MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND INC, N-1A, 2000-02-23

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND INC
N-1A, 2000-02-23

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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 23, 2000

SECURITIES ACT FILE NO. 333-
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
(Check appropriate box or boxes)

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MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD, PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (888) 763-2260

TERRY K. GLENN
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copies to:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Counsel for the Fund:
Frank P. Bruno, Esq. Michael J. Hennewinkel, Esq.
BROWN & WOOD LLP FUND ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
One World Trade Center P.O. Box 9011
New York, New York 10048 Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
</TABLE>

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APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Registration Statement.

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

TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED: Shares of Common Stock, par value $.10
per share.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.

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

Master Focus Twenty Trust has also executed this Registration Statement.

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SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY 23, 2000

Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc.

[ASSET MANAGEMENT GRAPHIC]

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 , 2000

THIS INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE
CHANGED. WE MAY NOT USE THIS PROSPECTUS TO SELL SECURITIES
UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT CONTAINING THIS PROSPECTUS,
WHICH HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION, IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO
SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY
THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT
PERMITTED.

[MERCURY ASSET MANAGEMENT LOGO]
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[GLOBE ICON]
[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON]
[CHECKMARK ICON]
[MANAGEMENT TEAM ICON]
[TELEPHONE ICON]

Table of Contents

FUND FACTS
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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................................. 11

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
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Fund Asset Management....................................... 25
Master/Feeder Structure..................................... 26

TO LEARN MORE
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Shareholder Reports....................................Back Cover
Statement of Additional Information....................Back Cover
</TABLE>

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
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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.

[GLOBE ICON] Fund Facts
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 market is rising or falling. At other times, there are
specific factors that may affect the value of a particular investment. The Fund
is also subject to the risk that the stocks that Fund management selects will
underperform the stock markets, the relevant indices 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.

2
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
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Fund Facts
[GLOBE ICON]
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Prospectus does not include a Risk/Return Bar Chart because as of the date
of this Prospectus the Fund had just commenced operations.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 3
<PAGE> 6

UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES

Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or indirectly. Listed below
are some of the main types of expenses, which all mutual funds 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 FEE -- a fee paid to the Manager for managing the Fund.
DISTRIBUTION FEES -- fees used to support the Fund's marketing and distribution
efforts, such as compensating Financial Consultants, advertising and promotion.
SERVICE (ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE) FEES -- fees used to compensate securities dealers
for account maintenance activities.

Fund Facts
[GLOBE ICON]
FEES AND EXPENSES
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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.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR
INVESTMENT)(A): CLASS I CLASS A CLASS B(B) CLASS C
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) imposed on purchases (as a
percentage of offering price) 5.25%(c) 5.25%(c) None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
original purchase price or redemption proceeds,
whichever is lower) None(d) None(d) 4.00%(c) 1.00%(c)
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Maximum Sales Charge (Load) imposed on Dividend
Reinvestments None None None None
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Redemption Fee None None None None
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Exchange Fee None None None None
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ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE
DEDUCTED FROM THE FUND'S TOTAL ASSETS)(e):
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MANAGEMENT FEE(f) 0.85% 0.85% 0.85% 0.85%
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DISTRIBUTION AND/OR SERVICE (12b-1) FEES(g) None 0.25% 1.00% 1.00%
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Other Expenses (including transfer agency fees)(h) % % % %
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses % % % %
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</TABLE>

(a) Certain securities dealers may charge a fee to process a purchase or sale of
shares.
(b) Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares about 8 years after
you buy them and will no longer be subject to distribution fees.
(c) Some investors may qualify for reductions in the sales charge (load).
(d) You may pay a deferred sales charge if you purchase $1 million or more and
you redeem within one year.
(e) The fees and expenses include the expenses of the Fund and the Trust.
(f) Paid by the Trust. The Manager or its affiliates provides accounting
services to the Trust at its cost.
(g) The Fund calls the Service Fee an "Account Maintenance Fee." Account
Maintenance Fee is the term used elsewhere in this Prospectus and in all
other Fund materials. If you hold Class B or Class C shares for a long time,
it may cost you more in distribution (12b-1) fees than the maximum sales
charge that you would have paid if you had bought one of the other classes.

(h) Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. The Fund pays the
Transfer Agent a fee for shareholder account and reimburses it for
out-of-pocket expenses. The fee ranges from $11.00 to $23.00 (depending on
the level of services required). The Fund also pays a $0.20 monthly closed
account charge, which is assessed upon all accounts that close during the
calendar year. This fee begins the month following the month the account is
closed and ends at the end of the calendar year.

4
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
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Fund Facts
[GLOBE ICON]
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:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS I CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ONE YEAR $ $ $ $
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THREE YEARS $ $ $ $
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</TABLE>

Expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 5
<PAGE> 8

ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER -- James D. McCall is a Senior Vice President and
the Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Mr. McCall has been a First Vice President of
Merrill Lynch Asset Management since November 1999. Prior to joining Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, Mr. McCall was a portfolio manager for the PBHG family
of mutual funds from 1994 to 1999.
ABOUT THE MANAGER -- The Fund is managed by Fund Asset Management.

[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON] About the Details
HOW THE FUND INVESTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

6
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 9

[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON] 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.
INVESTMENT RISKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-earnings ratios.
Selection risk is the risk that the stocks 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
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 7
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[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON] About the Details

convertible performs like a regular debt security, that is, if market interest
rates 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.

8
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 11

[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON] 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

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 9
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[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON] 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.

10
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 13

[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON] 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 PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James D. McCall, a First Vice President of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, 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

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 11
<PAGE> 14

[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON] About the Details

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 below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PBHG LIPPER
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR FUNDS LARGE PBHG LARGE-CAP
PREVIOUSLY MANAGED BY THE CAP 20(1) SELECT 20 S&P 500 GROWTH
PORTFOLIO MANAGER: FUND PORTFOLIO(2) INDEX(3) FUNDS(6)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One Year Ended March 31, 1999 52.52% 49.79% 18.46% 29.67%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Years Ended March 31, 1999 62.33% N/A 32.41% 38.16%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBHG Large Cap 20 Fund
Inception(4) though May 14, 1999 41.23% N/A 28.11% 27.75%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBHG Select 20 Portfolio
Inception(5) though May 14, 1999 N/A 39.73% 26.12% 27.75%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(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.

12
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 15

[MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON] About the Details

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.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 13
<PAGE> 16

[CHECKMARK ICON] Account Choices
PRICING OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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 an initial sales charge. 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 Mercury Funds Distributor, a division of
Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc.

14
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 17

[CHECKMARK ICON] Account Choices

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS I CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AVAILABILITY LIMITED TO CERTAIN GENERALLY AVAILABLE GENERALLY AVAILABLE GENERALLY AVAILABLE
INVESTORS INCLUDING: THROUGH SELECTED THROUGH SELECTED THROUGH SELECTED
- Current Class I SECURITIES DEALERS. SECURITIES DEALERS. SECURITIES DEALERS.
shareholders
- Certain affiliates or
customers of selected
securities dealers.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INITIAL SALES CHARGE? YES. PAYABLE AT TIME OF YES. PAYABLE AT TIME OF NO. ENTIRE PURCHASE NO. ENTIRE PURCHASE
PURCHASE. LOWER SALES PURCHASE. LOWER SALES PRICE IS INVESTED IN PRICE IS INVESTED IN
CHARGES AVAILABLE FOR CHARGES AVAILABLE FOR SHARES OF THE FUND. SHARES OF THE FUND.
LARGER INVESTMENTS. LARGER INVESTMENTS.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED SALES NO. (MAY BE CHARGED FOR NO. (MAY BE CHARGED FOR YES. PAYABLE IF YOU YES. PAYABLE IF YOU
CHARGE? PURCHASES OVER $1 PURCHASES OVER $1 REDEEM WITHIN SIX YEARS REDEEM WITHIN ONE YEAR
MILLION THAT ARE MILLION THAT ARE OF PURCHASE. OF PURCHASE.
REDEEMED WITHIN ONE REDEEMED WITHIN ONE
YEAR.) YEAR.)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE NO. 0.25% ACCOUNT 0.25% ACCOUNT 0.25% ACCOUNT
AND DISTRIBUTION MAINTENANCE FEE NO MAINTENANCE FEE 0.75% MAINTENANCE FEE 0.75%
FEES? DISTRIBUTION FEE. DISTRIBUTION FEE. DISTRIBUTION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERSION TO CLASS A NO. NO. YES, AUTOMATICALLY NO.
SHARES? AFTER APPROXIMATELY
EIGHT YEARS.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 15
<PAGE> 18
[CHECKMARK ICON] Account Choices

RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION -- permits you to pay the sales charge applicable to the
cost or value (whichever is higher) of all shares you own in the Mercury mutual
funds.

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.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEALER
COMPENSATION
AS A % OF AS A % OF AS A % OF
YOUR INVESTMENT OFFERING PRICE YOUR INVESTMENT* OFFERING PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LESS THAN $25,000 5.25% 5.54% 5.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$25,000 BUT LESS THAN
$50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.50%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 BUT LESS THAN
$100,000 4.00% 4.17% 3.75%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 BUT LESS THAN
$250,000 3.00% 3.09% 2.75%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 BUT LESS THAN
$1,000,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.80%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000,000 AND OVER** 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

* 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 Manager compensates the selling
dealer from its own funds. 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.

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

16
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 19

[CHECKMARK ICON] 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
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 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 an initial sales charge.
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 or other dealer who assists you in
purchasing Fund shares.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 17
<PAGE> 20

[CHECKMARK ICON] 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:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS SINCE PURCHASE Sales Charge*
- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
0 - 1 4.00%
- -------------------------------------------
1 - 2 4.00%
- -------------------------------------------
2 - 3 3.00%
- -------------------------------------------
3 - 4 3.00%
- -------------------------------------------
4 - 5 2.00%
- -------------------------------------------
5 - 6 1.00%
- -------------------------------------------
6 AND THEREAFTER 0.00%
- -------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

* 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.

18
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 21

[CHECKMARK ICON] 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 below summarizes how to buy, sell, transfer and exchange shares
through certain securities dealers. You may also buy shares through the Transfer
Agent. To learn more about buying 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.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 19
<PAGE> 22

[CHECKMARK ICON] Account Choices

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU WANT TO YOUR CHOICES INFORMATION IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
BUY SHARES First, select the share class Refer to the pricing of shares table on page 15. Be sure to
appropriate for you read this prospectus carefully.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, determine the amount of The minimum initial investment for the Fund is $1,000 for
your investment all accounts. (The minimums for initial investments may be
waived under certain circumstances.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have your financial consultant The price of your shares is based on the next calculation of
or securities dealer submit net asset value after your order is placed. Any purchase
your purchase order orders placed prior to the close of business on the New York
Stock Exchange (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) will be
priced at the net asset value determined that day. Purchase
orders placed after that time will be priced at the net
asset value determined on the next business day.
The Fund may reject any order to buy shares and may suspend
the sale of shares at any time. Certain securities dealers
may charge a fee to process a purchase. For example, the fee
charged by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") is currently $5.35. The fees
charged by other securities dealers may be higher or lower.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or contact the Transfer Agent To purchase shares directly, call the Transfer Agent at
1-888-763-2260 and request a purchase application. Mail the
completed purchase application to the Transfer Agent at the
address on the inside back cover of this Prospectus.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADD TO YOUR Purchase additional shares The minimum investment for additional purchases is generally
INVESTMENT $50 for all accounts. (The minimums for additional purchases
may be waived under certain circumstances.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquire additional shares All dividends are automatically reinvested without a sales
through the automatic dividend charge.
reinvestment plan
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Participate in the automatic You may invest a specific amount on a periodic basis through
investment plan your securities dealer.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFER SHARES TO Transfer to a participating You may transfer your Fund shares only to another securities
ANOTHER SECURITIES securities dealer dealer if authorized dealer agreements are in place between
DEALER the Distributor and the transferring securities dealer and
the Distributor and the receiving securities dealer. Certain
shareholder services may not be available for all
transferred shares. All future trading of these assets must
be coordinated by the receiving securities dealer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer to a non-participating You must either: -- Transfer your shares to an account with
securities dealer the Transfer Agent; or -- Sell your shares, paying any
applicable deferred sales charge.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

20 MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 23

[CHECKMARK ICON] Account Choices

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU WANT TO YOUR CHOICES INFORMATION IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELL YOUR SHARES Have your financial consultant The price of your shares is based on the next calculation of
or securities dealer submit net asset value after your order is placed. For your
your sales order redemption request to be priced at the net asset value on
the day of your request, you must submit your request to
your dealer prior to that day's close of business on the New
York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Any
redemption request placed after that time will be priced at
the net asset value at the close of business on the next
business day.
Certain securities dealers may charge a fee to process a
sale of shares. For example, the fee charged by Merrill
Lynch is currently $5.35. The fees charged by other
securities dealers may be higher or lower. The Fund may
reject an order to sell shares under certain circumstances.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sell through the Transfer Agent You may sell shares held at the Transfer Agent by writing to
the Transfer Agent at the address on the inside back cover
of this prospectus. All shareholders on the account must
sign the letter. A signature guarantee will generally be
required but may be waived in certain limited circumstances.
You can obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, securities
dealer, securities broker, credit union, savings and loan
association, national securities exchange and registered
securities association. A notary public seal will not be
acceptable. The Transfer Agent will normally mail redemption
proceeds within seven days following receipt of a properly
completed request. If you make a redemption request before
the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares,
the Fund or the Transfer Agent may delay mailing your
proceeds. This delay will usually not exceed ten days.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELL SHARES Participate in the Fund's You can generally arrange through your selected dealer for
SYSTEMATICALLY Systematic Withdrawal Plan systematic sales of shares of a fixed dollar amount on a
monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis,
subject to certain conditions. Under either method you must
have dividends automatically reinvested. For Class B and C
shares your total annual withdrawals cannot be more than 10%
per year of the value of your shares at the time your plan
is established. The deferred sales charge is waived for
systematic redemptions. Ask your financial consultant for
details.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 21
<PAGE> 24

