Mercury Focus Twenty Fund,  Inc.

	THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING, INCLUDING INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS. PLEASE READ IT BEFORE YOU INVEST AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
	THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
	CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

PROSPECTUS • March 21, 2000 (as supplemented August 4, 2000)

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Table of Contents

PAGE
FUND FACTS
About the Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc.		2
Risk/ Return Bar Chart		3
Fees and Expenses		4
ABOUT THE DETAILS
How the Fund Invests		6
Investment Risks		7
About the Portfolio Manager		12
ACCOUNT CHOICES
Pricing of Shares		14
How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares		19
How Shares are Priced		23
Dividends and Taxes		23
THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Management of the Fund		25
Master/Feeder Structure		26
TO LEARN MORE
Shareholder Reports	Back Cover
Statement of Additional Information	Back Cover

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.

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    Fund Facts

In an effort to help you better understand the many concepts involved in making an investment decision, we have defined the highlighted terms in this Prospectus in the sidebar.

Common Stock  — units of ownership of a corporation.

Preferred Stock  — class of capital stock that often pays dividends at a specified rate and has preference over common stock in dividend payments and liquidation of assets.

Convertible Securities  — corporate securities (usually preferred stock or bonds) that are exchangeable for a fixed number of other securities (usually common stock) at a set price or formula.

Warrant  — a security that gives the right to buy a quantity of stock.

ABOUT THE MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.

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What is the Fund’s investment objective?

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

What are the Fund’s main investment strategies?

The Fund, a non-diversified fund, invests primarily in common stocks of approximately 20 companies that Fund management believes have strong earnings growth and capital appreciation potential. To a lesser extent, the Fund also may invest in preferred stock, convertible securities, warrants and rights to subscribe to common stock of these companies. We cannot guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

Fund management focuses primarily on earnings growth in determining which securities to buy and when to sell them for the Fund. Fund management will emphasize common stocks of companies with large stock market capitalizations (greater than $5 billion).

The Fund is a “feeder” fund that invests all of its assets in a “master” portfolio, the Master Focus Twenty Trust (the “Trust”), that has the same investment objective as the Fund. All investments will be made at the Trust level. This structure is sometimes called a “master/ feeder” structure. The Fund’s investment results will correspond directly to the investment results of the Trust. For simplicity, this Prospectus uses the term “Fund” to include the Trust.

What are the main risks of investing in the Fund?

As with any mutual fund, the value of the Fund’s investments — and therefore the value of your Fund shares — may fluctuate. These changes may occur because a particular stock or stock market in which the Fund invests is rising or falling. Also, Fund Management may select securities which underperform the stock market or other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. By concentrating in a smaller number of investments, the Fund’s risk is increased because each investment has a greater effect on the Fund’s performance. If the value of the Fund’s investments goes down, you may lose money.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.

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Fund Facts

Who should invest?

The Fund may be an appropriate investment for you if you:

	•	Are investing with long-term goals in mind, such as retirement or funding a child’s education
	•	Want a professionally managed portfolio
	•	Are willing to accept the risk that the value of your investment may decline in order to seek long-term capital appreciation
	•	Are not looking for a significant amount of current income
	•	Are prepared to receive taxable distributions.

RISK/ RETURN BAR CHART

Fund Facts

Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or indirectly. Listed below are some of the main types of expenses, which the Fund may charge:

Expenses paid directly by the shareholder:

Shareholder Fees  — these fees include sales charges which you may pay when you buy or sell shares of the Fund.

Expenses paid indirectly by the shareholder:

Annual Fund Operating Expenses  — expenses that cover the costs of operating the Fund.

Management Fees  — fees paid to the Manager for managing the Trust.

Distribution Fees  — fees used to support the Fund’s marketing and distribution efforts, such as compensating Financial Consultants and other financial intermediaries, advertising and promotion.

Service (Account Maintenance) Fees  — fees used to compensate securities dealers and other financial intermediaries for account maintenance activities.

FEES AND EXPENSES

The Fund offers four different classes of shares. Although your money will be invested the same way no matter which class of shares you buy, there are differences among the fees and expenses associated with each class. Not everyone is eligible to buy every class. After determining which classes you are eligible to buy, decide which class best suits your needs. Your financial consultant can help you with this decision.

This table shows the different fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold the different classes of shares of the Fund. Future expenses may be greater or less than those indicated below.

Fund Facts

Example

These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

These examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you pay the sales charges, if any, that apply to the particular class and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. This assumption is not meant to indicate you will receive a 5% annual rate of return. Your annual return may be more or less than the 5% used in these examples. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

Expenses if you did redeem your shares:

Expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

    About the Details

About the Manager — The Fund is managed by Fund Asset Management.

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Fund tries to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in common stocks of approximately 20 companies that Fund management believes have strong earnings growth and capital appreciation potential. Fund management begins its investment process by creating a universe of rapidly growing companies that possess certain growth characteristics. That universe is continually updated. Fund management then ranks each company within its universe by using research models that focus on growth characteristics such as positive earnings surprises, upward earnings estimate revisions, and accelerating sales and earnings growth. Finally, using its own fundamental research and a bottom-up approach to investing, Fund management evaluates the quality of each company’s earnings and tries to determine whether the company can sustain or increase its current growth trend. Fund management believes that this disciplined investment process enables it to construct a portfolio of investments with strong growth characteristics.

Although the Fund emphasizes investment in common stocks, it may also invest in other equity securities including, but not limited to, the following:

	• Securities convertible into common stock
	• Preferred stock
	• Rights and warrants to subscribe to common stock

The Fund generally will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities. Normally, the Fund will invest in the common stocks of not less than 20 companies. The Fund may invest in companies of any size but emphasizes common stocks of companies with large stock market capitalizations (greater than $5 billion.)

The Fund may invest without limitation in the securities of foreign companies in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). In addition, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in other forms of securities of foreign companies, including European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other securities convertible into securities of foreign companies.

The Fund may also lend its portfolio securities.

The Fund may invest in investment grade, non-convertible debt securities and U.S. Government securities of any maturity, although it typically will not do so to a significant extent. The Fund may invest in excess of 35% of its total assets in cash or U.S. dollar-denominated high quality short-term debt instruments for

   About the Details

temporary defensive purposes, to maintain liquidity or when economic or market conditions are unfavorable for profitable investing. Normally, a portion of the Fund’s assets will be held in these short-term instruments in anticipation of investment in equities or to meet redemptions. These types of investments typically have a lower yield than other longer-term investments and lack the capital appreciation potential of equity securities. In addition, while these investments are generally designed to limit the Fund’s losses, they can prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.

This section contains a summary discussion of the general risks of investing in the Fund. As with any mutual fund, there can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives, or that the Fund’s performance will be positive over any period of time.

The Fund’s principal risks are market risk, selection risk and concentration risk.

Market Risk and Selection Risk

Market risk is the risk that the U.S. or foreign equity markets will go down in value, including the possibility that the U.S. or foreign equity markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. In particular, the equity securities purchased by the Fund may be particularly sensitive to changes in earnings or interest rate increases because they typically have higher price-to-earnings ratios. Selection risk is the risk that the securities that Fund management selects will underperform the markets or other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies.

Concentration Risk

The Fund is a non-diversified fund. By concentrating in a smaller number of investments, the Fund’s risk is increased because each investment has a greater effect on the Fund’s performance.

The Fund also may be subject to risks associated with the following investment strategies.

Convertibles

Convertibles are generally debt securities or preferred stocks that may be converted into common stock. Convertibles typically pay current income as either interest (debt security convertibles) or dividends (preferred stocks). A convertible’s value usually reflects both the stream of current income payments and the value of the underlying common stock. The market value of a convertible performs like a regular debt security, that is, if market interest rates

   About the Details

rise, the value of a convertible usually falls. Since it is convertible into common stock, the convertible also has the same types of market and issuer risk as the underlying common stock.

Warrants

A warrant gives the Fund the right to buy a quantity of stock. The warrant specifies the amount of underlying stock, the purchase (or “exercise”) price, and the date the warrant expires. The Fund has no obligation to exercise the warrant and buy the stock.

A warrant has value only if the Fund exercises it before it expires. If the price of the underlying stock does not rise above the exercise price before the warrant expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and the Fund loses any amount it paid for the warrant. Thus, investments in warrants may involve substantially more risk than investments in common stock. Warrants may trade in the same markets as their underlying stock; however, the price of the warrant does not necessarily move with the price of the underlying stock.

Foreign Market Risk

Since the Fund may invest in foreign securities, they offer the potential for more diversification than an investment only in the United States. This is because stocks traded on foreign markets have often (though not always) performed differently than stocks in the United States. Such investments, however, involve special risks not present in U.S. investments that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. For example, investments in foreign markets may be adversely affected by governmental actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets, diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain industries. Other foreign market risks include foreign exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in foreign courts and political and social instability. Legal remedies available to investors in some foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States. Foreign markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may delay settlement of transactions involving foreign securities. The Fund may miss investment opportunities or be unable to sell an investment because of these delays. The risks of investing in foreign securities are generally greater for investments in emerging markets.

   About the Details

Depositary Receipts

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers in the form of Depositary Receipts. American Depositary Receipts are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company that show evidence of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts evidence a similar ownership arrangement. The Fund may also invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of such unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers.

Illiquid Securities

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities that it cannot easily resell within seven days at current value or that have contractual or legal restrictions on resale. If the Fund buys illiquid securities it may be unable to quickly resell them or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value.

Restricted Securities

Restricted securities have contractual or legal restrictions on their resale. They may include private placement securities that the Fund buys directly from the issuer. Private placement and other restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market.

Restricted securities may be illiquid. The Fund may be unable to sell them on short notice or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value. The Fund may get only limited information about the issuer, so they may be less able to predict a loss. In addition, if Fund management receives material adverse nonpublic information about the issuer, the Fund will not be able to sell the security.

Rule 144A Securities

Rule 144A securities are restricted securities that can be resold to qualified institutional buyers but not to the general public. Rule 144A securities may have an active trading market, but carry the risk that the active trading market may not continue.

Debt Securities

Debt securities, such as bonds, involve credit risk. This is the risk that the borrower will not make timely payments of principal and interest. The degree of credit risk depends on the issuer’s financial condition and on the terms of the bonds. These securities are also subject to interest rate risk. This is the risk that

   About the Details

the value of the security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter term securities.

Securities Lending

Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower to which the Fund has loaned its securities may not return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, the Fund might suffer costs and delay in recovering the securities it loaned. In addition, if the Fund does not get the securities it loaned back and the value of the collateral the Fund received in return for the loaned securities falls, the Fund could lose money.

Repurchase Agreements; Purchase and Sale Contracts

The Fund may enter into certain types of repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts. Under a repurchase agreement, the seller agrees to repurchase a security (typically a security issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government) at a mutually agreed upon time and price. This insulates the Fund from changes in the market value of the security during the period, except for currency fluctuations. A purchase and sale contract is similar to a repurchase agreement, but purchase and sale contracts provide that the purchaser receives any interest on the security paid during the period. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value declines, the Fund may lose money.

Derivatives

The Fund may use derivative instruments including futures, options, indexed securities, inverse securities and swaps. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived from another security, a commodity (such as gold or oil), or an index such as Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Derivatives allow the Fund to increase or decrease their risk exposure more quickly and efficiently than other types of instruments. Derivatives are volatile and involve significant risks, including:

	•	Credit risk — the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Fund.
	•	Currency risk — the risk that changes in the exchange rate between currencies will adversely affect the value (in U.S. dollar terms) of an investment.

   About the Details

	•	Leverage risk — the risk associated with certain types of investments or trading strategies (such as borrowing money to increase the amount of investment) that relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of an investment. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.
	•	Liquidity risk — the risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time that the seller would like or at the price that the seller believes the security is currently worth.

	The Fund may use derivatives for hedging purposes, including anticipatory hedges. Hedging is a strategy in which the Fund uses a derivative to offset the risk that other Fund holdings may decrease in value. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains if the market moves in a different manner than anticipated by the Fund or if the cost of the derivative outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves the risk that changes in the value of the derivative will not match those of the holdings being hedged as expected by the Fund, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s hedging strategy will reduce risk or that hedging transactions will be either available or cost effective. The Fund is not required to use hedging and may choose not to do so.

   About the Details

ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER

James D. McCall, a First Vice President of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. since 1999 and a Senior Vice President and the Portfolio Manager of the Fund, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Trust’s portfolio. Mr. McCall, a Chartered Financial Analyst, has had 10 years experience as a portfolio manager. He was a portfolio manager at the PBHG family of mutual funds from 1994 to 1999. He managed a number of registered mutual funds, including the PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund series of The PBHG Funds, Inc. from its inception on November 29, 1996 to May 14, 1999. Mr. McCall also managed the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio of PBHG Insurance Series Fund, Inc., a variable annuity contract portfolio, from its inception on September 25, 1997 to May 14, 1999. The investment objective, policies and strategies of the PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund and the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio are substantially similar in all material respects to those of the Fund.

The cumulative total return for the PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund from its inception on November 29, 1996 through March 31, 1999 was 144.00%. At March 31, 1999, the PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund had approximately $604.0 million in net assets. The cumulative total return for the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio from its inception on September 25, 1997 through March 31, 1999 was 79.30%. At March 31, 1999, the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio had approximately $432.8 million in net assets. As portfolio manager of the PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund and the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio for the periods indicated above, Mr. McCall had full discretionary authority over the selection of investments for each fund and was primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each fund. No other person played a significant role in managing each fund from their respective inception dates through May 14, 1999. Average annual returns for the one-year and two-year periods ended March 31, 1999 to the extent applicable and for the entire period during which Mr. McCall managed the PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund and the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio compared with the performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index are set forth on the next page.

   About the Details

(1)	Average annual total return reflects changes in share prices and reinvestment of dividends and is net of fund expenses. During the periods indicated, PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund was sold without a front-end sales charge that would reduce returns. Although a co-manager for the PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund was named for a portion of the periods indicated, Mr. McCall was primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of that fund.
(2)	Average annual total return reflects changes in share prices and reinvestment of dividends and is net of fund expenses. From the commencement of operations through December 31, 1998, Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd. voluntarily waived a portion of the annual management fee payable by the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio and agreed to pay certain expenses of the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio to the extent necessary to ensure that the total annual operating expenses of the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio did not exceed 1.20% of its average daily net assets. Without such waivers, returns would have been lower. Moreover, average annual total return does not reflect a deduction for insurance account fees, which if reflected, would also reduce the returns shown. During the periods indicated, PBHG Select 20 Portfolio was sold without a front-end sales charge that would reduce returns.
(3)	The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks that is considered to be generally representative of the United States stock market. The index is adjusted to reflect reinvestment of dividends.
(4)	The inception date for the PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund was November 29, 1996.
(5)	The inception date for the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio was September 25, 1997.
(6)	Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds, as classified by Lipper Inc., are funds that, by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalization (on a three-year weighted basis) of greater than 300% of the dollar-weighted median market capitalization of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index. Large-Cap Growth funds normally invest in companies with long-term earnings expected to grow significantly faster than the earnings of the stocks represented in a major unmanaged stock index. These funds will normally have an above-average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year earnings growth figure, compared to the U.S. diversified large-cap funds universe average.

Historical performance is not indicative of future performance. The PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund and the PBHG Select 20 Portfolio are separate funds and their historical performance is not indicative of the potential performance of the Fund. Share prices and investment returns will fluctuate reflecting market conditions as well as changes in company-specific fundamentals of portfolio securities.

   About the Details

    Account Choices

The Fund offers four classes of shares, each with its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to invest in the way that best suits your needs. Each share class represents an ownership interest in the same investment portfolio. When you choose your class of shares you should consider the size of your investment and how long you plan to hold your shares. Your financial consultant can help you determine which share class is best suited to your personal financial goals.

For example, if you select Class I or A shares, you generally pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you buy Class A shares, you also pay an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25%. You may be eligible for a sales charge reduction or waiver.

Certain financial intermediaries may charge additional fees in connection with transactions in Fund shares. The Investment Adviser, the Distributor or their affiliates may make payments out of their own resources to selected securities dealers and other financial intermediaries for providing services intended to result in the sale of fund shares or for shareholder servicing activities.

If you select Class B or C shares, you will invest the full amount of your purchase price, but you will be subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% and an account maintenance fee of 0.25%. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. In addition, you may be subject to a deferred sales charge when you sell Class B or C shares.

The Fund’s shares are distributed by FAM Distributors, Inc.

   Account Choices

To better understand the pricing of each class of the Fund’s shares, we have summarized the information below:

   Account Choices

Letter of Intent  — permits you to pay the sales charge that would be applicable if you add up all shares of Mercury mutual funds that you agree to buy within a 13 month period. Certain restrictions apply.

Class I and A Shares — Initial Sales Charge Options

If you select Class I or A shares, you will pay a sales charge at the time of purchase as shown in the following table. Securities dealers’ compensation will be as shown in the last column.

