and agencies, both domestic and foreign.

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND seeks to provide long-term appreciation of capital.
The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers.

LONG-SHORT MARKET NEUTRAL FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation while
minimizing exposure to general equity market risk. The Fund seeks a total return
greater than the total return of the Salomon Smith Barney U.S. 1-Month Treasury
Bill Index(TM). The Fund pursues its objective by taking long positions in
stocks that the investment adviser has identified as undervalued and short
positions in stocks that the adviser has identified as overvalued. Generally,
the Fund's investments will be concentrated in securities principally traded in
U.S. markets.

LONG-SHORT EQUITY FUND seeks a total return greater than that of the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500 Index"). The Fund pursues
its objective by investing in shares of the BEA Long-Short Market Neutral Fund
while simultaneously utilizing S&P 500 Index futures, options on S&P 500 Index
futures and equity swap contracts to gain exposure to the equity market as
measured by the S&P 500 Index.

MUNICIPAL BOND FUND seeks to provide high total return. The Fund will invest
primarily in municipal bonds issued by state and local authorities.

SELECT ECONOMIC VALUE EQUITY FUND seeks to provide long term appreciation of
capital. The Fund will invest primarily in U.S. equity securities that the
adviser believes are undervalued.

STRATEGIC GLOBAL FIXED INCOME FUND seeks to provide high total return. The Fund
will invest primarily in foreign and domestic fixed income securities.

U.S. CORE EQUITY FUND seeks to provide long-term appreciation of capital. The
Fund will invest primarily in U.S. equity securities.

U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME FUND seeks to provide high total return. The Fund will
invest primarily in domestic fixed-income securities consistent with comparable
broad market fixed-income indices, such as the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond
Index.

International investing entails special risk considerations, including currency
fluctuations, lower liquidity, economic instability, political uncertainty and
differences in accounting methods.

The High Yield Fund may invest its assets without limitation in securities which
are below investment-grade quality. Investments of this type are subject to
greater risks, including the risk of loss of principal and interest, than those
involved with investment-grade securities. Purchasers should carefully assess
the risks associated with an investment in this Fund.

See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations."

BEA Associates ("BEA") serves as investment adviser to each of the Funds.

         This Prospectus briefly sets forth certain information about the Funds
that investors should know before investing. Investors are advised to read this
Prospectus and retain it for future reference. Additional information about each
Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The
SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the Statement of
Additional Information, material incorporated by reference and other information
regarding the Funds. The Statement of Additional Information is available to
investors without charge by calling BEA Institutional Funds at (800) 401-2230.
Information regarding the status of shareholder accounts may be obtained by
calling BEA Institutional Funds at the same number. BEA Institutional Funds
maintains a Web site at www.beafunds.com. The Statement of Additional
Information, as amended or supplemented from time to time, bears the same date
as this Prospectus and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this
Prospectus.

SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY ANY BANK, AND SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
INVESTMENTS IN SHARES OF THE FUNDS INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE
POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   29
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


                                       2
<PAGE>   30
THE FUNDS' EXPENSES

         Although authorized to offer three separate classes of shares (Common
Shares, Institutional Shares and Advisor Shares), each of the Emerging Markets
II Fund ("Emerging Markets Fund"), High Yield Fund ("High Yield Fund"),
International Growth Fund ("International Growth Fund"), Long-Short Market
Neutral Fund ("Long-Short Neutral Fund"), Long-Short Equity Fund ("Long-Short
Equity Fund"), Municipal Bond Fund ("Municipal Bond Fund"), Select Economic
Value Equity Fund ("Select Equity Fund"), Strategic Global Fixed Income Fund
("Global Income Fund"), U.S. Core Equity Fund ("U.S. Equity Fund") and U.S. Core
Fixed Income Fund ("U.S. Fixed Income Fund") (each, a "Fund") currently offers
two separate classes of shares: Common Shares and Institutional Shares. For a
description of Common Shares and Advisor Shares see "General Information."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    INTERNA-    
                                                                 EMERGING          HIGH             TIONAL      
                                                                MARKETS            YIELD            GROWTH      
                                                                   FUND            FUND              FUND       
<S>                                                             <C>                <C>              <C>         
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
    (as a percentage of offering price)                           0                  0                 0        
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
  Management Fees                                               .98%               .44%              .80%       
  Rule 12b-1 fees                                                 0                  0                 0        
  Other Expenses                                                .51%               .26%              .36%      
                                                                ---                ---               ---        
  Total Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers
    and expense reimbursements)+                                1.49%              .70%              1.16%      
                                                                ===                ===               ===        
EXAMPLE
  You would pay the following expenses on a
    $1,000 investment, assuming
  (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the
    end of each time period:
   1 year...........................................            $15                $ 7               $12        
   3 years..........................................            $47                $22               $37        
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      LONG-            MUNI-                       
                                                                 LONG-SHORT          SHORT             CIPAL             SELECT    
                                                                   NEUTRAL           EQUITY            BOND              EQUITY    
                                                                    FUND              FUND             FUND               FUND     
<S>                                                              <C>                 <C>               <C>               <C>       
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
    (as a percentage of offering price)                               0                 0                 0                 0      
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
  Management Fees                                                  1.40%             .00%              .47%              .52%     
  Rule 12b-1 fees                                                     0                 0                 0                 0      
  Other Expenses                                                    .60%              2.50%             .53%              .48%     
                                                                    ---               ---               ---               ---      
  Total Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers
    and expense reimbursements)+                                    2.00%             2.50%             1.00%             1.00%    
                                                                    ===               ===               ===               ===      
EXAMPLE
  You would pay the following expenses on a
    $1,000 investment, assuming
  (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the
    end of each time period:
   1 year...........................................                $21               $25               $10               $10      
   3 years..........................................                $68               $78               $32               $32      
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           U.S.
                                                                      GLOBAL             U.S.              FIXED
                                                                      INCOME            EQUITY            INCOME
                                                                       FUND              FUND              FUND
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>               <C> 
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
    (as a percentage of offering price)                                  0                 0                 0
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
  Management Fees                                                      .43%              .71%              .25%
  Rule 12b-1 fees                                                        0                 0                 0
  Other Expenses                                                       .32%              .29%              .25%
                                                                       ---               ---               ---
  Total Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers
    and expense reimbursements)+                                       .75%              1.00%             .50%
                                                                       ===               ===               ===
EXAMPLE
  You would pay the following expenses on a
    $1,000 investment, assuming
  (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the
    end of each time period:
   1 year...........................................                   $ 8               $10               $ 5
   3 years..........................................                   $24               $32               $16
</TABLE>

+        The Funds' investment adviser has undertaken to limit Total
         Fund Operating Expenses of each of the Funds for the one-year period
         following the closing date of the reorganization of the relevant BEA
         Fund to the extent necessary for the net expense ratio of each Fund to
         be no higher than that of the corresponding series of The RBB Fund,
         Inc. for the thirty-day period ending on the closing date of the
         reorganization of such series. (For a description of the reorganization
         all "General Information.") The resulting Total Fund Operating Expenses
         limit may be greater or less than the estimate shown above. There is no
         obligation to continue these waivers after that time. Absent such
         waivers and/or reimbursements, Management Fees for the Emerging Markets
         Fund, High Yield Fund, International Growth Fund, Long-Short Neutral
         Fund, Long-Short Equity Fund, Municipal Bond Fund, Select Equity Fund,
         Global Income Fund, U.S. Equity Fund and U.S. Fixed Income Fund would
         equal 1.00%, .70%, .80%, 1.50%, .10%, .70%, .75%, 50%, .75% and .375%,
         respectively; Other Expenses would equal .63%, .43%, .45%, .60%,
         2.50%, .67%, .48%, .48%, .43% and .355% respectively; and Total Fund
         Operating Expenses would equal 1.63%, 1.13%, 1.25%, 2.10%, 2.60%,
         1.37%, 1.23%, .98%, 1.18% and .73%, respectively. Other Expenses for
         the Funds are based on annualized estimates of expenses for the fiscal
         year ending August 31, 1999, net of any fee waivers or expense
         reimbursements.

         The expense table shows the costs and expenses that an investor will
bear directly or indirectly as an Institutional shareholder of each Fund.
Certain broker-dealers and financial institutions also may charge their clients
fees in connection with investments in a Fund's Institutional Shares, which fees
are not reflected in the table. The Example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses; actual Fund expenses may be greater
or less than those shown. Moreover, while the Example assumes a 5% annual
return, each Fund's actual performance will vary and may result in a return
greater or less than 5%.


                                       3
<PAGE>   31
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(FOR AN INSTITUTIONAL SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD)

         Institutional Shares of each of the Funds had not been issued as of
August 31, 1997 and, accordingly, no financial information is provided with
respect to such shares. The following financial information with respect to
Institutional Shares of certain corresponding series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the
"BEA Funds"), the assets and liabilities of which are expected to be acquired by
the corresponding BEA Institutional Fund (see "General Information" below), has
been derived from information audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants, whose report dated October 17, 1997 is contained in the BEA Funds'
annual report, dated August 31, 1997. The report and the semi-annual report for
the period ended February 28, 1998 are incorporated by reference in the Funds'
Statements of Additional Information and may be obtained without charge by
calling BEA Institutional Funds at (800) 401-2230. No financial information is
presented with respect to Institutional Shares of the BEA Long-Short Neutral
Fund, BEA Long-Short Equity Fund and BEA Select Equity Fund, each of which had
not commenced investment operations with respect to such shares as of February
28, 1998.

BEA EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE SIX                                                           
                                                            MONTHS ENDED                                                          
                                                            FEBRUARY 28,                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,        
                                                               1998                         1997                     1996         
                                                           -------------               -------------            -------------     
                                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                        <C>                         <C>                      <C>               
Net asset value, beginning of period ...............       $       19.64               $       18.20            $       17.67     
                                                           -------------               -------------            -------------     
     Income from investment operations:
     Net investment income .........................               (0.04)                       0.21                     0.10     
     Net realized and unrealized gains on securities
       and foreign currency transactions ...........               (1.78)                       1.30                     0.48     
                                                           -------------               -------------            -------------     
     Total from investment operations ..............               (1.82)                       1.51                    (0.58)     
                                                           -------------               -------------            -------------     
Less Dividends and Distributions:
     Dividends from net investment income ..........               (0.20)                      (0.07)                   (0.05)    
     Distributions from capitalized gains ..........               (1.04)                         --                     0.00     
                                                           -------------               -------------            -------------     
     Total Dividends and Distributions .............               (1.24)                      (0.07)                   (0.05)    
                                                           -------------               -------------            -------------     
     Net asset value, end of period ................       $       16.58               $       19.64            $       18.20     
                                                           =============               =============            =============     
Total return .......................................               (9.42)%(c)                   8.31%                    3.33%(d) 
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
     Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) .....       $      64,052               $      83,012            $     114,691     
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets: ......                1.50%(a)(b)                 1.49%(a)                 1.49%(a) 
     Ratio of net investment income to average net
       assets ......................................               (0.61)%(b)                   0.99%                    0.63%    
     Portfolio turnover rate .......................                  87%(c)                     147%                      79%    
     Average commission rate(e) ....................       $      0.0013               $      0.0004            $      0.0005     
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                                                               FEBRUARY 1, 1993*
                                                                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,              TO AUGUST 31,
                                                                     1995                    1994                    1993
                                                                -------------            -------------          -------------
                                                          
<S>                                                             <C>                      <C>                   <C>          
Net asset value, beginning of period ...............            $       24.58            $       18.38          $       15.00
                                                                -------------            -------------          -------------
     Income from investment operations:
     Net investment income .........................                     0.02                    (0.03)                  0.02
     Net realized and unrealized gains on securities
       and foreign currency transactions ...........                    (5.94)                    6.64                   3.36
                                                                -------------            -------------          -------------
     Total from investment operations ..............                    (5.92)                    6.61                   3.38
                                                                -------------            -------------          -------------
Less Dividends and Distributions:
     Dividends from net investment income ..........                    (0.07)                   (0.09)                    --
     Distributions from capitalized gains ..........                    (0.92)                   (0.32)                    --
                                                                -------------            -------------          -------------
     Total Dividends and Distributions .............                    (0.99)                   (0.41)                    --
                                                                -------------            -------------          -------------
     Net asset value, end of period ................            $       17.67            $       24.58          $       18.38
                                                                =============            =============          =============
Total return .......................................                   (24.42)%(d)               35.99%(d)              22.53%(c)(d)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
     Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) .....            $     128,323            $     140,675          $      21,988
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets: ......                     1.50%(a)                 1.50%(a)               1.50%(a)(b)
     Ratio of net investment income to average net
       assets ......................................                     0.02%                   (0.02)%                 0.28%(b)
     Portfolio turnover rate .......................                       79%                      54%                    38%(c)
     Average commission rate(e) ....................                      N/A                      N/A                    N/A
</TABLE>

(a)      Without the voluntary waiver of advisory fees and administration fees,
         the ratios of expenses to average net assets for the Fund's
         Institutional Class would have been 2.01% annualized for the six months
         ended February 28, 1998 and 1.63%, 1.62%, 1.61%, and 2.01% for the
         years ended August 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively and
         3.23% annualized for the period ended August 31, 1993.

(b)      Annualized.

(c)      Not annualized.

(d)      Redemption fees not reflected in total return.

(e)      Computed by dividing the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by
         the total shares of investment securities purchased and sold during the
         period for which commissions were charged, as required by the
         Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for fiscal years beginning
         after September 1, 1995.

*        Commencement of operations.


                                       4
<PAGE>   32
BEA HIGH YIELD FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE SIX                                                         
                                                        MONTHS ENDED                                                        
                                                        FEBRUARY 28,                 FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,          
                                                           1998                      1997                    1996           
                                                        -----------               -----------            -----------        
                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                     <C>                       <C>                    <C>                
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ............       $     17.08               $     16.09            $     15.72        
                                                        -----------               -----------            -----------        
    Income from Investment Operations:
    Net Investment Income (Loss) ................              0.69                      1.37                   1.47        
    Net Gain (Loss) from Securities and Foreign
      Currency Related Items  (both
      realized and unrealized) ..................              0.76                      0.96                   0.40        
                                                        -----------               -----------            -----------        
    Total from Investment Operations ............              1.45                      2.33                   1.87        
                                                        -----------               -----------            -----------        
    Less Distributions:
    Dividends from Net Investment Income ........             (0.79)                    (1.34)                 (1.50)       
                                                        -----------
    Distributions from Realized Gains ...........                --                        --                     --        
                                                        -----------               -----------            -----------        
    Total Distributions .........................             (0.79)                    (1.34)                 (1.50)       
                                                                                                                            
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD ..................       $     17.74               $     17.08            $     16.09        
                                                        ===========               ===========            ===========        
Total Return ....................................              8.75%(c)                 15.17%                 12.42%       
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net Assets, End of Period (000's omitted) .......       $   100,498               $    92,630            $    75,849        
Ratios to Average Daily Net Assets:
    Operating Expenses ..........................              0.70%(a)(b)                .70%(a)               0.88%(a)    
    Net Investment Income (Loss) ................              7.94%(b)                  8.44%                  8.92%       
    Decrease reflected in above operating expense
      ratios due to waivers/reimbursements ......                43%(a)                   .43%(a)                .23%(a)    
Portfolio Turnover Rate .........................                47%(c)                    84%                   143%       
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                                                       MARCH 31, 1993*
                                                            FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,               TO AUGUST 31,
                                                              1995                  1994                   1993
                                                          -----------            -----------            -----------
                                                       
<S>                                                       <C>                    <C>                   <C>        
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ............         $     15.94            $     16.94            $     15.00
                                                          -----------            -----------            -----------
    Income from Investment Operations:
    Net Investment Income (Loss) ................                1.42                   1.20                   0.52
    Net Gain (Loss) from Securities and Foreign
      Currency Related Items  (both
      realized and unrealized) ..................               (0.30)                 (0.77)                  1.42
                                                          -----------            -----------            -----------
    Total from Investment Operations ............                1.12                   0.43                   1.94
                                                          -----------            -----------            -----------
    Less Distributions:
    Dividends from Net Investment Income ........               (1.34)                 (1.43)                    --
    Distributions from Realized Gains ...........                  --                     --                     --
                                                          -----------            -----------            -----------
    Total Distributions .........................               (1.34)                 (1.43)                    --

NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD ..................         $     15.72            $     15.94            $     16.94
                                                          ===========            ===========            ===========
Total Return ....................................                7.79%(d)               2.24%(d)              12.93%(c)(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net Assets, End of Period (000's omitted) .......         $   153,621            $   143,517            $    98,357
Ratios to Average Daily Net Assets:
    Operating Expenses ..........................                1.00%(a)               1.00%(a)               1.00%(a)(b)
    Net Investment Income (Loss) ................                9.37%                  7.73%                  7.56%(b)
    Decrease reflected in above operating expense
      ratios due to waivers/reimbursements ......                 .08%(a)                .13%(a)                .17%(a)
Portfolio Turnover Rate .........................                  70%                   121%                    72%(c)
</TABLE>

(a)      Without the voluntary waiver of advisory fees and administration fees,
         the ratios of expenses to average net assets for the Fund's
         Institutional Class would have been 1.13% annualized for the six months
         ended February 28, 1998 and 1.13%, 1.11%, 1.08%, and 1.13% annualized
         for the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,
         and 1.17% annualized for the period ended August 31, 1993.

(b)      Annualized.

(c)      Not annualized.

(d)      Redemption fees not reflected in total return.

*        Commencement of operations


                                       5
<PAGE>   33
BEA INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FOR THE SIX
                                                              MONTHS ENDED                                                   
                                                              FEBRUARY 28,                                                   
                                                                 1998                    FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,       
                                                              (UNAUDITED)                1997                 1996           
                                                              -----------             -----------          -----------       
<S>                                                           <C>                     <C>                  <C>               
Net asset value, beginning of period ....................     $     22.22             $     19.41          $     18.24       
                                                              -----------             -----------          -----------       
     Income from investment operations:
     Net investment income ..............................           (0.02)                   0.18                 0.19       
     Net realized and unrealized gains on securities
         and foreign currency transactions ..............            3.23                    2.89                 1.05       
                                                              -----------             -----------          -----------       
     Total from investment operations ...................            3.21                    3.07                 1.24       
                                                              -----------             -----------          -----------       
Less Dividends and Distributions:
     Dividends from net investment income ...............              --                   (0.26)               (0.07)      
     Distributions from capitalized gains ...............           (2.93)                     --                   --       
                                                              -----------             -----------          -----------       
     Total Dividends and Distributions ..................           (2.93)                  (0.26)               (0.07)      
                                                              -----------             -----------          -----------       
     Net asset value, end of period .....................     $     22.50             $     22.22          $     19.41       
                                                              ===========             ===========          ===========       
Total return ............................................           15.71%(c)               15.93%                6.81%(d)   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
     Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) ..........     $   583,493             $   568,510          $   682,271       
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets ............            1.16%(a)(b)             1.16%(a)             1.19%(a)   
     Ratio of net investment income to average net assets          (0.13)%(b)                0.71%                0.84%      
     Portfolio turnover rate ............................              64%(c)                 126%                  86%      
     Average commission rate(e) .........................     $    0.0187             $    0.0039          $    0.0007       
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            
                                                                                                          FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                                                       OCTOBER 1, 1992* TO
                                                                   FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,          AUGUST 31, 1993
                                                                    1995                 1994                 1993
                                                                 -----------          -----------          -----------
<S>                                                              <C>                  <C>              <C>        
Net asset value, beginning of period ....................        $     20.73          $     18.73          $     15.00
                                                                 -----------          -----------          -----------
     Income from investment operations:
     Net investment income ..............................               0.06                 0.05                 0.04
     Net realized and unrealized gains on securities
         and foreign currency transactions ..............              (1.75)                2.60                 3.69
                                                                 -----------          -----------          -----------
     Total from investment operations ...................              (1.69)                2.65                 3.73
                                                                 -----------          -----------          -----------
Less Dividends and Distributions:
     Dividends from net investment income ...............                 --                (0.05)                  --
     Distributions from capitalized gains ...............              (0.80)               (0.60)                  --
                                                                 -----------          -----------          -----------
     Total Dividends and Distributions ..................              (0.80)               (0.65)                  --
                                                                 -----------          -----------          -----------
     Net asset value, end of period .....................        $     18.24          $     20.73          $     18.73
                                                                 ===========          ===========          ===========
Total return ............................................             (8.06)%(d)            14.23%(d)            24.87%(c)(d)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
     Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) ..........        $   773,255          $   767,190          $   268,404
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets ............               1.25%(a)             1.25%(a)             1.25%(a)(b)
     Ratio of net investment income to average net assets               0.35%                0.33%                0.41%(b)
     Portfolio turnover rate ............................                 78%                 104%                 106%(c)
     Average commission rate(e) .........................                N/A                  N/A                  N/A
</TABLE>

(a)      Without the voluntary waiver of advisory fees and administration fees,
         the ratios of expenses to average net assets for the Fund's
         Institutional Class would have been 1.24% annualized for the six months
         ended February 28, 1998 and 1.25%, 1.22%, 1.26% and 1.30% for the years
         ended August 31, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively and 1.46%
         annualized for the period ended August 31, 1993.

(b)      Annualized.

(c)      Not annualized.

(d)      Redemption fees not reflected in total return.

(e)      Computed by dividing the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by
         the total shares of investment securities purchased and sold during the
         period for which commissions were charged, as required by the SEC for
         fiscal years beginning after September 1, 1995.

*        Commencement of operations.


                                       6
<PAGE>   34
BEA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       FOR THE SIX                                              FOR THE PERIOD
                                                       MONTHS ENDED                                             JUNE 20, 1994*
                                                       FEBRUARY 28,          FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,      TO AUGUST 31,
                                                          1998            1997         1996          1995           1994
                                                       -------          -------       -------       -------       -------
                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>    
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ................  $ 14.84          $ 14.65       $ 15.46       $ 15.06       $ 15.00
                                                       -------          -------       -------       -------       -------
Income from investment operations
     Net investment income ..........................     0.35             0.72          0.73          0.71          0.09
     Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on
         securities and foreign currency transactions     0.36             0.65         (0.37)         0.50         (0.03)
                                                       -------          -------       -------       -------       -------
     Total from investment operations ...............     0.71             1.37          0.36          1.21          0.06
                                                       -------          -------       -------       -------       -------
Less Dividends and Distributions
     Dividends from net investment income ...........    (0.36)           (0.72)        (0.74)        (0.76)           --
     Distributions from capital gains ...............    (0.11)           (0.46)        (0.43)        (0.05)           --
                                                       -------          -------       -------       -------       -------
     Total Dividends and Distributions ..............    (0.47)           (1.18)        (1.17)        (0.81)           --
                                                       -------          -------       -------       -------       -------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD ......................  $ 15.08          $ 14.84       $ 14.65       $ 15.46       $ 15.06
                                                       =======          =======       =======       =======       =======
Total return ........................................     4.86%(c)         9.74%         2.27%         8.42%         0.40%(c)
Ratio/Supplemental Data
     Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) ......  $20,620          $19,810       $19,581       $48,978       $42,310
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets ........     1.00%(a)(b)      1.00%(a)      1.00%(a)      1.00%(a)      1.00%(a)(b)
     Ratio of net investment income (loss)
         to average net assets ......................     4.76%(b)         4.88%         4.62%         4.76%         3.27%(b)
     Portfolio turnover rate ........................       25%(c)           43%           34%           25%            9%(c)
</TABLE>

(a)      Without the voluntary waiver of advisory fees and administration fees,
         the ratios of expenses to average net assets for the Fund's
         Institutional Shares would have been 1.32% annualized for the six
         months ended February 28, 1998 and 1.37%, 1.42% and 1.19% for the years
         ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and 1.34%
         annualized for the period ended August 31, 1994.

(b)      Annualized.

(c)      Not annualized.

*        Commencement of operations.


                                       7
<PAGE>   35
BEA STRATEGIC GLOBAL FIXED INCOME FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FOR THE SIX                                                 FOR THE PERIOD
                                                  MONTHS ENDED          FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,        JUNE 20, 1994* TO
                                               FEBRUARY 28, 1998      1997           1996           1995      AUGUST 31, 1994
                                               -----------------    --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                               <C>               <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>     
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ...........  $  15.41          $  15.75       $  15.67       $  15.00       $  15.00
                                                  --------          --------       --------       --------       --------
Income from investment operations
  Net investment income ........................      0.45              0.85           0.87           1.06           0.15
  Net realized and unrealized gains(losses) on
    securities and foreign currency transactions      0.12             (0.16)          0.58           0.49          (0.15)
                                                  --------          --------       --------       --------       --------
  Total from investment operations .............      0.57              0.69           1.45           1.55             --
                                                  --------          --------       --------       --------
Less Dividends and Distributions
  Dividends from net investment income .........     (0.45)            (0.71)         (1.22)         (0.88)            --
  Distributions from capital gains .............     (0.48)            (0.32)         (0.15)            --             --
                                                  --------          --------       --------       --------       --------
  Total Dividends and Distributions ............     (0.93)            (1.03)         (1.37)         (0.88)            --
                                                  --------          --------       --------       --------       --------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD .................  $  15.05          $  15.41       $  15.75       $  15.67       $  15.00
                                                  ========          ========       ========       ========       ========
Total return ...................................      3.84%(c)          4.48%          9.65%         10.72%          0.00%(c)
RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
  Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).....  $ 29,400          $ 44,285       $ 38,348       $ 19,565       $  6,300
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets ......      0.75%(a)(b)       0.75%(a)       0.75%(a)       0.75%(a)       0.75%(a)(b)
  Ratio of net investment income(loss) to
    average net assets .........................      5.23%(b)          5.31%          7.37%          7.26%          5.64%(b)
  Portfolio turnover rate ......................       172%               98%            87%            91%             0%(c)
</TABLE>

(a)      Without the voluntary waiver of advisory fees and administration fees
         and without the reimbursement of operating expenses, the ratios of
         expenses to average net assets for the Fund's Institutional Shares
         would have been 1.04% annualized for the six months ended February 28,
         1998 and 0.98%, 1.07% and 1.29% for the years ended August 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995, respectively, and 1.92% annualized for the period ended
         August 31, 1994.

(b)      Annualized.

(c)      Not annualized.

*        Commencement of operations.


                                       8
<PAGE>   36
BEA U.S. CORE EQUITY FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                                                        SEPTEMBER 1, 1994*
                                             MONTHS ENDED                      AUGUST 31,                  THROUGH
                                           FEBRUARY 28, 1998           1997               1996           AUGUST 31, 1995
                                           -------------          -------------      -------------      -------------
                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>                    <C>                <C>                <C>          
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF
  PERIOD ................................  $       24.40          $       19.05      $       17.86      $       15.00
                                           -------------          -------------      -------------      -------------
  Income from Investment
    Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss) ..........           0.06                   0.14               0.20               0.22
  Net Gain (Loss) from Securities and
    Foreign Currency Related Items
    (both realized and unrealized) ......           3.86                   6.82               2.81               2.72
                                           -------------          -------------      -------------      -------------
  Total from Investment Operations ......           3.92                   6.96               3.01               2.94
                                           -------------          -------------      -------------      -------------
  Less Distributions:
  Dividends from Net Investment
    Income ..............................          (0.13)                 (0.20)             (0.21)             (0.08)
  Distributions from Realized Gains .....          (3.43)                 (1.41)             (1.61)              0.00
                                           -------------          -------------      -------------      -------------
  Total Distributions ...................          (3.56)                 (1.61)             (1.82)             (0.08)
                                           -------------          -------------      -------------      -------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF
  PERIOD ................................  $       24.76          $       24.40      $       19.05      $       17.86
                                           =============          =============      =============      =============
Total Return ............................          17.57%(c)              38.32%             17.59%             19.75%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net Assets, End of Period (000's omitted)  $     109,142          $      86,182      $      59,015      $      31,644
Ratios to Average Daily Net Assets:
  Operating Expenses ....................           1.00%(a)(b)            1.00%(a)           1.00%(a)           1.00%(a)
  Net Investment Income (Loss) ..........            .42%(b)                .67%              1.25%              1.59%
  Decrease reflected in above
    operating expense ratios due to
    waivers/reimbursements ..............            .15%                   .18%               .34%               .51%
Portfolio Turnover Rate .................             78%(c)                 93%               127%               123%
Average Commission Rate(d) ..............  $      0.0568          $      0.0592      $      0.0614                 --
</TABLE>

(a)      Without the voluntary waiver of advisory fees and administration fees,
         the ratios of expenses to average net assets for the Fund's
         Institutional Shares would have been 1.15% annualized for the six
         months ended February 28, 1998 and 1.18% and 1.34%, annualized for the
         years ended August 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and 1.51%
         annualized for the period ended August 31, 1995.

(b)      Annualized.

(c)      Not annualized.

(d)      Computed by dividing the total amount of commissions paid by the total
         number of shares purchased and sold during the period for which there
         was a commission charged. The Average Commission Rate is not required
         for fiscal periods beginning before September 1, 1995.

*        Commencement of operations.


                                       9
<PAGE>   37
BEA U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                                 AUGUST 31,                       APRIL 1, 1994*
                                             MONTHS ENDED      --------------------------------------------          THROUGH
                                           FEBRUARY 28, 1998      1997             1996             1995          AUGUST 31, 1995
                                           ----------          ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>                 <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>       
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF
  PERIOD ................................  $    15.65          $    15.06       $    15.42       $    14.77       $    15.00
                                           ----------          ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Income from Investment
    Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss) ..........        0.45                0.92             0.95             0.88             0.42
  Net Gain (Loss) from Securities and
    Foreign Currency Related Items
    (both realized and unrealized) ......        0.33                0.76            (0.16)            0.61            (0.40)
                                           ----------          ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Total from Investment Operations .....         0.78                1.68             0.79             1.49             0.02
                                           ----------          ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Less Distributions:
  Dividends from Net Investment
    Income ..............................       (0.50)              (0.97)           (0.93)           (0.84)           (0.25)
  Distributions from Realized Gains .....       (0.23)              (0.12)           (0.22)           (0.00)            0.00
                                           ----------          ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Total Distributions ...................       (0.73)              (1.09)           (1.15)           (0.84)           (0.25)
                                           ----------          ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD .........   $    15.70          $    15.65       $    15.06       $    15.42       $    14.77
                                           ==========          ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========
Total Return ............................       15.14%(c)           11.53%            5.23%(c)        10.60%            0.17%(c)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net Assets, End of Period
  (000's omitted)........................  $  196,795          $  177,219       $  118,596       $   99,250       $   30,016
Ratios to Average Daily Net Assets:
  Operating Expenses ....................        0.50%(a)(b)         0.50%(a)         0.50%(a)         0.50%(a)         0.50%(a)(b)
  Net Investment Income (Loss) ..........        5.89%(b)            6.31%            6.43%            6.47%            6.04%(b)
  Decrease reflected in above
    operating expense ratios due to
    waivers/reimbursements ..............         .26%                .28%             .28%             .34%             .44%
Portfolio Turnover Rate .................         217%(c)             372%             201%             304%             186%
Average Commission Rate(d) ..............  $       --          $       --       $       --       $       --       $       --
</TABLE>

(a)      Without the voluntary waiver of advisory fees and administration fees,
         the ratios of expenses to average net assets for the Fund's
         Institutional Shares would have been .76% annualized for the six months
         ended February 28, 1998 and .78%, .78% and .84%, annualized for the
         years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and .99%
         annualized for the period ended August 31, 1994.

(b)      Annualized.

(c)      Not annualized.

(d)      Computed by dividing the total amount of commissions paid by the total
         number of shares purchased and sold during the period for which there
         was a commission charged. The Average Commission Rate is not required
         for fiscal periods beginning before September 1, 1995.

*        Commencement of operations.


                                       10
<PAGE>   38
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

         The investment objective of each Fund may not be changed without the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares (as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")). As with other
mutual funds, there can be no assurance that any Fund will achieve its
investment objective. Because of their different investment emphases, each Fund
should be considered as a specialized investment portfolio and not as a balanced
investment program by itself. The Statement of Additional Information contains a
more detailed description of the various investments and investment techniques
used by the Funds.

EMERGING MARKETS FUND

         The investment objective of the Emerging Markets II Fund is to provide
long-term appreciation of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by
investing primarily in equity securities of issuers in "Emerging Markets." As
used in this Prospectus, an Emerging Market is any country which is generally
considered to be an emerging or developing country by the World Bank and the
International Finance Corporation, as well as countries that are classified by
the United Nations as emerging or developing, at the time of the Fund's
investment. The countries that currently will not be considered Emerging Markets
include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Under
normal market conditions, the Fund will invest a minimum of 80% of its total
assets in equity securities of issuers in Emerging Markets. The Fund will not
necessarily seek to diversify investments on a geographical basis or on the
basis of the level of economic development of any particular country. The Fund
will at all times, except during defensive periods, maintain investments in at
least three Emerging Market countries.

         The Fund normally will not select portfolio securities on the basis of
their dividend or income potential unless BEA or Credit Suisse Asset Management
Ltd., sub-investment administrator to the Fund ("CSAM" and collectively with BEA
as applicable, "Advisers"), believes the income will contribute to the
securities' capital appreciation potential.

         An equity security of an issuer in an Emerging Market is defined as
common stock and preferred stock (including convertible preferred stock); bonds,
notes and debentures convertible into common or preferred stock; stock purchase
warrants and rights; equity interests in trusts and partnerships; and depository
receipts of companies: (i) the principal securities trading market for which is
in an Emerging Market; (ii) whose principal trading market is in any country,
provided that, alone or on a consolidated basis, they derive 50% or more of
their annual revenue from either goods produced, sales made or services
performed in Emerging Markets; or (iii) that are organized under the laws of,
and with a principal office in, an Emerging Market. Determinations as to
eligibility will be made by BEA based on publicly available information and
inquiries made to the companies.

         To the extent that the Fund's assets are not invested as described
above, the remainder of the assets may be invested in government or corporate
debt securities of Emerging Market or developed countries, although the Fund
does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in debt
securities. Debt securities may include lower-rated debt securities. See "Risk
Factors and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities."



                                       11
<PAGE>   39
HIGH YIELD FUND

         The investment objective of the High Yield Fund is to provide high
total return. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing primarily in
high yield fixed-income securities issued by corporations, governments and
agencies, both U.S. and foreign. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will
invest at least 65% of its total assets in such high yield fixed-income
securities. The Fund may also invest in fixed-income securities which may have
equity characteristics, such as convertible bonds and equity securities such as
warrants and options. The Fund is not limited in the extent to which it can
invest in securities rated below BBB, the fourth highest bond rating of Standard
& Poor's Ratings Service (S&P), or in comparable unrated securities. (Securities
rated BBB or better by S&P are commonly referred to as "investors grade.") See
"Risk Factors and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities." The portion
of the Fund's assets invested in various countries will vary from time to time
depending on the assessment of market opportunities by BEA.

         The value of the securities held by the Fund and thus the net asset
value of the Fund, generally will vary inversely in relation to changes in
prevailing interest rates. Also, the value of such securities may be affected by
changes in real or perceived creditworthiness of the issuers. The Fund may
purchase debt securities of any maturity, and the average maturity of the Fund's
assets will vary based upon BEA's assessment of economic and market conditions.

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND

         The International Growth Fund's investment objective is to provide
long-term appreciation of capital. The Fund will pursue its objective by
investing primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers. The Fund defines
equity securities of non-U.S. issuers as securities of issuers whose principal
activities are outside the United States. The Fund expects that its investments
will be concentrated in, but not limited to, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. The Fund may invest in
securities of issuers in Emerging Markets, as defined above under "Investment
Objectives and Policies -- Emerging Markets Fund," but does not expect to invest
more than 40% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in securities of
issuers in Emerging Markets. The Fund will invest in securities of issuers from
at least three countries outside the United States.

         Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest a minimum of 80%
of its total assets in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers. Such equity
securities may include common stock and preferred stock (including convertible
preferred stock); bonds, notes and debentures convertible into common or
preferred stock; stock purchase warrants and rights; equity interests in trusts
and partnerships; and depository receipts of companies. In choosing investments,
the Adviser looks for companies that present attractive opportunities for
capital growth.


                                       12
<PAGE>   40
         The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities
issued by U.S. or foreign governments or corporations, although it does not
currently intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in debt securities.
The Fund has no limitation on the maturity or the credit quality of the debt
securities in which it invests, which may include lower-rated debt securities.
See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities."

LONG-SHORT NEUTRAL FUND

         The investment objective of the Long-Short Neutral Fund is to seek
long-term capital appreciation while minimizing exposure to general equity
market risk. The Fund seeks a total return greater than the return of the
Salomon Smith Barney 1-Month Treasury Bill Index(TM). The Fund attempts to
achieve its objective by taking long positions in stocks that the Adviser has
identified as undervalued and short positions in stocks that the Adviser has
identified as overvalued. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations -- Short
Sales" below. Generally, the Fund's investments will be concentrated in
securities principally traded in U.S. markets. By taking long and short
positions in different stocks with similar characteristics, the Fund attempts to
minimize the effect of general stock market movements on the Fund's performance.
The Adviser will determine the size of each long or short position by analyzing
the tradeoff between the attractiveness of each position and its impact on the
risk of the overall portfolio. The Fund seeks to construct a diversified
portfolio that has minimal net exposure to the U.S. equity market generally and
low to neutral exposure to specific industries, specific capitalization ranges
(e.g., large cap, mid cap and small cap) and certain other factors.

         Although the Fund's investment strategy seeks to minimize the risk
associated with investing in the equity market, an investment in the Fund will
be subject to the risk of poor stock selection by the Adviser. In other words,
the Adviser may not be successful in executing its strategy of taking long
positions in stocks that outperform the market and short positions in stocks
that underperform the market. Further, since the Adviser will manage both a long
and a short portfolio, an investment in the Fund will involve the risk that the
Adviser may make more poor investment decisions than an adviser of a typical
stock mutual fund with only a long portfolio may make. An investment in
one-month U.S. Treasury Bills is different from an investment in the Fund
because Treasury Bills are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, Treasury Bills have a fixed rate of return and investors in Treasury
Bills do not bear the risk of losing their investment.

         To meet margin requirements, redemptions or pending investments, the
Fund may also temporarily hold a portion of its assets in full faith and credit
obligations of the United States government (e.g., U.S. Treasury Bills) and in
short-term notes, commercial paper or other money market instruments of high
quality (i.e., rated at least "A-2" or "AA" by S&P or Prime 2 or "Aa" by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")) issued by companies having an outstanding
debt issue rated at least "AA" by S&P or at least "Aa" by Moody's, or determined
by the Adviser to be of comparable quality to any of the foregoing.

         The Fund's long and short positions may involve (without limit) equity
securities of foreign issuers that are traded in the markets of the United
States as sponsored American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). ADRs are receipts
typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the
underlying foreign securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed
for use in U.S. securities markets. The ADRs may not necessarily be denominated
in the same currency as the foreign securities underlying the ADRs. See "Risk
Factors and Special Considerations -- Foreign Securities." The Fund will not
invest in equity securities that are principally traded outside of the United
States.

         The value of Fund shares may increase or decrease depending on market,
economic, political, regulatory and other conditions affecting the Fund's
portfolio. Investment in shares of the Fund is more volatile and risky than some
other forms of investment. In addition, if the Adviser takes long positions in
stocks that decline or short positions in stocks that increase in value, then
the losses of the Fund may exceed those of other stock mutual funds that hold
long positions only.

LONG-SHORT EQUITY FUND

         The investment objective of the Long-Short Equity Fund is to seek a
total return greater than that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
Price Index (the "S&P 500 Index"). The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by
investing in Institutional Shares of the Long-Short Neutral Fund while
simultaneously utilizing S&P 500 Index futures, options on S&P 500 Index futures
and equity swap contracts to gain exposure to the equity market as measured by
the S&P 500 Index. See "Certain Investment Strategies -- Long-Short Neutral
Fund" and "Risk Factors and Special Considerations -- S&P 500 Index Futures and
Related Options" and " -- Equity Swap Contracts" below. The Fund has obtained
an exemptive order from the SEC allowing it to invest without limit in the
Long-Short Neutral Fund. Once the Fund has indirectly acquired a diversified
long and short portfolio through the purchase of Institutional Shares of the
Long-Short Neutral Fund, the Adviser will purchase S&P 500 Index futures,
options on S&P 500 Index futures and equity swap contracts in an amount
approximately equal to the net asset value of the Fund in order to gain full net
exposure to the U.S. equity market as measured by the S&P 500 Index. In addition
to purchasing


                                       13
<PAGE>   41
Institutional Shares of the Long-Short Neutral Fund, the Fund may also take long
positions in stocks principally traded in the markets of the United States that
the Adviser has identified as undervalued and short positions in such stocks
that the Adviser has identified as overvalued. See "Risk Factors and Special
Considerations -- Short Sales."

         The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index composed of 500 common stocks,
most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The S&P 500 Index
assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index, weighted according
to each stock's total market value relative to the total market value of the
other stocks included in such index.

         To meet margin requirements, redemptions or pending investments, the
Fund may also temporarily hold a portion of its assets in full faith and credit
obligations of the United States government (e.g., U.S. Treasury Bills) and in
short-term notes, commercial paper or other money market instruments of high
quality (i.e., rated at least "A-2" or "AA" by S&P or Prime 2 or "Aa" by
Moody's) issued by companies having an outstanding debt issue rated at least
"AA" by S&P or at least "Aa" by Moody's, or determined by the Adviser to be of
comparable quality to any of the foregoing.

         The Fund's long and short positions may involve (without limit) equity
securities of foreign issuers that are traded in the markets of the United
States as ADRs, which are described above under "Long-Short Neutral Fund." See
"Risk Factors and Special Considerations -- Foreign Securities." The Fund will
not invest in equity securities that are traded outside of the United States.

         In a typical value-oriented stock mutual fund the investment adviser
attempts to earn an excess return (return above market return) or "alpha" by
identifying and purchasing undervalued stocks. However, there is another "alpha"
possibility --identifying and selling short overvalued stocks. The term "double
alpha" refers to these two potential sources of alpha: one from correctly
identifying undervalued stocks and one from correctly identifying overvalued
stocks. The market neutral strategy employed directly by the Long-Short Neutral
Fund and indirectly by the Long-Short Equity Fund (through investment in shares
of the Long-Short Neutral Fund) seeks to capture both alphas. The Long-Short
Equity Fund also seeks gain (and incurs additional cost and expense risk) by
investing in S&P 500 Index instruments.

         The value of Fund shares may increase or decrease depending on market, 
economic, political, regulatory and other conditions affecting the Fund's 
portfolio. Investment in shares of the Fund is more volatile and risky than 
some other forms of investment. In addition, if the Adviser takes long 
positions in stocks that decline or short positions in stocks that increase 
in value, then the losses of the Fund may exceed those of other stock mutual 
funds that hold long positions only.

MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

         The investment objective of the Municipal Bond Fund is to provide high
total return. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing at least 65%
of its total assets in fixed-income securities issued by state and local
governments ("Municipal Obligations"), although the Fund may invest its assets
without limitation in securities of below investment-grade quality. See "Risk
Factors and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities." The Fund may 
invest up to 40% of its assets (at the time of purchase) in municipal 
obligations the interest on which constitutes an item of tax preference for 
purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax ("Alternative Minimum Tax 
Securities").

         The two principal classifications of Municipal Obligations are "general
obligation" securities and "revenue" securities. General obligation securities
are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power
for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue securities are payable only
from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or,
in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific
revenue source such as the user of the facility being financed. Revenue
securities include private activity bonds which are not payable from the
unrestricted revenues of the issuer. Consequently, the credit quality of private
activity bonds is usually directly related to the credit standing of the
corporate user of the facility involved. Municipal Obligations may also include
"moral obligation" bonds, which are normally issued by special purpose public
authorities. If the issuer of moral obligation bonds is unable to meet its debt
service obligations from current revenues, it may draw on a reserve fund, the
restoration of which is a moral commitment but not a legal obligation of the
state or municipality which created the issuer.

         Eligible Municipal Obligations include debt obligations issued by
governmental entities to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the
construction of a wide range of public facilities, the refunding of outstanding
obligations, the payment of general operating expenses and the extension of
loans to public institutions and facilities. Private activity bonds issued by or
on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately operated facilities
are considered Municipal Obligations.

         Also included within the general category of Municipal Obligations are
participation certificates in a lease, an installment purchase contract, or a
conditional sales contract ("lease obligations") entered into by a state or
political subdivision to finance the acquisition or construction of equipment,
land, or facilities. Although lease obligations do not constitute general
obligations


                                       14
<PAGE>   42
of the issuer for which the lessee's unlimited taxing power is pledged, certain
lease obligations are backed by the lessee's covenant to appropriate money to
make the lease obligation payments. However, under certain lease obligations,
the lessee has no obligation to make these payments in future years unless money
is appropriated on a yearly basis. Although "non-appropriation" lease
obligations are secured by the leased property, disposition of the property in
the event of foreclosure might prove difficult. These securities represent a
relatively new type of financing that is not yet as marketable as more
conventional securities. Moreover, certain investments in lease obligations may
be illiquid and subject to the investment limitations described in the Statement
of Additional Information under "Common Investment Policies -- All Funds --
Illiquid Securities."

SELECT EQUITY FUND

         The investment objective of the Select Equity Fund is to seek long-term
appreciation of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing primarily in U.S. equity securities that the Adviser believes are
undervalued. The Adviser will apply its Select Equity analysis in assembling and
managing the Fund's portfolio. In the selection of industry sectors to
emphasize, the Adviser searches for sectors with favorable economic profit
trends. Within this framework, the Adviser will select specific securities by
emphasizing, in addition to traditional analyses such as price/earnings ratios,
the economic profit of a company measured by its cash flow relative to its
capital assets. The Fund normally will not emphasize dividend income in choosing
securities, unless BEA believes the income will contribute to the securities'
appreciation potential.

         Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of
its total assets in U.S. equity securities. Equity securities include common
stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, and other securities, such as
rights and warrants, which derive their values from common stocks. The Fund may
also invest in fixed income securities and in money market instruments.

         The Fund may invest without limit in foreign securities, principally
through the purchase of dollar-denominated ADRs of foreign issuers, and engage
in foreign currency transactions. See below, and "Risk Factors and Special
Considerations -- Foreign Securities" and " -- Foreign Currency Transactions."
The Fund may also purchase lower-rated debt securities. See "Risk Factors and
Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities."

GLOBAL INCOME FUND

         The investment objective of the Global Income Fund is to provide high
total return. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing at least 65%
of its total assets in fixed income securities issued by foreign and domestic
corporations, governments and agencies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund
will seek to maintain an average weighted quality not lower than BBB the fourth
highest bond rating of S&P or in comparable unrated securities. (Securities
rated BBB or better by S&P are commonly referred to as "investment grade"). The
Fund may invest in fixed-income securities which may have equity
characteristics, such as convertible bonds. The Fund will not limit its
investments in securities rated below investment grade by recognized rating
agencies or in comparable unrated securities. The portion of the Fund's assets
invested in various countries will vary from time to time depending on the
assessment of market opportunities by BEA or CSAM, the Fund's sub-investment
adviser. There is no limit on investments in any region, country or currency,
although the Fund will normally invest in at least three different countries.

         In addition to fixed income securities issued by foreign and domestic
corporations, the Fund may also invest in foreign government securities
("sovereign bonds"), U.S. Government securities including government agencies'
securities, debt obligations of supranational entities, Brady Bonds, loan
participations and assignments, convertible securities, mortgage-backed
securities, asset-backed securities, zero-coupon securities, when-issued
securities, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls.

U.S. EQUITY FUND

         The investment objective of the U.S. Equity Fund is to provide
long-term appreciation of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by
investing, under normal market conditions, at least 65% of its total assets in
U.S. equity securities. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred
stocks, and securities which are convertible into common stock and readily
marketable securities, such as rights and warrants, which derive their value
from common stock. The Fund may also purchase without limitation
dollar-denominated ADRs of foreign issuers and similar securities. For defensive
purposes, the Fund may


                                       15
<PAGE>   43
invest in fixed income securities. The Fund normally will not emphasize dividend
or interest income in choosing securities, unless BEA believes the income will
contribute to the securities' appreciation potential.

U.S. FIXED INCOME FUND

         The investment objective of the U.S. Fixed Income Fund is to provide
high total return. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing, under
normal market conditions, at least 65% of its total assets in domestic fixed
income securities consistent with comparable broad market fixed-income indices.
Debt securities may include, without limitation, bonds, debentures, notes,
equipment lease and trust certificates, mortgage-related securities of corporate
issuers, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets
in debt securities of foreign issuers, including emerging market debt. With
respect to 35% of the Fund's total assets, the Fund may also invest in other
securities, including, but not limited to, equity securities such as preferred
stock and equity-related securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund
will seek to maintain an average dollar-weighted credit rating comparable to the
AA rating of S&P. Subject to this condition, however, the Fund may invest in
lower-rated debt securities. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations --
Lower-Rated Securities" below. The Adviser estimates that the average weighted
maturity of the Fund will range between 5 and 15 years.

         Depending on prevailing market conditions, the Fund may purchase debt
securities at a discount from face value, which produces a yield greater than
the coupon rate. Conversely, if debt securities are purchased at a premium over
face value, the yield will be lower than the coupon rate. An increase in
interest rates will generally reduce the value of the fixed income investments
in the Fund and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of
those investments. Also, the value of such securities may be affected by changes
in real or perceived creditworthiness of the issuers.

PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

         TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. For defensive purposes or during temporary
periods in which the Fund's Adviser believes changes in economic, financial or
political conditions make it advisable, each Fund may reduce its holdings in
other securities and invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or certain
short-term (less than twelve months to maturity) and medium-term (not greater
than five years to maturity) interest-bearing instruments or deposits of United
States and foreign issuers. Such investments may include, but are not limited
to, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, variable or floating rate notes,
bankers' acceptances, time deposits, government securities and money market
deposit accounts. See Statement of Additional Information, "Common Investment
Policies -- Temporary Investments." The Funds may also hold cash or cash
equivalents pending investment.

         RULE 144A SECURITIES. Rule 144A Securities (as defined below) are
securities which are restricted as to resale to the general public, but which
may be resold to "qualified institutional buyers." Each Fund may invest in Rule
144A Securities that the Fund's Adviser has determined are liquid pursuant to
guidelines established by the Fund's Board of Directors.

         BORROWING. Each Fund may borrow up to 33-1/3 percent of its total
assets without obtaining shareholder approval. The Funds intend to borrow or to
engage in reverse repurchase agreements or dollar roll transactions only for
temporary or emergency purposes with the exception of the Global Income Fund,
the High Yield Fund and the Municipal Bond Fund. See Statement of Additional
Information, "Common Investment Policies -- All Funds -- Reverse Repurchase
Agreements" and " -- Borrowing."

         LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Each Fund may also lend its portfolio
securities to financial institutions against collateral consisting of cash, U.S.
Government securities or irrevocable bank letters of credit, which are equal at
all times to at least 102% of the value of the securities loaned (105% in the
case of foreign securities loaned). Such loans would involve risks of delay in
receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral
decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the
securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower
of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to
borrowers deemed by the Fund's Adviser to be of good standing and only when, in
the Adviser's judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the
attendant risks. Any loans of a Fund's securities will be fully collateralized
and


                                       16
<PAGE>   44
marked to market daily. A Fund may not make loans in excess of 50% of its total
assets immediately before such loans.

         INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Each Fund may invest in securities issued by
other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. As a
shareholder of another investment company, each Fund would bear, along with
other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's
expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the
advisory and other expenses that a Fund bears directly in connection with its
own operations.

         U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The obligations issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government in which each Fund may invest include direct obligations of the
U.S. Treasury and obligations issued by U.S. government agencies and
instrumentalities. Included among direct obligations of the United States are
Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds, which differ principally in
terms of their maturities. Treasury Bills have maturities of less than one year,
Treasury Notes have maturities of one to 10 years and Treasury Bonds generally
have maturities of greater than 10 years at the date of issuance. Included among
the obligations issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States
are: instruments that are supported by the full faith and credit of the United
States (such as certificates issued by the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA")); instruments that are supported by the right of the issuer
to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as securities of Federal Home Loan
Banks); and instruments that are supported by the credit of the instrumentality
(such as Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") bonds).

RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

         For certain additional risks related to each Fund's investments, see
"Portfolio Investments" and "Certain Investment Strategies."

         GENERAL. Among the factors that may be considered in deciding whether
to invest in a security are the issuer's financial resources, its sensitivity to
economic conditions and trends, its operating history and the ability of the
issuer's management. Bond prices generally vary inversely in relation to changes
in the level of interest rates, as well as in response to other market factors
and changes in the creditworthiness of the issuers of the securities. U.S.
Government Securities are considered to be of the highest credit quality
available. U.S. Government Securities, however, will be affected by general
changes in interest rates. The price volatility of a Fund's shares where the
Fund invests in intermediate maturity bonds will be substantially less than that
of long-term bonds. An intermediate maturity bond will generally have a lower
yield than that of a long-term bond. Longer-term securities in which the Funds
may invest generally offer a higher current yield than is offered by
shorter-term securities, but also generally involve greater volatility of price
and risk of capital than shorter-term securities.

         FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers
involves opportunities and risks that are different from investing in the
securities of U.S. issuers. The risks associated with investing in securities of
non-U.S. issuers are generally heightened for investments in securities of
issuers in emerging markets.

         Because foreign securities generally are denominated and pay dividends
or interest in foreign currencies, and the Funds may hold from time to time
various foreign currencies pending their investment in foreign securities or
their conversion into U.S. dollars, the value of the Funds' assets as measured
in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in exchange
rates. In addition, investors should realize that the value of the Funds'
investments may be adversely affected by changes in political or social
conditions, diplomatic relations, confiscatory taxation, expropriation,
limitation on the removal of funds or assets, or imposition of (or change in)
exchange control regulations in those foreign nations. In addition, changes in
government administrations or economic or monetary policies in the U.S. or
abroad could result in appreciation or depreciation of portfolio securities and
could favorably or adversely affect the Funds' operations. Furthermore, the
economies of individual foreign nations may differ from that of the United
States, whether favorably or unfavorably, in areas such as growth of gross
national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource
self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Any foreign investments made
by the Funds must be made in compliance with U.S. and foreign currency
restrictions and tax laws restricting the amounts and types of foreign
investments.

         In general, less information is publicly available with respect to
certain foreign issuers than is available with respect to U.S. companies. Most
foreign companies are also not subject to the uniform accounting and financial
reporting requirements


                                       17
<PAGE>   45
applicable to issuers in the United States. The Funds' foreign investments may
be less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than comparable investments
in securities in U.S. companies. Expenses relating to foreign investments are
generally higher than those relating to domestic securities. In addition, there
is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges,
brokers and issuers in foreign countries than in the United States.

         DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. Certain of the above risks may be involved with
American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and
International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs"), instruments that evidence ownership
in underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. ADRs, EDRs and IDRs
may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities whose
ownership they represent. ADRs are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company. EDRs (sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts) are
issued in Europe, and IDRs (sometimes referred to as Global Depositary Receipts)
are issued outside the United States, each typically by non-U.S. banks and trust
companies.

         FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The over the counter market in forward
foreign currency exchange contracts offers less protection against defaults by
the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments
traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the
counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Since these
contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the
contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the
benefits of a currency hedge or force a Fund to cover its purchase or sale
commitments, if any, at the current market price. A Fund will not enter into
forward foreign currency exchange contracts unless the credit quality of the
unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is
considered to be investment grade by the Fund's Adviser.

         Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods
of time. They generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the
foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments in different
countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates and other complex
factors as seen from an international perspective. Currency exchange rates also
can be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or
central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political
developments in the United States or abroad. The foreign currency market offers
less protection against defaults in the forward trading of currencies than is
available when trading in currencies occurs on an exchange. Since a forward
currency contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default
on the contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits or force such Fund to
cover its commitments for purchase or resale, if any, at the current market
price.

         EMERGING MARKETS. (Emerging Markets Fund, Global Telecommunications
Fund, International Growth Fund and U.S. Fixed Income Fund only) Investing in
securities of issuers located in emerging markets involves not only the risks
described below with respect to investing in foreign securities, but also other
risks, including exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse
and mature than, and to political systems that can be expected to have less
stability than, those of developed countries. For example, many investments in
emerging markets experienced significant declines in value due to political and
currency volatility in emerging market countries during the latter part of 1997.
Other characteristics of emerging markets that may affect investment there
include certain national policies that may restrict investment by foreigners in
issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests and the
absence of developed legal structures governing private and foreign investments
and private property. The typically small size of the markets for securities of
issuers located in emerging markets and the possibility of a low or nonexistent
volume of trading in those securities may also result in a lack of liquidity and
in price volatility of those securities.

         LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. (All Funds except Long-Short Neutral Fund and
Long-Short Equity Fund) The widespread expansion of government, consumer and
corporate debt within the economy has made the corporate sector, especially
cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or
increased interest rates. Because lower-rated debt securities involve issuers
with weaker credit fundamentals (such as debt-to-equity ratios, interest charge
coverage, earnings history and the like), an economic downturn, or increases in
interest rates, could severely disrupt the market for lower-rated debt
securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding debt securities and the
ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

         Lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") possess
speculative characteristics and are subject to greater market fluctuations and
risk of lost income and principal than higher-rated debt securities for a
variety of reasons. The markets


                                       18
<PAGE>   46
for and prices of lower-rated debt securities have been found to be less
sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more
sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments.
Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest
rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would
adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment
obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional
financing. If the issuer of a debt security owned by a Fund defaulted, the Fund
could incur additional expenses in seeking recovery with no guaranty of
recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be
expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of lower-rated debt
securities and a Fund's net asset value. Lower-rated debt securities also
present risks based on payment expectations. For example, lower-rated debt
securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises
these provisions in a declining interest rate market, a Fund would have to
replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased
return for investors. Conversely, a lower-rated debt security's value will
decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of a Fund's assets.
If a Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, this may force it to sell its
lower-rated debt securities, without regard to their investment merits, thereby
decreasing the asset base upon which a Fund's expenses can be spread and
possibly reducing a Fund's rate of return.

         In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail
secondary market, there may be thin trading of lower-rated debt securities, and
this may have an impact on the ability of the Fund's Adviser to both value
accurately lower-rated debt securities and the Fund's assets, and to dispose of
the debt securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not
based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity of
lower-rated debt securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

         FIXED INCOME SECURITIES. (All Funds except Emerging Markets Fund,
Global Telecommunications Fund and International Growth Fund) The value of the
securities held by a Fund, and thus the net asset value of the shares of a Fund,
generally will vary inversely in relation to changes in prevailing interest
rates. Thus, if interest rates have increased from the time a debt or other
fixed income security was purchased, such security, if sold, might be sold at a
price less than its cost. Conversely, if interest rates have declined from the
time such a security was purchased, such security, if sold, might be sold at a
price greater than its cost. Also, the value of such securities may be affected
by changes in real or perceived creditworthiness of the issuers. Thus, if
creditworthiness is enhanced, the price may rise. Conversely, if
creditworthiness declines, the price may decline. A Fund is not restricted to
any maximum or minimum time to maturity in purchasing portfolio securities, and
the average maturity of the Fund's assets will vary based upon the Adviser's
assessment of economic and market conditions.