[CHECKMARK ICON] Account Choices

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU WANT TO YOUR CHOICES INFORMATION IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
EXCHANGE YOUR Select the fund into which you You can exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of other
SHARES want to exchange. Be sure to Mercury mutual funds or for shares of the Summit Cash
read that fund's prospectus Reserve Fund. You must have held the shares used in the
exchange for at least 15 calendar days before you can
exchange to another fund.
Each class of Fund shares is generally exchangeable for
shares of the same class of another Mercury fund. If you own
Class I shares and wish to exchange into a fund in which you
have no Class I shares (and are not eligible to buy Class I
shares), you will exchange into Class A shares. If you own
Class I or Class A shares and wish to exchange into Summit,
you will exchange into Class A shares of Summit. Class B or
Class C shares can be exchanged for Class B shares of
Summit.
Some of the Mercury mutual funds may impose a different
initial or deferred sales charge schedule. If you exchange
Class I or A shares for shares of a fund with a higher
initial sales charge than you originally paid, you may be
charged the difference at the time of exchange. If you
exchange Class B shares or Class C for shares of a fund with
a different deferred sales charge schedule, the higher
schedule will apply. The time you hold Class B or C shares
in both funds will count when determining your holding
period for calculating a deferred sales charge at
redemption. Your time in both funds will also count when
determining the holding period for a conversion from Class B
to Class A shares. Although there is currently no limit on
the number of exchanges that you can make, the exchange
privilege may be modified or terminated at any time in the
future.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

22 MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 25

NET ASSET VALUE -- the market value in U.S. dollars of the Fund's total assets
after deducting liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding.
DIVIDENDS -- ordinary income and capital gains paid to shareholders. Dividends
may be reinvested in additional Fund shares as they are paid.
"BUYING A DIVIDEND"
Unless your investment is in a tax-deferred account, you may want to avoid
buying shares shortly before the Fund pays a dividend. The reason? If you buy
shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed ordinary income or
capital gains, you will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a
portion of the price back in the form of a taxable dividend. Before investing
you may want to consult your tax advisor.

[CHECKMARK ICON] Account Choices
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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.

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.

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, any gain on the transaction may be subject to tax. Capital gain
dividends are generally taxed at different rates than ordinary income dividends.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 23
<PAGE> 26

[CHECKMARK ICON] Account Choices

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.

24
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 27

[MANAGEMENT TEAM ICON] The Management Team
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fund Asset Management, L.P., the Fund's Manager, manages the Trust's investments
under the overall supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The
advisory agreements between the Trust and the Manager give the Manager the
responsibility for making all investment decisions for the Fund. The Manager has
a sub-advisory agreement with Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited, 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. Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited was organized as an
investment adviser in 1986 and acts as sub-adviser to more than 50 registered
investment companies. Fund Asset Management, L.P. is part of Asset Management
Group of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., which had approximately $550 billion in
investment company and other portfolio assets under management as of January
2000. This amount includes assets managed for affiliates of the Manager.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 25
<PAGE> 28

[MANAGEMENT TEAM ICON] 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 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. Information about other feeders is available by calling
1-888-763-2260.

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.

26
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 29

[MANAGEMENT TEAM ICON] The Management Team

A NOTE ABOUT YEAR 2000

As the year 2000 began, there were few problems caused by the inability of
certain computer systems to tell the difference between the year 2000 and the
year 1900 (commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem"). It is still possible that
some computer systems could malfunction in the future because of the Year 2000
Problem or as a result of actions taken to address the Year 2000 Problem. Fund
management does not anticipate that its services or those of the Fund's other
service providers will be adversely affected, but Fund management will continue
to monitor the situation. If malfunctions related to the Year 2000 Problem do
arise, the Fund and its investments could be negatively affected.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. 27
<PAGE> 30

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
FUND
Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
(888-763-2260)

MANAGER
Administrative Offices:
Fund Asset Management, L.P.
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011

SUB-ADVISER
Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited
33 King William Street
London, England EC4 R9AS

TRANSFER AGENT
Administrative Offices:
Financial Data Services, Inc.
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 44062
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-4062
(888-763-2260)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

DISTRIBUTOR
Mercury Funds Distributor,
a division of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc.
P.O. Box 9081
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081

CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street
12th Floor
New York, New York 10286

COUNSEL
Brown & Wood LLP
One World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0557
</TABLE>

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 31
[TELEPHONE ICON] To Learn More

SHAREHOLDER REPORTS

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 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 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 1-800-SEC-0330 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 writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009.

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.
Investment Company Act File #811- .

Code #

Mercury Focus Twenty
Fund, Inc.

[ASSET MANAGEMENT GRAPHIC]

PROSPECTUS - March , 2000

[MERCURY ASSET MANAGEMENT
LOGO]
<PAGE> 32

THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT
COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS
NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS
NOT PERMITTED.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED FEBRUARY 23, 2000

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 Fund 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 , 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
MERCURY FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR -- DISTRIBUTOR

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

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

<PAGE> 33

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies........................... 2
European Economic and Monetary Union...................... 3
Growth Securities......................................... 4
Derivatives............................................... 4
Convertible Securities.................................... 8
Debt Securities........................................... 10
Warrants.................................................. 10
Other Investment Policies and Practices................... 10
Investment Restrictions................................... 13
Portfolio Turnover........................................ 15
Management of the Fund...................................... 16
Directors and Officers.................................... 16
Compensation of Directors/Trustees........................ 17
Management and Advisory Arrangements...................... 18
Code of Ethics............................................ 19
Purchase of Shares.......................................... 19
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class I and Class A
Shares................................................. 20
Reduced Initial Sales Charges............................. 21
Deferred Sales Charges -- Class B and Class C Shares...... 22
Distribution Plans........................................ 24
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges...... 26
Redemption of Shares........................................ 26
Redemption................................................ 26
Repurchase................................................ 27
Reinstatement Privilege -- Class I and Class A Shares..... 27
Pricing of Shares........................................... 28
Determination of Net Asset Value.......................... 28
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage........................ 29
Transactions in Portfolio Securities...................... 29
Shareholder Services........................................ 31
Investment Account........................................ 31
Exchange Privilege........................................ 31
Automatic Investment Plans................................ 33
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan...................... 33
Systematic Withdrawal Plans............................... 33
Dividends and Taxes......................................... 34
Dividends................................................. 34
Taxes..................................................... 35
Tax Treatment of Options, Futures and Forward Foreign
Exchange Transactions.................................. 36
Special Rules for Certain Foreign Currency Transactions... 36
Performance Data............................................ 37
General Information......................................... 39
Description of Shares..................................... 39
Computation of Offering Price Per Share................... 40
Independent Auditors...................................... 40
Custodian................................................. 40
Transfer Agent............................................ 40
Legal Counsel............................................. 40
Reports to Shareholders................................... 41
Shareholder Inquiries..................................... 41
Additional Information.................................... 41
Independent Auditors' Report.............................. 44
Statement of Assets and Liabilities....................... 45
</TABLE>

<PAGE> 34

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. 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. 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.

2
<PAGE> 35

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

3
<PAGE> 36

debt and inflation rates that were introduced in anticipation of EMU. Also,
withdrawal from EMU by an initial participant could cause disruption of the
financial markets as securities redenominated in euros are transferred back into
that country's national currency, particularly if the withdrawing country is a
major economic power. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the
Fund's investments in Europe generally or in specific countries participating in
EMU. Gains or losses from euro conversion may be taxable to Fund shareholders
under foreign or, in certain limited circumstances, U.S. tax laws.

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
<PAGE> 37

the Fund's risk of loss in the event of a decline in the market value of the
portfolio holdings underlying the put option prior to the option's expiration
date. If the market value of the portfolio holdings associated with the put
option increases rather than decreases, however, the Fund will lose the option
premium and will consequently realize a lower return on the portfolio holdings
than would have been realized without the purchase of the put. Purchasing a put
option may involve correlation risk, and may also involve liquidity and credit
risk.

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.

5
<PAGE> 38

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.

6
<PAGE> 39

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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<PAGE> 40

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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<PAGE> 41

In analyzing convertible securities, the Manager will consider both the
yield on the convertible security and the potential capital appreciation that is
offered by the underlying common stock.

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, warrants,
LEAPS, or other securities with equity conversion features ("equity features")
granting the holder

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<PAGE> 42

the right to purchase a specified quantity of the underlying stocks within a
specified period of time at a specified price or, in the case of a stock index
option, the right to receive a cash payment based on the value of the underlying
stock index.

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.

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-

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<PAGE> 43

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 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 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.

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

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<PAGE> 44

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 pay reasonable finder's, administrative and
custodial fees in connection with such loans. With respect to the lending of
portfolio securities, there is the risk of failure by the borrower to return the
securities involved in such transactions.

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<PAGE> 45

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). Unless
otherwise provided, all references to the Fund's assets below are in terms of
current market value. 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 Information, as they
may be amended from time to time, and without registering as a commodity
pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.

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<PAGE> 46

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 Directors of the Fund have 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 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 Fund or the Trust to a primary U.S.
Government securities dealer recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
and if the Fund or the Trust has the unconditional contractual right to
repurchase such OTC option from the dealer at a predetermined price, then the
Fund or the Trust will treat as illiquid such amount of the underlying
securities as is equal to the repurchase price less the amount by which the
option is "in-the-money"

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<PAGE> 47

(i.e., current market value of the underlying securities minus the option's
strike price). The repurchase price with the primary dealers is typically a
formula price that is generally based on a multiple of the premium received for
the option, plus the amount by which the option is "in-the-money." This policy
as to OTC options is not a fundamental policy of the Fund or the Trust and may
be amended by the Board of Directors of the Fund or the Board of Trustees of the
Trust without the approval of the Fund's shareholders. However, the Directors or
the Trustees will not change or modify this policy prior to the change or
modification by the Commission staff of its position.

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 complies 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 turnover rate is calculated by dividing
the lesser of the Fund's annual sales or purchases of portfolio securities
(exclusive of purchases or sales of securities whose maturities at the time of
acquisition were one year or less) by the monthly average value of the
securities in the portfolio during the year. A high portfolio turnover rate

15
<PAGE> 48

involves certain tax consequences and correspondingly greater transaction costs
in the form of dealer spreads and brokerage commissions, which are borne by the
Fund.

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 (1)(2) -- Executive Vice
President of the Manager and Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM")
(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 Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD")
since 1986 and Director thereof since 1991; President of Princeton
Administrators, L.P. since 1988.

JAMES H. BODURTHA (55) -- Director (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 (60) -- Director (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 (70) -- Director (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.

ANDRE F. PEROLD (47) -- Director (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.

ROBERTA COOPER RAMO(57) -- Director (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 (67) -- Director (1)(2) -- 300 Woodland Avenue, Westfield,
New Jersey 07090. Chairman of the Manager and MLAM 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.

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

16
<PAGE> 49

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

DONALD C. BURKE (39) -- Vice President and Treasurer (1)(2) -- Senior Vice
President and Treasurer of the Manager and MLAM since 1999; Senior Vice
President and Treasurer of Princeton Services since 1999; Vice President of PFD
since 1999; First Vice President of MLAM from 1997 to 1999; Vice President of
MLAM from 1990 to 1997; Director of Taxation of MLAM since 1990.

SUSAN B. BAKER (42) -- Secretary (1)(2) -- Director (Legal Advisory) of
MLAM since 1999; Attorney associated with MLAM since 1987.
- ---------------
(1) Interested person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Trust
and the Fund.

(2) Such Director or officer is a trustee, director or officer of other
investment companies for which the Manager, or one of its affiliates, acts
as investment adviser or manager.

(3) Member of the Fund's Audit and Nominating Committee, which is responsible
for the selection of the independent auditors and the selection and
nomination of non-interested Directors.

As of January 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 MLAM
("Affiliate-Advised Funds"). The portion of the annual retainer allocated to
each Affiliate-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 52 Affiliate-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
$62,500 for all Affiliate-Advised Funds for which the Directors/Trustees serve
and are allocated equally among those funds. The Trust also reimburses the
non-interested 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 Affiliate-Advised Funds to the non-affiliated
Directors/ Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
PENSION OR COMPENSATION
RETIREMENT FROM FUND/TRUST
COMPENSATION BENEFITS ACCRUED ESTIMATED ANNUAL AND OTHER
FROM AS PART OF BENEFITS UPON AFFILIATE-
NAME FUND/TRUST FUND/TRUST EXPENSE RETIREMENT ADVISED FUNDS(1)
- ---- ------------ ------------------ ---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James H. Bodurtha................... $ None None $
Herbert I. London................... $ None None $
Joseph L. May....................... $ None None $
Andre F. Perold..................... $ None None $
Roberta Cooper Ramo................. $ None None
</TABLE>

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

(1) The Directors serve on the boards of Affiliate-Advised Funds as follows: Mr.
Bodurtha (38 registered investment companies consisting of 52 portfolios);
Mr. London (38 registered investment companies consisting of 52 portfolios);
Mr. May (38 registered investment companies consisting of 52 portfolios);
Mr. Perold (38 registered investment companies consisting of 52 portfolios)
and Ms. Ramo (31 registered investment companies consisting of 27
portfolios).

