FORTIS SERIES FUND INC
485APOS, 1999-03-01
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<PAGE>
                                              1933 Act Registration No.  33-3920
                                              1940 Act Registration No. 811-4615

       AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 1, 1999
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               Washington, D.C. 20549

                                     FORM N-1A
              REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                           Pre-Effective Amendment No.
                                                       ------
                          Post-Effective Amendment No.   24
                                                       ------

                                       AND/OR

                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                           INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
                                Amendment No.    24
                                                ----
                          (Check appropriate box or boxes)

                              FORTIS SERIES FUND, INC.
                 (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

                                500 Bielenberg Drive
                              Woodbury, Minnesota  55125
                 (Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

                                   (651) 738-4000
                (Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)

                               Scott R. Plummer, Esq.
                                500 Bielenberg Drive
                             Woodbury, Minnesota  55125
                      (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

                                      COPY TO:
                            Kathleen L. Prudhomme, Esq.
                                Dorsey & Whitney LLP
                               220 South Sixth Street
                         Minneapolis, Minnesota  55402-1498

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

              immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
          ---
              on (specify date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
          ---
              75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
          ---
           X  on May 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
          ---
              60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
          ---
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<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
The Series
  Money Market Series....................................................................................           1
  U.S. Government Securities Series......................................................................           3
  Diversified Income Series..............................................................................           5
  Global Bond Series.....................................................................................           7
  High Yield Series......................................................................................           9
  Global Asset Allocation Series.........................................................................          11
  Asset Allocation Series................................................................................          14
  Value Series...........................................................................................          17
  Growth & Income Series.................................................................................          19
  S&P 500 Index Series...................................................................................          21
  Blue Chip Stock Series.................................................................................          23
  International Stock Series.............................................................................          25
  Mid Cap Stock Series...................................................................................          27
  Small Cap Value Series.................................................................................          29
  Global Growth Series...................................................................................          31
  Large Cap Growth Series................................................................................          33
  Growth Stock Series....................................................................................          35
  Aggressive Growth Series...............................................................................          37
 
Shareholder Information
  Separate Accounts and the Contracts....................................................................          39
  Pricing of Fund Shares.................................................................................          39
  Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares.................................................................          39
  Transfers Among Subaccounts............................................................................          39
  Dividends and Distributions............................................................................
  Taxation...............................................................................................          39
  Contract Owner Inquiries...............................................................................          39
 
Series Management
  Investment Adviser.....................................................................................          40
  Portfolio Management...................................................................................
  The Sub-Advisers.......................................................................................          41
 
More Information on Series Objectives, Investment Strategies and Risks
  Objectives.............................................................................................          44
  Investment Strategies..................................................................................          44
  Principal Risks........................................................................................          45
 
Financial Highlights.....................................................................................          49
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE SERIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This section briefly describes the objectives, principal investment strategies
and principal risks of Money Market Series, U.S. Government Securities Series,
Diversified Income Series, Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset
Allocation Series, Asset Allocation Series, Value Series, Growth & Income
Series, S&P 500 Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock
Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap Value Series, Global Growth Series,
Large Cap Growth Series, Growth Stock Series and Aggressive Growth Series (the
"Series"). It also provides you with information on how each Series has
performed. For further information on a Series, please read the section entitled
"More Information on Series Objectives, Investment Strategies and Risks."
 
AN INVESTMENT IN A SERIES IS NOT A DEPOSIT OF ANY BANK AND IS NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY.
 
MONEY MARKET SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
Money Market Series' objectives are high levels of capital stability and
liquidity and, to the extent consistent with these objectives, a high level of
current income.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Money Market Series pursues its objective by investing in high quality,
short-term debt obligations, including:
 
    - commercial paper;
 
    - obligations of United States, Canadian-chartered and foreign banks having
      total assets in excess of one billion dollars, including certificates of
      deposits, letters of credit and bankers' acceptances;
 
    - obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its
      agencies or instrumentalities;
 
    - other corporate debt obligations; and
 
    - repurchase agreements in connection with the above obligations.
 