*	Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
**	If you invest $1,000,000 or more in Class I or A shares, you may not pay an initial sales charge. In that case, the Investment Adviser compensates the selling dealer or other financial intermediary from its own funds. However, if you redeem your shares within one year after purchase, you may be charged a deferred sales charge. This charge is 1% of the lesser of the original cost of the shares being redeemed or your redemption proceeds. A sales charge of 0.75% will be charged on purchases of $1,000,000 or more of Class I and A shares by certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans.

No initial sales charge applies to Class I or Class A shares that you buy through reinvestment of dividends.

A reduced or waived sales charge on a purchase of Class I or A shares may apply for:

	•	Purchases under a Right of Accumulation or Letter of Intent
	•	Certain investors, including directors or trustees of mutual funds sponsored by the Manager or its affiliates, employees of the Manager and its affiliates and employees or customers of selected dealers
	•	Purchases through certain financial advisers that meet and adhere to standards established by the Manager
	•	Purchases through certain accounts over which the Manager or an affiliate exercises investment discretion

   Account Choices

Only certain investors are eligible to buy Class I shares, including existing Class I shareholders of the Fund. Your financial consultant can help you determine whether you are eligible to buy Class I shares or to participate in any of these programs.

If you decide to buy shares under the initial sales charge alternative and you are eligible to buy both Class I and Class A shares, you should buy Class I shares since Class A shares are subject to a 0.25% account maintenance fee, while Class I shares are not.

If you redeem Class I or Class A shares and within 30 days buy new shares of the same class, you will not pay a sales charge on the new purchase amount. The amount eligible for this “Reinstatement Privilege” may not exceed the amount of your redemption proceeds. To exercise the privilege, contact your financial consultant, other financial intermediary or the Fund’s Transfer Agent at 1-888-763-2260.

Class B and C Shares — Deferred Sales Charge Options

If you select Class B or Class C shares, you do not pay an initial sales charge at the time of purchase. However, if you redeem your Class B shares within six years after purchase or Class C shares within one year after purchase, you may be required to pay a deferred sales charge. You will also pay distribution fees of 0.75% and account maintenance fees of 0.25% each year under a distribution plan that the Fund has adopted under Rule 12b-1. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The Distributor uses the money that it receives from the deferred sales charge and the distribution fees to cover the costs of marketing, advertising and compensating the financial consultant, selected securities dealer or other financial intermediary who assists you in purchasing Fund shares.

   Account Choices

Class B Shares

If you redeem Class B shares within six years after purchase, you may be charged a deferred sales charge. The amount of the charge gradually decreases as you hold your shares over time, according to the following schedule:

*

The percentage charge will apply to the lesser of the original cost of the shares being redeemed or the proceeds of your redemption. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends are not subject to a deferred sales charge. Not all Mercury funds have identical deferred sales charge schedules. If you exchange your shares for shares of another Mercury fund, the higher charge will apply, if any would apply.

The deferred sales charge relating to Class B shares may be reduced or waived in certain circumstances, such as:

	•	Certain post-retirement withdrawals from an IRA or other retirement plan if you are over 59 1/2 years old
	•	Certain retirement plan rollovers
	•	Withdrawals resulting from shareholder death or disability as long as the waiver request is made within one year of death or disability or, if later, reasonably promptly following completion of probate, or in connection with involuntary termination of an account in which Fund shares are held
	•	Withdrawal through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan of up to 10% per year of your Class B or Class C account value at the time the plan is established

Your Class B shares convert automatically into Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase. Any Class B shares received through reinvestment of dividends paid on converting shares will also convert at that time. Class A shares are subject to lower annual expenses than Class B shares. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is not a taxable event for Federal income tax purposes.

   Account Choices

Different conversion schedules may apply to Class B shares of different Mercury mutual funds. If you acquire your Class B shares in an exchange from another fund with a shorter conversion schedule, the Fund’s eight year conversion schedule will apply. If you exchange your Class B shares in the Fund for Class B shares of a fund with a longer conversion schedule, the other fund’s conversion schedule will apply. The length of time that you hold both the original and exchanged Class B shares in both funds will count toward the conversion schedule. The conversion schedule may be modified in certain other cases as well.

Class C Shares

If you redeem Class C shares within one year after purchase, you may be charged a deferred sales charge of 1.00%. The charge will apply to the lesser of the original cost of the shares being redeemed or the proceeds of your redemption. You will not be charged a deferred sales charge when you redeem shares that you acquire through reinvestment of Fund dividends. The deferred sales charge relating to Class C shares may be reduced or waived in connection with involuntary termination of an account in which Fund shares are held and withdrawals through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan.

Class C shares do not offer a conversion privilege.

HOW TO BUY, SELL, TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE SHARES

The chart on the following pages summarizes how to buy, sell, transfer and exchange shares through a selected securities dealer, broker, investment advisor, service provider or other financial intermediary. You may also buy shares through the Transfer Agent. To learn more about buying, selling, transferring or exchanging shares through the Transfer Agent, call 1-888-763-2260. Because the selection of a mutual fund involves many considerations, your financial consultant may help you with this decision. The Fund does not issue share certificates.

Because of the high costs of maintaining smaller shareholder accounts, the Fund may redeem the shares in your account (without charging any deferred sales charge) if the net asset value of your account falls below $500 due to redemptions you have made. You will be notified that the value of your account is less than $500 before the Fund makes an involuntary redemption. You will then have 60 days to make an additional investment to bring the value of your account to at least $500 before the Fund takes any action. This involuntary redemption does not apply to retirement plans or Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act accounts.

   Account Choices

  Account Choices

  Account Choices

   Account Choices

When you buy shares, you pay the net asset value, plus any applicable sales charge. This is the offering price. Shares are also redeemed at their net asset value, minus any applicable deferred sales charge. The Fund calculates its net asset value (generally by using market quotations) each day the New York Stock Exchange is open as of the close of business on the Exchange based on prices at the time of closing. The Exchange generally closes at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The net asset value used in determining your share price is the next one calculated after your purchase or redemption order is placed. Foreign securities owned by the Fund may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares. As a result, the Fund’s net asset value may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.

The Fund may accept orders from certain authorized financial intermediaries or their designees. The Fund will be deemed to receive an order when accepted by the intermediary or designee and the order will receive the net asset value next computed by the Fund after such acceptance. If payment for a purchase order is not made by a designated later time, the order will be cancelled and the financial intermediary could be held liable for any losses.

Generally, Class I shares will have the highest net asset value because that class has the lowest expenses, and Class A shares will have a higher net asset value than Class B or Class C shares. Also dividends paid on Class I and Class A shares will generally be higher than dividends paid on Class B and Class C shares because Class I and Class A shares have lower expenses.

DIVIDENDS AND TAXES

The Fund will distribute at least annually any net investment income and any net realized long or short-term capital gains. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of the calendar year to comply with Federal tax requirements. Dividends may be reinvested automatically in shares of the Fund at net asset value without a sales charge or may be taken in cash. If your account is with a securities dealer that has an agreement with the Fund, contact your financial consultant about which option you would like. If your account is with the Transfer Agent and you would like to receive dividends in cash, contact the Transfer Agent. Although this cannot be predicted with any certainty, the Fund anticipates that the majority of its dividends, if any, will consist of capital gains. Such capital gains may be taxable to you at different rates, depending, in part, on how long the Fund has held the assets sold.

   Account Choices

You will pay tax on dividends from the Fund whether you receive them in cash or additional shares. If you redeem Fund shares or exchange them for shares of another fund, you generally will be treated as having sold your shares and any gain on the transaction may be subject to tax. Capital gain dividends are generally taxed at different rates than ordinary income dividends.

Dividends and interest received by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.

If you are neither a lawful permanent resident nor a citizen of the U.S. or if you are a foreign entity, the Fund’s ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies.

By law, the Fund must withhold 31% of your dividends and redemption proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number or if the number you have provided is incorrect.

This section summarizes some of the consequences under current Federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws.

    The Management Team

Fund Asset Management, L.P., the Trust’s Manager, manages the Trust’s investments under the overall supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The management agreement between the Trust and the Manager gives the Manager the responsibility for making all investment decisions for the Trust. The Manager has a sub-advisory agreement with Funds Asset Management UK, an affiliate, under which the Manager may pay a fee for services it receives. The Trust pays the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Trust.

Fund Asset Management, L.P. was organized as an investment adviser in 1977 and offers investment advisory services to more than 50 registered investment companies. Fund Asset Management, L.P. and its affiliates had approximately $555 billion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management as of June 2000.

   The Management Team

MASTER/ FEEDER STRUCTURE

The Fund is a “feeder” fund that invests all of its assets in the Trust. (Except where indicated, this prospectus uses the term “Fund” to mean this feeder fund and the Trust taken together.) Investors in the Fund will acquire an indirect interest in the Trust.

The Trust accepts investments from other feeder funds, and all the feeders of the Trust bear the portfolio’s expenses in proportion to their assets. This structure may enable the Fund to reduce costs through economies of scale. A larger investment portfolio may also reduce certain transaction costs to the extent that contributions to and redemptions from the master portfolio from different feeders may offset each other and produce a lower net cash flow.

However, each feeder fund can set its own transaction minimums, fund-specific expenses, and other conditions. This means that one feeder fund could offer access to the Trust on more attractive terms, or could experience better performance, than another feeder fund. Information about other feeder funds is available by calling 1-888-763-2260.

Whenever the Trust holds a vote of its feeder funds, the Fund will pass the vote through to its own shareholders. Smaller feeder funds may be harmed by the actions of larger feeder funds. For example, a larger feeder fund could have more voting power than the Fund over the operations of the master portfolio.

The Fund may withdraw from the Trust at any time and may invest all of its assets in another pooled investment vehicle or retain an investment adviser to manage the Fund’s assets directly.

Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund’s annual report you will find a discussion of the relevant market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. You may obtain these reports at no cost by calling 1-888-763-2260.

If you hold your Fund shares through a brokerage account or directly at the Transfer Agent, you may receive only one copy of each shareholder report and certain other mailings regardless of the number of Fund accounts you have. If you prefer to receive separate shareholder reports for each account (or if you are receiving multiple copies and prefer to receive only one), call your financial consultant or write to the Transfer Agent at its mailing address. Include your name, address, tax identification number and brokerage or mutual fund account number. If you have any questions, please call your financial consultant, other financial intermediary, or the Transfer Agent at 1-888-763-2260.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information contains further information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference (legally considered to be part of this Prospectus). You may request a free copy by writing or calling the Fund at Financial Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 44062, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-4062 or by calling 1-888-763-2260.

Contact your financial consultant, other financial intermediary, or the Fund at the telephone number or address indicated on the inside back cover of this Prospectus if you have any questions.

Information about the Fund (including the Statement of Additional Information) can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information on the operation of the public reference room. This information is also available on the SEC’s Internet Site at http://www.sec.gov and copies may be obtained upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [email protected], or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.

YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. NO ONE IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS.

	To Learn More

	Mercury Focus Twenty
	Fund, Inc.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc.

P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011 • Phone No. (888) 763-2260

      Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified, open-end management investment company that seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital appreciation. The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in common stocks of approximately 20 companies that Fund management believes have strong earnings growth and capital appreciation potential. No assurance can be given that the investment objective of the Fund will be realized. For more information on the Fund’s investment objective and policies, see “Investment Objective and Policies.”

      The Fund is a “feeder” fund that invests all of its assets in Master Focus Twenty Trust (the “Trust”) which has the same investment objective as the Fund. All investments will be made at the Trust level. The Fund’s investment results will correspond directly to the investment results of the Trust. No assurance can be given that the Trust will achieve its investment objective.

      The Fund offers four classes of shares, each with a different combination of sales charges, ongoing fees and other features. These alternatives permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and other relevant circumstances. See “Purchase of Shares.”

      This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Fund, dated March 21, 2000, as supplemented on August 4, 2000 (the “Prospectus”), which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and can be obtained, without charge, by calling 1-888-763-2260 or your financial consultant, or by writing to the address listed above. The Prospectus is incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information, and this Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus.

Fund Asset Management — Manager

      The date of this Statement of Additional Information is March 21, 2000

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

      The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Fund, a non-diversified fund, tries to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in common stocks of approximately 20 companies that Fund management believes have strong earnings growth and capital appreciation potential. Fund management begins its investment process by creating a universe of rapidly growing companies that possess certain growth characteristics. That universe is continually updated. Fund management then ranks each company within its universe by using research models that focus on growth characteristics such as positive earnings surprises, upward earnings estimate revisions, and accelerating sales and earnings growth. Finally, using its own fundamental research and a bottom-up approach to investing, Fund management evaluates the quality of each company’s earnings and tries to determine whether the company can sustain or increase its current growth trend. Fund management believes that this disciplined investment process enables it to construct a portfolio of investments with strong growth characteristics. The Fund is classified as a non-diversified fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).

      The Fund is a “feeder” fund that invests all of its assets in the Trust which has the same investment objective as the Fund. All investments will be made at the Trust level. This structure is sometimes called a “master/feeder” structure. The Fund’s investment results will correspond directly to the investment results of the Trust. For simplicity, however, this Statement of Additional Information, like the Prospectus, uses the term “Fund” to include the Trust. It also uses the term “Board of Directors” to include the Board of Trustees. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund or the investment objective of the Trust will be realized. The investment objective of the Fund is a fundamental policy of the Fund and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). The investment objective of the Trust is a fundamental policy of the Trust and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the Trust’s outstanding voting securities as defined in the Investment Company Act. Reference is made to the discussion under “How the Fund Invests” and “Investment Risks” in the Prospectus for information with respect to the Fund and the Trust’s investment objective and policies.

      Investment emphasis is placed on equities, primarily common stock and, to a lesser extent, securities convertible into common stock, preferred stock, warrants and rights to subscribe for common stock. The Fund generally will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities. Normally, the Fund will invest in the common stocks of not less than 20 companies. The Fund may invest in companies of any size but emphasizes equity securities of companies having large stock market capitalizations (greater than $5 billion). The Fund may invest in non-convertible debt securities rated investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization and U.S. Government securities, although it typically will not do so to a significant extent.

      The Fund may hold assets in cash or cash equivalents and investment grade, short term securities, including money market securities, in such proportions as, in the opinion of Fund management, prevailing market or economic conditions warrant or for temporary defensive purposes.

      The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in equity securities of foreign issuers with the foregoing characteristics. (Purchases of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), however, are not subject to this restriction.) Investments in securities of foreign entities and securities denominated in foreign currencies involve risks not typically involved in domestic investment, including fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future foreign political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign or United States governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities held by the Trust and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments insofar as the U.S. investors are concerned. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s yield on such assets. Foreign currency exchange rates are determined by forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. These forces are, in turn, affected by international balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions, government intervention, speculation and other factors.

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      With respect to certain foreign countries, there may be the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect investment in those countries. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign financial instrument than about a United States instrument, and foreign entities may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those of United States entities. In addition, certain foreign investments may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Foreign financial markets, while growing in volume, have, for the most part, substantially less volume than United States markets, and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable domestic companies. The foreign markets also 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. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The ability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Costs associated with transactions in foreign securities are generally higher than with transactions in United States securities. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, financial institutions and issuers in foreign countries than there is in the United States.

      The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of ADRs, European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe which evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Generally, ADRs, which are issued in registered form, are designed for use in the United States securities markets, and EDRs, which are issued in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. The Fund may invest in unsponsored ADRs. The issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of such ADRs.

European Economic and Monetary Union

      For a number of years, certain European countries have been seeking economic unification that would, among other things, reduce barriers between countries, increase competition among companies, reduce government subsidies in certain industries, and reduce or eliminate currency fluctuations among these European countries. The Treaty on European Union (the “Maastricht Treaty”) set out a framework for the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) among the countries that comprise the European Union (“EU”). EMU established a single common European currency (the “euro”) that was introduced on January 1, 1999 and is expected to replace the existing national currencies of all EMU participants by July 1, 2002. EMU took effect for the initial EMU participants on January 1, 1999. Certain securities issued in participating EU countries (beginning with government and corporate bonds) were redenominated in the euro, and are listed, traded, and make dividend and other payments only in euros.

      No assurance can be given that EMU will take effect, that the changes planned for the EU can be successfully implemented, or that these changes will result in the economic and monetary unity and stability intended. There is a possibility that EMU will not be completed, or will be completed but then partially or completely unwound. Because any participating country may opt out of EMU within the first three years, it is also possible that a significant participant could choose to abandon EMU, which could diminish its credibility and influence. Any of these occurrences could have adverse effects on the markets of both participating and non-participating countries, including sharp appreciation or depreciation of participants’ national currencies and a significant increase in exchange rate volatility, a resurgence in economic protectionism, an undermining of confidence in the European markets, an undermining of European economic stability, the collapse or slowdown of the drive toward European economic unity, and/or reversion of the attempts to lower government

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Growth Securities

      As set forth this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, the investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Fund, a non-diversified fund, tries to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in common stocks of approximately 20 companies that Fund management believes have strong earnings growth and capital appreciation potential. These “growth securities” may be particularly sensitive to changes in earnings or interest rate increases because they typically have higher price-earnings ratios. Moreover, the growth securities held by the Trust may never reach what Fund management believes their full value to be and may even go down in price.