         NON-PUBLICLY TRADED SECURITIES; RULE 144A SECURITIES. Each Fund may
purchase securities that are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), but that can be sold to "qualified institutional
buyers" in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A
Securities"). A Rule 144A Security will be considered illiquid and therefore
subject to each Fund's limitation on the purchase of illiquid securities, unless
the Fund's Board determines on an ongoing basis that an adequate trading market
exists for the security. In addition to an adequate trading market, the Board
will also consider factors such as trading activity, availability of reliable
price information and other relevant information in determining whether a Rule
144A Security is liquid. This investment practice could have the effect of
increasing the level of illiquidity in the Funds to the extent that qualified
institutional buyers become uninterested for a time in purchasing Rule 144A
Securities. The Board of each Fund will carefully monitor any investments by the
Fund in Rule 144A Securities. The Boards may adopt guidelines and delegate to
the relevant Fund's Adviser the daily function of determining and
monitoring the liquidity of Rule 144A Securities, although each Board will
retain ultimate responsibility for any determination regarding liquidity.

         Non-publicly traded securities (including Rule 144A Securities) may
involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in
substantial losses. These securities may be less liquid than publicly traded
securities, and a Fund may take longer to liquidate these positions than would
be the case for publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be
resold in privately negotiated transactions, the price realized from these sales
could be less than those originally paid by the Fund. Further, companies whose
securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and
other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their
securities were publicly traded. A Fund's investment in illiquid securities is
subject to the risk that should the Fund desire to sell any of these securities
when a ready buyer is not available at a price that is deemed to be
representative of their value, the value of the Fund's net assets could be
adversely affected.


                                       19
<PAGE>   47
         NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Each Fund is classified as a non-diversified
investment company under the 1940 Act, which means that each Fund is not limited
by the 1940 Act in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in the
obligations of a single issuer. Each Fund will, however, comply with
diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), for qualification as a regulated investment company. As a
non-diversified investment company, each Fund may invest a greater proportion of
its assets in the obligations of a small number of issuers and, as a result, may
be subject to greater risk with respect to portfolio securities. To the extent
that a Fund assumes large positions in the securities of a small number of
issuers, its return may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified
company as a result of changes in the financial condition or in the market's
assessment of the issuers.

         EMERGING GROWTH AND SMALLER CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES; UNSEASONED
ISSUERS. Investing in securities of companies with continuous operations of less
than three years ("unseasoned issuers") may involve greater risks since these
securities may have limited marketability and, thus, may be more volatile than
securities of larger, more established companies or the market in general.
Because such companies normally have fewer shares outstanding than larger
companies, it may be more difficult for a Fund to buy or sell significant
amounts of such shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. These
companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may
lack management depth. In addition, these companies are typically subject to a
greater degree of changes in earnings and business prospects than are larger,
more established companies. There is typically less publicly available
information concerning these companies than for larger, more established ones.
Although investing in securities of unseasoned issuers offers potential for
above-average returns if the companies are successful, the risk exists that the
companies will not succeed and the prices of the companies' shares could
significantly decline in value. Therefore, an investment in a Fund may involve a
greater degree of risk than an investment in other mutual funds that seek
capital appreciation by investing in more established, larger companies.

         YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE. Many services provided to a Fund and their
shareholders by BEA, CSAM Counsellors Securities Inc., the Funds' distributor
("Counsellors Securities"), certain of the latter's affiliates (collectively,
the "Service Providers"), and the Funds' other service providers rely on the
functioning of their respective computer systems. Many computer systems cannot
distinguish the year 2000 from the year 1900, with resulting potential
difficulty in performing various calculations (the "Year 2000 Issue"). The Year
2000 Issue could potentially have an adverse impact on the handling of security
trades, the payment of interest and dividends, pricing, account services and
other Fund operations.

         The Service Providers recognize the importance of the Year 2000 Issue
and are taking appropriate steps necessary in preparation for the year 2000. At
this time, there can be no assurance that these steps will be sufficient to
avoid any adverse impact on the Funds nor can there be any assurance that the
Year 2000 Issue will not have an adverse effect on the Funds' investments or on
global markets or economies, generally.

         The Service Providers anticipate that their systems and those of the
Funds' other service providers will be adapted in time for the year 2000. To
further this goal, the Service Providers have coordinated a plan to repair,
adapt or replace systems that are not year 2000 compliant, and are seeking to
obtain similar representations from the Funds' other major service providers.
The Service Providers will be monitoring the Year 2000 Issue in an effort to
ensure appropriate preparation.

         GENERAL. Investment methods described in this prospectus are among
those which the Funds have the power to utilize. Accordingly, reference to any
particular method or technique carries no implication that it will be utilized
or, if it is, that it will be successful.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND TURNOVER RATE

         A Fund will attempt to purchase securities with the intent of holding
them for investment but may purchase and sell portfolio securities whenever the
Fund's Adviser believes it to be in the best interests of the relevant Fund. The
Fund's Adviser will effect portfolio transactions in each Fund without regard to
holding periods if, in its judgment, such transactions are advisable in light of
general market, economic or financial conditions. Portfolio turnover may vary
greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year. It is not
possible to predict each Fund's portfolio turnover rate. However, it is
anticipated that, under normal market conditions, each Fund's annual turnover
rate should not exceed 100% (150% and 50% in the case of the Long-Short 
Neutral Fund and Long-Short Equity Fund, respectively).


                                       20
<PAGE>   48
High portfolio turnover rates (100% or more) may result in higher dealer
mark-ups or underwriting commissions as well as other transaction costs,
including correspondingly higher brokerage commissions. In addition, short-term
gains realized from portfolio turnover may be taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes -- Taxes" below and
"Investment Policies --Portfolio Transactions" in the Statement of Additional
Information.

         All orders for transactions in securities or options on behalf of a
Fund are placed by the Fund's Adviser with broker-dealers that it selects,
including Counsellors Securities and affiliates of Credit Suisse Group ("Credit
Suisse"). A Fund may utilize Counsellors Securities or affiliates of Credit
Suisse in connection with a purchase or sale of securities when the Fund's
Adviser believes that the charge for the transaction does not exceed usual and
customary levels and when doing so is consistent with guidelines adopted by the
Board.

CERTAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

STRATEGY AVAILABLE TO ALL FUNDS - EXCEPT THE LONG-SHORT NEUTRAL FUND AND
LONG-SHORT EQUITY FUND

         FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The Funds may also enter into contracts
to purchase and sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts to seek to
enhance total return. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is a
negotiated agreement to exchange currency at a future time at a rate or rates
that may be higher or lower than those available on a "spot" (or cash) basis. A
Fund may enter into these contracts for purposes of increasing exposure to a
foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one
country to another. To the extent that such contracts are entered into to
enhance total return, they are considered speculative. If a Fund enters into
such a contract for any purpose, the Fund will be required to maintain cash or
liquid assets in an amount equal to the value of the Fund's total assets
committed to the consummation of the contract. The Funds will not invest more
than 50% of their respective total assets in such contracts for the purpose of
enhancing total return. There is no limit on the amount of assets that the Funds
may invest in such transactions for hedging purposes.

STRATEGIES AVAILABLE TO ALL FUNDS - EXCEPT THE LONG-SHORT NEUTRAL FUND,
LONG-SHORT EQUITY FUND AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

         MORTGAGE-RELATED PASS-THROUGHS AND DERIVATIVES. The Funds may invest in
mortgage-related securities. Purchasable mortgage-related securities are
represented by pools of mortgage loans assembled for sale to investors by
various governmental agencies such as the GNMA and government-related
organizations such as the FNMA and the FHLMC, as well as by private issuers such
as commercial investment banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers
and private mortgage insurance companies. As with other interest-bearing
securities, the prices of such securities are inversely affected by changes in
interest rates. However, though the value of a mortgage-related security may
decline when interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true because
in periods of declining interest rates mortgages underlying securities are prone
to prepayment. For this and other reasons, a mortgage-related security's stated
maturity may be shortened by an unscheduled prepayment on underlying mortgages
and, therefore, it is not possible to predict accurately the security's return
to these Funds.

         Mortgage-related securities acquired by these Funds may include
collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") issued by FNMA, FHLMC or other U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities, as well as by private issuers. These
securities may be considered mortgage derivatives. CMOs provide an investor with
a specified interest in the cash flow of a pool of underlying mortgages or other
mortgage-related securities.

         ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Funds may purchase asset-backed
securities, which represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable
from, a stream of payments generated by particular assets, most often a pool of
assets similar to one another. Assets generating such payments will consist of
such instruments as motor vehicle installment purchase obligations, credit card
receivables and home equity loans.

         Asset-backed securities may involve certain risks arising primarily
from the nature of the underlying assets (i.e., credit card and automobile loan
receivables as opposed to real estate mortgages). For example, credit card
receivables are generally unsecured and may require the repossession of personal
property upon the default of the debtor which may be difficult or impracticable
in some cases. Asset-backed securities are considered an industry for industry
concentration purposes, and the Funds will therefore not purchase any
asset-backed securities which would cause 25% or more of a Fund's total assets
at the time of purchase to be invested in asset-backed securities.


                                       21
<PAGE>   49
         CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. A convertible security is a bond, debenture,
note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged
for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within
a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible
security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is
redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have
characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they
ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than
those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. The Funds will invest in
convertible securities without regard to their credit ratings. See "Risk Factors
and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities".

STRATEGY AVAILABLE TO THE LONG-SHORT NEUTRAL FUND AND LONG-SHORT EQUITY FUND

         SHORT SALES. When the Adviser anticipates that a security is
overvalued, it may sell the security short by borrowing the same security from a
broker or other institution and selling the security. A Fund will incur a loss
as a result of a short sale if the price of the borrowed security increases
between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces such
security. A Fund will realize a gain if there is a decline in price of the
security between those dates, which decline exceeds the costs of the borrowing
the security and other transaction costs. There can be no assurance that a Fund
will be able to close out a short position at any particular time or at an
acceptable price. Although a Fund's gain is limited to the amount at which it
sold a security short, its potential loss is limited only by the maximum
attainable price of the security less the price at which the security was sold.
Until a Fund replaces a borrowed security, it will maintain at all times liquid
securities in an amount which, when added to any amount deposited with a broker
as collateral will at least equal the current market value of the security sold
short. Depending on arrangements made with brokers, a Fund may not receive any
payments (including interest) on collateral deposited with them. A Fund will not
make a short sale if, after giving effect to such sale, the market value of all
securities sold short exceeds 100% of the value of the Fund's net assets.

STRATEGIES AVAILABLE TO THE LONG-SHORT EQUITY FUND

         INVESTING IN INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Because the Long-Short Equity Fund 
may invest up to 100% of its assets in shares of the Long-Short Neutral Fund and
other investment companies, the expenses associated with investing in the Fund
may be higher than those associated with a portfolio that directly invests in
securities that are not themselves investment companies. An investor in the
Long-Short Equity Fund will incur a proportionate share of the expenses of the
Fund, as well as a proportionate share of expenses of the Long-Short Neutral
Fund and unaffiliated investment companies in which the Long-Short Equity Fund
invests (collectively, the "underlying funds"). Investors in the Long-Short
Equity Fund should realize that they can invest directly in the underlying
funds.

         The Long-Short Equity Fund will seek to avoid duplicative fees and the
layering of expenses to a meaningful extent. The Fund will generally only invest
in the Institutional Shares of the Long-Short Neutral Fund, which are offered
with no sales or redemption charges, distribution fees or shareholder servicing
fees. The management fees payable to BEA under the Fund's management contract
are for services that are in addition to, rather than duplicative of, services
provided under the management contract for any underlying funds in which the
Fund invests. The administration, custody and transfer agency fees borne by
the Fund are also for services that are in addition to, and not duplicative of,
services provided to the underlying funds. In addition, any distribution or
shareholder servicing fees paid by the Fund in connection with its investments
in underlying funds will not exceed applicable NASD limits.

         As a fund that may invest a substantial portion of its assets in other
investment companies, the Long-Short Equity Fund will be subject to certain
investment risks. The Fund's performance is directly related to the performance
of the Long-Short Neutral Fund and the other investment companies in which it
invests. Accordingly, the ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective
is directly related to the ability of the underlying funds to meet their
objectives. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of any
underlying fund will be achieved.

         From time to time, the Long-Short Neutral Fund may experience
relatively large purchases or redemptions due to asset allocation decisions made
by in managing the Long-Short Equity Fund and other client accounts. These
transactions may have a material effect on the Long-Short Neutral Fund. While it
is impossible to predict the overall impact of these transactions over time,
there could be adverse effects on the Long-Short Neutral Fund to the extent that
it may be required to sell securities at times when it would not otherwise do so
or receive cash that cannot be invested in an expeditious manner. There may be
tax


                                       22
<PAGE>   50
consequences associated with purchases and sales of securities, and such sales
may also increase transaction costs. BEA is committed to minimizing the impact
of these transactions on the Long-Short Neutral Fund to the extent it is
consistent with pursuing the Long-Short Equity Fund's investment objective and
will monitor the impact of the Long-Short Equity Fund's asset allocation
decisions on the Long-Short Neutral Fund.

         S&P 500 INDEX FUTURES AND RELATED OPTIONS. An S&P 500 Index Future
contract (an "Index Future") is a contract to buy or sell an integral number of
units of the S&P 500 Index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon
when the contract is made. A unit is the value at a given time of the S&P 500
Index. Entering into a contract to buy units is commonly referred to as buying
or purchasing a contract or holding a long position in the S&P 500 Index. An
option on an Index Future gives the purchaser the right, in return for the
premium paid, to assume a long or a short position in an Index Future. The
Long-Short Equity Fund will realize a loss if the value of the S&P 500 Index
declines between the time the Fund purchases an Index Future or an option
transaction in which the Fund has assumed a long position and may realize a gain
if the value of the S&P 500 Index rises between such dates.

         The Long-Short Equity Fund may close out a futures contract purchase by
entering into a futures contract sale. This will operate to terminate the Fund's
position in the futures contract. Positions in Index Futures may be closed out
by the Fund only on the futures exchanges on which the Index Futures are then
traded. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any
particular contract at any particular time. The liquidity of the market in
futures contracts could be adversely affected by "daily price fluctuation
limits" established by the relevant futures exchange which limit the amount of
fluctuation in the price of an Index Future during a single trading day. Once
the daily limit has been reached in the contract, no trades may be entered into
at a price beyond the limit. In such event, it may not be possible for the Fund
to close its futures contract purchase, and, in the event of adverse price
movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of
variation margin (payments to and from a broker made on a daily basis as the
price of the Index Future fluctuates). The futures market may also attract more
speculators than does the securities market, because deposit requirements in the
futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities
market. Increased participation by speculators in the futures market may also
cause price distortions.

         Further, when the Long-Short Equity Fund purchases an Index Future, it
is required to maintain, at all times while an Index Future is held by the Fund,
cash or liquid securities in an amount which, together with the initial margin
deposit on the futures contract, is equal to the current value of the futures
contract.

         EQUITY SWAP CONTRACTS. In an equity swap contract, the counterparty
generally agrees to pay the Long-Short Equity Fund the amount, if any, by which
the notional amount of the equity swap contract would have increased in value
had it been invested in the basket of stocks comprising the S&P 500 Index, plus
the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund agrees to
pay to the counterparty a floating rate of interest (typically the London Inter
Bank Offered Rate) on the notional amount of the equity swap contract plus the
amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had
it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any equity
swap contract should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends
on the stocks comprising the S&P 500 Index (as if the Fund had invested the
notional amount in stocks comprising the S&P 500 Index) less the interest paid
by the Fund on the notional amount. Therefore, the Fund will generally realize a
loss if the value of the S&P 500 Index declines and will generally realize a
gain if the value of the S&P 500 Index rises. The Fund will enter into equity
swap contracts only on a net basis, i.e., where the two parties' obligations are
netted out, with the Fund paying or receiving, as the case may be, only the net
amount of any payments. If there is a default by the counterparty to an equity
swap contract, the Fund will be limited to contractual remedies pursuant to the
agreements related to the transaction.

         There is no assurance that the equity swap contract counterparties will
be able to meet their obligations or that, in the event of default, the
Long-Short Equity Fund will succeed in pursuing contractual remedies. The Fund
thus assumes the risk that it may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining
payments owed to it pursuant to these contracts. The Adviser will closely
monitor the credit of equity swap contract counterparties to seek to minimize
this risk. The Fund will not use equity swap contracts for leverage.

         The Long-Short Equity Fund will not enter into any equity swap contract
unless, at the time of entering into such transaction, the unsecured senior debt
of the counterparty is rated at least A by Moody's or S&P. In addition, the
staff of the


                                       23
<PAGE>   51
SEC considers equity swap contracts to be illiquid securities. Consequently, as
long as the staff maintains this position, the Fund will not invest in equity
swap contracts if, as a result of the investment, the total value of such
investments together with that of all other illiquid securities which the Fund
owns would exceed 15% of the Fund's net assets.

         The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over
its entitlement with respect to each equity swap contract will be accrued on a
daily basis, and an amount of cash or liquid securities having an aggregate
market value at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in a
segregated account. The Fund does not believe that the Fund's obligations under
equity swap contracts are senior securities within the meaning of the 1940 Act,
so long as such a segregated account is maintained, and accordingly, the Fund
will not treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions.

STRATEGIES AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

         TAX-EXEMPT DERIVATIVES AND OTHER MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may
invest in tax-exempt derivative securities relating to Municipal Obligations,
including tender option bonds, participations, beneficial interests in trusts
and partnership interests. A typical tax-exempt derivative security involves the
purchase of an interest in a pool of Municipal Obligations which interest
includes a tender option, demand or other feature allowing the Fund to tender
the underlying Municipal Obligation to a third party at periodic intervals and
to receive the principal amount thereof. A participation interest gives the Fund
an undivided interest in a Municipal Obligation in the proportion the Fund's
participation bears to the total principal amount of the Municipal Obligation,
and typically provides for a repurchase feature for all or any part of the full
principal amount of the participation interest, plus accrued interest. Trusts
and partnerships are typically used to convert long-term fixed rate high quality
bonds of a single state or municipal issuer into variable or floating rate
demand instruments.

         During normal market conditions, up to 20% of the Fund's net assets may
be invested in securities which are not Municipal Obligations; at least 80% of
the Fund's net assets will be invested in Municipal Obligations the interest on
which is exempt from regular federal income tax. During temporary defensive
periods, the Fund may invest without limitation in obligations which are not
Municipal Obligations and may hold without limitation uninvested cash reserves.
Such securities may include, without limitation, bonds, notes, variable rate
demand notes and commercial paper, provided such securities are rated within the
relevant categories, applicable to Municipal Obligations set forth above, or if
unrated, are of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser, and may also
include, without limitation, other debt obligations, such as bank obligations.
The Fund may acquire "stand-by commitments" with respect to Municipal
Obligations held by it. Under a stand-by commitment, a dealer agrees to purchase
at the Fund's option specified Municipal Obligations at a specified price. The
acquisition of a stand-by commitment may increase the cost, and thereby reduce
the yield, of the Municipal Obligation to which such commitment relates. The
Fund will acquire stand-by commitments solely to facilitate portfolio liquidity
and does not intend to exercise its rights thereunder for trading purposes.

         The amount of information regarding the financial condition of issuers
of Municipal Obligations may not be as extensive as that which is made available
by public corporations and the secondary market for Municipal Obligations may be
less liquid than that for taxable fixed-income securities. Accordingly, the
ability of the Fund to buy and sell tax-exempt securities may, at any particular
time and with respect to any particular securities, be limited.

         ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 40% of
its assets (at the time of purchase) in Alternative Minimum Tax Securities,
which are certain securities issued after August 7, 1986 to finance certain
non-governmental activities. While the income from Alternative Minimum Tax
Securities is exempt from regular federal income tax, it is a tax preference
item for purposes of the federal individual and corporate "alternative minimum
tax." The alternative minimum tax is a special tax that applies to a limited
number of taxpayers who have certain adjustments or tax preference items.
Available returns on Alternative Minimum Tax Securities acquired by the Fund may
be lower than those from other Municipal Obligations acquired by the Fund due to
the possibility of federal, state and local alternative minimum or minimum
income tax liability on Alternative Minimum Tax Securities.

INVESTMENT GUIDELINES

         Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities with
contractual or other restrictions on resale and other instruments that are not
readily marketable ("illiquid securities"), including (i) securities issued as
part of a privately negotiated


                                       24
<PAGE>   52
transaction between an issuer and one or more purchasers; (ii) repurchase
agreements with maturities greater than seven days; (iii) time deposits maturing
in more than seven calendar days; and (iv) certain Rule 144A Securities. Each
Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls for temporary or emergency purposes, such as meeting redemption
requests, provided that reverse repurchase agreements and any other borrowing by
the Fund may not exceed 33-1/3% of total assets, and may pledge its assets to
the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings. Whenever borrowings
(including reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and borrowings from
banks) exceed 5% of a Fund's assets, the Fund will not make any investments
(including roll-overs). Except for the limitations on borrowing and the
limitation on further investments when borrowings exceed 5% of Fund assets, the
investment guidelines set forth in this paragraph may be changed at any time
without shareholder consent by vote of the Board of each Fund, subject to the
limitations contained in the 1940 Act. A complete list of investment
restrictions that each Fund has adopted identifying additional restrictions that
cannot be changed without the approval of the majority of the Fund's outstanding
shares is contained in the Statement of Additional Information under "Investment
Limitations".

         Any investment policy or limitation which involves a maximum or minimum
percentage of securities shall not be considered to be violated unless an excess
over or a deficiency under the percentage occurs immediately after, and is
caused by, an acquisition or disposition of securities or utilization of assets
by a Fund.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

         INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER. BEA serves as the
Investment Adviser for each of the Funds pursuant to investment advisory
agreements and CSAM serves as sub-investment adviser to each of the Emerging
Markets Fund and the Global Income Fund pursuant to a sub-investment advisory
agreement (collectively, the "Advisory Agreements"). BEA is a general
partnership organized under the laws of the State of New York in December 1990
and, together with its predecessor firms, has been engaged in the investment
advisory business for over 60 years. BEA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit
Suisse and the U.S. arm of Credit Suisse Asset Management. BEA is a registered
investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. BEA is
a diversified investment adviser managing global equity, fixed-income and
derivative securities accounts for corporate pension and profit-sharing plans,
state pension funds, union funds, endowments and other charitable institutions.
As of June 30, 1998, BEA managed approximately $35.6 billion in assets. BEA
currently acts as investment adviser for eleven other investment companies
registered under the 1940 Act, and acts as sub-adviser to certain portfolios of
thirteen other registered investment companies. BEA's principal offices are
located at One Citicorp Center, 153 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022.

         CSAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse had
identified BEA and CSAM as its leading institutional international asset
management product centers. As of June 30, 1998, CSAM managed $35 billion in
discretionary assets. CSAM Limited is a registered investment adviser under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. CSAM's principal offices are
located at Beaufort House, 1 St. Botolph Street, GB-London EC3A 7JJ.

For the advisory services provided and expenses assumed by BEA, the Global
Telecommunications Fund, the High Yield Fund, the International Growth Fund, the
Long-Short Neutral Fund, the Long-Short Equity Fund, the Municipal Bond Fund,
the Select Equity Fund, U.S. Equity Fund and U.S. Fixed Income Fund each pay BEA
a fee computed at an annual rate of 1.00%, .70%, .80%, 1.50%, .10%, .70%, .75%,
 .75% and .375% of the Fund's average net assets, computed daily and payable
quarterly. For the advisory services provided and expenses assumed by BEA, the
Emerging Markets Fund and the Global Income Fund each pay BEA a fee computed
at an annual rate of 1.00% and .50%, respectively, of the Fund's average net
assets, computed daily and payable quarterly, out of which BEA pays CSAM for
sub-investment advisory services.

         After the first year of operations of the Long-Short Neutral Fund, the
basic management fee may be increased or decreased by applying an adjustment
formula (the "Performance Adjustment"). The Performance Adjustment is calculated
monthly by comparing the Fund's investment performance to a target during the
most recent twelve-month period. The target is the investment record of the
Salomon Smith Barney U.S. 1-Month Treasury Bill Index-TM- plus 5 percentage
points. The Performance Adjustment is added to or subtracted from the basic fee.
The maximum annualized Performance Adjustment is .50%.


                                       25
<PAGE>   53
         BEA and each Fund's co-administrators or sub-adviser, if applicable,
may, at their discretion, from time to time agree to voluntarily waive all or
any portion of their fees and temporarily limit the expenses to be borne by the
Funds. 

         In addition to the understanding to limit expenses described under "The
Funds' Expenses," BEA has voluntarily undertaken to waive some or all of its
management fee and, if necessary, to bear certain expenses of the Long-Short
Neutral Fund and the Long-Short Equity Fund until further notice to the extent
required to limit the total annual operating expenses (which do not include
nonrecurring account fees and extraordinary expenses) of Institutional Shares to
2.00% and 2.50%, respectively, of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to that class, plus the Performance Adjustment applicable to the
Long-Short Neutral Fund. The Performance Adjustment would be determined without
regard to any waivers of the basic management fee.

         The Advisory Agreements provide that the Adviser shall not be liable 
for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the
Funds in connection with the matters to which the Advisory Agreements relate.

         PORTFOLIO MANAGERS. Emerging Markets Fund and International Growth
Fund. The day-to-day portfolio management of the Emerging Markets II Fund and
International Growth Fund is the responsibility of the BEA International Equity
Management Team. The Team consists of the following investment professionals:
William P. Sterling (Executive Director), Steven D. Bleiberg (Managing
Director), Richard Watt (Managing Director), Susan Boland (Senior Vice
President), Emily Alejos (Vice President) and Robert B. Hrabchak (Vice
President). Mr. Sterling joined BEA in 1995, prior to which time he was the head
of International Economics at Merrill Lynch & Company. Mr. Watt joined BEA in
1995, prior to which time he was the head of emerging markets investments and
research at Gartmore Investment Limited in London. Mr. Bleiberg has been engaged
as an investment professional with BEA for more than five years. Ms. Boland
joined BEA in 1996, prior to which time she was a director and portfolio manager
for Barran & Partners Limited where she managed a hedge fund that invested in
European equities. Prior to 1995, she was a partner and European portfolio
manager for Teton Partners. Ms. Alejos joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time
she was a vice president and an emerging markets portfolio manager with Bankers
Trust. Mr. Hrabchak joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time he was a senior
portfolio manager at Merrill Lynch Asset Management in Hong Kong, where he
chaired the Asia Pacific Investment Strategy Committee and managed institutional
portfolios. Prior to 1995, he was an associate in investment banking at Salomon
Brothers.

         Global Telecommunications Fund. The day-to-day portfolio management of
the Global Telecommunications Fund is the responsibility of the BEA Global
Telecommunications Management Team. The Team consists of the following
investment professionals: William P. Sterling (Executive Director), Steven D.
Bleiberg (Managing Director), Richard Watt (Managing Director), James Abate
(Senior Vice President), Stephen Waite (Vice President), Emily Alejos (Vice
President) and Robert Hrabchak (Vice President). Mr. Abate joined BEA in 1995;
previously, he was a Managing Director for Vert Independent Capital Research.
Prior to joining Vert, Mr. Abate was a manager in Price Waterhouse's
Valuation/Corporate Finance Group. Mr. Waite joined BEA in 1995, prior to which
he was vice president and senior European economist for Merrill Lynch & Company
in London.

         High Yield Fund. The day-to-day portfolio management of the High Yield
Fund is the responsibility of the BEA High Yield Management Team. The Team
consists of the following investment professionals: Richard Lindquist (Executive
Director), Misia Dudley (Senior Vice President), Marianne Rossi (Senior Vice
President), John Tobin (Senior Vice President) and Mary Ann Thomas (Vice
President). Mr. Lindquist, Ms. Dudley, Ms. Rossi and Mr. Tobin joined BEA in
1995 as a result of BEA's acquisition of CS First Boston Investment Management.
Prior to joining CS First Boston, Mr. Lindquist and Ms. Rossi were with
Prudential Insurance Company of America. Prior to joining CS First Boston, Ms.
Dudley was with Stockbridge Partners, and prior to that had spent five years
with E.F. Hutton. Prior to joining CS First Boston, Mr. Tobin managed portfolios
for Integrated Resources and prior to that was vice president and industry
analyst with Bankers Trust Company. Ms. Thomas joined BEA in 1997, prior to
which time she was a vice president and high yield bond analyst in the Capital
Management Group of the Prudential Insurance Company of America where she
specialized in analyzing high yield bonds for insurance funds. Prior to 1994,
she was an equity analyst at Lieber and Company.

         Long-Short Neutral Fund and Long-Short Equity Fund. The day-to-day
portfolio management of the Long-Short Neutral Fund and Long-Short Equity Fund
is the responsibility of the BEA Structured Equity Team. The Team consists of
the following


                                       26
<PAGE>   54
investment professionals: William W. Priest, Jr. (Chief Executive Officer and
Executive Director of BEA), Eric Remole (Managing Director), Marc Bothwell (Vice
President) and Michael Welhoelter (Vice President). Mr. Priest has been engaged
as an investment professional with BEA for more than twenty-five years. Mr.
Remole joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time he was managing director for
fourteen years at Citicorp Investment Management, Inc. (now Chancellor/LGT Asset
Management, Inc.). Mr. Bothwell joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time he was a
vice president and portfolio manager at Chancellor/LGT Asset Management, Inc.,
where he was involved in risk management and research on earnings and earnings
surprise modeling. Prior to 1994, he was a programmer and trader at Keane Dealer
Services, Inc. Mr. Welhoelter joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time he was a
portfolio manager and vice president at Chancellor/LGT Asset Management, Inc.,
where he developed risk management and portfolio construction strategies.

         Municipal Bond Fund and Global Income Fund. The day-to-day portfolio
management of the Municipal Bond and Global Income Funds is the responsibility
of the BEA Fixed Income Management Team. The Team consists of the following
investment professionals: Robert J. Moore (Executive Director), William P.
Sterling (Executive Director), Gregg Diliberto (Managing Director), Robert
Justich (Senior Vice President), Ira Edelblum (Senior Vice President), Jo Ann
Corkran (Senior Vice President) and Diane Damskey (Vice President). Messrs.
Moore, Diliberto and Edelblum have, on an individual basis, been engaged as
investment professionals with BEA for more than five years. Mr. Justich joined
BEA in 1995, prior to which he worked at Merrill Lynch and as a manager of
Financial Services with Arthur Young & Company. Ms. Corkran joined BEA in 1997,
prior to which time she was a director of mortgage-backed securities at Morgan
Stanley. Prior to 1994, she was a vice president at Greenwich Capital. Ms.
Damskey joined BEA in 1997, prior to which time she managed fixed income
portfolios at Global Emerging Markets Advisors. Prior to 1996, she was a senior
vice president and portfolio manager for the First National Bank of Chicago.

         Select Equity Fund. The day-to-day portfolio management of the Select
Equity Fund is the responsibility of the BEA Select Economic Value Equity
Management Team. The Team consists of the following investment professionals:
William W. Priest, Jr. (Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of BEA),
John Hurford (Executive Director), James Abate (Senior Vice President), Susan
Everly (Vice President) and James Mecca (Vice President). Messrs. Priest and
Hurford have, on an individual basis, been engaged as investment professionals
with BEA for more than twenty-five years. Ms. Everly joined BEA in 1998.
Previously, she was a securities analyst at Goldman Sachs for two years. Prior
to joining Goldman Sachs, she was a student at Harvard Business School for 2
years. Prior to 1994, she was an analyst at CS First Boston for 4 years. Mr.
Mecca joined BEA in 1998. Previously, he was a securities analyst at Goldman,
Sachs & Co. for 2 years. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, he was at Bankers Trust
where he was an Emerging Markets Equity Trader for 3 years.

         U.S. Equity Fund. The day-to day portfolio management of the U.S.
Equity Fund is the responsibility of the BEA Domestic Equity Management Team.
The Team consists of the following investment professionals: William W. Priest,
Jr. (Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of BEA), John B. Hurford
(Executive Director), Eric N. Remole (Managing Director), James A. Abate (Senior
Vice President), Marc Bothwell (Vice President) and Michael Welhoelter (Vice
President).

         U.S. Fixed Income Fund. The day-to-day portfolio management of the U.S.
Fixed Income Fund is the responsibility of the BEA Fixed Income Management Team.
The Team consists of the following investment professionals: Robert J. Moore
(Executive Director), William P. Sterling (Executive Director), Gregg Diliberto
(Managing Director), Robert Justich (Senior Vice President), Ira Edelblum
(Senior Vice President), Jo Ann Corkran (Senior Vice President) and Diane
Damskey (Vice President).

         CO-ADMINISTRATORS. The Funds employ Counsellors Funds Service, Inc.
("Counsellors Service"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Warburg Pincus Asset
Management, Inc. ("Warburg"), as a co-administrator. As co-administrator,
Counsellors Service provides shareholder liaison services to the Funds including
responding to shareholder inquiries and providing information on shareholder
investments. Counsellors Service also performs a variety of other services,
including furnishing certain executive and administrative services, acting as
liaison between the Funds and their various service providers, furnishing
corporate secretarial services, which include preparing certain materials for
meetings of the Board, assisting in the preparation of proxy statements, annual
and semiannual reports and tax returns and monitoring and developing compliance
procedures for the Funds. No compensation is payable by the Funds to Counsellors
Service for co-administration services for the Institutional Shares.


                                       27
<PAGE>   55
         Each Fund also employs PFPC Inc. ("PFPC"), an indirect, wholly owned
subsidiary of PNC Bank Corp., as a co-administrator. As a co-administrator, PFPC
calculates the Fund's net asset value, provides all accounting services for the
Fund and assists in related aspects of the Fund's operations. As compensation,
the Funds each pay PFPC a fee calculated at an annual rate of .125% of each
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Institutional Shares,
subject in each case to a minimum annual fee and exclusive of out-of-pocket
expenses. PFPC has its principal offices at 400 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington,
Delaware 19809.

         CUSTODIANS. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ("BBH") serves as custodian 
of the assets of each Fund other than the Long-Short Neutral Fund and Long-Short
Equity Fund. Custodial Trust Company ("CTC") serves as custodian of the assets
of the Long-Short Neutral and Long-Short Equity Fund. BBH's principal business
address is 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 and CTC's principal
business address is 101 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540.

         TRANSFER AGENT. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street")
serves as shareholder servicing agent, transfer agent and dividend disbursing
agent for the Funds. It has delegated to Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.,
an affiliated company ("BFDS"), responsibility for most shareholder servicing
functions. State Street's principal business address is 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110. BFDS's principal business address is 2 Heritage
Drive, North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171.

         DISTRIBUTOR. Counsellors Securities serves as distributor of the shares
of the Funds. Counsellors Securities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Warburg and
is located at 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017-3147. No
compensation is payable by any Fund to Counsellors Securities for its
distribution services for Institutional Shares.

         BEA, CSAM or an affiliate of either may, at its own expense, provide 
promotional incentives for qualified recipients who support the sale of shares
of a Fund, consisting of securities dealers who have sold Fund shares or others,
including banks and other financial institutions, under special arrangements.
Incentives may include opportunities to attend business meetings, conferences,
sales or training programs for recipients' employees or clients and other
programs or events and may also include opportunities to participate in
advertising or sales campaigns and/or shareholder services and programs
regarding one or more BEA Institutional Funds. BEA, CSAM or an affiliate of
either may pay for travel, meals and lodging in connection with these
promotional activities. In some instances, these incentives may be offered only
to certain institutions whose representatives provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of Fund shares.

         DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The officers of each Fund manage its day-to-day
operations and are directly responsible to the Board. The Boards set broad
policies for each Fund and choose its officers. A list of the Directors and
officers of each Fund and a brief statement of their present positions and
principal occupations during the past five years is set forth in the Statement
of Additional Information.

HOW TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT

         In order to invest in a Fund, an investor must first complete and sign
an account application. To obtain an application, an investor may telephone BEA
Institutional Funds at (800) 401-2230. An investor may also obtain an account
application by writing to:

                           BEA Institutional Funds
                           P.O. Box 8500
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8500

                                       28
<PAGE>   56
                  OR
                  Overnight to:
                           BFDS
                           Attn: BEA
                           Institutional Funds
                           66 Brooks Drive
                           Braintree, Massachusetts 02184

         Completed and signed account applications should be sent to the above.
References in this Prospectus to shareholders or investors also include
Institutions which may act as record holder of Institutional Shares.

         CHANGES TO ACCOUNT. For information on how to make changes to an
account, including changes to account registration, address and/or privileges,
an investor should telephone BEA Institutional Funds at (800) 401-2230.
Institutions and their customers are responsible for maintaining current account
registration and addresses with a Fund. No interest will be paid on amounts
represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.

HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES

         GENERAL. Shares representing interests in the Funds are offered
continuously for sale by the Funds' Distributor. Except as described below, the
Institutional Shares are currently available for purchase only by investors who
have entered into an investment management agreement with BEA or its affiliates.
Shares may be purchased initially by completing the application and forwarding
the application to the address set forth above. Initial investments in any Fund
must be at least $3,000,000, except Shares may be purchased by existing clients
of BEA or its affiliates or by officers of such existing clients (or those
holding similar positions) with an initial investment of at least $100,000; all
subsequent investments for such persons must be at least $1,000. Subsequent
initial investments in any other Fund must be at least $100,000. In addition, a
Fund may, in its sole discretion, waive the initial and subsequent investment
minimum requirements with respect to investors who are employees of Warburg, 
BEA or their affiliates or persons with whom Warburg has entered into an
investment advisory agreement. Existing investors will be given 15 days' notice
by mail of any increase in minimum investment requirements.

         After an investor has made his initial investment, additional shares
may be purchased at any time by mail or by wire in the manner outlined below.
Wire payments for initial and subsequent investments should be preceded by an
order placed with the Fund and should clearly indicate the investor's account
number and the name of the Fund in which shares are being purchased. The Fund
reserves the right to suspend the offering of shares for a period of time or to
reject any specific purchase order. In the interest of economy and convenience,
physical certificates representing shares in the Funds are not normally issued.

         BY MAIL. If the investor desires to purchase Institutional Shares by
mail, a check or Federal Reserve Draft made payable to the Fund or BEA
Institutional Funds (in U.S. currency) should be sent along with the completed
account application to BEA Institutional Funds at an address set forth above. 
Checks payable to the investor and endorsed to the order of the Fund or BEA
Institutional Funds will not be accepted as payment and will be returned to the
sender. If payment is received in proper form prior to the close of regular
trading on The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") (currently 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern time) on a day that the Fund calculates its net asset value (a "business
day"), the purchase will be made at the Fund's net asset value calculated at the
end of that day. If payment is received at or after the close of regular trading
on the NYSE, the purchase will be effected at the Fund's net asset value
determined for the next business day after payment has been received. Checks or
Federal Reserve Drafts that are not in proper form or that are not accompanied
or preceded by a complete account application will be returned to the sender.
Shares purchased by check or Federal Reserve Drafts are entitled to receive
dividends and distributions beginning on the day payment is received. Checks or
Federal Reserve Drafts in


                                       29
<PAGE>   57
payment for shares of more than one BEA Institutional Fund should be made
payable to BEA Institutional Funds and should be accompanied by a breakdown of
amounts to be invested in each fund. If a check used for purchase does not
clear, the Fund will cancel the purchase and the investor may be liable for
losses or fees incurred. For a description of the manner of calculating the
Fund's net asset value, see "Net Asset Value" below.

         BY WIRE. Investors may also purchase Institutional Shares in a Fund by
wiring funds from their banks. Federal funds may be wired using the following
wire address:

                           State Street Bank and Trust Company
                           ABA# 0110 000 28
                           Attn.: Mutual Funds/Custody Department
                           BEA Institutional Funds
                           DDA# 9905-227-6
                           F/F/C: [Account # and Registration]

         If payment by wire is received prior to the close of regular trading on
the NYSE in proper form in accordance with instructions set forth above, the
shares will be priced according to the net asset value of the Fund on that day
and are entitled to dividends and distributions beginning on that day. However,
if a wire in proper form is received at or after the close of regular trading on
the NYSE, the payment will be held uninvested until the order is effected at the
close of business on the next business day. Payment for orders that are not
accepted will be returned to the prospective investor after prompt inquiry.

         PURCHASES IN-KIND. Subject to the approval of the Adviser, investors
may acquire shares of any of the Funds in exchange for portfolio securities that
are eligible for investment by the relevant Fund or Funds. Such portfolio
securities must (a) meet the investment objectives and policies of the Funds,
(b) be acquired for investment and not for resale, (c) be liquid securities
which are not restricted as to transfer either by law or liquidity of market,
and (d) have a value which is readily ascertainable. Generally an investor will
recognize for federal income tax purposes any gain or loss realized on an
exchange of property for shares. Under certain circumstances, initial investors
may not recognize gain or loss on such an exchange. Investors, particularly
initial investors, are urged to consult their tax advisers in determining the
particular federal income tax consequences of their purchase in-kind. Such
exchanges will be subject to each Fund's minimum investment requirement.
Shareholders may be required to bear certain administrative or custodial costs
in effecting purchases in-kind.

         GENERAL. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order, including certain purchases made by exchange (see "How to Redeem and
Exchange Shares -- Exchange of Shares" below). Purchase orders may be refused
if, in BEA's judgment, a Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in
accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise
potentially be adversely affected. A Fund may discontinue sales of its shares if
management believes that a substantial further increase in assets may adversely
affect that Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. In such event,
however, it is anticipated that existing shareholders would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in such Fund and to reinvest any dividends or
capital gains distributions.

HOW TO REDEEM AND EXCHANGE SHARES

         REDEMPTION OF SHARES. An investor in a Fund may redeem (sell) his
shares on any day that the Fund's net asset value is calculated (see "Net Asset
Value" below).

         Institutional Shares of the Funds may be redeemed by mail. If an
investor desires to redeem his shares, a written request for redemption should
be sent to BEA Institutional Funds at an address indicated above under "How to
Open an Account." An investor should be sure that the redemption request
identifies the Fund, the number of shares to be redeemed and the investor's
account number. Payment of redemption proceeds may be delayed in connection with
account changes. Each mail redemption request must be signed by the registered
owner(s) (or his legal representative(s)) exactly as the shares are registered.

         After receipt of the redemption request by mail, the redemption
proceeds will, at the option of the investor, be paid by check and mailed to the
investor of record or be wired to the investor's bank as indicated in the
account application previously filled out by the investor. No Fund currently
imposes a service charge for effecting wire transfers but each Fund reserves the
right to


                                       30
<PAGE>   58
do so in the future. Payment of redemption proceeds may be delayed for up to 15
days pending a determination that the check has cleared.

         If a redemption order is received by a Fund or its agent prior to the
close of regular trading on the NYSE, the redemption order will be effected at
the net asset value per share as determined on that day. If a redemption order
is received at or after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, the redemption
order will be effected at the net asset value as next determined. Except as
noted above, redemption proceeds will normally be mailed or wired to an investor
on the next business day following the date a redemption order is effected. If,
however, in the judgment of BEA, immediate payment would adversely affect a
Fund, each Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption proceeds within seven
days after the redemption order is effected. Furthermore, each Fund may suspend
the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption (as well
as suspend or postpone the recordation of an exchange of shares) for such
periods as are permitted under the 1940 Act.

         The proceeds paid upon redemption may be more or less than the amount
invested depending upon a share's net asset value at the time of redemption. If
an investor redeems all the shares in his account, all dividends and
distributions declared up to and including the date of redemption are paid along
with the proceeds of the redemption.

         If, due to redemptions, the value of an investor's account drops to
less than $500, each Fund reserves the right to redeem the shares in that
account at net asset value. Prior to any redemption, the Fund will notify an
investor in writing that this account has a value of less than the minimum. The
investor will then have 30 days to make an additional investment before a
redemption will be processed by the Fund.

         REDEMPTION IN-KIND. The Funds reserve the right, at their discretion,
to honor any request for redemption of a Fund's shares by making payment in
whole or in part in securities chosen by the Fund and valued in the same way as
they would be valued for purposes of computing a Fund's net asset value. If
payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in
converting these securities into cash after they have redeemed their shares. The
Funds have elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so
that a Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day period for any one
shareholder of a Fund. Redeeming shareholders will be required to bear certain
administrative or custodial costs in effecting redemptions in-kind.

         EXCHANGE OF SHARES. An investor may exchange Institutional Shares of a
Fund for Institutional Shares of another Fund at their respective net asset
values. Exchanges may be effected in the manner described under "Redemption of
Shares" above. If an exchange request is received by BEA Institutional Funds or
its agent prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE, the exchange will
be made at each fund's net asset value determined at the end of that business
day. Exchanges will be effected without a sales charge but must satisfy the
minimum dollar amount necessary for new purchases. A Fund may refuse exchange
purchases at any time without prior notice.

         The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any
state in which the Institutional Shares being acquired may legally be sold. When
an investor effects an exchange of shares, the exchange is treated for federal
income tax purposes as a redemption. Therefore, the investor may realize a
taxable gain or loss in connection with the exchange. For further information
regarding the exchange privilege, an investor should contact BEA Institutional
Funds at (800) 401-2230.

         Each Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases by any person
or group if, in the Adviser's judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest the
money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or
would otherwise potentially be adversely affected. Examples of when an exchange
purchase could be refused are when a Fund receives or anticipates receiving


                                       31
<PAGE>   59
large exchange orders at or about the same time and/or when a pattern of
exchanges within a short period of time (often associated with a "market timing"
strategy) is discerned. Each Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify the
exchange privilege at any time upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

         DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Each Fund calculates its dividends from
net investment income. Net investment income includes interest accrued and
dividends earned on the Fund's portfolio securities for the applicable period
less applicable expenses. Each of the Emerging Markets Fund, International
Growth Fund, Long-Short Neutral Fund, Long-Short Equity Fund, Select Equity Fund
and U.S. Equity Fund will distribute substantially all of its net realized
capital gains and all net investment income, if any, to its shareholders
annually. Each of the High Yield Fund, Global Income Fund and U.S. Fixed income
Fund will distribute substantially all of its net realized capital gains, if
any, to its shareholders annually and will distribute net investment income at
least quarterly. The Municipal Bond Fund will distribute substantially all of
its net realized capital gains, if any, annually and all net investment income
monthly. Net investment income earned on weekends and when the NYSE is not open
will be computed as of the next business day. Unless an investor instructs a
Fund to pay dividends or distributions in cash, dividends and distributions will
automatically be reinvested in additional Institutional Shares of the relevant
Fund at net asset value. The election to receive dividends in cash may be made
on the account application or, subsequently, by writing to BEA Institutional
Funds at an address set forth under "How to Open an Account" or by calling BEA
Institutional Funds at (800) 401-2230.

         Special Distribution Matters Relating to the Municipal Bond Fund. If,
for any full fiscal year, the Municipal Bond Fund's total distributions exceed
net investment income and net realized capital gains, the excess distributions
may be treated as a taxable dividend or a tax-free return of capital (up to the
amount of the shareholder's tax basis in his shares). The amount treated as a
tax-free return of capital will reduce a shareholder's adjusted basis in his
shares. Pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable laws,
a notice will accompany any distribution paid from sources other than net
investment income. In the event the Fund distributes amounts in excess of its
net investment income and net realized capital gains, such distributions may
have the effect of decreasing the Fund's total assets, which may increase the
Fund's expense ratio.

         A Fund may be required to withhold for U.S. federal income taxes 31% of
all distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with
their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications,
or who have been notified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that they are
subject to backup withholding.

         TAXES. Each Fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated
investment company" within the meaning of the Code. Each Fund, if it qualifies
as a regulated investment company, will be subject to a 4% non-deductible excise
tax measured with respect to certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income
and capital gain. Each Fund expects to pay such additional dividends and to make
such additional distributions as are necessary to avoid the application of this
tax.

         Investments in zero coupon securities may create special tax
consequences. Zero coupon securities do not make interest payments, although a
portion of the difference between a zero coupon security's maturity value and
its purchase price is imputed as income to the Funds each year even though the
Funds receive no cash distribution until maturity. Under the U.S. federal tax
laws applicable to mutual funds, the Funds will not be subject to tax on this
income if they pay dividends to their shareholders substantially equal to all
the income received from, or imputed with respect to, their investments during
the year, including their zero coupon securities. These dividends ordinarily
will constitute taxable income to the shareholders of the Funds.

         Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions derived
from net realized short-term capital gains are taxable to investors as ordinary
income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares.
Distributions derived from net realized long-term capital gains will be taxable
to investors as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long investors have
held Fund shares or whether such distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares. As a general rule, an investor's gain or loss on a
sale or redemption of Fund shares will be a long-term capital gain or loss if
the investor has held the shares for more than one year and will be a short-term
capital gain or loss if the investor has held the shares for one year or less.
However, any loss realized upon the sale or redemption of shares within six
months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a


                                       32
<PAGE>   60
long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of
long-term capital gain during such six-month period with respect to such shares.

         The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 made certain changes to the Code with
respect to taxation of long-term capital gains earned by taxpayers other than a
corporation. In general, for sales made after May 6, 1997, the maximum tax rate
for individual taxpayers on net long-term capital gains is lowered to 20% for
most assets (including long-term capital gains recognized by shareholders on the
sale or redemption of Fund shares that were held as capital assets). This 20%
rate applies to sales on or after July 29, 1997 only if the asset was held for
more than 18 months at the time of disposition. Capital gains on the disposition
of assets on or after July 29, 1997 held for more than one year and up to 18
months at the time of disposition will be taxed as "mid-term gain" at a maximum
rate of 28%. A rate of 18% instead of 20% will apply after December 31, 2000 for
assets held for more than five years. However, the 18% rate applies only to
assets acquired after December 31, 2000 unless the taxpayer elects to treat an
asset held prior to such date as sold for fair market value on January 1, 2001.
In the case of individuals whose ordinary income is taxed at a 15% rate, the 20%
rate is reduced to 10% and the 10% rate for assets held for more than five years
is reduced to 8%. Each Fund will provide information relating to that portion of
a "capital gain dividend" that may be treated by investors as eligible for the
reduced capital gains rate for capital assets held for more than 18 months.

         Investors may be proportionately liable for taxes on income and gains
of the Funds, but investors not subject to tax on their income will not be
required to pay tax on amounts distributed to them. A Fund's investment
activities, including short sales of securities, will not result in unrelated
business taxable income to a tax-exempt investor. A Fund's dividends may qualify
for the dividends received deduction for corporations to the extent they are
derived from dividends attributable to certain types of stock issued by U.S.
domestic corporations.

         Dividends and interest received by the Funds may be subject to
withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. However, tax
conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or
eliminate such taxes. If a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, if
certain asset and distribution requirements are satisfied and if more than 50%
of the Fund's total assets at the close of its fiscal year consists of stock or
securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect for U.S. income tax
purposes to treat foreign income taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders. A
Fund may qualify for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all, of
its taxable years. If a Fund were to make an election, shareholders of the Fund
would be required to take into account an amount equal to their pro rata
portions of such foreign taxes in computing their taxable income and then treat
an amount equal to those foreign taxes as a U.S. federal income tax deduction or
as a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income taxes. Shortly after
any year for which it makes such an election, each Fund will report to its
shareholders the amount per share of such foreign income tax that must be
included in each shareholder's gross income and the amount which will be
available for the deduction or credit. No deduction for foreign taxes may be
claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Certain limitations
will be imposed on the extent to which the credit (but not the deduction) for
foreign taxes may be claimed.

         Special Tax Matters Relating to the Municipal Bond Fund. As a regulated
investment company, the Municipal Bond Fund will designate and pay
exempt-interest dividends derived from interest earned on qualifying Municipal
Obligations. Such exempt-interest dividends may be excluded by investors of the
Fund from their gross income for federal income tax purposes although (i) all or
a portion of such exempt-interest dividends will be a specific tax-preference
item for purposes of the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum
taxes to the extent they are derived from certain types of private activity
bonds issued after August 7, 1996 and (ii) all exempt-interest dividends will be
a component of the "current earnings" adjustment item for purposes of the
federal corporate alternative minimum tax. Moreover, dividends paid by the Fund
will be subject to a branch profits tax of up to 30% when received by certain
foreign corporate investors.

         GENERAL. Statements as to the tax status of each investor's dividends
and distributions are mailed annually. Each investor will also receive, if
applicable, various written notices after the close of a Fund's prior taxable
year with respect to certain dividends and distributions which were received
from the Fund during the Fund's prior taxable year. Investors should consult
their own tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations,
including their state and local tax liabilities.


                                       33
<PAGE>   61
NET ASSET VALUE

         Each Fund's net asset value per share is calculated as of the close of
regular trading on the NYSE (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each business
day, Monday through Friday, except on days when the NYSE is closed. The NYSE is
currently scheduled to be closed on New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and on the preceding Friday or subsequent
Monday when one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.
The net asset value per share of each Fund generally changes each day.

         The net asset value per Institutional Share of each Fund is computed by
adding the Institutional Shares' pro rata share of the value of the Fund's
assets, deducting the Institutional Shares' pro rata share of the Fund's
liabilities and the liabilities specifically allocated to Institutional Shares
and then dividing the result by the total number of outstanding Institutional
Shares.

         Securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange (including securities
traded through the Nasdaq National Market System) or foreign securities exchange
or traded in an over-the-counter market will be valued at the most recent sale
price when the valuation is made. Options and futures contracts will be valued
similarly. Debt obligations that mature in 60 days or less from the valuation
date are valued on the basis of amortized cost, unless the Board determines that
using this valuation method would not reflect the investments' value.
Securities, options and futures contracts for which market quotations are not
readily available and other assets will be valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith pursuant to consistently applied procedures established
by the Board. Further information regarding valuation policies is contained in
the Statement of Additional Information.

PERFORMANCE

         The Funds quote the performance of Institutional Shares separately from
Common Shares and Advisor Shares. The net asset value of Institutional Shares is
listed in The Wall Street Journal each business day under the heading "BEA
Institutional Funds." From time to time, each Fund may advertise yield and
average annual total return of its Institutional Shares over various periods of
time. The yield refers to net investment income generated by the Institutional
Shares over a specified thirty-day period, which is then annualized. That is,
the amount of net investment income generated by the Institutional Shares during
that thirty-day period is assumed to be generated over a 12-month period and is
shown as a percentage of the investment. In addition, advertisements concerning
the Municipal Bond Fund may describe a tax equivalent yield. The tax equivalent
yield demonstrates the yield on a taxable investment necessary to produce an
after-tax yield equal to the Institutional Shares' tax-free yield. It is
calculated by increasing the yield shown for the Institutional Shares to the
extent necessary to reflect the payment of specified tax rates. Thus, the tax
equivalent yield will always exceed a Fund's Institutional Shares' yield. Total
return figures show the average percentage change in value of an investment in
the Institutional Shares from the beginning of the measuring period to the end
of the measuring period. The figures reflect changes in the price of the
Institutional Shares assuming that any income dividends and/or capital gain
distributions made by a Fund during the period were reinvested in Institutional
Shares of the Fund. Total return will be shown for recent one-, five- and
ten-year periods, and may be shown for other periods as well (such as from
commencement of the Fund's operations or on a year-by-year, quarterly or current
year-to-date basis).

         When considering average total return figures for periods longer than
one year, it is important to note that the annual total return for one year in
the period might have been greater or less than the average for the entire
period. When considering total return figures for periods shorter than one year,
investors should bear in mind that each Fund seeks long-term appreciation and
that such return may not be representative of any Fund's return over a longer
market cycle. Each Fund may also advertise aggregate total return figures of its
Institutional Shares for various periods, representing the cumulative change in
value of an investment in the Institutional Shares for the specific period
(again reflecting changes in share prices and assuming reinvestment of dividends
and distributions). Aggregate and average total returns may be shown by means of
schedules, charts or graphs and may indicate various components of total return
(i.e., change in value of initial investment, income dividends and capital gain
distributions).

         Investors should note that yield, tax equivalent yield and total return
figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended to indicate future
performance. The Funds' Statements of Additional Information describes the
method used to


                                       34
<PAGE>   62
determine the yield and total return. Current performance figures may be
obtained by calling BEA Institutional Funds at (800) 401-2230.

         The Funds may also from time to time include in advertisings an
aggregate total return figure or a total return figure that is not calculated
according to the standardized formula in order to compare more accurately a
Fund's performance with other measures of investment return. For example, a
Fund's total return or expense ratio may be compared with data published by
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Weisenberger Investment Technologies,
Inc., Mutual Fund Forecaster or Morningstar, Inc., or with the performance of
the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index,
Moody's Bond Survey Bond Index, Wilshire 5000 Index, Lehman Brothers Bond
Indexes, Morgan Stanley Composite Index EAFE, Morgan Stanley Composite
Index-Free Emerging Markets, JP Morgan Global Government Bond Index (Unhedged),
First Boston High Yield Index, Consumer Price Index, Bond Buyer's 20-Bond Index,
Dow Jones Industrial Average, Salomon Smith Barney U.S. 1-Month Treasury Bill
Index(TM), national publications such as Money, Forbes, Barron's, The Wall
Street Journal or the New York Times or publications of a local or regional
nature, and other industry publications. For these purposes, the performance of
a Fund, as well as the performance published by such services or experienced by
such indices, will usually not reflect redemption fees, the inclusion of which
would reduce performance results. If a Fund advertises non-standard
computations, however, the Fund will disclose such fees, and will also disclose
that the performance data do not reflect such fees and that inclusion of such
fees would reduce the performance quoted.

         In reports or other communications to investors or in advertising, each
Fund may also describe the general biography or work experience of the portfolio
managers of the Fund and may include quotations attributable to the portfolio
managers describing approaches taken in managing the Fund's investments,
research methodology underlying stock selection or the Fund's investment
objective. In addition, a Fund and its portfolio managers may render periodic
updates of Fund activity, which may include a discussion of significant
portfolio holdings; analysis of holdings by industry, country, credit quality
and other characteristics; and comparison and analysis of the Fund with respect
to relevant market and industry benchmarks. Each Fund may also discuss measures
of risk, the continuum of risk and return relating to different investments and
the potential impact of foreign stocks on a portfolio otherwise composed of
domestic securities.

GENERAL INFORMATION

         ORGANIZATION. On July 31, 1998, the Emerging Markets Fund,
International Growth Fund, High Yield Fund, Municipal Bond Fund, Global Income
Fund, Long-Short Neutral, Long-Short Equity, the Select Equity Fund, U.S. Equity
Fund and U.S. Fixed Income Fund were each incorporated under the laws of the
State of Maryland under the name "Warburg, Pincus Emerging Markets II Fund,
Inc.," "Warburg, Pincus International Growth Fund, Inc.," "Warburg, Pincus High
Yield Fund, Inc.," "Warburg, Pincus Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.," "Warburg, Pincus
Strategic Global Fixed Income Fund, Inc.," "Warburg, Pincus Long-Short Market
Neutral Fund, Inc.," "Warburg, Pincus Long-Short Equity Fund, Inc.," "Warburg,
Pincus Select Economic Value Equity Fund, Inc.," "Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core
Equity Fund, Inc." and "Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc.,"
respectively. Each Warburg Pincus Fund is an open-end mutual fund. On August __,
1998, the Funds and The RBB Fund, Inc. entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization whereby the Funds agreed to acquire all of the assets and
liabilities of the corresponding BEA Funds (the "Reorganization"). The
Reorganization is expected to be completed on or about October 2, 1998.