Unlike a traditional money market mutual fund, the Series does not attempt to
maintain its net asset value at any set price. The Series does, however, attempt
to maintain a high level of capital stability by investing only in U.S.
dollar-denominated securities that mature in 397 days or less, except that
obligations issued by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities may have maturities of up to 762 days. The Series may invest
in securities with variable or floating interest rates and securities with
demand features. The maturities of these securities are determined according to
regulations which allow the Series to consider some of the securities to have
maturities shorter than their stated maturity dates. Money Market Series will
maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less. All of
the Series investments must be in high quality securities which have been
determined by the Series' adviser to present minimal credit risk.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Money Market Series' share price and yield will change daily because of changes
in interest rates and other factors. The principal risks of investing in Money
Market Series include:
 
    - INTEREST RATE RISK.  Debt obligations in the Series will fluctuate in
    value with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will
    increase in value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when
    interest rates rise. Securities with longer maturities generally have more
    volatile prices than securities of comparable quality with shorter
    maturities.
 
    - INCOME RISK.  Income risk is the potential for a decline in the Series'
    income due to falling interest rates.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
    - CREDIT OR DEFAULT RISK.  If a bond issuer's credit quality declines or its
    credit agency ratings are downgraded, there may be a resulting decline in
    the bond's price. If credit quality deteriorates to the point of possible or
    actual default (inability to pay interest or repay principal on a timely
    basis), the bond's market value could decline precipitously.
 
    - FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISKS.  The Series' investment in foreign securities
    involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investing. Risks of
    foreign investing include limited liquidity and volatile prices of non-U.S.
    securities, limited availability of information regarding non-U.S.
    companies, investment and repatriation restrictions, and foreign taxation.
 
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Money Market
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series has varied from year to year. The table illustrates the Series'
performance over different time periods. Remember, how the Series has performed
in the past is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the
future.
 
              ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was    %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>              <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:               %  quarter ending           , 199
WORST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending           , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Money Market Series................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of the U.S. Government Series is to maximize total return (from
income and market value change), while providing you with a high level of
current income consistent with prudent investment risk.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
U.S. Government Series pursues its objective by investing primarily in
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities. The Series invests both in U.S. Treasury obligations and in
obligations of U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities. The Series may
invest a significant portion of its assets in mortgage-backed securities issued
by U.S. Government agencies. It is anticipated that the duration of the Series
will be between three and seven years.
 
The Series' investments in mortgage-backed securities may include U.S.
Government agency-backed collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"). Some
types of CMOs, such as interest-only classes ("IOs"), principal-only classes
("POs"), inverse floaters and accrual bonds, can be highly volatile in response
to changing interest rates. The Series will not invest more than 5% of its net
assets in any one of these types of securities or more than 10% of its net
assets collectively in IOs, POs, inverse floaters and accrual bonds.
 
The Series also may invest in zero coupon obligations of the U.S. Government and
its agencies. Because these obligations do not pay interest currently, their
prices can be highly volatile as interest rates rise and fall.
 
The Series' portfolio may change based upon factors such as the anticipated
timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates and expectations concerning
the future performance of different asset categories. The decision to purchase a
particular security is based upon a number of factors, the most important of
which are the characteristics of the security (interest rate, term, call
provisions, etc.) and diversification in the Series.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
U.S. Government Series' share price and yield will change daily because of
changes in interest rates and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in
the Series. The principal risks of investing in U.S. Government Series include:
 
    - INTEREST RATE RISK.  Debt securities in the Series will fluctuate in value
    with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in
    value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates
    rise. One measure of interest rate risk is duration. Securities with longer
    durations generally have more volatile prices than securities of comparable
    quality with shorter durations.
 
    - INCOME RISK.  Income risk is the potential for a decline in the Series'
    income due to falling interest rates.
 
    - CREDIT OR DEFAULT RISK.  If a bond issuer's credit quality declines or its
    credit agency ratings are downgraded, there may be a resulting decline in
    the bond's price. If credit quality deteriorates to the point of possible or
    actual default (inability to pay interest or repay principal on a timely
    basis), the bond's market value could decline precipitously.
 
    - CALL RISK.  The Series is subject to the possibility that, under certain
    conditions, especially during periods of falling interest rates, a bond
    issuer will "call"--or repay--its bonds before their maturity date. The
    Series may then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower
    interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Series' income.
 