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."

17
<PAGE> 50

MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS

Management Services and Management Fee. The Fund invests all of its assets
in shares 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 -- Fund
Asset Management" 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 Merrill
Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K.") pursuant to which MLAM U.K.
provides investment advisory services to the Manager with respect to the Fund.
The following entities may be considered "controlling persons" of MLAM U.K.:
Merrill Lynch Europe PLC (MLAM U.K.'s parent), a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch International, Inc.,
a subsidiary of ML & Co.

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, brokerage costs,
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 Mercury Funds Distributor, a division of PFD (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 calculation of net asset value), insurance, interest,
brokerage costs, litigation and other extraordinary or non-recurring expenses,
and other expenses properly payable by the Fund. The Distributor will pay
certain of the promotional expenses of the Fund incurred in connection with the
offering of its shares. Certain expenses will be financed by the Fund pursuant
to distribution plans in compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act. Accounting services are provided to the Fund by the Manager, and the Fund
reimburses the Manager for its costs in connection with such services.

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

18
<PAGE> 51

approved annually (a) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by a majority of
the outstanding shares 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 separate distribution
agreements with the Distributor in connection with the continuous offering of
each class of shares of the Fund (the "Distribution Agreements"). The
Distribution Agreements obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in
connection with the offering of each class 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 incorporates the Code of Ethics of the Manager (together, the "Codes").
The Codes significantly restrict the personal investing activities of all
employees of the Manager and, as described below, impose additional, more
onerous, restrictions on fund investment personnel.

The Codes require that all employees of the Manager pre-clear any personal
securities investment (with limited exceptions, such as government securities).
The pre-clearance requirement and associated procedures are designed to identify
any substantive prohibition or limitation applicable to the proposed investment.
The substantive restrictions applicable to all employees of the Manager include
a ban on acquiring any securities in a "hot" initial public offering and a
prohibition from profiting on short-term trading in securities. In addition, no
employee may purchase or sell any security that at the time is being purchased
or sold (as the case may be), or to the knowledge of the employee is being
considered for purchase or sale, by any fund advised by the Manager.
Furthermore, the Codes provide for trading "blackout periods" that prohibit
trading by investment personnel of the Fund within periods of trading by the
Fund in the same (or equivalent) security (15 or 30 days depending upon the
transaction).

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.

19
<PAGE> 52

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 investment portfolio of 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 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 with the Distributor, provided that the orders are received
by the Distributor prior to 30 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE
on that day. If the purchase orders are not received prior to 30 minutes after
the close of business on the NYSE on that day, such orders shall be deemed
received on the next business day. Dealers have the responsibility of submitting
purchase orders to the Fund not later than 30 minutes after the close of
business on the NYSE in order to purchase shares at that day's offering price.

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 the dealers are permitted to withhold placing orders to
benefit themselves by a price change. Certain securities dealers may charge a
processing fee to confirm a sale of shares to such customers. For example, the
fee currently charged by Merrill Lynch is $5.35. Purchases made directly through
the Transfer Agent are not subject to the processing fee.

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

20
<PAGE> 53

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 retain the
balance over such discounts. At times the Distributor may reallow the entire
sales charge to such dealers. Since securities dealers 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, 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.

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,

21
<PAGE> 54

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, MLAM, Mercury Asset Management International, Ltd.
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 Advisers. Reduced sales charges may be
applicable for purchases of Class I or Class A shares of the Fund through
certain financial advisers 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.

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.

22
<PAGE> 55

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:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
OF DOLLAR AMOUNT
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE PAYMENT MADE SUBJECT TO CHARGE
-------------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C>
0-1............................................... 4.0%
1-2............................................... 4.0%
2-3............................................... 3.0%
3-4............................................... 3.0%
4-5............................................... 2.0%
5-6............................................... 1.0%
6 and thereafter.................................. None
</TABLE>

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 liquidation establishing
eligibility for qualified distribution); or (b) any partial or complete
redemption following the death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) of a Class B shareholder (including one
who owns the Class B shares as joint tenant with his or her spouse), provided
the redemption is requested within one year of the death or initial
determination of 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 (certain legal documentation may be
required at the time of liquidation establishing eligibility for qualified
distribution).

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

23
<PAGE> 56

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 (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 the 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 Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") asset-based sales charge rule. See
"Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges" below.

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

24
<PAGE> 57

relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and selected dealers
(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 and selected
dealers (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 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 dealers without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at the
same time permit the dealer to compensate its financial consultants 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 attributable to the shares regardless of the amount of
expenses incurred and, accordingly, distribution-related revenues from the
Distribution Plans may be more or less than distribution-related expenses of the
related class. Information with respect to the distribution-related revenues and
expenses is presented to the Directors for their consideration in connection
with their deliberations as to the continuance of the Class B and Class C
Distribution Plans. This information is presented annually as of December 31 of
each year, on a "fully allocated accrual" basis and quarterly on a "direct
expense and revenue/cash" basis. On the fully allocated accrual basis, revenues
consist of the account maintenance fees, the distribution fees, the CDSCs and
certain other related revenues, and expenses consist of financial consultant
compensation, branch office and regional operation center selling and
transaction processing expenses, advertising, sales promotion and marketing
expenses, corporate overhead and interest expense. On the direct expense and
revenue/cash basis, revenues consist of the account maintenance fees, the
distribution fees and CDSCs and the expenses consist of financial consultant
compensation.

25
<PAGE> 58

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 Trust with a temporary source of cash
to be used to meet redemption requests from its "feeder" funds 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 Transfer
Agent may be accomplished by a written letter requesting redemption. Redemption
requests delivered other than by mail should be delivered to Financial Data
Services, Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484.
Proper notice of redemption in the case of shares deposited with the Transfer
Agent may be accomplished by a written letter requesting redemption. Proper
notice of redemption in the case of shares for which certificates have been
issued may be accomplished by a written letter as noted above accompanied by
certificates for the shares to be redeemed. Redemption requests should not be
sent to the Trust or the Fund. A redemption request in either event requires the
signature(s) of all persons in whose name(s) the shares are registered, signed
exactly as such name(s) appear(s) on the Transfer Agent's register.

26
<PAGE> 59

The signature(s) on the redemption request may require a guarantee by an
"eligible guarantor institution" as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), the existence and validity of which
may be verified by the Transfer Agent through the use of industry publications.
In the event a signature guarantee is required, notarized signatures are not
sufficient. In general, signature guarantees are waived on redemptions of less
than $50,000 as long as the following requirements are met: (i) all requests
require the signature(s) of all persons in whose name(s) shares are recorded on
the Transfer Agent's register; (ii) all checks must be mailed to the stencil
address of record on the Transfer Agent's register and (iii) the stencil address
must not have changed within 30 days. Certain rules may apply regarding certain
account types such as but not limited to UGMA/UTMA accounts, Joint Tenancies
With Rights of Survivorship, contra broker transactions and institutional
accounts. In certain instances, the Transfer Agent may require additional
documents such as, but not limited to, trust instruments, death certificates,
appointments as executor or administrator, or certificates of corporate
authority. 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.

REPURCHASE

The Fund also will repurchase its shares through a shareholder's listed
securities dealer. 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 dealer 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 from such dealer not later than 30 minutes after
the close of business on the NYSE on the same day. Dealers have the
responsibility of submitting such repurchase requests to the Funds not later
than 30 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE in order to obtain that
day's closing price.

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 securities dealers
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.

27
<PAGE> 60

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 the per
share net asset value of the four classes of the Fund will tend to converge
(although not necessarily meet) immediately after the payment of dividends of
distributions, which will differ by approximately the amount of the expense
accrual differentials between the classes.

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

28
<PAGE> 61

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.

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

29
<PAGE> 62

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 principal for their own accounts, the
Trust will not deal with affiliated persons, including Merrill Lynch and its
affiliates, in connection with such transactions. However, an affiliated person
of the Trust may serve as its broker in OTC transactions conducted on an agency
basis provided that, among other things, the fee or commission received by such
affiliated broker is reasonable and fair compared to the fee or commission
received by non-affiliated brokers in connection with comparable transactions.
In addition, the Trust may not purchase securities during the existence of any
underwriting syndicate for such securities of which Merrill Lynch is a member or
in a private placement in which Merrill Lynch serves as placement agent except
pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust that
either comply with rules adopted by the Commission or with interpretations of
the Commission staff. See "Investment Objective and Policies -- Investment
Restrictions."

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

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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 or your selected dealer. 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 his or her Investment Account at any time by mailing a check
directly to the Transfer Agent. The Fund does not issue share certificates.

Shareholders considering transferring their Class I or Class A shares from
a selected dealer to another brokerage firm or financial institution 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 a 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 firm or such shareholder must continue to
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 dealer and who do not wish to have an Investment Account
maintained for such shares at the Transfer Agent may request their new brokerage
firm to maintain such shares in an account registered in the name of the
brokerage firm for the benefit of the shareholder at the Transfer Agent.

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 dealer to another
brokerage firm or financial institution 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 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.

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<PAGE> 64

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 be
deemed to have been sold with a sales charge equal to the sales charge
previously paid on the Class I or Class A shares on which the dividend was paid.
Based on this formula, Class I and Class A shares of the Fund generally may be
exchanged into the Class I or Class A shares, respectively, of the other funds
with a reduced sales charge or without a sales charge.

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.

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<PAGE> 65

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.
The Fund reserves the right to require a properly completed Exchange
Application. 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

Shareholders may, at any time, by written notification to their selected
dealer if their account is maintained with a selected dealer, 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.

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<PAGE> 66

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 after 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 the NYSE is not open for
business on such date, the shares will be redeemed at the net asset value
determined at the close of business on the following business day. The check for
the withdrawal payment will be mailed, or the direct deposit for withdrawal
payment will be made on the next business day following redemption. When a
shareholder is making systematic withdrawals, dividends and distributions on all
shares in the Investment Account are reinvested automatically in Fund shares. A
shareholder's systematic withdrawal plan may be terminated at any time, without
a charge or penalty, by the shareholder, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or the
Distributor.

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 have 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 dealer 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

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<PAGE> 67

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."

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 a 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

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<PAGE> 68

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.

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,

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<PAGE> 69

futures or forward foreign exchange contracts will be valued for purposes of the
RIC diversification requirements applicable to the Fund.

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 will apply 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 the Trust is unable to
obtain a private letter ruling from the IRS indicating that it will continue to
be classified as a partnership, then 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.

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<PAGE> 70

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 redeemable value of such investment at the end of each period.
Average annual total return is computed assuming all dividends and distributions
are reinvested and taking into account all applicable recurring and nonrecurring
expenses, including the maximum sales charge in the case of Class I and Class A
shares and the CDSC that would be applicable to a complete redemption of the
investment at the end of the specified period in the case of Class B and Class C
shares. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to all shares, to the extent any
dividends are paid, will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on
the same day and will be in the same amount, except that account maintenance and
the distribution charges and any incremental transfer agency cost relating to
each class of shares will be borne exclusively by that class. The Fund will
include performance data for all classes of shares of the Fund in any
advertisement or information including performance data of the Fund.

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, 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.

38
<PAGE> 71

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. 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.

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 attributable to only one Class. Shares issued are
fully-paid and non-assessable by the Fund. Voting rights for Directors are not
cumulative.

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.

39
<PAGE> 72

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:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS I CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets.......................................... $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
======= ======= ======= =======
Number of Shares Outstanding........................ 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
======= ======= ======= =======
Net Asset Value Per Share(net assets divided by
number of shares outstanding...................... $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $ 10.00
Sales Charge (for Class I and Class A Shares:
5.25% of Offering Price (5.54% of net amount
invested))*.................................... .55 .55 ** **
------- ------- ------- -------
Offering Price...................................... $ 10.55 $ 10.55 $ 10.00 $ 10.00
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

- ---------------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent; assumes maximum sales charge is
applicable.

** 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

, 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, 90 Washington Street, 12(th) Floor, 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").
The Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer and redemption of
shares and the opening, maintenance and servicing of shareholder accounts.

LEGAL COUNSEL

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

40
<PAGE> 73

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 and capital gains distributions.

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.

Under a separate agreement, Mercury Asset Management International Ltd. and
Mercury Asset Management Group Ltd. ("Mercury") have 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.

41
<PAGE> 74

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors and Shareholder,
Mercury Focus Twenty Fund, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Mercury
Focus Twenty Fund, Inc. as of March , 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 March , 2000, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

March , 2000

42
<PAGE> 75

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MARCH , 2000

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

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investment in Master Focus Twenty Trust................... $100,000
Prepaid registration fees (Note 3)........................
Prepaid offering costs (Note 3)...........................
--------
Total assets...........................................
LIABILITIES:
Liabilities and accrued expenses..........................
--------
NET ASSETS.................................................. $100,000
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Class I Shares of Common Stock $.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized...................................... $ 250
Class A Shares of Common Stock $.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized...................................... 250
Class B Shares of Common Stock $.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized...................................... 250
Class C Shares of Common Stock $.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized...................................... 250
Paid-in Capital in excess of par.......................... 99,000
--------
NET ASSETS $100,000
========

NET ASSET VALUE:
Class I -- Based on net assets of $25,000 and 2,500 shares
outstanding $ 10.00
Class A -- Based on net assets of $25,000 and 2,500 shares
outstanding $ 10.00
Class B -- Based on net assets of $25,000 and 2,500 shares
outstanding $ 10.00
Class C -- Based on net assets of $25,000 and 2,500 shares
outstanding $ 10.00
========
</TABLE>

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

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
invests 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 $ .