         Each Fund's charter authorizes its Board to issue three billion full
and fractional shares of capital stock, $.001 par value per share, of which one
billion shares are designated Common Shares, one billion shares are designated
Institutional Shares and one billion shares are designated Advisor Shares. Under
each Fund's charter documents, the Board has the power to classify or reclassify
any unissued shares of the Fund into one or more additional classes by setting
or changing in any one or more respects their relative rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and
conditions of redemption. A Board may similarly classify or reclassify any class
of its shares into one or more series and, without shareholder approval, may
increase the number of authorized shares of the Fund.

         MULTI-CLASS STRUCTURE. Each Fund currently offers another class of
shares, the Common Shares, pursuant to a separate prospectus. Individual
investors may purchase Common Shares and, if and when offered, individual
investors may only purchase Advisor Shares, through institutional shareholders
of record, broker-dealers, financial institutions, depository institutions,
retirement plans and financial intermediaries. Shares of each class represent
equal pro rata interests in the respective Fund and


                                       35
<PAGE>   63
accrue dividends and calculate net asset value and performance quotations in the
same manner. Because of the higher fees paid by Common Shares and Advisor
Shares, the total return on Common Shares can be expected to be lower than the
total return on Institutional Shares and the total return of Advisor Shares can
be expected to be lower than the total return on Common Shares and Institutional
Shares. Investors may obtain information concerning the Common Shares and, if
and when offered, the Advisor Shares from their investment professional or by
calling Counsellors Securities at (800) 369-2728. Unless the context clearly
suggests otherwise, references to a Fund in this Prospectus are to the Fund as
a whole and not to any particular class of the Fund's shares.

         VOTING RIGHTS. Investors in a Fund are entitled to one vote for each
full share held and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Shareholders of
a Fund will vote in the aggregate except where otherwise required by law and
except that each class will vote separately on certain matters pertaining to its
distribution and shareholder servicing arrangements. There will normally be no
meetings of investors for the purpose of electing members of the Board unless
and until such time as less than a majority of the members holding office have
been elected by investors. Any Director of a Fund may be removed from office
upon the vote of shareholders holding at least a majority of the relevant Fund's
outstanding shares, at a meeting called for that purpose. A meeting will be
called for the purpose of voting on the removal of a Board member at the written
request of holders of 10% of the outstanding shares of a Fund.

         SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS. Each investor will receive a quarterly
statement of his account, as well as a statement of his account after any
transaction that affects his share balance or share registration (other than the
reinvestment of dividends or distributions or investment made through the
Automatic Monthly Investment Plan). Each Fund will also send to its investors a
semiannual report and an audited annual report, each of which includes a list of
the investment securities held by the Fund and a statement of the performance of
the Fund. Periodic listings of the investment securities held by the Fund, as
well as certain statistical characteristics of the Fund, may be obtained by
calling BEA Institutional Funds at (800) 401-2230 or on the BEA Institutional
Funds Web site at www.beafunds.com.

         The Institutional Share prospectuses of the Funds are combined in this
Prospectus. Each Fund offers only its own shares, yet it is possible that a Fund
might become liable for a misstatement, inaccuracy or omission in this
Prospectus with regard to another Fund.

                       -----------------------------------

         NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE FUNDS'
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR THE FUNDS' OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF SHARES OF THE FUNDS, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY EACH FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES OF THE FUNDS IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO
WHOM, SUCH OFFER MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.


                                       36
<PAGE>   64
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Funds' Expenses............................................................3
Financial Highlights...........................................................4
Investment Objectives and Policies............................................11
Portfolio Investments.........................................................16
Risk Factors and Special Considerations.......................................17
Portfolio Transactions and Turnover Rate......................................20
Certain Investment Strategies.................................................21
Investment Guidelines.........................................................24
Management of the Funds.......................................................25
How to Open an Account........................................................28
How to Purchase Shares........................................................29
How to Redeem and Exchange Shares.............................................30
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes............................................32
Net Asset Value...............................................................34
Performance...................................................................34
General Information...........................................................35

                         [BEA Institutional Funds Logo]
                      P.O. Box 8500, Boston, MA 02266-8500
                                  800-401-2230
                                www.beafunds.com

                                                                    WP___-1-0998
<PAGE>   65
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 5, 1998

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may any
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This Statement of Additional Information does not constitute a
prospectus.

                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

                            September [INSERT], 1998

                 WARBURG, PINCUS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
                 WARBURG, PINCUS EMERGING MARKETS II FUND, INC.
             WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. STRUCTURED CORE EQUITY FUND, INC.
                WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC.
            WARBURG, PINCUS STRATEGIC GLOBAL FIXED INCOME FUND, INC.
              WARBURG, PINCUS GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INC.
                      WARBURG, PINCUS HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
                    WARBURG, PINCUS MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
             WARBURG, PINCUS SELECT ECONOMIC VALUE EQUITY FUND, INC.


                P.O. Box 9030, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9030

                     For information, call (800) WARBURG s.


                  This combined Statement of Additional Information is meant to
be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses for the Common Shares of Warburg,
Pincus International Growth, Warburg, Pincus Emerging Markets II, Warburg,
Pincus U.S. Structured Core Equity, Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Fixed Income,
Warburg, Pincus Strategic Global Fixed Income, Warburg, Pincus Global
Telecommunications, Warburg, Pincus High Yield, Warburg, Pincus Municipal Bond
and Warburg, Pincus Select Economic Value Equity Funds (collectively, the
"Funds"), dated September __, 1998, as amended or supplemented from time to
time, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into those Prospectuses.
Because this Statement of Additional Information is not itself a prospectus, no
investment in shares of a Fund should be made solely upon the information
contained herein. Copies of the Funds' Prospectuses and information regarding
each Fund's current performance may be obtained by calling the Fund at (800)
927-2874. Information regarding the status of shareholder accounts may also be
obtained by calling the Funds at the same number or by writing to the Fund, P.O.
Box 9030, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9030.

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THE PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE FUNDS OR THEIR DISTRIBUTOR. THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE FUNDS OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
<PAGE>   66
                                    CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
GENERAL...........................................................................................................1

COMMON INVESTMENT POLICIES -- ALL FUNDS...........................................................................1

COMMON INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES -- WARBURG, PINCUS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH, WARBURG, PINCUS EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH, WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. STRUCTURED
CORE EQUITY, WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME, WARBURG, PINCUS GLOBAL
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, WARBURG, PINCUS HIGH YIELD, WARBURG, PINCUS STRATEGIC GLOBAL
FIXED INCOME AND WARBURG, PINCUS SELECT ECONOMIC VALUE EQUITY FUNDS ..............................................8

SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES -- WARBURG, PINCUS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH, WARBURG, PINCUS EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH, WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. STRUCTURED
CORE EQUITY, WARBURG, PINCUS GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND WARBURG, PINCUS
SELECT ECONOMIC VALUE EQUITY FUNDS ..............................................................................22

SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES -- WARBURG, PINCUS GLOBAL
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND .........................................................................................22

SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES -- WARBURG, PINCUS MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .........................................23

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS...........................................................................................24
RISK FACTORS.....................................................................................................26
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS...........................................................................................31
DIRECTORS' ESTIMATED COMPENSATION THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1999........................................................35
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SERVICING ARRANGEMENTS...................................................................35
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND TURNOVER RATE.........................................................................41
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION..............................................................................45
VALUATION OF SHARES..............................................................................................45
PERFORMANCE AND YIELD INFORMATION................................................................................47
TAXES............................................................................................................50
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FUNDS' SHARES..............................................................59
MISCELLANEOUS....................................................................................................59
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND COUNSEL..............................................................................61
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.............................................................................................61
APPENDIX A......................................................................................................A-1
APPENDIX B......................................................................................................B-1
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>   67
                                     GENERAL

                  The investment objective of the Warburg, Pincus International
Growth ("International Growth"), Warburg, Pincus Emerging Markets II ("Emerging
Markets II"), Warburg, Pincus Global Telecommunications ("Global
Telecommunications"), Warburg, Pincus International Growth ("International
Growth"), Warburg, Pincus Select Economic Value Equity ("Select Equity") and
Warburg, Pincus U.S. Structured Core Equity ("U.S. Equity") Funds is to provide
long-term appreciation of capital.

                  The investment objective of the Warburg, Pincus Long-Short
Market Neutral Fund ("Long-Short Neutral Fund") is long-term capital
appreciation while minimizing exposure to general equity market risk.

                  The investment objective of the Warburg, Pincus High Yield
("High Yield"), Warburg, Pincus Municipal Bond ("Municipal Bond"), Warburg,
Pincus Strategic Global Fixed Income ("Global Income") and Warburg, Pincus U.S.
Core Fixed Income (U.S. Fixed Income") Funds is to provide high total return.

                  The investment objective of the Warburg, Pincus Long-Short
Equity Fund ("Long-Short Equity Fund") is to provide a total return greater than
that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500
Index").

                  Each of the Funds is an open-end management investment
company. Each Fund was organized as a Maryland corporation on [INSERT], 1988.

                  Unless otherwise indicated, the following investment policies
may be changed by the Funds' Board of Directors without an affirmative vote of
shareholders. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the
same meanings as are given to such terms in the Funds' combined Prospectuses.

                     COMMON INVESTMENT POLICIES -- ALL FUNDS

                  The following supplements the information contained in the
Prospectus concerning the investment objectives and policies of, and techniques
used by the Funds.

                  NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Each Fund is classified as
non-diversified within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act"), which means that each Fund is not limited by such Act in the
proportion of its assets that it may invest in securities of a single issuer.
Each Fund's investments will be limited, however, in order to qualify as a
"regulated investment company" for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"). See "Taxes." To qualify, each Fund will comply
with certain requirements, including limiting its investments so that at the
close of each quarter of the
<PAGE>   68
taxable year (i) not more than 25% of the market value of each Fund's total
assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (ii) with
respect to 50% of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the
market value of each Fund's total assets will be invested in the securities of a
single issuer and each Fund will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer. To the extent that each Fund assumes large
positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, each Fund's return may
fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified company as a result of
changes in the financial condition or in the market's assessment of the issuers.

                  TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. The short-term and medium-term debt
securities in which a Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes consist
of: (a) obligations of the United States or foreign governments, their
respective agencies or instrumentalities; (b) bank deposits and bank obligations
(including certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances) of
U.S. or foreign banks denominated in any currency; (c) floating rate securities
and other instruments denominated in any currency issued by international
development agencies; (d) finance company and corporate commercial paper and
other short-term corporate debt obligations of U.S. and foreign corporations;
and (e) repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers with respect to such
securities.

                  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may agree to purchase
securities from a bank or recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commit
to resell the securities to the bank or dealer at an agreed-upon date and price
reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of
the purchased securities ("repurchase agreements"). Such Fund would maintain
custody of the underlying securities prior to their repurchase; thus, the
obligation of the bank or dealer to pay the repurchase price on the date agreed
to would be, in effect, secured by such securities. If the value of such
securities were less than the repurchase price, plus interest, the other party
to the agreement would be required to provide additional collateral so that at
all times the collateral is at least equal to the repurchase price plus accrued
interest. Default by or bankruptcy of a seller would expose a Fund to possible
loss because of adverse market action, expenses and/or delays in connection with
the disposition of the underlying obligations. The financial institutions with
which a Fund may enter into repurchase agreements will be banks and non-bank
dealers of U.S. Government securities that are listed on the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York's list of reporting dealers, if such banks and non-bank dealers
are deemed creditworthy by the Fund's adviser. A Fund's adviser will continue to
monitor creditworthiness of the seller under a repurchase agreement, and will
require the seller to maintain during the term of the agreement the value of the
securities subject to the agreement to equal at least the repurchase price
(including accrued interest). In addition, the



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   69
Fund's adviser will require that the value of this collateral, after transaction
costs (including loss of interest) reasonably expected to be incurred on a
default, be equal to or greater than the repurchase price (including accrued
premium) provided in the repurchase agreement or the daily amortization of the
difference between the purchase price and the repurchase price specified in the
repurchase agreement. The Fund's adviser will mark-to-market daily the value of
the securities. There are no percentage limits on a Fund's ability to enter into
repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans by the
Fund under the 1940 Act.

                  REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS. Each Fund may
enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities
for temporary purposes (such as to obtain cash to meet redemption requests when
the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed disadvantageous or
inconvenient by the Adviser). Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of
securities held by a Fund pursuant to such Fund's agreement to repurchase them
at a mutually agreed upon date, price and rate of interest. At the time a Fund
enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish and maintain a
segregated account with an approved custodian containing cash or liquid
securities having a value not less than the repurchase price (including accrued
interest). The assets contained in the segregated account will be
marked-to-market daily and additional assets will be placed in such account on
any day in which the assets fall below the repurchase price (plus accrued
interest). A Fund's liquidity and ability to manage its assets might be affected
when it sets aside cash or portfolio securities to cover such commitments.
Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the
securities retained in lieu of sale may decline below the price of the
securities a Fund has sold but is obligated to repurchase. In the event the
buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or
becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an
extension of time to determine whether to enforce a Fund's obligation to
repurchase the securities, and a Fund's use of the proceeds of the reverse
repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.
Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940
Act. Each Fund also may enter into "dollar rolls," in which it sells fixed
income securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts
to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities
on a specified future date. During the roll period, a Fund would forgo principal
and interest paid on such securities. A Fund would be compensated by the
difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future
purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial
sale. The Funds do not presently intend to invest more than 5% of net assets in
reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   70
                  WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES, DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS AND
FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or
on a forward commitment basis, and it may purchase or sell securities for
delayed delivery. These transactions occur when securities are purchased or sold
by a Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future to secure what is
considered an advantageous yield and price to a Fund at the time of entering
into the transaction. Although the Funds have not established a limit on the
percentage of their assets that may be committed in connection with such
transactions, they will maintain segregated accounts with their custodian
consisting of cash or liquid securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S.
currencies in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of their commitment in
connection with such purchase transactions. The assets contained in the
segregated account will be marked-to-market daily and additional assets will be
placed in such account on any day in which assets fall below the amount of its
commitment. Each Fund's liquidity and ability to manage its assets might be
affected when it sets aside cash or portfolio fund securities to cover such
commitments. When a Fund engages in when-issued transactions, it relies on the
seller to consummate the trade. Failure of the seller to do so may result in the
Fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price considered to
be advantageous. When-issued and forward commitment transactions involve the
risk that the price or yield obtained in a transaction may be less favorable
than the price or yield available in the market when the securities delivery
takes place. Each Fund currently anticipates that when-issued securities will
not exceed 25% of its net assets. Each Fund does not intend to engage in
when-issued purchases and forward commitments for speculative purposes but only
in furtherance of its investment objectives.

                  STAND-BY COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may from time to
time enter into stand-by commitment agreements. Such agreements commit a Fund,
for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a fixed income
securities which may be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer.
The price and coupon of the security is fixed at the time of the commitment. At
the time of entering into the agreement, a Fund is paid a commitment fee,
regardless of whether or not the security is ultimately issued. A Fund will
enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the security
underlying the commitment at a yield and price that is considered advantageous
to a Fund. Each Fund will not enter into a stand-by commitment with a remaining
term in excess of 45 days and it will limit its investment in such commitments
so that the aggregate purchase price of the securities subject to such
commitments, together with the value of portfolio securities subject to legal
restrictions on resale, will not exceed 10% of its assets taken at the time of
acquisition of such commitment or security. Each Fund will at all times maintain
a segregated account with its custodian consisting of cash or liquid securities
denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies in an aggregate amount equal




                                      -4-
<PAGE>   71
to the purchase price of the securities underlying the commitment. The assets
contained in the segregated account will be marked-to-market daily and
additional assets will be placed in such account on any day in which assets fall
below the amount of the purchase price. A Fund's liquidity and ability to manage
its assets might be affected when it sets aside cash or portfolio securities to
cover such commitments.

                  There can be no assurance that the securities subject to a
stand-by commitment will be issued and the value of the security, if issued, on
the delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. Because the
issuance of the security underlying the commitment is at the option of the
issuer, a Fund may bear the risk of a decline in the value of such security and
may not benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the
commitment period.

                  The purchase of a security subject to a stand-by commitment
agreement and the related commitment fee will be recorded on the date on which
the security can reasonably be expected to be issued, and the value of the
security will be adjusted by the amount of the commitment fee. In the event the
security is not issued, the commitment fee will be recorded as income on the
expiration date of the stand-by commitment. The Funds do not presently intend to
invest more than 5% of net assets in stand-by commitment agreements.

                  ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Each Fund does not presently intend to
invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities (including
repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days),
including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily
available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. The term
"illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be disposed
of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the
amount at which the Fund has valued the securities. Such securities may include,
among other things, loan participations and assignments, options purchased in
the over-the-counter markets, repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days, structured notes and restricted securities other than Rule 144A securities
that the Adviser has determined are liquid pursuant to guidelines established by
the Funds' Board of Directors. Because of the absence of any liquid trading
market currently for these investments, a Fund may take longer to liquidate
these positions than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although
these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices
realized on such sales could be less than those originally paid by a Fund.
Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a
readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this
limitation. With respect to each Fund, repurchase agreements subject to demand
are deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice period.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   72
                  Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of
restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on
resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse
effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be
unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at
reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions
within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted
securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and
delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of
securities.

                  If otherwise consistent with their investment objectives and
policies, the Funds may purchase securities that are not registered under the
Securities Act but can be sold to "qualified institutional buyers" in accordance
with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. These securities will not be considered
illiquid so long as it is determined by the Adviser, under guidelines approved
by the Board of Directors, that an adequate trading market exists for the
securities. A Fund's investment in Rule 144A securities could increase the level
of illiquidity during any period that qualified institutional buyers become
uninterested in purchasing these securities.

                  The Adviser will monitor the liquidity of restricted
securities in a Fund under the supervision of the Board of Directors. In
reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser may consider, among others, the
following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the
frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers
wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential
purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security and (5) the
nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time
needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the
mechanics of the transfer). Where there are no readily available market
quotations, the security shall be valued at fair value as determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors of the Funds.

                  EMERGING GROWTH AND SMALLER CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES;
UNSEASONED ISSUERS. Each Fund will not invest in securities of unseasoned
issuers, including equity securities of unseasoned issuers which are not readily
marketable, if the aggregate investment in such securities would exceed 5% of
such Fund's net assets. The term "unseasoned" refers to issuers which, together
with their predecessors, have been in operation for less than three years.

                  LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. To increase income on its
investments, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities with an aggregate value of
up to 50% of its total assets (in the case of the Select Equity Fund, up to
33-1/3% of its total assets, including the loan collateral) to broker/dealers
and other



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   73
institutional investors. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities on a short
or long term basis to broker-dealers or institutional investors that the Adviser
deems qualified, but only when the borrower maintains, with a Fund's custodian,
collateral either in cash or money market instruments, in an amount at least
equal to the market value of the securities loaned (for the Select Equity Fund,
at least equal to 102% of the market value of the Securities loaned), plus
accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted
accordingly. Collateral for such loans may include cash, securities of the U.S.
Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or an irrevocable letter of
credit issued by a bank which is deemed creditworthy by the Adviser. In
determining whether to lend securities to a particular broker-dealer or
institutional investor, the Adviser will consider, and during the period of the
loan will monitor, all relevant facts and circumstances, including the
creditworthiness of the borrower. Such loans would involve risks of delay in
receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral
decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the
securities loaned or even the loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail financially. Default by or bankruptcy of a
borrower would expose the Funds to possible loss because of adverse market
action, expenses and/or delays in connection with the disposition of the
underlying securities.

                  BORROWING. Each Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3 percent of its
total assets. The Adviser intends to borrow only for temporary or emergency
purposes, including to meet Fund redemption requests so as to permit the orderly
disposition of portfolio securities, or to facilitate settlement transactions on
portfolio securities. Additional investments will not be made when borrowings
exceed 5% of a Fund's total assets. Although the principal of such borrowings
will be fixed, a Fund's assets may change in value during the time the borrowing
is outstanding. Each Fund expects that some of its borrowings may be made on a
secured basis. In such situations, either the custodian will segregate the
pledged assets for the benefit of the lender or arrangements will be made with a
suitable subcustodian, which may include the lender.



  COMMON INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES -- INTERNATIONAL GROWTH, EMERGING
MARKETS GROWTH, U.S. EQUITY, U.S. FIXED INCOME, GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS, HIGH
                  YIELD, GLOBAL INCOME AND SELECT EQUITY FUNDS

                  U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The U.S. Government securities in
which a Fund may invest include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as
Treasury bills, notes and bonds) and obligations issued by U.S. Government
agencies and instrumentalities, including securities that are supported by the
full faith and credit of the United States and securities that



                                      -7-
<PAGE>   74
are supported primarily or solely by the creditworthiness of the issuer (such as
securities of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Student Loan Marketing
Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority).

                  FOREIGN DEBT SECURITIES. The returns on foreign debt
securities reflect interest rates and other market conditions prevailing in
those countries and the effect of gains and losses in the denominated currencies
against the U.S. dollar, which have had a substantial impact on investment in
foreign fixed-income securities. The relative performance of various countries'
fixed-income markets historically has reflected wide variations relating to the
unique characteristics of each country's economy. Year-to-year fluctuations in
certain markets have been significant, and negative returns have been
experienced in various markets from time to time.

                  The foreign government securities in which the Funds may
invest generally consist of obligations issued or backed by national, state or
provincial governments or similar political subdivisions or central banks in
foreign countries. Foreign government securities also include debt obligations
of supranational entities, which include international organizations designated,
or backed by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or
development, international banking institutions and related government agencies.
Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the
"World Bank"), the European Coal and Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank
and the InterAmerican Development Bank.

                  Foreign government securities also include debt securities of
"quasi-governmental agencies" and debt securities denominated in multinational
currency units of an issuer (including supranational issuers). Debt securities
of quasi-governmental agencies are issued by entities owned by either a
national, state or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit
that is not backed by the national government's full faith and credit and
general taxing powers. An example of a multinational currency unit is the
European Currency Unit ("ECU"). An ECU represents specified amounts of the
currencies of certain member states of the European Economic Community. The
specific amounts of currencies comprising the ECU may be adjusted by the Council
of Ministers of the European Community to reflect changes in relative values of
the underlying currencies.

                  BRADY BONDS. Each Fund may invest in so-called "Brady Bonds,"
which are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank
loans to Latin American public and private entities for new bonds in connection
with debt restructurings under a debt restructuring plan announced by former
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan"). Brady Bonds
may be collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies
(primarily the



                                      -8-
<PAGE>   75
U.S. dollar) and are currently actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary
market for Latin American debt instruments.

                  Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be
fixed rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are collateralized in full
as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as
the bonds. Interest payments on these Brady Bonds generally are collateralized
by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is
equal to at least one year of rolling interest payments or, in the case of
floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year's rolling interest
payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at
regular intervals thereafter.

                  All Mexican Brady Bonds issued to date, except New Money
Bonds, have principal repayments at final maturity fully collateralized by U.S.
Treasury zero coupon bonds (or comparable collateral in other currencies) and
interest coupon payments collateralized on an 18-month rolling-forward basis by
funds held in escrow by an agent for the bondholders. Approximately half of the
Venezuelan Brady Bonds issued to date have principal repayments at final
maturity collateralized by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds (or comparable
collateral in other currencies), while slightly more than half have interest
coupon payments collateralized on a 14-month rolling-forward basis by securities
held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as collateral agent.

                  Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation
components: the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; the
collateralized interest payments; the uncollateralized interest payments; and
any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constituting the "residual risk").

                  LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. Each Fund may invest in
fixed and floating rate loans ("Loans") arranged through private negotiations
between a foreign government and one or more financial institutions ("Lenders").
The majority of the Funds' investments in Loans in Latin America are expected to
be in the form of participations in Loans ("Participations") and assignments of
portions of Loans from third parties ("Assignments"). Participations typically
will result in a Fund having a contractual relationship only with the Lender,
not with the borrower. A participating Fund will have the right to receive
payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from
the Lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the Lender of the
payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, a Fund
generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the
terms of the loan agreement relating to the Loan ("Loan Agreement"), nor any
rights of set-off against the borrower, and a Fund may not directly benefit from
any collateral supporting the Loan in which it has purchased the Participation.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   76
As a result, participating Funds will assume the credit risk of both the
borrower and the Lender that is selling the Participation. In the event of the
insolvency of the Lender selling a Participation, a Fund may be treated as a
general creditor of the Lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the
Lender and the borrower. The Funds will acquire Participations only if the
Lender interpositioned between the Funds and the borrower is determined by the
Adviser to be creditworthy. Each Fund currently anticipates that it will not
invest more than 5% of its net assets in Loan Participations and Assignments.

                  CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. A convertible security is a bond,
debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or
exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different
issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A
convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on
debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security
matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible
securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in
that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher
yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but
are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. While no
securities investment is completely without risk, investments in convertible
securities generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock,
although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon
the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a
fixed-income security. Convertible securities have unique investment
characteristics in that they generally (1) have higher yields than common
stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (2) are
less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have
fixed-income characteristics and (3) provide the potential for capital
appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases. Most
convertible securities currently are issued by U.S. companies, although a
substantial Eurodollar convertible securities market has developed, and the
markets for convertible securities denominated in local currencies are
increasing.

                  The value of a convertible security is a function of its
"investment value" (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of
other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a
conversion privilege) and its "conversion value" (the security's worth, at
market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment
value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with
investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest
rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have
an effect



                                      -10-
<PAGE>   77
on the convertible security's investment value. The conversion value
of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying
common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value,
the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment
value. Generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security
approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common
stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible
security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible
security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the
extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying
common stock while holding a fixed-income security.

                  The Funds have no current intention of converting any
convertible securities they may own into equity securities or holding them as
equity securities upon conversion, although they may do so for temporary
purposes. A convertible security might be subject to redemption at the option of
the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing
instrument. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption,
the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert
it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. The Funds will
invest in convertible securities without regard to their credit rating. See
"Risk Factors and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities" in the
Prospectus.

                  MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Funds may invest in
mortgage-backed securities, such as those issued by the Government National
Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal National Mortgage Association
("FNMA"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") or certain
foreign issuers, as well as by private issuers such as commercial investment
banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers and private mortgage
insurance companies. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect
participations in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by
real property. The mortgages backing these securities include, among other
mortgage instruments, conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgages, 15-year fixed
rate mortgages, graduated payment mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages. The
government or the issuing agency typically guarantees the payment of interest
and principal of these securities. However, the guarantees do not extend to the
securities' yield or value, which are likely to vary inversely with fluctuations
in interest rates, nor do the guarantees extend to the yield or value of the
Fund's shares. These securities generally are "pass-through" instruments,
through which the holders receive a share of all interest and principal payments
from the mortgages underlying the securities, net of certain fees.

                  Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted by
investment dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   78
underlying instruments and the associated average life assumption. The average
life of pass-through pools varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage
loans. A pool's term may be shortened by unscheduled or early payments of
principal on the underlying mortgages. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is
affected by various factors, including the level of interest rates, general
economic conditions, the location, scheduled maturity and age of the mortgage
and other social and demographic conditions. Because prepayment rates of
individual pools vary widely, it is not possible to predict accurately the
average life of a particular pool. For pools of fixed rate 30-year mortgages, a
common industry practice in the U.S. has been to assume that prepayments will
result in a 12-year average life. At present, pools, particularly those with
loans with other maturities or different characteristics, are priced on an
assumption of average life determined for each pool.

                  Although certain mortgage-related securities are guaranteed by
a third party or are otherwise similarly secured, the market value of the
security, which may fluctuate, is not so secured. If a Fund purchases a
mortgage-related security at a premium, that portion may be lost if there is a
decline in the market value of the security whether resulting from increases in
interest rates or prepayment of the underlying mortgage collateral. As with
other interest-bearing securities, the prices of such securities are inversely
affected by changes in interest rates. However, though the value of a
mortgage-related security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is
not necessarily true because in periods of declining interest rates mortgages
underlying securities are prone to prepayment. In periods of falling interest
rates, the rate of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual
average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. Conversely, in periods of
rising rates the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the
actual average life of the pool. However, these effects may not be present, or
may differ in degree, if the mortgage loans in the pools have adjustable
interest rates or other special payment terms, such as a prepayment charge.
Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield of mortgage-backed securities
to differ from the assumed average life yield. Reinvestment of prepayments may
occur at higher or lower interest rates than the original investment, thus
affecting a Fund's yield. For this and other reasons, a mortgage-related
security's stated maturity may be shortened by an unscheduled prepayment on
underlying mortgages and, therefore, it is not possible to predict accurately
the security's return to a Fund. Mortgage-related securities provide regular
payments consisting of interest and principal. No assurance can be given as to
the return a Fund will receive when these amounts are reinvested.

                  The rate of interest on mortgage-backed securities is lower
than the interest rates paid on the mortgages included in the underlying pool
due to the annual fees paid to the servicer of the mortgage pool for passing
through monthly payments to



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   79
certificate holders and to any guarantor, such as GNMA, and due to any yield
retained by the issuer. Actual yield to the holder may vary from the coupon
rate, even if adjustable, if the mortgage-backed securities are purchased or
traded in the secondary market at a premium or discount. In addition, there is
normally some delay between the time the issuer receives mortgage payments from
the servicer and the time the issuer makes the payments on the mortgage-backed
securities, and this delay reduces the effective yield to the holder of such
securities.

                  COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS. The Funds may also
purchase collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") issued by a U.S.
Government instrumentality which are backed by a portfolio of mortgages or
mortgage-backed securities. The issuer's obligations to make interest and
principal payments is secured by the underlying portfolio of mortgages or
mortgage-backed securities. Generally, CMOs are partitioned into several classes
with a ranked priority by which the classes of obligations are redeemed. These
securities may be considered mortgage derivatives. The Funds may only invest in
CMOs issued by FHLMC, FNMA or other agencies of the U.S. Government or
instrumentalities established or sponsored by the U.S. Government.

                  CMOs provide an investor with a specified interest in the cash
flow of a pool of underlying mortgages or other mortgage-related securities.
Issuers of CMOs frequently elect to be taxed as pass-through entities known as
real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs"). CMOs are issued in multiple
classes, each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final
distribution date. Coupons can be fixed or variable. If variable, they can move
with or in the reverse direction of interest rates. The coupon changes could be
a multiple of the actual rate change and there may be limitations on what the
coupon can be. Cash flows of pools can also be divided into a principal only
class and an interest only class. In this case the principal only class will
only receive principal cash flows from the pool. All interest cash flows go to
the interest only class. The relative payment rights of the various CMO classes
may be structured in many ways, either sequentially or by other rules of
priority. Generally, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the
order of their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will
be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity
date are paid in full. Sometimes, however, CMO classes are "parallel pay," i.e.
payments of principal are made to two or more classes concurrently. CMOs may
exhibit more or less price volatility and interest rate risk than other types of
mortgaged-related obligations.

                  The CMO structure returns principal to investors sequentially,
rather than according to the pro rata method of a pass-through. In the
traditional CMO structure, all classes (called tranches) receive interest at a
stated rate, but only one



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   80
class at a time receives principal. All principal payments received on the
underlying mortgages or securities are first paid to the "fastest pay" tranche.
After this tranche is retired, the next tranche in the sequence becomes the
exclusive recipient of principal payments. This sequential process continues
until the last tranche is retired. In the event of sufficient early repayments
on the underlying mortgages, the "fastest-pay" tranche generally will be retired
prior to its maturity. Thus the early retirement of a particular tranche of a
CMO held by a Fund would have the same effect as the prepayment of mortgages
underlying a mortgage-backed pass-through security as described above.

                  ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest in asset-backed
securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable
from, assets such as motor vehicle installment sales, installment loan
contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property and receivables
from revolving credit (credit card) agreements. The Funds may also invest in
other types of asset-backed securities that may be available in the future. Such
assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose
corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest may be
guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of
credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated
with the trust or corporation. The estimated life of an asset-backed security
varies with the prepayment experience with respect to the underlying debt
instruments. The rate of such prepayments, and hence the life of the
asset-backed security, will be primarily a function of current market rates,
although other economic and demographic factors will be involved. In certain
circumstances, asset-backed securities may be considered illiquid securities
subject to the percentage limitations described above. Asset-backed securities
are considered an industry for industry concentration purposes, and a Fund will
therefore not purchase any asset-backed securities which would cause 25% or more
of a Fund's net assets at the time of purchase to be invested in asset-backed
securities.

                  Asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not
presented by other securities in which a Fund may invest. Automobile receivables
generally are secured by automobiles. Most issuers of automobile receivables
permit the loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If
the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk
that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of
the asset-backed securities. In addition, because of the large number of
vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state
laws, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have a
proper security interest in the underlying automobiles. Therefore, there is the
possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be
available to support payments on these securities. Credit card receivables



                                      -14-
<PAGE>   81
are generally unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a
number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such
debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby
reducing the balance due.

                  ZERO COUPON SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest in "zero coupon"
U.S. Treasury, foreign government and U.S. and foreign corporate debt
securities, which are bills, notes and bonds that have been stripped of their
unmatured interest coupons and receipts or certificates representing interests
in such stripped debt obligations and coupons. Each Fund currently anticipates
that zero coupon securities will not exceed 5% of its net assets. A zero coupon
security pays no interest to its holder prior to maturity. Accordingly, such
securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and
will be subject to greater fluctuations of market value in response to changing
interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current
distributions of interest. The Funds anticipate that they will not normally hold
zero coupon securities to maturity. Federal tax law requires that a holder of a
zero coupon security accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was
purchased as income each year, even though the holder receives no interest
payment on the security during the year.

                  STRUCTURED NOTES. The Funds may invest in structured notes.
The distinguishing feature of a structured note is that the amount of interest
and/or principal payable on the notes is based on the performance of a benchmark
asset or market other than fixed-income securities or interest rates. Examples
of a benchmark include stock prices, currency exchange rates and physical
commodity prices. Investing in a structured note allows a Fund to gain exposure
to the benchmark market while fixing the maximum loss that the Fund may
experience in the event that the market does not perform as expected. The
performance tie can be a straight relationship or leveraged, although the
Adviser generally will not use leverage in its structured note strategies.
Normally, these bonds are issued by U.S. Government Agencies and investment
banks arrange the structuring. Depending on the terms of the note, a Fund may
forego all or part of the interest and principal that would be payable on a
comparable conventional note; a Fund's loss cannot exceed this foregone interest
and/or principal. An investment in a structured note involves risks similar to
those associated with a direct investment in the benchmark asset. Structured
notes will be treated as illiquid securities for investment limitation purposes.

                  ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS--NON-INVESTMENT
GRADE FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. When and if available, fixed-income securities
may be purchased by a Fund at a discount from face value. From time to time, a
Fund may purchase securities in default with respect to the paying of principal



                                      -15-
<PAGE>   82
and/or interest at the time acquired if, in the opinion of the Adviser, such
securities have the potential for future capital appreciation.

                  Debt securities purchased by the Funds may bear fixed, fixed
and contingent or variable rates of interest and may involve equity features
such as conversion or exchange rights or warrants for the acquisition of stock
of the same or a different issuer; participations based on revenues, sales or
profits, or the purchase of common stock in a unit transaction (where corporate
debt securities and common stock are offered as a unit). Conversion of certain
debt securities may reduce net income per share and net asset value per share.
The occurrence of any income dilution of previously outstanding shares of common
stock when debt securities are converted will depend upon whether a Fund can,
from the investments made with the proceeds of the debt securities, earn an
amount per share issuable upon conversion at least equal to the amount earned
with respect to shares of common stock outstanding prior to conversion. If debt
securities are converted at a time when the net asset value per share of common
stock is greater than the conversion price, the conversion will result in a
decrease or dilution in then current net asset value per share of common stock.

                  The value of the lower rated fixed income securities that the
Funds purchase may fluctuate more than the value of higher rated debt
securities. These lower rated fixed income securities generally tend to reflect
short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher
rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. Changes in the value of securities subsequent to their
acquisition will not affect cash income or yields to maturity to a Fund but will
be reflected in the net asset value of a Fund's shares. The Funds attempt to
reduce risk through credit analysis and attention to current developments and
trends in both the economy and financial markets. There can be no assurance that
such attempts will be successful.

                  Lower-rated debt securities may include zero coupon securities
or pay-in-kind securities. A zero coupon security bears no interest but is
issued at a discount from its value at maturity. When held to maturity, its
entire return equals the difference between its issue price and its maturity
value. Pay-in-kind securities typically do not provide for cash interest
payments but instead provide for the issuance of additional debt securities of
the issuer in the face amount of the interest payment amount due in lieu of a
cash payment. The market prices of both of these securities are affected to a
greater extent by interest rate changes and thereby tend to be more volatile
than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.

                  There are also special considerations associated with
investing in lower-rated debt securities structured as zero coupon or
pay-in-kind securities. For example, a Fund must



                                      -16-
<PAGE>   83
include the interest ("original issue discount") on these securities in
determining the amount of its required distributions to shareholders for federal
income tax and federal excise tax purposes, even though it receives no cash
interest until the security's maturity or payment date. Therefore, in order to
satisfy these distribution requirements, a Fund may have to sell some of its
assets without regard to their investment merit to obtain cash to distribute to
shareholders. These actions may occur under disadvantageous circumstances and
are likely to reduce a Fund's assets and may thereby increase its expense ratio
and decrease its rate of return. For additional information concerning these tax
considerations, see "Taxes" below. From time to time, a Fund may also purchase
securities not paying interest at the time acquired if, in the opinion of the
Fund's Adviser, such securities have the potential for future income or capital
appreciation.

                  HEDGING. Each of the Funds may engage in various hedging
strategies. See "Certain Investment Strategies -- Foreign Currency Transactions"
in the Prospectus.

                  FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS. Each Fund may use forward currency
contracts to protect against uncertainty in the level of future exchange rates
and to enhance total return. The Funds may also enter into forward currency
contracts with respect to specific transactions. For example, when a Fund
anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of interest payments on a security
that it holds, a Fund may desire to "lock-in" the U.S. dollar price of the
security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such payment, as the case may be, by
entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of
U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying
transaction. A Fund will thereby be able to protect itself against a possible
loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the currency
exchange rates during the period between the date on which the security is
purchased or sold, or on which the payment is declared, and the date on which
such payments are made or received.

                  The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the
value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the
future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a
consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the
date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. Accordingly,
it may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the
spot (i.e., cash) market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market
value of the security is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is
obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security and make
delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the
spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of a Fund
security if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency a Fund is
obligated to deliver. The projection



                                      -17-
<PAGE>   84
of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the
successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.

                  Forward contracts involve the risk that anticipated currency
movements will not be accurately predicted, causing a Fund to sustain losses on
these contracts and transaction costs. A Fund may enter into a forward contract
and maintain a net exposure on such contract only if (1) the consummation of the
contract would not obligate a Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in
excess of the value of a Fund's portfolio securities or other assets denominated
in that currency or (2) a Fund maintains cash or liquid securities in a
segregated account with its custodian in the amount prescribed. Under normal
circumstances, consideration of the prospect for currency parities will be
incorporated into the longer term investment decisions made with regard to
overall diversification strategies. However, the Adviser believes that it is
important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it
determines that the best interests of a Fund will be served.

                  At or before the maturity date of a forward contract requiring
a Fund to sell a currency, the Funds may either sell a portfolio security and
use the sale proceeds to make delivery of the currency or retain the security
and offset its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing a
second contract pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on the same maturity
date, the same amount of the currency that it is obligated to deliver.
Similarly, the Funds may close out a forward contract requiring them to purchase
a specified currency by entering into a second contract entitling them to sell
the same amount of the same currency on the maturity date of the first contract.
A Fund would realize a gain or loss as a result of entering into such an
offsetting forward currency contract under either circumstance to the extent the
exchange rate or rates between the currencies involved moved between the
execution dates of the first contract and the offsetting contract.

                  The cost to a Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts
will vary with factors such as the currencies involved, the length of the
contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward
currency contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or
commissions are involved. The use of forward currency contracts will not
eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the underlying securities a Fund owns or
intends to acquire, but it will fix a rate of exchange in advance. In addition,
although forward currency contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in
the value of the hedged currencies, at the same time they limit any potential
gain that might result should the value of the currencies increase. Moreover,
investors should be aware that dollar-denominated securities may not be
available in some or all foreign countries, that the forward currency market for
the purchase of U.S. dollars in many foreign countries is not highly



                                      -18-
<PAGE>   85
developed and that in certain countries no forward market for foreign currencies
currently exists or that such market may be closed to investment by a Fund.

                  Although a Fund will value its assets daily in terms of U.S.
dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into
U.S. dollars on a daily basis. The Funds may convert foreign currency from time
to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion.
Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do
realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are
buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a
foreign currency to a Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange
should a Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.

                  OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Funds, except the Municipal
Bond Fund, may write covered call options, buy put options, buy call options and
write put options, without limitation except as noted in this paragraph. Such
options may relate to particular securities or to various indexes and may or may
not be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the Options
Clearing Corporation. The Funds may also invest in futures contracts and options
on futures contracts (index futures contracts or interest rate futures
contracts, as applicable) for hedging purposes (including currency hedging) or
for other purposes so long as aggregate initial margins and premiums required
for non-hedging positions do not exceed 5% of its net assets, after taking into
account any unrealized profits and losses on any such contracts it has entered
into. See Appendix "B" for a description of futures contracts and options on
futures contracts and the risks thereof.

                  Options trading is a highly specialized activity which entails
greater than ordinary investment risks. Options on particular securities may be
more volatile than the underlying securities, and therefore, on a percentage
basis, an investment in the underlying securities themselves. A Fund will write
call options only if they are "covered." In the case of a call option on a
security, the option is "covered" if a Fund owns the security underlying the
call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without
additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required,
liquid assets in such amount as are held in a segregated account by its
custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by it. For a
call option on an index, the option is covered if a Fund maintains with its
custodian liquid assets equal to the contract value. A call option is also
covered if a Fund holds a call on the same security or index as the call written
where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the
exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of
the call written provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid
assets in a segregated account with its custodian.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   86
                  When a Fund purchases a put option, the premium paid by it is
recorded as an asset of the Fund. When a Fund writes an option, an amount equal
to the net premium (the premium less the commission) received by the Fund is
included in the liability section of the Fund's statement of assets and
liabilities as a deferred credit. The amount of this asset or deferred credit
will be subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option
purchased or written. The current value of the traded option is the last sale
price or, in the absence of a sale, the mean between the last bid and asked
prices. If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes
a loss equal to the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale
transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the
premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium
paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a
Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a
closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a
closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is
sold) and the deferred credit related to such option will be eliminated. If an
option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be
increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a
gain or loss.

                  There are several risks associated with transactions in
options on securities and indexes. For example, there are significant
differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an
imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to
achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular
options, whether traded over-the-counter or on a national securities exchange
("Exchange"), may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may
be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed
by an Exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading
halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities; unusual or
unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an Exchange; the
facilities of an Exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all
times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or one or more Exchanges
could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date
to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of
options), in which event the secondary market on that Exchange (or in that class
or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that
had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on
that Exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

                  SHORT SALES "AGAINST THE BOX." In a short sale, a Fund sells a
borrowed security and has a corresponding obligation to the lender to return the
identical security. Each Fund may



                                      -20-
<PAGE>   87
engage in short sales if at the time of the short sale it owns or has the right
to obtain, at no additional cost, an equal amount of the security being sold
short. This investment technique is known as a short sale "against the box." In
a short sale, a seller does not immediately deliver the securities sold and is
said to have a short position in those securities until delivery occurs. If a
Fund engages in a short sale, the collateral for the short position will be
maintained by the Fund's custodian or a qualified sub-custodian. While the short
sale is open, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account an amount of
securities equal in kind and amount to the securities sold short or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for such equivalent securities. These
securities constitute the Fund's long position. A Fund may, however, make a
short sale as a hedge, when it believes that the price of a security may
decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund (or a
security convertible or exchangeable for such security), or when the Fund wants
to sell the security at an attractive current price, but also wishes possibly to
defer recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. (A short sale
against the box will defer recognition of gain for federal income tax purposes
only if the Fund subsequently closes the short position by making a purchase of
the relevant securities no later than 30 days after the end of the taxable
year.) In such case, any future losses in the Fund's long position should be
reduced by a gain in the short position. Conversely, any gain in the long
position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The extent to which
such gains or losses are reduced will depend upon the amount of the security
sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns. There will be certain
additional transaction costs associated with short sales against the box, but
the Fund will endeavor to offset these costs with the income from the investment
of the cash proceeds of short sales. The Funds do not presently intend to invest
more than 5% of net assets in short sales against the box.

                  SECTION 4(2) PAPER. "Section 4(2) paper" is commercial paper
which is issued in reliance on the "private placement" exemption from
registration which is afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities
laws and is generally sold to institutional investors such as the Funds which
agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment and not with a view to
public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be in an exempt
transaction. Section 4(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional
investors through or with the assistance of investment dealers who make a market
in the Section 4(2) paper, thereby providing liquidity. See "Illiquid
Securities" above. See Appendix "A" for a list of commercial paper ratings.


                                      -21-
<PAGE>   88
               SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES --
          INTERNATIONAL GROWTH, EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH, U.S. EQUITY,
               GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SELECT EQUITY FUNDS

                  RIGHTS OFFERINGS AND PURCHASE WARRANTS. Rights offerings and
purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner
to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at
a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights
normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants
involves the risk that a Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or
warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to
the rights and warrants expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants
involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant
added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of
the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no movement in the
level of the underlying security.


               SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES --
                         GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

                  Telecommunications companies in both developed and emerging
countries are undergoing significant change due to varying and evolving levels
of governmental regulation or deregulation and other factors. As a result,
competitive pressures are intense and the securities of such companies may be
subject to rapid price volatility. Telecommunications regulation typically
limits rates charged, returns earned, providers of services, types of services,
ownership, areas served and terms for dealing with competitors and customers.
Telecommunications regulation generally has tended to be less stringent for
newer services than for traditional telephone service, although there can be no
assurances that such newer services will not be heavily regulated in the future.
Regulation may also limit the use of new technologies and hamper efficient
depreciation of existing assets. If regulation limits the use of new
technologies by established carriers or forces cross-subsidies, large private
networks may emerge. Service providers may also be subject to regulations
regarding ownership and control, providers of services, subscription rates and
technical standards.

                  Companies offering telephone services are experiencing
increasing competition from cellular telephones, and the cellular telephone
industry, because it has a limited operating history, faces uncertainty
concerning the future of the industry and demand for cellular telephones. All
telecommunications companies in both developed and emerging countries are
subject to the additional risk that technological innovations will make their
products and services obsolete. While telephone companies in developed countries
and certain emerging countries may pay an above average dividend, the Fund's
investment decisions are based



                                      -22-
<PAGE>   89
upon capital appreciation potential rather than income considerations.


                       SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES --
                               MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

                  Opinions relating to the validity of Municipal Obligations and
to the exemption of interest thereon from federal income tax are rendered by
bond counsel to the respective issuers at the time of issuance, and opinions
relating to the validity of and the tax-exempt status of payments received by
the Fund from tax-exempt derivative securities are rendered by counsel to the
respective sponsors of such securities. The Fund and the Adviser will rely on
such opinions and will not review independently the underlying proceedings
relating to the issuance of Municipal Obligations, the creation of any
tax-exempt derivative securities, or the basis for such opinions.

                  The Tax Reform Act of 1986 substantially revised provisions of
prior law affecting the issuance and use of proceeds of certain Municipal
Obligations. A new definition of private activity bonds applies to many types of
bonds, including those which were industrial development bonds under prior law.
Interest on private activity bonds issued after August 15, 1986 is tax-exempt
only if the bonds fall within certain defined categories of qualified private
activity bonds and meet the requirements specified in those respective
categories. In addition, interest on certain private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986 that is received by taxpayers subject to federal alternative
minimum tax is taxable. The Act has generally not changed the tax treatment of
bonds issued to finance governmental operations. As used in this Statement of
Additional Information, the term "private activity bonds" also includes
industrial development revenue bonds issued prior to the effective date of the
provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Investors should also be aware of the
possibility of state and local alternative minimum or minimum income tax
liability on interest from Alternative Minimum Tax Securities.

                  Although the Municipal Bond Fund may invest 25% or more of its
net assets in Municipal Obligations the interest on which is paid solely from
revenues of similar projects, and may invest up to 40% of its total assets in
private activity bonds when added together with any taxable investments held by
the Municipal Bond Fund, it does not presently intend to do so unless in the
opinion of the Adviser the investment is warranted. To the extent the Municipal
Bond Fund's assets are invested in Municipal Obligations payable from the
revenues of similar projects or are invested in private activity bonds, the
Municipal Bond Fund will be subject to the peculiar risks presented by the laws
and economic conditions relating to such projects and bonds to a greater extent
than it would be if its assets were not so invested.

                                      -23-
<PAGE>   90
                             INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

                  The Funds have adopted the following fundamental investment
limitations, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding Shares (as defined in Section
2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act). Each Fund may not:

                  1. Borrow money, except from banks, and only if after such
borrowing there is asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings of the
Fund; or mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any of its assets except in connection
with any such borrowing and in amounts not in excess of the lesser of the dollar
amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time
of such borrowing;

                  2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the
1940 Act;

                  3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of
the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter
upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation
on purchases of restricted securities;

                  4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited
partnership interests), provided that a Fund may invest in securities secured by
real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real
estate or interests therein;

                  5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except
that a Fund may deal in forward foreign exchange transactions between currencies
of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock
index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency
futures contracts and related options on such futures;

                  6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio instruments
and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the
acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein
and investment in government obligations, Loan Participations and Assignments,
short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances
shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; and

                  7. Except for the Global Telecommunications Fund, purchase any
securities, which would cause 25% or more of the value of the Fund's total
assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more
issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry,
provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued
or guaranteed by the United States, any state,



                                      -24-
<PAGE>   91
territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of
their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and
(ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i);
(b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of
their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the
activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their
services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and
telephone will each be considered a separate industry. The Telecommunications
Fund will concentrate in the telecommunications industry.

                  For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 1, collateral
arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and
collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not
deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase
or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior
security for purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2.

                  In addition to the fundamental investment limitations
specified above, a Fund may not:

                  1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
         management, but investments by a Fund in wholly-owned investment
         entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed
         the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or
         management;

                  2. Purchase securities on margin, except for short-term
         credits necessary for clearance of portfolio transactions, and except
         that a Fund may make margin deposits in connection with its use of
         options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts and forward
         contracts;

                  3. Purchase or sell interests in mineral leases, oil, gas or
         other mineral exploration or development programs, except that a Fund
         may invest in securities issued by companies that engage in oil, gas or
         other mineral exploration or development activities; and

                  The policies set forth above are not fundamental and thus may
be changed by the Funds' Board of Directors without a vote of the shareholders.

                  Except as required by the 1940 Act with respect to the
borrowing of money, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of
investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change
in market values of portfolio securities or amount of total or net assets will
not be considered a violation of any of the foregoing restrictions.

                                      -25-
<PAGE>   92
                  Securities held by a Fund generally may not be purchased from,
sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors,
officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or
exemptive order under the 1940 Act.


                                  RISK FACTORS

                  FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investments in foreign securities are
subject to certain risks, as discussed below.

                  Political, Economic and Market Factors. Investments in foreign
securities involve risks relating to political and economic developments abroad,
as well as those that result from the differences between the regulations to
which U.S. and foreign issuers are subject. These risks may include
expropriation, confiscatory taxation, withholding taxes on dividends and
interest, limitations on the use or transfer of a Fund's assets and political or
social instability or diplomatic developments. Moreover, individual foreign
economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions.
Securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid, and their prices may be
more volatile, than those of securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Brokerage
commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in
foreign securities markets are generally more expensive than in the United
States. Such markets have different clearance and settlement procedures and in
certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep
pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct
such transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation
of exchanges, brokers and issuers in foreign securities markets than there is in
the United States.

                  In addition, substantial limitations may exist in certain
countries with respect to the Funds' ability to repatriate investment income,
capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. The Funds
could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required
government approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application
to the Funds of any restrictions on investments.

                  Reporting Standards. Most of the foreign securities held by
the Funds will not be registered with the SEC, nor will the issuers thereof be
subject to SEC or other U.S. reporting requirements. Accordingly, there will be
less publicly available information concerning foreign issuers of securities
held by the Funds than will be available concerning U.S. companies. Foreign
companies, and in particular, companies in emerging markets, are not generally
subject to uniform accounting, auditing and



                                      -26-
<PAGE>   93
financial reporting standards or to other regulatory requirements comparable to
those applicable to U.S. companies.

                  Exchange Rate Fluctuations. Because foreign securities
ordinarily will be denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes
in foreign currency exchange rates will affect a Fund's net asset value, the
value of interest and dividends earned, gains and losses realized on the sale of
securities and net investment income and capital gain, if any, to be distributed
to shareholders by a Fund. If the value of a foreign currency rises against the
U.S. dollar, the value of a Fund's assets denominated in that currency will
increase; conversely, if the value of a foreign currency declines against the
U.S. dollar, the value of a Fund's assets denominated in that currency will
decrease. The exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies are
determined by supply and demand in the currency exchange markets, international
balances of payments, government intervention, speculation and other economic
and political conditions.

                  Investment Controls. In certain countries that currently
prohibit direct foreign investment in the securities of their companies,
indirect foreign investment in the securities of companies listed and traded on
the stock exchanges in these countries is permitted through investment funds
which have been specifically authorized. The Funds may invest in these
investment funds and registered investment companies subject to the provisions
of the 1940 Act. If these Funds invest in such investment companies, they will
each bear their proportionate share of the costs incurred by such companies,
including investment advisory fees.

                  Clearance and Settlement Procedures. Delays in clearance and
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of a Fund are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause a Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio
security due to settlement problems could result either in losses to a Fund due
to subsequent declines in the value of such portfolio security or, if a Fund has
entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability
to the purchaser.

                  Operating Expenses. The costs attributable to foreign
investing that a Fund must bear frequently are higher than those attributable to
domestic investing. For example, the cost of maintaining custody of foreign
securities exceeds custodian costs for domestic securities. Investment income on
certain foreign securities in which a Fund may invest may be subject to foreign
withholding or other taxes that could reduce the return on those securities. Tax
treaties between the United States and foreign countries however, may reduce or
eliminate the amount of foreign tax to which a Fund would be subject.

                                      -27-
<PAGE>   94
                  LOWER-RATED OR NON-RATED CRITERIA FOR DEBT SECURITIES. The
High Yield, U.S. Fixed Income, Global Income, and the Municipal Bond Funds have
established no rating criteria for the debt securities in which they may invest.
Issuers of low rated or non-rated securities ("high yield" securities, commonly
known as "junk bonds") may be highly leveraged and may not have available to
them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the risks associated with
acquiring the securities of such issuers generally are greater than is the case
with higher rated securities. For example, during an economic downturn or a
sustained period of rising interest rates, issuers of high yield securities may
be more likely to experience financial stress, especially if such issuers are
highly leveraged. During such periods, such issuers may not have sufficient
revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer's ability to
service its debt obligations also may be adversely affected by specific issuer
developments, or the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business
forecasts, or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due
to default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of lower-rated
securities because such securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to
other creditors of the issuer.

                  Lower-rated securities frequently have call or redemption
features which would permit an issuer to repurchase the security from a Fund. If
a call were exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates,
a Fund likely would have to replace such called security with a lower yielding
security, thus decreasing the net investment income to a Fund and dividends to
shareholders.

                  A Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain lower-rated
securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. The
secondary trading market for high yield securities is generally not as liquid as
the secondary market for higher rated securities. Reduced secondary market
liquidity may have an adverse impact on market price and a Fund's ability to
dispose of particular issues when necessary to meet a Fund's liquidity needs or
in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the issuer.

                  Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, which may not be
based on fundamental analysis, also may decrease the value and liquidity of
lower-rated securities, particularly in a thinly traded market. Factors
adversely affecting the market value of lower-rated securities are likely to
adversely affect a Fund's net asset value. In addition, a Fund may incur
additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default
on a portfolio holding or participate in the restructuring of the obligation.

                  Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit ratings
as a method for evaluating lower-rated debt securities. For example, credit
ratings evaluate the safety of principal and



                                      -28-
<PAGE>   95
interest payments, not the market risks involved in lower-rated debt securities.
Since credit rating agencies may fail to change the credit ratings in a timely
manner to reflect subsequent events, the Adviser will monitor the issuers of
lower-rated debt securities in the Funds to determine if the issuers will have
sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest
payments, and to assure the debt securities' liquidity so the Funds can meet
redemption requests. The Adviser will not necessarily dispose of a portfolio
security when its ratings have been changed.

                  SOVEREIGN DEBT. Investments in sovereign debt involve special
risks. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the
repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest
when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and the Fund may have
limited legal recourse in the event of a default.

                  Sovereign debt differs from debt obligations issued by private
entities in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts
of the defaulting party. Legal recourse is therefore somewhat limited. Political
conditions, especially a sovereign entity's willingness to meet the terms of its
debt obligations, are of considerable significance. Also, there can be no
assurance that the holders of commercial bank loans to the same sovereign entity
may not contest payments to the holders of sovereign debt in the event of
default under commercial bank loan agreements.

                  A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal
and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its
cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of
sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of
the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy
toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which a
sovereign debtor may be subject. Increased protectionism on the part of a
country's trading partners, or political changes in those countries, could also
adversely affect its exports. Such events could diminish a country's trade
account surplus, if any, or the credit standing of a particular local government
or agency.

                  The occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in
one or more of the countries issuing sovereign debt could adversely affect a
Fund's investments. Political changes or a deterioration of a country's domestic
economy or balance of trade may affect the willingness of countries to service
their sovereign debt. While the Adviser intends to manage the Funds in a manner
that will minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be no assurance that
adverse political changes will not cause a Fund to suffer a loss of interest or
principal on any of its holdings.