Derivatives

      The Fund may use instruments referred to as “Derivatives.” Derivatives are financial instruments the value of which is derived from another security, a commodity (such as gold or oil) or an index (a measure of value or rates, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index or the prime lending rate). Derivatives allow the Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk to which the Fund is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments.

      Hedging. The Fund may use Derivatives for hedging purposes. Hedging is a strategy in which a Derivative is used to offset the risk that other Fund holdings may decrease in value. Losses on the other investment may be substantially reduced by gains on a Derivative that reacts in an opposite manner to market movements. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains if the market moves in a different manner than anticipated by the Fund investing in the Derivative or if the cost of the Derivative outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves the risk that changes in the value of the Derivative will not match those of the holdings being hedged as expected by the Fund, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced. The Fund is not required to use hedging and may choose not to do so.

      The Fund may use the following types of derivative instruments and trading strategies:

Indexed Securities

      The Fund may invest in securities the potential return of which is based on an index. As an illustration, the Fund may invest in a debt security that pays interest based on the current value of an interest rate index, such as the prime rate. The Fund may also invest in a debt security which returns principal at maturity based on the level of a securities index or a basket of securities, or based on the relative changes of two indices. Indexed securities involve credit risk, and certain indexed securities may involve leverage risk, liquidity risk, and currency risk. The Fund may invest in indexed securities for hedging purposes only. When used for hedging purposes, indexed securities involve correlation risk.

Options on Securities and Securities Indices

      Purchasing Put Options. The Fund may purchase put options on securities held in its portfolio or on securities or interest rate indices which are correlated with securities held in its portfolio. When the Fund purchases a put option in consideration for an up front payment (the “option premium”), the Fund acquires a right to sell to another party specified securities owned by the Fund at a specified price (the “exercise price”) on or before a specified date (the “expiration date”), in the case of an option on securities, or to receive from another party a payment based on the amount a specified securities index declines below a specified level on or before the expiration date, in the case of an option on a securities index. The purchase of a put option limits

4

      Purchasing Call Options. The Fund also may purchase call options on securities it intends to purchase or securities or interest rate indices, which are correlated with the types of securities it intends to purchase. When the Fund purchases a call option in consideration for the option premium, the Fund acquires a right to purchase from another party specified securities at the exercise price on or before the expiration date, in the case of an option on securities, or to receive from another party a payment based on the amount a specified securities index increases beyond a specified level on or before the expiration date, in the case of an option on a securities index. The purchase of a call option may protect the Fund from having to pay more for a security as a consequence of increases in the market value for the security during a period when the Fund is contemplating its purchase, in the case of an option on a security, or attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market the Fund believes to be attractive, in the case of an option on an index (an “anticipatory hedge”). In the event the Fund determines not to purchase a security underlying a call option, however, the Fund may lose the entire option premium. Purchasing a call option involves correlation risk, and may also involve liquidity and credit risk.

      The Fund also is authorized to purchase put or call options in connection with closing out put or call options it has previously sold.

      Writing Call Options. The Fund may write (i.e., sell) call options on securities held in its portfolio or securities indices the performance of which correlates with securities held in its portfolio. When the Fund writes a call option, in return for an option premium, the Fund gives another party the right to buy specified securities owned by the Fund at the exercise price on or before the expiration date, in the case of an option on securities, or agrees to pay to another party an amount based on any gain in a specified securities index beyond a specified level on or before the expiration date, in the case of an option on a securities index. The Fund may write call options to earn income, through the receipt of option premiums. In the event the party to which the Fund has written an option fails to exercise its rights under the option because the value of the underlying securities is less than the exercise price, the Fund will partially offset any decline in the value of the underlying securities through the receipt of the option premium. By writing a call option, however, the Fund limits its ability to sell the underlying securities and gives up the opportunity to profit from any increase in the value of the underlying securities beyond the exercise price, while the option remains outstanding. Writing a call option may involve correlation risk.

      The Fund also is authorized to sell call or put options in connection with closing out call or put options it has previously purchased.

      Other than with respect to closing transactions, the Fund will only write call or put options that are “covered.” A call or put option will be considered covered if the Fund has segregated assets with respect to such option in the manner described in “Risk Factors in Derivatives” below. A call option will also be considered covered if the Fund owns the securities it would be required to deliver upon exercise of the option (or, in the case of an option on a securities index, securities which substantially correlate with the performance of such index) or owns a call option, warrant or convertible instrument which is immediately exercisable for, or convertible into, such security.

      Types of Options. The Fund may engage in transactions in options on securities or securities indices on exchanges and in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. In general, exchange-traded options have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and require the parties to post margin against their obligations, and the performance of the parties’ obligations in connection with such options is guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. OTC options have more flexible terms negotiated between the buyer and the seller, but generally do not require the parties to post margin and are subject to greater credit risk. OTC options also involve greater liquidity risk. See “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives” below.

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Futures

      The Fund may engage in transactions in futures and options thereon. Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts that obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of an asset at a specified future date at a specified price. No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Rather, upon purchasing or selling a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit collateral (“margin”) equal to a percentage (generally less than 10%) of the contract value. Each day thereafter until the futures position is closed, the Fund will pay additional margin representing any loss experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day or be entitled to a payment representing any profit experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day. Futures involve substantial leverage risk.

      The sale of a futures contract limits the Fund’s risk of loss through a decline in the market value of portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract prior to the futures contract’s expiration date. In the event the market value of the portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract increases rather than decreases, however, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures position and a lower return on the portfolio holdings than would have been realized without the purchase of the futures contract.

      The purchase of a futures contract may protect the Fund from having to pay more for securities as a consequence of increases in the market value for such securities during a period when the Fund was attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market the Fund believes to be attractive. In the event that such securities decline in value or the Fund determines not to complete an anticipatory hedge transaction relating to a futures contract, however, the Fund may realize a loss relating to the futures position.

      The Fund will limit transactions in futures and options on futures to financial futures contracts (i.e., contracts for which the underlying asset is a currency or securities or interest rate index) purchased or sold for hedging purposes (including anticipatory hedges). The Fund will further limit transactions in futures and options on futures to the extent necessary to prevent the Fund from being deemed a “commodity pool” under regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Foreign Exchange Transactions

      The Fund may engage in spot and forward foreign exchange transactions and currency swaps, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures and related options thereon (collectively, “Currency Instruments”) for purposes of hedging against the decline in the value of currencies in which its portfolio holdings are denominated against the U.S. dollar.

      Forward Foreign Exchange Transactions. Forward foreign exchange transactions are OTC contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency or multinational currency unit at a price and future date set at the time of the contract. Spot foreign exchange transactions are similar but require current, rather than future, settlement. The Fund will enter into foreign exchange transactions only for purposes of hedging either a specific transaction or a position held by the Trust. The Fund may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a specific transaction by, for example, purchasing a currency needed to settle a security transaction or selling a currency in which the Fund has received or anticipates receiving a dividend or distribution. The Fund may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a position held by the Trust by selling forward a currency in which a position held by the Trust is denominated or by purchasing a currency in which the Fund anticipates acquiring a position held by the Trust in the near future. The Fund may also hedge positions held by the Trust through currency swaps, which are transactions in which one currency is simultaneously bought for a second currency on a spot basis and sold for the second currency on a forward basis. Forward foreign exchange transactions involve substantial currency risk, and also involve credit and liquidity risk.

      Currency Futures. The Fund may also hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the U.S. dollar through use of currency futures or options thereon. Currency futures are similar to forward foreign exchange transactions except that futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts. See “Futures”. Currency futures involve substantial currency risk, and also involve leverage risk.

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      Currency Options. The Fund may also hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the U.S. dollar through the use of currency options. Currency options are similar to options on securities, but in consideration for an option premium the writer of a currency option is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or purchase (in the case of a put option) a specified amount of a specified currency on or before the expiration date for a specified amount of another currency. The Fund may engage in transactions in options on currencies either on exchanges or OTC markets. See “Types of Options” above and “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives” below. Currency options involve substantial currency risk, and may also involve credit, leverage or liquidity risk.

      Limitations on Currency Hedging. The Fund will not speculate in Currency Instruments. Accordingly, the Fund will not hedge a currency in excess of the aggregate market value of the securities which it owns (including receivables for unsettled securities sales), or has committed to or anticipates purchasing, which are denominated in such currency. The Fund may, however, hedge a currency by entering into a transaction in a Currency Instrument denominated in a currency other than the currency being hedged (a “cross-hedge”). The Fund will only enter into a cross-hedge if Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the “Manager”) believes that (i) there is a demonstrable high correlation between the currency in which the cross-hedge is denominated and the currency being hedged, and (ii) executing a cross-hedge through the currency in which the cross-hedge is denominated will be significantly more cost-effective or provide substantially greater liquidity than executing a similar hedging transaction by means of the currency being hedged.

      Risk Factors in Hedging Foreign Currency Risks. Hedging transactions involving Currency Instruments involve substantial risks, including correlation risk. While the Fund’s use of Currency Instruments to effect hedging strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of the Fund’s shares, the net asset value of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate. Moreover, although Currency Instruments will be used with the intention of hedging against adverse currency movements, transactions in Currency Instruments involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that the Fund’s hedging strategies will be ineffective. To the extent that the Fund hedges against anticipated currency movements which do not occur, the Fund may realize losses, and decreases its total return, as the result of its hedging transactions. Furthermore, the Fund will only engage in hedging activities from time to time and may not be engaging in hedging activities when movements in currency exchange rates occur.

      It may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against currency exchange rate movements, even if correctly anticipated, in the event that (i) the currency exchange rate movement is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an effective price, or (ii) the currency exchange rate movement relates to a market with respect to which Currency Instruments are not available and it is not possible to engage in effective foreign currency hedging.

Risk Factors in Derivatives

      Derivatives are volatile and involve significant risks, including:

	Credit risk — the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Fund.
	Currency risk — the risk that changes in the exchange rate between two currencies will adversely affect the value (in U.S. dollar terms) of an investment.
	Leverage risk — the risk associated with certain types of investments or trading strategies (such as borrowing money to increase the amount of investment) that relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of an investment. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.
	Liquidity risk — the risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time that the seller would like or at the price that the seller believes the security is currently worth.

      Use of Derivatives for hedging purposes involves correlation risk. If the value of the Derivative moves more or less than the value of the hedged instruments, the Fund will experience a gain or loss that will not be completely offset by movements in the value of the hedged instruments.

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      The Fund intends to enter into transactions involving Derivatives only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such instruments or, in the case of illiquid instruments traded in OTC transactions, such instruments satisfy the criteria set forth below under “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives.” However, there can be no assurance that, at any specific time, either a liquid secondary market will exist for a Derivative or the Fund will otherwise be able to sell such instrument at an acceptable price. It may therefore not be possible to close a position in a Derivative without incurring substantial losses, if at all.

      Certain transactions in Derivatives (such as futures transactions or sales of put options) involve substantial leverage risk and may expose the Fund to potential losses, which exceed the amount originally invested by the Fund. When the Fund engages in such a transaction, the Fund will deposit in a segregated account at its custodian liquid securities with a value at least equal to the Fund’s exposure, on a mark-to-market basis, to the transaction (as calculated pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission). Such segregation will ensure that the Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction, but will not limit the Fund’s exposure to loss.

Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives

      Certain Derivatives traded in OTC markets, including indexed securities, swaps and OTC options, involve substantial liquidity risk. The absence of liquidity may make it difficult or impossible for the Fund to sell such instruments promptly at an acceptable price. The absence of liquidity may also make it more difficult for the Fund to ascertain a market value for such instruments. The Fund will therefore acquire illiquid OTC instruments (i) if the agreement pursuant to which the instrument is purchased contains a formula price at which the instrument may be terminated or sold, or (ii) for which the Manager anticipates the Fund can receive on each business day at least two independent bids or offers, unless a quotation from only one dealer is available, in which case that dealer’s quotation may be used.

      Because Derivatives traded in OTC markets are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation and generally do not require payment of margin, to the extent that the Fund has unrealized gains in such instruments or has deposited collateral with its counterparty, the Fund is at risk that its counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The Fund will attempt to minimize the risk that a counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations by engaging in transactions in Derivatives traded in OTC markets only with financial institutions which have substantial capital or which have provided the Fund with a third-party guaranty or other credit enhancement.

Convertible Securities

      Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest payments paid on corporate debt securities or the dividend preference on a preferred stock until such time as the convertible security matures or is redeemed or until the holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege. Synthetic convertible securities may be either (i) a debt security or preferred stock that may be convertible only under certain contingent circumstances or that may pay the holder a cash amount based on the value of shares of underlying common stock partly or wholly in lieu of a conversion right (a “Cash-Settled Convertible”) or (ii) a combination of separate securities chosen by the Manager in order to create the economic characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., a fixed income security paired with a security with equity conversion features, such as an option or warrant (a “Manufactured Convertible”).

      The characteristics of convertible securities make them appropriate investments for an investment company seeking a high total return from capital appreciation and investment income. These characteristics include the potential for capital appreciation as the value of the underlying common stock increases, the relatively high yield received from dividend or interest payments as compared to common stock dividends and decreased risks of decline in value relative to the underlying common stock due to their fixed-income nature. As a result of the conversion feature, however, the interest rate or dividend preference on a convertible security is generally less than would be the case if the securities were issued in nonconvertible form.

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      In analyzing convertible securities, the Manager will consider both the yield on the convertible security relative to its credit quality and the potential capital appreciation that is offered by the underlying common stock, among other things.

      Convertible securities are issued and traded in a number of securities markets. For the past several years, the principal markets have been the United States, the Euromarket and Japan. Issuers during this period have included major corporations domiciled in the United States, Japan, France, Switzerland, Canada and the United Kingdom. Even in cases where a substantial portion of the convertible securities held by the Fund are denominated in United States dollars, the underlying equity securities may be quoted in the currency of the country where the issuer is domiciled. With respect to convertible securities denominated in a currency different from that of the underlying equity securities, the conversion price may be based on a fixed exchange rate established at the time the security is issued. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the currency in which the debt security is denominated and the currency in which the share price is quoted will affect the value of the convertible security. As described below, the Fund is authorized to enter into foreign currency hedging transactions in which it may seek to reduce the effect of such fluctuations.

      Apart from currency considerations, the value of convertible securities is influenced by both the yield of nonconvertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield) is sometimes referred to as its “investment value.” To the extent interest rates change, the investment value of the convertible security typically will fluctuate. However, at the same time, the value of the convertible security will be influenced by its “conversion value,” which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained if the convertible security were converted. Conversion value fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying common stock. If, because of a low price of the common stock the conversion value is substantially below the investment value of the convertible security, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value.

      To the extent the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the price of the convertible security will be influenced principally by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over the conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed-income security. The yield and conversion premium of convertible securities issued in Japan and the Euromarket are frequently determined at levels that cause the conversion value to affect their market value more than the securities’ investment value.

      Holders of convertible securities generally have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to other debt securities of the same issuer. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the charter provision, indenture or other governing instrument pursuant to which the convertible security was issued. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Certain convertible debt securities may provide a put option to the holder which entitles the holder to cause the security to be redeemed by the issuer at a premium over the stated principal amount of the debt security under certain circumstances.

      As indicated above, synthetic convertible securities may include either Cash-Settled Convertibles or Manufactured Convertibles. Cash-Settled Convertibles are instruments that are created by the issuer and have the economic characteristics of traditional convertible securities but may not actually permit conversion into the underlying equity securities in all circumstances. As an example, a private company may issue a Cash-Settled Convertible that is convertible into common stock only if the company successfully completes a public offering of its common stock prior to maturity and otherwise pays a cash amount to reflect any equity appreciation. Manufactured Convertibles are created by the Manager by combining separate securities that possess one of the two principal characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., fixed income (“fixed income component”) or a right to acquire equity securities (“convertible component”). The fixed income component is achieved by investing in nonconvertible fixed income securities, such as nonconvertible bonds, preferred stocks and money market instruments. The convertibility component is achieved by investing in call options,

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      A Manufactured Convertible differs from traditional convertible securities in several respects. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a single security having a unitary market value, a Manufactured Convertible is comprised of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the total “market value” of such a Manufactured Convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its convertibility component.

      More flexibility is possible in the creation of a Manufactured Convertible than in the purchase of a traditional convertible security. Because many corporations have not issued convertible securities, the Manager may combine a fixed income instrument and an equity feature with respect to the stock of the issuer of the fixed income instrument to create a synthetic convertible security otherwise unavailable in the market. The Manager may also combine a fixed income instrument of an issuer with an equity feature with respect to the stock of a different issuer when the Manager believes such a Manufactured Convertible would better promote the Fund’s objective than alternative investments. For example, the Manager may combine an equity feature with respect to an issuer’s stock with a fixed income security of a different issuer in the same industry to diversify the Fund’s credit exposure, or with a U.S. Treasury instrument to create a Manufactured Convertible with a higher credit profile than a traditional convertible security issued by that issuer. A Manufactured Convertible also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately and, upon purchasing the separate securities, “combined” to create a Manufactured Convertible. For example, the Fund may purchase a warrant for eventual inclusion in a Manufactured Convertible while postponing the purchase of a suitable bond to pair with the warrant pending development of more favorable market conditions.