43
<PAGE> 76

CODE #: 19081-1299
<PAGE> 77

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 23. EXHIBITS.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
- -------
<C> <S> <C>
1 -- Articles of Incorporation, dated January 21, 2000.
2 -- By-Laws of the Registrant.
3(a) -- Portions of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the
Registrant defining the rights of holders of shares of
common stock of the Registrant.(a)
4 -- Not Applicable.
5(a) -- Form of Class I Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and Mercury Funds Distributor, a division of
Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor")
(including Form of Selected Dealers Agreement).
(b) -- Form of Class A Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and the Distributor.(b)
(c) -- Form of Class B Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and the Distributor.(b)
(d) -- Form of Class C Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and the Distributor.(b)
6 -- None.
7 -- Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New
York.(b)
8(a) -- Form of Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and
Shareholder Servicing Agency Agreement between the
Registrant and Financial Data Services, Inc.(b)
(b) -- Form of License Agreement relating to use of name among
Mercury Asset Management International Ltd., Mercury Asset
Management Group Ltd. and the Registrant.(b)
9 -- Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel for the Registrant.(b)
10 -- Consent of independent auditors for the
Registrant.(b)
11 -- None.
12 -- Certificate of Fund Asset Management, L.P.(b)
13(a) -- Form of Class A Distribution Plan of the Registrant and
Class B Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(b)
(b) -- Form of Class B Distribution Plan of the Registrant and
Class C Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(b)
(c) -- Form of Class C Distribution Plan of the Registrant and
Class D Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(b)
14 -- None.
15 -- 18f-3 Plan.(b)
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(a) Reference is made to Article II, Article IV, Article V
(sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8), Article VI, Article VII and
Article IX of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation,
filed as Exhibit (1), to this Registration Statement, and to
Article II, Article III (sections 1, 3, 5, 6 and 17),
Article VI, Article VII, Article XII, and Article XIV of the
Registrant's By-Laws filed as Exhibit (2) to this
Registration Statement.
(b) To be filed by amendment.
</TABLE>

ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.

The Registrant owns beneficial interests in Master Focus Twenty Trust.
Merrill Lynch Premier Growth Fund, Inc. owns the remainder of the beneficial
interests in the Trust. Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the "Manager" or "FAM")
owns 100% of the share of common stock of the Registrant. Therefore, the
Registrant and the Trust are under the common control of the Manager.

ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION.

Reference is made to Article VI of the Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation, Article VI of the Registrant's By-Laws, Section 2-418 of the
Maryland General Corporation Law and Section 9 of the Class I, Class A, Class B
and Class C Distribution Agreements.

Insofar as the conditional advancing of indemnification moneys for actions
based on the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") may be
concerned, Article VI of the Registrant's By-Laws provides that such payments
will be made only on the following conditions: (i) advances may be made only on
receipt of a written affirmation of such person's good faith belief that the
standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and a written
undertaking to repay any such advance if it is

C-1
<PAGE> 78

ultimately determined that the standard of conduct has not been met; and (ii)
(a) such promise must be secured by a security for the undertaking in form and
amount acceptable to the Registrant, (b) the Registrant is insured against
losses arising by receipt by the advance, or (c) a majority of a quorum of the
Registrant's disinterested non-party Directors, or an independent legal counsel
in a written opinion, shall determine, based upon a review of readily available
facts, that at the time the advance is proposed to be made, there is reason to
believe that the person seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be
entitled to indemnification.

In Section 9 of the Class I, Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
Distribution Agreements relating to the securities being offered hereby, the
Registrant agrees to indemnify the Distributor and each person, if any, who
controls the Distributor within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"), against certain types of civil liabilities arising in
connection with the Registration Statement or Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may
be permitted to Directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
and the principal underwriter pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Director, officer, or controlling
person of the Registrant and the principal underwriter in connection with the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
Director, officer or controlling person or the principal underwriter in
connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER.

Fund Asset Management, L.P. acts as the investment adviser for the
following open-end registered investment companies: CBA Money Fund, CMA
Government Securities Fund, CMA Money Fund, CMA Multi-State Municipal Series
Trust, CMA Tax-Exempt Fund, CMA Treasury Fund, The Corporate Fund Accumulation
Program, Inc., Financial Institutions Series Trust, Master Focus Twenty Trust,
Master Large Cap Series Trust, Master Premier Growth Trust, Merrill Lynch Basic
Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch California Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch
Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Emerging Tigers Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Federal Securities
Trust, Merrill Lynch Funds for Institutions Series, Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal
Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Phoenix
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch World Income
Fund, Inc., and The Municipal Fund Accumulation Program, Inc.; and for the
following closed-end registered investment companies: Apex Municipal Fund, Inc.,
Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund II, Inc., Corporate
High Yield Fund III, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund II,
Inc., Debt Strategies Fund III, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc.,
Income Opportunities Fund 2000, Inc., Merrill Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund,
Inc., MuniAssets Fund, Inc., MuniEnhanced Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings Fund, Inc.,
MuniHoldings Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured Fund, Inc.,
MuniHoldings California Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured
Fund III, Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured Fund IV, Inc., MuniHoldings
California Insured Fund V, Inc., MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund, MuniHoldings
Florida Insured Fund V, MuniHoldings Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings Insured
Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings Insured Fund III, Inc., MuniHoldings Insured Fund
IV, Inc., MuniHoldings Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings Michigan
Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings
New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III,
Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund IV, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Fund,
Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured
Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund III, Inc., MuniHoldings New
York Insured Fund IV, Inc., MuniInsured Fund, Inc., MuniVest Fund, Inc.,
MuniVest Fund II, Inc., MuniVest Florida Fund, MuniVest Michigan Insured Fund,
Inc., MuniYield Arizona Fund, Inc., MuniYield California Fund, Inc., MuniYield
California Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield

C-2
<PAGE> 79

California Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniYield Florida Fund, MuniYield Florida
Insured Fund, MuniYield Fund, Inc., MuniYield Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield
Michigan Fund, Inc., MuniYield Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New Jersey
Fund, Inc., MuniYield New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New York Insured
Fund, Inc., MuniYield New York Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniYield Pennsylvania
Fund, MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc., MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc., Senior High
Income Portfolio, Inc. and Worldwide DollarVest Fund, Inc.

Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"), acts as the investment
adviser for the following open-end registered investment companies: Master
Global Financial Services Trust, Merrill Lynch Adjustable Rate Securities Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Americas Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Builder
Program, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Income
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Concentrated Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Convertible
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Developing Capital Markets Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Disciplined Equity Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Euro Fund, Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global
Allocation Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Bond Fund for Investment and
Retirement, Merrill Lynch Global Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global
Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust, Merrill Lynch Global Small
Cap Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Technology Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global
Utility Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Growth
Fund, Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Index Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Intermediate Government Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch International
Equity Fund, Merrill Lynch Latin America Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Middle
East/Africa Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch
Pacific Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Merrill Lynch Real Estate
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Retirement Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Series Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Strategic
Dividend Fund, Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money Fund, Merrill Lynch U.S.A.
Government Reserves, Merrill Lynch Utility Income Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch
Variable Series Funds, Inc. and Hotchkis and Wiley funds (advised by Hotchkis
and Wiley, a division of MLAM); and for the following closed-end registered
investment companies: Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. and
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc., and Merrill Lynch Senior Floating
Rate Fund II, Inc. MLAM also acts as sub-adviser to Merrill Lynch World Strategy
Portfolio and Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity Portfolio, two investment
portfolios of EQ Advisors Trust.

The address of each of these registered investment companies is P.O. Box
9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011, except that the address of Merrill Lynch
Funds for Institutions Series and Merrill Lynch Intermediate Government Bond
Fund is One Financial Center, 23rd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2665. The
address of FAM, MLAM, Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") and
Princeton Administrators, L.P. ("Princeton Administrators") is also P.O. Box
9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011. The address of Princeton Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"), of Mercury Funds Distributor ("MFD") and of Merrill
Lynch Funds Distributor ("MLFD") is P.O. Box 9081, Princeton, New Jersey
08543-9081. The address of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("Merrill Lynch") and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") is World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281-1201. The
address of the Fund's transfer agent, Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), is
4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484.

Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and partner of the
Manager indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a
substantial nature in which each such person or entity has been engaged since
June 1, 1997 for his, her or its own account or in the capacity of director,
officer, partner or trustee. In addition Mr. Glenn is President and Mr. Burke is
Vice President and Treasurer of all or

C-3
<PAGE> 80

substantially all of the investment companies described in the first two
paragraphs of this Item 26, and Messrs. Doll, Giordano and Monagle are officers
of one or more of such companies.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME THE MANAGER PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- ------------------------ ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ML & Co.......................... Limited Partner Financial Services Holding
Company; Limited Partner of MLAM
Princeton Services............... General Partner General Partner of MLAM
Jeffrey M. Peek.................. President President of MLAM; President and
Director of Princeton Services;
Executive Vice President of ML &
Co.; Managing Director and Co-Head
of the Investment Banking Division
of Merrill Lynch in 1997
Terry K. Glenn................... Executive Vice President Executive Vice President of MLAM;
Executive Vice President and
Director of Princeton Services;
President and Director of PFD;
Director of FDS; President of
Princeton Administrators
Gregory A. Bundy................. Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer and
and Managing Director Managing Director of MLAM; Chief
Operating Officer and Managing
Director of Princeton Services;
Co-CEO of Merrill Lynch Australia
from 1997 to 1999
Donald C. Burke.................. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, Treasurer
and Treasurer and Director of Taxation of MLAM;
Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of Princeton Services;
Vice President of PFD; First Vice
President of MLAM from 1997 to
1999; Vice President of MLAM from
1990 to 1997
Michael G. Clark................. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Treasurer and Director
of PFD; First Vice President of
MLAM from 1997 to 1999; Vice
President of MLAM from 1996 to
1997
Robert C. Doll................... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Chief Investment Officer
of Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. in 1999
and Executive Vice President
thereof from 1991 to 1999
Linda L. Federici................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Vincent R. Giordano.............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
</TABLE>

C-4
<PAGE> 81

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME THE MANAGER PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- ------------------------ ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael J. Hennewinkel........... Senior Vice President, Senior Vice President, Secretary
Secretary and General and General Counsel of MLAM;
Counsel Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Philip L. Kirstein............... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President, Secretary,
General Counsel and Director of
Princeton Services
Debra W. Landsman-Yaros.......... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Vice President of PFD
Stephen M. M. Miller............. Senior Vice President Executive Vice President of
Princeton Administrators; Senior
Vice President of Princeton
Services
Joseph T. Monagle, Jr............ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Gregory D. Upah.................. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
</TABLE>

Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K.") acts as
sub-adviser for the following registered investment companies: The Corporate
Fund Accumulation Program, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc., Corporate High
Yield Fund II, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund,
Inc., Debt Strategies Fund II, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund III, Inc., Income
Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 2000, Inc., Master
Focus Twenty Trust, Master Large Cap Series Trust, Master Premier Growth Trust,
Merrill Lynch Americas Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Assets Builder Program,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Capital Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Consults International Portfolio, Merrill Lynch Convertible Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Corporate High
Yield Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Developing Capital Markets Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Disciplined Equity Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Emerging Tigers Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch EuroFund, Merrill Lynch
Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Allocation Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Global Bond Fund for Investment and Retirement, Merrill Lynch
Global Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Global Resources Trust, Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Global Technology Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Utility Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Global Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Growth Fund, Merrill Lynch
Healthcare Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch International Equity Fund, Merrill Lynch
Latin America Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Middle East/ Africa Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Pacific Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Phoenix Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Real
Estate Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Senior
Floating Rate Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund II Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Strategic Dividend Fund, Merrill Lynch Utility Income
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc., Merrill Lynch World
Income Fund, Inc., The Municipal Fund Accumulation Program, Inc. and Worldwide
Dollar Vest Fund, Inc. The address of each of the registered investment
companies is P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011. The address of
MLAM U.K. is 33 King William Street, London EC4R 9AS, England.

Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and director of MLAM
U.K. indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a
substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged since July 1,
1997, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer,
partner or trustee. In addition,

C-5
<PAGE> 82

Messrs. Glenn and Burke are officers of one or more of the registered investment
companies listed in the first two paragraphs of this Item 26.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME POSITION(S) WITH MLAM U.K. PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- -------------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terry K. Glenn................. Director and Chairman Executive Vice President of MLAM
and FAM; Executive Vice President
and Director of Princeton
Services; President and Director
of PFD; President of Princeton
Administrators
Nicholas C.D. Hall............. Director Director of Merrill Lynch Europe
PLC.; General Counsel of Merrill
Lynch International Private
Banking Group
James T. Stratford............. Alternate Director Director of Mercury Asset
Management Group Ltd.; Head of
Compliance, Merrill Lynch Mercury
Asset Management
Donald C. Burke................ Treasurer Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of MLAM and FAM;
Director of Taxation of MLAM;
Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of Princeton Services;
Vice President of PFD; First Vice
President of MLAM from 1997 to
1999; Vice President of MLAM from
1990 to 1997
Carol Ann Langham.............. Company Secretary None
Debra Anne Searle.............. Assistant Company None
Secretary
</TABLE>

ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.

MFD, a division of PFD, acts as the principal underwriter for the
Registrant and for each of the following open-end investment companies: Mercury
Global Balanced Fund of Mercury Asset Management Funds, Inc.; Mercury Gold and
Mining Fund of Mercury Asset Management Funds, Inc.; Mercury International Fund
of Mercury Asset Management Funds, Inc.; Mercury Large Cap Series Funds, Inc.;
Mercury U.S. Large Cap Fund of Mercury Asset Management Funds, Inc.; Mercury
U.S. Small Cap Growth Fund of Mercury Asset Management Funds, Inc.; Mercury
Pan-European Growth Fund of Mercury Asset Management Funds, Inc.; Summit Cash
Reserves Fund of Financial Institutions Series Trust; Mercury V.I. U.S. Large
Cap Fund of Mercury Asset Management V.I. Funds, Inc. A separate division of PFD
acts as the principal underwriter of other investment companies.