    - RISKS OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES.  Because the Series may invest
    significantly in mortgage-backed securities, it is subject to prepayment
    risk and extension risk. Similar to call risk, prepayment risk is the risk
    that falling interest rates could cause faster than expected prepayments of
    the mortgages underlying the Series' mortgage-backed securities. These
    prepayments pass through to the Series, which must reinvest them at a time
    when interest rates on new mortgage investments are falling, reducing the
    Series' income. Extension risk is the risk that rising interest rates could
    cause mortgage prepayments to slow, which would lengthen the duration of the
    Series' mortgage-backed securities and cause their prices to decline.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on U.S. Government
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
              ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending           , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending           , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
U.S. Government Series.............................................................           .%           .%           .%
Lehman Brothers Intermediate Government Bond Index*................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
* An unmanaged index of government bonds with an average maturity of eight to
nine years.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
DIVERSIFIED INCOME SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Diversified Income Series is to maximize total return from
income and market value change.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Diversified Income Series pursues its objective by investing primarily in a
diversified portfolio of government securities and investment grade corporate
bonds, including:
 
    - corporate fixed income securities;
 
    - securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
      instrumentalities;
 
    - mortgage-backed securities;
 
    - asset-backed securities;
 
    - repurchase agreements;
 
    - commercial paper; and
 
    - cash and income producing cash equivalents.
 
The Series may invest up to 30% of its total assets in non-investment grade
corporate bonds (sometimes referred to as "junk bonds" or "high yield"
securities) and unrated corporate bonds. Up to 10% of the Series' assets may be
invested in "non-performing" securities. These are securities rated lower than
Caa by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") or CCC by Standard & Poor's Ratings
Service ("S&P"), that are comparably rated by another nationally recognized
rating organization, or that are unrated and determined by the Series' adviser
to be of comparable quality . Non-performing securities are highly speculative
and may be in default or there may be elements of danger with respect to the
payment of principal or interest.
 
The Series' portfolio may change based upon factors such as the anticipated
timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates and expectations concerning
the future performance of different asset categories. The decision to purchase a
particular security is based upon many factors, the most important of which are
the characteristics of the security (interest rate, term, call provisions,
etc.), the financial stability and managerial strength of the issuer of the
security and diversification in the Fund. It is anticipated that the duration of
the Series will be between    and    years.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Diversified Income Series' share price and yield will change daily because of
changes in interest rates and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in
the Series. The principal risks of investing in Diversified Income Series
include:
 
    - INTEREST RATE RISK.  Debt securities in the Series will fluctuate in value
    with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in
    value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates
    rise. One measure of interest rate risk is duration. Securities with longer
    durations generally have more volatile prices than securities with
    comparable quality with shorter durations.
 
    - INCOME RISK.  Income risk is the potential for a decline in the Series'
    income due to falling interest rates.
 
    - CREDIT OR DEFAULT RISK.  If a bond issuer's credit quality declines or its
    credit agency ratings are downgraded, there may be a resulting decline in
    the bond's price. If credit quality deteriorates to the point of possible or
    actual default (inability to pay interest or repay principal on a timely
    basis), the bond's market value could decline precipitously.
 
    - CALL RISK.  The Series is subject to the possibility that, under certain
    conditions, especially during periods of falling interest rates, a bond
    issuer will "call"--or repay--its bonds before their maturity date. The
    Series may then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower
    interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Series' income.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
    - RISKS OF MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.  Because the Series may
    invest significantly in mortgage- and asset-backed securities, it is subject
    to prepayment risk and extension risk. Similar to call risk, prepayment risk
    is the risk that falling interest rates could cause faster than expected
    prepayments of the obligations underlying the Series' mortgage- and
    asset-backed securities. These prepayments pass through to the Series, which
    must reinvest them at a time when interest rates on new investments are
    falling, reducing the Series' income. Extension risk is the risk that rising
    interest rates could cause prepayments on the obligations to slow, which
    would lengthen the duration of the Series' mortgage- and asset-backed
    securities and cause their prices to decline.
 
    - RISKS OF HIGH YIELD, HIGH RISK SECURITIES.  A significant portion of the
    Series' portfolio may consist of non-investment grade fixed income
    securities, commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds."
    These securities generally have more volatile prices and carry more risk to
    principal than investment grade securities.
 
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Diversified Income
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
              ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Diversified Income Series..........................................................           .%           .%           .%
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index*..............................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of government, corporate and mortgage-backed securities
with an average maturity of approximately nine years.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
GLOBAL BOND SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Global Bond Series is total return from current income and
capital appreciation.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Global Bond Series pursues its objective by investing in a portfolio of fixed
income securities from issuers located throughout the world, including the
United States. The Series portfolio consists principally of high quality fixed
income securities issued or guaranteed by:
 
    - U.S. and foreign governments and their agencies and instrumentalities;
 
    - government-related issuers, and
 
    - supranational organizations, such as the World Bank and the European
      Economic Community.
 