                                      -29-
<PAGE>   96
                  Investors should also be aware that certain sovereign debt
instruments in which a Fund may invest involve great risk. Sovereign debt issued
by issuers in many emerging markets generally is deemed to be the equivalent in
terms of quality to securities rated below investment grade by Moody's and S&P.
Such securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the
issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligations and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions.
Some of such sovereign debt, which may not be paying interest currently or may
be in payment default, may be comparable to securities rated "D" by S&P or "C"
by Moody's. A Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain sovereign debt
obligations because there may be a limited trading market for such securities.
Because there is no liquid secondary market for many of these securities, the
Funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of
dealers or institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may
have an adverse impact on the market price of such securities and a Fund's
ability to dispose of particular issues when necessary to meet a Fund's
liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, such as a
deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid
secondary market for certain securities also may make it more difficult for a
Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing a Fund's
portfolio and calculating its net asset value. When and if available, fixed
income securities may be purchased by a Fund at a discount from face value.
However, the Funds do not intend to hold such securities to maturity for the
purpose of achieving potential capital gains, unless current yields on these
securities remain attractive. From time to time, a Fund may purchase securities
not paying interest at the time acquired if, in the opinion of the Adviser, such
securities have the potential for future income or capital appreciation.


                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

                  The directors and executive officers of the Funds, their ages,
business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are:

                                      -30-
<PAGE>   97
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
Richard N. Cooper* (64)                      Director
Harvard University                           Professor at Harvard University; National Intelligence
1737 Cambridge Street                        Council from June 1995 until January 1997; Director or
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138               Trustee of Circuit City Stores, Inc. (retail electronics
                                             and appliances) and Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance
                                             Company; Director/Trustee of other investment companies
                                             advised by Warburg.

Jack W. Fritz (71)                           Director
2425 North Fish Creek Road                   Private investor; Consultant and Director of Fritz
P.O. Box 483                                 Broadcasting, Inc. and Fritz Communications (developers
Wilson, Wyoming 83014                        and operators of radio stations); Director of Advo, Inc.
                                             (direct mail advertising); Director/Trustee of other
                                             investment companies advised by Warburg.

John L. Furth* (67)                          Chairman of the Board
466 Lexington Avenue                         Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Director of
New York, New York 10017-3147                Warburg; Associated with Warburg since 1970; Director of
                                             Counsellors Securities; Chairman of the Board of other
                                             investment companies advised by Warburg.
</TABLE>

- ----------------------

*        Indicates a Director who is an "interested person" of the Funds as
         defined in the 1940 Act.


                                      -31-
<PAGE>   98
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
Jeffrey E. Garten (51)                       Director
Box 208200                                   Dean of Yale School of Management and William S.
New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8200            Beinecke Professor in the Practice of International
                                             Trade and Finance; Undersecretary of Commerce for
                                             International Trade from November 1993 to October 1995;
                                             Professor at Columbia University from September 1992 to
                                             November 1993; Director/Trustee of other investment
                                             companies advised by Warburg.

[Director to be Elected]                     Director
                                             [Insert Biography]

Arnold M. Reichman* (50)                     Director
466 Lexington Avenue                         Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and Assistant
New York, New York 10017-3147                Secretary of Warburg; Director of The RBB Fund, Inc.;
                                             Associated with Warburg since 1984; Director and officer
                                             of Counsellors Securities; Director/Trustee of other
                                             investment companies advised by Warburg.
</TABLE>

- --------

*        Indicates a Director who is an "interested person" of the Funds as
         defined in the 1940 Act.


                                      -32-
<PAGE>   99
<TABLE>

<S>                                          <C>
Alexander B. Trowbridge (68)                 Director
1317 F Street                                President of Trowbridge Partners, Inc. (business
5th Floor                                    consulting) from January 1990 to November 1996; Director
Washington, DC  20004                        or Trustee of New England Mutual Life Insurance Co.,
                                             ICOS Corporation (biopharmaceuticals), Waste Management,
                                             Inc. (solid and hazardous waste collection and
                                             disposal), IRI International (energy services), The
                                             Rouse Company (real estate development), Harris Corp.
                                             (electronics and communications equipment), The Gillette
                                             Co. (personal care products) and Sun Company Inc.
                                             (petroleum refining and marketing); Director/Trustee of
                                             other investment companies advised by Warburg.

[Insert BEA Director]                        Director
                                             [Insert Biography]

Eugene L. Podsiadlo (41)                     President
466 Lexington Avenue                         Managing Director of Warburg; Associated with Warburg
New York, New York 10017-3147                since 1991; Officer of Counsellors Securities and other
                                             investment companies advised by Warburg.

Stephen Distler (44)                         Vice President
466 Lexington Avenue                         Managing Director of Warburg; Associated with Warburg
New York, New York 10017-3147                since 1984; Treasurer of Counsellors Securities; Officer
                                             of other investment companies advised by Warburg.
</TABLE>


                                      -33-
<PAGE>   100
<TABLE>

<S>                                         <C>
Eugene P. Grace (46)                         Vice President and Secretary
466 Lexington Avenue                         Senior Vice President of Warburg; Associated with
New York, New York 10017-3147                Warburg since April 1994; Attorney-at-law from September
                                             1989-April 1994; Life insurance agent, New York Life
                                             Insurance Company from 1993 to 1994; Officer of
                                             Counsellors Securities and other investment companies
                                             advised by Warburg.

Howard Conroy, CPA (44)                      Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
466 Lexington Avenue                         Vice President of Warburg; Associated with Warburg since
New York, New York 10017-3147                1992; Officer of other investment companies advised by
                                             Warburg.

Daniel S. Madden, CPA (32)                   Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer
466 Lexington Avenue                         Vice President of Warburg; Associated with Warburg
New York, New York 10017-3147                since 1995; Associated with BlackRock Financial
                                             Management, Inc. from September 1994 to October 1995;
                                             Associated with BEA Associates from April 1993 to
                                             September 1994; Associated with Ernst & Young LLP from
                                             1990 to 1993; Officer of other investment companies
                                             advised by Warburg.

Janna Manes, Esq. (30)                       Assistant Secretary
466 Lexington Avenue                         Vice President of Warburg; Associated with Warburg since
New York, New York 10017-3147                1996; Associated with the law firm of Willkie Farr &
                                             Gallagher from 1993 to 1996; Officer of other investment
                                             companies advised by Warburg.

Hal Liebes (34)                              Assistant Secretary
153 East 53rd Street                         Senior Vice President and General Counsel of BEA from
New York, New York 10022                     March 1997 to present; Vice President and Legal Counsel for
                                             BEA from June 1995 to March 1997; Chief Compliance Officer,
                                             CS First Boston Investment Management from 1994 to 1995; Staff
                                             Attorney, Division of Enforcement, U.S. Securities and Exchange
                                             Commission from 1991 to 1994; Associate, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
                                             from 1989 to 1991; Officer of other investment companies advised
                                             by BEA.

Michael A. Pignataro (38)                    Assistant Secretary
153 East 53rd Street                         Vice President of BEA from December 1995 to present; Assistant 
New York, New York 10022                     Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Investment 
                                             Companies of BEA from 1989 to December 1995; Officer of other
                                             investment companies advised by BEA.


Rocco A. Del Guercio (35)                    Assistant Treasurer
153 East 53rd Street                         Administrative Officer for BEA-advised investment companies from
New York, New York 1002                      June 1996 to the present; Assistant Treasurer, Bankers Trust Corp.
                                             -- Fund Administration from March 1994 to June 1996; Mutual Fund
                                             Accounting Supervisor, Dreyfus Corporation from April 1987 to
                                             March 1994; Officer of other investment companies advised by BEA.

Wendy S. Setnicka (33)                       Assistant Treasurer
153 East 53rd Street                         Assistant Vice President of BEA from January 1997 to the present;
New York, New York 10022                     Administrative Officer for Investment Companies of BEA from November
                                             1993 to the present; Supervisor of Fund Accounting and Administration
                                             at Reich & Tang LP from June 1989 to November 1993; Officer of other 
                                             investment companies advised by BEA.
</TABLE>



                  No employee of Warburg, PFPC Inc. and Counsellor Funds
Service, Inc., the Funds' co-administrators ("PFPC" and "Counsellors Funds
Service," respectively), or any of their affiliates, receives any compensation
from the Funds for acting as an officer or director of a Fund. Each Director who
is not a director, trustee, officer or employee of Warburg, PFPC, Counsellors
Funds Service or any of their affiliates receives an



                                      -34-
<PAGE>   101
annual fee of $500 and $250 for each meeting of the Boards attended by him for
his services as Director, and is reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection
with his attendance at Board meetings. Each member of the Audit Committee
receives an annual fee of $250, and the chairman of the Audit Committee receives
an annual fee of $325.

            DIRECTORS' ESTIMATED COMPENSATION THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       All
                Interna-    Emerging      U.S. Equity   U.S.     Global       Global      High Yield   Munici-     Investment
                 tional   Markets Growth     Fund      Fixed     Income    Telecommuni-     Fund         pal        Companies
Name of          Growth       Fund                     Income     Fund       cations                  Bond Fund     Managed by
Director          Fund                                  Fund                   Fund                                  Warburg+

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>       <C>             <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>
John L. Furth*    None        None           None       None                                                          None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arnold M.
Reichman*         None        None           None       None                                                          None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard N.
Cooper                                                                                                             $44,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack W.                                                                                                            $44,500
Fritz
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[***]                                                                                                                 None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[***]                                                                                                              $44,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexander B.
Trowbridge                                                                                                         $44,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

- ------------------

+        Each Director also serves as a Director or Trustee of 40 investment
         companies advised by Warburg.

*        Mr. Furth and Mr. Reichman receive compensation as affiliates of
         Warburg and, accordingly, receive no compensation from the Funds or any
         other investment company advised by Warburg.

                  As of [INSERT], 1998, Directors and officers as a group, owned
of record less than 1% of each Fund's outstanding Common Shares. No Director or
officer owned any of the Funds' outstanding Advisor Shares.


                 INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SERVICING ARRANGEMENTS

                  ADVISORY AGREEMENTS. BEA Associates (the "Adviser" or "BEA")
renders advisory and administrative services to each of the Funds pursuant to
Investment Advisory Agreements and Credit Suisse Asset Management Limited
("CSAM") serves as Sub-investment Adviser to the Global Income and Emerging
Markets II Funds pursuant to a Sub-investment Advisory Agreement (collectively,
the "Advisory Agreements"). Prior to the Reorganization, BEA rendered advisory
services to the predecessor to the Funds, corresponding series of The RBB Fund
(the "BEA Funds"). The



                                      -35-
<PAGE>   102
Advisory Agreements relating to the BEA Funds are dated September 16, 1992 for
International Growth, the Emerging Markets Growth and the High Yield Funds;
dated August 31, 1993 for the U.S. Equity, the U.S. Fixed Income, the Global
Income and Municipal Bond Funds; and dated July 10, 1996 for the Global
Telecommunications Fund. Such advisory agreements are hereinafter collectively
referred to as the "BEA Advisory Agreements." The services provided by, and the
fees payable by the BEA Funds to BEA under the BEA Advisory Agreements are
described in the Prospectuses.

                  BEA is a diversified investment adviser, managing global
equity, fixed income and derivative securities accounts for private individuals,
as well as corporate pension and profit-sharing plans, state pension funds,
union funds, endowments and other charitable institutions. As of June 30, 1998,
BEA managed approximately $[INSERT] billion in assets. BEA is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Credit Suisse, the second largest Swiss bank, which in turn is a
subsidiary of CS Holding, a Swiss corporation. Active employees of BEA have a
long-term equity incentive plan. BEA is a registered investment advisor under
the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended.

                  As an investment adviser, BEA emphasizes a global investment
strategy. BEA currently acts as investment adviser for eleven other investment
companies registered under the 1940 Act. They are: BEA Strategic Global Income
Fund, Inc., BEA Income Fund, Inc., The Brazilian Equity Fund, Inc., The Chile
Fund, Inc., The Emerging Markets Infrastructure Fund, Inc., The Emerging Markets
Telecommunications Fund, Inc., The First Israel Fund, Inc., The Indonesia Fund,
Inc., The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc., The Latin America Investment Fund,
Inc., and The Portugal Fund, Inc. In addition, BEA acts as sub-adviser to
certain portfolios of twelve other registered investment companies: Frank
Russell Investment Company (Fixed Income III Fund and Multi-strategy Bond Fund),
Oppenheimer (LifeSpan Balanced Fund, LifeSpan Income Fund and LifeSpan Growth
Fund), Panorama (LifeSpan Balanced Account, LifeSpan Capital Appreciation
Account and LifeSpan Diversified Income Account), SEI Institutional Managed
Trust (High Yield Bond Fund), WNL Series Trust (BEA Growth and Income Fund),
Touchstone International Equity Fund and Touchstone Variable Annuity
International Equity Fund.

                  CSAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit Suisse. Credit
Suisse had identified BEA and CSAM as its leading institutional international
asset management product centers. As of May 31, 1998, CSAM managed $143 billion
in discretionary assets. CSAM Limited is a registered investment adviser under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. CSAM's principal offices are
located at [INSERT].

                  BEA has sole investment discretion for the Funds and will make
all decisions affecting assets in the Funds under the



                                      -36-
<PAGE>   103
supervision of the Funds' Board of Directors and in accordance with each Fund's
stated policies. BEA will select investments for the Funds and will place
purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Funds. For its services to the
International Growth, Emerging Markets II, U.S. Equity, U.S. Fixed Income,
Global Income, Global Telecommunications, High Yield, Municipal Bond and Select
Equity Funds, BEA will be paid (before any voluntary waivers or reimbursements)
a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of .80%, 1.00%, .75%, .375%, .50%,
1.00%, .70%, .70% and, .75% of average daily net assets, respectively.

                  For the fiscal years ended August 31, the BEA Funds paid BEA
advisory fees and BEA waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses of the BEA Funds as
follows:



AUGUST 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Fees Paid
       BEA Fund                        (after waivers)                     Waivers          Reimbursements
       --------                        ---------------                     -------          --------------
<S>                                       <C>                             <C>                  <C>
International Equity                      $5,300,316                      $       0            $      0
Emerging Markets Equity                   $  988,002                      $  18,498            $      0
U.S. Core Equity                          $  537,237                      $  27,626            $      0
U.S. Core Fixed Income                    $  357,196                      $ 177,539            $      0

Strategic Global                          $  180,945                      $  27,305            $      0
     Fixed Income
Global Telecommunications                 $        0                      $   3,745            $ 20,903
High Yield                                $  393,841                      $ 233,336            $      0
Municipal Bond                            $   91,093                      $  44,791            $      0
Select Economic                                  N/A                            N/A                 N/A
   Value Equity
</TABLE>


AUGUST 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Fees Paid
           BEA Fund                        (after waivers)                Waivers           Reimbursements
           --------                        ---------------                -------           --------------
<S>                                       <C>                             <C>                   <C>
International Equity                      $5,993,072                      $       0             $  0
Emerging Markets Equity                   $1,289,739                      $       0             $  0
U.S. Core Equity                          $  234,890                      $  93,430             $  0
U.S. Core Fixed Income                    $  316,147                      $ 134,639             $  0
Strategic Global                          $  103,144                      $  53,915             $  0
     Fixed Income
Global Telecommunications                        N/A                            N/A              N/A
</TABLE>



                                      -37-
<PAGE>   104
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Fees Paid
           BEA Fund                        (after waivers)                Waivers           Reimbursements
           --------                        ---------------                -------           --------------
<S>                                       <C>                             <C>                   <C>
High Yield                                $  542,590                      $ 100,763             $  0
Municipal Bond                            $   92,994                      $  68,790             $  0
Select Economic                                  N/A                            N/A              N/A
   Value Equity
</TABLE>

AUGUST 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Fees Paid
           BEA Fund                        (after waivers)                Waivers           Reimbursements
           --------                        ---------------                -------           --------------
<S>                                       <C>                             <C>                   <C>
International Equity                      $6,012,837                      $       0             $  0
Emerging Markets Equity                   $1,250,012                      $  33,702             $  0
U.S. Core Equity                          $   77,156                      $  88,725             $  0
U.S. Core Fixed Income                    $  133,139                      $ 121,336             $  0

Strategic Global                          $   18,914                      $  68,558             $  0
     Fixed Income
Global Telecommunications                        N/A                            N/A              N/A
High Yield                                $1,002,002                      $       0             $  0
Municipal Bond                            $  295,376                      $  38,740             $  0
Select Economic                                  N/A                            N/A              N/A
   Value Equity
</TABLE>

                  Each class of a Fund bears all of its own expenses not
specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Funds not readily
identifiable as belonging to a particular Fund are allocated among all
investment funds by or under the direction of the Funds' Board of Directors in
such manner as the Board determines fair and accurate. Each of the Common Shares
and the Institutional Shares of the Funds pays its own administration fees, and
may pay a different share than the other classes of the Funds of other expenses
(excluding advisory and custodial fees) if those expenses are actually incurred
in a different amount by the Institutional Class or if either the Common or
Institutional Class receives different services.

                  Under the Advisory Agreements, BEA will not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Fund in
connection with the matters to which the Advisory Agreements relate.

                  The Advisory Agreements and the Sub-investment Advisory
Agreements, if applicable; for each Fund were approved on July 20, 1998 by vote
of the Funds' Board of Directors, including a majority of those directors who
are not parties to the Advisory Agreements or interested persons (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of such parties (collectively, the "Warburg Advisory Agreements").
The Warburg Advisory Agreements were approved by each Fund's initial
shareholder. Each Warburg Advisory Agreement is terminable by



                                      -38-
<PAGE>   105
vote of the Funds' Board of Directors or by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the relevant Fund, at any time without penalty,
on 60 days' written notice to BEA. Each of the Warburg Advisory Agreements may
also be terminated by BEA on 60 days' written notice to the Fund. Each of the
Warburg Advisory Agreements terminates automatically in the event of assignment
thereof.

                  CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENTS. Brown Brothers
Harriman & Co. ("BBH") acts as the custodian for the Funds and also acts as the
custodian for the Fund's foreign securities pursuant to a Custodian Agreement
(the "Custodian Agreement"). Under the Custodian Agreement, BBH (a) maintains a
separate account or accounts in the name of each Fund, (b) holds and transfers
portfolio securities on account of each Fund, (c) accepts receipts and makes
disbursements of money on behalf of each Fund, (d) collects and receives all
income and other payments and distributions on account of each Fund's portfolio
securities, and (e) makes periodic reports to the Funds' Board of Directors
concerning each Fund's operations. BBH is authorized to select one or more banks
or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Funds, provided
that BBH remains responsible for the performance of all its duties under the
Custodian Agreement and holds the Funds harmless from the negligent acts and
omissions of any sub-custodian. For its services to the Funds under the
Custodian Agreement, BBH receives a fee which is calculated based upon each
Fund's average daily gross assets, exclusive of transaction charges and
out-of-pocket expenses, which are also charged to the Funds.

                  State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") serves as
the transfer agent for the Funds. It has delegated to Boston Financial Data
Services, Inc. ("BFDS"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, responsibility for
most transfer agent servicing functions. State Street serves as the transfer and
dividend disbursing agent for the Funds pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement,
as supplemented (collectively, the "Transfer Agency Agreement"), under which it
(a) issues and redeems shares of each of the Funds, (b) addresses and mails all
communications by each Fund to record owners of shares of each such Fund,
including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy
materials for its meetings of shareholders, (c) maintains shareholder accounts
and, if requested, sub-accounts and (d) makes periodic reports to the Funds'
Board of Directors concerning the operations of each Fund. For its services to
the Funds under the Transfer Agency Agreement, State Street receives a fee on a
per transaction basis.

                  ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENTS. Counsellors Funds Service, Inc. ("Counsellors Funds
Service") and PFPC, Inc., an indirect,



                                      -39-
<PAGE>   106
wholly owned subsidiary of PNC Bank Corp. ("PFPC"), both serve as
co-administrators to the Funds pursuant to separate written agreements (the
"Counsellors Service Co-Administration Agreements" and the "PFPC
Co-Administration Agreements," respectively). Prior to the Reorganization of the
Funds, BEA and PFPC served as co administrators to the Advisor Class of the BEA
Funds. The services provided by, and the fees payable by the Funds to Cousellors
Service under the Counsellor Service Co-Administration Agreements and PFPC under
the PFPC Co-Administration Agreements are described in the Prospectuses for each
of the Funds. Each class of shares of the Funds bears its proportionate share of
fees payable to Counsellors Service and PFPC in the proportion that its assets
bear to the aggregate assets of the Funds at the time of calculation. See the
Prospectuses, "Management of the Fund(s)."

                  For the period from commencement of operations (the Global
Telecommunications Fund commenced operations December 4, 1996; all other Funds
commenced operations November 1, 1996) and ending August 31, 1997, the Advisor
Class for the BEA Funds paid BEA and PFPC administration fees and BEA and PFPC
waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               BEA*                                                         PFPC*

                               Fee                                                               Fees
                               Paid                                                              Paid
                            (after                                                              (after
        BEA Fund            waivers)     Waivers    Reimbursements           BEA Fund           waivers)     Waivers  Reimbursements
        --------            --------     -------    --------------           ---------          ---------    -------  --------------
<S>                            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>                         <C>          <C>              <C>
International Equity           $ 0         $  31         $ 0        International Equity        $785,014     $43,161          $0
Emerging Markets Equity        $ 0         $   2         $ 0        Emerging Markets Equity     $125,801     $    12          $0
High Yield                     $ 0         $  29         $ 0        High Yield                  $ 89,597     $22,399          $0
Global Telecommunications      $ 0         $ 187         $ 0        Global Telecommunications   $      0     $   468          $0
</TABLE>

- ------------

*        Advisor Shares for the BEA U.S. Core Equity, BEA U.S. Core Fixed
         Income, BEA Strategic Global Fixed Income, BEA Municipal Bond, and BEA
         Select Economic Value Equity Funds were not offered during this time
         period.

                  DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING. The Funds have each
entered into a Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan (the "12b-1 Plan"),
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, pursuant to which the Fund will pay
Counsellors Securities, in consideration for services (as defined below), a fee
calculated at an annual rate of .25% of the average daily net assets of Common
Shares of the Fund. Services performed by Counsellors Securities include (i) the
sale of the Common Shares, as set forth in the 12b-1 Plan ("Selling Services"),
(ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of the Common
Shareholders of the Fund, as set forth in the 12b-1 Plan ("Shareholder
Services"), and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or
administrative services related to the sale of the Common Shares, as set forth
in the 12b-1 Plan ("Administrative Services" and collectively with Selling
Services and Administrative Services, "Services") including, without limitation,
(a) payments reflecting an allocation of overhead and other office expenses of
Counsellors Securities related to providing Services; (b) payments made to, and
reimbursement of



                                      -40-
<PAGE>   107
expenses of, persons who provide support services in connection with the
distribution of the Common Shares including, but not limited to, office space
and equipment, telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the
Fund, and providing any other Shareholder Services; (c) payments made to
compensate selected dealers or other authorized persons for providing any
Services; (d) costs relating to the formulation and implementation of marketing
and promotional activities for the Common Shares, including, but not limited to,
direct mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass
media advertising, and related travel and entertainment expenses; (e) costs of
printing and distributing prospectuses, statements of additional information and
reports of the Fund to prospective shareholders of the Fund; and (f) costs
involved in obtaining whatever information, analyses and reports with respect to
marketing and promotional activities that the Fund may, from time to time, deem
advisable.

                  Pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan, Counsellor Securities provides the
Board with periodic reports of amounts expended under the 12b-1 Plan and the
purpose for which the expenditures were made.

                  The 12b-1 Plans will continue in effect for so long as their
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by each Fund's Board,
including a majority of the Directors/Trustees who are not interested persons of
the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of the 12b-1 Plan ("Independent Directors/Trustees"). Any material amendment of
the 12b-1 Plan would require the approval of the Board in the manner described
above. The 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be
spent thereunder without shareholder approval of the Common Shares. The 12b-1
Plan may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of
the Independent Directors/Trustees or by a vote of the majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Common Shares of a Fund.

                    PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND TURNOVER RATE

                  Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors, BEA
is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of
brokerage transactions for the Funds. In executing portfolio transactions, BEA
seeks to obtain the best net results for a Fund, taking into account such
factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer
spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities
of the firm involved. While BEA generally seeks reasonably competitive
commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily
consistent with obtaining the best results in particular transactions.

                  Portfolio transactions for the Funds may be effected on
domestic or foreign securities exchanges. In transactions for



                                      -41-
<PAGE>   108
securities not actively traded on a domestic or foreign securities exchange, a
Fund will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities
involved, except in those circumstances where better prices and execution are
available elsewhere. Such dealers usually are acting as principal for their own
account. On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. Such
portfolio securities are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally
involve brokerage commissions. Securities firms may receive brokerage
commissions on certain portfolio transactions, including options, futures and
options on futures transactions and the purchase and sale of underlying
securities upon exercise of options. The Funds have no obligation to deal with
any broker in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. The Funds
may use affiliates of Credit Suisse, BEA's parent company, in connection with
the purchase or sale of securities in accordance with rules or exemptive orders
adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") when BEA believes
that the charge for the transaction does not exceed usual and customary levels.

                  Commission rates for brokerage transactions on foreign stock
exchanges are generally fixed. The reasonableness of any negotiated commission
paid by the Funds will be evaluated on the basis of the difficulty involved in
execution, the time taken to conclude the transaction, the extent of the
broker's commitment, if any, of its own capital and the amount involved in the
transaction. It should be noted that commission rates in U.S. markets are
negotiated.

                  In the case of over-the-counter issues, there is generally no
stated commission, but the price usually includes an undisclosed commission or
markup, and the Fund will normally deal with the principal market makers unless
it can obtain better terms elsewhere.

                  For the fiscal years ended August 31, the corresponding series
of The RBB Fund paid brokerage commissions as follows:

AUGUST 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BEA Fund                                                                  Brokerage Commission
- --------                                                                  --------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>
International Equity                                                          $5,041,204
Emerging Markets Equity                                                       $1,074,701
U.S. Core Equity                                                              $  181,354
U.S. Core Fixed Income                                                        $        0
Strategic Global Fixed Income                                                 $        0
Global Telecommunications                                                     $    1,261
High Yield                                                                    $        0
Municipal Bond                                                                $        0
Select Economic Value Equity                                                         N/A

AUGUST 31, 1996
</TABLE>

                                      -42-
<PAGE>   109
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                                                  Brokerage Commission
- --------                                                                  --------------------

<S>                                                                           <C>
International Equity                                                          $3,385,421
Emerging Markets Equity                                                       $  713,193
U.S. Core Equity                                                              $  182,796
U.S. Core Fixed Income                                                        $        0
Strategic Global Fixed Income                                                 $        0
Global Telecommunications                                                     $      N/A
High Yield                                                                    $        0
Municipal Bond                                                                $        0
Select Economic Value Equity                                                         N/A
</TABLE>

AUGUST 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                                                  Brokerage Commission
- --------                                                                  --------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>
International Equity                                                          $3,943,441
Emerging Markets Equity                                                       $  778,886
U.S. Core Equity                                                              $  110,474
U.S. Core Fixed Income                                                        $        0
Strategic Global Fixed Income                                                 $        0
Global Telecommunications                                                     $      N/A
High Yield                                                                    $        0
Municipal Bond                                                                $        0
Select Economic Value Equity                                                         N/A
</TABLE>

                  No Fund has any obligation to deal with any broker or group of
brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. BEA may, consistent with the
interests of a Fund and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors,
select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services
they provide to a Fund and other clients of BEA. Information and research
received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the
services required to be performed by BEA under its respective contracts. A
commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified
broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that BEA,
as applicable, determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in
terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of BEA to a Fund
and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by a Fund will be
reasonable in relation to the benefits to a Fund over the long-term.

                  Corporate debt and U.S. Government securities are generally
traded on the over-the-counter market on a "net" basis without a stated
commission, through dealers acting for their own account and not as brokers. The
Funds will primarily engage in transactions with these dealers or deal directly
with the issuer unless a better price or execution could be obtained by using a
broker. Prices paid to a dealer in debt securities will generally include a
"spread," which is the difference between the prices at which the dealer is
willing to purchase and sell the specific security at the time, and includes the
dealer's normal profit.

                                      -43-
<PAGE>   110
                  BEA may seek to obtain an undertaking from issuers of
commercial paper or dealers selling commercial paper to consider the repurchase
of such securities from a Fund prior to their maturity at their original cost
plus interest (sometimes adjusted to reflect the actual maturity of the
securities), if it believes that a Fund's anticipated need for liquidity makes
such action desirable. Any such repurchase prior to maturity reduces the
possibility that a Fund would incur a capital loss in liquidating commercial
paper (for which there is no established market), especially if interest rates
have risen since acquisition of the particular commercial paper.

                  Investment decisions for each Fund and for other investment
accounts managed by BEA are made independently of each other in the light of
differing conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two
or more of such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are
inevitable. Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and allocated as to
amount according to a formula deemed equitable to each such account. While in
some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value
of the security as far as a Fund is concerned, in other cases it is believed to
be beneficial to a Fund. A Fund will not purchase securities during the
existence of any underwriting or selling group relating to such security of
which BEA or any affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) thereof is a
member except pursuant to procedures adopted by the Funds' Board of Directors
pursuant to Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act.

                  In no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or
sold to the Distributor, BEA or CSAM or any affiliated person of the foregoing
entities except as permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.

                  Each of the Funds expects that its annual portfolio turnover
rate will not exceed [100%] under normal market conditions. A high rate of
portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater brokerage
commission expenses and other transaction costs, which must be borne directly by
a Fund. Each of the Funds anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
will vary from year to year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by
dividing the lesser of a Fund's annual sales or purchases of portfolio
securities (exclusive of purchases or sales of securities whose maturities at
the time of acquisition were one year or less) by the monthly average value of
the securities in the Fund during the year.

                  [The Funds have the benefit of an exemptive order issued by
the SEC under the 1940 Act authorizing the Funds and other investment companies
advised by BEA to acquire jointly securities issued in private placements,
subject to the terms and conditions of the order.]

                                      -44-
<PAGE>   111
                       PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

                  The Funds reserve the right, if conditions exist which make
cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption of a Fund's
shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Funds
and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing a
Fund's net asset value. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may
incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. Investors may
also be required to bear certain transaction costs associated with redemptions
in kind. The Funds have elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the
1940 Act so that a Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to
the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day period for
any one shareholder of a Fund.

                  Under the 1940 Act, a Fund may suspend the right to redemption
or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") is closed (other than customary
weekend and holiday closings), or during which trading on said Exchange is
restricted, or during which (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) an
emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of Fund securities
is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit.
(A Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its
shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)

                              VALUATION OF SHARES

                  The net asset values per share of each class of the Funds are
calculated separately from each other class as of the close of regular trading
of the NYSE on each Business Day. The net asset value per share, the value of an
individual share in a Fund, is computed by adding the value of the proportionate
interest of each class of a Fund in the Fund's securities, cash and other
assets, subtracting the actual and accrued liabilities of the class and dividing
the result by the number of outstanding shares of such class. "Business Day"
means each weekday when the NYSE is open. Currently, the NYSE is closed on New
Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
and the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of these holidays falls
on a Saturday or Sunday. Securities which are listed on stock exchanges, whether
U.S. or foreign are valued at the last sale price on the day the securities are
valued or, lacking any sales on such day, at the mean of the bid and asked
prices available prior to the valuation. Fund securities primarily traded in
foreign markets may be traded in such markets on days which are not Business
Days. Because net asset value per share of each Fund is determined only on
Business Days, the net asset value of shares of a Fund may be significantly
affected on days when an investor does not have access to the Fund. If on any
Business Day, a foreign securities



                                      -45-
<PAGE>   112
exchange or foreign market is closed, the securities traded on such exchange or
in such market will be valued at the market sale price reported on the previous
business day of such foreign exchange or market. In cases where securities are
traded on more than one exchange, the securities are generally valued on the
exchange designated by the Board of Directors or its delegates as the primary
market. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed on the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ")
are valued at the last trade price listed on the NASDAQ at the close of regular
trading (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time); securities listed on NASDAQ for
which there were no sales on that day and other over-the-counter securities are
valued at the mean of the bid and asked prices available prior to valuation.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Funds'
Board of Directors. The amortized cost method of valuation may also be used with
respect to debt obligations with sixty days or less remaining to maturity. Any
assets which are denominated in a foreign currency are converted into U.S.
dollars at the prevailing market rates for purposes of calculating net asset
value.

                  Foreign currency exchange rates are generally determined prior
to the close of the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign
securities and such exchange rates occur between the time at which they are
determined and the close of the NYSE, which events will not be reflected in a
computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events materially affecting the
value of such securities or assets or currency exchange rates occurred during
such time period, the securities or assets would be valued at their fair value
as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
The foreign currency exchange transactions of a Fund conducted on a spot basis
will be valued at the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing on
the foreign exchange market. Under normal market conditions this rate differs
from the prevailing exchange rate by an amount generally less than one-tenth of
one percent due to the costs of converting from one currency to another.

                  In determining the approximate market value of portfolio
investments, the Funds may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix
or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield
curves and other specific adjustments. This may result in the securities being
valued at a price different from the price that would have been determined had
the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables and current
payables are carried on the Funds' books at their face value. Other assets, if
any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds' Board of
Directors.


                                      -46-
<PAGE>   113
                        PERFORMANCE AND YIELD INFORMATION

                  TOTAL RETURN. Each Fund that advertises its "average annual
total return" computes such return separately for each class of shares by
determining the average annual compounded rate of return during specified
periods that equates the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value
of such investment according to the following formula:

                                ERV 1/n
                           T = [(-----) - 1]
                                   P

     Where:         T = average annual total return;

                  ERV =    ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000
                           payment made at the beginning of the l, 5 or 10 year
                           (or other) periods at the end of the applicable
                           period (or a fractional portion thereof);

                  P   =    hypothetical initial payment of $1,000; and

                  n   =    period covered by the computation, expressed in
                           years.

                  Each Fund that advertises its "aggregate total return"
computes such returns separately for each class of shares by determining the
aggregate compounded rates of return during specified periods that likewise
equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value of such
investment. The formula for calculating aggregate total return is as follows:

                                        ERV
Aggregate Total Return =             [(-----) - l]
                                         P

                  The calculations are made assuming that (1) all dividends and
capital gain distributions are reinvested on the reinvestment dates at the price
per share existing on the reinvestment date, (2) all recurring fees charged to
all shareholder accounts are included, and (3) for any account fees that vary
with the size of the account, a mean (or median) account size in the Fund during
the periods is reflected. The ending redeemable value (variable "ERV" in the
formula) is determined by assuming complete redemption of the hypothetical
investment after deduction of all nonrecurring charges at the end of the
measuring period.

                  The aggregate total returns for the Advisor Class of the BEA
Funds for the period ended August 31, 1997 since inception are as follows:


                                      -47-
<PAGE>   114
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                 Inception Date             Aggregate Return
- --------                                 --------------             ----------------
<S>                                          <C>                         <C>
International Equity                         10/1/92                     14.14%
Emerging Markets Equity                       2/1/93                      8.76%
High Yield                                   11/1/96                     11.49
Global Telecommunications                    6/20/94                     15.33%
</TABLE>



                  The Funds may also from time to time include in such
advertising an aggregate total return figure or a total return figure that is
not calculated according to the formula set forth above in order to compare more
accurately a Fund's performance with other measures of investment return. For
example, in comparing a Fund's total return with data published by Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. or Weisenberger
Investment Company Service, or with the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500
Stock Index or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, as appropriate, a Fund may
calculate its aggregate and/or average annual total return for the specified
periods of time by assuming the investment of $10,000 in Fund shares and
assuming the reinvestment of each dividend or other distribution at net asset
value on the reinvestment date. The Funds do not, for these purposes, deduct
from the initial value invested any amount representing sales charges. The Funds
will, however, disclose the maximum sales charge and will also disclose that the
performance data do not reflect sales charges and that inclusion of sales
charges would reduce the performance quoted. Such alternative total return
information will be given no greater prominence in such advertising than the
information prescribed under SEC rules, and all advertisements containing
performance data will include a legend disclosing that such performance data
represent past performance and that the investment return and principal value of
an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost.

                  YIELD. Certain Funds may advertise a 30-day (or one month)
standard yield as described in the Prospectus. Such yields are calculated
separately for each class of shares in each Fund in accordance with the method
prescribed by the SEC for mutual funds:

                                      a - b      6
                          YIELD = 2[( - - - - +1) - 1)]
                                       cd

Where:            a =      dividends and interest earned by a Fund during the
                           period;

                  b =      expenses accrued for the period (net of
                           reimbursements);



                                      -48-
<PAGE>   115
                  c =      average daily number of shares outstanding during
                           the period, entitled to receive dividends; and

                  d =      maximum offering price per share on the last day of
                           the period.

For the purpose of determining net investment income earned during the period
(variable "a" in the formula), dividend income on equity securities held by a
Fund is recognized by accruing 1/360 of the stated dividend rate of the security
each day that the security is in the Fund. Except as noted below, interest
earned on debt obligations held by a Fund is calculated by computing the yield
to maturity of each obligation based on the market value of the obligation
(including actual accrued interest) at the close of business on the last
business day of each month, or, with respect to obligations purchased during the
month, the purchase price (plus actual accrued interest) and dividing the result
by 360 and multiplying the quotient by the market value of the obligation
(including actual accrued interest) in order to determine the interest income on
the obligation for each day of the subsequent month that the obligation is held
by the Fund. For purposes of this calculation, it is assumed that each month
contains 30 days. The maturity of an obligation with a call provision is the
next call date on which the obligation reasonably may be expected to be called
or, if none, the maturity date. With respect to debt obligations purchased at a
discount or premium, the formula generally calls for amortization of the
discount or premium. The amortization schedule will be adjusted monthly to
reflect changes in the market value of such debt obligations. Expenses accrued
for the period (variable "b" in the formula) include all recurring fees charged
by a Fund to all shareholder accounts in proportion to the length of the base
period and the Fund's mean (or median) account size. Undeclared earned income
will be subtracted from the offering price per share (variable "d" in the
formula).

                  With respect to receivables-backed obligations that are
expected to be subject to monthly payments of principal and interest
("pay-downs"), (i) gain or loss attributable to actual monthly pay downs are
accounted for as an increase or decrease to interest income during the period,
and (ii) each Fund may elect either (a) to amortize the discount and premium on
the remaining security, based on the cost of the security, to the weighted
average maturity date, if such information is available, or to the remaining
term of the security, if any, if the weighted average date is not available or
(b) not to amortize discount or premium on the remaining security.

                  Based on the foregoing calculation, the Standard Yield for the
Advisor Class of the BEA High Yield Fund for the 30-day period ended August 31,
1997 was 9.31%.


                                      -49-
<PAGE>   116
                                      TAXES

                  GENERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE FUNDS AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS.
The following is only a summary of certain additional tax considerations
generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in
the Funds' Prospectuses. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of
the tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussion in this
Statement of Additional Information and in the Prospectus is not intended as a
substitute for careful tax planning. Investors are urged to consult their tax
advisers with specific reference to their own tax situation.

                  Each Fund has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment
company under Part I of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). As a regulated investment company, each Fund is exempt
from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains
which it distributes to shareholders, provided that it (a) distributes an amount
equal to the sum of (i) at least 90% of its investment company taxable income
(net taxable investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain
over net long-term capital loss), if any, for the year and (ii) at least 90% of
its net tax-exempt interest income, if any, for the year (the "Distribution
Requirement"), and (b) satisfies certain other requirements of the Code that are
described below. Distributions of investment company taxable income and net
tax-exempt interest income made during the taxable year or, under specified
circumstances, within twelve months after the close of the taxable year will
satisfy the Distribution Requirement. The Distribution Requirement for any year
may be waived if a regulated investment company establishes to the satisfaction
of the Internal Revenue Service that it is unable to satisfy the Distribution
Requirement by reason of distributions previously made for the purpose of
avoiding liability for federal excise tax (discussed below).

                  In addition to satisfaction of the Distribution Requirement
each Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest,
certain payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or
other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, or from other
income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities, or currencies (the "Income Requirement").

                  Future Treasury regulations may provide that currency gains
that are not "directly related" to a Fund's principal business of investing in
stock or securities (or in options or futures with respect to stock or
securities) will not satisfy the Income Requirement. Income derived by a
regulated investment company from a partnership or trust (including a foreign
entity that is classified as a partnership or trust for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) will satisfy the Income Requirement only to the extent such income is
attributable to items of income of the partnership or trust that would satisfy
the Income Requirement if



                                      -50-
<PAGE>   117
they were realized by a regulated investment company in the same manner as
realized by the partnership or trust.

                  In addition to the foregoing requirements, at the close of
each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of each Fund's
assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities,
securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other
issuers (as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its
total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more
than 25% of the value of each Fund's total assets may be invested in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities and
securities of other regulated investment companies), or in two or more issuers
which such Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or
businesses (the "Asset Diversification Requirement").

                  The Internal Revenue Service has taken the position, in
informal rulings issued to other taxpayers, that the issuer of a repurchase
agreement is the bank or dealer from which securities are purchased. A Fund will
not enter into repurchase agreements with any one bank or dealer if entering
into such agreements would, under the informal position expressed by the
Internal Revenue Service, cause it to fail to satisfy the Asset Diversification
Requirement.

                  Distributions of investment company taxable income will be
taxable (subject to the possible allowance of the dividend received deduction
described below) to shareholders as ordinary income, regardless of whether such
distributions are paid in cash or are reinvested in shares. Shareholders
receiving any distribution from the Funds in the form of additional shares will
be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair
market value of the shares received, determined as of the reinvestment date.

                  Each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders its excess of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss ("net capital
gain"), if any, for each taxable year. Such gain is distributed as a capital
gain dividend and is taxable to shareholders as mid-term or other long-term
capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held his
shares, whether such gain was recognized by the Fund prior to the date on which
a shareholder acquired shares of the Fund and whether the distribution was paid
in cash or reinvested in shares. The aggregate amount of distributions
designated by any Fund as capital gain dividends may not exceed the net capital
gain of such Fund for any taxable year, determined by excluding any net
long-term capital loss attributable to transactions occurring after October 31
of such year and by treating any such loss as if it arose on the first day of
the following taxable year. Such distributions will be designated as capital
gain dividends in a written notice mailed by the Funds to shareholders



                                      -51-
<PAGE>   118
not later than 60 days after the close of each Fund's respective taxable year.

                  In the case of corporate shareholders, distributions (other
than capital gain dividends) of a Fund for any taxable year will qualify for the
70% dividends received deduction, only to the extent of the gross amount of
"qualifying dividends" received by such Fund for the year. Generally, a dividend
will be treated as a "qualifying dividend" only if it has been received from a
domestic corporation. However, if a Fund owns at least 10 percent of the stock
(by vote and value) of certain foreign corporations with U.S. source income,
then a portion of the dividends paid by such foreign corporations may constitute
"qualifying dividends." A dividend received by a taxpayer will not be treated as
a "qualifying dividend" if (1) it has been received with respect to any share of
stock that the taxpayer has held for 45 days (90 days in the case of certain
preferred stock) or less (excluding any day more than 45 days (or 90 days in the
case of certain preferred stock) after the date on which the stock becomes
ex-dividend), or (2) to the extent that the taxpayer is under an obligation
(pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to
positions in substantially similar or related property. The Funds will designate
the portion, if any, of the distribution made by a Fund that qualifies for the
dividends received deduction in a written notice mailed by the Funds to
shareholders not later than 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year.

                  Investors should be aware that any loss realized upon the
sale, exchange or redemption of shares held for six months or less will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent any capital gain dividends
have been paid with respect to such shares.

                  The Municipal Bond Fund is designed to provide investors with
current tax-exempt interest income. Exempt interest dividends distributed to
shareholders by this Fund are not included in the shareholder's gross income for
regular federal income tax purpose. In order for the Municipal Bond Fund to pay
exempt interest dividends during any taxable year, at the close of each fiscal
quarter at least 50% of the value of the Fund must consist of exempt interest
obligations.

                  In addition, the Municipal Bond Fund may not be an appropriate
investment for entities which are "substantial users" of facilities financed by
private activity bonds or "related persons" thereof. "Substantial user" is
defined under U.S. Treasury Regulations to include a nonexempt person who
regularly uses a part of such facilities in his trade or business and (a) whose
gross revenues are more than 5% of the total revenue derived by all users of
such facilities, (b) who occupies more than 5% of the entire usable area of such
facilities, or (c) for whom such facilities or a part thereof were specifically
constructed, reconstructed or acquired. "Related persons"



                                      -52-
<PAGE>   119
include certain related natural persons, affiliated corporations, a partnership
and its partners and an S corporation and its shareholder.

                  A Fund may acquire standby commitments with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in its portfolio and will treat any interest received
on Municipal Obligations subject to such stand-by commitments as tax-exempt
income. In Rev. Rul. 82-144, 1982-2 C.B. 34, the Internal Revenue Service held
that a mutual fund acquired ownership of municipal obligations for federal
income tax purposes, even though the fund simultaneously purchased "put"
agreements with respect to the same municipal obligations from the seller of the
obligations. The Funds will not engage in transactions involving the use of
stand-by commitments that differ materially from the transaction described in
Rev. Rul. 82-144 without first obtaining a private letter ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service or the opinion of counsel.

                  Interest on indebtedness incurred by a shareholder to purchase
or carry shares if the Municipal Bond Fund is not deductible for income tax
purposes of (as expected) the Municipal Bond Fund distributes exempt interest
dividends during the shareholder's taxable year. Receipt of exempt interest
dividends may result in collateral federal income tax consequences to certain
other taxpayers, including persons subject to alternative minimum tax (see
Prospectus and discussion below), financial institutions, property and casualty
insurance companies, individual recipients of Social Security or Railroad
Retirement benefits, and foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business in
the United States. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers
as to such consequences.

                  Corporate taxpayers may be liable for alternative minimum tax,
which is imposed at the rate of 20% of "alternative minimum taxable income"
(less, in the case of corporate shareholders with "alternative minimum taxable
income" of less than $310,000, the applicable "exemption amount"), in lieu of
the regular corporate income tax. "Alternative minimum taxable income," is equal
to "taxable income," (as determined for corporate income regular tax purposes)
with certain adjustments. Although corporate taxpayers in determining
"alternative minimum taxable income" are allowed to exclude exempt interest
dividends (other than exempt interest dividends derived from certain private
activity bonds ("AMT Preference Dividends"), as explained in the Prospectus) and
to utilize the 70% dividends received deduction at the first level of
computation, the Code requires (as a second computational step) that
"alternative minimum taxable income" be increased by 75% of the excess of
"adjusted current earnings" over other "alternative minimum taxable income."

                  Corporate shareholders will have to take into account (1) all
exempt interest dividends and (2) the full amount of all dividends from a Fund
that are treated as "qualifying dividends"



                                      -53-
<PAGE>   120
for purposes of the dividends received deduction in determining their "adjusted
current earnings." As much as 75% of any exempt interest dividend and 82.5% of
any "qualifying dividend" received by a corporate shareholder could, as a
consequence, be subject to alternative minimum tax. Exempt interest dividends
received by such a corporate shareholder may accordingly be subject to
alternative minimum tax at an effective rate of 15%.

                  Corporate investors should also note that the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 imposes an environmental tax on
corporate taxpayers of 0.14% of the excess of "alternative minimum taxable
income" (with certain modifications) over $2,000,000 for taxable years beginning
after 1986 and before 1996, regardless of whether such taxpayers are liable for
alternative minimum tax.

                  If for any taxable year any Fund does not qualify as a
regulated investment company, all of its taxable income will be subject to tax
at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to
shareholders, and all distributions will be taxable as ordinary dividends
(including amounts derived from interest on Municipal Obligations in the case of
the Municipal Bond Fund) to the extent of such Fund's current and accumulated
earnings and profits. Such distributions will be eligible for the dividends
received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. Investors should be
aware that any loss realized on a sale of shares of a Fund will be disallowed to
the extent an investor repurchases shares of the same Fund within a period of 61
days (beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the day of disposition
of the shares). Dividends paid by a Fund in the form of shares within the 61-day
period would be treated as a purchase for this purpose.

                  The Code imposes a non-deductible 4% excise tax on regulated
investment companies that do not distribute with respect to each calendar year
an amount equal to 98% of their ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98%
of their capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of
such calendar year. The balance of such income must be distributed during the
next calendar year. For the foregoing purposes, a company is treated as having
distributed any amount on which it is subject to income tax for any taxable year
ending in such calendar year. Because each Fund intends to distribute all of its
taxable income currently, no Fund anticipates incurring any liability for this
excise tax. However, investors should note that a Fund may in certain
circumstances be required to liquidate investments in order to make sufficient
distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

                  The Funds will be required in certain cases to withhold and
remit to the United States Treasury 31% of dividends paid to any shareholder (1)
who has provided either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at
all, (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the Internal Revenue Service
for failure to



                                      -54-
<PAGE>   121
report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly, or (3) who has
failed to certify to the Funds that he is not subject to backup withholding or
that he is an "exempt recipient."

                  The foregoing general discussion of federal income tax
consequences is based on the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in
effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information. Future
legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly
change the conclusions expressed herein, and any such changes or decisions may
have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

                  Although each Fund expects to qualify as a "regulated
investment company" and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal
income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and
localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or
independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be
conducting business, each Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or
localities.

                  Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends
paid by a regulated investment company that are derived from interest on U.S.
Government obligations. Each Fund will accordingly inform its shareholders
annually of the percentage, if any, of its ordinary dividends that is derived
from interest on U.S. Government obligations. Shareholders should consult with
their tax advisers as to the availability and extent of any applicable state
income tax exemption.

                  SPECIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS. The following discussion relates
to the particular federal income tax consequences of the investment policies of
the Funds. The ability of the Funds to engage in options, short sale and futures
activities will be somewhat limited by the requirements for their continued
qualification as regulated investment companies under the Code, in particular
the Distribution Requirement and the Asset Diversification Requirement.

          Straddles. The options transactions that the Funds enter into may
result in "straddles" for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules of the
Code may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Funds. In
addition, losses realized by the Funds on positions that are part of a straddle
may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account
in calculating the investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the
Funds for the taxable year in which such losses are realized. Losses realized
prior to October 31 of any year may be similarly deferred under the straddle
rules in determining the "required distribution" that the Funds must make in
order to avoid federal excise tax. Furthermore, in determining their investment
company taxable income and ordinary income, the Funds may be required to




                                      -55-
<PAGE>   122
capitalize, rather than deduct currently, any interest expense on indebtedness
incurred or continued to purchase or carry any positions that are part of a
straddle. The tax consequences to the Funds of holding straddle positions may be
further affected by various elections provided under the Code and Treasury
regulations, but at the present time the Funds are uncertain which (if any) of
these elections they will make.

         Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have
been promulgated by the U.S. Treasury, the tax consequences to the Funds of
engaging in options transactions are not entirely clear. Nevertheless, it is
evident that application of the straddle rules may substantially increase or
decrease the amount which must be distributed to shareholders in satisfaction of
the Distribution Requirement (or to avoid federal excise tax liability) for any
taxable year in comparison to a fund that did not engage in options
transactions.

          Options And Section 1256 Contracts. The writer of a covered put or
call option generally does not recognize income upon receipt of the option
premium. If the option expires unexercised or is closed on an exchange, the
writer generally recognizes short-term capital gain. If the option is exercised,
the premium is included in the consideration received by the writer in
determining the capital gain or loss recognized in the resultant sale. However,
certain options transactions that the Funds enter into, as well as futures
transactions and transactions in forward foreign currency contracts that are
traded in the interbank market entered into by the Funds, will be subject to
special tax treatment as "Section 1256 contracts." Section 1256 contracts are
treated as if they are sold for their fair market value on the last business day
of the taxable year (i.e., marked-to-market), regardless of whether a taxpayer's
obligations (or rights) under such contracts have terminated (by delivery,
exercise, entering into a closing transaction or otherwise) as of such date. Any
gain or loss recognized as a consequence of the year-end marking-to-market of
Section 1256 contracts is combined (after application of the straddle rules that
are described above) with any other gain or loss that was previously recognized
upon the termination of Section 1256 contracts during that taxable year. The net
amount of such gain or loss for the entire taxable year is generally treated as
60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss,
except in the case of marked-to-market forward foreign currency contracts for
which such gain or loss is treated as ordinary income or loss. Such short-term
capital gain (and, in the case of marked-to-market forward foreign currency
contracts, such ordinary income) would be included in determining the investment
company taxable income of the relevant Fund for purposes of the Distribution
Requirement, even if it were wholly attributable to the year-end
marking-to-market of Section 1256 contracts that the relevant Fund continued to
hold. Investors should also note that Section 1256 contracts will be treated as
having been sold on October 31 in calculating the "required



                                      -56-
<PAGE>   123
distribution" that a Fund must make to avoid federal excise tax liability.

          Each of the Funds may elect not to have the year-end mark-to-market
rule apply to Section 1256 contracts that are part of a "mixed straddle" with
other investments of such Fund that are not Section 1256 contracts (the "Mixed
Straddle Election").

                  Foreign Currency Transactions. In general, gains from "foreign
currencies" and from foreign currency options, foreign currency futures and
forward foreign exchange contracts relating to investments in stock, securities
or foreign currencies will be qualifying income for purposes of determining
whether the Fund qualifies as a RIC. It is currently unclear, however, who will
be treated as the issuer of a foreign currency instrument or how foreign
currency options, futures or forward foreign currency contracts will be valued
for purposes of the Asset Diversification Requirement. A Fund may request a
private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service for guidance on some or
all of these issues.

                  Under Code Section 988 special rules are provided for certain
transactions in a foreign currency other than the taxpayer's functional currency
(i.e., unless certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S.
dollar). In general, foreign currency gains or losses from certain forward
contracts, from futures contracts that are not "regulated futures contracts",
and from unlisted options will be treated as ordinary income or loss. In certain
circumstances where the transaction is not undertaken as part of a straddle, a
Fund may elect capital gain or loss treatment for such transactions.
Alternatively, a Fund may elect ordinary income or loss treatment for
transactions in futures contracts and options on foreign currency that would
otherwise produce capital gain or loss. In general gains or losses from a
foreign currency transaction subject to Code Section 988 will increase or
decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income available to
be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or
decreasing the amount of the Fund's net capital gain. Additionally, if losses
from a foreign currency transaction subject to Code Section 988 exceed other
investment company taxable income during a taxable year, a Fund will not be able
to make any ordinary dividend distributions, and any distributions made before
the losses were realized but in the same taxable year would be recharacterized
as a return of capital to shareholders, thereby reducing each shareholder's
basis in his Shares.

                  Passive Foreign Investment Companies. If a Fund acquires
shares in certain foreign investment entities, called "passive foreign
investment companies" ("PFIC"), such Fund may be subject to "deferred" federal
income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" received with respect to
such shares or on a portion of any gain recognized upon a disposition of such
shares, notwithstanding the distribution of such income to the



                                      -57-
<PAGE>   124
shareholders of such Fund. Additional charges in the nature of interest may also
be imposed on a Fund in respect of such deferred taxes. However, in lieu of
sustaining the foregoing tax consequences, a Fund may elect to have its
investment in any PFIC taxed as an investment in a "qualified electing fund"
("QEF"). A Fund making a QEF election would be required to include in its income
each year a ratable portion, whether or not distributed, of the ordinary
earnings and net capital gain of the QEF. Any such QEF inclusions would have to
be taken into account by a Fund for purposes of satisfying the Distribution
Requirement and the excise tax distribution requirement.

                  Recently enacted changes to the Code will permit a Fund to
elect (in lieu of paying deferred tax or making a QEF election) to
mark-to-market annually any PFIC shares that it owns and to include any gains
(but not losses) that it was deemed to realize as ordinary income. A Fund
generally will not be subject to deferred federal income tax on any gains that
it is deemed to realize as a consequence of making a mark-to-market election,
but such gains will be taken into account by the Fund for purposes of satisfying
the Distribution Requirement and the excise tax distribution requirement. The
mark-to-market provisions will generally apply to the Fund's taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1997.

                  Asset Diversification Requirement. For purposes of the Asset
Diversification Requirement, the issuer of a call option on a security
(including an option written on an exchange) will be deemed to be the issuer of
the underlying security. The Internal Revenue Service has informally ruled,
however, that a call option that is written by a fund need not be counted for
purposes of the Asset Diversification Requirement where the fund holds the
underlying security. However, the Internal Revenue Service has also informally
ruled that a put option written by a fund must be treated as a separate asset
and its value measured by "the value of the underlying security" for purposes of
the Asset Diversification Requirement, regardless (apparently) of whether it is
"covered" under the rules of the exchange. The Internal Revenue Service has not
explained whether in valuing a written put option in this manner a fund should
use the current value of the underlying security (its prospective future
investment); the cash consideration that must be paid by the fund if the put
option is exercised (its liability); or some other measure that would take into
account the fund's unrealized profit or loss in writing the option. Under the
Code, a fund may not rely on informal rulings of the Internal Revenue Service
issued to other taxpayers. Consequently, a Fund may find it necessary to seek a
ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on this issue or to curtail its writing
of options in order to stay within the limits of the Asset Diversification
Requirement.

                                      -58-
<PAGE>   125
              ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY SHARES

                  The Funds do not currently intend to hold annual meetings of
shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The
Funds' By-Laws provide that shareholders collectively owning at least ten
percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Funds
have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of
one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Funds will assist in
shareholder communication in such matters.


                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  COUNSEL. The law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, 787 Seventh
Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6099, serves as counsel to the Funds and the
non-interested directors.

                  CONTROL PERSONS. As of [INSERT], 1998, to the Fund's
knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below owned of
record approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the class of
the BEA Fund indicated below. See "Additional Information Concerning the Fund's
Shares" above. The Funds do not know whether such persons also beneficially own
such shares.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               BEA FUND                            NAME AND ADDRESS                               PERCENT OWNED
               --------                            ----------------                               -------------
<S>                                            <C>                                                   <C>
      BEA International Equity - Advisor       BOB & Co                                               65.47%
      Class                                    PO Box 1809
                                               Boston, MA 02105-1809

                                               State Street Bank & Trust Co                           16.80%
                                               Cust for the IRA of
                                               Gerald W. McKinney
                                               5873 Cove Rd
                                               Ellensburg, WA 98926-7963

                                               Transcorp                                               8.09%
                                               FBO William E. Burns
                                               PO Box 6535
                                               Englewood, Co 80155-6535

      BEA High Yield Portfolio - Advisor       Richard A. Wilson TTEE                                 10.81%
      Class                                    E. Francis Wilson TTEE
                                               The Wilson Family Trust
                                               7612 March Avenue
                                               West Hills, CA  91304-5232
</TABLE>


                                      -59-
<PAGE>   126
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               BEA FUND                            NAME AND ADDRESS                               PERCENT OWNED
               --------                            ----------------                               -------------
<S>                                            <C>                                                   <C>
                                               Charles Schwab & Co.                                   88.82%
                                               Special Custody Account for the
                                               Exclusive Benefit of Customers
                                               101 Montgomery St.
                                               San Francisco, CA 94104-4122

      BEA Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio    SEMA & Co                                              81.25%
      - Advisor Class                          12 E 49th St Fl 41
                                               New York, NY 10017-1028

                                               NFSC FEBO # 114-623016                                 14.43%
                                               FMT CO CUST IRA
                                               FBO Patricia F Powell
                                               5811 Valley Oak Dr
                                               Los Angeles, CA 90068-3650

      BEA Strategic Global                     Sunkist Master Trust                                   52.79%
      Fixed Income Portfolio                   14130 Riverside Drive
      (Class Z)                                Sherman Oaks, CA  91423-2313

                                               Patterson & Co.                                        37.75%
                                               P.O. Box 7829
                                               Philadelphia, PA 19101-7829

                                               State St Bank & Trust TTEE                              5.36%
                                               Fenway Holdings LLC Master Trust
                                               PO Box 470
                                               Boston, MA 02102-0470

      BEA Municipal Bond Fund Portfolio        William A. Marquard                                    39.48%
                                               2199 Maysville Rd.
                                               Carlisle, KY  40311-9716

                                               Arnold Leon                                            13.16%
                                               c/o Fiduciary Trust Company
                                               P.O. Box 3199
                                               Church Street Station
                                               New York, NY 10008-3199

                                               Irwin Bard                                              6.51%
                                               1750 North East 183rd St. North
                                               Miami Beach, FL 33179-4908

                                               S. Finkelstein Family Fund                              5.01%
                                               1755 York Ave., Apt. 35 BC
                                               New York, NY  10128-6827

      BEA Global Telecommunications            John B Hurford                                         36.22%
      Portfolio- Advisor Class                 153 E 53rd St Fl 57
                                               New York, NY 10022-4611
</TABLE>



                                      -60-
<PAGE>   127
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               BEA FUND                            NAME AND ADDRESS                               PERCENT OWNED
               --------                            ----------------                               -------------
<S>                                            <C>                                                   <C>

                                               FTC & Co                                               18.35%
                                               Attn Datalynx # B48
                                               PO Box 173736
                                               Denver, CO 80217-3736

                                               E M Warburg Pincus & Co Inc                            13.30%
                                               ATTN Sandra Correale
                                               466 Lexington Ave
                                               New York, NY 10017-3140

                                               Charles Schwab & Co                                     5.90%
                                               Special Custody Account for the
                                               Exclusive Benefit of
                                               Customers
                                               101 Montgomery Street
                                               San Francisco, CA 94104-4122
</TABLE>


                       INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND COUNSEL


                  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PWC"), with principal offices at
2400 Eleven Penn Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as independent
accountants for each Fund.