      The value of a Manufactured Convertible may respond differently to certain market fluctuations than would a traditional convertible security with similar characteristics. For example, in the event the Fund created a Manufactured Convertible by combining a short-term U.S. Treasury instrument and a call option on a stock, the Manufactured Convertible would likely outperform a traditional convertible of similar maturity and which is convertible into that stock during periods when Treasury instruments outperform corporate fixed income securities and underperform during periods when corporate fixed-income securities outperform Treasury instruments.

Debt Securities

      Debt securities, such as bonds, involve credit risk. This is the risk that the issuer will not make timely payments of principal and interest. The degree of credit risk depends on the issuer’s financial condition and on the terms of the bonds. This risk is reduced to the extent the Fund limits its debt investments to U.S. Government securities. All debt securities, however, are subject to interest rate risk. This is the risk that the value of the security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter term securities.

Warrants

      The Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants are securities that permit but do not require the warrant holder to subscribe for other securities. Buying a warrant does not make the Fund a shareholder of the underlying stock. The warrant holder has no right to dividends or votes on the underlying stock. A warrant does not carry any right to assets of the issuer, and for this reason investment in warrants may be more speculative than other equity-based investments.

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Other Investment Policies and Practices

      Temporary Investments. The Fund reserves the right, as a temporary defensive measure, and without limitation, to hold in excess of 35% of its total assets in cash or cash equivalents and investment grade, short-term securities including money market securities (“Temporary Investments”). Under certain adverse investment conditions, the Fund may restrict the markets in which its assets will be invested and may increase the proportion of assets invested in Temporary Investments. Investments made for defensive purposes will be maintained only during periods in which the Manager determines that economic or financial conditions are adverse for holding or being fully invested in equity securities. A portion of the Fund normally will be held in Temporary Investments in anticipation of investment in equity securities or to provide for possible redemptions.

      Illiquid or Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities that lack an established secondary trading market or otherwise are considered illiquid. Liquidity of a security relates to the ability to dispose easily of the security and the price to be obtained upon disposition of the security, which may be less than would be obtained for a comparable more liquid security. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid securities may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of such investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Fund’s operations require cash, such as when the Fund redeems shares or pays dividends, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring capital losses on the sale of illiquid investments.

      The Fund may invest in securities that are “restricted securities”. Restricted securities have contractual or legal restrictions on their resale and include “private placement” securities that the Fund may buy directly from the issuer. Restricted securities may be sold in private placement transactions between issuers and the purchasers and may be neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets. Privately placed securities may or may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. As a result of the absence of a public trading market, privately placed securities may be less liquid and more difficult to value than publicly traded securities. To the extent that privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales, due to illiquidity, could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than their fair market value. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Certain of the Fund’s investments in private placements may consist of direct investments and may include investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in such securities, the Fund may obtain access to material nonpublic information which may restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct portfolio transactions in such securities.

      144A Securities. The Fund may purchase restricted securities that can be offered and sold to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Board of Directors has determined to treat as liquid Rule 144A securities that are either freely tradable in their primary markets offshore or have been determined to be liquid in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has adopted guidelines and delegated to the Manager the daily function of determining and monitoring liquidity of restricted securities. The Board of Directors, however, will retain sufficient oversight and be ultimately responsible for the determinations. Since it is not possible to predict with assurance exactly how this market for restricted securities sold and offered under Rule 144A will continue to develop, the Board of Directors will carefully monitor the Fund’s investments in these securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these securities.

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      When Issued Securities and Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or a when-issued basis at fixed purchase terms. These transactions arise when securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The purchase will be recorded on the date the Fund enters into the commitment and the value of the obligation will thereafter be reflected in the calculation of the Fund’s net asset value. The value of the obligation on the delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. A separate account of the Fund will be established with its custodian consisting of liquid securities having a market value at all times at least equal to the amount of the forward commitment.

      Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts. The Fund may invest in securities pursuant to repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts. Repurchase agreements and purchase and sale contracts may be entered into only with financial institutions which (i) have, in the opinion of Fund management, substantial capital relative to the Fund’s exposure, or (ii) have provided the Fund with a third-party guaranty or other credit enhancement. Under a repurchase agreement or a purchase and sale contract, the seller agrees, upon entering into the contract with the Fund, to repurchase the security at a mutually agreed-upon time and price in a specified currency, thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from market fluctuations during such period although it may be affected by currency fluctuations. In the case of repurchase agreements, the price at which the trades are conducted do not reflect accrued interest on the underlying obligation; whereas, in the case of purchase and sale contracts, the prices take into account accrued interest. Such agreements usually cover short periods, such as under one week. Repurchase agreements may be construed to be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the securities transferred to the purchaser. In the case of a repurchase agreement, as a purchaser, the Fund will require the seller to provide additional collateral if the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase price at any time during the term of the repurchase agreement; the Fund does not have the right to seek additional collateral in the case of purchase and sale contracts. In the event of default by the seller under a repurchase agreement construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying securities are not owned by the Fund but only constitute collateral for the seller’s obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, the Fund may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with the disposition of the collateral. A purchase and sale contract differs from a repurchase agreement in that the contract arrangements stipulate that the securities are owned by the Fund. In the event of a default under such a repurchase agreement or under a purchase and sale contract, instead of the contractual fixed rate, the rate of return to the Fund shall be dependent upon intervening fluctuations of the market value of such securities and the accrued interest on the securities. In such event, the Fund would have rights against the seller for breach of contract with respect to any losses arising from market fluctuations following the failure of the seller to perform. While the substance of purchase and sale contracts is similar to repurchase agreements, because of the different treatment with respect to accrued interest and additional collateral, Fund management believes that purchase and sale contracts are not repurchase agreements as such term is understood in the banking and brokerage community. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts maturing in more than seven days together with all other illiquid investments.

      Securities Lending. Subject to the investment restrictions set forth in the Prospectus and herein, the Fund may, from time to time, lend securities from its portfolio to approved borrowers and receive therefor collateral in cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government. Such collateral will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. The purpose of such loans is to permit the borrower to use such securities for delivery to purchasers when such borrower has sold short. If cash collateral is received by the Fund, it is invested in short-term money market securities, and a portion of the yield received in respect of such investment is retained by the Fund. Alternatively, if securities are delivered to the Fund as collateral, the Fund and the borrower negotiate a rate for the loaned premium to be received by the Fund for lending its portfolio securities. In either event, the total yield on the Fund’s portfolio is increased by loans of its portfolio securities. The Fund will have the right to regain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting rights, subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or other distributions. Such loans are terminable at any time, and the borrower, after notice, will be required to return borrowed securities within five business days. The Fund may

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      Suitability. The economic benefit of an investment in the Fund depends upon many factors beyond the control of the Trust, the Fund, the Manager and its affiliates. The Fund should be considered a vehicle for diversification and not as a balanced investment program. The suitability for any particular investor of a purchase of shares in the Fund will depend on, among other things, such investor’s investment objectives and such investor’s ability to accept the risks associated with investing in securities, including the risk of loss of principal.

Investment Restrictions

      The Fund has adopted the following restrictions and policies relating to the investment of the Fund’s assets and its activities. The fundamental restrictions set forth below may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities (which for this purpose and under the Investment Company Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares). Under the fundamental investment restrictions, provided that none of the following restrictions shall prevent the Fund from investing all of its assets in shares of another registered investment company with the same investment objective (in a master/feeder structure), the Fund may not:

	1.  Invest more than 25% of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities).
	2.  Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management. Investments by the 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.
	3.  Purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may invest in securities directly or indirectly secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein.
	4.  Make loans to other persons, except that the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other corporate debt securities and investment in governmental obligations, commercial paper, pass-through instruments, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, repurchase agreements, purchase and sale contracts or any similar instruments shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan, and except further that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided that the lending of portfolio securities may be made only in accordance with applicable law and the guidelines set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to time.
	5.  Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate applicable law.
	6.  Borrow money, except that (i) the Fund may borrow from banks (as defined in the Investment Company Act) in amounts up to 33  1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed), (ii) the Fund may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (iii) the Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and (iv) the Fund may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Fund may not pledge its assets other than to secure such borrowings or, to the extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies as set forth in its Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to time, in connection with hedging transactions, short sales, when-issued and forward commitment transactions and similar investment strategies.
	7.  Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the Fund technically may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) in selling portfolio securities.
	8.  Purchase or sell commodities or contracts on commodities, except to the extent that the Fund may do so in accordance with applicable law and the Fund’s Prospectus and this Statement of Additional

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	Information, as they may be amended from time to time, and without registering as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.

      The Trust has adopted investment restrictions substantially identical to the foregoing, which are fundamental policies of the Trust and may not be changed with respect to the Trust without the approval of the holders of a majority of the interests of the Trust.

      In addition, the Fund has adopted non-fundamental restrictions that may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without shareholder approval. Like the fundamental restrictions, none of the non-fundamental restrictions, including but not limited to restriction (a) below, shall prevent the Fund from investing all of its assets in shares of another registered investment company with the same investment objective (in a master/feeder structure). Under the non-fundamental investment restrictions, the Fund may not:

	a.  Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the extent such purchases are permitted by applicable law. As a matter of policy, however, the Fund will not purchase shares of any registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust, in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or (G) (the “fund of funds” provisions) of the Investment Company Act, at any time its shares are owned by another investment company that is part of the same group of investment companies as the Fund.
	b.  Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, except to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Fund currently does not intend to engage in short sales, except short sales “against the box.”
	c.  Invest in securities that cannot be readily resold because of legal or contractual restrictions or that cannot otherwise be marketed, redeemed or put to the issuer or a third party, if at the time of acquisition more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in such securities. This restriction shall not apply to securities that mature within seven days or securities that the Board of Directors of the Fund has otherwise determined to be liquid pursuant to applicable law. Securities purchased in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (which are restricted securities that can be resold to qualified institutional buyers, but not to the general public) and determined to be liquid by the Board of Directors of the Fund are not subject to the limitations set forth in this investment restriction.
	d.  Notwithstanding fundamental investment restriction (6) above, borrow money or pledge its assets, except that the Fund (a) may borrow from a bank as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes or to meet redemption in amounts not exceeding 33 1/3% (taken at market value) of its total assets and pledge its assets to secure such borrowing, (b) may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and (c) may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law. However, at the present time, applicable law prohibits the Fund from purchasing securities on margin. The deposit or payment by the Fund of initial or variation margin in connection with financial futures contracts or options transactions is not considered to be the purchase of a security on margin. The purchase of securities while a borrowing is outstanding will have the effect of leveraging the Fund. Such leveraging or borrowing increases the Fund’s exposure to capital risk and borrowed funds are subject to interest costs which will reduce net income. The Fund will not purchase securities while borrowing exceeds 5% of its total assets.

      The Trust has adopted investment restrictions substantially identical to the foregoing, which are non-fundamental policies of the Trust and may be changed by the Trustees of the Trust.

      The staff of the Commission has taken the position that purchased OTC options and the assets used as cover for written OTC options are illiquid securities. Therefore, the Fund and the Trust have adopted an investment policy pursuant to which neither the Fund nor the Trust will purchase or sell OTC options (including OTC options on futures contracts) if, as a result of such transaction, the sum of the market value of OTC options currently outstanding that are held by the Fund or the Trust, the market value of the underlying securities covered by OTC call options currently outstanding that were sold by the Fund or the Trust and margin deposits on the Fund’s or the Trust’s existing OTC options on financial futures contracts exceeds 15% of the net assets of the Fund or the Trust, taken at market value, together with all other assets of the Fund or the Trust that are illiquid or are not otherwise readily marketable. However, if the OTC option is sold by the

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      In addition, as a non-fundamental policy that may be changed by the Board of Directors and to the extent required by the Commission or its staff, the Fund will, for purposes of fundamental investment restrictions (1) and (2), treat securities issued or guaranteed by the government of any one foreign country as the obligations of a single issuer.

      As another non-fundamental policy, the Fund will not invest in securities that are (a) subject to material legal restrictions on repatriation of assets or (b) cannot be readily resold because of legal or contractual restrictions or which are not otherwise readily marketable, including repurchase agreements and purchase and sales contracts maturing in more than seven days, if, regarding all such securities, more than 15% of its net assets, taken at market value would be invested in such securities.

      Because of the affiliation of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“Merrill Lynch”) with the Manager, the Fund and the Trust are prohibited from engaging in certain transactions involving Merrill Lynch or its affiliates except for brokerage transactions permitted under the Investment Company Act involving only usual and customary commissions or transactions pursuant to an exemptive order under the Investment Company Act. See “Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.” Without such an exemptive order the Fund and the Trust would be prohibited from engaging in portfolio transactions with Merrill Lynch or any of its affiliates acting as principal.

Non-Diversified Status

      The Fund is classified as non-diversified within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that the Fund is not limited by such Act in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in securities of a single issuer. The Fund’s investments are limited, however, in order to allow the Fund to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). See “Dividends and Taxes — Taxes.” To qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund will comply with certain requirements, including limiting its investments so that at the close of each quarter of the taxable year (i) not more than 25% of the market value of the 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 its total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer. A fund that elects to be classified as “diversified” under the Investment Company Act must satisfy the foregoing 5% and 10% requirements with respect to 75% of its total assets. To the extent that the Fund assumes large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, the Fund’s net asset value 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, and the Fund may be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified company.

Portfolio Turnover

      Generally, the Fund will not purchase securities for short-term trading profits. However, the Fund may dispose of securities without regard to the time they have been held when such actions, for defensive or other reasons, appear advisable to the Manager in light of a change in circumstances in general market, economic or financial conditions. As a result of its investment policies, the Fund may engage in a substantial number of portfolio transactions. Accordingly, while the Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate should not exceed 100% under normal conditions, it is impossible to predict portfolio turnover rates. The portfolio

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Directors and Officers

      The Directors of the Fund consist of seven individuals, five of whom are not “interested persons” of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act. The same individuals serve as Trustees of the Trust and are sometimes referred to herein as the “non-interested Directors/ Trustees”. The Directors of the Fund are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the Investment Company Act. Information about the Directors and executive officers of the Fund, their ages and their principal occupations for at least the last five years are set forth below. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each executive officer and Director is P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011.

      TERRY K. GLENN (59) — President and Director/Trustee (1)(2) — Executive Vice President of the Manager and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”) (which terms as used herein include their corporate predecessors) since 1983; Executive Vice President and Director of Princeton Services, Inc. (“Princeton Services”) since 1993; President of FAM Distributors, Inc. (“FAMD”) since 1986 and Director thereof since 1991; President of Princeton Administrators, L.P. since 1988.

      JAMES H. BODURTHA (56) — Director/Trustee (2)(3) — 36 Popponesset Road, Cotuit, Massachusetts 02635. Director and Executive Vice President, The China Business Group, Inc. since 1996; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, China Enterprise Management Corporation from 1993 to 1996; Chairman, Berkshire Corporation since 1980; Partner, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey from 1980 to 1993.

      HERBERT I. LONDON (61) — Director/Trustee (2)(3) — 2 Washington Square Village, New York, New York 10012. John M. Olin Professor of Humanities, New York University since 1993 and Professor thereof since 1980; President, Hudson Institute since 1997 and Trustee thereof since 1980; Dean, Gallatin Division of New York University from 1976 to 1993; Distinguished Fellow, Herman Kahn Chair, Hudson Institute from 1984 to 1985; Director, Damon Corporation from 1991 to 1995; Overseer, Center for Naval Analyses from 1983 to 1993; Limited Partner, Hypertech LP since 1996.

      JOSEPH L. MAY (71) — Director/Trustee (2)(3) — 424 Church Street, Suite 2000, Nashville, Tennessee 37219. Attorney in private practice since 1984; President, May and Athens Hosiery Mills Division, Wayne-Gossard Corporation from 1954 to 1983; Vice President, Wayne-Gossard Corporation from 1972 to 1983; Chairman, The May Corporation (personal holding company) from 1972 to 1983; Director, Signal Apparel Co. from 1972 to 1989.

      ANDRÉ F. PEROLD (48) — Director/Trustee (2)(3) — Morgan Hall, Soldiers Field, Boston, Massachusetts 02163. Professor, Harvard Business School since 1989 and Associate Professor from 1983 to 1989; Trustee, The Common Fund since 1989; Director, Quantec Limited from 1991 to 1999; Director, TIBCO from 1994 to 1996; Director, Genbel Securities Limited and Gensec Bank since 1999; Director, Gensec Asset Management since 2000; Director, Bulldogresearch.com since 2000.

      ROBERTA COOPER RAMO(57) — Director/Trustee (2)(3) — P.O. Box 2168, 500 Fourth Street, N.W., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Shareholder, Modrall, Sperling, Roehl, Harris & Sisk, P.A. since 1993; President, American Bar Association from 1995 to 1996 and Member of the Board of Governors thereof from 1994 to 1997; Partner, Poole, Kelly & Ramo, Attorneys at Law, P.C. from 1977 to 1993; Director, Coopers, Inc. since 1999; Director, United New Mexico Bank (now Wells Fargo) from 1983 to 1988; Director, First National Bank of New Mexico (now First Security) from 1975 to 1976.