(b) Set forth below is information concerning each director and officer of
PFD. The principal business address of each such person is P.O. Box 9081,
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081, except that the address of Messrs. Breen,
Crook, Fatseas and Wasel is One Financial Center, 23rd Floor, Boston,
Massachusetts 02111-2665.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) AND POSITION(S) AND OFFICE(S)
NAME OFFICE(S) WITH PFD WITH REGISTRANT
---- ---------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terry K. Glenn.............................. President and Director President and Director
Michael G. Clark............................ Treasurer and Director None
Thomas J. Verage............................ Director None
Robert W. Crook............................. Senior Vice President None
</TABLE>

C-6
<PAGE> 83

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) AND POSITION(S) AND OFFICE(S)
NAME OFFICE(S) WITH PFD WITH REGISTRANT
---- ---------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael J. Brady............................ Vice President None
William M. Breen............................ Vice President None
Donald C. Burke............................. Vice President Vice President and
Treasurer
James T. Fatseas............................ Vice President None
Debra W. Landsman-Yaros..................... Vice President None
Michelle T. Lau............................. Vice President None
Salvatore Venezia........................... Vice President None
William Wasel............................... Vice President None
Robert Harris............................... Secretary None
</TABLE>

ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.

All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder are maintained at the
offices of the Registrant (800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey
08536), and its transfer agent, Financial Data Services, Inc. (4800 Deer Lake
Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484).

ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

Other than as set forth under the caption "Management of the Fund" in the
Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration Statement and under
"Management of the Fund -- Management and Advisory Arrangements" in the
Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B of the Registration
Statement, the Registrant is not a party to any management-related service
contract.

ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS.

Not applicable.

C-7
<PAGE> 84

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the Township of Plainsboro, and State of New Jersey, on the 23rd
day of February, 2000.

MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.
(Registrant)

By: /s/ SUSAN BAKER
------------------------------------
(Susan Baker, President)

Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Susan Baker,
Phillip S. Gillespie and William E. Zitelli, or any of them, as
attorney-in-fact, to sign on his or her behalf, individually and in each
capacity stated below, any amendment to this Registration Statement (including
post-effective amendments) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
---------- ----- ----

<C> <S> <C>
/s/ SUSAN BAKER President (Principal February 23, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------- Executive Officer)
(Susan Baker) and Director

/s/ PHILLIP S. GILLESPIE Vice President and February 23, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------- Treasurer (Principal
(Phillip S. Gillespie) Financial and
Accounting Officer)

/s/ WILLIAM E. ZITELLI Director February 23, 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(William E. Zitelli)
</TABLE>

C-8
<PAGE> 85

Master Focus Twenty Trust has duly caused this Registration Statement of
Merrill Lynch Focus Twenty Fund, Inc. to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of Plainsboro, and State
of New Jersey, on the 23rd day of February, 2000.

MASTER FOCUS TWENTY TRUST

By: /s/ TERRY K. GLENN
------------------------------------
(Terry K. Glenn, President)

Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Terry K. Glenn,
Donald C. Burke and Robert C. Doll, Jr., or any of them, as attorney-in-fact, to
sign on his or her behalf, individually and in each capacity stated below, any
amendment to this Registration Statement (including post-effective amendments)
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
---------- ----- ----

<C> <S> <C>
/s/ TERRY K. GLENN President (Principal February 23, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------- Executive Officer)
(Terry K. Glenn) and Trustee

/s/ DONALD C. BURKE Vice President and February 23, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------- Treasurer (Principal
(Donald C. Burke) Financial and
Accounting Officer)

/s/ JAMES H. BODURTHA Trustee February 23, 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(James H. Bodurtha)

/s/ HERBERT I. LONDON Trustee February 23, 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(Herbert I. London)

/s/ JOSEPH L. MAY Trustee February 23, 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(Joseph L. May)

/s/ ANDRE F. PEROLD Trustee February 23, 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(Andre F. Perold)

/s/ ROBERTA COOPER RAMO Trustee February 23, 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(Roberta Cooper Ramo)

/s/ ARTHUR ZEIKEL Trustee February 23, 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(Arthur Zeikel)
</TABLE>

C-9
<PAGE> 86

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
- -------
<C> <S> <C>
1 -- Articles of Incorporation, dated January 21, 2000.
2 -- By-Laws of the Registrant.
</TABLE>

C-10

<PAGE> 1
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.

THE UNDERSIGNED, CLAUDIA DIGIACOMO whose post office address is One World
Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557, being at least eighteen years of
age, does hereby act as an incorporator, under and by virtue of the General Laws
of the State of Maryland authorizing the formation of corporations and with the
intention of forming a corporation.

ARTICLE I.

NAME

The name of the corporation is MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC. (the
"Corporation").

ARTICLE II.

PURPOSES AND POWERS

The purpose or purposes for which the Corporation is formed, the powers,
rights and privileges that the Corporation shall be authorized to exercise and
enjoy, and the business or objects to be transacted, carried on and promoted by
it are as follows:

(1) To conduct and carry on the business of an investment company of the
management type.

(2) To hold, invest and reinvest its assets in securities, and in
connection therewith, without limiting the foregoing, to hold part or all of its
assets (a) in cash and/or (b) in shares of or beneficial interests in another
corporation known in the investment company industry as a master fund in a
master/feeder structure, which corporation holds securities and other assets for
investment purposes (the "Master Fund").

(3) To issue and sell shares of its own capital stock in such amounts and
on such terms and conditions, for such purposes and for such amount or kind of
consideration now or hereafter permitted by the General Laws of the State of
Maryland and by these Articles of Incorporation, as its Board of Directors may
determine.

(4) To exchange, classify, reclassify, change the designation of, convert,
rename, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, dispose of, resell,
transfer, reissue or cancel (all without the vote or consent of the stockholders
of the Corporation) shares of its issued or
<PAGE> 2
unissued capital stock, in any manner and to the extent now or hereafter
permitted by the General Laws of the State of Maryland and by these Articles of
Incorporation.

(5) To transfer all or substantially all the assets of the Corporation to
the Master Fund, in exchange for shares of or beneficial interests in the Master
Fund or for such other consideration as permitted by the General Laws of the
State of Maryland and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Investment Company Act") (all without the vote or consent of the stockholders
of the Corporation), and all such actions, regardless of the frequency with
which they are pursued, shall be deemed in furtherance of the ordinary, usual
and customary business of the Corporation.

(6) To do any and all such further acts or things and to exercise any and
all such further powers or rights as may be necessary, incidental, relative,
conducive, appropriate or desirable for the accomplishment, carrying out or
attainment of all or any of the foregoing purposes or objects.

The Corporation shall be authorized to exercise and enjoy all of the
powers, rights and privileges granted to, or conferred upon, corporations by the
General Laws of the State of Maryland now or hereafter in force, and the
enumeration of the foregoing shall not be deemed to exclude any powers, rights
or privileges so granted or conferred.

ARTICLE III.

PRINCIPAL OFFICE AND RESIDENT AGENT

The post office address of the principal office of the Corporation in the
State of Maryland is c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 300 East Lombard
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name of the resident agent of the
Corporation in this State is The Corporation Trust Incorporated, a corporation
of this State, and the post office address of the resident agent is 300 East
Lombard Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

ARTICLE IV.

CAPITAL STOCK

(1) The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation
shall have authority to issue is Four Hundred Million (400,000,000) shares, of
the par value of Ten Cents ($.10) per share, and of the aggregate par value of
Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000). The capital stock initially is classified
into four classes, consisting of One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of
Class A Common Stock, One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of Class B Common
Stock, One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of Class C Common Stock and One
Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of Class D Common Stock.

(2) The Board of Directors may classify and reclassify any unissued shares
of capital stock into one or more additional or other classes or series as may
be established from time to time by setting or changing in any one or more
respects the designations, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting
powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or

2
<PAGE> 3
conditions of redemption of such shares of stock and pursuant to such
classification or reclassification to increase or decrease the number of
authorized shares of any existing class or series.

(3) The Board of Directors may vary among all of the holders of a
particular class or series (a) the length of time shares must be held prior to
conversion into shares of another class or series (the "Holding Period(s)"), (b)
the manner in which the time for such Holding Period(s) is determined and (c)
the class or series into which the particular class or series is being
converted; provided, however, that with respect to holders of the Corporation's
shares issued on or after the date of the Corporation's first effective
prospectus which sets forth Holding Period(s), the Holding Periods(s), the
manner in which the time for such Holding Period(s) is determined and the class
or series into which the particular class or series is being converted shall be
disclosed in the Corporation's prospectus or statement of additional information
in effect at the time such shares, which are the subject of the conversion, were
issued.

(4) Unless otherwise expressly provided in the charter of the Corporation,
including any Articles Supplementary creating any class or series of capital
stock, the holders of each class or series of capital stock shall be entitled to
dividends and distributions in such amounts and at such times as may be
determined by the Board of Directors, and the dividends and distributions paid
with respect to the various classes or series of capital stock may vary among
such classes and series. Dividends on a class or series may be declared or paid
only out of the net assets of that class or series. Expenses related to the
distribution of, and other identified expenses that should properly be allocated
to, the shares of a particular class or series of capital stock may be charged
to and borne solely by such class or series and the bearing of expenses solely
by a class or series of capital stock may be appropriately reflected (in a
manner determined by the Board of Directors) and cause differences in the net
asset value attributable to, and the dividend, redemption and liquidation rights
of, the shares of each class or series of capital stock.

(5) Unless otherwise expressly provided in the charter of the Corporation,
including those matters set forth in Article II, Sections (2), (4) and (5)
hereof and including any Articles Supplementary creating any class or series of
capital stock, on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders, each holder
of a share of capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to one vote for
each share standing in such holder's name on the books of the Corporation,
irrespective of the class or series thereof, and all shares of all classes and
series shall vote together as a single class; provided, however, that (a) as to
any matter with respect to which a separate vote of any class or series is
required by the Investment Company Act or any rules, regulations or orders
issued thereunder, or by the Maryland General Corporation Law, such requirement
as to a separate vote by that class or series shall apply in lieu of a general
vote of all classes and series as described above, (b) in the event that the
separate vote requirements referred to in (a) above apply with respect to one or
more classes or series, then, subject to paragraph (c) below, the shares of all
other classes and series not entitled to a separate class vote shall vote as a
single class, (c) as to any matter which does not affect the interest of a
particular class or series, such class or series shall not be entitled to any
vote and only the holders of shares of the affected classes and series, if any,
shall be entitled to vote and (d) the shares of capital stock of the Corporation
shall have no voting rights in connection with the transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation to the Master Fund in
exchange for shares of or beneficial

3
<PAGE> 4
interests in the Master Fund or for such other consideration as permitted by
Maryland General Corporation Law and the Investment Company Act.

(6) Notwithstanding any provision of the Maryland General Corporation Law
requiring a greater proportion than a majority of the votes of all classes or
series of capital stock of the Corporation (or of any class or series entitled
to vote thereon as a separate class or series) to take or authorize any action,
the Corporation is hereby authorized (subject to the requirements of the
Investment Company Act and any rules, regulations and orders issued thereunder)
to take such action upon the concurrence of a majority of the votes entitled to
be cast by holders of capital stock of the Corporation (or a majority of the
votes entitled to be cast by holders of a class or series entitled to vote
thereon as a separate class or series).

(7) Unless otherwise expressly provided in the charter of the Corporation,
including any Articles Supplementary creating any class or series of capital
stock, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each class or
series of capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled, after payment or
provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation, to
share ratably in the remaining net assets of the Corporation applicable to that
class or series.

(8) Any fractional shares shall carry proportionately all of the rights of
a whole share, excepting any right to receive a certificate evidencing such
fractional share, but including, without limitation, the right to vote and the
right to receive dividends.

(9) The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of shares entitled
to cast one-third of the votes entitled to be cast shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting of stockholders, except with respect to any matter which requires
approval by a separate vote of one or more classes or series of stock, in which
case the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of shares entitled to
cast one-third of the votes entitled to be cast by each class or series entitled
to vote as a separate class shall constitute a quorum.

(10) All persons who shall acquire stock in the Corporation shall acquire
the same subject to the provisions of the charter and the By-Laws of the
Corporation. As used in the charter of the Corporation, the terms "charter" and
"Articles of Incorporation" shall mean and include the Articles of Incorporation
of the Corporation as amended, supplemented and restated from time to time by
Articles of Amendment, Articles Supplementary, Articles of Restatement or
otherwise.

ARTICLE V.

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING AND
REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE CORPORATION
AND OF THE DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS

(1) The initial number of directors of the Corporation shall be three, which
number may be increased or decreased pursuant to the By-Laws of the Corporation
but shall never be less than the minimum number permitted by the General Laws of
the State of Maryland. The names of the directors who shall act until their
successors are duly elected and qualify are:

4
<PAGE> 5
Susan B. Baker
Phillip S. Gillespie
William E. Zitelli

(2) The Board of Directors of the Corporation is hereby empowered to
authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of capital stock of any class
or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as the
Board of Directors may deem advisable, subject to such limitations as may be set
forth in these Articles of Incorporation or in the By-Laws of the Corporation or
in the General Laws of the State of Maryland.