                  Willkie Farr & Gallagher serves as counsel for the Funds as
well as counsel to Warburg, Counsellors Service and Counsellors Securities.


                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                  The Fund's financial statement follows the Report of
Independent Accountants.

                  Common Shares of each of the Funds had not been issued as of
August 31, 1997 and, accordingly, no financial information is provided with
respect to such shares. Financial information with respect to Advisor shares of
certain corresponding BEA Funds has been derived by PWC. The audited financial
statements and notes thereto in the BEA Funds' Annual Report to Shareholders for
the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 (the "1997 Annual Report") and the
unaudited semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended February 28, 1998 (the
"1998 Semi-Annual Report") are incorporated by reference into this Statement of
Additional Information. No other parts of the 1997 Annual Report or 1998
Semi-Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial
statements included in the 1997 Annual Report have been audited by PWC. The
reports of PWC are incorporated herein by

                                      -61-
<PAGE>   128
reference upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of
the 1997 Annual Report and the 1998 Semi-Annual Report may be obtained at no
charge by telephoning the Distributor at the telephone number appearing on the
front page of this Statement of Additional Information.

                                      -62-
<PAGE>   129
                                   APPENDIX A


COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

                  A Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") commercial paper
rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt
having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes
the rating categories used by Standard and Poor's for commercial paper:

                  "A-1" - The highest category indicates that the degree of
safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess
extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+)
designation.

                  "A-2" - Capacity for timely payment on issues with this
designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as
high as for issues designated "A-1."

                  "A-3" - Issues carrying this designation have adequate
capacity for timely payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations.

                  "B" - Issues are regarded as having only a speculative
capacity for timely payment.

                  "C" - This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations
with a doubtful capacity for payment.

                  "D" - Issues are in payment default. The "D" rating category
is used when interest payments of principal payments are not made on the date
due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes
such payments will be made during such grace period.

                  Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") commercial paper
ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt
obligations not having an original maturity in excess of one year, unless
explicitly noted. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Moody's
for commercial paper:

                  "Prime-1" - Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a
superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1
repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following
characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high
rates of return on funds employed; conservative capitalization structure with
moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings
coverage of fixed financial charges and high



                                      A-1
<PAGE>   130
internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial
markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

                  "Prime-2" - Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a strong
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally
be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

                  "Prime-3" - Issuers (or supporting institutions) have an
acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. The
effects of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more
pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in
the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high
financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

                  "Not Prime" - Issuers do not fall within any of the Prime
rating categories.

                  The three rating categories of Duff & Phelps for investment
grade commercial paper and short-term debt are "D-1," "D-2" and "D-3." Duff &
Phelps employs three designations, "D-1+," "D-1" and "D-1-," within the highest
rating category. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Duff &
Phelps for commercial paper:

                  "D-1+" - Debt possesses highest certainty of timely payment.
Short-term liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or access to
alternative sources of funds, is outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free
U.S. Treasury short-term obligations.

                  "D-1" - Debt possesses very high certainty of timely payment.
Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by good fundamental protection
factors. Risk factors are minor.

                  "D-1-" - Debt possesses high certainty of timely payment.
Liquidity factors are strong and supported by good fundamental protection
factors. Risk factors are very small.

                  "D-2" - Debt possesses good certainty of timely payment.
Liquidity factors and company fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding
needs may enlarge total financing requirements, access to capital markets is
good. Risk factors are small.

                  "D-3" - Debt possesses satisfactory liquidity and other
protection factors qualify issues as investment grade. Risk factors are larger
and subject to more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>   131
                  "D-4" - Debt possesses speculative investment characteristics.
Liquidity is not sufficient to ensure against disruption in debt service.
Operating factors and market access may be subject to a high degree of
variation.

                  "D-5" - Issuer has failed to meet scheduled principal and/or
interest payments.

                  Fitch short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are
payable on demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years.
The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term
obligations:

                  "F-1+" - Securities possess exceptionally strong credit
quality. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree
of assurance for timely payment.

                  "F-1" - Securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues
assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less
in degree than issues rated "F-1+."

                  "F-2" - Securities possess good credit quality. Issues
assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment,
but the margin of safety is not as great as the "F-1+" and "F-1" ratings.

                  "F-3" - Securities possess fair credit quality. Issues
assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting that the degree of
assurance for timely payment is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes
could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.

                  "F-S" - Securities possess weak credit quality. Issues
assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting a minimal degree of
assurance for timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse changes in
financial and economic conditions.

                  "D" - Securities are in actual or imminent payment default.

                  "LOC" - The symbol "LOC" indicates that the rating is based on
a letter of credit issued by a commercial bank.

                  Thomson BankWatch short-term ratings assess the likelihood of
an untimely payment of principal and interest of debt instruments with original
maturities of one year or less. The following summarizes the ratings used by
Thomson BankWatch:

                  "TBW-1" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's
highest category and indicates a very high likelihood that principal and
interest will be paid on a timely basis.

                  "TBW-2" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's
second-highest category and indicates that while the



                                      A-3
<PAGE>   132
degree of safety regarding timely repayment of principal and interest is strong,
the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1."

                  "TBW-3" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's
lowest investment-grade category and indicates that while the obligation is more
susceptible to adverse developments (both internal and external) than those with
higher ratings, the capacity to service principal and interest in a timely
fashion is considered adequate.

                  "TBW-4" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's
lowest rating category and indicates that the obligation is regarded as
non-investment grade and therefore speculative.

                  IBCA assesses the investment quality of unsecured debt with an
original maturity of less than one year which is issued by bank holding
companies and their principal bank subsidiaries. The following summarizes the
rating categories used by IBCA for short-term debt ratings:

                  "A1" - Obligations are supported by the highest capacity for
timely repayment. Where issues possess a particularly strong credit feature, a
rating of "A1+" is assigned.

                  "A2" - Obligations are supported by a satisfactory capacity
for timely repayment although such capacity may be susceptible to adverse
changes in business, economic or financial conditions.

                  "A3" - Obligations are supported by an adequate capacity for
timely repayment such capacity is more susceptible to adverse changes in
business, economic, or financial conditions than for obligations in higher
categories.

                  "B" - Obligations for which the capacity for timely repayment
is susceptible to adverse changes in business, economic, or financial
conditions.

                  "C" - Obligations for which there is a high risk of default or
which are currently in default.


CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS

                  The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poor's
for corporate and municipal debt:

                  "AAA" - This designation represents the highest rating
assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

                                      A-4
<PAGE>   133
                  "AA" - An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated
obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is very strong.

                  "A" - An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to
the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

                  "BBB" - An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection
parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

                  "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" - Debt is regarded as having
significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of
speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large
uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

                  "BB" - Debt is less vulnerable to non-payment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.

                  "B" - Debt is more vulnerable to non-payment than obligations
rated "BB", but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions
will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

                  "CCC" - Debt is currently vulnerable to non-payment, and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to
have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

                  "CC" - An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable
to non-payment.

                  "C" - The "C" rating may be used to cover a situation where a
bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but
payments on this obligation are being continued.

                  "D" - An obligation rated "D" is in payment default. This
rating is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, even
if the applicable grace period has not



                                      A-5
<PAGE>   134
expired, unless S & P believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period. "D" rating is also used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the
taking of similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

                  PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-) - The ratings from "AA" through "CCC"
may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within the major rating categories.

                  "r" - This rating is attached to highlight derivative, hybrid,
and certain other obligations that S & P believes may experience high volatility
or high variability in expected returns due to non-credit risks. Examples of
such obligations are: securities whose principal or interest return is indexed
to equities, commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and options; and
interest-only and principal-only mortgage securities. The absence of an "r"
symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no
volatility or variability in total return.

                  The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody's for
corporate and municipal long-term debt:

                  "Aaa" - Bonds are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.

                  "Aa" - Bonds are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the "Aaa" group they comprise what are generally known
as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in "Aaa" securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in "Aaa"
securities.

                  "A" - Bonds possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

                  "Baa" - Bonds are considered as medium-grade obligations,
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment



                                      A-6
<PAGE>   135
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

                  "Ba," "B," "Caa," "Ca," and "C" - Bonds that possess one of
these ratings provide questionable protection of interest and principal ("Ba"
indicates speculative elements; "B" indicates a general lack of characteristics
of desirable investment; "Caa" are of poor standing; "Ca" represents obligations
which are speculative in a high degree; and "C" represents the lowest rated
class of bonds). "Caa," "Ca" and "C" bonds may be in default.

                  Con. (---) - Bonds for which the security depends upon the
completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated
conditionally. These are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under
construction, (b) earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c)
rentals which begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some
other limiting condition attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit
stature upon completion of construction or elimination of basis of condition.

                  (P)... - When applied to forward delivery bonds, indicates
that the rating is provisional pending delivery of the bonds. The rating may be
revised prior to delivery if changes occur in the legal documents or the
underlying credit quality of the bonds.

                  Note: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which
Moody's believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by
the symbols, Aa1, A1, Baa1, Ba1 and B1.

                  The following summarizes the long-term debt ratings used by
Duff & Phelps for corporate and municipal long-term debt:

                  "AAA" - Debt is considered to be of the highest credit
quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only slightly more than for
risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

                  "AA" - Debt is considered to be of high credit quality.
Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to
time because of economic conditions.

                  "A" - Debt possesses protection factors which are average but
adequate. However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of
economic stress.

                  "BBB" - Debt possesses below-average protection factors but
such protection factors are still considered sufficient for prudent investment.
Considerable variability in risk is present during economic cycles.

                  "BB," "B," "CCC," "DD," and "DP" - Debt that possesses one of
these ratings is considered to be below investment grade.



                                      A-7
<PAGE>   136
Although below investment grade, debt rated "BB" is deemed likely to meet
obligations when due. Debt rated "B" possesses the risk that obligations will
not be met when due. Debt rated "CCC" is well below investment grade and has
considerable uncertainty as to timely payment of principal, interest or
preferred dividends. Debt rated "DD" is a defaulted debt obligation, and the
rating "DP" represents preferred stock with dividend arrearages.

                  To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the
"AA," "A," "BBB," "BB" and "B" ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus
(+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within these major categories.

                  The following summarizes the ratings used by Fitch for
corporate and municipal bonds:

                  "AAA" - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the
highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay
interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
foreseeable events.

                  "AA" - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very
high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal
is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA." Because bonds
rated in the "AAA" and "AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to
foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally
rated "F-1+."

                  "A" - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in
economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

                  "BBB" - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of
satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay
principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances, however, are more likely to have an adverse impact on these
bonds, and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of
these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with
higher ratings.

                  "BB" - Bonds considered to be speculative. The obligor's
ability to pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse
economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be
identified, which could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service
requirements.

                  "B" - Bonds are considered highly speculative. While
securities in this class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the
probability of continued timely payment of



                                      A-8
<PAGE>   137
principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and the
need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life of the
issue.

                  "CCC" - Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics that,
if not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires
an advantageous business and economic environment.

                  "CC" - Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payments of
interest and/or principal seems probable over time.

                  "C" - Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or
principal.

                  "DDD," "DD" and "D" - Bonds are in default on interest and/or
principal payments. Such securities are extremely speculative and should be
valued on the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or
reorganization of the obligor. "DDD" represents the highest potential for
recovery on these securities, and "D" represents the lowest potential for
recovery.

                  To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the
Fitch ratings from and including "AA" to "C" may be modified by the addition of
a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within these major rating
categories.

                  IBCA assesses the investment quality of unsecured debt with an
original maturity of more than one year which is issued by bank holding
companies and their principal bank subsidiaries. The following summarizes the
rating categories used by IBCA for long-term debt ratings:

                  "AAA" - Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation
of investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
substantial, such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk substantially.

                  "AA" - Obligations for which there is a very low expectation
of investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
substantial, such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
conditions may increase investment risk, albeit not very significantly.

                  "A" - Obligations for which there is a low expectation of
investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
strong, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
may lead to increased investment risk.

                  "BBB" - Obligations for which there is currently a low
expectation of investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and
interest is adequate, although adverse changes in



                                      A-9
<PAGE>   138
business, economic or financial conditions are more likely to lead to increased
investment risk than for obligations in other categories.

                  "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC," and "C" - Obligations are assigned one
of these ratings where it is considered that speculative characteristics are
present. "BB" represents the lowest degree of speculation and indicates a
possibility of investment risk developing. "C" represents the highest degree of
speculation and indicates that the obligations are currently in default.

                  IBCA may append a rating of plus (+) or minus (-) to a rating
below "AAA" to denote relative status within major rating categories.

                  Thomson BankWatch assesses the likelihood of an untimely
repayment of principal or interest over the term to maturity of long term debt
and preferred stock which are issued by United States commercial banks, thrifts
and non-bank banks; non-United States banks; and broker-dealers. The following
summarizes the rating categories used by Thomson BankWatch for long-term debt
ratings:

                  "AAA" - This designation represents the highest category
assigned by Thomson BankWatch to long-term debt and indicates that the ability
to repay principal and interest on a timely basis is extremely high.

                  "AA" - This designation indicates a very strong ability to
repay principal and interest on a timely basis with limited incremental risk
compared to issues rated in the highest category.

                  "A" - This designation indicates that the ability to repay
principal and interest is strong. Issues rated "A" could be more vulnerable to
adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher
ratings.

                  "BBB" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's lowest
investment-grade category and indicates an acceptable capacity to repay
principal and interest. Issues rated "BBB" are, however, more vulnerable to
adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher
ratings.

                  "BB," "B," "CCC," and "CC," - These designations are assigned
by Thomson BankWatch to non-investment grade long-term debt. Such issues are
regarded as having speculative characteristics regarding the likelihood of
timely payment of principal and interest. "BB" indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and "CC" the highest degree of speculation.

                  "D" - This designation indicates that the long-term debt is in
default.


                                      A-10
<PAGE>   139
                  PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-) - The ratings from "AAA" through "CC"
may include a plus or minus sign designation which indicates where within the
respective category the issue is placed.

MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS

                  A Standard and Poor's rating reflects the liquidity concerns
and market access risks unique to notes due in three years or less. The
following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group for
municipal notes:

                  "SP-1" - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a strong
capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess very
strong characteristics are given a plus (+) designation.

                  "SP-2" - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit
satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to
adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

                  "SP-3" - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit
speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

                  Moody's ratings for state and municipal notes and other
short-term loans are designated Moody's Investment Grade ("MIG") and variable
rate demand obligations are designated Variable Moody's Investment Grade
("VMIG"). Such ratings recognize the differences between short-term credit risk
and long-term risk. The following summarizes the ratings by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. for short-term notes:

                  "MIG-1"/"VMIG-1" - This designation denotes best quality,
enjoying strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support
or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

                  "MIG-2"/"VMIG-2" - This designation denotes high quality, with
margins of protection ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

                  "MIG-3"/"VMIG-3" - This designation denotes favorable quality,
with all security elements accounted for but lacking the undeniable strength of
the preceding grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and
market access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

                  "MIG-4"/"VMIG-4" - This designation denotes adequate quality,
carrying specific risk but having protection commonly regarded as required of an
investment security and not distinctly or predominantly speculative.

                  "SG" - This designation denotes speculative quality and lack
of margins of protection.

                                      A-11
<PAGE>   140
                  Fitch and Duff & Phelps use the short-term ratings described
under Commercial Paper Ratings for municipal notes.


                                      A-12
<PAGE>   141
                                   APPENDIX B

                  As stated in the Prospectus, the Funds may enter into certain
futures transactions. Such transactions are described in this Appendix.

I.  Interest Rate Futures Contracts

                  Use of Interest Rate Futures Contracts. Bond prices are
established in both the cash market and the futures market. In the cash market,
bonds are purchased and sold with payment for the full purchase price of the
bond being made in cash, generally within five business days after the trade. In
the futures market, only a contract is made to purchase or sell a bond in the
future for a set price on a certain date. Historically, the prices for bonds
established in the futures markets have tended to move generally in the
aggregate in concert with the cash market prices and have maintained fairly
predictable relationships. Accordingly, a Fund may use interest rate futures
contracts as a defense, or hedge, against anticipated interest rate changes. As
described below, this would include the use of futures contract sales to protect
against expected increases in interest rates and futures contract purchases to
offset the impact of interest rate declines.

                  A Fund could accomplish a similar result to that which it
hopes to achieve through the use of futures contracts by selling bonds with long
maturities and investing in bonds with short maturities when interest rates are
expected to increase, or conversely, selling short-term bonds and investing in
long-term bonds when interest rates are expected to decline. However, because of
the liquidity that is often available in the futures market, the protection is
more likely to be achieved, perhaps at a lower cost and without changing the
rate of interest being earned by the Fund, by using futures contracts.

                  Description of Interest Rate Futures Contracts. An interest
rate futures contract sale would create an obligation by a Fund, as seller, to
deliver the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract at
a specific future time for a specified price. A futures contract purchase would
create an obligation by a Fund, as purchaser, to take delivery of the specific
type of financial instrument at a specific future time at a specific price. The
specific securities delivered or taken, respectively, at settlement date, would
not be determined until at or near that date. The determination would be in
accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the futures contract sale or
purchase was made.

                  Although interest rate futures contracts by their terms call
for actual delivery or acceptance of securities, in most cases the contracts are
closed out before the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery
of securities. Closing out a futures contract sale is effected by a Fund
entering into a



                                      B-1
<PAGE>   142
futures contract purchase for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of
financial instrument and the same delivery date. If the price of the sale
exceeds the price of the offsetting purchase, the Fund is immediately paid the
difference and thus realizes a gain. If the offsetting purchase price exceeds
the sale price, the Fund pays the difference and realizes a loss. Similarly, the
closing out of a futures contract purchase is effected by the Fund entering into
a futures contract sale. If the offsetting sale price exceeds the purchase
price, the Fund realizes a gain, and if the purchase price exceeds the
offsetting sale price, the Fund realizes a loss.

                  Interest rate futures contracts are traded in an auction
environment on the floors of several exchanges -- principally, the Chicago Board
of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the New York Futures Exchange.
Each exchange guarantees performance under contract provisions through a
clearing corporation, a nonprofit organization managed by the exchange
membership.

                  A public market now exists in futures contracts covering
various financial instruments including long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds and Notes;
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) modified pass-through mortgage
backed securities; three-month U.S. Treasury Bills; and ninety-day commercial
paper. The Funds may trade in any interest rate futures contracts for which
there exists a public market, including, without limitation, the foregoing
instruments.

                  With regard to each Fund, the Adviser also anticipates
engaging in transactions, from time to time, in foreign stock index futures such
as the ALL-ORDS (Australia), CAC-40 (France), TOPIX (Japan) and the FTSE-100
(United Kingdom).

II.  Index Futures Contracts

                  General. A stock or bond index assigns relative values to the
stocks or bonds included in the index, which fluctuates with changes in the
market values of the stocks or bonds included. Some stock index futures
contracts are based on broad market indexes, such as Standard & Poor's 500 or
the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index. In contrast, certain exchanges
offer futures contracts on narrower market indexes, such as the Standard &
Poor's 100 or indexes based on an industry or market indexes, such as Standard &
Poor's 100 or indexes based on an industry or market segment, such as oil and
gas stocks. Futures contracts are traded on organized exchanges regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Transactions on such exchanges are cleared
through a clearing corporation, which guarantees the performance of the parties
to each contract. With regard to each Fund, to the extent consistent with its
investment objective, the Adviser anticipates engaging in transactions, from
time to time, in foreign stock index futures such as the ALL-ORDS


                                      B-2
<PAGE>   143
(Australia), CAC-40 (France), TOPIX (Japan) and the FTSE-100 (United Kingdom).

                  A Fund might sell index futures contracts in order to offset a
decrease in market value of its portfolio securities that might otherwise result
from a market decline. A Fund might do so either to hedge the value of its
portfolio as a whole, or to protect against declines, occurring prior to sales
of securities, in the value of the securities to be sold. Conversely, a Fund
might purchase index futures contracts in anticipation of purchases of
securities. A long futures position may be terminated without a corresponding
purchase of securities.

                  In addition, a Fund might utilize index futures contracts in
anticipation of changes in the composition of its portfolio holdings. For
example, in the event that a Fund expects to narrow the range of industry groups
represented in its holdings it may, prior to making purchases of the actual
securities, establish a long futures position based on a more restricted index,
such as an index comprised of securities of a particular industry group. A Fund
may also sell futures contracts in connection with this strategy, in order to
protect against the possibility that the value of the securities to be sold as
part of the restructuring of the portfolio will decline prior to the time of
sale.

III. Futures Contracts on Foreign Currencies

                  A futures contract on foreign currency creates a binding
obligation on one party to deliver, and a corresponding obligation on another
party to accept delivery of, a stated quantity of foreign currency, for an
amount fixed in U.S. dollars (or another currency). Foreign currency futures may
be used by a Fund to hedge against exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates
between different currencies arising from multinational transactions.

IV.  Margin Payments

                  Unlike purchase or sales of portfolio securities, no price is
paid or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract.
Initially, a Fund will be required to deposit with the broker or in a segregated
account with a custodian an amount of liquid assets known as initial margin,
based on the value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures
transactions is different from that of margin in security transactions in that
futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer
to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a
performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the
Fund upon termination of the futures contract assuming all contractual
obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin,
to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the


                                      B-3
<PAGE>   144
underlying instruments fluctuates making the long and short positions in the
futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as
marking-to-the-market. For example, when a particular Fund has purchased a
futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise
in the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and
the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment
equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a
futures contract and the price of the future contract has declined in response
to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable
and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker.
Prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Adviser may elect to close the
position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a
secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund's position in the
futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made,
additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund
realizes a loss or gain.

V.  Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts

                  There are several risks in connection with the use of futures
by a Fund. One risk arises because of the imperfect correlation between
movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of any
instruments which are the subject of a hedge. The price of the futures may move
more than or less than the price of the instruments being hedged. If the price
of the futures moves less than the price of the instruments which are the
subject of the hedge, the hedge will not be fully effective but, if the price of
the instruments being hedged has moved in an unfavorable direction, the Fund
would be in a better position than if it had not hedged at all. If the price of
the instruments being hedged has moved in a favorable direction, this advantage
will be partially offset by the loss on the futures. If the price of the futures
moves more than the price of the hedged instruments, the Fund involved will
experience either a loss or gain on the futures which will not be completely
offset by movements in the price of the instruments which are the subject of the
hedge. To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of
instruments being hedged and movements in the price of futures contracts, a Fund
may buy or sell futures contracts in a greater dollar amount than the dollar
amount of instruments being hedged if the volatility over a particular time
period of the prices of such instruments has been greater than the volatility
over such time period of the future, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by
the Adviser. Conversely, a Fund may buy or sell fewer futures contracts if the
volatility over a particular time period of the prices of the instruments being
hedged is less than the volatility over such time period of the futures contract
being used, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by the Adviser. It is also
possible that, where a Fund has sold futures to hedge its portfolio against a
decline in the market, the market may advance and the



                                      B-4
<PAGE>   145
value of instruments held in the Fund may decline. If this occurred, the Fund
would lose money on the futures and also experience a decline in value in its
portfolio securities.

                  When futures are purchased to hedge against a possible
increase in the price of securities or a currency before a Fund is able to
invest its cash (or cash equivalents) in an orderly fashion, it is possible that
the market may decline instead; if the Fund then concludes not to invest its
cash at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or
for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures contract that is
not offset by a reduction in the price of the instruments that were to be
purchased.

                  In addition to the possibility that there may be an imperfect
correlation, or no correlation at all, between movements in the futures and any
instruments being hedged, the price of futures may not correlate perfectly with
movement in the cash market due to certain market distortions. Rather than
meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures
contracts through off-setting transactions which could distort the normal
relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, with respect to
financial futures contracts, the liquidity of the futures market depends on
participants entering into off-setting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity
in the futures market could be reduced thus producing distortions. Third, from
the point of view of speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures market
are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore,
increased participation by speculators in the futures market may also cause
temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion in the
futures market, and because of the imperfect correlation between the movements
in the cash market and movements in the price of futures, a correct forecast of
general market trends or interest rate movements by the adviser may still not
result in a successful hedging transaction over a short time frame.

                  Positions in futures may be closed out only on an exchange or
board of trade which provides a secondary market for such futures. Although the
Funds intend to purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade
where there appear to be active secondary markets, there is no assurance that a
liquid secondary market on any exchange or board of trade will exist for any
particular contract or at any particular time. In such event, it may not be
possible to close a futures investment position, and in the event of adverse
price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash
payments of variation margin. However, in the event futures contracts have been
used to hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not be sold until the
futures contract can be terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the
price of the securities, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on
the futures



                                      B-5
<PAGE>   146
contract. However, as described above, there is no guarantee that the price of
the securities will in fact correlate with the price movements in the futures
contract and thus provide an offset on a futures contract.

                  Further, it should be noted that the liquidity of a secondary
market in a futures contract may be adversely affected by "daily price
fluctuation limits" established by commodity exchanges which limit the amount of
fluctuation in a futures contract price during a single trading day. Once the
daily limit has been reached in the contract, no trades may be entered into at a
price beyond the limit, thus preventing the liquidation of open futures
positions. The trading of futures contracts is also subject to the risk of
trading halts, suspensions, exchange or clearing house equipment failures,
government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house or
other disruptions of normal activity, which could at times make it difficult or
impossible to liquidate existing positions or to recover excess variation margin
payments.

                  Successful use of futures by a Fund is also subject to the
Adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the market.
For example, if a particular Fund has hedged against the possibility of a
decline in the market adversely affecting securities held by it and securities
prices increase instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit to the
increased value of its securities which it has hedged because it will have
offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if
the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily
variation margin requirements. Such sales of securities may be, but will not
necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. A Fund may
have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

                  The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some
strategies can be substantial, due both to the low margin deposits required, and
the extremely high degree of leverage involved in futures pricing. As a result,
a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate
and substantial loss (as well as gain) to the investor. For example, if at the
time of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as
margin, a subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would
result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the
transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would
result in a loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit, before any
deduction for the transaction costs, if the contract were closed out. Thus, a
purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the
amount invested in the contract.

                                      B-6
<PAGE>   147
VI.  Options on Futures Contracts

                  A Fund may purchase and write options on the futures contracts
described above. A futures option gives the holder, in return for the premium
paid, the right to buy (call) from or sell (put) to the writer of the option a
futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period of the
option. Upon exercise, the writer of the option is obligated to pay the
difference between the cash value of the futures contract and the exercise
price. Like the buyer or seller of a futures contract, the holder, or writer, of
an option has the right to terminate its position prior to the scheduled
expiration of the option by selling, or purchasing an option of the same series,
at which time the person entering into the closing transaction will realize a
gain or loss. A Fund will be required to deposit initial margin and variation
margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it
pursuant to brokers' requirements similar to those described above. Net option
premiums received will be included as initial margin deposits. As an example, in
anticipation of a decline in interest rates, a Fund may purchase call options on
futures contracts as a substitute for the purchase of futures contracts to hedge
against a possible increase in the price of securities which the Fund intends to
purchase. Similarly, if the value of the securities held by a Fund is expected
to decline as a result of an increase in interest rates, the Fund might purchase
put options or sell call options on futures contracts rather than sell futures
contracts.

                  Investments in futures options involve some of the same
considerations that are involved in connection with investments in futures
contracts (for example, the existence of a liquid secondary market). In
addition, the purchase or sale of an option also entails the risk that changes
in the value of the underlying futures contract will not correspond to changes
in the value of the option purchased. Depending on the pricing of the option
compared to either the futures contract upon which it is based, or upon the
price of the underlying securities or currencies, an option may or may not be
less risky than ownership of the futures contract or such securities or
currencies. In general, the market prices of options can be expected to be more
volatile than the market prices on the underlying futures contract. Compared to
the purchase or sale of futures contracts, however, the purchase of call or put
options on futures contracts may frequently involve less potential risk to a
Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options
(plus transaction costs). The writing of an option on a futures contract
involves risks similar to those risks relating to the sale of futures contracts.

VII.  Other Matters

                  Accounting for futures contracts will be in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.

                                      B-7
<PAGE>   148
                  The Funds intend to comply with the regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission exempting the Funds from registration as a
"commodity pool operator."


                                      B-8
<PAGE>   149
                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 5, 1998
      Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
   registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
   any offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement
      becomes effective. This Statement of Additional Information does not
                            constitute a prospectus.



                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                              September [INSERT], 1998

                                       BEA

                               INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS

                 WARBURG, PINCUS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
                 WARBURG, PINCUS EMERGING MARKETS II FUND, INC.
             WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. STRUCTURED CORE EQUITY FUND, INC.
                WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC.
            WARBURG, PINCUS STRATEGIC GLOBAL FIXED INCOME FUND, INC.
                      WARBURG, PINCUS HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
                    WARBURG, PINCUS MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
             WARBURG, PINCUS SELECT ECONOMIC VALUE EQUITY FUND, INC.


                 P.O. Box 9030, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9030

                       For information, call (800) WARBURG


                  This combined Statement of Additional Information is meant to
be read in conjunction with the combined Prospectus for the Institutional Shares
of Warburg, Pincus International Growth, Warburg, Pincus Emerging Markets II,
Warburg, Pincus U.S. Structured Core Equity, Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Fixed
Income, Warburg, Pincus Strategic Global Fixed Income, Warburg, Pincus High
Yield, Warburg, Pincus Municipal Bond and Warburg, Pincus Select Economic Value
Equity Funds (collectively, the "Funds"), dated September __, 1998, as amended
or supplemented from time to time, and is incorporated by reference in its
entirety into that Prospectus. Because this Statement of Additional Information
is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of a Fund should be made
solely upon the information contained herein. Copies of the Funds' Prospectus
and information regarding each Fund's current performance may be obtained by
calling the Fund at (800) 927-2874. Information regarding the status of
shareholder accounts may also be obtained by calling the Funds at the same
number or by writing to the Fund, P.O. Box 9030, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9030.

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THE
<PAGE>   150
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUNDS OR THEIR DISTRIBUTOR. THE
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE FUNDS
OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT
LAWFULLY BE MADE.

                                       -2-
<PAGE>   151
                                    CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
GENERAL...........................................................................................................1
COMMON INVESTMENT POLICIES -- ALL FUNDS...........................................................................1
COMMON INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES -- WARBURG, PINCUS INTERNATIONAL
     GROWTH, WARBURG, PINCUS EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH, WARBURG, PINCUS U.S.
     STRUCTURED CORE EQUITY, WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. CORE FIXED INCOME, WARBURG,
     PINCUS HIGH YIELD, WARBURG, PINCUS STRATEGIC GLOBAL FIXED INCOME AND 
     WARBURG, PINCUS SELECT ECONOMIC VALUE EQUITY FUNDS...........................................................7
SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES -- WARBURG, PINCUS
     INTERNATIONAL GROWTH, WARBURG, PINCUS EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH, WARBURG,
     PINCUS U.S. STRUCTURED CORE EQUITY AND WARBURG, PINCUS SELECT ECONOMIC 
     VALUE EQUITY FUNDS .........................................................................................22
SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES -- WARBURG, PINCUS MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .........................................23
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS...........................................................................................24
RISK FACTORS.....................................................................................................26
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS...........................................................................................30
DIRECTORS' ESTIMATED COMPENSATION THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1999........................................................35
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SERVICING ARRANGEMENTS...................................................................36
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...........................................................................................41
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION..............................................................................45
VALUATION OF SHARES..............................................................................................46
PERFORMANCE AND YIELD INFORMATION................................................................................48
TAXES............................................................................................................52
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY SHARES.............................................................61
MISCELLANEOUS....................................................................................................61
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND COUNSEL..............................................................................65
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.............................................................................................65
APPENDIX A......................................................................................................A-1
APPENDIX B......................................................................................................B-1
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>   152
                                     GENERAL

                  The investment objective of the Warburg, Pincus International
Growth ("International Growth"), Warburg, Pincus Emerging Markets II ("Emerging
Markets"), Warburg, Pincus International Growth ("International Growth"),
Warburg, Pincus Select Economic Value Equity ("Select Equity") and Warburg,
Pincus U.S. Structured Core Equity ("U.S. Equity") Funds is to provide long-term
appreciation of capital.

                  The investment objective of the Warburg, Pincus Long-Short
Market Neutral Fund ("Long-Short Neutral Fund") is long-term capital
appreciation while minimizing exposure to general equity market risk.

                  The investment objective of the Warburg, Pincus High Yield
("High Yield"), Warburg, Pincus Municipal Bond ("Municipal Bond"), Warburg,
Pincus Strategic Global Fixed Income ("Global Income") and Warburg, Pincus U.S.
Core Fixed Income ("U.S. Fixed Income") Funds is to provide high total return.

                  The investment objective of the Warburg, Pincus Long-Short
Equity Fund ("Long-Short Equity Fund") is to provide a total return greater than
that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500
Index").

                  Each of the Funds is an open-end management investment
company. Each Fund was organized as a Maryland corporation on [INSERT], 1988.

                  Unless otherwise indicated, the following investment policies
may be changed by the Funds' Board of Directors without an affirmative vote of
shareholders. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the
same meanings as are given to such terms in the Funds' Prospectus.


                     COMMON INVESTMENT POLICIES -- ALL FUNDS

                  The following supplements the information contained in the
Prospectus concerning the investment objectives and policies of, and techniques
used by the Funds.

                  NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Each Fund is classified as
non-diversified within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act"), which means that each Fund is not limited by such Act in the
proportion of its assets that it may invest in securities of a single issuer.
Each Fund's investments will be limited, however, in order to qualify as a
"regulated investment company" for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"). See "Taxes." To qualify, each Fund will comply
with certain requirements, including limiting its investments so that at the
close of each quarter of the
<PAGE>   153
taxable year (i) not more than 25% of the market value of each Fund's total
assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (ii) with
respect to 50% of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the
market value of each Fund's total assets will be invested in the securities of a
single issuer and each Fund will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer. To the extent that each Fund assumes large
positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, each Fund's return may
fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified company as a result of
changes in the financial condition or in the market's assessment of the issuers.

                  TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. The short-term and medium-term debt
securities in which a Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes consist
of: (a) obligations of the United States or foreign governments, their
respective agencies or instrumentalities; (b) bank deposits and bank obligations
(including certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances) of
U.S. or foreign banks denominated in any currency; (c) floating rate securities
and other instruments denominated in any currency issued by international
development agencies; (d) finance company and corporate commercial paper and
other short-term corporate debt obligations of U.S. and foreign corporations;
and (e) repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers with respect to such
securities.

                  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may agree to purchase
securities from a bank or recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commit
to resell the securities to the bank or dealer at an agreed-upon date and price
reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of
the purchased securities ("repurchase agreements"). Such Fund would maintain
custody of the underlying securities prior to their repurchase; thus, the
obligation of the bank or dealer to pay the repurchase price on the date agreed
to would be, in effect, secured by such securities. If the value of such
securities were less than the repurchase price, plus interest, the other party
to the agreement would be required to provide additional collateral so that at
all times the collateral is at least equal to the repurchase price plus accrued
interest. Default by or bankruptcy of a seller would expose a Fund to possible
loss because of adverse market action, expenses and/or delays in connection with
the disposition of the underlying obligations. The financial institutions with
which a Fund may enter into repurchase agreements will be banks and non-bank
dealers of U.S. Government securities that are listed on the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York's list of reporting dealers, if such banks and non-bank dealers
are deemed creditworthy by the Fund's adviser. A Fund's adviser will continue to
monitor creditworthiness of the seller under a repurchase agreement, and will
require the seller to maintain during the term of the agreement the value of the
securities subject to the agreement to equal at least the repurchase price
(including accrued interest). In addition, the

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   154
Fund's adviser will require that the value of this collateral, after transaction
costs (including loss of interest) reasonably expected to be incurred on a
default, be equal to or greater than the repurchase price (including accrued
premium) provided in the repurchase agreement or the daily amortization of the
difference between the purchase price and the repurchase price specified in the
repurchase agreement. The Fund's adviser will mark-to-market daily the value of
the securities. There are no percentage limits on a Fund's ability to enter into
repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans by the
Fund under the 1940 Act.

                  REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS. Each Fund may
enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities
for temporary purposes (such as to obtain cash to meet redemption requests when
the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed disadvantageous or
inconvenient by the Adviser). Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of
securities held by a Fund pursuant to such Fund's agreement to repurchase them
at a mutually agreed upon date, price and rate of interest. At the time a Fund
enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish and maintain a
segregated account with an approved custodian containing cash or liquid
securities having a value not less than the repurchase price (including accrued
interest). The assets contained in the segregated account will be
marked-to-market daily and additional assets will be placed in such account on
any day in which the assets fall below the repurchase price (plus accrued
interest). A Fund's liquidity and ability to manage its assets might be affected
when it sets aside cash or portfolio securities to cover such commitments.
Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the
securities retained in lieu of sale may decline below the price of the
securities a Fund has sold but is obligated to repurchase. In the event the
buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or
becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an
extension of time to determine whether to enforce a Fund's obligation to
repurchase the securities, and a Fund's use of the proceeds of the reverse
repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.
Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940
Act. Each Fund also may enter into "dollar rolls," in which it sells fixed
income securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts
to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities
on a specified future date. During the roll period, a Fund would forgo principal
and interest paid on such securities. A Fund would be compensated by the
difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future
purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial
sale. The Funds do not presently intend to invest more than 5% of net assets in
reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   155
                  WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES, DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS AND
FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or
on a forward commitment basis, and it may purchase or sell securities for
delayed delivery. These transactions occur when securities are purchased or sold
by a Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future to secure what is
considered an advantageous yield and price to a Fund at the time of entering
into the transaction. Although the Funds have not established a limit on the
percentage of their assets that may be committed in connection with such
transactions, they will maintain segregated accounts with their custodian
consisting of cash or liquid securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S.
currencies in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of their commitment in
connection with such purchase transactions. The assets contained in the
segregated account will be marked-to-market daily and additional assets will be
placed in such account on any day in which assets fall below the amount of its
commitment. Each Fund's liquidity and ability to manage its assets might be
affected when it sets aside cash or portfolio fund securities to cover such
commitments. When a Fund engages in when-issued transactions, it relies on the
seller to consummate the trade. Failure of the seller to do so may result in the
Fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price considered to
be advantageous. When-issued and forward commitment transactions involve the
risk that the price or yield obtained in a transaction may be less favorable
than the price or yield available in the market when the securities delivery
takes place. Each Fund currently anticipates that when-issued securities will
not exceed 25% of its net assets. Each Fund does not intend to engage in
when-issued purchases and forward commitments for speculative purposes but only
in furtherance of its investment objectives.

                  STAND-BY COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may from time to
time enter into stand-by commitment agreements. Such agreements commit a Fund,
for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a fixed income
securities which may be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer.
The price and coupon of the security is fixed at the time of the commitment. At
the time of entering into the agreement, a Fund is paid a commitment fee,
regardless of whether or not the security is ultimately issued. A Fund will
enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the security
underlying the commitment at a yield and price that is considered advantageous
to a Fund. Each Fund will not enter into a stand-by commitment with a remaining
term in excess of 45 days and it will limit its investment in such commitments
so that the aggregate purchase price of the securities subject to such
commitments, together with the value of portfolio securities subject to legal
restrictions on resale, will not exceed 10% of its assets taken at the time of
acquisition of such commitment or security. Each Fund will at all times maintain
a segregated account with its custodian consisting of cash or liquid securities
denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies in an aggregate amount equal

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   156
to the purchase price of the securities underlying the commitment. The assets
contained in the segregated account will be marked-to-market daily and
additional assets will be placed in such account on any day in which assets fall
below the amount of the purchase price. A Fund's liquidity and ability to manage
its assets might be affected when it sets aside cash or portfolio securities to
cover such commitments.

                  There can be no assurance that the securities subject to a
stand-by commitment will be issued and the value of the security, if issued, on
the delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. Because the
issuance of the security underlying the commitment is at the option of the
issuer, a Fund may bear the risk of a decline in the value of such security and
may not benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the
commitment period.

                  The purchase of a security subject to a stand-by commitment
agreement and the related commitment fee will be recorded on the date on which
the security can reasonably be expected to be issued, and the value of the
security will be adjusted by the amount of the commitment fee. In the event the
security is not issued, the commitment fee will be recorded as income on the
expiration date of the stand-by commitment. The Funds do not presently intend to
invest more than 5% of net assets in stand-by commitment agreements.

                  ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Each Fund does not presently intend to
invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities (including
repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days),
including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily
available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. The term
"illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be disposed
of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the
amount at which the Fund has valued the securities. Such securities may include,
among other things, loan participations and assignments, options purchased in
the over-the-counter markets, repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days, structured notes and restricted securities other than Rule 144A securities
that BEA has determined are liquid pursuant to guidelines established by the
Funds' Board of Directors. Because of the absence of any liquid trading market
currently for these investments, a Fund may take longer to liquidate these
positions than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although these
securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices
realized on such sales could be less than those originally paid by a Fund.
Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a
readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this
limitation. With respect to each Fund, repurchase agreements subject to demand
are deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice period.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   157
                  Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of
restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on
resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse
effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be
unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at
reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions
within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted
securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and
delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of
securities.

                  If otherwise consistent with their investment objectives and
policies, the Funds may purchase securities that are not registered under the
Securities Act but can be sold to "qualified institutional buyers" in accordance
with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. These securities will not be considered
illiquid so long as it is determined by the Adviser, under guidelines approved
by the Board of Directors, that an adequate trading market exists for the
securities. A Fund's investment in Rule 144A securities could increase the level
of illiquidity during any period that qualified institutional buyers become
uninterested in purchasing these securities.

                  The Adviser will monitor the liquidity of restricted
securities in a Fund under the supervision of the Board of Directors. In
reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser may consider, among others, the
following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the
frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers
wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential
purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security and (5) the
nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time
needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the
mechanics of the transfer). Where there are no readily available market
quotations, the security shall be valued at fair value as determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors of the Funds.

                  EMERGING GROWTH AND SMALLER CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES;
UNSEASONED ISSUERS. Each Fund will not invest in securities of unseasoned
issuers, including equity securities of unseasoned issuers which are not readily
marketable, if the aggregate investment in such securities would exceed 5% of
such Fund's net assets. The term "unseasoned" refers to issuers which, together
with their predecessors, have been in operation for less than three years.

                  LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. To increase income on its
investments, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities with an aggregate value of
up to 50% of its total assets (in the case of the Select Economic Value Equity
Fund, up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, including the loan collateral) to
broker/dealers and

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   158
other institutional investors. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities on a
short or long term basis to broker-dealers or institutional investors that the
Adviser deems qualified, but only when the borrower maintains, with a Fund's
custodian, collateral either in cash or money market instruments, in an amount
at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned (for the Select
Economic Value Equity Fund, at least equal to 102% of the market value of the
securities loaned), plus accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily
basis and adjusted accordingly. Collateral for such loans may include cash,
securities of the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or an
irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank which is deemed creditworthy by
the Adviser. In determining whether to lend securities to a particular
broker-dealer or institutional investor, the Adviser will consider, and during
the period of the loan will monitor, all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower. Such loans would involve risks
of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the
collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in
recovering the securities loaned or even the loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower of the securities fail financially. Default by or bankruptcy
of a borrower would expose the Funds to possible loss because of adverse market
action, expenses and/or delays in connection with the disposition of the
underlying securities.

                  BORROWING. Each Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3 percent of its
total assets. The Adviser intends to borrow only for temporary or emergency
purposes, including to meet portfolio redemption requests so as to permit the
orderly disposition of portfolio securities, or to facilitate settlement
transactions on portfolio securities. Additional investments will not be made
when borrowings exceed 5% of a Fund's total assets. Although the principal of
such borrowings will be fixed, a Fund's assets may change in value during the
time the borrowing is outstanding. Each Fund expects that some of its borrowings
may be made on a secured basis. In such situations, either the custodian will
segregate the pledged assets for the benefit of the lender or arrangements will
be made with a suitable subcustodian, which may include the lender.

                  COMMON INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES --
               INTERNATIONAL GROWTH, EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH, U.S.
              EQUITY, U.S. FIXED INCOME, HIGH YIELD, GLOBAL INCOME
                            AND SELECT EQUITY FUNDS

                  U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The U.S. Government securities in
which a Fund may invest include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as
Treasury bills, notes and bonds) and obligations issued by U.S. Government
agencies and instrumentalities, including securities that are supported by the
full faith and credit of the United States and securities that

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   159
are supported primarily or solely by the creditworthiness of the issuer (such as
securities of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Student Loan Marketing
Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority).

                  FOREIGN DEBT SECURITIES. The returns on foreign debt
securities reflect interest rates and other market conditions prevailing in
those countries and the effect of gains and losses in the denominated currencies
against the U.S. dollar, which have had a substantial impact on investment in
foreign fixed-income securities. The relative performance of various countries'
fixed-income markets historically has reflected wide variations relating to the
unique characteristics of each country's economy. Year-to-year fluctuations in
certain markets have been significant, and negative returns have been
experienced in various markets from time to time.

                  The foreign government securities in which the Funds may
invest generally consist of obligations issued or backed by national, state or
provincial governments or similar political subdivisions or central banks in
foreign countries. Foreign government securities also include debt obligations
of supranational entities, which include international organizations designated,
or backed by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or
development, international banking institutions and related government agencies.
Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the
"World Bank"), the European Coal and Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank
and the InterAmerican Development Bank.

                  Foreign government securities also include debt securities of
"quasi-governmental agencies" and debt securities denominated in multinational
currency units of an issuer (including supranational issuers). Debt securities
of quasi-governmental agencies are issued by entities owned by either a
national, state or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit
that is not backed by the national government's full faith and credit and
general taxing powers. An example of a multinational currency unit is the
European Currency Unit ("ECU"). An ECU represents specified amounts of the
currencies of certain member states of the European Economic Community. The
specific amounts of currencies comprising the ECU may be adjusted by the Council
of Ministers of the European Community to reflect changes in relative values of
the underlying currencies.

                  BRADY BONDS. Each Fund may invest in so-called "Brady Bonds,"
which are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank
loans to Latin American public and private entities for new bonds in connection
with debt restructurings under a debt restructuring plan announced by former
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan"). Brady Bonds
may be collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies
(primarily the

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   160
U.S. dollar) and are currently actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary
market for Latin American debt instruments.

                  Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be
fixed rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are collateralized in full
as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as
the bonds. Interest payments on these Brady Bonds generally are collateralized
by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is
equal to at least one year of rolling interest payments or, in the case of
floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year's rolling interest
payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at
regular intervals thereafter.

                  All Mexican Brady Bonds issued to date, except New Money
Bonds, have principal repayments at final maturity fully collateralized by U.S.
Treasury zero coupon bonds (or comparable collateral in other currencies) and
interest coupon payments collateralized on an 18-month rolling-forward basis by
funds held in escrow by an agent for the bondholders. Approximately half of the
Venezuelan Brady Bonds issued to date have principal repayments at final
maturity collateralized by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds (or comparable
collateral in other currencies), while slightly more than half have interest
coupon payments collateralized on a 14-month rolling-forward basis by securities
held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as collateral agent.

                  Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation
components: the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; the
collateralized interest payments; the uncollateralized interest payments; and
any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constituting the "residual risk").

                  LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. Each Fund may invest in
fixed and floating rate loans ("Loans") arranged through private negotiations
between a foreign government and one or more financial institutions ("Lenders").
The majority of the Funds' investments in Loans in Latin America are expected to
be in the form of participations in Loans ("Participations") and assignments of
portions of Loans from third parties ("Assignments"). Participations typically
will result in a Fund having a contractual relationship only with the Lender,
not with the borrower. A participating Fund will have the right to receive
payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from
the Lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the Lender of the
payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, a Fund
generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the
terms of the loan agreement relating to the Loan ("Loan Agreement"), nor any
rights of set-off against the borrower, and a Fund may not directly benefit from
any collateral supporting the Loan in which it has purchased the Participation.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   161
As a result, participating Funds will assume the credit risk of both the
borrower and the Lender that is selling the Participation. In the event of the
insolvency of the Lender selling a Participation, a Fund may be treated as a
general creditor of the Lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the
Lender and the borrower. The Funds will acquire Participations only if the
Lender interpositioned between the Funds and the borrower is determined by the
Adviser to be creditworthy. Each Fund currently anticipates that it will not
invest more than 5% of its net assets in Loan Participations and Assignments.

                  CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. A convertible security is a bond,
debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or
exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different
issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A
convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on
debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security
matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible
securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in
that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher
yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but
are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. While no
securities investment is completely without risk, investments in convertible
securities generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock,
although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon
the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a
fixed-income security. Convertible securities have unique investment
characteristics in that they generally (1) have higher yields than common
stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (2) are
less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have
fixed-income characteristics and (3) provide the potential for capital
appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases. Most
convertible securities currently are issued by U.S. companies, although a
substantial Eurodollar convertible securities market has developed, and the
markets for convertible securities denominated in local currencies are
increasing.

                  The value of a convertible security is a function of its
"investment value" (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of
other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a
conversion privilege) and its "conversion value" (the security's worth, at
market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment
value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with
investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest
rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have
an effect

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   162
on the convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a
convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common
stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the
price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment
value. Generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security
approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common
stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible
security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible
security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the
extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying
common stock while holding a fixed-income security.

                  The Funds have no current intention of converting any
convertible securities they may own into equity securities or holding them as
equity securities upon conversion, although they may do so for temporary
purposes. A convertible security might be subject to redemption at the option of
the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing
instrument. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption,
the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert
it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. The Funds will
invest in convertible securities without regard to their credit rating. See
"Risk Factors and Special Considerations -- Lower-Rated Securities" in the
Prospectus.

                  MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Funds may invest in
mortgage-backed securities, such as those issued by the Government National
Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal National Mortgage Association
("FNMA"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") or certain
foreign issuers, as well as by private issuers such as commercial investment
banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers and private mortgage
insurance companies. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect
participations in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by
real property. The mortgages backing these securities include, among other
mortgage instruments, conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgages, 15-year fixed
rate mortgages, graduated payment mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages. The
government or the issuing agency typically guarantees the payment of interest
and principal of these securities. However, the guarantees do not extend to the
securities' yield or value, which are likely to vary inversely with fluctuations
in interest rates, nor do the guarantees extend to the yield or value of the
Fund's shares. These securities generally are "pass-through" instruments,
through which the holders receive a share of all interest and principal payments
from the mortgages underlying the securities, net of certain fees.

                  Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted by
investment dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   163
underlying instruments and the associated average life assumption. The average
life of pass-through pools varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage
loans. A pool's term may be shortened by unscheduled or early payments of
principal on the underlying mortgages. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is
affected by various factors, including the level of interest rates, general
economic conditions, the location, scheduled maturity and age of the mortgage
and other social and demographic conditions. Because prepayment rates of
individual pools vary widely, it is not possible to predict accurately the
average life of a particular pool. For pools of fixed rate 30-year mortgages, a
common industry practice in the U.S. has been to assume that prepayments will
result in a 12-year average life. At present, pools, particularly those with
loans with other maturities or different characteristics, are priced on an
assumption of average life determined for each pool.

                  Although certain mortgage-related securities are guaranteed by
a third party or are otherwise similarly secured, the market value of the
security, which may fluctuate, is not so secured. If a Fund purchases a
mortgage-related security at a premium, that portion may be lost if there is a
decline in the market value of the security whether resulting from increases in
interest rates or prepayment of the underlying mortgage collateral. As with
other interest-bearing securities, the prices of such securities are inversely
affected by changes in interest rates. However, though the value of a
mortgage-related security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is
not necessarily true because in periods of declining interest rates mortgages
underlying securities are prone to prepayment. In periods of falling interest
rates, the rate of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual
average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. Conversely, in periods of
rising rates the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the
actual average life of the pool. However, these effects may not be present, or
may differ in degree, if the mortgage loans in the pools have adjustable
interest rates or other special payment terms, such as a prepayment charge.
Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield of mortgage-backed securities
to differ from the assumed average life yield. Reinvestment of prepayments may
occur at higher or lower interest rates than the original investment, thus
affecting a Fund's yield. For this and other reasons, a mortgage-related
security's stated maturity may be shortened by an unscheduled prepayment on
underlying mortgages and, therefore, it is not possible to predict accurately
the security's return to a Fund. Mortgage- related securities provide regular
payments consisting of interest and principal. No assurance can be given as to
the return a Fund will receive when these amounts are reinvested.

                  The rate of interest on mortgage-backed securities is lower
than the interest rates paid on the mortgages included in the underlying pool
due to the annual fees paid to the servicer of the mortgage pool for passing
through monthly payments to

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   164
certificate holders and to any guarantor, such as GNMA, and due to any yield
retained by the issuer. Actual yield to the holder may vary from the coupon
rate, even if adjustable, if the mortgage-backed securities are purchased or
traded in the secondary market at a premium or discount. In addition, there is
normally some delay between the time the issuer receives mortgage payments from
the servicer and the time the issuer makes the payments on the mortgage-backed
securities, and this delay reduces the effective yield to the holder of such
securities.

                  COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS. The Funds may also
purchase collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") issued by a U.S.
Government instrumentality which are backed by a portfolio of mortgages or
mortgage-backed securities. The issuer's obligations to make interest and
principal payments is secured by the underlying portfolio of mortgages or
mortgage-backed securities. Generally, CMOs are partitioned into several classes
with a ranked priority by which the classes of obligations are redeemed. These
securities may be considered mortgage derivatives. The Funds may only invest in
CMOs issued by FHLMC, FNMA or other agencies of the U.S. Government or
instrumentalities established or sponsored by the U.S. Government.

                  CMOs provide an investor with a specified interest in the cash
flow of a pool of underlying mortgages or other mortgage-related securities.
Issuers of CMOs frequently elect to be taxed as pass-through entities known as
real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs"). CMOs are issued in multiple
classes, each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final
distribution date. Coupons can be fixed or variable. If variable, they can move
with or in the reverse direction of interest rates. The coupon changes could be
a multiple of the actual rate change and there may be limitations on what the
coupon can be. Cash flows of pools can also be divided into a principal only
class and an interest only class. In this case the principal only class will
only receive principal cash flows from the pool. All interest cash flows go to
the interest only class. The relative payment rights of the various CMO classes
may be structured in many ways, either sequentially or by other rules of
priority. Generally, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the
order of their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will
be made on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity
date are paid in full. Sometimes, however, CMO classes are "parallel pay," i.e.
payments of principal are made to two or more classes concurrently. CMOs may
exhibit more or less price volatility and interest rate risk than other types of
mortgaged- related obligations.

                  The CMO structure returns principal to investors sequentially,
rather than according to the pro rata method of a pass-through. In the
traditional CMO structure, all classes (called tranches) receive interest at a
stated rate, but only one

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   165
class at a time receives principal. All principal payments received on the
underlying mortgages or securities are first paid to the "fastest pay" tranche.
After this tranche is retired, the next tranche in the sequence becomes the
exclusive recipient of principal payments. This sequential process continues
until the last tranche is retired. In the event of sufficient early repayments
on the underlying mortgages, the "fastest-pay" tranche generally will be retired
prior to its maturity. Thus the early retirement of a particular tranche of a
CMO held by a Fund would have the same effect as the prepayment of mortgages
underlying a mortgage-backed pass-through security as described above.

                  ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest in asset-backed
securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable
from, assets such as motor vehicle installment sales, installment loan
contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property and receivables
from revolving credit (credit card) agreements. The Funds may also invest in
other types of asset-backed securities that may be available in the future. Such
assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose
corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest may be
guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of
credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated
with the trust or corporation. The estimated life of an asset-backed security
varies with the prepayment experience with respect to the underlying debt
instruments. The rate of such prepayments, and hence the life of the
asset-backed security, will be primarily a function of current market rates,
although other economic and demographic factors will be involved. In certain
circumstances, asset-backed securities may be considered illiquid securities
subject to the percentage limitations described above. Asset-backed securities
are considered an industry for industry concentration purposes, and a Fund will
therefore not purchase any asset-backed securities which would cause 25% or more
of a Fund's net assets at the time of purchase to be invested in asset-backed
securities.

                  Asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not
presented by other securities in which a Fund may invest. Automobile receivables
generally are secured by automobiles. Most issuers of automobile receivables
permit the loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If
the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk
that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of
the asset-backed securities. In addition, because of the large number of
vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state
laws, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have a
proper security interest in the underlying automobiles. Therefore, there is the
possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be
available to support payments on these securities. Credit card receivables

                                     -14-
<PAGE>   166
are generally unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a
number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such
debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby
reducing the balance due.