      ARTHUR ZEIKEL (68) — Director/Trustee (1)(2) — 300 Woodland Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090. Chairman of the Manager and MLIM from 1997 to 1999 and President thereof from 1977 to 1997; Chairman of Princeton Services from 1997 to 1999, Director thereof from 1993 to 1999 and President thereof from 1993 to 1997; Executive Vice President of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“ML & Co.”) from 1990 to 1999.

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      JAMES D. MCCALL (46) — Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager (1)(2) — First Vice President of MLIM since 1999; portfolio manager for the PBHG family of mutual funds from 1994 to 1999.

      ROBERT C. DOLL, JR. (45) — Senior Vice President (1)(2) — Senior Vice President of the Manager and MLIM since 1999; Senior Vice President of Princeton Services since 1999; Chief Investment Officer of OppenheimerFunds, Inc. in 1999 and Executive Vice President thereof from 1991 to 1999.

      DONALD C. BURKE (40) — Vice President and Treasurer (1)(2) — Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the Manager and MLIM since 1999; Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Princeton Services since 1999; Vice President of FAMD since 1999; First Vice President of MLIM from 1997 to 1999; Vice President of MLIM from 1990 to 1997; Director of Taxation of MLIM since 1990.

      SUSAN B. BAKER (42) — Secretary (1)(2) — Director (Legal Advisory) of MLIM since 1999; Attorney associated with MLIM since 1987.

     As of March 1, 2000, the officers and Directors of the Fund as a group (11 persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“ML & Co.”) and owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

Compensation of Directors/ Trustees

      The Trust pays fees to each non-interested Director/ Trustee for service to the Fund and the Trust. Each non-interested Director/ Trustee receives an aggregate annual retainer of $100,000 for his or her services to multiple investment companies advised by the Manager or its affiliate, MLIM (“MLIM/FAM-Advised Funds”). The portion of the annual retainer allocated to each MLIM/FAM-Advised Fund is determined quarterly based on the relative net assets of each fund. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, this annual retainer applies to 44 MLIM/FAM-Advised Funds (except that for Ms. Ramo it applies to 20 MLIM/FAM-Advised Funds). In addition, each non-interested Director/ Trustee receives a fee per in-person board meeting attended and per in-person Audit and Nominating Committee meeting attended. The annual per meeting fees paid to non-interested Directors/ Trustees aggregate $60,000 for all MLIM/FAM-Advised Funds for which that Director/ Trustee serves and are allocated equally among those funds. The Fund and the Trust also reimburse the non-interested Directors/ Trustees for actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. The Audit and Nominating Committee consists of all of the non-interested Directors/ Trustees of the Fund and the Trust.

      The following table sets forth the estimated compensation to be earned by the non-interested Directors/ Trustees for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2000 and the aggregate compensation paid to them from all investment companies advised by the Manager or MLIM/FAM-Advised Funds to the non-affiliated Directors/ Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 1999.

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     The Directors of the Fund and the Trustees of the Trust may be eligible for reduced sales charges on purchases of Class I shares. See “Reduced Initial Sales Charges — Purchase Privileges of Certain Persons.”

Management and Advisory Arrangements

      Management Services and Management Fee. The Fund invests all of its assets in beneficial interests of the Trust. Accordingly, the Fund does not invest directly in portfolio securities and does not require investment advisory services. All portfolio management occurs at the level of the Trust. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with Fund Asset Management, L.P., as Manager (the “Management Agreement”). As discussed in “The Management Team,” in the Prospectus, the Manager receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Trust for its services to the Trust.

      The Manager has also entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Funds Asset Management UK (the “Sub-Adviser”) pursuant to which the Sub-Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Manager with respect to the Trust. Under the sub-advisory agreement, the Manager may pay the Sub-Adviser a fee for providing such services, but the sub-advisory fee will not exceed the amount the Manager receives under the Advisory Agreement. The following entities may be considered “controlling persons” of the Sub-Adviser: Merrill Lynch Europe PLC (the Sub-Adviser’s parent), a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch International, Inc., a subsidiary of ML & Co.

      Securities held by the Trust may also be held by, or be appropriate investments for, other funds or investment advisory clients for which the Manager or its affiliates act as an adviser. Because of different objectives or other factors, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients of the Manager or an affiliate when one or more clients of the Manager or an affiliate are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of securities arise for consideration at or about the same time that would involve the Fund or other clients or funds for which the Manager or an affiliate acts as manager, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective funds and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Manager or an affiliate during the same period may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.

      Payment of Trust Expenses. The Management Agreement obligates the Manager to provide investment advisory services and to pay, or cause an affiliate to pay, for maintaining its staff and personnel and to provide office space, facilities and necessary personnel for the Trust and the Funds. The Manager is also obligated to pay, or cause an affiliate to pay, the fees of all officers, Trustees and Directors who are affiliated persons of the Manager or any affiliate. The Trust pays, or causes to be paid, all other expenses incurred in the operation of the Trust, including, among other things, taxes, expenses for legal and auditing services, costs of printing proxies, shareholder reports, copies of the Registration Statement, charges of the custodian, any sub-custodian and the transfer agent expenses of portfolio transactions, expenses of redemption of shares, Commission fees, expenses of registering the shares under federal, state or non-U.S. laws, fees and actual out-of-pocket expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager, accounting and pricing costs (including the daily calculation of net asset value), insurance, interest, litigation and other extraordinary or non-recurring expenses, and other expenses properly payable by the Trust. The Distributor will pay certain of the expenses of the Fund incurred in connection with the continuous offering of the Fund’s shares. Accounting services are provided to the Trust by the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager, and the Trust reimburses the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager for its costs in connection with such services.

      Payment of Fund Expenses. The Fund pays, or causes an affiliate to pay, all other expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund (except to the extent paid by FAMD (the “Distributor”), including, among other things, taxes, expenses for legal and auditing services, costs of printing proxies, shareholder reports and prospectuses and statements of additional information, charges of the custodian, any sub-custodian and the transfer agent, expenses of redemption of shares, Commission fees, expenses of registering the shares under federal, state or non-U.S. laws, fees and actual out-of-pocket expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of the Manager, or of an affiliate of the Manager, accounting and pricing costs (including the daily

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      Organization of the Manager. Fund Asset Management, L.P. is a limited partnership, the partners of which are ML & Co., a financial services holding company and the parent of Merrill Lynch, and Princeton Services. ML & Co. and Princeton Services are “controlling persons” of the Manager as defined under the Investment Company Act because of their ownership of its voting securities and their power to exercise a controlling influence over its management or policies.

      Duration and Termination. Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Management Agreement will remain in effect for two years from its effective date. Thereafter, it will remain in effect from year to year if approved annually (a) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by persons or entities holding a majority of the outstanding beneficial interests of the Trust and (b) by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to such contract or interested persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any such party. Such contract is not assignable and may be terminated without penalty on 60 days’ written notice at the option of either party thereto or by the vote of the shareholders of the Trust.

      Transfer Agency Services. Financial Data Services, Inc. (the “Transfer Agent”), a subsidiary of ML & Co., acts as the Fund’s Transfer Agent pursuant to a Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder Servicing Agency Agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”). Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer and redemption of shares and the opening and maintenance of shareholder accounts. Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent receives a fee ranging from $11.00 to $20.00 per Class I or Class A account and $14.00 to $23.00 per Class B or Class C account and is entitled to reimbursement for certain transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent under the Transfer Agency Agreement. Additionally, a $.20 monthly closed account charge will be assessed on all accounts that close during the calendar year. Application of this fee will commence the month following the month the account is closed. At the end of the calendar year, no further fee will be due. For purposes of the Transfer Agency Agreement, the term “account” includes a shareholder account maintained directly by the Transfer Agent and any other account representing the beneficial interest of a person in the relevant share class on a recordkeeping system, provided the recordkeeping system is maintained by a subsidiary of ML & Co.

      Distribution Expenses. The Fund has entered into distribution agreements with the Distributor in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund (the “Distribution Agreements”). The Distribution Agreements obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund. After the prospectuses, statements of additional information and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and mailed to shareholders, the Distributor pays for the printing and distribution of copies thereof used in connection with the offering to dealers and investors. The Distributor also pays for other supplementary sales literature and advertising costs. The Distribution Agreements are subject to the same renewal requirements and termination provisions as the Management Agreement described above.

Code of Ethics

      The Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Board of Directors of the Fund each have adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act that covers the Trust, the Fund, the Manager and the Distributor (the “Code of Ethics”). The Code of Ethics significantly restricts the personal investing activities of all employees of the Manager and Distributor and, as described below, imposes additional more onerous restrictions on fund investment personnel.

      The Code of Ethics requires that all employees of the Manager and Distributor pre-clear any personal securities investments (with limited exceptions, such as mutual funds, high-quality short-term securities and

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PURCHASE OF SHARES

      Reference is made to “Account Choices — How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares” in the Prospectus for certain information as to the purchase of Fund shares.

      The Fund issues four classes of shares: shares of Class I and Class A are sold to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives and shares of Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives. Each Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C share of the Fund represents an identical interest in the Fund and has the same rights, except that Class A, Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the ongoing account maintenance fees (also known as service fees) and Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements. The contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSCs”), distribution fees and account maintenance fees that are imposed on Class B and Class C shares, as well as the account maintenance fees that are imposed on Class A shares, are imposed directly against those classes and not against all assets of the Fund and, accordingly, such charges do not affect the net asset value of any other class or have any impact on investors choosing another sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Fund for each class of shares are calculated in the same manner at the same time and differ only to the extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne exclusively by that class. Class A, Class B and Class C shares each have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan adopted with respect to such class pursuant to which the account maintenance and/or distribution fees are paid (except that Class B shareholders may vote upon any material changes to expenses charged under the distribution plan for Class A shares). Each class has different exchange privileges. See “Shareholder Services — Exchange Privilege.”

      Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial sales charges with respect to the Class I and Class A shares are the same as those of the CDSCs and distribution fees with respect to the Class B and Class C shares in that the sales charges and distribution fees applicable to each class provide for the financing of the distribution of the shares of the Fund. The distribution-related revenues paid with respect to a class will not be used to finance the distribution expenditures of another class. Sales personnel may receive different compensation for selling different classes of shares.

      The Fund offers its shares at a public offering price equal to the next determined net asset value per share plus any sales charge applicable to the class of shares selected by the investor. The applicable offering price for purchase orders is based upon the net asset value of the Fund next determined after receipt of the purchase order by the Distributor. As to purchase orders received by securities dealers or other financial intermediaries prior to the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) which includes orders received after the determination of net asset value on the previous day, the applicable offering price will be based on the net asset value on the day the order is placed. However, certain financial intermediaries may require submission of orders prior to that time.

      The Fund or the Distributor may suspend the continuous offering of the Fund’s shares of any class at any time in response to conditions in the securities markets or otherwise and may thereafter resume such offering from time to time. Any order may be rejected by the Fund or the Distributor. Neither the Distributor nor securities dealers or other financial intermediaries are permitted to withhold placing orders to benefit themselves by a price change. Certain securities dealers or other financial intermediaries may charge a

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Initial Sales Charge Alternatives — Class I and Class A Shares

      Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives who are eligible to purchase Class I shares should purchase Class I shares rather than Class A shares because there is an account maintenance fee imposed on Class A shares.

      Class I shares are offered to a limited group of investors and also will be issued upon reinvestment of dividends on outstanding Class I shares. Investors who currently own Class I shares in a shareholder account are entitled to purchase additional Class I shares of the Fund in that account. In addition, Class I shares are offered at net asset value to ML & Co. and its subsidiaries and their directors and employees, to members of the Boards of Mercury and Affiliate-Advised investment companies, including the Fund, and to employees of certain selected dealers. Class I shares of the Fund may be offered at net asset value to certain accounts over which the Manager or an affiliate exercises discretion.

      The term “purchase,” as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information in connection with an investment in Class I and Class A shares of the Fund, refers to a single purchase by an individual or to concurrent purchases, which in the aggregate are at least equal to the prescribed amounts, by an individual, his or her spouse and their children under the age of 21 years purchasing shares for his or her or their own account and to single purchases by a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust estate or single fiduciary account although more than one beneficiary is involved. The term “purchase” also includes purchases by any “company,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act, but does not include purchases by any such company that has not been in existence for at least six months or which has no purpose other than the purchase of shares of the Fund or shares of other registered investment companies at a discount; provided, however, that it shall not include purchases by any group of individuals whose sole organizational nexus is that the participants therein are credit cardholders of a company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.

      The Distributor may reallow discounts to selected dealers and other financial intermediaries and retain the balance over such discounts. At times the Distributor may reallow the entire sales charge to such dealers. Since securities dealers and other financial intermediaries selling Class I and Class A shares of the Fund will receive a concession equal to most of the sales charge, they may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act.

Reduced Initial Sales Charges

      Reductions in or exemptions from the imposition of a sales load are due to the nature of the investors and/or the reduced sales efforts that will be needed to obtain such investments.

      Reinvested Dividends. No initial sales charges are imposed upon Class I and Class A shares issued as a result of the automatic reinvestment of dividends.

      Rights of Accumulation. Reduced sales charges are applicable through a right of accumulation under which eligible investors are permitted to purchase shares of the Fund subject to an initial sales charge at the offering price applicable to the total of (a) the public offering price of the shares then being purchased plus (b) an amount equal to the then current net asset value or cost, whichever is higher, of the purchaser’s combined holdings of all classes of shares of the Fund and of any other Mercury mutual funds. For any such right of accumulation to be made available, the Distributor must be provided at the time of purchase, by the purchaser or the purchaser’s securities dealer or other financial intermediary, with sufficient information to permit confirmation of qualification. Acceptance of the purchase order is subject to such confirmation. The right of accumulation may be amended or terminated at any time. Shares held in the name of a nominee or custodian under pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans may not be combined with other shares to qualify for the right of accumulation.

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      Letter of Intent. Reduced sales charges are applicable to purchases aggregating $25,000 or more of Class I or Class A shares of the Fund or any other Mercury mutual funds made within a 13-month period starting with the first purchase pursuant to the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is available only to investors whose accounts are established and maintained at the Fund’s Transfer Agent. The Letter of Intent is not available to employee benefit plans for which affiliates of the Manager provide plan participant record-keeping services. The Letter of Intent is not a binding obligation to purchase any amount of Class I or Class A shares; however, its execution will result in the purchaser paying a lower sales charge at the appropriate quantity purchase level. A purchase not originally made pursuant to a Letter of Intent may be included under a subsequent Letter of Intent executed within 90 days of such purchase if the Distributor is informed in writing of this intent within such 90-day period. The value of Class I and Class A shares of the Fund and other Mercury mutual funds presently held, at cost or maximum offering price (whichever is higher), on the date of the first purchase under the Letter of Intent, may be included as a credit toward the completion of such Letter, but the reduced sales charge applicable to the amount covered by such Letter will be applied only to new purchases. If the total amount of shares does not equal the amount stated in the Letter of Intent (minimum of $25,000), the investor will be notified and must pay, within 20 days of the execution of such Letter, the difference between the sales charge on the Class I or Class A shares purchased at the reduced rate and the sales charge applicable to the shares actually purchased through the Letter. Class I or Class A shares equal to at least 5.0% of the intended amount will be held in escrow during the 13-month period (while remaining registered in the name of the purchaser) for this purpose. The first purchase under the Letter of Intent must be at least 5.0% of the dollar amount of such Letter. If a purchase during the term of such Letter would otherwise be subject to a further reduced sales charge based on the right of accumulation, the purchaser will be entitled on that purchase and subsequent purchases to that further reduced percentage sales charge but there will be no retroactive reduction of the sales charge on any previous purchase.

      The value of any shares redeemed or otherwise disposed of by the purchaser prior to termination or completion of the Letter of Intent will be deducted from the total purchases made under such Letter. An exchange from the Summit Cash Reserves Fund (“Summit”), a series of Financial Institutions Series Trust, into the Fund that creates a sales charge will count toward completing a new or existing Letter of Intent from the Fund.

      Purchase Privileges of Certain Persons. Directors of the Fund, Trustees of the Trust, members of the Boards of other investment companies advised by the Manager or its affiliates, directors and employees of ML & Co. and its subsidiaries (the term “subsidiaries,” when used herein with respect to ML & Co., includes the Manager, MLIM and certain other entities directly or indirectly wholly owned and controlled by ML & Co.), employees of certain selected dealers, and any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for such persons, may purchase Class I shares of each Fund at net asset value. The Fund realizes economies of scale and reduction of sales-related expenses by virtue of the familiarity of these persons with the Fund. Employees and directors or trustees wishing to purchase shares of the Fund must satisfy the Fund’s suitability standards.

      Class I and Class A shares may also be offered at net asset value to certain accounts over which the Manager or an affiliate exercises investment discretion.

      Acquisition of Certain Investment Companies. Class A shares may be offered at net asset value in connection with the acquisition of the assets of or merger or consolidation with a personal holding company or a public or private investment company.