(3) No holder of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any
right to purchase or subscribe for any shares of the capital stock of the
Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell
(whether out of the number of shares authorized by these Articles of
Incorporation, or out of any shares of the capital stock of the Corporation
acquired by it after the issue thereof, or otherwise) other than such right, if
any, as the Board of Directors, in its discretion, may determine.

(4) Each director and each officer of the Corporation shall be indemnified
and advanced expenses by the Corporation to the full extent permitted by the
General Laws of the State of Maryland, subject to the requirements of the
Investment Company Act. No amendment of these Articles of Incorporation or
repeal of any provision hereof shall limit or eliminate the benefits provided to
directors and officers under this provision in connection with any act or
omission that occurred prior to such amendment or repeal.

(5) To the fullest extent permitted by the General Laws of the State of
Maryland, subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act, no director
or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or
its security holders for money damages. No amendment of these Articles of
Incorporation or repeal of any provision hereof shall limit or eliminate the
benefits provided to directors and officers under this provision in connection
with any act or omission that occurred prior to such amendment or repeal.

(6) The Board of Directors of the Corporation is vested with the sole
power, to the exclusion of the stockholders, to make, alter or repeal from time
to time any of the By-Laws of the Corporation except any particular By-Law which
is specified as not subject to alteration or repeal by the Board of Directors,
subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act.

(7) The Board of Directors of the Corporation from time to time may change
the Corporation's name, without the vote or consent of the stockholders of the
Corporation, in any manner and to the extent now or hereafter permitted by the
General Laws of the State of Maryland and by these Articles of Incorporation.

(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation
or the By-Laws of the Corporation, or the General Laws of the State of Maryland,
the transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation to the
Master Fund shall be deemed to be in the ordinary course of business of the
Corporation, and the Board of Directors of the Corporation is vested with the
sole power, to the exclusion of the stockholders, upon the affirmative vote of
the

5
<PAGE> 6
majority of the entire Board of Directors, to transfer all or substantially all
of the assets of the Corporation to the Master Fund in exchange for shares of or
beneficial interests in the Master Fund or for such other consideration as
permitted by the General Laws of the State of Maryland and the Investment
Company Act.

ARTICLE VI.

REDEMPTION

(1) Each holder of shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be
entitled to require the Corporation to redeem all or any part of the shares of
capital stock of the Corporation standing in the name of such holder on the
books of the Corporation, and all shares of capital stock issued by the
Corporation shall be subject to redemption by the Corporation, at the redemption
price of such shares as in effect from time to time as may be determined by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions hereof,
subject to the right of the Board of Directors of the Corporation to suspend the
right of redemption of shares of capital stock of the Corporation or postpone
the date of payment of such redemption price in accordance with provisions of
applicable law. The redemption price of shares of capital stock of the
Corporation shall be the net asset value thereof as determined by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation from time to time in accordance with the provisions
of applicable law, less such redemption fee or liquidation fee, contingent
deferred sales charge or other charge or fee (which fees and charges may vary
within and among the classes and series of capital stock), if any, as may be
approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Payment of the redemption
price shall be made by the Corporation at such time and in such manner as may be
determined from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

(2) The Corporation shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, have
the right at any time to redeem the shares owned by any holder of capital stock
of the Corporation (i) if the redemption is, in the opinion of the Board of
Directors, desirable in order to prevent the Corporation from being deemed a
"personal holding company" within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, or (ii) if the value of the shares in the account maintained
by the Corporation or its transfer agent for any class of stock for the
stockholder is below an amount determined from time to time by the Board of
Directors (the "Minimum Account Balance") and the stockholder has been given
written notice of the redemption as required by the General Laws of the State of
Maryland and has failed to make additional purchases of shares in an amount
sufficient to bring the value in his account to at least the Minimum Account
Balance before the redemption is effected by the Corporation.

(3) Payment of the redemption price by the Corporation may be made either
in cash or in securities or other assets at the time owned by the Corporation or
partly in cash and partly in securities or other assets at the time owned by the
Corporation.

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ARTICLE VII.

DETERMINATION BINDING

Any determination made in good faith, so far as accounting matters are
involved, in accordance with accepted accounting practice by or pursuant to the
direction of the Board of Directors, as to the amount of assets, obligations or
liabilities of the Corporation, as to the amount of net income of the
Corporation from dividends and interest for any period or amounts at any time
legally available for the payment of dividends, as to the amount of any reserves
or charges set up and the propriety thereof, as to the time of or purpose for
creating reserves or as to the use, alteration or cancellation of any reserves
or charges (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves
or charges shall have been created, shall have been paid or discharged or shall
be then or thereafter required to be paid or discharged), as to the price of any
security owned by the Corporation or as to any other matters relating to the
issuance, sale, redemption or other acquisition or disposition of securities or
shares of capital stock of the Corporation, and any reasonable determination
made in good faith by the Board of Directors as to whether any transaction
constitutes a purchase of securities on "margin," a sale of securities "short,"
or an underwriting or the sale of, or a participation in any underwriting or
selling group in connection with the public distribution of, any securities,
shall be final and conclusive, and shall be binding upon the Corporation and all
holders of its capital stock, past, present and future, and shares of the
capital stock of the Corporation are issued and sold on the condition and
understanding, evidenced by the purchase of shares of capital stock or
acceptance of share certificates, that any and all such determinations shall be
binding as aforesaid. No provision of these Articles of Incorporation shall be
effective to (a) require a waiver of compliance with any provision of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Investment Company Act, or of any
valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder or (b) protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the
Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to
which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his office.

ARTICLE VIII.

PERPETUAL EXISTENCE

The duration of the Corporation shall be perpetual.

ARTICLE IX.

AMENDMENT

The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any
provision contained in these Articles of Incorporation, in any manner now or
hereafter prescribed by statute, including any amendment which alters the
contract rights, as expressly set forth in the charter, of any outstanding stock
and substantially adversely affects the stockholders' rights, and all rights
conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned incorporator of Mercury Focus Twenty
Fund, Inc. hereby executes these Articles of Incorporation and acknowledges the
same to be her act.

Dated this 20th day of January, 2000.

/s/ Claudia DiGiacomo
-----------------------------
Claudia DiGiacomo

<PAGE> 1
BY-LAWS

OF
MERCURY FOCUS TWENTY FUND, INC.

Article I

Offices

Section 1.01. Principal Office. The principal office of Mercury Focus
Twenty Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation") shall be in the City of Baltimore,
State of Maryland.

Section 1.02. Principal Executive Office. The principal executive
office of the Corporation shall be at 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New
Jersey 08536.

Section 1.03. Other Offices. The Corporation may have such other
offices in such places as the Board of Directors from time to time may
determine.

Article II

Meetings of Stockholders

Section 2.01. Annual Meeting. The Corporation shall not be required to
hold an annual meeting of its stockholders in any year in which the election of
directors is not required to be acted upon under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). In the event that the
Corporation shall be required to hold an annual meeting of stockholders to elect
directors by the Investment Company Act, such meeting shall be held no later
than 120 days after the occurrence of the event requiring the meeting. Any
stockholders' meeting held in accordance with this Section for all purposes
shall constitute the annual meeting of stockholders for the year in which the
meeting is held.

Section 2.02. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders,
unless otherwise provided by law, may be called for any purpose or purposes by a
majority of the Board of Directors, the President, or upon the written request
of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock
of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting if they comply with Section
2-502(b) or (c) of the Maryland General Corporation Law.

Section 2.03. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders shall
be held at such places as the Board of Directors from time to time may
determine.

Section 2.04. Notice of Meetings; Waiver of Notice. Notice of the place,
date and time of the holding of each stockholders' meeting and, if the meeting
is a special meeting, the purpose or purposes of the special meeting, shall be
given personally or by mail or transmitted to the stockholder by electronic mail
to any electronic mail address of the stockholder or by any other electronic
means, not less than 10 nor more than 90 days before the date of such meeting,
to each
<PAGE> 2
stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each other stockholder
entitled to notice of the meeting. Notice by mail shall be deemed to be duly
given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at
his or her address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage
thereon prepaid.

Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be deemed waived by any
stockholder who shall attend such meeting in person or by proxy, or who, either
before or after the meeting, shall submit a signed waiver of notice which is
filed with the records of the meeting. When a meeting is adjourned to another
time and place, unless the Board of Directors, after the adjournment, shall fix
a new record date for an adjourned meeting, or unless the adjournment is for
more than 120 days after the original record date, notice of such adjourned
meeting need not be given if the time and place to which the meeting shall be
adjourned were announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.

Section 2.05. Quorum. The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of
shares entitled to cast one-third of the votes entitled to be cast shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting of stockholders, except with respect to any
matter which requires approval by a separate vote of one or more classes or
series of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of the holders
of shares entitled to cast one-third of the votes entitled to be cast by each
class or series entitled to vote as a separate class or series shall constitute
a quorum. In the absence of a quorum no business may be transacted, except that
the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person or by proxy
and entitled to vote may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice
other than announcement thereat except as otherwise required by these By-Laws,
until the holders of the requisite amount of shares of stock shall be so
present. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum may be present any
business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as
originally called. The absence from any meeting, in person or by proxy, of
holders of the number of shares of stock of the Corporation in excess of a
majority thereof which may be required by the laws of the State of Maryland, the
Investment Company Act, or other applicable statute, the Articles of
Incorporation, as amended (the "Charter"), or these By-Laws, for action upon any
given matter shall not prevent action at such meeting upon any other matter or
matters which properly may come before the meeting, if there shall be present
thereat, in person or by proxy, holders of the number of shares of stock of the
Corporation required for action in respect of such other matter or matters.

Section 2.06. Organization. At each meeting of the stockholders, the
Chairman of the Board (if one has been designated by the Board), or in his or
her absence or inability to act, the President, or in the absence or inability
to act of the Chairman of the Board and the President, a Vice President, shall
act as chairman of the meeting. The Secretary, or in his or her absence or
inability to act, any person appointed by the chairman of the meeting, shall act
as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes thereof.

Section 2.07. Order of Business. The order of business at all
meetings of the stockholders shall be as determined by the chairman of the
meeting.

Section 2.08. Business at Annual Meeting. No business may be transacted at
any meeting of stockholders, other than business that is either (a) specified in
the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction
of the Board of Directors (or any duly

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authorized committee thereof), (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting
by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized
committee thereof) or (c) otherwise properly brought before any meeting by any
stockholder of the Corporation (i) who is a stockholder of record on the date of
the giving of the notice provided for in Article II, Section 2.04 of these
By-Laws and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
vote at any such meeting of stockholders as determined in accordance with
Article II, Section 2.11 hereof and (ii) who complies with the notice procedures
set forth in this Section 2.08.

In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be
properly brought before a meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have
given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the
Corporation.

To be timely, a stockholder's notice to the Secretary must be delivered to
or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (a)
with respect to the Corporation's first annual meeting of stockholders, not
later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) calendar day following the
day on which public disclosure of the date on which the first annual meeting
shall be held is first made (provided that such annual meeting shall be held
within ninety (90) calendar days of such public disclosure of the date); and (b)
thereafter, not less than sixty (60) calendar days nor more than ninety (90)
calendar days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual
meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual
meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) calendar days before
or sixty (60) calendar days after such anniversary date, notice by the
stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close
of business on the later of the sixtieth (60th) calendar day prior to such
annual meeting or the fifteenth (15th) calendar day following the day on which
notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the
date of the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs. For purposes of
this Section 2.08, the date of a public disclosure shall include, but not be
limited to, the date on which such disclosure is made in a press release
reported by the Dow Jones News Services, the Associated Press or any comparable
national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") pursuant to Sections
13, 14 or 15(d) (or the rules and regulations thereunder) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or pursuant to Section 30
(or the rules and regulations thereunder) of the Investment Company Act.

To be in proper written form, a stockholder's notice to the Secretary must
set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual
meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the
annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual
meeting, (ii) the name and record address of such stockholder, (iii) the class
or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are
owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (iv) a description of all
arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or
persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business
by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such
business and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in
person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the
meeting.

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No business shall be conducted at the annual meeting of stockholders
except business brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Section 2.08, provided, however, that, once
business has been properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with
such procedures, nothing in this Section 2.08 shall be deemed to preclude
discussion by any stockholder of any such business. If the chairman of a meeting
determines that business was not properly brought before the meeting in
accordance with the foregoing procedures, the chairman shall declare to the
meeting that the business was not properly brought before the meeting and such
business shall not be transacted.

Section 2.09. Nomination of Directors. Only persons who are nominated in
accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as
directors of the Corporation, except as may be otherwise provided in the Charter
with respect to the right, if any, of holders of preferred stock of the
Corporation to nominate and elect a specified number of directors in certain
circumstances. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may
be made at any annual meeting of stockholders, or at any special meeting of
stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, (a) by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof)
or (b) by any stockholder of the Corporation (i) who is a stockholder of record
on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.09 and on
the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such
meeting and (ii) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this
Section 2.09.

In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be
made by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in
proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation.