                  ZERO COUPON SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest in "zero coupon"
U.S. Treasury, foreign government and U.S. and foreign corporate debt
securities, which are bills, notes and bonds that have been stripped of their
unmatured interest coupons and receipts or certificates representing interests
in such stripped debt obligations and coupons. Each Fund currently anticipates
that zero coupon securities will not exceed 5% of its net assets. A zero coupon
security pays no interest to its holder prior to maturity. Accordingly, such
securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and
will be subject to greater fluctuations of market value in response to changing
interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current
distributions of interest. The Funds anticipate that they will not normally hold
zero coupon securities to maturity. Federal tax law requires that a holder of a
zero coupon security accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was
purchased as income each year, even though the holder receives no interest
payment on the security during the year.

                  STRUCTURED NOTES. The Funds may invest in structured notes.
The distinguishing feature of a structured note is that the amount of interest
and/or principal payable on the notes is based on the performance of a benchmark
asset or market other than fixed-income securities or interest rates. Examples
of a benchmark include stock prices, currency exchange rates and physical
commodity prices. Investing in a structured note allows a Fund to gain exposure
to the benchmark market while fixing the maximum loss that the Fund may
experience in the event that the market does not perform as expected. The
performance tie can be a straight relationship or leveraged, although the
Adviser generally will not use leverage in its structured note strategies.
Normally, these bonds are issued by U.S. Government Agencies and investment
banks arrange the structuring. Depending on the terms of the note, a Fund may
forego all or part of the interest and principal that would be payable on a
comparable conventional note; a Fund's loss cannot exceed this foregone interest
and/or principal. An investment in a structured note involves risks similar to
those associated with a direct investment in the benchmark asset. Structured
notes will be treated as illiquid securities for investment limitation purposes.

                  ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS--NON-
INVESTMENT GRADE FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. When and if available, fixed-income
securities may be purchased by a Fund at a discount from face value. From time
to time, a Fund may purchase securities in default with respect to the paying of
principal

                                      -15-
<PAGE>   167
and/or interest at the time acquired if, in the opinion of the Adviser, such
securities have the potential for future capital appreciation.

                  Debt securities purchased by the Funds may bear fixed, fixed
and contingent or variable rates of interest and may involve equity features
such as conversion or exchange rights or warrants for the acquisition of stock
of the same or a different issuer; participations based on revenues, sales or
profits, or the purchase of common stock in a unit transaction (where corporate
debt securities and common stock are offered as a unit). Conversion of certain
debt securities may reduce net income per share and net asset value per share.
The occurrence of any income dilution of previously outstanding shares of common
stock when debt securities are converted will depend upon whether a Fund can,
from the investments made with the proceeds of the debt securities, earn an
amount per share issuable upon conversion at least equal to the amount earned
with respect to shares of common stock outstanding prior to conversion. If debt
securities are converted at a time when the net asset value per share of common
stock is greater than the conversion price, the conversion will result in a
decrease or dilution in then current net asset value per share of common stock.

                  The value of the lower rated fixed income securities that the
Funds purchase may fluctuate more than the value of higher rated debt
securities. These lower rated fixed income securities generally tend to reflect
short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher
rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. Changes in the value of securities subsequent to their
acquisition will not affect cash income or yields to maturity to a Fund but will
be reflected in the net asset value of a Fund's shares. The Funds attempt to
reduce risk through credit analysis and attention to current developments and
trends in both the economy and financial markets. There can be no assurance that
such attempts will be successful.

                  Lower-rated debt securities may include zero coupon securities
or pay-in-kind securities. A zero coupon security bears no interest but is
issued at a discount from its value at maturity. When held to maturity, its
entire return equals the difference between its issue price and its maturity
value. Pay-in-kind securities typically do not provide for cash interest
payments but instead provide for the issuance of additional debt securities of
the issuer in the face amount of the interest payment amount due in lieu of a
cash payment. The market prices of both of these securities are affected to a
greater extent by interest rate changes and thereby tend to be more volatile
than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.

                  There are also special considerations associated with
investing in lower-rated debt securities structured as zero coupon or
pay-in-kind securities. For example, a Fund must

                                      -16-
<PAGE>   168
include the interest ("original issue discount") on these securities in
determining the amount of its required distributions to shareholders for federal
income tax and federal excise tax purposes, even though it receives no cash
interest until the security's maturity or payment date. Therefore, in order to
satisfy these distribution requirements, a Fund may have to sell some of its
assets without regard to their investment merit to obtain cash to distribute to
shareholders. These actions may occur under disadvantageous circumstances and
are likely to reduce a Fund's assets and may thereby increase its expense ratio
and decrease its rate of return. For additional information concerning these tax
considerations, see "Taxes" below. From time to time, a Fund may also purchase
securities not paying interest at the time acquired if, in the opinion of the
Fund's Adviser, such securities have the potential for future income or capital
appreciation.

                  HEDGING. Each of the Funds may engage in various hedging
strategies. See "Certain Investment Strategies -- Foreign Currency Transactions"
in the Prospectus.

                  FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS. Each Fund may use forward currency
contracts to protect against uncertainty in the level of future exchange rates
and to enhance total return. The Funds may also enter into forward currency
contracts with respect to specific transactions. For example, when a Fund
anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of interest payments on a security
that it holds, a Fund may desire to "lock-in" the U.S. dollar price of the
security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such payment, as the case may be, by
entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of
U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying
transaction. A Fund will thereby be able to protect itself against a possible
loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the currency
exchange rates during the period between the date on which the security is
purchased or sold, or on which the payment is declared, and the date on which
such payments are made or received.

                  The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the
value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the
future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a
consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the
date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. Accordingly,
it may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the
spot (i.e., cash) market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market
value of the security is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is
obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security and make
delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the
spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of a Fund
security if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency a Fund is
obligated to deliver. The projection

                                      -17-
<PAGE>   169
of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the
successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.

                  Forward contracts involve the risk that anticipated currency
movements will not be accurately predicted, causing a Fund to sustain losses on
these contracts and transaction costs. A Fund may enter into a forward contract
and maintain a net exposure on such contract only if (1) the consummation of the
contract would not obligate a Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in
excess of the value of a Fund's portfolio securities or other assets denominated
in that currency or (2) a Fund maintains cash or liquid securities in a
segregated account with its custodian in the amount prescribed. Under normal
circumstances, consideration of the prospect for currency parities will be
incorporated into the longer term investment decisions made with regard to
overall diversification strategies. However, the Adviser believes that it is
important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it
determines that the best interests of a Fund will be served.

                  At or before the maturity date of a forward contract requiring
a Fund to sell a currency, the Funds may either sell a portfolio security and
use the sale proceeds to make delivery of the currency or retain the security
and offset its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing a
second contract pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on the same maturity
date, the same amount of the currency that it is obligated to deliver.
Similarly, the Funds may close out a forward contract requiring them to purchase
a specified currency by entering into a second contract entitling them to sell
the same amount of the same currency on the maturity date of the first contract.
A Fund would realize a gain or loss as a result of entering into such an
offsetting forward currency contract under either circumstance to the extent the
exchange rate or rates between the currencies involved moved between the
execution dates of the first contract and the offsetting contract.

                  The cost to a Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts
will vary with factors such as the currencies involved, the length of the
contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward
currency contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or
commissions are involved. The use of forward currency contracts will not
eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the underlying securities a Fund owns or
intends to acquire, but it will fix a rate of exchange in advance. In addition,
although forward currency contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in
the value of the hedged currencies, at the same time they limit any potential
gain that might result should the value of the currencies increase. Moreover,
investors should be aware that dollar-denominated securities may not be
available in some or all foreign countries, that the forward currency market for
the purchase of U.S. dollars in many foreign countries is not highly

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   170
developed and that in certain countries no forward market for foreign currencies
currently exists or that such market may be closed to investment by a Fund.

                  Although a Fund will value its assets daily in terms of U.S.
dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into
U.S. dollars on a daily basis. The Funds may convert foreign currency from time
to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion.
Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do
realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are
buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a
foreign currency to a Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange
should a Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.

                  OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Funds, except the Municipal
Bond Fund, may write covered call options, buy put options, buy call options and
write put options, without limitation except as noted in this paragraph. Such
options may relate to particular securities or to various indexes and may or may
not be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the Options
Clearing Corporation. The Funds may also invest in futures contracts and options
on futures contracts (index futures contracts or interest rate futures
contracts, as applicable) for hedging purposes (including currency hedging) or
for other purposes so long as aggregate initial margins and premiums required
for non-hedging positions do not exceed 5% of its net assets, after taking into
account any unrealized profits and losses on any such contracts it has entered
into. See Appendix "B" for a description of futures contracts and options on
futures contracts and the risks thereof.

                  Options trading is a highly specialized activity which entails
greater than ordinary investment risks. Options on particular securities may be
more volatile than the underlying securities, and therefore, on a percentage
basis, an investment in the underlying securities themselves. A Fund will write
call options only if they are "covered." In the case of a call option on a
security, the option is "covered" if a Fund owns the security underlying the
call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without
additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required,
liquid assets in such amount as are held in a segregated account by its
custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by it. For a
call option on an index, the option is covered if a Fund maintains with its
custodian liquid assets equal to the contract value. A call option is also
covered if a Fund holds a call on the same security or index as the call written
where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the
exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of
the call written provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid
assets in a segregated account with its custodian.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   171
                  When a Fund purchases a put option, the premium paid by it is
recorded as an asset of the Fund. When a Fund writes an option, an amount equal
to the net premium (the premium less the commission) received by the Fund is
included in the liability section of the Fund's statement of assets and
liabilities as a deferred credit. The amount of this asset or deferred credit
will be subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option
purchased or written. The current value of the traded option is the last sale
price or, in the absence of a sale, the mean between the last bid and asked
prices. If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes
a loss equal to the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale
transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the
premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium
paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a
Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a
closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a
closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is
sold) and the deferred credit related to such option will be eliminated. If an
option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be
increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a
gain or loss.

                  There are several risks associated with transactions in
options on securities and indexes. For example, there are significant
differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an
imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to
achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular
options, whether traded over-the-counter or on a national securities exchange
("Exchange"), may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may
be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed
by an Exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading
halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities; unusual or
unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an Exchange; the
facilities of an Exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all
times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or one or more Exchanges
could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date
to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of
options), in which event the secondary market on that Exchange (or in that class
or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that
had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on
that Exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

                  SHORT SALES "AGAINST THE BOX." In a short sale, a Fund sells a
borrowed security and has a corresponding obligation to the lender to return the
identical security. Each Fund may

                                      -20-
<PAGE>   172
engage in short sales if at the time of the short sale it owns or has the right
to obtain, at no additional cost, an equal amount of the security being sold
short. This investment technique is known as a short sale "against the box." In
a short sale, a seller does not immediately deliver the securities sold and is
said to have a short position in those securities until delivery occurs. If a
Fund engages in a short sale, the collateral for the short position will be
maintained by the Fund's custodian or a qualified sub-custodian. While the short
sale is open, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account an amount of
securities equal in kind and amount to the securities sold short or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for such equivalent securities. These
securities constitute the Fund's long position. A Fund may, however, make a
short sale as a hedge, when it believes that the price of a security may
decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund (or a
security convertible or exchangeable for such security), or when the Fund wants
to sell the security at an attractive current price, but also wishes possibly to
defer recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. (A short sale
against the box will defer recognition of gain for federal income tax purposes
only if the Fund subsequently closes the short position by making a purchase of
the relevant securities no later than 30 days after the end of the taxable
year.) In such case, any future losses in the Fund's long position should be
reduced by a gain in the short position. Conversely, any gain in the long
position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The extent to which
such gains or losses are reduced will depend upon the amount of the security
sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns. There will be certain
additional transaction costs associated with short sales against the box, but
the Fund will endeavor to offset these costs with the income from the investment
of the cash proceeds of short sales. The Funds do not presently intend to invest
more than 5% of net assets in short sales against the box.

                  SECTION 4(2) PAPER. "Section 4(2) paper" is commercial paper
which is issued in reliance on the "private placement" exemption from
registration which is afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities
laws and is generally sold to institutional investors such as the Funds which
agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment and not with a view to
public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be in an exempt
transaction. Section 4(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional
investors through or with the assistance of investment dealers who make a market
in the Section 4(2) paper, thereby providing liquidity. See "Illiquid
Securities" above. See Appendix "A" for a list of commercial paper ratings.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>   173
               SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES --
           INTERNATIONAL GROWTH, EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH, U.S. EQUITY
                             AND SELECT EQUITY FUNDS

                  RIGHTS OFFERINGS AND PURCHASE WARRANTS. Rights offerings and
purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner
to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at
a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights
normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants
involves the risk that a Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or
warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to
the rights and warrants expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants
involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant
added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of
the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no movement in the
level of the underlying security.

                                      -22-
<PAGE>   174

                       SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES --
                               MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

                  Opinions relating to the validity of Municipal Obligations and
to the exemption of interest thereon from federal income tax are rendered by
bond counsel to the respective issuers at the time of issuance, and opinions
relating to the validity of and the tax-exempt status of payments received by
the Fund from tax-exempt derivative securities are rendered by counsel to the
respective sponsors of such securities. The Fund and the Adviser will rely on
such opinions and will not review independently the underlying proceedings
relating to the issuance of Municipal Obligations, the creation of any
tax-exempt derivative securities, or the basis for such opinions.

                  The Tax Reform Act of 1986 substantially revised provisions of
prior law affecting the issuance and use of proceeds of certain Municipal
Obligations. A new definition of private activity bonds applies to many types of
bonds, including those which were industrial development bonds under prior law.
Interest on private activity bonds issued after August 15, 1986 is tax-exempt
only if the bonds fall within certain defined categories of qualified private
activity bonds and meet the requirements specified in those respective
categories. In addition, interest on certain private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986 that is received by taxpayers subject to federal alternative
minimum tax is taxable. The Act has generally not changed the tax treatment of
bonds issued to finance governmental operations. As used in this Statement of
Additional Information, the term "private activity bonds" also includes
industrial development revenue bonds issued prior to the effective date of the
provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Investors should also be aware of the
possibility of state and local alternative minimum or minimum income tax
liability on interest from Alternative Minimum Tax Securities.

                  Although the Municipal Bond Fund may invest 25% or more of its
net assets in Municipal Obligations the interest on which is paid solely from
revenues of similar projects, and may invest up to 40% of its total assets in
private activity bonds when added together with any taxable investments held by
the Municipal Bond Fund, it does not presently intend to do so unless in the
opinion of the Adviser the investment is warranted. To the extent the Municipal
Bond Fund's assets are invested in Municipal Obligations payable from the
revenues of similar projects or are invested in private activity bonds, the
Municipal Bond Fund will be subject to the peculiar risks presented by the laws
and economic conditions relating to such projects and bonds to a greater extent
than it would be if its assets were not so invested.

                                      -23-
<PAGE>   175
                             INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

                  The Funds have adopted the following fundamental investment
limitations, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding Shares (as defined in Section
2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act). Each Fund may not:

                  1. Borrow money, except from banks, and only if after such
borrowing there is asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings of the
Fund; or mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any of its assets except in connection
with any such borrowing and in amounts not in excess of the lesser of the dollar
amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time
of such borrowing;

                  2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the
1940 Act;

                  3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of
the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter
upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation
on purchases of restricted securities;

                  4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited
partnership interests), provided that a Fund may invest in securities secured by
real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real
estate or interests therein;

                  5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except
that a Fund may deal in forward foreign exchange transactions between currencies
of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock
index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency
futures contracts and related options on such futures;

                  6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio instruments
and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the
acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein
and investment in government obligations, Loan Participations and Assignments,
short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances
shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; and

                  7. Purchase any securities, which would cause 25% or more of
the value of the Fund's total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in
the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business
activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with
respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any
state,

                                      -24-
<PAGE>   176
territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of
their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and
(ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i);
(b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of
their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the
activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their
services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and
telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

                  For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 1, collateral
arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and
collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not
deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase
or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior
security for purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2.

                  In addition to the fundamental investment limitations
specified above, a Fund may not:

                           1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising
         control or management, but investments by a Fund in wholly-owned
         investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will
         not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising
         control or management;

                           2. Purchase securities on margin, except for
         short-term credits necessary for clearance of portfolio transactions,
         and except that a Fund may make margin deposits in connection with its
         use of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts and
         forward contracts;

                           3. Purchase or sell interests in mineral leases, oil,
         gas or other mineral exploration or development programs, except that a
         Fund may invest in securities issued by companies that engage in oil,
         gas or other mineral exploration or development activities; and

                  The policies set forth above are not fundamental and thus may
be changed by the Funds' Board of Directors without a vote of the shareholders.

                  Except as required by the 1940 Act with respect to the
borrowing of money, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of
investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change
in market values of portfolio securities or amount of total or net assets will
not be considered a violation of any of the foregoing restrictions.

                                      -25-
<PAGE>   177
                  Securities held by a Fund generally may not be purchased from,
sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors,
officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or
exemptive order under the 1940 Act.


                                  RISK FACTORS

                  FOREIGN SECURITIES.  Investments in foreign securities
are subject to certain risks, as discussed below.

                  Political, Economic and Market Factors. Investments in foreign
securities involve risks relating to political and economic developments abroad,
as well as those that result from the differences between the regulations to
which U.S. and foreign issuers are subject. These risks may include
expropriation, confiscatory taxation, withholding taxes on dividends and
interest, limitations on the use or transfer of a Fund's assets and political or
social instability or diplomatic developments. Moreover, individual foreign
economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions.
Securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid, and their prices may be
more volatile, than those of securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Brokerage
commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in
foreign securities markets are generally more expensive than in the United
States. Such markets have different clearance and settlement procedures and in
certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep
pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct
such transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation
of exchanges, brokers and issuers in foreign securities markets than there is in
the United States.

                  In addition, substantial limitations may exist in certain
countries with respect to the Funds' ability to repatriate investment income,
capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. The Funds
could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required
government approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application
to the Funds of any restrictions on investments.

                  Reporting Standards. Most of the foreign securities held by
the Funds will not be registered with the SEC, nor will the issuers thereof be
subject to SEC or other U.S. reporting requirements. Accordingly, there will be
less publicly available information concerning foreign issuers of securities
held by the Funds than will be available concerning U.S. companies. Foreign
companies, and in particular, companies in emerging markets, are not generally
subject to uniform accounting, auditing and

                                      -26-
<PAGE>   178
financial reporting standards or to other regulatory requirements comparable to
those applicable to U.S. companies.

                  Exchange Rate Fluctuations. Because foreign securities
ordinarily will be denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes
in foreign currency exchange rates will affect a Fund's net asset value, the
value of interest and dividends earned, gains and losses realized on the sale of
securities and net investment income and capital gain, if any, to be distributed
to shareholders by a Fund. If the value of a foreign currency rises against the
U.S. dollar, the value of a Fund's assets denominated in that currency will
increase; conversely, if the value of a foreign currency declines against the
U.S. dollar, the value of a Fund's assets denominated in that currency will
decrease. The exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies are
determined by supply and demand in the currency exchange markets, international
balances of payments, government intervention, speculation and other economic
and political conditions.

                  Investment Controls. In certain countries that currently
prohibit direct foreign investment in the securities of their companies,
indirect foreign investment in the securities of companies listed and traded on
the stock exchanges in these countries is permitted through investment funds
which have been specifically authorized. The Funds may invest in these
investment funds and registered investment companies subject to the provisions
of the 1940 Act. If these Funds invest in such investment companies, they will
each bear their proportionate share of the costs incurred by such companies,
including investment advisory fees.

                  Clearance and Settlement Procedures. Delays in clearance and
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of a Fund are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause a Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio
security due to settlement problems could result either in losses to a Fund due
to subsequent declines in the value of such portfolio security or, if a Fund has
entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability
to the purchaser.

                  Operating Expenses. The costs attributable to foreign
investing that a Fund must bear frequently are higher than those attributable to
domestic investing. For example, the cost of maintaining custody of foreign
securities exceeds custodian costs for domestic securities. Investment income on
certain foreign securities in which a Fund may invest may be subject to foreign
withholding or other taxes that could reduce the return on those securities. Tax
treaties between the United States and foreign countries however, may reduce or
eliminate the amount of foreign tax to which a Fund would be subject.

                                      -27-
<PAGE>   179
                  LOWER-RATED OR NON-RATED CRITERIA FOR DEBT SECURITIES. The
High Yield, U.S. Fixed Income, Global Income, and the Municipal Bond Funds have
established no rating criteria for the debt securities in which they may invest.
Issuers of low rated or non-rated securities ("high yield" securities, commonly
known as "junk bonds") may be highly leveraged and may not have available to
them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the risks associated with
acquiring the securities of such issuers generally are greater than is the case
with higher rated securities. For example, during an economic downturn or a
sustained period of rising interest rates, issuers of high yield securities may
be more likely to experience financial stress, especially if such issuers are
highly leveraged. During such periods, such issuers may not have sufficient
revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer's ability to
service its debt obligations also may be adversely affected by specific issuer
developments, or the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business
forecasts, or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due
to default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of lower-rated
securities because such securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to
other creditors of the issuer.

                  Lower-rated securities frequently have call or redemption
features which would permit an issuer to repurchase the security from a Fund. If
a call were exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates,
a Fund likely would have to replace such called security with a lower yielding
security, thus decreasing the net investment income to a Fund and dividends to
shareholders.

                  A Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain lower- rated
securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. The
secondary trading market for high yield securities is generally not as liquid as
the secondary market for higher rated securities. Reduced secondary market
liquidity may have an adverse impact on market price and a Fund's ability to
dispose of particular issues when necessary to meet a Fund's liquidity needs or
in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the issuer.

                  Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, which may not be
based on fundamental analysis, also may decrease the value and liquidity of
lower-rated securities, particularly in a thinly traded market. Factors
adversely affecting the market value of lower-rated securities are likely to
adversely affect a Fund's net asset value. In addition, a Fund may incur
additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default
on a portfolio holding or participate in the restructuring of the obligation.

                  Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit ratings
as a method for evaluating lower-rated debt securities. For example, credit
ratings evaluate the safety of principal and

                                      -28-
<PAGE>   180
interest payments, not the market risks involved in lower-rated debt securities.
Since credit rating agencies may fail to change the credit ratings in a timely
manner to reflect subsequent events, the Adviser will monitor the issuers of
lower-rated debt securities in the Funds to determine if the issuers will have
sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest
payments, and to assure the debt securities' liquidity so the Funds can meet
redemption requests. The Adviser will not necessarily dispose of a portfolio
security when its ratings have been changed.

                  SOVEREIGN DEBT. Investments in sovereign debt involve special
risks. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the
repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest
when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and the Fund may have
limited legal recourse in the event of a default.

                  Sovereign debt differs from debt obligations issued by private
entities in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts
of the defaulting party. Legal recourse is therefore somewhat limited. Political
conditions, especially a sovereign entity's willingness to meet the terms of its
debt obligations, are of considerable significance. Also, there can be no
assurance that the holders of commercial bank loans to the same sovereign entity
may not contest payments to the holders of sovereign debt in the event of
default under commercial bank loan agreements.

                  A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal
and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its
cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of
sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of
the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy
toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which a
sovereign debtor may be subject. Increased protectionism on the part of a
country's trading partners, or political changes in those countries, could also
adversely affect its exports. Such events could diminish a country's trade
account surplus, if any, or the credit standing of a particular local government
or agency.

                  The occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in
one or more of the countries issuing sovereign debt could adversely affect a
Fund's investments. Political changes or a deterioration of a country's domestic
economy or balance of trade may affect the willingness of countries to service
their sovereign debt. While the Adviser intends to manage the Funds in a manner
that will minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be no assurance that
adverse political changes will not cause a Fund to suffer a loss of interest or
principal on any of its holdings.

                                      -29-
<PAGE>   181
                  Investors should also be aware that certain sovereign debt
instruments in which a Fund may invest involve great risk. Sovereign debt issued
by issuers in many emerging markets generally is deemed to be the equivalent in
terms of quality to securities rated below investment grade by Moody's and S&P.
Such securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the
issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligations and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions.
Some of such sovereign debt, which may not be paying interest currently or may
be in payment default, may be comparable to securities rated "D" by S&P or "C"
by Moody's. A Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain sovereign debt
obligations because there may be a limited trading market for such securities.
Because there is no liquid secondary market for many of these securities, the
Funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of
dealers or institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may
have an adverse impact on the market price of such securities and a Fund's
ability to dispose of particular issues when necessary to meet a Fund's
liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, such as a
deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid
secondary market for certain securities also may make it more difficult for a
Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing a Fund's
portfolio and calculating its net asset value. When and if available, fixed
income securities may be purchased by a Fund at a discount from face value.
However, the Funds do not intend to hold such securities to maturity for the
purpose of achieving potential capital gains, unless current yields on these
securities remain attractive. From time to time, a Fund may purchase securities
not paying interest at the time acquired if, in the opinion of the Adviser, such
securities have the potential for future income or capital appreciation.


                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

                  The directors and executive officers of the Funds, their ages,
business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                        <C>
Richard N. Cooper* (64)                                     Director
Harvard University                                         Professor at Harvard University; National
1737 Cambridge Street                                      Intelligence Council from June 1995 until January
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138                             1997; Director or Trustee of Circuit City Stores,
                                                           Inc. (retail 
</TABLE>

- --------
*        Indicates a Director who is an "interested person" of the Funds as
         defined in the 1940 Act.

                                      -30-
<PAGE>   182
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                        <C>
                                                           electronics and appliances) and Phoenix
                                                           Home Life Mutual Insurance Company; Director/Trustee
                                                           of other investment companies advised by Warburg.

Jack W. Fritz (71)                                         Director
2425 North Fish Creek Road                                 Private investor; Consultant and Director of Fritz
P.O. Box 483                                               Broadcasting, Inc. and Fritz Communications
Wilson, Wyoming 83014                                      (developers and operators of radio stations);
                                                           Director of Advo, Inc. (direct mail advertising);


                                                           Director/Trustee of other investment companies advised by
                                                           Warburg.

John L. Furth* (67)                                        Chairman of the Board
466 Lexington Avenue                                       Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Director of
New York, New York 10017-3147                              Warburg; Associated with Warburg since 1970; Director
                                                           of Counsellors Securities; Chairman of the Board of
                                                           other investment companies advised by Warburg.

Jeffrey E. Garten (51)                                     Director
Box 208200                                                 Dean of Yale School of Management and William S.
New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8200                          Beinecke Professor in the Practice of International
                                                           Trade and Finance; Undersecretary of Commerce for
                                                           International Trade from November 1993 to October 1995;
                                                           Professor at Columbia University from September 1992 to
                                                           November 1993; Director/Trustee of other investment
                                                           companies advised by Warburg.
</TABLE>

- --------

*        Indicates a Director who is an "interested person" of the Funds as
         defined in the 1940 Act.

                                      -31-
<PAGE>   183
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                        <C>
[Insert Director to be Elected]                            Director
                                                           [Insert Biography]
</TABLE>

                                      -32-
<PAGE>   184
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                        <C>
Arnold M. Reichman* (50)                                   Director
466 Lexington Avenue                                       Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and
New York, New York 10017-3147                              Assistant Secretary of Warburg; Director of The RBB
                                                           Fund, Inc.; Associated with Warburg since 1984;
                                                           Director and officer of Counsellors Securities;
                                                           Director/Trustee of other investment companies advised by
                                                           Warburg.

Alexander B. Trowbridge (68)                               Director
1317 F Street                                              President of Trowbridge Partners, Inc. (business
5th Floor                                                  consulting) from January 1990 to November 1996;
Washington, DC  20004                                      Director or Trustee of New England Mutual Life
                                                           Insurance Co., ICOS Corporation (biopharmaceuticals),
                                                           Waste Management, Inc. (solid and hazardous waste
                                                           collection and disposal), IRI International (energy
                                                           services), The Rouse Company (real estate
                                                           development), Harris Corp. (electronics and
                                                           communications equipment), The Gillette Co. (personal
                                                           care products) and Sun Company Inc. (petroleum
                                                           refining and marketing); Director/Trustee of other
                                                           investment companies advised by Warburg.

[Insert BEA Director]                                      Director
                                                           [Insert Biography]

Eugene L. Podsiadlo (41)                                   President
466 Lexington Avenue                                       Managing Director of Warburg; Associated with Warburg
New York, New York 10017-3147                              since 1991; Officer of Counsellors Securities and
                                                           other investment companies advised by Warburg.
</TABLE>

- --------

*        Indicates a Director who is an "interested person" of the Funds as
         defined in the 1940 Act.

                                      -33-
<PAGE>   185
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                        <C>
Stephen Distler (44)                                       Vice President
466 Lexington Avenue                                       Managing Director of Warburg; Associated with Warburg
New York, New York 10017-3147                              since 1984; Treasurer of Counsellors Securities;
                                                           Officer of other investment companies advised by Warburg.

Eugene P. Grace (46)                                       Vice President and Secretary
466 Lexington Avenue                                       Senior Vice President of Warburg; Associated with
New York, New York 10017-3147                              Warburg since April 1994; Attorney-at-law from
                                                           September 1989-April 1994; Life insurance agent, New York Life
                                                           Insurance Company from 1993 to 1994; Officer of Counsellors
                                                           Securities and other investment companies advised by Warburg.

Howard Conroy, CPA (44)                                    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
466 Lexington Avenue                                       Vice President of Warburg; Associated with Warburg
New York, New York 10017-3147                              since 1992; Officer of other investment companies
                                                           advised by Warburg.


Daniel S. Madden, CPA (32)                                 Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer
466 Lexington Avenue                                       Vice President of Warburg; Associated with Warburg
New York, New York 10017-3147                              since 1995; Associated with BlackRock Financial
                                                           Management, Inc. from September 1994 to October 1995;
                                                           Associated with BEA Associates from April 1993 to September
                                                           1994; Associated with Ernst & Young LLP from 1990 to 1993;
                                                           Officer of other investment companies advised by Warburg.
</TABLE>

                                      -34-
<PAGE>   186
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                        <C>
Janna Manes, Esq. (30)                                     Assistant Secretary
466 Lexington Avenue                                       Vice President of Warburg; Associated with Warburg
New York, New York 10017-3147                              since 1996; Associated with the law firm of Willkie
                                                           Farr & Gallagher from 1993 to 1996; Officer of other investment
                                                           companies advised by Warburg.

Hal Liebes (34)                                            Assistant Secretary
153 East 53rd Street                                       Senior Vice President and General Counsel of BEA from March 1997
New York, New York 10022                                   to present; Vice President and Legal Counsel for BEA from June 1995
                                                           to March 1997; Chief Compliance Officer, CS First Boston Investment
                                                           Management from 1994 to 1995; Staff Attorney, Division of
                                                           Enforcement, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 1991 to
                                                           1994; Associate, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius from 1989 to 1991; Officer
                                                           of other investment companies advised by BEA.

Michael A. Pignataro (38)                                  Assistant Secretary
153 East 53rd Street                                       Vice President of BEA from December 1995 to present; Assistant
New York, New York 10022                                   Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for
                                                           Investment Companies of BEA from 1989 to December 1995; Officer
                                                           of other investment companies advised by BEA.

Wendy S. Setnicka (33)                                     Assistant Treasurer
153 East 53rd Street                                       Assistant Vice President of BEA from January 1997 to the present;
New York, New York 10022                                   Administrative Officer for Investment Companies of BEA from
                                                           November 1993 to the present; Supervisor of Fund Accounting and
                                                           Administration at Reich & Tang LP from June 1989 to November 1993;
                                                           Officer of other investment companies advised by BEA.

Rocco A. Del Guercio (35)                                  Assistant Treasurer
153 East 53rd Street                                       Administrative Officer for BEA-advised investment companies from
New York, New York 10022                                   June 1996 to the present; Assistant Treasurer, Bankers Trust Corp.
                                                           --Fund Administration from March 1994 to June 1996; Mutual Fund
                                                           Accounting Supervisor, Dreyfus Corporation from April 1987 to
                                                           March 1994; Officer of other investment companies advised by BEA.

</TABLE>


                  No employee of Warburg, PFPC Inc. and Counsellor Funds
Service, Inc., the Funds' co-administrators ("PFPC" and "Counsellors Funds
Service," respectively), or any of their affiliates, receives any compensation
from the Funds for acting as an officer or director of a Fund. Each Director who
is not a director, trustee, officer or employee of Warburg, PFPC, Counsellors
Funds Service or any of their affiliates receives an annual fee of $500 and $250
for each meeting of the Boards attended by him for his services as Director, and
is reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with his attendance at Board
meetings. Each member of the Audit Committee receives an annual fee of $250, and
the chairman of the Audit Committee receives an annual fee of $325.

            DIRECTORS' ESTIMATED COMPENSATION THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          All
                   Interna-     Emerging       U.S.        U.S.      Global       High     Munici-     Investment
                    tional      Markets       Equity      Fixed      Income       Yield      pal       Companies
    Name of         Growth        Fund         Fund       Income      Fund        Fund       Bond      Managed by
   Director          Fund                                  Fund                              Fund       Warburg+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>
John L.              None         None         None        None       None        None       None         None
Furth*                                                                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arnold M.            None         None         None        None       None        None       None         None
Reichman*                                                                     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard N.                                                                                              $44,500
Cooper                                                                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack W.                                                                                                 $44,500
Fritz                                                                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[****]                                                                                                    None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[****]                                                                                                  $44,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexander B.                                                                                            $44,500
Trowbridge                                                                    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

- ------------------

+        Each Director also serves as a Director or Trustee of 40 investment
         companies advised by Warburg.

*        Mr. Furth and Mr. Reichman receive compensation as affiliates of
         Warburg and, accordingly, receive no compensation from the Funds or any
         other investment company advised by Warburg.

                                      -35-
<PAGE>   187
                  As of [INSERT], 1998, Directors and officers as a group, owned
of record less than 1% of each Fund's outstanding Common Shares. No Director or
officer owned any of the Funds' outstanding Advisor Shares.


                 INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SERVICING ARRANGEMENTS

                  ADVISORY AGREEMENTS. BEA Associates (the "Adviser" or "BEA")
renders advisory and administrative services to each of the Funds pursuant to
Investment Advisory Agreements and Credit Suisse Asset Management Limited
("CSAM") serves as sub-investment adviser to the Global Income and Emerging
Markets II Funds pursuant to a Sub-investment Advisory Agreement (collectively,
the "Advisory Agreements"). Prior to the Reorganization, BEA rendered advisory
services to the predecessor to the Funds, corresponding series of The RBB Fund
(the "BEA Funds"). The Advisory Agreements relating to the BEA Funds are dated
September 16, 1992 for International Growth, the Emerging Markets Growth and
the High Yield Funds; and dated August 31, 1993 for the U.S. Core Equity, the
U.S. Core Fixed Income, the Global Income and Municipal Bond Funds. Such
advisory agreements are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "BEA
Advisory Agreements." The services provided by, and the fees payable by the BEA
Funds to BEA under the BEA Advisory Agreements are described in the
Prospectuses.

                  BEA is a diversified investment adviser, managing global
equity, fixed income and derivative securities accounts for private individuals,
as well as corporate pension and profit-sharing plans, state pension funds,
union funds, endowments and other charitable institutions. As of June 30, 1998,
BEA managed approximately $35.6 billion in assets. BEA is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Credit Suisse, the second largest Swiss bank, which in turn is a
subsidiary of CS Holding, a Swiss corporation. Active employees of BEA have a
long-term equity incentive plan. BEA is a registered investment advisor under
the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended.

                  As an investment adviser, BEA emphasizes a global investment
strategy. BEA currently acts as investment adviser for eleven other investment
companies registered under the 1940 Act. They are: BEA Strategic Global Income
Fund, Inc., BEA Income Fund, Inc., The Brazilian Equity Fund, Inc., The Chile
Fund, Inc., The Emerging Markets Infrastructure Fund, Inc., The Emerging Markets
Telecommunications Fund, Inc., The First Israel Fund, Inc., The Indonesia Fund,
Inc., The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc., The Latin America Investment Fund,
Inc., and The Portugal Fund, Inc. In addition, BEA acts as sub-adviser to
certain portfolios of twelve other registered investment companies: Frank
Russell Investment Company (Fixed Income III Fund and Multi-strategy Bond Fund),
Oppenheimer (LifeSpan Balanced Fund, LifeSpan Income Fund and LifeSpan Growth
Fund),

                                      -36-
<PAGE>   188
Panorama (LifeSpan Balanced Account, LifeSpan Capital Appreciation Account and
LifeSpan Diversified Income Account), SEI Institutional Managed Trust (High
Yield Bond Fund), WNL Series Trust (BEA Growth and Income Fund), Touchstone
International Equity Fund and Touchstone Variable Annuity International Equity
Fund.

                  CSAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit Suisse. Credit
Suisse had identified BEA and CSAM as its leading institutional international
asset management product centers. As of May 31, 1998, CSAM managed $143 billion
in discretionary assets. CSAM Limited is a registered investment adviser under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. CSAM's principal offices are
located at [INSERT].

                  BEA has sole investment discretion for the Funds and will
make all decisions affecting assets in the Funds under the supervision of the
Funds' Board of Directors and in accordance with each Fund's stated policies.
BEA will select investments for the Funds and will place purchase and sale
orders on behalf of the Funds. For its services to the International Growth,
Emerging Markets, U.S. Structured Core Equity, U.S. Core Fixed Income, Global
Income, High Yield, Municipal Bond and Select Economic Value Equity Funds, BEA
will be paid (before any voluntary waivers or reimbursements) a monthly fee
computed at an annual rate of .80%, 1.00%, .75%, .375%, .50%, .70%, .70% and
 .75% of average daily net assets, respectively.

                  For the fiscal years ended August 31, the BEA Funds paid BEA
advisory fees and BEA waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses of the BEA Funds as
follows:

AUGUST 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Fees Paid
           BEA Fund                        (after waivers)                     Waivers                  Reimbursements
           --------                        ---------------                     -------                  --------------
<S>                                       <C>                              <C>                       <C>
International                             $        5,300,316                           $0                        $0
    Equity
Emerging Markets                          $          988,002               $       18,498                        $0
    Equity
U.S. Core Equity                          $          537,237               $       27,626                        $0
U.S. Core Fixed                           $          357,196               $      177,539                        $0
     Income
Strategic Global                          $          180,945               $       27,305                       $0
     Fixed Income
High Yield                                $          393,841               $      233,336                       $0
Municipal Bond                            $           91,093               $       44,791                       $0
Select Economic                                          N/A                          N/A                      N/A
   Value Equity
</TABLE>

                                      -37-
<PAGE>   189
AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Fees Paid
           BEA Fund                        (after waivers)                     Waivers                  Reimbursements
           --------                        ---------------                     -------                  --------------
<S>                                       <C>                              <C>                         <C>
International                             $        5,993,072                           $0                        $0
     Equity
Emerging Markets                          $        1,289,739                           $0                        $0
     Equity
U.S. Core Equity                          $          234,890               $       93,430                        $0
U.S. Core Fixed Income                    $          316,147               $      134,639                        $0
     

Strategic Global                          $          103,144               $       53,915                       $0
     Fixed Income
High Yield                                $          542,590               $      100,763                       $0
Municipal Bond                            $           92,994               $       68,790                       $0
Select Economic                                          N/A                          N/A                      N/A
     Value Equity
</TABLE>

AUGUST 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Fees Paid
           BEA Fund                        (after waivers)                     Waivers                  Reimbursements
           --------                        ---------------                     -------                  --------------
<S>                                       <C>                              <C>                         <C>
International                             $        6,012,837                           $0                        $0
     Equity
Emerging Markets                          $        1,250,012               $       33,702                        $0
     Equity
U.S. Core Equity                          $           77,156               $       88,725                        $0
U.S. Core Fixed                           $          133,139               $      121,336                        $0
     Income
Strategic Global                          $           18,914               $       68,558                        $0
    Fixed Income
High Yield                                $        1,002,002                           $0                        $0
Municipal Bond                            $          295,376               $       38,740                        $0
Select Economic                                          N/A                          N/A                       N/A

     Value Equity
</TABLE>

                  Each class of a Fund bears all of its own expenses not
specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Funds not readily
identifiable as belonging to a particular Fund are allocated among all
investment funds by or under the direction of the Funds' Board of Directors in
such manner as the Board determines fair and accurate. Each of the Common Shares
and the Institutional Shares of the Funds pays its own administration fees, and
may pay a different share than the other classes of the Funds of other expenses
(excluding advisory and custodial fees) if those expenses are actually incurred
in a different amount by the Institutional Class or if either the Common or
Institutional Class receives different services.

                                      -38-
<PAGE>   190
                  Under the Advisory Agreements, BEA will not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Fund in
connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreements.

                  The Advisory Agreements and the Sub-investment Advisory
Agreements, if applicable, for each Fund were approved on July 20, 1998 by vote
of the Funds' Board of Directors, including a majority of those directors who
are not parties to the Advisory Agreements or interested persons (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of such parties (collectively, the "Warburg Advisory
Agreements"). The Warburg Advisory Agreements were approved by each Fund's
initial shareholder. Each Warburg Advisory Agreement is terminable by vote of
the Funds' Board of Directors or by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the relevant Fund, at any time without
penalty, on 60 days' written notice to BEA. Each of the Warburg Advisory
Agreements may also be terminated by BEA on 60 days' written notice to the
Fund. Each of the Warburg Advisory Agreements terminates automatically in the
event of assignment thereof.

                  CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENTS. Brown Brothers
Harriman & Co. ("BBH") acts as the custodian for the Funds and also acts as the
custodian for the Fund's foreign securities pursuant to a Custodian Agreement
(the "Custodian Agreement"). Under the Custodian Agreement, BBH (a) maintains a
separate account or accounts in the name of each Fund, (b) holds and transfers
portfolio securities on account of each Fund, (c) accepts receipts and makes
disbursements of money on behalf of each Fund, (d) collects and receives all
income and other payments and distributions on account of each Fund's portfolio
securities, and (e) makes periodic reports to the Funds' Board of Directors
concerning each Fund's operations. BBH is authorized to select one or more banks
or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Funds, provided
that BBH remains responsible for the performance of all its duties under the
Custodian Agreement and holds the Funds harmless from the negligent acts and
omissions of any sub-custodian. For its services to the Funds under the
Custodian Agreement, BBH receives a fee which is calculated based upon each
Fund's average daily gross assets, exclusive of transaction charges and
out-of-pocket expenses, which are also charged to the Funds.

                  State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") serves as
the transfer agent for the Funds. It has delegated to Boston Financial Data
Services, Inc. ("BFDS"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, responsibility for
most transfer agent servicing functions. State Street serves as the transfer and
dividend disbursing agent for the Funds pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement,
as supplemented (collectively, the "Transfer Agency Agreement"), under which it
(a) issues and redeems shares of each of the Funds, (b) addresses and mails all
communications

                                      -39-
<PAGE>   191
by each Fund to record owners of shares of each such Fund, including reports to
shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its
meetings of shareholders, (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested,
sub-accounts and (d) makes periodic reports to the Funds' Board of Directors
concerning the operations of each Fund. For its services to the Funds under the
Transfer Agency Agreement, State Street receives a fee on a per transaction
basis.

                  ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENTS. Prior to the Reorganization, each of Counsellors Fund
Service, Inc. ("Counsellors Funds Service") and PFPC served as co-administrators
to the Institutional Class of the BEA Funds pursuant to their respective
Administration and Accounting Service Agreements (the "BEA Co- Administration
and Accounting Services Agreements") which were reapproved by the Board of
Directors of the BEA Funds on October 26, 1994 and July 9, 1997, respectively.

                  Pursuant to the Reorganization, under the Institutional
Administration and Accounting Services Agreements with the Warburg Funds (the
"Warburg Co-Administration and Accounting Services Agreements"), PFPC and
Counsellors Funds Service will both serve as Co-Administrators to the
Institutional Class of each of the Funds pursuant to separate written agreements
(the "Counsellors Service Co-Administration Agreements" and the "PFPC
Co-Administration Agreements," respectively). The services provided by, and the
fees payable by the Funds to Counsellors Service under the Counsellors Service
Co-Administration Agreements and PFPC under the PFPC Co-Administration
Agreements are described in the Prospectuses of the Funds. Each class of shares
of the Funds bears its proportionate share of fees payable to Counsellors
Service and PFPC in the proportion that its assets bear to the aggregate assets
of the Funds at the time of calculation. See the Prospectuses, "Management of
the Fund(s)."

                  For the fiscal years ended August 31, the BEA Funds paid each
of PFPC and Counsellors Services administration fees and PFPC and Counsellors
Services each waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

                                      -40-
<PAGE>   192
AUGUST 31, 1997

                                 PFPC

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Fees Paid                          Reim-      
                                     (after                           burse-     
BEA Fund                            Waivers)         Waivers          ments      
- --------                            --------         -------          ------     
<S>                              <C>              <C>                 <C>
International Equity             $ 785,014        $  43,161            $ 0       
Emerging Markets Equity          $ 125,801        $      12            $ 0       
U.S. Core Equity                 $  94,144        $       0            $ 0       
U.S. Core Fixed Income           $ 159,177        $  19,068            $ 0       
Strategic Global Fixed           $  41,650        $  10,412            $ 0       
  Income                                                                         
High Yield                       $  89,597        $  22,399            $ 0       
Municipal Bond                   $  24,265        $       0            $ 0       
Select Economic Value                N/A               N/A             N/A       
  Equity                                                                         
</TABLE>

                             Counsellors Services

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Fees Paid                         Reim-       
                                     (after                         burse-       
 BEA Fund                           Waivers)         Waivers        ments        
 --------                           --------         -------        -----        
<S>                              <C>              <C>               <C>
 International Equity            $ 463,778        $ 530,031           $ 0        
 Emerging Markets Equity         $  30,195        $ 129,780           $ 0        
 U.S. Core Equity                $   7,532        $ 105,441           $ 0        
 U.S. Core Fixed Income          $  14,258        $ 199,636           $ 0        
 Strategic Global Fixed          $   4,165        $  58,310           $ 0        
   Income                                                                        
 High Yield                      $   8,959        $ 125,436           $ 0        
 Municipal Bond                  $   1,941        $  27,177           $ 0        
 Select Economic Value               N/A               N/A            N/A        
   Equity                                                                        
</TABLE>


     AUGUST 31, 1996

                                 PFPC

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Fees Paid                          Reim-      
                                     (after                           burse-     
BEA Fund                            Waivers)         Waivers          ments      
- --------                            --------         -------          ------     
<S>                              <C>              <C>                 <C>
International Equity             $ 931,214        $   5,204            $ 0       
Emerging Markets Equity          $ 521,709        $   8,509            $ 0       
U.S. Core Equity                 $  54,720        $       0            $ 0       
U.S. Core Fixed Income           $ 102,178        $  48,084            $ 0       
Strategic Global Fixed           $  31,412        $   7,853            $ 0       
  Income                                                                         
High Yield                       $ 120,402        $  12,483            $ 0       
Municipal Bond                   $  28,890        $       0            $ 0       
Select Economic Value                N/A               N/A             N/A       
  Equity                                                                         
</TABLE>


                             Counsellors Services

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Fees Paid                         Reim-       
                                     (after                         burse-       
 BEA Fund                           Waivers)         Waivers        ments        
 --------                           --------         -------        -----        
<S>                              <C>              <C>               <C>
 International Equity             $ 928,754       $ 194,947           $ 0        
 Emerging Markets Equity          $  32,335       $ 161,461           $ 0        
 U.S. Core Equity                 $  12,019       $  53,645           $ 0        
 U.S. Core Fixed Income           $  23,392       $ 180,314           $ 0        
 Strategic Global Fixed           $   6,392       $  40,238           $ 0        
   Income                                                                        
 High Yield                       $  44,362       $  93,499           $ 0        
 Municipal Bond                   $   7,328       $  27,340           $ 0        
 Select Economic Value               N/A               N/A            N/A        
   Equity                                                                        
</TABLE>


     AUGUST 31, 1995

                                 PFPC

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Fees Paid                          Reim-      
                                     (after                           burse-     
BEA Fund                            Waivers)         Waivers          ments      
- --------                            --------         -------          ------     
<S>                              <C>              <C>                 <C>
International Equity             $ 908,172        $  31,334            $ 0       
Emerging Markets Equity          $ 147,367        $  13,100            $ 0       
U.S. Core Equity                 $  27,647        $       0            $ 0       
U.S. Core Fixed Income           $  57,681        $  27,144            $ 0       
Strategic Global Fixed           $  17,494        $   4,374            $ 0       
  Income                                                                         
High Yield                       $ 173,244        $   6,060            $ 0       
Municipal Bond                   $  29,664        $       0            $ 0       
Select Economic Value                N/A               N/A             N/A       
  Equity                                                                         
</TABLE>

                             Counsellors Services

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Fees Paid                        Reim-       
                                     (after                          burse-      
 BEA Fund                           Waivers)         Waivers         ments       
 --------                           --------         -------         -----       
<S>                              <C>              <C>               <C>
 International Equity            $1,463,701       $  81,620           $ 0        
 Emerging Markets Equity         $   98,236       $  94,321           $ 0        
 U.S. Core Equity                $    8,847       $  24,329           $ 0        
 U.S. Core Fixed Income          $   16,965       $  84,825           $ 0        
 Strategic Global Fixed          $    2,752       $  23,490           $ 0        
   Income                                                                        
 High Yield                      $  112,603       $ 102,112           $ 0        
 Municipal Bond                  $   19,092       $                   $ 0        
 Select Economic Value              N/A               N/A            N/A        
    Equity                                                                        
</TABLE>




                             PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

                  Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors, BEA
is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of
brokerage transactions for the Funds. In executing portfolio transactions, BEA
seeks to obtain the best net results for a Fund, taking into account such
factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or

                                      -41-
<PAGE>   193
dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational
facilities of the firm involved. While BEA generally seeks reasonably
competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not
necessarily consistent with obtaining the best results in particular
transactions.

                  Portfolio transactions for the Funds may be effected on
domestic or foreign securities exchanges. In transactions for securities not
actively traded on a domestic or foreign securities exchange, a Fund will deal
directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved, except
in those circumstances where better prices and execution are available
elsewhere. Such dealers usually are acting as principal for their own account.
On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. Such
portfolio securities are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally
involve brokerage commissions. Securities firms may receive brokerage
commissions on certain portfolio transactions, including options, futures and
options on futures transactions and the purchase and sale of underlying
securities upon exercise of options. The Funds have no obligation to deal with
any broker in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. The Funds
may use affiliates of Credit Suisse, BEA's parent company, in connection with
the purchase or sale of securities in accordance with rules or exemptive orders
adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") when BEA believes
that the charge for the transaction does not exceed usual and customary levels.

                  Commission rates for brokerage transactions on foreign stock
exchanges are generally fixed. The reasonableness of any negotiated commission
paid by the Funds will be evaluated on the basis of the difficulty involved in
execution, the time taken to conclude the transaction, the extent of the
broker's commitment, if any, of its own capital and the amount involved in the
transaction. It should be noted that commission rates in U.S. markets are
negotiated.

                  In the case of over-the-counter issues, there is generally no
stated commission, but the price usually includes an undisclosed commission or
markup, and the Fund will normally deal with the principal market makers unless
it can obtain better terms elsewhere.

                  For the fiscal years ended August 31, the corresponding series
of The RBB Fund paid brokerage commissions as follows:

AUGUST 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                                 Brokerage Commission
- --------                                                 --------------------
<S>                                                      <C>
International Equity                                          $5,041,204
Emerging Markets Equity                                       $1,074,701
U.S. Core Equity                                              $  181,354
U.S. Core Fixed Income                                        $        0
</TABLE>

                                      -42-
<PAGE>   194
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                                    Brokerage Commission
- --------                                                    --------------------
<S>                                                         <C>       
Strategic Global Fixed Income                                         $        0
High Yield                                                            $        0
Municipal Bond                                                        $        0
Select Economic Value Equity                                                 N/A
</TABLE>

AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                                    Brokerage Commission
- --------                                                    --------------------
<S>                                                         <C>       
International Equity                                                  $3,385,421
Emerging Markets Equity                                               $  713,193
U.S. Core Equity                                                      $  182,796
U.S. Core Fixed Income                                                $        0
Strategic Global Fixed Income                                         $        0
High Yield                                                            $        0
Municipal Bond                                                        $        0
Select Economic Value Equity                                                 N/A
</TABLE>

AUGUST 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                                    Brokerage Commission
- --------                                                    --------------------
<S>                                                         <C>       
International Equity                                                  $3,943,441
Emerging Markets Equity                                               $  778,886
U.S. Core Equity                                                      $  110,474
U.S. Core Fixed Income                                                $        0
Strategic Global Fixed Income                                         $        0
High Yield                                                            $        0
Municipal Bond                                                        $        0
Select Economic Value Equity                                                 N/A
</TABLE>

         No Fund has any obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers
in the execution of portfolio transactions. BEA may, consistent with the
interests of a Fund and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors,
select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services
they provide to a Fund and other clients of BEA. Information and research
received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the
services required to be performed by BEA under its respective contracts. A
commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified
broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that BEA,
as applicable, determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in
terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of BEA to a Fund
and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by a Fund will be
reasonable in relation to the benefits to a Fund over the long-term.


                                      -43-
<PAGE>   195
         Corporate debt and U.S. Government securities are generally traded on
the over-the-counter market on a "net" basis without a stated commission,
through dealers acting for their own account and not as brokers. The Funds will
primarily engage in transactions with these dealers or deal directly with the
issuer unless a better price or execution could be obtained by using a broker.
Prices paid to a dealer in debt securities will generally include a "spread,"
which is the difference between the prices at which the dealer is willing to
purchase and sell the specific security at the time, and includes the dealer's
normal profit.

         BEA may seek to obtain an undertaking from issuers of commercial paper
or dealers selling commercial paper to consider the repurchase of such
securities from a Fund prior to their maturity at their original cost plus
interest (sometimes adjusted to reflect the actual maturity of the securities),
if it believes that a Fund's anticipated need for liquidity makes such action
desirable. Any such repurchase prior to maturity reduces the possibility that a
Fund would incur a capital loss in liquidating commercial paper (for which there
is no established market), especially if interest rates have risen since
acquisition of the particular commercial paper.

         Investment decisions for each Fund and for other investment accounts
managed by BEA are made independently of each other in the light of differing
conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two or more of
such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are inevitable.
Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and allocated as to amount
according to a formula deemed equitable to each such account. While in some
cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of
the security as far as a Fund is concerned, in other cases it is believed to be
beneficial to a Fund. A Fund will not purchase securities during the existence
of any underwriting or selling group relating to such security of which BEA or
any affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) thereof is a member except
pursuant to procedures adopted by the Funds' Board of Directors pursuant to Rule
10f-3 under the 1940 Act.

         In no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to
the Distributor, BEA or CSAM or any affiliated person of the foregoing entities
except as permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.

         Each of the Funds expects that its annual portfolio turnover rate will
not exceed 100% under normal market conditions. A high rate of portfolio
turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission
expenses and other transaction costs, which must be borne directly by a Fund.
Each of the Funds anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will vary
from year to year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the
lesser of a Fund's


                                      -44-
<PAGE>   196
annual sales or purchases of portfolio securities (exclusive of purchases or
sales of securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or
less) by the monthly average value of the securities in the Fund during the
year.

         [The Funds have the benefit of an exemptive order issued by the SEC
under the 1940 Act authorizing the Funds and other investment companies advised
by BEA to acquire jointly securities issued in private placements, subject to
the terms and conditions of the order.]

                       PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

         The Funds reserve the right, if conditions exist which make cash
payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption of a Fund's shares by
making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Funds and valued
in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing a Fund's net
asset value. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur
transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. Investors may also
be required to bear certain transaction costs associated with redemptions in
kind. The Funds have elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the
1940 Act so that a Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to
the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day period for
any one shareholder of a Fund.

         Under the 1940 Act, a Fund may suspend the right to redemption or
postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which The New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") is closed (other than customary weekend
and holiday closings), or during which trading on said Exchange is restricted,
or during which (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) an emergency
exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of Fund securities is not
reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (A Fund
may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon
the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)

         An illustration of the computation of the public offering price per
Common Share and Institutional Share of the Funds, based on the value of the BEA
Funds' net assets as of August 31, 1997 is as follows*:

- ----------

*        Neither Advisor nor Institutional Shares of the BEA Select Economic
         Value Equity Fund were offered during this time period.


                                      -45-
<PAGE>   197
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         International                       Emerging Markets                 U.S. Core
                                            Equity                                Equity                       Equity
                                -------------------------------      -------------------------------      -------------- 
                                                     Institu-                              Institu-            Institu-
                                   Common            tional              Common             tional             tional
                                   Class             Class               Class              Class               Class
                                   -----             -----               -----              -----               -----
<S>                             <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>         
Net Assets ..............       $    147,365       $568,510,409       $      3,586       $ 83,012,386       $ 86,181,741
Outstanding Shares ......              6,647         25,586,459                183          4,227,236          3,532,014
Net Asset Value Per Share       $      22.17       $      22.22       $      19.60       $      19.64       $      24.40
Maximum Sales Charge ....                N/A                N/A                N/A                N/A                N/A
Offering to Public ......       $      22.17       $      22.22       $      19.60       $      19.64       $      24.40
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    U.S. Core          Strategic Global     
                                   Fixed Income          Fixed Income       
                                  Institutional         Institutional       
                                      Class                 Class           
                                ---------------       -----------------     
<S>                             <C>                   <C>                              
Net Assets ..............       $   177,218,582       $    44,285,401      
Outstanding Shares ......            11,321,399             2,873,591      
Net Asset Value Per Share       $         15.65       $         15.41      
Maximum Sales Charge ....                   N/A                   N/A      
Offering to Public ......       $         15.65       $         15.41      
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            High Yield                     Municipal Bond
                                     ------------------------------       ---------------                    
                                     Common           Institutional        Institutional
                                     Class                Class                Class
                                     -----                -----                -----
<S>                             <C>                  <C>                  <C>           
Net Assets ..............       $       86,375       $   92,630,437       $   19,810,118
Outstanding Shares ......                5,057            5,422,963            1,334,939
Net Asset Value Per Share       $        17.08       $        17.08       $        14.84
Maximum Sales Charge ....                  N/A                  N/A                  N/A
Offering to Public ......       $        17.08       $        17.08       $        14.84
</TABLE>

         Redemption or exchange requested by telephone will not be honored by
the Funds nor their agents if they concern Institutional Shares of the Funds.