      Purchases Through Certain Financial Intermediaries. Reduced sales charges may be applicable for purchases of Class I or Class A shares of the Fund through certain financial advisers, selected securities dealers and other financial intermediaries that meet and adhere to standards established by FAM from time to time.

Deferred Sales Charge — Class B and Class C Shares

      Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives should consider Class B shares if they intend to hold their shares for an extended period of time and Class C shares if they are uncertain as to the length of time they intend to hold their assets in Mercury mutual funds.

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      Because no initial sales charges are deducted at the time of the purchase, Class B and Class C shares provide the benefit of putting all of the investor’s dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The deferred sales charge alternatives may be particularly appealing to investors that do not qualify for the reduction in initial sales charges. Both Class B and Class C shares are subject to ongoing account maintenance fees and distribution fees; however, the ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees potentially may be offset to the extent any return is realized on the additional funds initially invested in Class B or Class C shares. In addition, Class B shares will be converted into Class A shares of the Fund after a conversion period of approximately eight years, and thereafter investors will be subject to lower ongoing fees.

      The public offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives is the next determined net asset value per share without the imposition of a sales charge at the time of purchase. See “Pricing of Shares — Determination of Net Asset Value” below.

      Contingent Deferred Sales Charges — Class B Shares. Class B shares that are redeemed within six years of purchase may be subject to a CDSC at the rates set forth below charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest applicable rate being charged. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no CDSC will be assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends. It will be assumed that the redemption is first of shares held for over six years or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and then of shares held longest during the six-year period. A transfer of shares from a shareholder’s account to another account will be assumed to be made in the same order as a redemption.

      The following table sets forth the Class B CDSC:

      To provide an example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the third year after purchase, the net asset value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has acquired 10 additional shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the investor makes his or her first redemption of 50 shares (proceeds of $600), 10 shares will not be subject to a CDSC because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the remaining 40 shares, the charge is applied only to the original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share. Therefore, $400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of 3.0% (the applicable rate in the third year after purchase).

      As discussed in the Prospectus under “Account Choices — Pricing of Shares — Class B and C Shares — Deferred Sales Charge Options,” while Class B shares redeemed within six years of purchase are subject to a CDSC under most circumstances, the charge may be reduced or waived in certain instances. These include certain post-retirement withdrawals from an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other retirement plan or redemption of Class B shares in certain circumstances following the death of a Class B shareholder. In the case of such withdrawal, the reduction or waiver applies to: (a) any partial or complete redemption in connection with a distribution following retirement under a tax-deferred retirement plan on attaining age 59 1/2 in the case of an IRA or other retirement plan, or part of a series of equal periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) made for life (or life expectancy) or any redemption resulting from the tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA (certain legal documentation may be required at the time of

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      Conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares. After approximately eight years (the “Conversion Period”), Class B shares will be converted automatically into Class A shares of the Fund. Class A shares are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets but are not subject to the distribution fee that is borne by Class B shares. Automatic conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares will occur at least once each month (on the “Conversion Date”) on the basis of the relative net asset value of the shares of the two classes on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares will not be deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax purposes.

      In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends on Class B shares also will convert automatically to Class A shares. The Conversion Date for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the length of time the shares underlying such dividend reinvestment shares were outstanding. If at the Conversion Date the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares of the Fund in a single account will result in less than $50 worth of Class B shares being left in the account, all of the Class B shares of the Fund held in the account on the Conversion Date will be converted to Class A shares of the Fund.

      Class B shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege described under “Shareholder Services — Exchange Privilege” will continue to be subject to the Fund’s CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares acquired as a result of the exchange.

      Share certificates for Class B shares of the Fund to be converted must be delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not received by the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date, the related Class B shares will convert to Class D shares on the next scheduled Conversion Date after such certificates are delivered.

      Contingent Deferred Sales Charges — Class C Shares. Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. In determining whether a Class C CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest possible rate being charged. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no Class C CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no Class C CDSC will be assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends. It will be assumed that the redemption is first of shares held for over one year or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and then of shares held longest during the one-year period. A transfer of shares from a shareholder’s account to another account will be assumed to be made in the same order as a redemption. The Class C CDSC may be reduced or waived in connection with involuntary termination of an account in which Fund shares are held and withdrawals through the Systematic Withdrawal Plans. See “Shareholder Services — Systematic Withdrawal Plan.”

      Class B and Class C Sales Charge Information. Proceeds from the CDSC and the distribution fee are paid to the Distributor and are used in whole or in part by the Distributor to defray the expenses of dealers and other financial intermediaries (including Merrill Lynch) related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C shares, such as the payment of compensation to financial consultants for selling Class B and Class C shares from a dealer’s own funds. The combination of the CDSC and the ongoing distribution fee facilitates the ability of the Fund to sell the Class B and Class C shares without a sales charge being deducted at the time of purchase. See “Distribution Plans” below. Imposition of the CDSC and the distribution fee on Class B and Class C shares is limited by the National

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Distribution Plans

      Reference is made to “Account Choices — Pricing of Shares” in the Prospectus for certain information with respect to the separate distribution plans for Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act (each a “Distribution Plan”) with respect to the account maintenance and/or distribution fees paid by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to such classes.

      The Distribution Plan for each of the Class A, Class B and Class C shares provides that the Fund pays the Distributor an account maintenance fee relating to the shares of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to shares of the relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor, selected securities dealers or other financial intermediaries (pursuant to a sub-agreement) in connection with account maintenance activities with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Each of those classes has exclusive voting rights with respect to the Distribution Plan adopted with respect to such class pursuant to which account maintenance and/or distribution fees are paid (except that Class B shareholders may vote upon any material changes to expenses charged under the Class A Distribution Plan).

      The Distribution Plan for each of the Class B and Class C shares provides that the Fund also pays the Distributor a distribution fee relating to the shares of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to the shares of the relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor, selected securities dealers or other financial intermediaries (pursuant to a sub-agreement) for providing shareholder and distribution services and bearing certain distribution-related expenses of the Fund, including payments to financial consultants, selected securities dealers and other financial intermediaries for selling Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. The Distribution Plans relating to Class B and Class C shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase Class B and Class C shares through selected securities dealers and other financial intermediaries without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at the same time permit the dealer to compensate its financial consultants, selected securities dealers and other financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C shares. In this regard, the purpose and function of the ongoing distribution fees and the CDSC are the same as those of the initial sales charge with respect to the Class I and Class A shares of the Fund in that the ongoing distribution fees and deferred sales charges provide for the financing of the distribution of the Fund’s Class B and Class C shares.

      The Fund’s Distribution Plans are subject to the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. In their consideration of each Distribution Plan, the Directors must consider all factors they deem relevant, including information as to the benefits of the Distribution Plan to the Fund and the related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan further provides that, so long as the Distribution Plan remains in effect, the selection and nomination of non-interested Directors shall be committed to the discretion of the non-interested Directors then in office. In approving each Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1, the non-interested Directors concluded that there is reasonable likelihood that each Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and its related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan can be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the vote of a majority of the non-interested Directors or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding related class of voting securities of the Fund. A Distribution Plan cannot be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent by the Fund without the approval of the related class of shareholders and all material amendments are required to be approved by the vote of Directors, including a majority of the non-interested Directors who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose. Rule 12b-1 further requires that the Fund preserve copies of the Distribution Plan and any report made pursuant to such plan for a period of not less than six years from the date of the Distribution Plan or such report, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

      Among other things, each Distribution Plan provides that the Distributor shall provide and the Directors shall review quarterly reports of the disbursement of the account maintenance and/or distribution fees paid to the Distributor. Payments under the Distribution Plans are based on a percentage of average daily net assets

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Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges

      The maximum sales charge rule in the Conduct Rules of the NASD imposes a limitation on certain asset-based sales charges such as the distribution fee and the CDSC borne by the Class B and Class C shares but not the account maintenance fee. The maximum sales charge rule is applied separately to each class. As applicable to the Fund, the maximum sales charge rule limits the aggregate of distribution fee payments and CDSCs payable by the Fund to (1) 6.25% of eligible gross sales of Class B shares and Class C shares, computed separately (defined to exclude shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestments and exchanges), plus (2) interest on the unpaid balance for the respective class, computed separately, at the prime rate plus 1% (the unpaid balance being the maximum amount payable minus amounts received from the payment of the distribution fee and the CDSC). In connection with the Class B shares, the Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive interest charges on the unpaid balance in excess of 0.50% of eligible gross sales. Consequently, the maximum amount payable to the Distributor (referred to as the “voluntary maximum”) in connection with the Class B shares is 6.75% of eligible gross sales. The Distributor retains the right to stop waiving the interest charges at any time. To the extent payments would exceed the voluntary maximum, the Fund will not make further payments of the distribution fee with respect to Class B shares and any CDSCs will be paid to the Fund rather than to the Distributor; however, the Fund will continue to make payments of the account maintenance fee. In certain circumstances the amount payable pursuant to the voluntary maximum may exceed the amount payable under the NASD formula. In such circumstance payment in excess of the amount payable under the NASD formula will not be made.

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

      Reference is made to “How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares” in the Prospectus for certain information as to the redemption and purchase of Fund shares.

      The Fund is required to redeem for cash all shares of the Fund upon receipt of a written request in proper form. The redemption price is the net asset value per share next determined after the initial receipt of proper notice of redemption. Except for any CDSC that may be applicable, there will be no charge for redemption if the redemption request is sent directly to the Transfer Agent. Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all dividends reinvested through the date of redemption.

      The right to redeem shares or to receive payment with respect to any such redemption may be suspended for more than seven days only for any period during which trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the Commission or during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), for any period during which an emergency exists, as defined by the Commission, as a result of which disposal of portfolio securities or determination of the net asset value of the Fund is not reasonably practicable, and for such other periods as the Commission may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of the Fund.

      The value of shares of the Fund at the time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder’s cost, depending in part on the market value of the securities held by the Trust at such time.

      The Trust has entered into a joint committed line of credit with other investment companies advised by the Manager and its affiliates and a syndicate of banks that is intended to provide the Fund with a temporary source of cash to be used to meet redemption requests from Fund shareholders in extraordinary or emergency circumstances.

Redemption

      A shareholder wishing to redeem shares held with the Transfer Agent may do so without charge by tendering the shares directly to the Fund’s Transfer Agent, Financial Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 44062, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-4062. Proper notice of redemption in the case of shares deposited with the

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      A shareholder may also redeem shares held with the Transfer Agent by telephone request. To request a redemption from your account, call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-763-2260. The request must be made by the shareholder of record and be for an amount less than $50,000. Before telephone requests will be honored, signature approval from all shareholders of record on the account must be obtained. The shares being redeemed must have been held for at least 15 days. Telephone redemption requests will not be honored in the following situations: the accountholder is deceased, the proceeds are to be sent to someone other than the shareholder of record, funds are to be wired to the client’s bank account, a systematic withdrawal plan is in effect, the request is by an individual other than the accountholder of record, the account is held by joint tenants who are divorced, the address has changed within the last 30 days or share certificates have been issued on the account.

      Since this account feature involves a risk of loss from unauthorized or fraudulent transactions, the Transfer Agent will take certain precautions to protect your account from fraud. Telephone redemption may be refused if the caller is unable to provide: the account number, the name and address registered on the account and the social security number registered on the account. The Fund or the Transfer Agent may temporarily suspend telephone transactions at any time.

      For shareholders redeeming directly with the Transfer Agent, payments will be mailed within seven days of receipt of a proper notice of redemption. At various times the Fund may be requested to redeem shares for which it has not yet received good payment ( e.g., cash, Federal funds or certified check drawn on a U.S. bank). The Fund may delay or cause to be delayed the mailing of a redemption check until such time as good payment (e.g. , cash, Federal funds or certified check drawn on a U.S. bank) has been collected for the purchase of such Fund shares, which will usually not exceed 10 days. In the event that a shareholder account held directly with the Transfer Agent contains a fractional share balance, such fractional share balance will be automatically redeemed by the Fund.

Repurchase

      The Fund also will repurchase its shares through a shareholder’s listed selected securities dealer or other financial intermediary. The Fund normally will accept orders to repurchase shares by wire or telephone from dealers for their customers at the net asset value next computed after the order is placed. Shares will be priced at the net asset value calculated on the day the request is received, provided that the request for repurchase is submitted to the securities dealer or other financial intermediary prior to the regular close of business on the NYSE (generally, the NYSE closes at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) and such request is received by the Fund

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      The foregoing repurchase arrangements are for the convenience of shareholders and do not involve a charge by the Fund (other than any applicable CDSC). Securities firms that do not have selected dealer agreements with the Distributor, however, may impose a transaction charge on the shareholder for transmitting the notice of repurchase to the Fund. Certain selected securities dealers or other financial intermediary may charge a processing fee to confirm a repurchase of shares. For example, the fee currently charged by Merrill Lynch is $5.35. Fees charged by other securities dealers may be higher or lower. Repurchases made directly through the Transfer Agent, on accounts held at the Transfer Agent, are not subject to the processing fee. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order for repurchase, which right of rejection might adversely affect shareholders seeking redemption through the repurchase procedure. A shareholder whose order for repurchase is rejected by the Fund, however, may redeem shares as set forth above.

Reinstatement Privilege — Class I and Class A Shares

      Shareholders of the Fund who have redeemed their Class I or Class A shares have a privilege to reinstate their accounts by purchasing Class I or Class A shares, as the case may be, of the Fund at net asset value without a sales charge up to the dollar amount redeemed. The reinstatement privilege may be exercised by sending a notice of exercise along with a check for the amount to be reinstated to the Transfer Agent within 30 days after the date the request for redemption was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the Distributor. Alternatively, the reinstatement privilege may be exercised through the investor’s financial consultant within 30 days after the date the request for redemption was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the Distributor. The reinstatement will be made at the net asset value per share next determined after the notice of reinstatement is received and cannot exceed the amount of the redemption proceeds.

PRICING OF SHARES

Determination of Net Asset Value

      Reference is made to “How Shares are Priced” in the Prospectus.

      The net asset value of the shares of all classes of the Fund is determined once daily Monday through Friday as of the close of business on the NYSE on each day the NYSE is open for trading based on prices at the time of closing. The NYSE generally closes at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. Any assets or liabilities initially expressed in terms of non-U.S. dollar currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more banks or dealers on the day of valuation. The NYSE is not open for trading on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

      Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of the securities held by the Trust on behalf of the Fund plus any cash or other assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares of the Fund outstanding at such time, rounded to the nearest cent. Expenses, including the fees payable to the Manager and the Distributor, are accrued daily.

      The per share net asset value of Class A, Class B and Class C shares generally will be lower than the per share net asset value of Class A shares, reflecting the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance, distribution and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares, and the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance fees applicable with respect to Class A shares. Moreover, the per share net asset value of the Class B and Class C shares generally will be lower than the per share net asset value of Class A shares reflecting the daily expense accruals of the distribution fees and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. It is expected, however, that

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      Securities that are held by the Trust, including ADRs, EDRs or GDRs, that are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price (regular way) on the exchange on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price for long positions, and at the last available ask price for short positions. In cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are valued on the exchange designated by or under the authority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust as the primary market. Long positions in securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the last available bid price in the OTC market prior to the time of valuation. Portfolio securities that are traded both in the OTC market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Short positions in securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the last available ask price in the OTC market prior to the time of valuation. Portfolio securities that are traded both in the OTC market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. When the Trust writes an option, the amount of the premium received is recorded on the books of the Trust as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently valued to reflect the current market value of the option written, based on the last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in the case of options traded in the OTC market, the last ask price. Options purchased by the Trust are valued at their last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in the case of options traded in the OTC market, the last bid price. Other investments, including financial futures contracts and related options, are stated at market value. Securities and assets 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 Board of Trustees of the Trust. Such valuations and procedures will be reviewed periodically by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

      Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities, as well as U.S. Government securities and money market instruments, is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund’s shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates also are generally determined prior to the close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are determined and the close of business on the NYSE that may not be reflected in the computation of the Fund’s net asset value.

      Each investor in the Trust may add to or reduce its investment in the Trust on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The value of each investor’s (including the Fund’s) interest in the Trust will be determined after the close of business on the NYSE by multiplying the net asset value of the Trust by the percentage, effective for that day, that represents that investor’s share of the aggregate interests in the Trust. The close of business on the NYSE is generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. Any additions or withdrawals to be effected on that day will then be effected. The investor’s percentage of the aggregate beneficial interests in the Trust will then be recomputed as the percentage equal to the fraction (i) the numerator of which is the value of such investor’s investment in the Trust as of the time of determination on such day plus or minus, as the case may be, the amount of any additions to or withdrawals from the investor’s investment in the Trust effected on such day, and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate net asset value of the Trust as of such time on such day plus or minus, as the case may be, the amount of the net additions to or withdrawals from the aggregate investments in the Trust by all investors in the Trust. The percentage so determined will then be applied to determine the value of the investor’s interest in the Trust after the close of business of the NYSE on the next determination of net asset value of the Trust.