The Series also invests in corporate fixed-income securities issued by foreign
or U.S. companies; certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and time
deposits, and commercial paper issued by foreign or U.S. companies.
 
At least 90% of the Series' assets will be in high quality securities. These
securities will be rated in the two highest rating categories by Moody's, S&P or
another nationally recognized rating organization or, if unrated, determined to
be of comparable quality by the Series' sub-adviser. Although the Series
emphasizes investments in developed countries, up to 20% of its assets may be
invested in emerging markets.
 
In selecting securities for the Series, the Series sub-adviser, Mercury Asset
Management plc ("Mercury") assesses real interest rates, inflationary trends and
yield curves in the global fixed income markets and combines this with a
separate currency analysis that focuses on relative interest rate differentials
and economic competitiveness. Mercury then seeks to establish overweight
positions in markets that appear to offer the most attractive yield curves and
the highest yields over and above future inflation. It is anticipated that the
duration of the Series will range from two to eight years.
 
The Series may enter into interest rate futures contracts and options thereon
for hedging purposes and for efficient portfolio management. The Series also may
engage in forward currency exchange contracts and currency financial futures and
options, both to hedge its portfolio and to enhance returns.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Global Bond Series' share price and yield will change daily because of changes
in interest rates and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the
Series. The principal risks of investing in the Series include:
 
    - INTEREST RATE RISK.  Debt securities in the Series will fluctuate in value
    with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in
    value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates
    rise. One measure of interest rate risk is duration. Securities with longer
    durations generally have more volatile prices than securities with
    comparable quality with shorter durations.
 
    - INCOME RISK.  Income risk is the potential for a decline in the Series'
    income due to falling interest rates.
 
    - CREDIT OR DEFAULT RISK.  If a bond issuer's credit quality declines or its
    credit agency ratings are downgraded, there may be a resulting decline in
    the bond's price. If credit quality deteriorates to the point of possible or
    actual default (inability to pay interest or repay principal on a timely
    basis), the bond's market value could decline precipitously.
 
    - CALL RISK.  The Series is subject to the possibility that, under certain
    conditions, especially during periods of falling interest rates, a bond
    issuer will "call"--or repay--its bonds before their maturity date. The
    Series may then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower
    interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Series' income.
 
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN INVESTING.  The Series' investment in foreign securities
    subject it to risks not typically associated with U.S. investing. Because of
    these risks, the Series may be subject to greater volatility than most
    series which invest principally in domestic securities. The Series may
    experience a decline in net asset value resulting from changes in exchange
    rates between the United States dollar and foreign currencies. Other risks
    of foreign investing include limited liquidity and volatile prices of
    non-U.S. securities, limited availability of information regarding non-U.S.
    companies, investment and repatriation restrictions, and foreign taxation.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
    - RISKS OF EMERGING MARKETS.  The risks of foreign investing are
    particularly significant in emerging markets. Securities issued by companies
    located in emerging markets may exhibit greater price volatility and have
    less liquidity than securities issued by companies located in developed
    foreign markets.
 
    - RISKS OF INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY HEDGING
    TRANSACTIONS.  The use of interest rate futures contracts and foreign
    currency hedging transactions exposes the Series to additional risks and
    transactions costs. Successful use of these derivative instruments depends
    on the sub-adviser's ability to correctly forecast the direction of market
    movements. The Series' performance could be worse than if the Series had not
    used these instruments if the sub-adviser's judgment proves incorrect. In
    addition, even if the sub-adviser's forecast is correct, there may be an
    imperfect correlation between the price of derivative instruments and
    movements in the prices of the securities, interest rates or currencies
    being hedged.
 
    - RISKS OF NON-DIVERSIFICATION.  Global Bond Series is non-diversified,
    which means that it may invest in securities of a limited number of issuers.
    As a result, the performance of a particular investment or a small group of
    investments may affect the Series' performance more than if the Series were
    diversified.
 
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Global Bond
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
              ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Global Bond Series.................................................................           .%           .%           .%
Salomon Brothers World Government Bond Index*......................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of world government bonds with maturities of at least one
year.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
HIGH YIELD SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of High Yield Series is to maximize return from income and market
value change.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
High Yield Series pursues its objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of
non-investment grade fixed income securities, also referred to as "high yield"
securities or "junk bonds." It is anticipated that the duration of the Series
will be between three and seven years.
 