                               VALUATION OF SHARES

         The net asset values per share of each class of the Funds are
calculated separately from each other class as of the


                                      -46-
<PAGE>   198
close of regular trading of the NYSE on each Business Day. The net asset value
per share, the value of an individual share in a Fund, is computed by adding the
value of the proportionate interest of each class of a Fund in the Fund's
securities, cash and other assets, subtracting the actual and accrued
liabilities of the class and dividing the result by the number of outstanding
shares of such class. "Business Day" means each weekday when the NYSE is open.
Currently, the NYSE is closed on New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday
when one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Securities which are
listed on stock exchanges, whether U.S. or foreign are valued at the last sale
price on the day the securities are valued or, lacking any sales on such day, at
the mean of the bid and asked prices available prior to the valuation. Fund
securities primarily traded in foreign markets may be traded in such markets on
days which are not Business Days. Because net asset value per share of each Fund
is determined only on Business Days, the net asset value of shares of a Fund may
be significantly affected on days when an investor does not have access to the
Fund. If on any Business Day, a foreign securities exchange or foreign market is
closed, the securities traded on such exchange or in such market will be valued
at the market sale price reported on the previous business day of such foreign
exchange or market. In cases where securities are traded on more than one
exchange, the securities are generally valued on the exchange designated by the
Board of Directors or its delegates as the primary market. Securities traded in
the over-the-counter market and listed on the National Association of Securities
Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ") are valued at the last trade price
listed on the NASDAQ at the close of regular trading (generally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern Time); securities listed on NASDAQ for which there were no sales on that
day and other over-the-counter securities are valued at the mean of the bid and
asked prices available prior to valuation. Securities for which market
quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in
good faith by or under the direction of the Funds' Board of Directors. The
amortized cost method of valuation may also be used with respect to debt
obligations with sixty days or less remaining to maturity. Any assets which are
denominated in a foreign currency are converted into U.S. dollars at the
prevailing market rates for purposes of calculating net asset value.

         Foreign currency exchange rates are generally determined prior to the
close of the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign
securities and such exchange rates occur between the time at which they are
determined and the close of the NYSE, which events will not be reflected in a
computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events materially affecting the
value of such securities or assets or currency exchange rates occurred during
such time period, the securities or assets would be valued at their fair value
as determined in good faith by or


                                      -47-
<PAGE>   199
under the direction of the Board of Directors. The foreign currency exchange
transactions of a Fund conducted on a spot basis will be valued at the spot rate
for purchasing or selling currency prevailing on the foreign exchange market.
Under normal market conditions this rate differs from the prevailing exchange
rate by an amount generally less than one-tenth of one percent due to the costs
of converting from one currency to another.

         In determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments,
the Funds may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula
method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and
other specific adjustments. This may result in the securities being valued at a
price different from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or
formula method not been used. All cash, receivables and current payables are
carried on the Funds' books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are
valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds' Board of
Directors.

                        PERFORMANCE AND YIELD INFORMATION

         TOTAL RETURN. Each Fund that advertises its "average annual total
return" computes such return separately for each class of shares by determining
the average annual compounded rate of return during specified periods that
equates the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value of such
investment according to the following formula:

                                     ERV 1/n
                                 T = [(-----) - 1]
                                         P

         Where:   T        =        average annual total return;

                  ERV      =        ending redeemable value of a hypothetical
                                    $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the
                                    l, 5 or 10 year (or other) periods at the
                                    end of the applicable period (or a
                                    fractional portion thereof);

                  P        =        hypothetical initial payment of $1,000; and

                  n        =        period covered by the computation, expressed
                                    in years.

         Each Fund that advertises its "aggregate total return" computes such
returns separately for each class of shares by determining the aggregate
compounded rates of return during specified periods that likewise equate the
initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value of such investment. The
formula for calculating aggregate total return is as follows:


                                      -48-
<PAGE>   200
                                ERV
Aggregate Total Return =     [(-----) - l]
                                 P

         The calculations are made assuming that (1) all dividends and capital
gain distributions are reinvested on the reinvestment dates at the price per
share existing on the reinvestment date, (2) all recurring fees charged to all
shareholder accounts are included, and (3) for any account fees that vary with
the size of the account, a mean (or median) account size in the Fund during the
periods is reflected. The ending redeemable value (variable "ERV" in the
formula) is determined by assuming complete redemption of the hypothetical
investment after deduction of all nonrecurring charges at the end of the
measuring period.

         Calculated according to the foregoing the average annual total return
of the Institutional Class of the BEA Funds for the period ended August 31, 1997
is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Since
                                                  3 year          5 year    Inception
BEA Fund                             1 year       (ann.)          (ann.)      ann.*
- --------                             ------       ------          ------      -----
<S>                                  <C>          <C>             <C>       <C>
International Equity                 15.93%        4.42%          N/A       10.36%
Emerging Markets Equity               8.31%       (5.43%)         N/A        7.77%
U.S. Core Equity                     38.32%       24.88%          N/A       24.86%
U.S. Core Fixed Income               11.53%        9.08%          N/A        7.97%
Strategic Global Fixed Income         4.48%        8.25%          N/A        7.76%
High Yield                           15.17%       11.75%          N/A       11.17%
Municipal Bond                        9.74%        6.76%          N/A        6.44%
Select Economic Value Equity           N/A          N/A           N/A         N/A
</TABLE>

- ----------

*        Inception dates of the Institutional Class of the BEA Funds are as
         follows: International Equity (October 1, 1992); Emerging Markets
         Equity (February 1, 1993); U.S. Core Equity (September 1, 1994); U.S.
         Core Fixed Income (April 1, 1994); Strategic Global Fixed Income (June
         28, 1994); High Yield (March 31, 1993); and Municipal Bond Fund (June
         20, 1994).

         The aggregate total return for the Institutional Class of the BEA Funds
for the period ended August 31, 1997 since inception is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                              Inception Date    Aggregate Return
- --------                                              --------------    ----------------
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>   
International Equity                                    10/01/92          62.40%
Emerging Market Equity                                  02/01/93          40.94%
U.S. Core Equity                                        09/01/94          94.76%
U.S. Core Fixed Income                                  04/01/94          30.01%
Strategic Global Fixed Income                           06/28/94          26.84%
</TABLE>


                                      -49-
<PAGE>   201
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                              Inception Date    Aggregate Return
- --------                                              --------------    ----------------
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>   
High Yield                                              03/31/93          61.14%
Municipal Bond                                          06/20/94          22.18%
Select Economic Value Equity                                 N/A            N/A
</TABLE>

         The Funds may also from time to time include in such advertising an
aggregate total return figure or a total return figure that is not calculated
according to the formula set forth above in order to compare more accurately a
Fund's performance with other measures of investment return. For example, in
comparing a Fund's total return with data published by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. or Weisenberger Investment
Company Service, or with the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock
Index or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, as appropriate, a Fund may calculate
its aggregate and/or average annual total return for the specified periods of
time by assuming the investment of $10,000 in Fund shares and assuming the
reinvestment of each dividend or other distribution at net asset value on the
reinvestment date. The Funds do not, for these purposes, deduct from the initial
value invested any amount representing sales charges. The Funds will, however,
disclose the maximum sales charge and will also disclose that the performance
data do not reflect sales charges and that inclusion of sales charges would
reduce the performance quoted. Such alternative total return information will be
given no greater prominence in such advertising than the information prescribed
under SEC rules, and all advertisements containing performance data will include
a legend disclosing that such performance data represent past performance and
that the investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate
so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than
their original cost.

         YIELD. Certain Funds may advertise a 30-day (or one month) standard
yield as described in the Prospectus. Such yields are calculated separately for
each class of shares in each Fund in accordance with the method prescribed by
the SEC for mutual funds:

                                      a - b
                         YIELD = 2[( - - - - +1)(6) - 1)]
                                       cd

Where:   a = dividends and interest earned by a Fund during the period;

         b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements);


                                      -50-
<PAGE>   202
         c = average daily number of shares outstanding during the period,
             entitled to receive dividends; and

         d = maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.

For the purpose of determining net investment income earned during the period
(variable "a" in the formula), dividend income on equity securities held by a
Fund is recognized by accruing 1/360 of the stated dividend rate of the security
each day that the security is in the Fund. Except as noted below, interest
earned on debt obligations held by a Fund is calculated by computing the yield
to maturity of each obligation based on the market value of the obligation
(including actual accrued interest) at the close of business on the last
business day of each month, or, with respect to obligations purchased during the
month, the purchase price (plus actual accrued interest) and dividing the result
by 360 and multiplying the quotient by the market value of the obligation
(including actual accrued interest) in order to determine the interest income on
the obligation for each day of the subsequent month that the obligation is held
by the Fund. For purposes of this calculation, it is assumed that each month
contains 30 days. The maturity of an obligation with a call provision is the
next call date on which the obligation reasonably may be expected to be called
or, if none, the maturity date. With respect to debt obligations purchased at a
discount or premium, the formula generally calls for amortization of the
discount or premium. The amortization schedule will be adjusted monthly to
reflect changes in the market value of such debt obligations. Expenses accrued
for the period (variable "b" in the formula) include all recurring fees charged
by a Fund to all shareholder accounts in proportion to the length of the base
period and the Fund's mean (or median) account size. Undeclared earned income
will be subtracted from the offering price per share (variable "d" in the
formula).

         With respect to receivables-backed obligations that are expected to be
subject to monthly payments of principal and interest ("pay-downs"), (i) gain or
loss attributable to actual monthly pay downs are accounted for as an increase
or decrease to interest income during the period, and (ii) each Fund may elect
either (a) to amortize the discount and premium on the remaining security, based
on the cost of the security, to the weighted average maturity date, if such
information is available, or to the remaining term of the security, if any, if
the weighted average date is not available or (b) not to amortize discount or
premium on the remaining security.

         Based on the foregoing calculation the Standard Yield for the
Institutional Class of the BEA Funds that advertise yield for the 30-day period
ended August 31, 1997 was as follows:


                                      -51-
<PAGE>   203
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEA Fund                                                              30-Day Yield
- --------                                                              ------------
<S>                                                                   <C>  
U.S. Core Fixed Income                                                    6.37%
Strategic Global Fixed Income                                             6.04%
High Yield                                                                9.55%
Municipal Bond                                                            4.65%
</TABLE>

                                      TAXES

         GENERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE FUNDS AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS. The
following is only a summary of certain additional tax considerations generally
affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in the Funds'
Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax
treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussion in this
Statement of Additional Information and in the Prospectus is not intended as a
substitute for careful tax planning. Investors are urged to consult their tax
advisers with specific reference to their own tax situation.

         Each Fund has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company
under Part I of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). As a regulated investment company, each Fund is exempt from
federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains which
it distributes to shareholders, provided that it (a) distributes an amount equal
to the sum of (i) at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (net
taxable investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net
long-term capital loss), if any, for the year and (ii) at least 90% of its net
tax-exempt interest income, if any, for the year (the "Distribution
Requirement"), and (b) satisfies certain other requirements of the Code that are
described below. Distributions of investment company taxable income and net
tax-exempt interest income made during the taxable year or, under specified
circumstances, within twelve months after the close of the taxable year will
satisfy the Distribution Requirement. The Distribution Requirement for any year
may be waived if a regulated investment company establishes to the satisfaction
of the Internal Revenue Service that it is unable to satisfy the Distribution
Requirement by reason of distributions previously made for the purpose of
avoiding liability for federal excise tax (discussed below).

         In addition to satisfaction of the Distribution Requirement each Fund
must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain
payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other
disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, or from other income
derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or
currencies (the "Income Requirement").

         Future Treasury regulations may provide that currency gains that are
not "directly related" to a Fund's principal business of investing in stock or
securities (or in options or


                                      -52-
<PAGE>   204
futures with respect to stock or securities) will not satisfy the Income
Requirement. Income derived by a regulated investment company from a partnership
or trust (including a foreign entity that is classified as a partnership or
trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will satisfy the Income Requirement
only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the
partnership or trust that would satisfy the Income Requirement if they were
realized by a regulated investment company in the same manner as realized by the
partnership or trust.

         In addition to the foregoing requirements, at the close of each quarter
of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of each Fund's assets must
consist of cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other
regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the
Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in
securities of such issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10%
of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of
the value of each Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of any
one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities and securities of other
regulated investment companies), or in two or more issuers which such Fund
controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses (the
"Asset Diversification Requirement").

         The Internal Revenue Service has taken the position, in informal
rulings issued to other taxpayers, that the issuer of a repurchase agreement is
the bank or dealer from which securities are purchased. A Fund will not enter
into repurchase agreements with any one bank or dealer if entering into such
agreements would, under the informal position expressed by the Internal Revenue
Service, cause it to fail to satisfy the Asset Diversification Requirement.

         Distributions of investment company taxable income will be taxable
(subject to the possible allowance of the dividend received deduction described
below) to shareholders as ordinary income, regardless of whether such
distributions are paid in cash or are reinvested in shares. Shareholders
receiving any distribution from the Funds in the form of additional shares will
be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair
market value of the shares received, determined as of the reinvestment date.

         Each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders its excess of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss ("net capital gain"), if
any, for each taxable year. Such gain is distributed as a capital gain dividend
and is taxable to shareholders as mid-term or other long-term capital gain,
regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held his shares, whether
such gain was recognized by the Fund prior to the date on which a shareholder
acquired shares of the Fund and whether the distribution was paid in cash or
reinvested in shares. The aggregate amount of distributions designated by any


                                      -53-
<PAGE>   205
Fund as capital gain dividends may not exceed the net capital gain of such Fund
for any taxable year, determined by excluding any net long-term capital loss
attributable to transactions occurring after October 31 of such year and by
treating any such loss as if it arose on the first day of the following taxable
year. Such distributions will be designated as capital gain dividends in a
written notice mailed by the Funds to shareholders not later than 60 days after
the close of each Fund's respective taxable year.

         In the case of corporate shareholders, distributions (other than
capital gain dividends) of a Fund for any taxable year will qualify for the 70%
dividends received deduction, only to the extent of the gross amount of
"qualifying dividends" received by such Fund for the year. Generally, a dividend
will be treated as a "qualifying dividend" only if it has been received from a
domestic corporation. However, if a Fund owns at least 10 percent of the stock
(by vote and value) of certain foreign corporations with U.S. source income,
then a portion of the dividends paid by such foreign corporations may constitute
"qualifying dividends." A dividend received by a taxpayer will not be treated as
a "qualifying dividend" if (1) it has been received with respect to any share of
stock that the taxpayer has held for 45 days (90 days in the case of certain
preferred stock) or less (excluding any day more than 45 days (or 90 days in the
case of certain preferred stock) after the date on which the stock becomes
ex-dividend), or (2) to the extent that the taxpayer is under an obligation
(pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to
positions in substantially similar or related property. The Funds will designate
the portion, if any, of the distribution made by a Fund that qualifies for the
dividends received deduction in a written notice mailed by the Funds to
shareholders not later than 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year.

         Investors should be aware that any loss realized upon the sale,
exchange or redemption of shares held for six months or less will be treated as
a long-term capital loss to the extent any capital gain dividends have been paid
with respect to such shares.

         The Municipal Bond Fund is designed to provide investors with current
tax-exempt interest income. Exempt interest dividends distributed to
shareholders by this Fund are not included in the shareholder's gross income for
regular federal income tax purpose. In order for the Municipal Bond Fund to pay
exempt interest dividends during any taxable year, at the close of each fiscal
quarter at least 50% of the value of the Fund must consist of exempt interest
obligations.

         In addition, the Municipal Bond Fund may not be an appropriate
investment for entities which are "substantial users" of facilities financed by
private activity bonds or "related persons" thereof. "Substantial user" is
defined under U.S.


                                      -54-
<PAGE>   206
Treasury Regulations to include a nonexempt person who regularly uses a part of
such facilities in his trade or business and (a) whose gross revenues are more
than 5% of the total revenue derived by all users of such facilities, (b) who
occupies more than 5% of the entire usable area of such facilities, or (c) for
whom such facilities or a part thereof were specifically constructed,
reconstructed or acquired. "Related persons" include certain related natural
persons, affiliated corporations, a partnership and its partners and an S
corporation and its shareholder.

         A Fund may acquire standby commitments with respect to Municipal
Obligations held in its portfolio and will treat any interest received on
Municipal Obligations subject to such stand-by commitments as tax-exempt income.
In Rev. Rul. 82-144, 1982-2 C.B. 34, the Internal Revenue Service held that a
mutual fund acquired ownership of municipal obligations for federal income tax
purposes, even though the fund simultaneously purchased "put" agreements with
respect to the same municipal obligations from the seller of the obligations.
The Funds will not engage in transactions involving the use of stand-by
commitments that differ materially from the transaction described in Rev. Rul.
82-144 without first obtaining a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service or the opinion of counsel.

         Interest on indebtedness incurred by a shareholder to purchase or carry
shares if the Municipal Bond Fund is not deductible for income tax purposes of
(as expected) the Municipal Bond Fund distributes exempt interest dividends
during the shareholder's taxable year. Receipt of exempt interest dividends may
result in collateral federal income tax consequences to certain other taxpayers,
including persons subject to alternative minimum tax (see Prospectus and
discussion below), financial institutions, property and casualty insurance
companies, individual recipients of Social Security or Railroad Retirement
benefits, and foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business in the United
States. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers as to such
consequences.

         Corporate taxpayers may be liable for alternative minimum tax, which is
imposed at the rate of 20% of "alternative minimum taxable income" (less, in the
case of corporate shareholders with "alternative minimum taxable income" of less
than $310,000, the applicable "exemption amount"), in lieu of the regular
corporate income tax. "Alternative minimum taxable income," is equal to "taxable
income," (as determined for corporate income regular tax purposes) with certain
adjustments. Although corporate taxpayers in determining "alternative minimum
taxable income" are allowed to exclude exempt interest dividends (other than
exempt interest dividends derived from certain private activity bonds ("AMT
Preference Dividends"), as explained in the Prospectus) and to utilize the 70%
dividends received deduction at the first level of computation, the Code
requires (as a second computational step) that "alternative minimum


                                      -55-
<PAGE>   207
taxable income" be increased by 75% of the excess of "adjusted current earnings"
over other "alternative minimum taxable income."

         Corporate shareholders will have to take into account (1) all exempt
interest dividends and (2) the full amount of all dividends from a Fund that are
treated as "qualifying dividends" for purposes of the dividends received
deduction in determining their "adjusted current earnings." As much as 75% of
any exempt interest dividend and 82.5% of any "qualifying dividend" received by
a corporate shareholder could, as a consequence, be subject to alternative
minimum tax. Exempt interest dividends received by such a corporate shareholder
may accordingly be subject to alternative minimum tax at an effective rate of
15%.

         Corporate investors should also note that the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 imposes an environmental tax on corporate taxpayers
of 0.14% of the excess of "alternative minimum taxable income" (with certain
modifications) over $2,000,000 for taxable years beginning after 1986 and before
1996, regardless of whether such taxpayers are liable for alternative minimum
tax.

         If for any taxable year any Fund does not qualify as a regulated
investment company, all of its taxable income will be subject to tax at regular
corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and all
distributions will be taxable as ordinary dividends (including amounts derived
from interest on Municipal Obligations in the case of the Municipal Bond Fund)
to the extent of such Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such
distributions will be eligible for the dividends received deduction in the case
of corporate shareholders. Investors should be aware that any loss realized on a
sale of shares of a Fund will be disallowed to the extent an investor
repurchases shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days (beginning 30
days before and ending 30 days after the day of disposition of the shares).
Dividends paid by a Fund in the form of shares within the 61-day period would be
treated as a purchase for this purpose.

         The Code imposes a non-deductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment
companies that do not distribute with respect to each calendar year an amount
equal to 98% of their ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98% of their
capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such
calendar year. The balance of such income must be distributed during the next
calendar year. For the foregoing purposes, a company is treated as having
distributed any amount on which it is subject to income tax for any taxable year
ending in such calendar year. Because each Fund intends to distribute all of its
taxable income currently, no Fund anticipates incurring any liability for this
excise tax. However, investors should note that a Fund may in certain
circumstances be required


                                      -56-
<PAGE>   208
to liquidate investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid
excise tax liability.

         The Funds will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to
the United States Treasury 31% of dividends paid to any shareholder (1) who has
provided either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2)
who is subject to backup withholding by the Internal Revenue Service for failure
to report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly, or (3) who has
failed to certify to the Funds that he is not subject to backup withholding or
that he is an "exempt recipient."

         The foregoing general discussion of federal income tax consequences is
based on the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date
of this Statement of Additional Information. Future legislative or
administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the
conclusions expressed herein, and any such changes or decisions may have a
retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

         Although each Fund expects to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes,
depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which
its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are
located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, each Fund
may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

         Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by a
regulated investment company that are derived from interest on U.S. Government
obligations. Each Fund will accordingly inform its shareholders annually of the
percentage, if any, of its ordinary dividends that is derived from interest on
U.S. Government obligations. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisers
as to the availability and extent of any applicable state income tax exemption.

         SPECIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS. The following discussion relates to the
particular federal income tax consequences of the investment policies of the
Funds. The ability of the Funds to engage in options, short sale and futures
activities will be somewhat limited by the requirements for their continued
qualification as regulated investment companies under the Code, in particular
the Distribution Requirement and the Asset Diversification Requirement.

         Straddles. The options transactions that the Funds enter into may
result in "straddles" for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules of the
Code may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Funds. In
addition, losses realized by the Funds on positions that are part of a straddle
may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather


                                      -57-
<PAGE>   209
than being taken into account in calculating the investment company taxable
income and net capital gain of the Funds for the taxable year in which such
losses are realized. Losses realized prior to October 31 of any year may be
similarly deferred under the straddle rules in determining the "required
distribution" that the Funds must make in order to avoid federal excise tax.
Furthermore, in determining their investment company taxable income and ordinary
income, the Funds may be required to capitalize, rather than deduct currently,
any interest expense on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry
any positions that are part of a straddle. The tax consequences to the Funds of
holding straddle positions may be further affected by various elections provided
under the Code and Treasury regulations, but at the present time the Funds are
uncertain which (if any) of these elections they will make.

         Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have
been promulgated by the U.S. Treasury, the tax consequences to the Funds of
engaging in options transactions are not entirely clear. Nevertheless, it is
evident that application of the straddle rules may substantially increase or
decrease the amount which must be distributed to shareholders in satisfaction of
the Distribution Requirement (or to avoid federal excise tax liability) for any
taxable year in comparison to a fund that did not engage in options
transactions.

         Options And Section 1256 Contracts. The writer of a covered put or call
option generally does not recognize income upon receipt of the option premium.
If the option expires unexercised or is closed on an exchange, the writer
generally recognizes short-term capital gain. If the option is exercised, the
premium is included in the consideration received by the writer in determining
the capital gain or loss recognized in the resultant sale. However, certain
options transactions that the Funds enter into, as well as futures transactions
and transactions in forward foreign currency contracts that are traded in the
interbank market entered into by the Funds, will be subject to special tax
treatment as "Section 1256 contracts." Section 1256 contracts are treated as if
they are sold for their fair market value on the last business day of the
taxable year (i.e., marked-to-market), regardless of whether a taxpayer's
obligations (or rights) under such contracts have terminated (by delivery,
exercise, entering into a closing transaction or otherwise) as of such date. Any
gain or loss recognized as a consequence of the year-end marking-to-market of
Section 1256 contracts is combined (after application of the straddle rules that
are described above) with any other gain or loss that was previously recognized
upon the termination of Section 1256 contracts during that taxable year. The net
amount of such gain or loss for the entire taxable year is generally treated as
60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss,
except in the case of marked-to-market forward foreign currency contracts for
which such gain or loss is treated as ordinary income or loss. Such short-term
capital gain (and, in


                                      -58-
<PAGE>   210
the case of marked-to-market forward foreign currency contracts, such ordinary
income) would be included in determining the investment company taxable income
of the relevant Fund for purposes of the Distribution Requirement, even if it
were wholly attributable to the year-end marking-to-market of Section 1256
contracts that the relevant Fund continued to hold. Investors should also note
that Section 1256 contracts will be treated as having been sold on October 31 in
calculating the "required distribution" that a Fund must make to avoid federal
excise tax liability.

         Each of the Funds may elect not to have the year-end mark-to-market
rule apply to Section 1256 contracts that are part of a "mixed straddle" with
other investments of such Fund that are not Section 1256 contracts (the "Mixed
Straddle Election").

         Foreign Currency Transactions. In general, gains from "foreign
currencies" and from foreign currency options, foreign currency futures and
forward foreign exchange contracts relating to investments in stock, securities
or foreign currencies will be qualifying income for purposes of determining
whether the Fund qualifies as a RIC. It is currently unclear, however, who will
be treated as the issuer of a foreign currency instrument or how foreign
currency options, futures or forward foreign currency contracts will be valued
for purposes of the Asset Diversification Requirement. A Fund may request a
private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service for guidance on some or
all of these issues.

         Under Code Section 988 special rules are provided for certain
transactions in a foreign currency other than the taxpayer's functional currency
(i.e., unless certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S.
dollar). In general, foreign currency gains or losses from certain forward
contracts, from futures contracts that are not "regulated futures contracts",
and from unlisted options will be treated as ordinary income or loss. In certain
circumstances where the transaction is not undertaken as part of a straddle, a
Fund may elect capital gain or loss treatment for such transactions.
Alternatively, a Fund may elect ordinary income or loss treatment for
transactions in futures contracts and options on foreign currency that would
otherwise produce capital gain or loss. In general gains or losses from a
foreign currency transaction subject to Code Section 988 will increase or
decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income available to
be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or
decreasing the amount of the Fund's net capital gain. Additionally, if losses
from a foreign currency transaction subject to Code Section 988 exceed other
investment company taxable income during a taxable year, a Fund will not be able
to make any ordinary dividend distributions, and any distributions made before
the losses were realized but in the same taxable year would be recharacterized
as a return of capital to shareholders, thereby reducing each shareholder's
basis in his Shares.


                                      -59-
<PAGE>   211
         Passive Foreign Investment Companies. If a Fund acquires shares in
certain foreign investment entities, called "passive foreign investment
companies" ("PFIC"), such Fund may be subject to "deferred" federal income tax
on a portion of any "excess distribution" received with respect to such shares
or on a portion of any gain recognized upon a disposition of such shares,
notwithstanding the distribution of such income to the shareholders of such
Fund. Additional charges in the nature of interest may also be imposed on a Fund
in respect of such deferred taxes. However, in lieu of sustaining the foregoing
tax consequences, a Fund may elect to have its investment in any PFIC taxed as
an investment in a "qualified electing fund" ("QEF"). A Fund making a QEF
election would be required to include in its income each year a ratable portion,
whether or not distributed, of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the
QEF. Any such QEF inclusions would have to be taken into account by a Fund for
purposes of satisfying the Distribution Requirement and the excise tax
distribution requirement.

         Recently enacted changes to the Code will permit a Fund to elect (in
lieu of paying deferred tax or making a QEF election) to mark-to-market annually
any PFIC shares that it owns and to include any gains (but not losses) that it
was deemed to realize as ordinary income. A Fund generally will not be subject
to deferred federal income tax on any gains that it is deemed to realize as a
consequence of making a mark-to-market election, but such gains will be taken
into account by the Fund for purposes of satisfying the Distribution Requirement
and the excise tax distribution requirement. The mark-to-market provisions will
generally apply to the Fund's taxable years beginning after December 31, 1997.

         Asset Diversification Requirement. For purposes of the Asset
Diversification Requirement, the issuer of a call option on a security
(including an option written on an exchange) will be deemed to be the issuer of
the underlying security. The Internal Revenue Service has informally ruled,
however, that a call option that is written by a fund need not be counted for
purposes of the Asset Diversification Requirement where the fund holds the
underlying security. However, the Internal Revenue Service has also informally
ruled that a put option written by a fund must be treated as a separate asset
and its value measured by "the value of the underlying security" for purposes of
the Asset Diversification Requirement, regardless (apparently) of whether it is
"covered" under the rules of the exchange. The Internal Revenue Service has not
explained whether in valuing a written put option in this manner a fund should
use the current value of the underlying security (its prospective future
investment); the cash consideration that must be paid by the fund if the put
option is exercised (its liability); or some other measure that would take into
account the fund's unrealized profit or loss in writing the option. Under the
Code, a fund may not rely on informal rulings of the Internal Revenue Service
issued to other taxpayers. Consequently, a Fund may find it necessary to seek a


                                      -60-
<PAGE>   212
ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on this issue or to curtail its writing
of options in order to stay within the limits of the Asset Diversification
Requirement.

              ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY SHARES

         The Funds do not currently intend to hold annual meetings of
shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The
Funds' By-Laws provide that shareholders collectively owning at least ten
percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Funds
have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of
one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Funds will assist in
shareholder communication in such matters.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         COUNSEL. The law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, 787 Seventh Avenue,
New York, New York 10019-6099, serves as counsel to the Funds and the
non-interested directors.

         CONTROL PERSONS. As of [INSERT], 1998, to the Fund's knowledge, the
following named persons at the addresses shown below owned of record
approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the class of the BEA
Fund indicated below. See "Additional Information Concerning the Fund's Shares"
above. The Funds do not know whether such persons also beneficially own such
shares.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PERCENT
                 BEA FUND                                         NAME AND ADDRESS                             OWNED
<S>                                         <C>                                                               <C>
BEA International Equity -                  Employees Ret. Plan Marshfield                                       7.23%
Institutional Class                         Clinic
                                            1000 N. Oak Avenue
                                            Marshfield, WI  54449

                                            Indiana University Foundation                                        5.06%
                                            Attn.:  Walter L. Koon, Jr.
                                            P.O. Box 500
                                            Bloomington, IN  47402-0500

                                            Carl F. Besenbach                                                   18.13%
                                            TRST Michelin North America Inc.
                                            Master Trust
                                            PO Box 19001
                                            Greenville, SC 29602-9001
</TABLE>


                                      -61-
<PAGE>   213
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PERCENT
                 BEA FUND                                         NAME AND ADDRESS                             OWNED
<S>                                         <C>                                                               <C>
                           
BEA High Yield Portfolio -                  Fidelity Investments                                                16.78%
Institutional Class                         Institutional Operations Co. Inc.
                                            as Agent for Certain Employee
                                            Benefit Plan
                                            100 Magellan Way #KWIC
                                            Covington, KY  41015-1987

                                            Southdown Inc. Pension Plan                                          9.49%
                                            MAC & Co. A/C SDIF8575302
                                            Mutual Fund Operations
                                            P.O. Box 3198
                                            Pittsburgh, PA  31980

                                            Guenter Full Trust Michelin                                         17.31%
                                            North America Inc.
                                            Master Trust
                                            P.O. Box 19001
                                            Greenville, SC  29602-9001

                                            C S First Boston Pension Fund                                        6.15%
                                            Park Avenue Plaza, 34th Floor
                                            Attn.:  Steve Medici
                                            55 E. 52nd Street
                                            New York, NY  10055-0002

                                            Edward J. Demske TTEE                                                5.48%
                                            Miami University Foundation
                                            202 Roudebush Hall
                                            Oxford, OH  45056

                                            MAC & Co A/C CSBF8605082                                             5.12%
                                            Mutual Fund Operations
                                            PO Box 3198
                                            Pittsburgh, PA 15230-3198

BEA High Yield Portfolio -                  Charles Schwab & Co.                                                97.52%
Institutional Class                         Special Custody Account for the
                                            Exclusive Benefit of Customers
                                            101 Montgomery St.
                                            San Francisco, CA 94104-4122

BEA Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio -     Wachovia Bank North Carolina Trust for Carolina Power               45.75%
Institutional Class                         & Light Co.
                                            Supplemental Retirement Trust
                                            301 N. Main Street
                                            Winston-Salem, NC  27101-3819
</TABLE>


                                      -62-
<PAGE>   214
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PERCENT
                 BEA FUND                                         NAME AND ADDRESS                             OWNED
<S>                                         <C>                                                               <C>
                                            Arkansas Public Employees                                           31.98
                                            Retirement System
                                            124 W. Capitol Avenue
                                            Little Rock, AR 72201-3704

                                            Clariden Bank                                                        6.92%
                                            Claridenstr 26
                                            CH-8002 Zurich Switzerland

                                            National Academy of Sciences                                         5.36%
                                            2101 Constitution Ave NW
                                            Washington, DC 20418-0006

BEA US Core Equity                          Patterson & Co.                                                     46.62%
Portfolio - Institutional Class             P.O. Box 7829
                                            Philadelphia, PA 19101-7829

                                            Washington Hebrew Congregation                                      11.67%
                                            3935 Macomb St. NW
                                            Washington, DC  20016-3799

                                            Credit Suisse Private Banking                                       11.16%
                                            Dividend Reinvest Plan
                                            c/o Credit Suisse PVT BKG
                                            12 E. 49th Street, 40th Fl.
                                            New York, NY 10017-1028

                                            Werner & Pfleiderer Pension                                          6.68%
                                            Plan Employees
                                            663 E. Crescent Avenue
                                            Ramsey, NJ  07446-1220

                                            Fleet National Bank Trust                                            5.78%
                                            Hospital St. Raphael Malpractice
                                            Attn.:  1958875020
                                            P.O. Box 92800
                                            Rochester, NY  14692-8900

BEA US Core Fixed Income Portfolio -        New England UFCW & Employers'                                       15.80%
Institutional Class                         Pension Fund Board of Trustees
                                            161 Forbes Road, Suite 201
                                            Braintree, MA  02184-2606

                                            Winifred Masterson Burke Found                                       8.03%
                                            785 Mamaroneck Ave
                                            White Plains, NY 10605-2593
</TABLE>


                                      -63-
<PAGE>   215
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PERCENT
                 BEA FUND                                         NAME AND ADDRESS                             OWNED
<S>                                         <C>                                                               <C>
                                            Fidelity Investments Institutional                                   6.51%
                                            Operations Co. Inc. (FIIOC) as
                                            Agent for Credit Suisse First
                                            Boston Employee's Savings PSP
                                            100 Magellan Way #KWIC
                                            Covington, KY  41015-1987

                                            Local 239 Pension Fund                                               6.03%
                                            R J Scheer, A L Miceli, H
                                            Bloomberg, R T Waldbauer Jr, A
                                            Evarieto, I Stockel Ttees DTD
                                            04/01/1960
                                            2380 Hempstead Tpke
                                            East Meadow, NY 11554-2030

                                            DCA Food Industries Inc.                                             5.74%
                                            100 East Grand Avenue
                                            Beloit, WI  53511-6255

                                            The TJX Companies Inc                                                5.37%
                                            Retirement
                                            State Street Bank & Trust Co
                                            TTE
                                            770 Cochituate Rd
                                            Framingham, MA 01701-4672

BEA Strategic Global                        Sunkist Master Trust                                                52.79%
Fixed Income Portfolio                      14130 Riverside Drive
                                            Sherman Oaks, CA  91423-2313

                                            Patterson & Co.                                                     37.75%
                                            P.O. Box 7829
                                            Philadelphia, PA  19101-7829

                                            State St Bank & Trust TTEE                                           5.36%
                                            Fenway Holdings LLC Master Trus
                                            PO Box 470
                                            Boston, MA 02102-0470

BEA Municipal Bond Fund Portfolio -         William A. Marquard                                                 36.99%
Institutional Class                         2199 Maysville Rd.
                                            Carlisle, KY  40311-9716

                                            Arnold Leon                                                         12.93%
                                            c/o Fiduciary Trust Company
                                            P.O. Box 3199
                                            Church Street Station
                                            New York, NY  10008-3199
</TABLE>


                                      -64-
<PAGE>   216
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PERCENT
                 BEA FUND                                         NAME AND ADDRESS                             OWNED
<S>                                         <C>                                                               <C>
                                            Howard Isermann                                                      6.37%
                                            9 Tulane Dr
                                            Livingston, NJ 07039-6212

                                            Leo Bogart                                                           5.58%
                                            135 Central Park West 9N
                                            New York, NY 10023-2465
</TABLE>

                       INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND COUNSEL

         PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PWC"), with principal offices at 2400
Eleven Penn Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as independent
accountants for each Fund.

         Willkie Farr & Gallagher serves as counsel for the Funds as well as
counsel to Warburg, Counsellors Service and Counsellors Securities.

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         The Fund's financial statement follows the Report of Independent
Accountants.

         Institutional Shares of each of the Funds had not been issued as of
August 31, 1997 and accordingly, no financial information is provided with
respect to such shares. Financial information with respect to Institutional
Shares of certain corresponding BEA Funds has been derived by PWC. The audited 
financial statements and notes thereto in the BEA Funds' Annual Report to 
Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 (the "1997 Annual 
Report") and the unaudited semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended 
February 28, 1998 (the "1998 Semi-Annual Report") are incorporated by reference
into this Statement of Additional Information. No other parts of the 1997 
Annual Report or 1998 Semi-Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. 
The financial statements included in the 1997 Annual Report have been audited 
by PWC. The reports of PWC are incorporated herein by reference given upon 
their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the 1997 
Annual Report and the 1998 Semi-Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by 
telephoning the Distributor at the telephone number appearing on the front page
of this Statement of Additional Information.


                                      -65-
<PAGE>   217
                                   APPENDIX A

COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         A Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") commercial paper rating is
a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an
original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating
categories used by Standard and Poor's for commercial paper:

         "A-1" - The highest category indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely
strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.

         "A-2" - Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated "A-1."

         "A-3" - Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.

         "B" - Issues are regarded as having only a speculative capacity for
timely payment.

         "C" - This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a
doubtful capacity for payment.

         "D" - Issues are in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when interest payments of principal payments are not made on the date due, even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes such
payments will be made during such grace period.

         Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") commercial paper ratings
are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt
obligations not having an original maturity in excess of one year, unless
explicitly noted. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Moody's
for commercial paper:

         "Prime-1" - Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on
funds employed; conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed
financial charges and high


                                      A-1
<PAGE>   218
internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial
markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

         "Prime-2" - Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

         "Prime-3" - Issuers (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. The effects of
industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced.
Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of
debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

         "Not Prime" - Issuers do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.

         The three rating categories of Duff & Phelps for investment grade
commercial paper and short-term debt are "D-1," "D-2" and "D-3." Duff & Phelps
employs three designations, "D-1+," "D-1" and "D-1-," within the highest rating
category. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Duff & Phelps
for commercial paper:

         "D-1+" - Debt possesses highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term
liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or access to alternative
sources of funds, is outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free U.S.
Treasury short-term obligations.

         "D-1" - Debt possesses very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity
factors are excellent and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk
factors are minor.

         "D-1-" - Debt possesses high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity
factors are strong and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk
factors are very small.

         "D-2" - Debt possesses good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity
factors and company fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may
enlarge total financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk
factors are small.

         "D-3" - Debt possesses satisfactory liquidity and other protection
factors qualify issues as investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject
to more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.


                                      A-2
<PAGE>   219
         "D-4" - Debt possesses speculative investment characteristics.
Liquidity is not sufficient to ensure against disruption in debt service.
Operating factors and market access may be subject to a high degree of
variation.

         "D-5" - Issuer has failed to meet scheduled principal and/or interest
payments.

         Fitch short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years. The following
summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

         "F-1+" - Securities possess exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues
assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance
for timely payment.

         "F-1" - Securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues assigned
this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree
than issues rated "F-1+."

         "F-2" - Securities possess good credit quality. Issues assigned this
rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the
margin of safety is not as great as the "F-1+" and "F-1" ratings.

         "F-3" - Securities possess fair credit quality. Issues assigned this
rating have characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely
payment is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could cause these
securities to be rated below investment grade.

         "F-S" - Securities possess weak credit quality. Issues assigned this
rating have characteristics suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for timely
payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse changes in financial and
economic conditions.

         "D" - Securities are in actual or imminent payment default.

         "LOC" - The symbol "LOC" indicates that the rating is based on a letter
of credit issued by a commercial bank.

         Thomson BankWatch short-term ratings assess the likelihood of an
untimely payment of principal and interest of debt instruments with original
maturities of one year or less. The following summarizes the ratings used by
Thomson BankWatch:

         "TBW-1" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's highest
category and indicates a very high likelihood that principal and interest will
be paid on a timely basis.

         "TBW-2" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's
second-highest category and indicates that while the


                                      A-3
<PAGE>   220
degree of safety regarding timely repayment of principal and interest is strong,
the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1."

         "TBW-3" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's lowest
investment-grade category and indicates that while the obligation is more
susceptible to adverse developments (both internal and external) than those with
higher ratings, the capacity to service principal and interest in a timely
fashion is considered adequate.

         "TBW-4" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's lowest rating
category and indicates that the obligation is regarded as non-investment grade
and therefore speculative.

         IBCA assesses the investment quality of unsecured debt with an original
maturity of less than one year which is issued by bank holding companies and
their principal bank subsidiaries. The following summarizes the rating
categories used by IBCA for short-term debt ratings:

         "A1" - Obligations are supported by the highest capacity for timely
repayment. Where issues possess a particularly strong credit feature, a rating
of "A1+" is assigned.

         "A2" - Obligations are supported by a satisfactory capacity for timely
repayment although such capacity may be susceptible to adverse changes in
business, economic or financial conditions.

         "A3" - Obligations are supported by an adequate capacity for timely
repayment such capacity is more susceptible to adverse changes in business,
economic, or financial conditions than for obligations in higher categories.

         "B" - Obligations for which the capacity for timely repayment is
susceptible to adverse changes in business, economic, or financial conditions.

         "C" - Obligations for which there is a high risk of default or which
are currently in default.

CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS

         The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poor's for
corporate and municipal debt:

         "AAA" - This designation represents the highest rating assigned by
Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is extremely strong.


                                      A-4
<PAGE>   221
         "AA" - An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated
obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is very strong.

         "A" - An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

         "BBB" - An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection
parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

         "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" - Debt is regarded as having significant
speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and
"C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.

         "BB" - Debt is less vulnerable to non-payment than other speculative
issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse
business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

         "B" - Debt is more vulnerable to non-payment than obligations rated
"BB", but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions
will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

         "CCC" - Debt is currently vulnerable to non-payment, and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse
business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have
the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

         "CC" - An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to
non-payment.

         "C" - The "C" rating may be used to cover a situation where a
bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but
payments on this obligation are being continued.

         "D" - An obligation rated "D" is in payment default. This rating is
used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, even if the
applicable grace period has not


                                      A-5
<PAGE>   222
expired, unless S & P believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period. "D" rating is also used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the
taking of similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

         PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-) - The ratings from "AA" through "CCC" may be
modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing
within the major rating categories.

         "r" - This rating is attached to highlight derivative, hybrid, and
certain other obligations that S & P believes may experience high volatility or
high variability in expected returns due to non-credit risks. Examples of such
obligations are: securities whose principal or interest return is indexed to
equities, commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and options; and
interest-only and principal-only mortgage securities. The absence of an "r"
symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no
volatility or variability in total return.

         The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody's for corporate and
municipal long-term debt:

         "Aaa" - Bonds are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the
smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.

         "Aa" - Bonds are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the "Aaa" group they comprise what are generally known as
high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in "Aaa" securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in "Aaa"
securities.

         "A" - Bonds possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be
considered as upper medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

         "Baa" - Bonds are considered as medium-grade obligations, (i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment


                                      A-6
<PAGE>   223
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

         "Ba," "B," "Caa," "Ca," and "C" - Bonds that possess one of these
ratings provide questionable protection of interest and principal ("Ba"
indicates speculative elements; "B" indicates a general lack of characteristics
of desirable investment; "Caa" are of poor standing; "Ca" represents obligations
which are speculative in a high degree; and "C" represents the lowest rated
class of bonds). "Caa," "Ca" and "C" bonds may be in default.

         Con. (---) - Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion
of some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These
are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings
of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals which begin when
facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon completion
of construction or elimination of basis of condition.

         (P)... - When applied to forward delivery bonds, indicates that the
rating is provisional pending delivery of the bonds. The rating may be revised
prior to delivery if changes occur in the legal documents or the underlying
credit quality of the bonds.

         Note: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody's
believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the
symbols, Aa1, A1, Baa1, Ba1 and B1.

         The following summarizes the long-term debt ratings used by Duff &
Phelps for corporate and municipal long-term debt:

         "AAA" - Debt is considered to be of the highest credit quality. The
risk factors are negligible, being only slightly more than for risk-free U.S.
Treasury debt.

         "AA" - Debt is considered to be of high credit quality. Protection
factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to time
because of economic conditions.

         "A" - Debt possesses protection factors which are average but adequate.
However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of economic
stress.

         "BBB" - Debt possesses below-average protection factors but such
protection factors are still considered sufficient for prudent investment.
Considerable variability in risk is present during economic cycles.

         "BB," "B," "CCC," "DD," and "DP" - Debt that possesses one of these
ratings is considered to be below investment grade.


                                      A-7
<PAGE>   224
Although below investment grade, debt rated "BB" is deemed likely to meet
obligations when due. Debt rated "B" possesses the risk that obligations will
not be met when due. Debt rated "CCC" is well below investment grade and has
considerable uncertainty as to timely payment of principal, interest or
preferred dividends. Debt rated "DD" is a defaulted debt obligation, and the
rating "DP" represents preferred stock with dividend arrearages.

         To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the "AA," "A,"
"BBB," "BB" and "B" ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or
minus (-) sign to show relative standing within these major categories.

         The following summarizes the ratings used by Fitch for corporate and
municipal bonds:

         "AAA" - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest
credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest
and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.

         "AA" - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA." Because bonds rated
in the "AAA" and "AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated "F-1+."

         "A" - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic
conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

         "BBB" - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have an adverse impact on these
bonds, and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of
these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with
higher ratings.

         "BB" - Bonds considered to be speculative. The obligor's ability to pay
interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic
changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be identified, which
could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.

         "B" - Bonds are considered highly speculative. While securities in this
class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of
continued timely payment of


                                      A-8
<PAGE>   225
principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and the
need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life of the
issue.

         "CCC" - Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics that, if not
remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an
advantageous business and economic environment.

         "CC" - Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payments of interest
and/or principal seems probable over time.

         "C" - Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or
principal.

         "DDD," "DD" and "D" - Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal
payments. Such securities are extremely speculative and should be valued on the
basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the
obligor. "DDD" represents the highest potential for recovery on these
securities, and "D" represents the lowest potential for recovery.

         To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the Fitch
ratings from and including "AA" to "C" may be modified by the addition of a plus
(+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within these major rating
categories.

         IBCA assesses the investment quality of unsecured debt with an original
maturity of more than one year which is issued by bank holding companies and
their principal bank subsidiaries. The following summarizes the rating
categories used by IBCA for long-term debt ratings:

         "AAA" - Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation of
investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
substantial, such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk substantially.

         "AA" - Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of
investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
substantial, such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
conditions may increase investment risk, albeit not very significantly.

         "A" - Obligations for which there is a low expectation of investment
risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is strong,
although adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may lead
to increased investment risk.

         "BBB" - Obligations for which there is currently a low expectation of
investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
adequate, although adverse changes in


                                      A-9
<PAGE>   226
business, economic or financial conditions are more likely to lead to increased
investment risk than for obligations in other categories.

         "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC," and "C" - Obligations are assigned one of these
ratings where it is considered that speculative characteristics are present.
"BB" represents the lowest degree of speculation and indicates a possibility of
investment risk developing. "C" represents the highest degree of speculation and
indicates that the obligations are currently in default.

         IBCA may append a rating of plus (+) or minus (-) to a rating below
"AAA" to denote relative status within major rating categories.

         Thomson BankWatch assesses the likelihood of an untimely repayment of
principal or interest over the term to maturity of long term debt and preferred
stock which are issued by United States commercial banks, thrifts and non-bank
banks; non-United States banks; and broker-dealers. The following summarizes the
rating categories used by Thomson BankWatch for long-term debt ratings:

         "AAA" - This designation represents the highest category assigned by
Thomson BankWatch to long-term debt and indicates that the ability to repay
principal and interest on a timely basis is extremely high.

         "AA" - This designation indicates a very strong ability to repay
principal and interest on a timely basis with limited incremental risk compared
to issues rated in the highest category.

         "A" - This designation indicates that the ability to repay principal
and interest is strong. Issues rated "A" could be more vulnerable to adverse
developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher ratings.

         "BBB" - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch's lowest
investment-grade category and indicates an acceptable capacity to repay
principal and interest. Issues rated "BBB" are, however, more vulnerable to
adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher
ratings.

         "BB," "B," "CCC," and "CC," - These designations are assigned by
Thomson BankWatch to non-investment grade long-term debt. Such issues are
regarded as having speculative characteristics regarding the likelihood of
timely payment of principal and interest. "BB" indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and "CC" the highest degree of speculation.

         "D" - This designation indicates that the long-term debt is in default.


                                      A-10
<PAGE>   227
         PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-) - The ratings from "AAA" through "CC" may include
a plus or minus sign designation which indicates where within the respective
category the issue is placed.

MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS

         A Standard and Poor's rating reflects the liquidity concerns and market
access risks unique to notes due in three years or less. The following
summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group for municipal
notes:

         "SP-1" - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a strong capacity
to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess very strong
characteristics are given a plus (+) designation.

         "SP-2" - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit satisfactory
capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse
financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

         "SP-3" - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit speculative
capacity to pay principal and interest.

         Moody's ratings for state and municipal notes and other short-term
loans are designated Moody's Investment Grade ("MIG") and variable rate demand
obligations are designated Variable Moody's Investment Grade ("VMIG"). Such
ratings recognize the differences between short-term credit risk and long-term
risk. The following summarizes the ratings by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
for short-term notes:

         "MIG-1"/"VMIG-1" - This designation denotes best quality, enjoying
strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or
demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

         "MIG-2"/"VMIG-2" - This designation denotes high quality, with margins
of protection ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

         "MIG-3"/"VMIG-3" - This designation denotes favorable quality, with all
security elements accounted for but lacking the undeniable strength of the
preceding grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market
access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

         "MIG-4"/"VMIG-4" - This designation denotes adequate quality, carrying
specific risk but having protection commonly regarded as required of an
investment security and not distinctly or predominantly speculative.


                                      A-11
<PAGE>   228
         "SG" - This designation denotes speculative quality and lack of margins
of protection.

         Fitch and Duff & Phelps use the short-term ratings described under
Commercial Paper Ratings for municipal notes.


                                      A-12
<PAGE>   229
                                   APPENDIX B

         As stated in the Prospectus, the Funds may enter into certain futures
transactions. Such transactions are described in this Appendix.

I. Interest Rate Futures Contracts

         Use of Interest Rate Futures Contracts. Bond prices are established in
both the cash market and the futures market. In the cash market, bonds are
purchased and sold with payment for the full purchase price of the bond being
made in cash, generally within five business days after the trade. In the
futures market, only a contract is made to purchase or sell a bond in the future
for a set price on a certain date. Historically, the prices for bonds
established in the futures markets have tended to move generally in the
aggregate in concert with the cash market prices and have maintained fairly
predictable relationships. Accordingly, a Fund may use interest rate futures
contracts as a defense, or hedge, against anticipated interest rate changes. As
described below, this would include the use of futures contract sales to protect
against expected increases in interest rates and futures contract purchases to
offset the impact of interest rate declines.

         A Fund could accomplish a similar result to that which it hopes to
achieve through the use of futures contracts by selling bonds with long
maturities and investing in bonds with short maturities when interest rates are
expected to increase, or conversely, selling short-term bonds and investing in
long-term bonds when interest rates are expected to decline. However, because of
the liquidity that is often available in the futures market, the protection is
more likely to be achieved, perhaps at a lower cost and without changing the
rate of interest being earned by the Fund, by using futures contracts.

         Description of Interest Rate Futures Contracts. An interest rate
futures contract sale would create an obligation by a Fund, as seller, to
deliver the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract at
a specific future time for a specified price. A futures contract purchase would
create an obligation by a Fund, as purchaser, to take delivery of the specific
type of financial instrument at a specific future time at a specific price. The
specific securities delivered or taken, respectively, at settlement date, would
not be determined until at or near that date. The determination would be in
accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the futures contract sale or
purchase was made.

         Although interest rate futures contracts by their terms call for actual
delivery or acceptance of securities, in most cases the contracts are closed out
before the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery of
securities. Closing out a futures contract sale is effected by a Fund entering
into a


                                      B-1
<PAGE>   230
futures contract purchase for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of
financial instrument and the same delivery date. If the price of the sale
exceeds the price of the offsetting purchase, the Fund is immediately paid the
difference and thus realizes a gain. If the offsetting purchase price exceeds
the sale price, the Fund pays the difference and realizes a loss. Similarly, the
closing out of a futures contract purchase is effected by the Fund entering into
a futures contract sale. If the offsetting sale price exceeds the purchase
price, the Fund realizes a gain, and if the purchase price exceeds the
offsetting sale price, the Fund realizes a loss.

         Interest rate futures contracts are traded in an auction environment on
the floors of several exchanges -- principally, the Chicago Board of Trade, the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the New York Futures Exchange. Each exchange
guarantees performance under contract provisions through a clearing corporation,
a nonprofit organization managed by the exchange membership.

         A public market now exists in futures contracts covering various
financial instruments including long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds and Notes;
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) modified pass-through mortgage
backed securities; three-month U.S. Treasury Bills; and ninety-day commercial
paper. The Funds may trade in any interest rate futures contracts for which
there exists a public market, including, without limitation, the foregoing
instruments.

         With regard to each Fund, the Adviser also anticipates engaging in
transactions, from time to time, in foreign stock index futures such as the
ALL-ORDS (Australia), CAC-40 (France), TOPIX (Japan) and the FTSE-100 (United
Kingdom).

II. Index Futures Contracts

         General. A stock or bond index assigns relative values to the stocks or
bonds included in the index, which fluctuates with changes in the market values
of the stocks or bonds included. Some stock index futures contracts are based on
broad market indexes, such as Standard & Poor's 500 or the New York Stock
Exchange Composite Index. In contrast, certain exchanges offer futures contracts
on narrower market indexes, such as the Standard & Poor's 100 or indexes based
on an industry or market indexes, such as Standard & Poor's 100 or indexes based
on an industry or market segment, such as oil and gas stocks. Futures contracts
are traded on organized exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission. Transactions on such exchanges are cleared through a clearing
corporation, which guarantees the performance of the parties to each contract.
With regard to each Fund, to the extent consistent with its investment
objective, the Adviser anticipates engaging in transactions, from time to time,
in foreign stock index futures such as the ALL-ORDS


                                      B-2
<PAGE>   231
(Australia), CAC-40 (France), TOPIX (Japan) and the FTSE-100 (United Kingdom).

         A Fund might sell index futures contracts in order to offset a decrease
in market value of its portfolio securities that might otherwise result from a
market decline. A Fund might do so either to hedge the value of its portfolio as
a whole, or to protect against declines, occurring prior to sales of securities,
in the value of the securities to be sold. Conversely, a Fund might purchase
index futures contracts in anticipation of purchases of securities. A long
futures position may be terminated without a corresponding purchase of
securities.

         In addition, a Fund might utilize index futures contracts in
anticipation of changes in the composition of its portfolio holdings. For
example, in the event that a Fund expects to narrow the range of industry groups
represented in its holdings it may, prior to making purchases of the actual
securities, establish a long futures position based on a more restricted index,
such as an index comprised of securities of a particular industry group. A Fund
may also sell futures contracts in connection with this strategy, in order to
protect against the possibility that the value of the securities to be sold as
part of the restructuring of the portfolio will decline prior to the time of
sale.

III. Futures Contracts on Foreign Currencies

         A futures contract on foreign currency creates a binding obligation on
one party to deliver, and a corresponding obligation on another party to accept
delivery of, a stated quantity of foreign currency, for an amount fixed in U.S.
dollars (or another currency). Foreign currency futures may be used by a Fund to
hedge against exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates between different
currencies arising from multinational transactions.

IV. Margin Payments

         Unlike purchase or sales of portfolio securities, no price is paid or
received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, a
Fund will be required to deposit with the broker or in a segregated account with
a custodian an amount of liquid assets known as initial margin, based on the
value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is
different from that of margin in security transactions in that futures contract
margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the
transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond
or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon
termination of the futures contract assuming all contractual obligations have
been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the
broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the


                                      B-3
<PAGE>   232
underlying instruments fluctuates making the long and short positions in the
futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as
marking-to-the-market. For example, when a particular Fund has purchased a
futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise
in the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and
the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment
equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a
futures contract and the price of the future contract has declined in response
to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable
and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker.
Prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Adviser may elect to close the
position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a
secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund's position in the
futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made,
additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund
realizes a loss or gain.

V. Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts

         There are several risks in connection with the use of futures by a
Fund. One risk arises because of the imperfect correlation between movements in
the price of the futures and movements in the price of any instruments which are
the subject of a hedge. The price of the futures may move more than or less than
the price of the instruments being hedged. If the price of the futures moves
less than the price of the instruments which are the subject of the hedge, the
hedge will not be fully effective but, if the price of the instruments being
hedged has moved in an unfavorable direction, the Fund would be in a better
position than if it had not hedged at all. If the price of the instruments being
hedged has moved in a favorable direction, this advantage will be partially
offset by the loss on the futures. If the price of the futures moves more than
the price of the hedged instruments, the Fund involved will experience either a
loss or gain on the futures which will not be completely offset by movements in
the price of the instruments which are the subject of the hedge. To compensate
for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of instruments being
hedged and movements in the price of futures contracts, a Fund may buy or sell
futures contracts in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of
instruments being hedged if the volatility over a particular time period of the
prices of such instruments has been greater than the volatility over such time
period of the future, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by the Adviser.
Conversely, a Fund may buy or sell fewer futures contracts if the volatility
over a particular time period of the prices of the instruments being hedged is
less than the volatility over such time period of the futures contract being
used, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by the Adviser. It is also
possible that, where a Fund has sold futures to hedge its portfolio against a
decline in the market, the market may advance and the


                                      B-4
<PAGE>   233
value of instruments held in the Fund may decline. If this occurred, the Fund
would lose money on the futures and also experience a decline in value in its
portfolio securities.

         When futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the
price of securities or a currency before a Fund is able to invest its cash (or
cash equivalents) in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may
decline instead; if the Fund then concludes not to invest its cash at that time
because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons,
the Fund will realize a loss on the futures contract that is not offset by a
reduction in the price of the instruments that were to be purchased.

         In addition to the possibility that there may be an imperfect
correlation, or no correlation at all, between movements in the futures and any
instruments being hedged, the price of futures may not correlate perfectly with
movement in the cash market due to certain market distortions. Rather than
meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures
contracts through off-setting transactions which could distort the normal
relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, with respect to
financial futures contracts, the liquidity of the futures market depends on
participants entering into off-setting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity
in the futures market could be reduced thus producing distortions. Third, from
the point of view of speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures market
are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore,
increased participation by speculators in the futures market may also cause
temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion in the
futures market, and because of the imperfect correlation between the movements
in the cash market and movements in the price of futures, a correct forecast of
general market trends or interest rate movements by the adviser may still not
result in a successful hedging transaction over a short time frame.

         Positions in futures may be closed out only on an exchange or board of
trade which provides a secondary market for such futures. Although the Funds
intend to purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where
there appear to be active secondary markets, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on any exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular
contract or at any particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to
close a futures investment position, and in the event of adverse price
movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of
variation margin. However, in the event futures contracts have been used to
hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not be sold until the futures
contract can be terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the price of
the securities, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the futures


                                      B-5
<PAGE>   234
contract. However, as described above, there is no guarantee that the price of
the securities will in fact correlate with the price movements in the futures
contract and thus provide an offset on a futures contract.