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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Transactions in Portfolio Securities

      Because the Fund will invest exclusively in beneficial interests in the Trust, it is expected that all transactions in portfolio securities will be entered into by the Trust. Subject to policies established by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Manager is primarily responsible for the execution of the Trust’s portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage. The Trust has no obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities and does not use any particular broker or dealer. In executing transactions with brokers and dealers, the Manager seeks to obtain the best net results for the Trust, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk in positioning a block of securities. While the Manager generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the Trust does not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. In addition, consistent with the Conduct Rules of the NASD and policies established by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Manager may consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Trust; however, whether or not a particular broker or dealer sells shares of the Fund neither qualifies nor disqualifies such broker or dealer to execute transactions for the Trust.

      Subject to obtaining the best net results, brokers who provide supplemental investment research to the Manager may receive orders for transactions by the Trust. Such supplemental research services ordinarily consist of assessments and analyses of the business or prospects of a company, industry or economic sector. Information so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Manager under the Management Agreement, and the expenses of the Manager will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. If in the judgment of the Manager the Trust will benefit from supplemental research services, the Manager is authorized to pay brokerage commissions to a broker furnishing such services that are in excess of commission that another broker may have charged for effecting the same transactions. Certain supplemental research services may primarily benefit one or more other investment companies or other accounts for which the Manager exercises investment discretion. Conversely, the Trust may be the primary beneficiary of the supplemental research services received as a result of portfolio transactions effected for such other accounts or investment companies.

      The Trust anticipates that its brokerage transactions involving securities of issuers domiciled in countries other than the United States generally will be conducted primarily on the principal stock exchanges of such countries. Brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on foreign stock exchange transactions generally are higher than in the United States, although the Trust will endeavor to achieve the best net results in effecting its portfolio transactions. There generally is less governmental supervision and regulation of foreign stock exchanges and brokers than in the United States.

      Foreign equity securities may be held by the Trust in the form of ADRs, EDRs, GDRs or other securities convertible into foreign equity securities. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be listed on stock exchanges, or traded in over-the-counter markets in the United States or Europe, as the case may be. ADRs, like other securities traded in the United States, will be subject to negotiated commission rates. The Trust’s ability and decisions to purchase or sell portfolio securities of foreign issuers may be affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility and repatriation of assets. Because the shares of the Fund are redeemable on a daily basis in U.S. dollars, the Trust intends to manage its portfolio so as to give reasonable assurance that it will be able to obtain U.S. dollars to the extent necessary to meet anticipated redemptions. Under present conditions, it is not believed that these considerations will have significant effect on the Trust’s portfolio strategies.

      The Fund may invest in certain securities traded in the OTC market and intends to deal directly with the dealers who make a market in securities involved, except in those circumstances in which better prices and execution are available elsewhere. Under the Investment Company Act, persons affiliated with the Trust and persons who are affiliated with such affiliated persons are prohibited from dealing with the Trust as principal in the purchase and sale of securities unless a permissive order allowing such transactions is obtained from the Commission. Since transactions in the OTC market usually involve transactions with the dealers acting as

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      Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act generally prohibits members of the U.S. national securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for their affiliates and institutional accounts that they manage unless the member (i) has obtained prior express authorization from the account to effect such transactions, (ii) at least annually furnishes the account with a statement setting forth the aggregate compensation received by the member in effecting such transactions, and (iii) complies with any rules the Commission has prescribed with respect to the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii). To the extent Section 11(a) would apply to Merrill Lynch acting as a broker for the Trust in any of its portfolio transactions executed on any such securities exchange of which it is a member, appropriate consents have been obtained from the Trust and annual statements as to aggregate compensation will be provided to the Trust. Securities may be held by, or be appropriate investments for, the Trust as well as other funds or investment advisory clients of the Manager or its affiliates.

      The Board of Trustees of the Trust has considered the possibility of seeking to recapture for the benefit of the Fund brokerage commissions and other expenses of possible portfolio transactions by conducting portfolio transactions through affiliated entities. For example, brokerage commissions received by affiliated brokers could be offset against the advisory fee paid by the Trust on behalf of the Portfolio to the Manager. After considering all factors deemed relevant, the Board of Trustees of the Trust made a determination not to seek such recapture. The Board of Trustees of the Trust will reconsider this matter from time to time.

      Because of different objectives or other factors, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients of the Manager or its affiliates when one or more clients of the Manager or its affiliates are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of securities arise for consideration at or about the same time that would involve the Trust or other clients or funds for which the Manager or an affiliate act as investment adviser, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective funds and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Manager or its affiliates during the same period may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

      The Fund offers a number of shareholder services described below that are designed to facilitate investment in its shares. Full details as to each such service and copies of the various plans or how to change options with respect thereto, can be obtained from the Fund, by calling the telephone number on the cover page hereof, or from the Distributor, selected securities dealer or other financial intermediary. Certain of these services are available only to U.S. investors.

Investment Account

      Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the Transfer Agent has an Investment Account and will receive statements, at least quarterly, from the Transfer Agent. These statements will serve as transaction confirmations for automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of dividends. The statements also will show any other activity in the account since the preceding statement. Shareholders also will receive separate confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction other than automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of dividends. A shareholder with an account held at the Transfer Agent may make additions to

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      Shareholders considering transferring their Class I or Class A shares from a selected securities dealer or other financial intermediary to another securities dealer or other financial intermediary should be aware that, if the firm to which the Class I or Class A shares are to be transferred will not take delivery of shares of the Fund, a shareholder either must redeem the Class I or Class A shares so that the cash proceeds can be transferred to the account at the new securities dealer or maintain an Investment Account at the Transfer Agent for those Class I or Class A shares.

      Shareholders interested in transferring their Class B or Class C shares from a selected securities dealer or other financial intermediary and who do not wish to have an Investment Account maintained for such shares at the Transfer Agent may request their new securities dealer to maintain such shares in an account at the Transfer Agent registered in the name of the securities dealer for the benefit of the shareholder.

      Certain shareholder services may not be available for the transferred shares. After the transfer, the shareholder may purchase additional shares of funds owned before the transfer, and all future trading of these assets must be coordinated by the new firm.

      Shareholders considering transferring a tax-deferred retirement account such as an individual retirement account, from a selected securities dealer or other financial intermediary to another securities dealer or other financial intermediary should be aware that, if the firm to which the retirement account is to be transferred will not take delivery of shares of the Fund, a shareholder must either redeem the shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds can be transferred to the account at the new firm, or such shareholder must continue to maintain a retirement account at a selected securities dealer for those shares.

Exchange Privilege

      U.S. shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund have an exchange privilege with certain other Mercury mutual funds and Summit, a series of Financial Institutions Series Trust, which is a Merrill Lynch-sponsored money market fund specifically designated as available for exchange by holders of Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Shares with a net asset value of at least $100 are required to qualify for the exchange privilege, and any shares used in an exchange must have been held by the shareholder for at least 15 days. Before effecting an exchange, shareholders should obtain a currently effective prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be made. Exercise of the exchange privilege is treated as a sale of the exchanged shares and a purchase of the acquired shares for Federal income tax purposes.

      Exchanges of Class I and Class A Shares. Under the Fund’s pricing system, Class I shareholders may exchange Class I shares of a Fund for Class I shares of a second Mercury mutual fund. If the Class I shareholder wants to exchange Class I shares of a second Mercury mutual fund, but does not hold Class I shares of the second fund in his or her account at the time of exchange and is not otherwise eligible to acquire Class I shares of the second fund, the shareholder will receive Class A shares of the second fund as a result of the exchange. Class A shares also may be exchanged for Class I shares of a second Mercury mutual fund at any time as long as, at the time of the exchange, the shareholder is eligible to acquire Class I shares of any Mercury mutual fund.

      Exchanges of Class I or Class A shares outstanding (“outstanding Class I or Class A shares”) for Class I or Class A shares of another fund, or for Class I shares of Summit (“new Class I or Class A shares”) are transacted on the basis of relative net asset value per Class I or Class A share, respectively, plus an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the sales charge previously paid on the outstanding Class I or Class A shares and the sales charge payable at the time of the exchange on the new Class I or Class A shares. With respect to outstanding Class I or Class A shares as to which previous exchanges have taken place, the “sales charge previously paid” shall include the aggregate of the sales charges paid with respect to such Class I or Class A shares in the initial purchase and any subsequent exchange. Class I or Class A shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestment are sold on a no-load basis in each of the funds offering Class I or Class A shares. For purposes of the exchange privilege, Class I and Class A shares acquired through dividend reinvestment shall

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      Exchanges of Class B and Class C Shares. In addition, each of the funds with Class B and Class C shares outstanding (“outstanding Class B or Class C shares”) offers to exchange its Class B or Class C shares for Class B or Class C shares, respectively, of another Mercury mutual funds or for Class B shares of Summit (“new Class B or Class C shares”) on the basis of relative net asset value per Class B or Class C share, without the payment of any CDSC that might otherwise be due on redemption of the outstanding shares. Class B shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege will continue to be subject to the Fund’s CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the new Class B shares acquired through use of the exchange privilege. In addition, Class B shares of the Fund acquired through use of the exchange privilege will be subject to the Fund’s CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares of the fund from which the exchange was made. For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable on a disposition of the new Class B or Class C shares, the holding period for the outstanding Class B shares is “tacked” to the holding period of the new Class B shares or Class C shares. For example, an investor may exchange Class B shares of the Fund for those of another Mercury mutual fund (“New Mercury Fund”) after having held the Fund’s Class B shares for two-and-a-half years. The 3% CDSC that generally would apply to a redemption would not apply to the exchange. Four years later the investor may decide to redeem the Class B shares of New Mercury Fund and receive cash. There will be no CDSC due on this redemption since by “tacking” the two-and-a-half year holding period of the Fund Class B shares to the three year holding period for the Special Value Fund Class B shares, the investor will be deemed to have held Special Value Fund Class B shares for more than five years.

      Exchanges for Shares of a Money Market Fund. Class I and Class A shares are exchangeable for Class I shares of Summit and Class B and Class C shares are exchangeable for Class B shares of Summit. Class I shares of Summit have an exchange privilege back into Class I or Class A shares of Affiliate-Advised funds; Class B shares of Summit have an exchange privilege back into Class B or Class C shares of Affiliate- Advised funds and, in the event of such an exchange, the period of time that Class B shares of Summit are held will count toward satisfaction of the holding period requirement for purposes of reducing any CDSC and toward satisfaction of any Conversion Period with respect to Class B shares. Class B shares of Summit will be subject to a distribution fee at an annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets of such Class B shares. Please see your financial consultant for further information.

      Prior to October 12, 1998, exchanges from the Fund and other Affiliate-Advised funds into a money market fund were directed to certain Affiliate-Advised money market funds other than Summit. Shareholders who exchanged Affiliate-Advised funds shares for such other money market funds and subsequently wish to exchange those money market fund shares for shares of the Fund will be subject to the CDSC schedule applicable to such Fund shares, if any. The holding period for those money market fund shares will not count toward satisfaction of the holding period requirement for reduction of the CDSC imposed on such shares, if any, and, with respect to Class B shares, toward satisfaction of the Conversion Period. However, the holding period for Class B or Class C shares of the Fund received in exchange for such money market fund shares will be aggregated with the holding period for the fund shares originally exchanged for such money market fund shares for purposes of reducing the CDSC or satisfying the Conversion Period.

      Exercise of the Exchange Privilege. To exercise the exchange privilege, a shareholder should contact his or her financial consultant, who will advise the Fund of the exchange. Shareholders of the Fund, and shareholders of the other funds described above with shares for which certificates have not been issued, may exercise the exchange privilege by wire through their securities dealers or other financial intermediaries. The Fund reserves the right to require a properly completed Exchange Application. Telephone exchange requests are also available in accounts held with the Transfer Agent for amounts up to $50,000. To request an exchange from your account, call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-763-2260. The request must be from the shareholder of record. Before telephone requests will be honored, signature approval from all shareholders of record must be obtained. The shares being exchanged must have been held for at least 15 days. Telephone requests for an

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      This exchange privilege may be modified or terminated in accordance with the rules of the Commission. The Fund reserves the right to limit the number of times an investor may exercise the exchange privilege. Certain funds may suspend the continuous offering of their shares to the general public at any time and may thereafter resume such offering from time to time. The exchange privilege is available only to U.S. shareholders in states where the exchange legally may be made. It is contemplated that the exchange privilege may be applicable to other new mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the Distributor.

Automatic Investment Plans

      A shareholder may make additions to an Investment Account at any time by purchasing Class I shares (if he or she is an eligible Class I investor) or Class A, Class B or Class C shares at the applicable public offering price. These purchases may be made either through the shareholder’s securities dealer or by mail directly to the Transfer Agent, acting as agent for such securities dealer. The current minimum for such automatic additional investments is $100. This minimum may be waived or revised under certain circumstances.

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

      Dividends paid by the Funds may be taken in cash or automatically reinvested in shares of the Funds at net asset value without a sales charge. You should consult with your financial consultant about which option you would like. If you choose the reinvestment option, dividends paid with respect to a Fund’s shares will be automatically reinvested, without sales charge, in additional full and fractional shares of that Fund. Such reinvestment will be at the net asset value of shares of the Fund as determined as of the close of business on the NYSE on the monthly payment date for such dividends. No CDSC will be imposed upon redemption of shares issued as a result of the automatic reinvestment of dividends.

      Shareholders may, at any time, by written notification to their selected dealer if their account is maintained with a selected dealer, or other financial intermediary, or by written notification or by telephone (1-888-763-2260) to the Transfer Agent, if their account is maintained with the Transfer Agent, elect to have subsequent dividends of ordinary income and/or capital gains paid in cash, rather than reinvested in shares of the Fund (provided that, in the event that a payment on an account maintained at the Transfer Agent would amount to $10.00 or less, a shareholder will not receive such payment in cash and such payment will automatically be reinvested in additional shares). Commencing ten days after the receipt by the Transfer Agent of such notice, those instructions will be effected. The Fund is not responsible for any failure of delivery to the shareholder’s address of record and no interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend checks. Cash payments can also be directly deposited to the shareholder’s bank account.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans

      A shareholder may elect to receive systematic withdrawals from his or her Investment Account by check or through automatic payment by direct deposit to his or her bank account on either a monthly or quarterly basis as provided below. Quarterly withdrawals are available for shareholders who have acquired shares of the Fund having a value, based on cost or the current offering price, of $5,000 or more, and monthly withdrawals are available for shareholders with shares having a value of $10,000 or more.

      At the time of each withdrawal payment, sufficient shares are redeemed from those on deposit in the shareholder’s account to provide the withdrawal payment specified by the shareholder. The shareholder may specify the dollar amount and class of shares to be redeemed. Redemptions will be made at net asset value as determined as of the close of business on the NYSE (generally, the NYSE closes at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the 24th day of each month or the 24th day of the last month of each quarter, whichever is applicable. If

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      With respect to redemptions of Class B and Class C shares pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan, the maximum number of Class B or Class C shares that can be redeemed from an account annually shall not exceed 10% of the value of shares of such class in that account at the time the election to join the systematic withdrawal plan was made. Any CDSC that otherwise might be due on such redemption of Class B or Class C shares will be waived. Shares redeemed pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan will be redeemed in the same order as Class B or Class C shares are otherwise redeemed. See “Purchase of Shares — Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives — Class B and Class C Shares.” Where the systematic withdrawal plan is applied to Class B shares, upon conversion of the last Class B shares in an account to Class D shares, a shareholder must make a new election to join the systematic withdrawal program with respect to the Class D shares. See “Purchase of Shares — Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives — Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares.” If an investor wishes to change the amount being withdrawn in a systematic withdrawal plan, the investor should contact his or her financial consultant.

      Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends. Each withdrawal is a taxable event. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends, the shareholder’s original investment may be reduced correspondingly. Purchases of additional shares concurrent with withdrawals are ordinarily disadvantageous to the shareholder because of sales charges and tax liabilities. The Fund will not knowingly accept purchase orders for shares of the Fund from investors who maintain a systematic withdrawal plan unless such purchase is equal to at least one year’s scheduled withdrawals or $1,200, whichever is greater. Periodic investments may not be made into an Investment Account in which the shareholder has elected to make systematic withdrawals.

DIVIDENDS AND TAXES

Dividends

      The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income, if any. Dividends from such net investment income will be paid at least annually. All net realized capital gains, if any, will be distributed to the Fund’s shareholders at least annually. From time to time, the Fund may declare a special distribution at or about the end of the calendar year in order to comply with Federal tax requirements that certain percentages of its ordinary income and capital gains be distributed during the year. If in any fiscal year, the Fund has net income from certain foreign currency transactions, such income will be distributed at least annually.

      See “Shareholder Services — Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for information concerning the manner in which dividends may be reinvested automatically in shares of the Fund. A shareholder whose account is maintained at the Transfer Agent or whose account is maintained through his or her selected securities dealer or other financial intermediary may elect in writing to receive any such dividends in cash. Dividends are taxable to shareholders, as discussed below, whether they are reinvested in shares of the Fund or received in cash. The per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares will be lower than the per share dividends on Class I and Class A shares as a result of the account maintenance, distribution and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to the Class B and Class C shares; similarly, the per share dividends on Class A shares will be lower than the per share dividends on Class I shares as a result of the account maintenance fees applicable with respect to the Class A shares. See “Pricing of Shares — Determination of Net Asset Value.”