The Series may invest without limitation in securities rated as low as Caa by
Moody's or CCC by S&P, or comparably rated by another nationally recognized
rating organization. In addition, up to 10% of the Series' assets may be
invested in "non-performing" securities rated lower than Caa or CCC.
Non-performing securities are highly speculative and may be in default or there
may be elements of danger with respect to the payment of principal or interest.
The Series may also invest in unrated securities which the Series' adviser
believes are of comparable quality to those rated within the foregoing
categories.
 
The Series' investments may include payment-in-kind bonds and zero coupon bonds.
The market prices for these securities are affected to a greater extent by
interest rate changes and are more volatile than the market prices of securities
that pay interest periodically and in cash.
 
The Series also may invest in U.S. Government agency-backed collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs"). Some types of CMOs, such as interest-only classes
("IOs"), principal-only classes ("POs"), inverse floaters and accrual bonds, can
be highly volatile in response to changing interest rates. The Series will not
invest more than 7.5% of its net assets in any one of these types of securities
or more than 15% of its net assets collectively in IOs, POs, inverse floaters
and accrual bonds.
 
The Series' portfolio may change based upon factors such as the anticipated
timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates and expectations concerning
the future performance of different asset categories. The decision to purchase a
particular security is based upon many factors, the most important of which are
the characteristics of the security (interest rate, term, call provisions,
etc.), the financial stability and managerial strength of the issuer of the
security and diversification in the Series.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
High Yield Series' share price and yield will change daily because of changes in
interest rates and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the
Series. The principal risks of investing in High Yield Series include:
 
    - INTEREST RATE RISK.  Debt securities in the Series will fluctuate in value
    with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in
    value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates
    rise. One measure of interest rate risk is duration. Securities with longer
    durations generally have more volatile prices than securities with
    comparable quality with shorter durations.
 
    - INCOME RISK.  Income risk is the potential for a decline in the Series'
    income due to falling interest rates.
 
    - CREDIT OR DEFAULT RISK.  If a bond issuer's credit quality declines or its
    credit agency ratings are downgraded, there may be a resulting decline in
    the bond's price. If credit quality deteriorates to the point of possible or
    actual default (inability to pay interest or repay principal on a timely
    basis), the bond's market value could decline precipitously.
 
    - CALL RISK.  The Series is subject to the possibility that, under certain
    conditions, especially during periods of falling interest rates, a bond
    issuer will "call"--or repay--its bonds before their maturity date. The
    Series may then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower
    interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Series' income.
 
    - RISKS OF HIGH YIELD, HIGH RISK SECURITIES.  The Series invests primarily
    in non-investment grade fixed income securities, commonly referred to as
    "high yield" securities or "junk bonds." These securities generally have
    more volatile prices and carry more risk to principal than investment grade
    securities.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on High Yield Series'
volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of the
Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series' performance
over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market performance.
Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not necessarily an
indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
              ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
High Yield Series..................................................................           .%           .%           .%
Lehman Brothers High Yield Index*..................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of lower quality, high yield corporate debt securities.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Global Asset Allocation Series is maximum total return to be
derived primarily from capital appreciation, dividends and interest.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Global Asset Allocation Series invests in equity and fixed-income securities of
issuers located throughout the world, including the United States. The Series
pursues its objective by following a flexible asset allocation strategy. This
strategy contemplates increased ownership of global equity securities during
periods when stock market conditions appear favorable and increased ownership of
global fixed-income securities during periods when stock market conditions are
less favorable. The Series' investments may include securities of issuers
located in emerging markets.
 
    - EQUITY INVESTMENTS.  The Series' equity investments may include common
    stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and securities having
    common stock characteristics, such as rights and warrants to purchase common
    stocks. The Series may also invest in American Depositary Receipts, European
    Depositary Receipts and other depositary receipts.
 
    - FIXED-INCOME INVESTMENTS.  Fixed-income investments in which the Series
    invests include securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. and foreign
    governments and their agencies and instrumentalities, securities of
    supranational entities, Eurobonds and corporate bonds with varying
    maturities denominated in various currencies and money market instruments.
 