To be timely, a stockholder's notice to the Secretary must be delivered to
or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (a)
with respect to the Corporation's first annual meeting of stockholders, not
later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) calendar day following the
day on which public disclosure of the date on which the first annual meeting
shall be held is first made (provided that such annual meeting shall be held
within ninety (90) calendar days of such public disclosure of the date); (b)
thereafter, in the case of an annual meeting, not less than sixty (60) calendar
days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the anniversary date of
the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however,
that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not
within thirty (30) calendar days before or sixty (60) calendar days after such
anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so
received not later than the close of business on the later of the sixtieth
(60th) calendar day prior to such annual meeting or the fifteenth (15th)
calendar day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting
was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made,
whichever first occurs; and (c) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders
called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of
business on the fifteenth (15th) day following the day on which notice of the
date of the special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the
special meeting was made, whichever first occurs. For purposes of this Section
2.09, the date of a public disclosure shall include, but not be limited to, the
date on which such disclosure is made in a press release reported by the Dow
Jones News Services, the Associated Press or any comparable national news
service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Commission
pursuant

4
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to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) (or the rules and regulations thereunder) of the
Exchange Act or pursuant to Section 30 (or the rules and regulations thereunder)
of the Investment Company Act.

To be in proper written form, a stockholder's notice to the Secretary must
set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for
election as a director (i) the name, age, business address and residence address
of the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (iii)
the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation
which are owned beneficially or of record by the person and (iv) any other
information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a
proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with
solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (b) as to
the stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and record address of such
stockholder, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of
the Corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder,
(iii) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such
stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including
their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such
stockholder, (iv) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in
person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice
and (v) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be
required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be
made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors
pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of
each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if
elected.

No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation
unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section
2.09. If the chairman of the meeting determines that a nomination was not made
in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the chairman shall declare to the
meeting that the nomination was defective and such defective nomination shall be
disregarded.

Section 2.10. Voting. Except as otherwise provided by statute or by the
Charter, each holder of record of shares of stock of the Corporation having
voting power shall be entitled at each meeting of the stockholders to one vote
for every share of such stock standing in his or her name on the record of
stockholders of the Corporation as of the record date determined pursuant to
Section 2.11 of this Article or if such record date shall not have been so
fixed, then at the later of (i) the close of business on the day on which notice
of the meeting is mailed or (ii) the thirtieth day before the meeting.

Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders may
authorize another person or persons to act for him or her as proxy by signing a
writing authorizing another person to act as proxy. Such signing may be
accomplished by the stockholder or the stockholder's authorized agent signing
the writing or causing the stockholder's signature to be affixed to the writing
by any reasonable means, including facsimile signature. A stockholder may
authorize another person to act as proxy by transmitting, or authorizing the
transmission of, an authorization for the person to act as proxy to (i) the
person authorized to act as proxy or (ii) any other person authorized to receive
the proxy authorization on behalf of the person authorized to act as the proxy,
including a proxy solicitation firm or proxy support service organization. The

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authorization referred to in the preceding sentences may be transmitted by U.S.
mail, courier service, personal delivery, a telegram, cablegram, datagram,
electronic mail, or any other electronic or telephonic means and a copy,
facsimile telecommunication, or other reliable reproduction of the writing or
transmission authorized in this paragraph may be substituted for the original
writing or transmission for any purpose for which the original writing or
transmission could be used.

No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of eleven months from the
date thereof, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Every proxy shall be
revocable at the pleasure of the stockholder executing it, except in those cases
where such proxy states that it is irrevocable and where an irrevocable proxy is
permitted by law. Except as otherwise provided by statute, the Charter or these
By-Laws, any corporate action to be taken by vote of the stockholders (other
than the election of directors, which shall be by a plurality of votes cast)
shall be authorized by a majority of the total votes cast at a meeting of
stockholders by the holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy
and entitled to vote on such action.

If a vote shall be taken on any question other than the election of
directors, which shall be by written ballot, then unless required by statute or
by these By-Laws, or determined by the chairman of the meeting to be advisable,
any such vote need not be by ballot. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall be
signed by the stockholder voting, or by his or her proxy, if there be such
proxy, and shall state the number of shares voted.

Section 2.11. Fixing of Record Date. The Board of Directors may set a
record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at any
meeting of the stockholders. The record date, which may not be prior to the
close of business on the day the record date is fixed, shall be not more than 90
days nor less than 10 days before the date of the meeting of the stockholders.
All persons who were holders of record of shares at such time, and not others,
shall be entitled to vote at such meeting and any adjournment thereof.

Section 2.12. Inspectors. The Board, in advance of any meeting of
stockholders, may appoint one or more inspectors to act at such meeting or any
adjournment thereof. If the inspectors shall not be so appointed or if any of
them shall fail to appear or act, the chairman of the meeting may appoint
inspectors. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her
duties, may be required to take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the
duties of inspector at such meeting with strict impartiality and according to
the best of his or her ability. The inspectors may be empowered to determine the
number of shares outstanding and the voting powers of each, the number of shares
represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect
of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all
challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and
tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the result, and do such acts
as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders.
On request of the chairman of the meeting or any stockholder entitled to vote
thereat, the inspectors shall make a report in writing of any challenge, request
or matter determined by them and shall execute a certificate of any fact found
by them. No director or candidate for the office of director shall act as
inspector of an election of directors. Inspectors need not be stockholders.

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Section 2.13. Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. Except as
otherwise provided by statute or by the Charter, any action required to be taken
at any meeting of stockholders, or any action which may be taken at any meeting
of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and
without a vote, if the following are filed with the records of stockholders
meetings: (i) a unanimous written consent which sets forth the action and is
signed by each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter and (ii) a written
waiver of any right to dissent signed by each stockholder entitled to notice of
the meeting but not entitled to vote thereat.

Article III

Board of Directors

Section 3.01. General Powers. Except as otherwise provided in the Charter,
the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction
of the Board of Directors. All powers of the Corporation may be exercised by or
under authority of the Board of Directors except as conferred on or reserved to
the stockholders by law or by the Charter or these By-Laws.

Section 3.02. Number of Directors. The number of directors shall be fixed
from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors adopted by a majority
of the entire Board of Directors; provided, however, that in no event shall the
number of directors be less than the minimum permitted by the General Law of the
State of Maryland nor more than fifteen. Any vacancy created by an increase in
Directors may be filled in accordance with Section 6 of this Article III. No
reduction in the number of directors shall have the effect of removing any
director from office prior to the expiration of his or her term unless such
director is specifically removed pursuant to Section 5 of this Article III at
the time of such decrease. Directors need not be stockholders.

Section 3.03. Election and Term of Directors. Directors shall be elected
annually at a meeting of stockholders held for that purpose; provided, however,
that if no meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation is required to be held
in a particular year pursuant to Section 1 of Article II of these By-Laws,
directors shall be elected at the next meeting held. The term of office of each
director shall be from the time of his or her election and qualification until
the election of directors next succeeding his or her election and until his or
her successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified, or until his or
her death, or until he or she shall have resigned or until December 31 of the
year in which he or she shall have reached 72 years of age, or until he or she
shall have been removed as hereinafter provided in these By-Laws, or as
otherwise provided by statute or by the Charter.

Section 3.04. Resignation. A director of the Corporation may resign at any
time by giving written notice of his or her resignation to the Board or the
Chairman of the Board or the President or the Secretary. Any such resignation
shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall
become effective shall not be specified therein, immediately upon its receipt;
and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation
shall not be necessary to make it effective.

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Section 3.05. Removal of Directors. Any director of the Corporation may be
removed (with or without cause) by the stockholders by a vote of a majority of
the votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors.

Section 3.06. Vacancies. Any vacancies in the Board, whether arising from
death, resignation, removal, an increase in the number of directors or any other
cause, may be filled by a vote of the majority of the Board of Directors then in
office even though such majority is less than a quorum, provided that no
vacancies shall be filled by action of the remaining directors, if after the
filling of said vacancy or vacancies, less than two-thirds of the directors then
holding office shall have been elected by the stockholders of the Corporation.
In the event that at any time there is a vacancy in any office of a director
which vacancy may not be filled by the remaining directors, a special meeting of
the stockholders shall be held as promptly as possible and in any event within
60 days, for the purpose of filling said vacancy or vacancies.

Section 3.07. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Board may be held at such
place as the Board from time to time may determine or as shall be specified in
the notice of such meeting.

Section 3.08. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be
held without notice at such time and place as may be determined by the Board
of Directors.

Section 3.09. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be
called by two or more directors of the Corporation or by the Chairman of the
Board or the President.

Section 3.10. Telephone Meetings. Members of the Board of Directors or of
any committee thereof may participate in a meeting by means of a conference
telephone or similar communications equipment if all persons participating in
the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Subject to the provisions of
the Investment Company Act participation in a meeting by these means constitutes
presence in person at the meeting.

Section 3.11. Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of each special meeting
of the Board shall be given by the Secretary as hereinafter provided, in which
notice shall be stated the time and place of the meeting. Notice of each such
meeting shall be delivered to each director, either personally or by telephone
or any standard form of telecommunication, at least 24 hours before the time at
which such meeting is to be held, or by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
addressed to him or her at his or her residence or usual place of business, at
least three days before the day on which such meeting is to be held.

Section 3.12. Waiver of Notice of Meetings. Notice of any special meeting
need not be given to any director who, either before or after the meeting, shall
sign a written waiver of notice which is filed with the records of the meeting
or who shall attend such meeting. Except as otherwise specifically required by
these By-Laws, a notice or waiver or notice of any meeting need not state the
purposes of such meeting.

Section 3.13. Quorum and Voting. One-third, but not less than two (unless
there is only one Director), of the members of the entire Board shall be present
in person at any meeting of the Board in order to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at such meeting, and except as otherwise expressly
required by statute, the Charter, these By-Laws, the Investment Company Act, or
other applicable statute, the act of a majority of the directors present at any
meeting at

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which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board. In the absence of a
quorum at any meeting of the Board, a majority of the directors present thereat
may adjourn such meeting to another time and place until a quorum shall be
present thereat. Notice of the time and place of any such adjourned meeting
shall be given to the directors who were not present at the time of the
adjournment and, unless such time and place were announced at the meeting at
which the adjournment was taken, to the other directors. At any adjourned
meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might
have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

Section 3.14. Organization. The Board, by resolution adopted by a majority
of the entire Board, may designate a Chairman of the Board, who shall preside at
each meeting of the Board. In the absence or inability of the Chairman of the
Board to preside at a meeting, the President or, in his or her absence or
inability to act, another director chosen by a majority of the directors
present, shall act as chairman of the meeting and preside thereat. The Secretary
(or, in his or her absence or inability to act, any person appointed by the
Chairman) shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes thereof.

Section 3.15. Written Consent of Directors in Lieu of a Meeting. Subject
to the provisions of the Investment Company Act, any action required or
permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any
committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or
committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writings or
writing are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or committee.

Section 3.16. Compensation. Directors may receive compensation for
services to the Corporation in their capacities as directors or otherwise in
such manner and in such amounts as may be fixed from time to time by the
Board.

Section 3.17. Investment Policies. It shall be the duty of the Board of
Directors to direct that the purchase, sale, retention and disposal of portfolio
securities and the other investment practices of the Corporation at all times
are consistent with the investment policies and restrictions with respect to
securities investments and otherwise of the Corporation, as recited in the
Prospectus of the Corporation included in the Registration Statement of the
Corporation, as recited in the current Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information of the Corporation, as filed from time to time with the Commission,
and as required by the Investment Company Act. The Board, however, may delegate
the duty of management of the assets and the administration of its day-to-day
operations to an individual or corporate management company and/or investment
adviser pursuant to a written contract or contracts which have obtained the
requisite approvals, including the requisite approvals of renewals thereof, of
the Board of Directors and/or the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance
with the provisions of the Investment Company Act.

Article IV

Committees

Section 4.01. Executive Committee. The Board, by resolution adopted by a
majority of the entire board, may designate an Executive Committee consisting of
two or more of the

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directors of the Corporation, which committee shall have and may exercise all of
the powers and authority of the Board with respect to all matters other than:

(a) the submission to stockholders of any action requiring
authorization of stockholders pursuant to statute or the Charter;

(b) the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors;

(c) the fixing of compensation of the directors for serving on the Board
or on any committee of the Board, including the Executive Committee;

(d) the approval or termination of any contract with an investment adviser
or principal underwriter, as such terms are defined in the Investment Company
Act, or the taking of any other action required to be taken by the Board of
Directors by the Investment Company Act;

(e) the amendment or repeal of these By-Laws or the adoption of new
By-Laws;

(f) the amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board which by its
terms may be amended or repealed only by the Board;

(g) the declaration of dividends and, except to the extent permitted by
law, the issuance of capital stock of the Corporation; and

(h) the approval of any merger or share exchange which does not require
stockholder approval.

The Executive Committee shall keep written minutes of its proceedings and
shall report such minutes to the Board. All such proceedings shall be subject to
revision or alteration by the Board; provided, however, that third parties shall
not be prejudiced by such revision or alteration.

Section 4.02. Other Committees of the Board. The Board of Directors from
time to time, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board, may
designate one or more other committees of the Board, each such committee to
consist of one or more directors and to have such powers and duties as the Board
of Directors, by resolution, may prescribe.

Section 4.03. General. One-third, but not less than two (unless there is
only one member), of the members of any committee shall be present in person at
any meeting of such committee in order to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at such meeting, and the act of a majority present shall
be the act of such committee. The Board may designate a chairman of any
committee and such chairman or any two members of any committee may fix the time
and place of its meetings unless the Board shall otherwise provide. In the
absence or disqualification of any member of any committee, the member or
members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether
or not he or she or they constitute a quorum, unanimously may appoint another
member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such
absent or disqualified member. The Board shall have the power at any time to
change the membership of any committee, to fill all vacancies, to designate
alternate members to replace any absent or disqualified member, or to dissolve
any such committee. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent the Board from
appointing one or more

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committees consisting in whole or in part of persons who are not directors of
the Corporation; provided, however, that no such committee shall have or may
exercise any authority or power of the Board in the management of the business
or affairs of the Corporation, except as may be prescribed by the Board.