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Taxes

      The Fund intends to elect and to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies (“RICs”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As long as the Fund so qualifies, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will not be subject to Federal income tax on the part of its net ordinary income and net realized capital gains that it distributes to Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders (together, the “shareholders”). The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such income.

      The Code requires a RIC to pay a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent the RIC does not distribute, during each calendar year, 98% of its ordinary income, determined on a calendar year basis, and 98% of its capital gains, determined, in general on an October 31 year end, plus certain undistributed amounts from previous years. While the Fund intends to distribute its income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s taxable income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In such event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements.

      Dividends paid by the Fund from its ordinary income or from an excess of net short term capital gains over net long term capital losses (together referred to hereafter as “ordinary income dividends”) are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions made from an excess of net long term capital gains over net short term capital losses (including gains or losses from certain transactions in warrants, futures and options) (“capital gain dividends”) are taxable to shareholders as long term capital gains, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has owned Fund shares. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received by the shareholder. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder’s shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). Certain categories of capital gains are taxable at different rates. Generally not later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year, the Fund will provide its shareholders with a written notice designating the amount of any capital gain dividends as well as any amount of capital gain dividends in the different categories of capital gain referred to above.

      Dividends are taxable to shareholders even though they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. A portion of the Fund’s ordinary income dividends may be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code, if certain requirements are met. For this purpose, the Fund will allocate dividends eligible for the dividends received deduction among the Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders according to a method (which it believes is consistent with the Commission rule permitting the issuance and sale of multiple classes of stock) that is based on the gross income allocable to Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders during the taxable year, or such other method as the Internal Revenue Service may prescribe. If the Fund pays a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by its shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such dividend was declared.

      No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the conversion of their Class B shares into Class A shares. A shareholder’s basis in the Class A shares acquired will be the same as such shareholder’s basis in the Class B shares converted, and the holding period of the acquired Class A shares will include the holding period for the converted Class B shares.

      If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of acquiring the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the exchange will be reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent any sales charge paid on the exchanged shares reduces any sales charge the shareholder would have owed upon the purchase of the new shares in the absence of the exchange privilege. Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount paid for the new shares.

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      A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be disallowed if such shares are acquired (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

      Ordinary income dividends paid to shareholders who are non-resident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax under existing provisions of the Code applicable to foreign individuals and entities unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty law. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers concerning the applicability of the United States withholding tax.

      Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject to a 31% withholding tax on ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends and redemption payments (“backup withholding”). Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be those for whom no certified taxpayer identification number is on file with the Fund or who, to the Fund’s knowledge, have furnished an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor must certify under penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such investor is not otherwise subject to backup withholding.

      Dividends and interest received by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes.

Tax Treatment of Options, Futures and Forward Foreign Exchange Transactions

      The Fund may write, purchase or sell options, futures and forward foreign exchange contracts. Options and futures contracts that are “Section 1256 contracts” will be “marked to market” for Federal income tax purposes at the end of each taxable year, i.e., each such option or futures contract will be treated as sold for its fair market value on the last day of the taxable year. Unless such contract is a forward foreign exchange contract, or is a non-equity option or a regulated futures contract for a non-U.S. currency for which the Fund elects to have gain or loss treated as ordinary gain or loss under Code Section 988 (as described below), gain or loss from Section 1256 contracts will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of these rules to Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund may alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The mark-to-market rules outlined above, however, will not apply to certain transactions entered into by the Fund solely to reduce the risk of changes in price or interest or currency exchange rates with respect to its investments.

      A forward foreign exchange contract that is a Section 1256 contract will be marked to market, as described above. However, the character of gain or loss from such a contract will generally be ordinary under Code Section 988. In certain instances, the Fund may, nonetheless, elect to treat the gain or loss from certain forward foreign exchange contracts as capital. In this case, gain or loss realized in connection with a forward foreign exchange contract that is a Section 1256 contract will be characterized as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.

      Code Section 1092, which applies to certain “straddles,” may affect the taxation of the Fund’s sales of securities and transactions in options, futures and forward foreign exchange contracts. Under Section 1092, the Fund may be required to postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses incurred in certain sales of securities and certain closing transactions in options, futures and forward foreign exchange contracts.

Special Rules for Certain 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 stocks, 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 exchange contracts will be valued for purposes of the RIC diversification requirements applicable to the Fund.

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      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 debt instruments, 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 under Code Section 988. In certain circumstances, the Fund may elect capital gain or loss treatment for such transactions. Regulated futures contracts, as described above, will be taxed under Code Section 1256 unless application of Section 988 is elected by the Fund. In general, however, Code Section 988 gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of the investment company taxable income of the Fund available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income. Additionally, if Code Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary income dividend distributions, and all or a portion of 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 the basis of each shareholder’s Fund shares and resulting in a capital gain for any shareholder who received a distribution greater than such shareholder’s basis in Fund shares (assuming the shares were held as a capital asset). These rules and the mark-to-market rules described above, however, will not apply to certain transactions entered into by the Fund solely to reduce the risk of currency fluctuations with respect to its investments.

      The Trust and the Fund have applied for a private letter ruling from the IRS to the effect that, because the Trust is classified as a partnership for tax purposes, the Fund will be entitled to look to the underlying assets of the Trust in which it has invested for purposes of satisfying various requirements of the Code applicable to RICs. If any of the facts upon which such ruling is premised change in any material respect (e.g., if the Trust were required to register its interests under the Securities Act) and/or the Trust and the Fund are unable to obtain a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS, the Board of Directors of the Fund will determine, in its discretion, the appropriate course of action for the Fund. One possible course of action would be to withdraw the Fund’s investments from the Trust and to retain an investment adviser to manage the Fund’s assets in accordance with the investment policies applicable to the Fund. See “Investment Objective and Policies.”

      The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations presently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and the Treasury regulations are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative action either prospectively or retroactively.

      Ordinary income and capital gain dividends may also be subject to state and local taxes.

      Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by RICs that are derived from interest on U.S. Government obligations. State law varies as to whether dividend income attributable to U.S. Government obligations is exempt from state income tax.

      Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local taxes. Foreign investors should consider applicable foreign taxes in their evaluation of an investment in the Fund.

PERFORMANCE DATA

      From time to time the Fund may include its average annual total return and other total return data in advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders. Total return is based on the Fund’s historical performance and is not intended to indicate future performance. Average annual total return is determined separately for Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C shares in accordance with a formula specified by the Commission.

      Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods are computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based on net investment income and any realized and unrealized capital gains or losses on portfolio investments over such periods) that would equate the initial amount invested to the

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      Yield quotations will be computed based on a 30-day period by dividing (a) the net income based on the yield of each security earned during the period by (b) the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends multiplied by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period. Tax equivalent yield quotations will be computed by dividing (a) the part of the Fund’s yield that is tax-exempt by (b) one minus a stated tax rate and (c) adding the result to that part, if any, of the Fund’s yield that is not tax-exempt.

      The Fund also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return and aggregate total return performance data, both as a percentage and a dollar amount based on a hypothetical $1,000 investment or some other amount, for various periods other than those noted below. Such data will be computed as described above, except that (1) as required by the periods of the quotations, actual annual, annualized or aggregate data, rather than average annual data, may be quoted and (2) the maximum applicable sales charges will not be included with respect to annual or annualized rates of return calculations. Aside from the impact on the performance data calculations of including or excluding the maximum applicable sales charges, actual annual or annualized total return data generally will be lower than average annual total return data since the average rates of return reflect compounding of return; aggregate total return data generally will be higher than average annual total return data since the aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over a longer period of time. The Fund’s total return may be expressed either as a percentage or as a dollar amount in order to illustrate such total return on a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Fund at the beginning of each specified period.

      In order to reflect the reduced sales charges in the case of Class I or Class A shares or the waiver of the CDSC in the case of Class B or Class C shares applicable to certain investors, as described under “Purchase of Shares” and “Redemption of Shares,” respectively, the total return data quoted by the Fund in advertisements directed to such investors may take into account the reduced, and not the maximum, sales charge or may take into account the CDSC and therefore may reflect greater total return since, due to the reduced sales charges or the waiver of sales charges, a lower amount of expenses is deducted.

      On occasion, the Fund may compare its performance to various indices, including the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the Value Line Composite Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, or to other published indices, or to data contained in publications published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications, Inc. (“Morningstar”), or to data contained in publications such as Money Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Business Week, Forbes Magazine, Fortune Magazine and CDA Investment Technology, Inc. When comparing its performance to a market index, the Fund may refer to various statistical measures derived from the historic performance of the Fund and the index, such as standard deviation and beta. As with other performance data, performance comparisons should not be considered indicative of the Fund’s relative performance for any future period. From time to time the Fund may include the Fund’s Morningstar risk-adjusted performance ratings assigned by Morningstar in advertising or supplemental sales literature. From time to time the Fund may quote in advertisements or other materials other applicable measures of performance and may also make reference to awards that may be given to the Manager. The Fund may provide information designed to help investors understand how the Fund is seeking to achieve its investment objectives. This may include information about past, current or possible economic, market, political, or other conditions, descriptive information on general principles of investing such as asset allocation, diversification and risk tolerance, discussion of the Fund’s portfolio composition, investment philosophy, strategy or investment techniques, comparisons of the Fund’s performance or portfolio composition to that of other funds

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      The Fund’s total return will vary depending on market conditions, the securities held by the Trust, the Trust’s operating expenses, the Fund’s operating expenses and the amount of realized and unrealized net capital gains or losses during the period. The value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate and an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description of Shares

      The Fund is a “feeder” fund that invests in the Trust. Investors in the Fund will acquire an indirect interest in the Trust. The Trust accepts investments from other feeder funds, and all of the feeders of the Trust bear the Trust’s expenses in proportion to their assets. As of March 3, 2000, the net assets of the Trust were approximately $1,057,415,660. This structure may enable the Fund to reduce costs through economies of scale. A larger investment portfolio also may reduce certain transaction costs to the extent that contributions to and redemptions from the Trust from different feeders may offset each other and produce a lower net cash flow. However, each feeder can set its own transaction minimums, fund-specific expenses, and other conditions. This means that one feeder could offer access to the Trust on more attractive terms, or could experience better performance, than another feeder fund.

      The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on January 21, 2000. It has an authorized capital of 400,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, divided into four classes, designated Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C Common Stock, each of which consists of 100,000,000 shares.

      Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and fractional votes for fractional shares held in the election of Directors (to the extent hereinafter provided) and on other matters submitted to the vote of shareholders, except that shareholders of the class bearing distribution expenses as provided above shall have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to such distribution expenditures (except that Class B shareholders may vote upon any material changes to expenses charged under the Class A Distribution Plan). Voting rights are not cumulative, so that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting in the election of Directors can, if they choose to do so, elect all the Directors of the Fund, in which event the holders of the remaining shares would be unable to elect any person as a Director.

      Whenever the Trust holds a vote of its feeder funds, the Fund will pass the vote through to its own shareholders. Smaller feeder funds may be harmed by the actions of larger feeder funds. For example, a larger feeder fund could have more voting power than the Fund over the operations of the Trust. The Fund may withdraw from the Trust at any time and may invest all of its assets in another pooled investment vehicle or retain an investment adviser to manage the Fund’s assets directly.

      There normally will be no meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Directors unless and until such time as less than a majority of the Directors holding office have been elected by the shareholders, at which time the Directors then in office will call a shareholders’ meeting for the election of Directors. Shareholders may, in accordance with the terms of the Articles of Incorporation, cause a meeting of shareholders to be held for the purpose of voting on the removal of Directors. Also, the Fund will be required to call a special meeting of shareholders in accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act to seek approval of new management and advisory arrangements, of a material increase in account maintenance fees or of a change in fundamental policies, objectives or restrictions. Except as set forth above, the Directors shall continue to hold office and appoint successor Directors. Each issued and outstanding share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared and in net assets upon liquidation or dissolution remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities, except for any expenses which may be

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      The Trust is organized as a Delaware Business Trust. Whenever the Fund is requested to vote on any matter relating to the Trust, the Fund will hold a meeting of its shareholders and will cast its vote as instructed by the Fund’s shareholders.

      The Manager provided the initial capital for the Fund by purchasing 10,000 shares of common stock of the Fund for $100,000. Such shares were acquired for investment and can only be disposed of by redemption. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Manager owned 100% of the outstanding common stock of the Fund. The Manager may be deemed to control the Fund until such time as it owns less than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

Computation of Offering Price Per Share

      An illustration of the computation of the offering price for Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and number of shares outstanding on the date of this Statement of Additional Information is as follows:

**	Class B and Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but may be subject to a CDSC on redemption. See “Account Choices — Class B and Class C shares — Deferred Sales Charge Options” in the Prospectus and “Redemption of Shares — Deferred Sales Charges — Class B and Class C Shares” herein.

Independent Auditors

      Deloitte & Touche LLP, Princeton Forrestal Village, 116-300 Village Boulevard, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-6400, has been selected as the independent auditors of the Trust and the Fund. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.

Custodian

      The Bank of New York, 100 Church Street, New York, New York 10286 (the “Custodian”) acts as the custodian of the Trust’s assets and the Fund’s assets. Under its contracts with the Trust and the Fund, the Custodian is authorized to establish separate accounts in foreign currencies and to cause foreign securities owned by the Trust and the Fund to be held in its offices outside the United States and with certain foreign banks and securities depositories. The Custodian is responsible for safeguarding and controlling the Trust’s and the Fund’s cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities and collecting interest and dividends on the Trust’s and the Fund’s investments.

Transfer Agent

      Financial Data Services, Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of ML & Co., acts as the Fund’s Transfer Agent pursuant to a transfer agency, dividend disbursing agency and shareholder servicing agency agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”).

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Legal Counsel

      Brown & Wood LLP, One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557, is counsel for the Trust and the Fund.

Reports to Shareholders

      The fiscal year of the Fund ends on November 30 of each year. The Fund sends to its shareholders at least semi-annually reports showing information related to the Trust and other information. An annual report, containing financial statements audited by independent auditors, is sent to shareholders each year. After the end of each year, shareholders will receive Federal income tax information regarding dividends.

Shareholder Inquiries

      Shareholder inquiries may be addressed to the Fund at the address or telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Statement of Additional Information.

Additional Information

      The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits relating thereto, which the Fund has filed with the Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, to which reference is hereby made.

      FAM Distributors, Inc. has granted the Fund the right to use the “Mercury” name and has reserved the right to withdraw its consent to the use of such name by the Fund at any time or to grant the use of such name to any other company, and the Fund has granted Mercury under certain conditions, the use of any other name it might assume in the future, with respect to any corporation organized by Mercury.

      As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Manager owned 100% of the outstanding common stock of the Fund. The Manager may be deemed to control the Fund until such time as it owns less than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

The Board of Directors and Shareholders,

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc. as of February 23, 2000. This financial statement is the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such statement of assets and liabilities presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc. as of February 23, 2000, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

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MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Notes to Financial Statement.

(1)	Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) was organized as a Maryland corporation on January 21, 2000 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a non-diversified open-end management investment company. To date, the Fund has not had any transactions other than those relating to organizational matters and the sale of 2,500 Class I shares, 2,500 Class A shares, 2,500 Class B shares and 2,500 Class C shares of Common Stock to Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the “Manager”). The Fund will invest all of its assets in Master Focus Twenty Trust (the “Trust”).
(2)	The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with the Manager. The Fund will enter into distribution agreements with Mercury Funds Distributor, a division of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc. (the “Distributor”). (See “Management of the Fund — Management and Advisory Arrangements” in the Statement of Additional Information.) Certain officers and/or trustees of the Trust and certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or directors of the Manager and the Distributor.
(3)	Prepaid registration fees are charged to income as the related shares are issued. Prepaid offering costs consist of legal and printing fees related to preparing the initial registration statement, and will be amortized over a 12 month period beginning with the commencement of operations of the Fund. The Manager, on behalf of the Fund, will incur organization costs estimated at $11,000.

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

The Board of Trustees and Investors,

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Master Focus Twenty Trust as of December 20, 1999. This financial statement is the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

In our opinion, such statement of assets and liabilities presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Master Focus Twenty Trust as of December 20, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

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MASTER FOCUS TWENTY TRUST

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Notes to Financial Statement.

(1)	Master Focus Twenty Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware business trust on October 25, 1999. Merrill Lynch Focus Twenty Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) invests all of its assets in the Trust. To date, the Trust has not had any transactions other than those relating to organizational matters, an indirect $100,000 capital contribution to the Trust by Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the “Manager”) through the Fund and a $100 partnership contribution to the Fund by Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc. (the “Placement Agent”).
(2)	The Trust will enter into a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with the Manager. (See “Investment Advisory and Other Services” in Part B of this Registration Statement.) Certain officers and/ or Trustees of the Trust are officers and/ or directors of the Manager and the Placement Agent.
(3)	Prepaid offering costs consist of legal fees related to preparing the initial registration statement, and will be amortized over a 12 month period beginning with the commencement of operations of the Trust. The Manager, on behalf of the Trust, will incur organization costs estimated at $10,000.

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Code #: 19101-08-00