In selecting equity securities for the Series, the Series' sub-adviser, Morgan
Stanley Asset Management Limited ("Morgan Stanley"), initially identifies those
securities that it believes to be undervalued in relation to the issuer's
assets, cash flow, earnings and, where appropriate, revenues. Morgan Stanley
then evaluates the future value of these securities by applying a dividend
discount model to the information obtained. Holdings are regularly reviewed and
subjected to fundamental analysis to determine whether they continue to meet
Morgan Stanley's value criteria. Securities that no longer conform to those
criteria are sold.
 
In selecting fixed-income securities, Morgan Stanley evaluates the currency,
market and individual features of the securities being considered for
investment. The Series seeks to minimize investment risk by investing in
fixed-income securities rated A or better by S&P or Moody's, comparably rated by
another nationally recognized rating agency or, if unrated, determined to be of
comparable quality by Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley will attempt to maintain an
average effective duration of    to    years for the debt securities portion of
the Series' portfolio.
 
The Series may engage in forward currency exchange contracts and currency
financial futures and options, both to hedge its portfolio against unfavorable
currency movements and to enhance returns.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Global Asset Allocation Series' share price and yield will change daily because
of changes in stock prices, interest rates and other factors. You may lose money
if you invest in the Series. The principal risks of investing in the Series
include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. As you consider an investment in the
    Series, you should take into account your personal tolerance for daily
    fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF VALUE STOCKS.  The Series looks for stocks which appear to be
    undervalued in relation to the issuer's assets, cash flow, earnings and,
    where appropriate, revenues. These stocks can remain undervalued for years.
    There is a risk that a stock's price will never reach what the Series'
    sub-adviser believes is its true value, or that the stock's price will go
    down.
 
    - INTEREST RATE RISK.  Debt securities in the Series will fluctuate in value
    with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in
    value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates
    rise. One measure of interest rate risk is duration. Securities with longer
    durations generally have more volatile prices than securities with
    comparable quality with shorter durations.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    - INCOME RISK.  Income risk is the potential for a decline in the Series'
    income due to falling interest rates.
 
    - CREDIT OR DEFAULT RISK.  If a bond issuer's credit quality declines or its
    credit agency ratings are downgraded, there may be a resulting decline in
    the bond's price. If credit quality deteriorates to the point of possible or
    actual default (inability to pay interest or repay principal on a timely
    basis), the bond's market value could decline precipitously.
 
    - CALL RISK.  The Series is subject to the possibility that, under certain
    conditions, especially during periods of falling interest rates, a bond
    issuer will "call"--or repay--its bonds before their maturity date. The
    Series may then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower
    interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Series' income.
 
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN INVESTING.  The Series' investments in foreign securities
    subject it to risks not typically associated with U.S. investing. Because of
    these risks, the Series may be subject to greater volatility than most
    series which invest principally in domestic securities. The Series may
    experience a decline in net asset value resulting from changes in exchange
    rates between the United States dollar and foreign currencies. Other risks
    of foreign investing include limited liquidity and volatile prices of
    non-U.S. securities, limited availability of information regarding non-U.S.
    companies, investment and repatriation restrictions, and foreign taxation.
 
    - RISKS OF EMERGING MARKETS.  The risks of foreign investing are
    particularly significant in emerging markets. Securities issued by companies
    located in emerging markets may exhibit greater price volatility and have
    less liquidity than securities issued by companies located in developed
    foreign markets.
 
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY HEDGING TRANSACTIONS.  The use of foreign
    currency hedging transactions exposes the Series to additional risks and
    transactions costs. Successful use of these derivative instruments depends
    on the sub-adviser's ability to correctly forecast the direction of market
    movements. The Series' performance could be worse than if the Series had not
    used these instruments if the sub-adviser's judgment proves incorrect. In
    addition, even if the sub-adviser's forecast is correct, there may be an
    imperfect correlation between the price of derivative instruments and
    movements in the prices of the currencies being hedged.
 
    - RISKS OF ACTIVE MANAGEMENT.  Because the Series may invest in a wide range
    of investments and markets, the Series' investment adviser has substantially
    more investment discretion than the advisers of most mutual funds. The
    performance of the Series will reflect in part the adviser's ability to
    effectively allocate the Series' assets among these investments and markets.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Global Asset
Allocation Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how
performance of the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the
Series' performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of
market performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Global Asset Allocation Series.....................................................           .%           .%           .%
Salomon Brothers World Government Bond Index*......................................           .%           .%           .%
MSCI World Index**.................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of world government bonds with maturities of at least one
year.
 