         Further, it should be noted that the liquidity of a secondary market in
a futures contract may be adversely affected by "daily price fluctuation limits"
established by commodity exchanges which limit the amount of fluctuation in a
futures contract price during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has
been reached in the contract, no trades may be entered into at a price beyond
the limit, thus preventing the liquidation of open futures positions. The
trading of futures contracts is also subject to the risk of trading halts,
suspensions, exchange or clearing house equipment failures, government
intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house or other
disruptions of normal activity, which could at times make it difficult or
impossible to liquidate existing positions or to recover excess variation margin
payments.

         Successful use of futures by a Fund is also subject to the Adviser's
ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the market. For
example, if a particular Fund has hedged against the possibility of a decline in
the market adversely affecting securities held by it and securities prices
increase instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit to the increased
value of its securities which it has hedged because it will have offsetting
losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund
has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily variation
margin requirements. Such sales of securities may be, but will not necessarily
be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. A Fund may have to sell
securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

         The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some strategies can be
substantial, due both to the low margin deposits required, and the extremely
high degree of leverage involved in futures pricing. As a result, a relatively
small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and
substantial loss (as well as gain) to the investor. For example, if at the time
of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a
subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a
total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction
costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a
loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit, before any deduction for the
transaction costs, if the contract were closed out. Thus, a purchase or sale of
a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the
contract.


                                      B-6
<PAGE>   235
VI. Options on Futures Contracts

         A Fund may purchase and write options on the futures contracts
described above. A futures option gives the holder, in return for the premium
paid, the right to buy (call) from or sell (put) to the writer of the option a
futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period of the
option. Upon exercise, the writer of the option is obligated to pay the
difference between the cash value of the futures contract and the exercise
price. Like the buyer or seller of a futures contract, the holder, or writer, of
an option has the right to terminate its position prior to the scheduled
expiration of the option by selling, or purchasing an option of the same series,
at which time the person entering into the closing transaction will realize a
gain or loss. A Fund will be required to deposit initial margin and variation
margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it
pursuant to brokers' requirements similar to those described above. Net option
premiums received will be included as initial margin deposits. As an example, in
anticipation of a decline in interest rates, a Fund may purchase call options on
futures contracts as a substitute for the purchase of futures contracts to hedge
against a possible increase in the price of securities which the Fund intends to
purchase. Similarly, if the value of the securities held by a Fund is expected
to decline as a result of an increase in interest rates, the Fund might purchase
put options or sell call options on futures contracts rather than sell futures
contracts.

         Investments in futures options involve some of the same considerations
that are involved in connection with investments in futures contracts (for
example, the existence of a liquid secondary market). In addition, the purchase
or sale of an option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the
underlying futures contract will not correspond to changes in the value of the
option purchased. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the
futures contract upon which it is based, or upon the price of the underlying
securities or currencies, an option may or may not be less risky than ownership
of the futures contract or such securities or currencies. In general, the market
prices of options can be expected to be more volatile than the market prices on
the underlying futures contract. Compared to the purchase or sale of futures
contracts, however, the purchase of call or put options on futures contracts may
frequently involve less potential risk to a Fund because the maximum amount at
risk is the premium paid for the options (plus transaction costs). The writing
of an option on a futures contract involves risks similar to those risks
relating to the sale of futures contracts.

VII. Other Matters

         Accounting for futures contracts will be in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.


                                      B-7
<PAGE>   236
         The Funds intend to comply with the regulations of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission exempting the Funds from registration as a "commodity
pool operator."


                                      B-8
<PAGE>   237
                                     PART C
                                OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

         (a)  Financial Statements --
                  (1)      Financial Statements included in Part B.*
                           (a)      Report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
                                    Independent Accountants*
                           (b)      Statement of Net Assets and Liabilities*

         (b)      Exhibits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.                         Description of Exhibit
- -----------                         ----------------------
<S>                                 <C>
         1                          Articles of Incorporation.

         2                          By-Laws.

         3                          Not applicable.

         4                          Registrant's Forms of Stock Certificates. *

         5                          Form of Investment Advisory Agreement.*

         6                          Form of Distribution Agreement.*

         7                          Not applicable.

         8                          Custodian Agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.*

         9(a)                       Transfer Agency and Service Agreement.*

         (b)                        Form of Co-Administration Agreement with Counsellors Funds Service, Inc.*

         (c)                        Form of Co-Administration Agreement with PFPC Inc.*

         10(a)                      Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher counsel to the
                                    Fund.*

           (b)                      Opinion and Consent of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP,
                                    Maryland counsel to the Fund.*

         11                         Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.*

         12                         Not applicable.
</TABLE>

*        To be filed by amendment.
<PAGE>   238
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
         13                         Form of Purchase Agreement.*

         14                         Not applicable

         15(a)                      Form of Shareholder Servicing and
                                    Distribution Plan.*
           (b)                      Form of Distribution Plan.*

         16                         Not applicable.

         17                         Not applicable

         18                         Form of 18f-3 Plan.*
</TABLE>

Item 25. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant

                  All of the outstanding shares of common stock of Registrant on
the date Registrant's Registration Statement becomes effective will be owned by
Warburg Pincus Asset Management, Inc. ("Warburg"), a corporation formed under
New York law.

Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities

                  It is anticipated that Warburg will hold all Registrant's
shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, on the date Registrant's
Registration Statement becomes effective.

Item 27. Indemnification

                         Registrant, officers and directors of Warburg, of
Counsellors Securities Inc. ("Counsellors Securities") and of Registrant are
covered by insurance policies indemnifying them for liability incurred in
connection with the operation of Registrant. These policies provide insurance
for any "Wrongful Act" of an officer, director or trustee. Wrongful Act is
defined as breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement, misleading statement,
omission or other act done or wrongfully attempted by an officer, director or
trustee in connection with the operation of Registrant. Insurance coverage does
not extend to (a) conflicts of interest or gain in fact any profit or advantage
to which one is not legally entitled, (b) intentional non-compliance with any
statute or regulation or (c) commission of dishonest, fraudulent acts or
omissions. Insofar as it related to Registrant, the coverage is limited in
amount and, in certain circumstances, is subject to a deductible.

                         Under Article VIII of the Articles of Incorporation
(the "Articles"), the Directors and officers of Registrant shall not have any
liability to Registrant or its stockholders for money damages, to the fullest
extent permitted by Maryland law. This limitation on liability applies to events
occurring at the
<PAGE>   239
time a person serves as a Director or officer of Registrant whether or not such
person is a Director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability
is asserted. No provision of Article VIII shall protect or purport to protect
any Director or officer of Registrant against any liability to Registrant or its
stockholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of his office. Registrant shall indemnify and advance
expenses to its currently acting and its former Director to the fullest extent
that indemnification of Directors and advancement of expenses to Directors is
permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law.

                         Registrant shall indemnify and advance expenses to its
officers to the same extent as its Directors and to such further extent as is
consistent with such law. The Board of Directors may, through a by-law,
resolution or agreement, make further provisions for indemnification of
directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the
Maryland General Corporation Law.

                         Article V of the By-Laws further limits the liability
of the Directors by providing that any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party in any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by
reason of the fact that such person is a current or former director or officer
of Registrant, or is or was serving while a director or officer of Registrant at
the request of Registrant as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee,
agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
enterprise or employee benefit plan, shall be indemnified by Registrant against
judgments, penalties, fines, excise taxes, settlements and reasonable expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually incurred by such person in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding to the full extent permissible under the
Maryland General Corporation Law, the 1993 Act and the 1940 Act, as such
statutes are now or hereafter in force, except that such indemnity shall not
protect any such person against any liability to Registrant or any stockholder
thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of this office.

Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

                         BEA Associates ("BEA") acts as investment adviser to
the Registrant. BEA renders investment advice to a wide variety of individual
and institutional clients. The list required by this Item 28 of officers and
directors of BEA, together with information as to their other business,
profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature during the past
<PAGE>   240
two years, is incorporated by reference to Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed
by BEA (SEC File No. 801-37170).

Item 29. Principal Underwriter

                         (a) Counsellors Securities will act as distributor for
Registrant, as well as for Warburg Pincus Balanced Fund; Warburg Pincus Capital
Appreciation Fund; Warburg Pincus Cash Reserve Fund; Warburg Pincus Central and
Eastern Europe Fund; Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund; Warburg Pincus
Emerging Markets Fund; Warburg Pincus Emerging Markets II Fund; Warburg Pincus
European Equity Fund; Warburg Pincus Fixed Income Fund; Warburg Pincus Global
Fixed Income Fund; Warburg Pincus Global Post-Venture Capital Fund; Warburg
Pincus Global Telecommunications Fund; Warburg Pincus Growth & Income Fund;
Warburg Pincus Health Sciences Fund; Warburg Pincus High Yield Fund; Warburg
Pincus Institutional Fund; Warburg Pincus Intermediate Maturity Government Fund;
Warburg Pincus International Equity Fund; Warburg Pincus International Growth
Fund; Warburg Pincus International Small Company Fund; Warburg Pincus Japan
Growth Fund; Warburg Pincus Japan OTC Fund; Warburg Pincus Long-Short Equity
Fund; Warburg Pincus Long-Short Market Neutral Fund; Warburg Pincus Major
Foreign Markets Fund; Warburg Pincus Money Market Fund; Warburg Pincus Municipal
Bond Fund; Warburg Pincus New York Intermediate Municipal Fund; Warburg Pincus
New York Tax Exempt Fund; Warburg Pincus Post-Venture Capital Fund; Warburg
Pincus Select Economic Value Equity Fund; Warburg Pincus Small Company Growth
Fund; Warburg Pincus Small Company Value Fund; Warburg Pincus Strategic Global
Fixed Income Fund; Warburg Pincus Strategic Value Fund; Warburg Pincus Tax Free
Money Market Fund; Warburg Pincus Trust; Warburg Pincus Trust II; Warburg Pincus
U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund and Warburg Pincus U.S. Core Equity Fund.

                         (b) For information relating to each director, officer
or partner of Counsellors Securities, reference is made to Form BD (SEC File No.
8-32482) filed by Counsellors Securities under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.

                         (c) None.

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

                  (1)      Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Equity
                           Fund, Inc.
                           466 Lexington Avenue
                           New York, New York  10017-3147
                           (Fund's Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and
                           minute books)

                  (2)      BEA Associates
                           One Citicorp Center
                           153 East 53rd Street
                           New York, New York 10022
<PAGE>   241
                           (records relating to its functions as
                           investment adviser)

                  (3)      PFPC Inc.
                           400 Bellevue Parkway
                           Wilmington, Delaware  19809
                           (records relating to its functions as co-
                           administrator)

                  (4)      Counsellors Funds Service, Inc.
                           466 Lexington Avenue
                           New York, New York 10017-3147
                           (records relating to its functions as
                           co-administrator)

                  (5)      State Street Bank and Trust Company
                           225 Franklin Street
                           Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                           (records relating to its functions as transfer
                           agent and dividend disbursing agent)

                  (7)      Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
                           2 Heritage Drive
                           North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171
                           (records relating to its functions as transfer
                           agent and dividend disbursing agent)

                  (8)      Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
                           40 Water Street
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02109
                           (records relating to its functions as custodian)

                  (9)      Counsellors Securities Inc.
                           466 Lexington Avenue
                           New York, New York 10017-3147
                           (records relating to its functions as distributor)

Item 31. Management Services

                  Not applicable.

Item 32. Undertakings.

                (a) Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom
a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the latest annual report to
shareholders for the Fund, upon request and without charge.

                (b) Registrant hereby undertakes to call a meeting of its
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of a
director or directors of Registrant when requested in writing to do so by the
holders of at least 10% of Registrant's outstanding shares. Registrant
undertakes further, in connection with the meeting, to comply with the
provisions of
<PAGE>   242
Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act relating to communications with the shareholders
of certain common-law trusts.


(c)  Registrant hereby undertakes not to sell its shares to the public, except
in connection with the reorganization, until the Fund files a post-effective
amendment to its registration statement including audited financial statements.
<PAGE>   243
                                   SIGNATURES

                  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York and the State of
New York, on the 20th day of July, 1998.

                                     WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. CORE EQUITY
                                        FUND, INC.

                                     By:/s/Eugene L. Podsiadlo
                                     ------------------------- 
                                        Eugene L. Podsiadlo
                                        President

                  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                         Title                                         Date
- ---------                                         -----                                         ----
<S>                                               <C>                                      <C>
/s/John L. Furth                                  Chairman of the Board of                 July 20, 1998
- ----------------                                  Directors
John L. Furth                                              

/s/Eugene L. Podsiadlo                            President                                July 20, 1998
- ----------------------
Eugene L. Podsiadlo

/s/Howard Conroy                                  Vice President and Chief                 July 20, 1998
- ----------------                                  Financial Officer
Howard Conroy                                                      

/s/Daniel S. Madden                               Treasurer and Chief                      July 20, 1998
- -------------------                               Accounting Officer
Daniel S. Madden                                                     

/s/Richard N. Cooper                              Director                                 July 20, 1998
- --------------------
Richard N. Cooper

/s/Jack W. Fritz                                  Director                                 July 20, 1998
- ----------------
Jack W. Fritz

/s/Jeffrey E. Garten                              Director                                 July 20, 1998
- --------------------
Jeffrey E. Garten

/s/Arnold M. Reichman                             Director                                 July 20, 1998
- ---------------------
Arnold M. Reichman

/s/Alexander B. Trowbridge                        Director                                 July 20, 1998
- --------------------------
Alexander B. Trowbridge
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   244
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Exhibit No.                       Description of Exhibit
      -----------                       ----------------------
<S>                       <C>
       1                  Articles of Incorporation

       2                  By-Laws
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   1
                           ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                  WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. CORE EQUITY FUND, INC.

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  INCORPORATOR

            The undersigned, John H. Kim, whose post office address is c/o
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6099,
being at least 18 years of age, does hereby act as an incorporator and forms a
corporation under the Maryland General Corporation Law.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                      NAME

            The name of the corporation is Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Equity
Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation").

                                  ARTICLE III

                              PURPOSES AND POWERS

To conduct and carry on the business of an investment company.

(1)   To hold, invest and reinvest its assets in securities and other
      investments or to hold part or all of its assets in cash.

(2)   To issue and sell shares of its capital stock in such amounts, on such
      terms and conditions, for such purposes and for such amount or kind of
      consideration as may now or hereafter be permitted by law.

(3)   To redeem, purchase or acquire in any other manner, hold, dispose of,
      resell, transfer, reissue or cancel (all without the vote or consent of
      the stockholders of the Corporation) shares of its capital stock, in any
      manner and to the extent now or hereafter permitted by law and by this
      Charter.

(4)   To do any and all additional acts and to exercise any and all additional
      powers or rights as may be necessary, incidental, appropriate or desirable
      for the accomplishment of all or any of the foregoing purposes.

(5)   The Corporation shall be authorized to exercise and enjoy all of the
      powers, rights and privileges granted to, or
<PAGE>   2
      conferred upon, corporations by the Maryland General Corporation Law now
      or hereafter in force, and the enumeration of the foregoing shall not be
      deemed to exclude any powers, rights or privileges so granted or
      conferred.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                       PRINCIPAL OFFICE AND RESIDENT AGENT

            The post office address of the principal office of the Corporation
in the State of Maryland is c/o The Corporation Trust Company Incorporated, 32
South Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name and address of the resident
agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is The Corporation Trust
Company Incorporated, a Maryland corporation, 32 South
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                  CAPITAL STOCK

      (1)

      (A)   The total number of shares of capital stock that the Corporation
            shall have authority to issue is three billion (3,000,000,000)
            shares, of the par value of one tenth of one cent ($.001) per share
            and of the aggregate par value of three million dollars
            ($3,000,000), all of which three billion (3,000,000,000) shares are
            designated Common Stock.

      (B)

            (i)   One billion (1,000,000,000) shares of Common Stock have been
                  divided into and classified initially as a series of Common
                  Stock, designated "Common Shares."

            (ii)  One billion (1,000,000,000) shares of Common Stock have been
                  divided into and classified initially as a series of Common
                  Stock, designated "Institutional Shares."

            (iii) One billion (1,000,000,000) shares of Common Stock have been
                  divided into and classified initially as a series of Common
                  Stock, designated "Advisor Shares."

      (C)   Each Common Share will have the same preferences, conversion and
            other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
            dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as
            every other share of Common Stock, except that, subject to the
            provisions of any governing order, rule


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
            or regulation issued pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940,
            as amended (the "1940 Act"):

            (i)   Common Shares will share equally with Common Stock other than
                  Common Shares ("Non-Common Shares") in the income, earnings
                  and profits derived from investment and reinvestment of the
                  assets belonging to the Corporation and will be charged
                  equally with Non-Common Shares with the liabilities and
                  expenses of the Corporation, except that Common Shares will
                  bear the expense of payments made pursuant to any agreements
                  entered into by the Corporation pursuant to any shareholder
                  services plan and/or distribution plan adopted by the
                  Corporation with respect to Common Shares;

            (ii)  On any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the
                  Corporation that pertains to the agreements or expenses
                  described in clause (C)(i) above (or to any plan adopted by
                  the Corporation relating to said agreements or expenses), only
                  Common Shares will be entitled to vote, except that if said
                  matter affects Non-Common Shares, Non-Common Shares will also
                  be entitled to vote, and in such case Common Shares will be
                  voted in the aggregate together with such Non-Common Shares
                  and not by series except where otherwise required by law.
                  Common Shares will not be entitled to vote on any matter that
                  does not affect Common Shares (except where otherwise required
                  by law) even though the matter is submitted to a vote of the
                  holders of Non-Common Shares; and

            (iii) The Board of Directors of the Corporation in its sole
                  discretion may determine whether a matter affects a particular
                  class or series of Corporation shares.

      (D)   Each Institutional Share will have the same preferences, conversion
            and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
            dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as
            every other share of Common Stock, except that, subject to the
            provisions of any governing order, rule or regulation issued
            pursuant to the 1940 Act:

            (i)   Institutional Shares will share equally with Common Stock
                  other than Institutional Shares ("Non-Institutional Shares")
                  in the income, earnings and profits derived from investment


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
                  and reinvestment of the assets belonging to the Corporation
                  and will be charged equally with Non-Institutional Shares with
                  the liabilities and expenses of the Corporation, except that
                  Institutional Shares will bear the expense of payments made
                  pursuant to any agreements entered into by the Corporation
                  pursuant to any shareholder services plan and/or distribution
                  plan adopted by the Corporation with respect to Institutional
                  Shares;

            (ii)  On any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the
                  Corporation that pertains to the agreements or expenses
                  described in clause (D)(i) above (or to any plan adopted by
                  the Corporation relating to said agreements or expenses), only
                  Institutional Shares will be entitled to vote, except that if
                  said matter affects Non-Institutional Shares,
                  Non-Institutional Shares will also be entitled to vote, and in
                  such case Institutional Shares will be voted in the aggregate
                  together with such Non- Institutional Shares and not by series
                  except where otherwise required by law. Institutional Shares
                  will not be entitled to vote on any matter that does not
                  affect Institutional Shares (except where otherwise required
                  by law) even though the matter is submitted to a vote of the
                  holders of Non-Institutional Shares; and

            (iii) The Board of Directors of the Corporation in its sole
                  discretion may determine whether a matter affects a particular
                  class or series of Corporation shares.

      (E)   Each Advisor Share will have the same preferences, conversion and
            other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
            dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as
            every other share of Common Stock, except that, subject to the
            provisions of any governing order, rule or regulation issued
            pursuant to the 1940 Act:

            (i)   Advisor Shares will share equally with Common Stock other than
                  Advisor Shares ("Non-Advisor Shares") in the income, earnings
                  and profits derived from investment and reinvestment of the
                  assets belonging to the Corporation and will be charged
                  equally with Non-Advisor Shares with the liabilities and
                  expenses of the Corporation, except that Advisor Shares


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
                  will bear the expense of payments made pursuant to any
                  agreements entered into by the Corporation pursuant to any
                  shareholder services plan and/or distribution plan adopted by
                  the Corporation with respect to Advisor Shares;

            (ii)  On any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the
                  Corporation that pertains to the agreements or expenses
                  described in clause (E)(i) above (or to any plan adopted by
                  the Corporation relating to said agreements or expenses), only
                  Advisor Shares will be entitled to vote, except that if said
                  matter affects Non-Advisor Shares, Non-Advisor Shares will
                  also be entitled to vote, and in such case Advisor Shares will
                  be voted in the aggregate together with such Non-Advisor
                  Shares and not by series except where otherwise required by
                  law. Advisor Shares will not be entitled to vote on any matter
                  that does not affect Advisor Shares (except where otherwise
                  required by law) even though the matter is submitted to a vote
                  of the holders of Non-Advisor Shares; and

            (iii) The Board of Directors of the Corporation in its sole
                  discretion may determine whether a matter affects a particular
                  class or series of Corporation shares.

(2)   Any fractional share shall carry proportionately the rights of a whole
      share including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to
      receive dividends. A fractional share shall not, however, have the right
      to receive a certificate evidencing it.

(3)   All persons who shall acquire stock in the Corporation shall acquire the
      same subject to the provisions of this Charter and the By-Laws of the
      Corporation.

(4)   No holder of stock of the Corporation by virtue of being such a holder
      shall have any preemptive or other right to purchase or subscribe for any
      shares of the Corporation's capital stock or any other security that the
      Corporation may issue or sell (whether out of the number of shares
      authorized by this Charter or out of any shares of the Corporation's
      capital stock that the Corporation may acquire) other than a right that
      the Board of Directors in its discretion may determine to grant.

(5)   The Board of Directors shall have authority by resolution to classify or
      to reclassify, as the case may be, any authorized but unissued shares of
      capital stock from time to


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
      time by setting or changing in any one or more respects the preferences,
      conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
      dividends, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of the
      capital stock.

(6)   Notwithstanding any provision of law requiring any action to be taken or
      authorized by the affirmative vote of a greater proportion of the votes of
      all classes or of any class of stock of the Corporation, such action shall
      be effective and valid if taken or authorized by the affirmative vote of a
      majority of the total number of votes entitled to be cast thereon, except
      as otherwise provided in this Charter.

(7)   The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of one-third of the
      shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote (without regard to
      class) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the stockholders,
      except with respect to any matter which, under applicable statutes or
      regulatory requirements, requires approval by a separate vote of one or
      more classes of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of
      the holders of one-third of the shares of stock of each class required to
      vote as a class on the matter shall constitute a quorum.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                   REDEMPTION

            Each holder of shares of the Corporation's capital stock shall be
entitled to require the Corporation to redeem all or any part of the shares of
capital stock of the Corporation standing in the name of the holder on the books
of the Corporation, and all shares of capital stock issued by the Corporation
shall be subject to redemption by the Corporation, at the redemption price of
the shares as in effect from time to time as may be determined by or pursuant to
the direction of the Board of Directors of the Corporation in accordance with
the provisions of Article VII, subject to the right of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation to suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of
payment of the redemption price in accordance with provisions of applicable law.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Corporation shall, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, have the right at any time to redeem the
shares owned by any holder of capital stock of the Corporation (i) if the
redemption is, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Corporation,
desirable in order to prevent the Corporation from being deemed a "personal
holding company" within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or (ii) if the value of the shares in the account maintained by the
Corporation or its transfer agent for any class of stock for the stockholder is
below an amount determined from time to time by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Minimum Account Balance") and the stockholder has been given
notice of the redemption and has failed to make additional purchases of shares
in an amount


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
sufficient to bring the value in his account to at least the Minimum Account
Balance before the redemption is effected by the Corporation. Payment of the
redemption price shall be made in cash by the Corporation at the time and in the
manner as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation unless, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, which shall be
conclusive, conditions exist that make payment wholly in cash unwise or
undesirable; in such event the Corporation may make payment wholly or partly by
securities or other property included in the assets belonging or allocable to
the class of the shares for which redemption is being sought, the value of which
shall be determined as provided herein. The Board of Directors may establish
procedures for redemption of shares.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(1)   The number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall be one
      or such other number as may be set forth in the By-Laws or determined by
      the Board of Directors pursuant to the By-Laws. The number of Directors
      shall at no time be less than the minimum number required under the
      Maryland General Corporation Law. Arnold M. Reichman has been appointed
      director of the Corporation to hold office until the first annual meeting
      of stockholders or until his successor is elected and qualified.

(2)   In furtherance, and not in limitation, of the powers conferred by the
      Maryland General Corporation Law, the Board of Directors is expressly
      authorized:

            (i)   To make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation,
                  except where such power is reserved by the By-Laws to the
                  stockholders, and except as otherwise required by the 1940
                  Act.

            (ii)  From time to time to determine whether and to what extent and
                  at what times and places and under what conditions and
                  regulations the books and accounts of the Corporation, or any
                  of them other than the stock ledger, shall be open to the
                  inspection of the stockholders. No stockholder shall have any
                  right to inspect any account or book or document of the
                  Corporation, except as conferred by law or authorized by
                  resolution of the Board of Directors or of the stockholders.

            (iii) Without the assent or vote of the stockholders, to authorize
                  the issuance from time to time of shares of the stock of any
                  class of the Corporation, whether now or


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
                  hereafter authorized, and securities convertible into shares
                  of stock of the Corporation of any class or classes, whether
                  now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as the
                  Board of Directors may deem advisable.

            (iv)  Without the assent or vote of the stockholders, to authorize
                  and issue obligations of the Corporation, secured and
                  unsecured, as the Board of Directors may determine, and to
                  authorize and cause to be executed mortgages and liens upon
                  the real or personal property of the Corporation.

            (v)   Notwithstanding anything in this Charter to the contrary, to
                  establish in its absolute discretion the basis or method for
                  determining the value of the assets belonging to any class,
                  the value of the liabilities belonging to any class and the
                  net asset value of each share of any class of the
                  Corporation's stock.

            (vi)  To determine in accordance with generally accepted accounting
                  principles and practices what constitutes net profits,
                  earnings, surplus or net assets in excess of capital, and to
                  determine what accounting periods shall be used by the
                  Corporation for any purpose; to set apart out of any funds of
                  the Corporation reserves for such purposes as it shall
                  determine and to abolish the same; to declare and pay any
                  dividends and distributions in cash, securities or other
                  property from surplus or any other funds legally available
                  therefor, at such intervals as it shall determine; to declare
                  dividends or distributions by means of a formula or other
                  method of determination, at meetings held less frequently than
                  the frequency of the effectiveness of such declarations; and
                  to establish payment dates for dividends or any other
                  distributions on any basis, including dates occurring less
                  frequently than the effectiveness of declarations thereof.

            (vii) In addition to the powers and authorities granted herein and
                  by statute expressly conferred upon it, the Board of Directors
                  is authorized to exercise all powers and do all acts that may
                  be exercised or done by the Corporation pursuant to the
                  provisions of the


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
                  laws of the State of Maryland, this Charter and the By-Laws of
                  the Corporation.

(3)   Any determination made in good faith, and in accordance with applicable
      law and generally accepted accounting principles and practices, if
      applicable, by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors,
      with respect to the amount of assets, obligations or liabilities of the
      Corporation, as to the amount of net income of the Corporation from
      dividends and interest for any period or amounts at any time legally
      available for the payment of dividends, as to the amount of any reserves
      or charges set up and the propriety thereof, as to the time of or purpose
      for creating reserves or as to the use, alteration or cancellation of any
      reserves or charges (whether or not any obligation or liability for which
      the reserves or charges have been created has been paid or discharged or
      is then or thereafter required to be paid or discharged), as to the value
      of any security owned by the Corporation, the determination of the net
      asset value of shares of any class of the Corporation's capital stock, or
      as to any other matters relating to the issuance, sale or other
      acquisition or disposition of securities or shares of capital stock of the
      Corporation, and any reasonable determination made in good faith by the
      Board of Directors regarding whether any transaction constitutes a
      purchase of securities on "margin," a sale of securities "short," or an
      underwriting of the sale of, or a participation in any underwriting or
      selling group in connection with the public distribution of, any
      securities, shall be final and conclusive, and shall be binding upon the
      Corporation and all holders of its capital stock, past, present and
      future, and shares of the capital stock of the Corporation are issued and
      sold on the condition and understanding, evidenced by the purchase of
      shares of capital stock or acceptance of share certificates, that any and
      all such determinations shall be binding as aforesaid. No provision of
      this Charter shall be effective to (i) require a waiver of compliance with
      any provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the 1940 Act,
      or of any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange
      Commission under those Acts or (ii) protect or purport to protect any
      director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the
      Corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject
      by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
      disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                   INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

(1)   To the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of directors and
      officers are permitted by the Maryland General


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
      Corporation Law, no director or officer of the Corporation shall have any
      liability to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages. This
      limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person
      serves as a director or officer of the Corporation whether or not such
      person is a director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which
      liability is asserted.

(2)   The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its currently
      acting and its former directors to the fullest extent that indemnification
      of directors and advancement of expenses to directors is permitted by the
      Maryland General Corporation Law. The Corporation shall further indemnify
      and advance expenses to each person who at the time of the execution of
      the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the Corporation and The
      RBB Fund, Inc. (the "RBB Fund"), on behalf of the BEA U.S. Core Equity
      Fund (the "BEA Fund"), served as a director or officer (an "Indemnified
      Person") of the RBB Fund, against money damages actually and reasonably
      incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any claim that is
      asserted against such Indemnified Person arising out of such Indemnified
      Person's service as a director or officer of the RBB Fund with respect to
      matters specifically relating to the BEA Fund, provided that such
      indemnification and advancement of expenses shall be permitted to the
      fullest extent that is available under the Maryland General Corporation
      law and other applicable law. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance
      expenses to its officers to the same extent as its directors and to such
      further extent as is consistent with such law. The Board of Directors may,
      through a by-law, resolution or agreement, make further provisions for
      indemnification of directors, officers, Indemnified Persons, employees and
      agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation
      Law.

(3)   No provision of this Article VIII shall be effective to protect or purport
      to protect any director or officer of the Corporation or any Indemnified
      Person against any liability to the Corporation or its stockholders to
      which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
      faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in
      the conduct of his office.

(4)   References to the Maryland General Corporation Law in this Article VIII
      are to the law as from time to time amended. No amendment to this Charter
      shall affect any right of any person under this Article VIII based on any
      event, omission or proceeding prior to such amendment. The term "Charter"
      as used herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Maryland General
      Corporation Law and includes these Articles of Incorporation and all
      amendments thereto.


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   AMENDMENTS

            The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any
amendment to its Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any
amendment that alters the contract rights, as expressly set forth in this
Charter, of any outstanding stock, and all rights at any time conferred upon the
stockholders of the Corporation by its Charter are granted subject to the
provisions of this Article and the reservation of the right to amend the Charter
herein contained.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have adopted and signed these Articles of
Incorporation and do hereby acknowledge that the adoption and signing are my
act.



                                                /s/John H. Kim
                                                ------------------------------
                                                Incorporator


Dated the 30th day of July, 1998



                                      -11-

<PAGE>   1
                                    BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                  WARBURG, PINCUS U.S. CORE EQUITY FUND, INC.

                             A Maryland Corporation

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  STOCKHOLDERS

            SECTION 1. Annual Meetings. No annual meeting of the stockholders of
the Warburg, Pincus U.S. Core Equity Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation") shall be 
held in any year in which the election of directors is not required to be 
acted upon under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 
Act"), unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. An annual meeting
may be held at any place within the United States as may be determined by the
Board of Directors and as shall be designated in the notice of the meeting, at
the time specified by the Board of Directors. Any business of the Corporation
may be transacted at an annual meeting without being specifically designated in
the notice unless otherwise provided by statute, the Corporation's Charter or
these By-Laws.

            SECTION 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders
for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the
Corporation's Charter, may be held at any place within the United States, and
may be called at any time by the Board of Directors or by the President, and
shall be called by the President or Secretary at the request in writing of a
majority of the Board of Directors or at the request in writing of stockholders
entitled to cast at least 10% (ten percent) of the votes entitled to be cast at
the meeting upon payment by such stockholders to the Corporation of the
reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing a notice of the meeting
(which estimated cost shall be provided to such stockholders by the Secretary of
the Corporation). Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless requested by
stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the
meeting, a special meeting of the stockholders need not be called at the request
of stockholders to consider any matter which is substantially the same as a
matter voted on at any special meeting of the stockholders held during the
preceding 12 (twelve) months. A written request shall state the purpose or
purposes of the proposed meeting.

            SECTION 3. Notice of Meetings. Written or printed notice of the
purpose or purposes and of the time and place of every meeting of the
stockholders shall be given by the Secretary of the Corporation to each
stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting, by placing the notice in
the mail at least 10 (ten) days, but not more than 90 (ninety) days, prior to
the date
<PAGE>   2
designated for the meeting addressed to each stockholder at his address
appearing on the books of the Corporation or supplied by the stockholder to the
Corporation for the purpose of notice. The notice of any meeting of stockholders
may be accompanied by a form of proxy approved by the Board of Directors in
favor of the actions or the election of persons as the Board of Directors may
select. Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be deemed waived by any
stockholder who attends the meeting in person or by proxy, or who before or
after the meeting submits a signed waiver of notice that is filed with the
records of the meeting.

            SECTION 4. Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by statute or by the
Corporation's Charter, the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders of the
Corporation entitled to cast at least one-third of the votes to be cast shall
constitute a quorum at each meeting of the stockholders and all questions shall
be decided by majority of the votes cast (except with respect to the election of
directors, which shall be by a plurality of votes cast). In the absence of a
quorum, the stockholders present in person or by proxy, by majority vote and
without notice other than by announcement, may adjourn the meeting from time to
time as provided in Section 5 of this Article I until a quorum shall attend. The
stockholders present at any duly organized meeting may continue to do business
until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to
leave less than a quorum. The absence from any meeting in person or by proxy of
holders of the number of shares of stock of the Corporation in excess of a
majority that may be required by Maryland law, the 1940 Act, or any other
applicable statute, the Corporation's Charter or these By-Laws, for action upon
any given matter shall not prevent action at the meeting on any other matter or
matters that may properly come before the meeting, so long as there are present,
in person or by proxy, holders of the number of shares of stock of the
Corporation required for action upon such other matter or matters.

            SECTION 5. Adjournment. Any meeting of the stockholders may be
adjourned from time to time, without notice other than by announcement at the
meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At any adjourned meeting at which a
quorum shall be present, any action may be taken that could have been taken at
the meeting originally called. A meeting of the stockholders may not be
adjourned without further notice to a date more than 120 (one hundred twenty)
days after the original record date determined pursuant to Section 9 of this
Article I.

            SECTION 6. Organization. At every meeting of the stockholders, the
Chairman of the Board, or in his absence or inability to act (or if there is
none), the President, or in his absence or inability to act, a Vice President,
or in the absence or inability to act of the Chairman of the Board, the
President and all the Vice Presidents, a chairman chosen by the stockholders
shall act as chairman of the meeting. The Secretary, or in his absence or
inability to act, a person


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
appointed by the chairman of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting
and keep the minutes of the meeting.

            SECTION 7.  Order of Business.  The order of business at all
meetings of the stockholders shall be as determined by the chairman of the
meeting.

            SECTION 8. Voting. Except as otherwise provided by statute or the
Corporation's Charter, each holder of record of shares of stock of the
Corporation having voting power shall be entitled at each meeting of the
stockholders to one vote for every share of stock standing in his name on the
records of the Corporation as of the record date determined pursuant to Section
9 of this Article I.

            Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders may
authorize another person to act as proxy for the stockholder by, (a) signing a
writing authorizing another person to act as proxy, or (b) any other means
permitted by law. Signing may be accomplished by the stockholder or the
stockholder's authorized agent signing the writing or causing the stockholder's
signature to be affixed to the writing by any reasonable means, including
facsimile signature.

            If a vote shall be taken on any question other than the election of
directors, which shall be by written ballot, then unless required by statute or
these By-Laws, or determined by the chairman of the meeting to be advisable, any
such vote need not be by ballot. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall be
signed by the stockholder voting, or by his proxy, and shall state the number of
shares voted.

            SECTION 9. Fixing of Record Date. The Board of Directors may set a
record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at any
meeting of the stockholders. The record date for a particular meeting shall be
not more than 90 (ninety) nor fewer than 10 (ten) days before the date of the
meeting. All persons who were holders of record of shares as of the record date
of a meeting, and no others, shall be entitled to vote at such meeting and any
adjournment thereof.

            SECTION 10. Inspectors. The Board of Directors may, in advance of
any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the
meeting or at any adjournment of the meeting. If the inspectors shall not be so
appointed or if any of them shall fail to appear or act, the chairman of the
meeting may, and on the request of any stockholder entitled to vote at the
meeting shall, appoint inspectors. Each inspector, before entering upon the
discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the
duties of inspector at the meeting with strict impartiality and according to the
best of his ability. The inspectors shall determine the number of shares
outstanding and the voting power of each share, the number of shares represented
at the meeting, the existence of a quorum and


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or
consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection
with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents,
determine the result, and do those acts as are proper to conduct the election or
vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request of the chairman of the
meeting or any stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting, the inspectors shall
make a report in writing of any challenge, request or matter determined by them
and shall execute a certificate of any fact found by them. No director or
candidate for the office of director shall act as inspector of an election of
directors. Inspectors need not be stockholders of the Corporation.

            SECTION 11. Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. Except as
otherwise provided by statute or the Corporation's Charter, any action required
to be taken at any meeting of stockholders, or any action that may be taken at
any meeting of the stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior
notice and without a vote, if the following are filed with the records of
stockholders' meetings: (a) a unanimous written consent that sets forth the
action and is signed by each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter; and (b)
a written waiver of notice and any right to dissent signed by each stockholder
entitled to notice of the meeting but not entitled to vote at the meeting.

            SECTION 12.  Notice of Stockholder Business.

            (a) At any annual or special meeting of the stockholders, only such
business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the
meeting. To be properly brought before an annual or special meeting business
must be, (i), (A) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto)
given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (B) otherwise properly
brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or
(C) subject to the provisions of Section 13 of this Article I, otherwise
properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder, and (ii) a proper subject
under applicable law for stockholder action.

            (b) For business to be properly brought before an annual or special
meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof
in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, any such notice
must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices
of the Corporation not later than 60 (sixty) days prior to the date of the
meeting; provided, however, that if less than 70 (seventy) days' notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders,
any such notice by a stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than
the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the
date of the annual or special meeting was given or such public disclosure was
made.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
            (c) Any such notice by a stockholder shall set forth as to each
matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual or special meeting,
(i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual
or special meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual or
special meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's
books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (iii) the class and number of
shares of the capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by
the stockholder, and (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in such
business.

            (d) Notwithstanding anything in the By-Laws to the contrary, no
business shall be conducted at any annual or special meeting except in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 12. The chairman of the
annual or special meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to
the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting and in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 12, and if he should so
determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly
brought before the meeting shall not be considered or transacted.

            SECTION 13.  Stockholder Business not Eligible for Consideration.

            (a) Notwithstanding anything in these By-Laws to the contrary, any
proposal that is otherwise properly brought before an annual or special meeting
by a stockholder will not be eligible for consideration by the stockholders at
such annual or special meeting if such proposal is substantially the same as a
matter properly brought before such annual or special meeting by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The chairman of such
annual or special meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare
that a stockholder proposal is substantially the same as a matter properly
brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors,
and, if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and any such
stockholder proposal shall not be considered at the meeting.

            (b) This Section 13 shall not be construed or applied to make
ineligible for consideration by the stockholders at any annual or special
meeting any stockholder proposal required to be included in the Corporation's
proxy statement relating to such meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), or any successor rule
thereto.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
                                   ARTICLE II

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

            SECTION 1. General Powers. Except as otherwise provided in the
Corporation's Charter, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be
managed under the direction of its Board of Directors. All powers of the
Corporation may be exercised by or under authority of the Board of Directors
except as conferred on or reserved to the stockholders by law, by the
Corporation's Charter or by these By-Laws.

            SECTION 2. Number of Directors. The number of directors shall be
fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors adopted by a
majority of the entire Board of Directors; provided, however, that the number of
directors shall in no event be fewer than one nor more than fifteen. Any vacancy
created by an increase in directors may be filled in accordance with Section 7
of this Article II. No reduction in the number of directors shall have the
effect of removing any director from office prior to the expiration of his term
unless the director is specifically removed pursuant to Section 6 of this
Article II at the time of the decrease. A director need not be a stockholder of
the Corporation, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the State of
Maryland.

            SECTION 3. Election and Term of Directors. The term of office of
each director shall be from the time of his election and qualification until his
successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified, or until his death,
or until his resignation or removal as provided in these By-Laws, or as
otherwise provided by statute or the Corporation's Charter.

            SECTION 4.  Director Nominations.

            (a) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures
set forth in this Section 4 shall be eligible for election or re-election as
directors. Nominations of persons for election or re-election to the Board of
Directors of the Corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders by or at
the direction of the Board of Directors or by any stockholder of the Corporation
who is entitled to vote for the election of such nominee at the meeting and who
complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 4.

            (b) Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction
of the Board of Directors, shall be made pursuant to timely notice delivered in
writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, any such notice by a
stockholder must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal
executive offices of the Corporation not later than 60 (sixty) days prior to the
meeting; provided, however, that if less than 70 (seventy) days' notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders,
any such notice by a


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of
business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the
meeting was given or such public disclosure was made.

            (c) Any such notice by a stockholder shall set forth, (i) as to each
person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as
a director, (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of such
person, (B) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (C) the class
and number of shares of the capital stock of the Corporation which are
beneficially owned by such person, and (D) any other information relating to
such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the
election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act or any
successor regulation thereto (including without limitation such person's written
consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a
director if elected and whether any person intends to seek reimbursement from
the Corporation of the expenses of any solicitation of proxies should such
person be elected a director of the Corporation); and (ii) as to the stockholder
giving the notice, (A) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's
books, of such stockholder, and (B) the class and number of shares of the
capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by such
stockholder. At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated by
the Board of Directors for election as a director shall furnish to the Secretary
of the Corporation that information required to be set forth in a stockholder's
notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee.

            (d) If a notice by a stockholder is required to be given pursuant to
this Section 4, no person shall be entitled to receive reimbursement from the
Corporation of the expenses of a solicitation of proxies for the election as a
director of a person named in such notice unless such notice states that such
reimbursement will be sought from the Corporation. No person shall be eligible
for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Section 4. The chairman of the meeting
shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a
nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the
By-Laws, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and
the defective nomination shall be disregarded for all purposes.

            SECTION 5. Resignation. A director of the Corporation may resign at
any time by giving written notice of his resignation to the Board of Directors
or the Chairman of the Board or to the President or the Secretary of the
Corporation. Any resignation shall take effect at the time specified in it or,
should the time when it is to become effective not be specified in it,
immediately upon its receipt. Acceptance of a resignation


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
shall not be necessary to make it effective unless the resignation states
otherwise.

            SECTION 6. Removal of Directors. Any director of the Corporation may
be removed by the stockholders with or without cause at any time by a vote of a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors.

            SECTION 7. Vacancies. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, any
vacancies in the Board of Directors, whether arising from death, resignation,
removal or any other cause except an increase in the number of directors, shall
be filled by a vote of the majority of the Board of Directors then in office
even though that majority is less than a quorum, provided that no vacancy or
vacancies shall be filled by action of the remaining directors if, after the
filling of the vacancy or vacancies, fewer than two-thirds of the directors then
holding office shall have been elected by the stockholders of the Corporation. A
majority of the entire Board as calculated prior to Board expansion may fill a
vacancy which results from an increase in the number of directors. In the event
that at any time a vacancy exists in any office of a director that may not be
filled by the remaining directors, a special meeting of the stockholders shall
be held as promptly as possible and in any event within 60 (sixty) days, for the
purpose of filling the vacancy or vacancies. Any director elected or appointed
to fill a vacancy shall hold office until a successor has been chosen and
qualifies or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

            SECTION 8. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Board may be held at
any place that the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or that is
specified in the notice of the meeting.

            SECTION 9.  Regular Meetings.  Regular meetings of the Board of
Directors may be held without notice at the time and place determined by the
Board of Directors.

            SECTION 10.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by two or more directors of the Corporation or by the
Chairman of the Board or the President.

            SECTION 11. Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of each special
meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given by the Secretary as hereinafter
provided. Each notice shall state the time and place of the meeting and shall be
delivered to each director, either personally or by telephone, facsimile
transmission or other standard form of telecommunication, at least 24
(twenty-four) hours before the time at which the meeting is to be held, or by
first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the director at his residence or
usual place of business, and mailed at least 3 (three) days before the day on
which the meeting is to be held.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
            SECTION 12. Waiver of Notice of Meetings. Notice of any special
meeting need not be given to any director who shall, either before or after the
meeting, sign a written waiver of notice that is filed with the records of the
meeting or who shall attend the meeting.

            SECTION 13. Quorum and Voting. One-third (but not fewer than two
unless there be only one director) of the members of the entire Board of
Directors shall be present in person at any meeting of the Board in order to
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting, and except
as otherwise expressly required by statute, the Corporation's Charter, these
By-Laws, the 1940 Act, or any other applicable statute, the act of a majority of
the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the
act of the Board. In the absence of a quorum at any meeting of the Board, a
majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting to another time and
place until a quorum shall be present. Notice of the time and place of any
adjourned meeting shall be given to the directors who were not present at the
time of the adjournment and, unless the time and place were announced at the
meeting at which the adjournment was taken, to the other directors. At any
adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted
that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

            SECTION 14. Organization. The Board of Directors may, by resolution
adopted by a majority of the entire Board, designate a Chairman of the Board,
who shall preside at each meeting of the Board. In the absence or inability of
the Chairman of the Board to act or if there is none, the President, or, in his
absence or inability to act, another director chosen by a majority of the
directors present, shall act as chairman of the meeting and preside at the
meeting. The Secretary, or, in his absence or inability to act, any person
appointed by the chairman, shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the
minutes thereof.

            SECTION 15. Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or
more committees of the Board of Directors, each consisting of 2 (two) or more
directors. To the extent provided in the resolution, and permitted by law, the
committee or committees shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and
may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may
require it. Any committee or committees shall have the name or names determined
from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. Each
committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the
Board of Directors when required. The members of a committee present at any
meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint a director to act
in the place of an absent member.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
            SECTION 16. Written Consent of Directors in Lieu of a Meeting.
Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, any action required or permitted to
be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee of the
Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee,
as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are
filed with the records of the Board's or such committee's meetings.

            SECTION 17. Telephone Conference. Members of the Board of Directors
or any committee of the Board may participate in any Board or committee meeting
by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means
of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the
same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at
the meeting.
            SECTION 18. Compensation. Each director shall be entitled to receive
compensation, if any, as may from time to time be fixed by the Board of
Directors, including a fee for each meeting of the Board or any committee
thereof, regular or special, he attends. Directors may also be reimbursed by the
Corporation for all reasonable expenses incurred in traveling to and from the
place of a Board or committee meeting.

                                   ARTICLE III

                         OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES

            SECTION 1. Number and Qualifications. The officers of the
Corporation shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, each of whom
shall be elected by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may elect or
appoint one or more Vice Presidents and may also appoint any other officers,
agents and employees it deems necessary or proper. Any two or more offices may
be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Vice President,
but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than
one capacity. Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors, each to hold
office until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have
qualified, or until his death, or until his resignation or removal as provided
in these By-Laws. The Board of Directors may from time to time elect, or
designate to the President the power to appoint, such officers (including one or
more Assistant Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Treasurers and one or more
Assistant Secretaries) and such agents as may be necessary or desirable for the
business of the Corporation. Such other officers and agents shall have such
duties and shall hold their offices for such terms as may be prescribed by the
Board or by the appointing authority.

            SECTION 2. Resignations. Any officer of the Corporation may resign
at any time by giving written notice of his resignation to the Board of
Directors, the Chairman of the


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
Board, the President or the Secretary. Any resignation shall take effect at the
time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective is not
specified therein, immediately upon its receipt. Acceptance of a resignation
shall not be necessary to make it effective unless the resignation states
otherwise.

            SECTION 3. Removal of Officer, Agent or Employee. Any officer, agent
or employee of the Corporation may be removed by the Board of Directors with or
without cause at any time, and the Board may delegate the power of removal as to
agents and employees not elected or appointed by the Board of Directors. Removal
shall be without prejudice to the person's contract rights, if any, but the
appointment of any person as an officer, agent or employee of the Corporation
shall not of itself create contract rights.

            SECTION 4. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office whether arising from
death, resignation, removal or any other cause, may be filled for the unexpired
portion of the term of the office that shall be vacant, in the manner prescribed
in these By-Laws for the regular election or appointment to the office.

            SECTION 5.  Compensation.  The compensation of the officers of
the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, but this power may
be delegated to any officer with respect to other officers under his control.

            SECTION 6. Bonds or Other Security. If required by the Board, any
officer, agent or employee of the Corporation shall give a bond or other
security for the faithful performance of his duties, in an amount and with any
surety or sureties as the Board may require.

            SECTION 7. President. The President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation. In the absence or inability of the Chairman of the
Board to act (or if there is none), the President shall preside at all meetings
of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. The President shall have,
subject to the control of the Board of Directors, general charge of the business
and affairs of the Corporation, and may employ and discharge employees and
agents of the Corporation, except those elected or appointed by the Board, and
he may delegate these powers.

            SECTION 8.  Vice President.  Each Vice President shall have the
powers and perform the duties that the Board of Directors or the President
may from time to time prescribe.

            SECTION 9. Treasurer. Subject to the provisions of any contract that
may be entered into with any custodian pursuant to authority granted by the
Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall have charge of all receipts and
disbursements of the Corporation and shall have or provide for the custody of
the Corporation's funds and securities; he shall have full


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
authority to receive and give receipts for all money due and payable to the
Corporation, and to endorse checks, drafts and warrants, in its name and on its
behalf and to give full discharge for the same; he shall deposit all funds of
the Corporation, except those that may be required for current use, in such
banks or other places of deposit as the Board of Directors may from time to time
designate; and, in general, he shall perform all duties incident to the office
of Treasurer and such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him
by the Board of Directors or the President.

            SECTION 10.  Secretary.  The Secretary shall:

            (a) keep or cause to be kept in one or more books provided for the
purpose, the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors, the committees
of the Board and the stockholders;

            (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the
provisions of these By-Laws and as required by law;

            (c) be custodian of the records and the seal of the Corporation and
affix and attest the seal to all stock certificates of the Corporation (unless
the seal of the Corporation on such certificates shall be a facsimile, as
hereinafter provided) and affix and attest the seal to all other documents to be
executed on behalf of the Corporation under its seal;

            (d) see that the books, reports, statements, certificates and other
documents and records required by law to be kept and filed are properly kept and
filed; and

            (e) in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of
Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the Board of Directors or the President.

            SECTION 11. Delegation of Duties. In case of the absence of any
officer of the Corporation, or for any other reason that the Board of Directors
may deem sufficient, the Board may confer for the time being the powers or
duties, or any of them, of such officer upon any other officer or upon any
director.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
                                   ARTICLE IV

                                      STOCK

            SECTION 1. Stock Certificates. Each holder of stock of the
Corporation shall be entitled upon specific written request to such person as
may be designated by the Corporation to have a certificate or certificates, in a
form approved by the Board, representing the number of shares of stock of the
Corporation owned by him; provided, however, that certificates for fractional
shares will not be delivered in any case. The certificates representing shares
of stock shall be signed by or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman of
the Board, President or a Vice President and by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer and sealed with the seal of
the Corporation. Any or all of the signatures or the seal on the certificate may
be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed
or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have
ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate
shall be issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if
such officer, transfer agent or registrar were still in office at the date of
issue.

            SECTION 2. Books of Account and Record of Stockholders. There shall
be kept at the principal executive office of the Corporation correct and
complete books and records of account of all the business and transactions of
the Corporation. There shall be made available upon request of any stockholder,
in accordance with Maryland law, a record containing the number of shares of
stock issued during a specified period not to exceed 12 (twelve) months and the
consideration received by the Corporation for each such share.

            SECTION 3. Transfers of Shares. Transfers of shares of stock of the
Corporation shall be made on the stock records of the Corporation only by the
registered holder thereof, or by his attorney thereunto authorized by power of
attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary or with a transfer agent or
transfer clerk, and on surrender of the certificate or certificates, if issued,
for the shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed stock
transfer power and the payment of all taxes thereon. Except as otherwise
provided by law, the Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive
right of a person in whose name any share or shares stand on the record of
stockholders as the owner of the share or shares for all purposes, including,
without limitation, the rights to receive dividends or other distributions and
to vote as the owner, and the Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any
equitable or legal claim to or interest in any such share or shares on the part
of any other person.

            SECTION 4. Regulations. The Board of Directors may make any
additional rules and regulations, not inconsistent with


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
these By-Laws, as it may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and
registration of certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation. It may
appoint, or authorize any officer or officers to appoint, one or more transfer
agents or one or more transfer clerks and one or more registrars and may require
all certificates for shares of stock to bear the signature or signatures of any
of them.

            SECTION 5. Stolen, Lost, Destroyed or Mutilated Certificates. The
holder of any certificate representing shares of stock of the Corporation shall
immediately notify the Corporation of its theft, loss, destruction or mutilation
and the Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in the place of any
certificate issued by it that has been alleged to have been stolen, lost or
destroyed or that shall have been mutilated. The Board may, in its discretion,
require the owner (or his legal representative) of a stolen, lost, destroyed or
mutilated certificate to give to the Corporation a bond in a sum, limited or
unlimited, and in a form and with any surety or sureties, as the Board in its
absolute discretion shall determine or to indemnify the Corporation against any
claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged theft, loss,
destruction or the mutilation of any such certificate, or issuance of a new
certificate. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Board of
Directors, in its absolute discretion, may refuse to issue any such new
certificate, except pursuant to legal proceedings under the Maryland General
Corporation Law.

            SECTION 6. Fixing of Record Date for Dividends, Distributions, etc.
The Board may fix, in advance, a date not more than 90 (ninety) days preceding
the date fixed for the payment of any dividend or the making of any distribution
or the allotment of rights to subscribe for securities of the Corporation, or
for the delivery of evidences of rights or evidences of interests arising out of
any change, conversion or exchange of common stock or other securities, as the
record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to receive any
such dividend, distribution, allotment, rights or interests, and in such case
only the stockholders of record at the time so fixed shall be entitled to
receive such dividend, distribution, allotment, rights or interests.

            SECTION 7. Information to Stockholders and Others. Any stockholder
of the Corporation or his agent may inspect and copy during the Corporation's
usual business hours the Corporation's By-Laws, minutes of the proceedings of
its stockholders, annual statements of its affairs and voting trust agreements
on file at its principal office.

                                    ARTICLE V

                          INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE


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<PAGE>   15
            SECTION 1. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party in any threatened, pending
or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person: (i) is a current or
former director or officer of the Corporation, (ii) is or was serving while a
director or officer of the Corporation at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or employee benefit
plan, or (iii) was, at the time of the execution of the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization between the Corporation and The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "RBB Fund"),
on behalf of the BEA U.S. Core Equity Fund (the "BEA Fund"), a director or
officer (an "Indemnified Person") of the RBB Fund, and the claim asserted
against such Indemnified Person arises out of the Indemnified Person's service
as a director or officer of the RBB Fund with respect to matters specifically
relating to the BEA Fund, shall be indemnified by the Corporation against
judgments, penalties, fines, excise taxes, settlements and reasonable expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually incurred by such person in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding to the full extent permissible under the
Maryland General Corporation Law, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and the 1940 Act, as such statutes are now or hereafter in
force, except that such indemnity shall not protect any such person against any
liability to the Corporation or any stockholder thereof to which such person
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office ("disabling conduct").

            SECTION 2. Advances. Any current or former director or officer of
the Corporation or Indemnified Person claiming indemnification within the scope
of this Article V shall be entitled to advances from the Corporation for payment
of the reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with proceedings to
which he is a party in the manner and to the full extent permissible under the
Maryland General Corporation Law, the Securities Act and the 1940 Act, as such
statutes are now or hereafter in force; provided however, that the person
seeking indemnification shall provide to the Corporation a written affirmation
of his good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for
indemnification by the Corporation has been met and a written undertaking to
repay any such advance unless it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to
indemnification, and provided further that at least one of the following
additional conditions is met: (a) the person seeking indemnification shall
provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Corporation for his
undertaking; (b) the Corporation is insured against losses arising by reason of
the advance; or (c) a majority of a quorum of directors of the Corporation who
are neither "interested persons" as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act,
nor parties to the proceeding ("disinterested non-


                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
party directors"), or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall
determine, based on a review of facts readily available to the Corporation at
the time the advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe
that the person seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be entitled
to indemnification.

            SECTION 3. Procedure. At the request of any current or former
director or officer, Indemnified Person, or any employee or agent whom the
Corporation proposes to indemnify, the Board of Directors shall determine, or
cause to be determined, in a manner consistent with the Maryland General
Corporation Law, the Securities Act and the 1940 Act, as such statutes are now
or hereafter in force, whether the standards required by this Article V have
been met; provided, however, that indemnification shall be made only following:
(a) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the
proceeding was brought that the person to be indemnified was not liable by
reason of disabling conduct; or (b) in the absence of such a decision, a
reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the person to
be indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by, (i) the vote of
a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party directors, or (ii) an
independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

            SECTION 4. Indemnification of Employees and Agents. Employees and
agents who are not officers or directors of the Corporation may be indemnified,
and reasonable expenses may be advanced to such employees or agents, in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article V to the extent
permissible under the 1940 Act, the Securities Act and Maryland General
Corporation Law, as such statutes are now or hereafter in force, to the extent,
consistent with the foregoing, as may be provided by action of the Board of
Directors or by contract.

            SECTION 5. Other Rights. The indemnification provided by this
Article V shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right, in respect of
indemnification or otherwise, to which those seeking such indemnification may be
entitled under any insurance or other agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action by a director or officer
of the Corporation or Indemnified Person in his official capacity and as to
action by such person in another capacity while holding such office or position,
and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and
shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a
person.

            SECTION 6. Insurance. The Corporation shall have the power to
purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or who, while a
director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, is or was serving at
the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee,
employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
venture, trust, enterprise or employee benefit plan, against any liability
asserted against and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his
status as such, provided that no insurance may be obtained by the Corporation
for liabilities against which it would not have the power to indemnify him under
this Article V or applicable law.

            SECTION 7. Constituent, Resulting or Surviving Corporations. For the
purposes of this Article V, references to the "Corporation" shall include all
constituent corporations absorbed in a consolidation or merger as well the
resulting or surviving corporation so that any person who is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of a constituent corporation or is or was serving at
the request of a constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise shall stand in the same position under this Article V with respect to
the resulting or surviving corporation as he would if he had served the
resulting or surviving corporation in the same capacity.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                      SEAL

            The seal of the Corporation shall be circular in form and shall bear
the name of the Corporation, the year of its incorporation, the words "Corporate
Seal" and "Maryland" and any emblem or device approved by the Board of
Directors. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile to be impressed or
affixed or in any other manner reproduced, or by placing the word "(seal)"
adjacent to the signature of the authorized officer of the Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                   FISCAL YEAR

            The Corporation's fiscal year shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors.


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<PAGE>   18
                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   AMENDMENTS

            These By-Laws may be amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of
a majority of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the
Board of Directors, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act.

                                    As adopted, July 20th, 1998



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