Article V

Officers, Agents and Employees

Section 5.01. Number and Qualifications. The officers of the
Corporation shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, each of whom
shall be elected by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may elect or
appoint one or more Vice Presidents and also may appoint such other officers,
agents and employees as it may deem necessary or proper. Any two or more offices
may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Vice
President, but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in
more than one capacity. Such officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors
each year at a meeting of the Board of Directors, each to hold office for the
ensuing year and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and
shall have qualified, or until his or her death, or until he or she shall have
resigned, or have been removed, as hereinafter provided in these By-Laws. The
Board from time to time may elect such officers (including one or more Assistant
Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Treasurers and one or more Assistant
Secretaries) and such agents, as may be necessary or desirable for the business
of the Corporation. The President also shall have the power to appoint such
assistant officers (including one or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one or more
Assistant Treasurers and one or more Assistant Secretaries) as may be necessary
or appropriate to facilitate the management of the Corporation's affairs. Such
officers and agents shall have such duties and shall hold their offices for such
terms as may be prescribed by the Board or by the appointing authority.

Section 5.02. Resignations. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at
any time by giving written notice of resignation to the Board, the Chairman of
the Board, President or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect at
the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective shall
not be specified therein, immediately upon its receipt; and, unless otherwise
specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall be necessary to make
it effective.

Section 5.03. Removal of Officer, Agent or Employee. Any officer, agent or
employee of the Corporation may be removed by the Board of Directors with or
without cause at any time, and the Board may delegate such power of removal as
to agents and employees not elected or appointed by the Board of Directors. Such
removal shall be without prejudice to such person's contract rights, if any, but
the appointment of any person as an officer, agent or employee of the
Corporation shall not of itself create contract rights.

Section 5.04. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office, whether arising from
death, resignation, removal or any other cause, may be filled for the unexpired
portion of the term of the office which shall be vacant, in the manner
prescribed in these By-Laws for the regular election or appointment to such
office.

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Section 5.05. Compensation. The compensation of the officers of the
Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, but this power may be
delegated to any officer in respect of other officers under his or her
control.

Section 5.06. Bonds or Other Security. If required by the Board, any
officer, agent or employee of the Corporation shall give a bond or other
security for the faithful performance of his or her duties, in such amount and
with such surety or sureties as the Board may require.

Section 5.07. President. The President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board (or if
there be none), he or she shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and
of the Board of Directors. He or she shall have, subject to the control of the
Board of Directors, general charge of the business and affairs of the
Corporation. He or she may employ and discharge employees and agents of the
Corporation, except such as shall be appointed by the Board, and he or she may
delegate these powers.

Section 5.08. Vice President. Each Vice President shall have such
powers and perform such duties as the Board of Directors or the President
from time to time may prescribe.

Section 5.09. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:

(a) have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all of the funds
and securities of the Corporation, except those which the Corporation has placed
in the custody of a bank or trust company or member of a national securities
exchange (as that term is defined in the Exchange Act) pursuant to a written
agreement designating such bank or trust company or member of a national
securities exchange as custodian of the property of the Corporation;

(b) keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books
belonging to the Corporation;

(d) receive, and give receipts for, moneys due and payable, to the
Corporation from any source whatsoever;

(e) disburse the funds of the Corporation and supervise the investment of
its funds as ordered or authorized by the Board, taking proper vouchers
therefor; and

(f) in general, perform all of the duties incident to the office of
Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or
her by the Board or the President.

Section 5.10. Secretary. The Secretary shall:

(a) keep or cause to be kept in one or more books provided for the
purpose, the minutes of all meetings of the Board, the committees of the Board
and the stockholders;

(b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions
of these By-Laws and as required by law;

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(c) be custodian of the records and the seal of the Corporation and affix
and attest the seal to all stock certificates of the Corporation (unless the
seal of the Corporation on such certificates shall be a facsimile, as
hereinafter provided) and affix and attest the seal to all other documents to be
executed on behalf of the Corporation under its seal;

(d) see that the books, reports, statements, certificates and other
documents and records required by law to be kept and filed are properly kept and
filed; and

(e) in general, perform all of the duties incident to the office of
Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or
her by the Board or the President.

Section 5.11. Delegation of Duties. In case of the absence of any officer
of the Corporation, or for any other reason that the Board may deem sufficient,
the Board may confer for the time being the powers or duties, or any of them, of
such officer upon any other officer or upon any director.

Article VI

Indemnification

Section 6.01. General Indemnification. Each officer and director of the
Corporation shall be indemnified by the Corporation to the full extent permitted
under the Maryland General Corporation Law, except that such indemnity shall not
protect any such person against any liability to the Corporation or any
stockholder thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. Absent a court
determination that an officer or director seeking indemnification was not liable
on the merits or guilty of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office,
the decision by the Corporation to indemnify such person must be based upon the
reasonable determination of independent legal counsel or the vote of a majority
of a quorum of the directors who are neither "interested persons," as defined in
Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act, nor parties to the proceeding
("non-party independent directors"), after review of the facts, that such
officer or director is not guilty of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or
her office.

Each officer and director of the Corporation claiming indemnification
within the scope of this Article VI shall be entitled to advances from the
Corporation for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in
connection with proceedings to which he or she is a party in the manner and to
the full extent permitted under the Maryland General Corporation Law without a
preliminary determination as to his or her ultimate entitlement to
indemnification (except as set forth below); provided, however, that the person
seeking indemnification shall provide to the Corporation a written affirmation
of his or her good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for
indemnification by the Corporation has been met and a written undertaking to
repay any such advance, if it should ultimately be determined that the standard
of conduct has not been met, and provided further that at least one of the
following additional conditions is met: (a) the person seeking indemnification
shall provide a security in form and

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amount acceptable to the Corporation for his or her undertaking; (b) the
Corporation is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; (c) a
majority of a quorum of non-party independent directors, or independent legal
counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based on a review of facts
readily available to the Corporation at the time the advance is proposed to be
made, that there is reason to believe that the person seeking indemnification
will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification.

The Corporation may purchase insurance on behalf of an officer or director
protecting such person to the full extent permitted under the General Laws of
the State of Maryland, from liability arising from his or her activities as
officer or director of the Corporation. The Corporation, however, may not
purchase insurance on behalf of any officer or director of the Corporation that
protects or purports to protect such person from liability to the Corporation or
to its stockholders to which such officer or director would otherwise be subject
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

The Corporation may indemnify, make advances or purchase insurance to the
extent provided in this Article VI on behalf of an employee or agent who is not
an officer or director of the Corporation.

Section 6.02. Other Rights. The indemnification provided by this Article
VI shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right, in respect of
indemnification or otherwise, to which those seeking such indemnification may be
entitled under any insurance or other agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action by a director or officer
of the Corporation in his or her official capacity and as to action by such
person in another capacity while holding such office or position, and shall
continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall
inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.

Article VII

Capital Stock

Section 7.01. Stock Certificates. Each holder of stock of the Corporation
shall be entitled upon request to have a certificate or certificates, in such
form as shall be approved by the Board, representing the number of shares of
stock of the Corporation owned by him or her, provided, however, that
certificates for fractional shares will not be delivered in any case. The
certificates representing shares of stock shall be signed by or in the name of
the Corporation by the Chairman, President or a Vice President and by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer
and sealed with the seal of the Corporation. Any or all of the signatures or the
seal on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent
or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a
certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar
before such certificate shall be issued, it may be issued by the Corporation
with the same effect as if such officer, transfer agent or registrar were still
in office at the date of issue.

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Section 7.02. Books of Account and Record of Stockholders. There shall be
kept at the principal executive office of the Corporation correct and complete
books and records of account of all of the business and transactions of the
Corporation.

Section 7.03. Transfers of Shares. Transfers of shares of stock of the
Corporation shall be made on the stock records of the Corporation only by the
registered holder thereof, or by his or her attorney thereunto authorized by
power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary or with a transfer
agent or transfer clerk, and on surrender of the certificate or certificates, if
issued, for such shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed
stock transfer power and the payment of all taxes thereon. Except as otherwise
provided by law, the Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive
right of a person in whose name any share or shares stand on the record of
stockholders as the owner of such share or shares for all purposes, including,
without limitation, the rights to receive dividends or other distributions, and
to vote as such owner, and the Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any
equitable or legal claim to or interest in any such share or shares on the part
of any other person.

Section 7.04. Regulations. The Board may make such additional rules and
regulations, not inconsistent with these By-Laws, as it may deem expedient
concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates for shares of
stock of the Corporation. It may appoint, or authorize any officer or officers
to appoint, one or more transfer agents or one or more transfer clerks and one
or more registrars and may require all certificates for shares of stock to bear
the signature or signatures of any of them.

Section 7.05. Lost, Destroyed or Mutilated Certificates. The holder of any
certificates representing shares of stock of the Corporation shall immediately
notify the Corporation of any loss, destruction or mutilation of such
certificate, and the Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in the
place of any certificate theretofore issued by it which the owner thereof shall
allege to have been lost or destroyed or which shall have been mutilated, and
the Board, in its discretion, may require such owner or his or her legal
representatives to give to the Corporation a bond in such sum, limited or
unlimited, and in such form and with such surety or sureties, as the Board in
its absolute discretion shall determine, to indemnify the Corporation against
any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss or
destruction of any such certificate, or issuance of a new certificate. Anything
herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Board, in its absolute discretion,
may refuse to issue any such new certificate, except pursuant to legal
proceedings under the laws of the State of Maryland.

Section 7.06. Fixing of a Record Date for Dividends and Distributions. The
Board may fix, in advance, a date not more than 90 days preceding the date fixed
for the payment of any dividend or the making of any distribution or the
allotment of rights to subscribe for securities of the Corporation, or for the
delivery of evidences of rights or evidences of interests arising out of any
change, conversion or exchange of common stock or other securities, as the
record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to receive any
such dividend, distribution, allotment, rights or interests, and in such case
only the stockholders of record at the time so fixed shall be entitled to
receive such dividend, distribution, allotment, rights or interests.

Section 7.07. Information to Stockholders and Others. Any stockholder of
the Corporation or his or her agent may inspect and copy during usual business
hours the

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Corporation's By-Laws, minutes of the proceedings of its stockholders, annual
statements of its affairs, and voting trust agreements on file at its principal
office.

Article VIII

Seal

The seal of the Corporation shall be circular in form and shall bear, in
addition to any other emblem or device approved by the Board of Directors, the
name of the Corporation, the year of its incorporation and the words "Corporate
Seal" and "Maryland." Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof
to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

Article IX

Fiscal Year

The Board of Directors shall have the power from time to time to fix the
fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

Article X

Depositories and Custodians

Section 10.01. Depositories. The funds of the Corporation shall be
deposited with such banks or other depositories as the Board of Directors of
the Corporation from time to time may determine.

Section 10.02. Custodians. All securities and other investments shall be
deposited in the safekeeping of such banks or other companies as the Board of
Directors of the Corporation may from time to time determine. Every arrangement
entered into with any bank or other company for the safekeeping of the
securities and investments of the Corporation shall contain provisions complying
with the Investment Company Act, and the general rules and regulations
thereunder.

Article XI

Execution of Instruments

Section 11.01. Checks, Notes, Drafts, etc. Checks, notes, drafts,
acceptances, bills of exchange and other orders or obligations for the payment
of money shall be signed by such officer or officers or person or persons as the
Board of Directors from time to time shall designate by resolution.

Section 11.02. Sale or Transfer of Securities. Stock certificates, bonds
or other securities at any time owned by the Corporation may be held on behalf
of the Corporation or sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of subject to any
limits imposed by these By-Laws and pursuant to authorization by the Board and,
when so authorized to be held on behalf of the Corporation or sold, transferred
or otherwise disposed of, may be transferred from the name of

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the Corporation by the signature of the President or a Vice President or the
Treasurer or pursuant to any procedure approved by the Board of Directors,
subject to applicable law.

Article XII

Independent Public Accountants

The firm of independent public accountants which shall sign or certify the
financial statements of the Corporation which are filed with the Commission
shall be selected annually by the Board of Directors and, if required by the
provisions of the Investment Company Act, ratified by the stockholders.

Article XIII

Annual Statement

The books of account of the Corporation shall be examined by an
independent firm of public accountants at the close of each annual period of the
Corporation and at such other times as may be directed by the Board. A report to
the stockholders based upon each such examination shall be mailed to each
stockholder of the Corporation of record on such date with respect to each
report as may be determined by the Board, at his or her address as the same
appears on the books of the Corporation. Such annual statement shall also be
available at any annual meeting of stockholders and shall be placed on file at
the Corporation's principal office in the State of Maryland, and if no annual
meeting is held pursuant to Article II, Section 2.01 hereof, such annual
statement of affairs shall be placed on file at the Corporation's principal
office within 120 days after the end of the Corporation's fiscal year. Each such
report shall show the assets and liabilities of the Corporation as of the close
of the annual or quarterly period covered by the report and the securities in
which the funds of the Corporation were then invested. Such report also shall
show the Corporation's income and expenses for the period from the end of the
Corporation's preceding fiscal year to the close of the annual or quarterly
period covered by the report and any other information required by the
Investment Company Act, and shall set forth such other matters as the Board or
such firm of independent public accountants shall determine.

Article XIV

Amendments

These By-Laws or any of them may be amended, altered or repealed by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. The stockholders shall
have no power to make, amend, alter or repeal By-Laws.