** An unmanaged index of the world's major equity markets in U.S. dollars,
   weighted by stock market value.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Asset Allocation Series is maximum total return to be derived
primarily from capital appreciation, dividends and interest.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Asset Allocation Series invests in equity and fixed-income securities. The
Series pursues its objective by following a flexible asset allocation strategy.
This strategy contemplates increased ownership of equity securities during
periods when stock market conditions appear favorable and increased ownership of
fixed-income securities during periods when stock market conditions are less
favorable. Depending on prevailing economic and market conditions, the Series
may at any given time be primarily comprised of equity securities, fixed-income
securities, short-term money market securities or any combination of these
securities. The Series' investments may include the following:
 
    - EQUITY SECURITIES.  The Series' equity security investments may include
    common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common
    stocks.
 
    - U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  The Series may invest in securities issued or
    guaranteed by the United States Government, it agencies or
    instrumentalities.
 
    - MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES.  The Series may invest in mortgage-backed
    securities, including pass-through certificates issued by the Government
    National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") and the Federal National Mortgage
    Association ("FNMA") and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"). CMOs
    are debt instruments issued by special purpose entities which are secured by
    pools of mortgage loans or other mortgage-backed securities.
 
    - ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.  The Series may invest in asset-backed
    securities, which are similar to CMOs, but backed by other types of
    obligations, such as automobile loans, home equity loans or credit card
    receivables.
 
    - ZERO COUPON OBLIGATIONS.  The Series may invest in zero coupon obligations
    issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies and by corporate issuers.
    Because these obligations do not pay interest currently, their prices can be
    highly volatile as interest rates rise and fall.
 
    - MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS.  The Series may invest up to 20% of its total
    assets in municipal securities during periods when these securities appear
    to offer more attractive returns than taxable securities.
 
    - CORPORATE BONDS.  The Series may invest without limitation in corporate
    bonds rated within the four highest grades at the time of purchase by
    Moody's or S&P, or comparably rated by another nationally recognized rating
    organization. These are commonly referred to as "investment grade"
    securities. In addition, the Series may invest up to 30% of its total assets
    in securities rated lower than investment grade, commonly known as "junk
    bonds." The Series will not invest in bonds rated below Caa by Moody's or
    CCC by S&P, or comparably rated by another nationally recognized rating
    organization.
 
    - BANK OBLIGATIONS.  The Series may invest in obligations of United States
    banks, and in U.S. dollar denominated obligations of Canadian chartered
    banks and United States branches or agencies of foreign banks.
 
    - COMMERCIAL PAPER.  The Series may invest in commercial paper rated at the
    time of purchase Prime-2 or higher by Moody's, A-2 or higher by Standard &
    Poor's, or comparably rated by another nationally recognized rating
    organization, or unrated and issued by a corporation with an outstanding
    debt issue rated A or better by Moody's or Standard & Poor's or comparably
    rated by another nationally recognized rating organization.
 
The Series may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities of foreign
governments and companies.
 
In managing the equity portion of the Series' portfolio, the Series' adviser
generally invests in equity securities of companies whose earnings and growth
potential, in its judgment, exceed industry averages. In addition to superior
earnings growth potential, the adviser seeks companies which it believes to be
well managed with above average returns on equity and invested capital, healthy
balance sheets
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
and the potential to gain market shares. Companies of this nature typically have
above average growth potential and a correspondingly higher than average
valuation level as measured by price to earnings, price to cash flow and price
to book value ratios. The adviser uses a "bottom up" investment style in which
stock selection is driven primarily by the merits of the company itself.
 
The adviser bases its decision to purchase a particular fixed-income security
upon many factors, the most important of which are the characteristics of the
security (interest rate, term, call provisions, etc.), the financial stability
and managerial strength of the issuer of the security and diversification in the
Fund. The Series will attempt to maintain an average effective duration of three
to seven years for the debt securities portion of its portfolio.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Asset Allocation Series' share price and yield will change daily because of
changes in stock prices, interest rates and other factors. You may lose money if
you invest in the Series. The principal risks of investing in Asset Allocation
Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. As you consider an investment in the
    Series, you should take into account your personal tolerance for daily
    fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF GROWTH STOCKS.  In investing in equity securities, the Series'
    adviser generally invests in companies that it believes have the potential
    for above-average earnings growth. If the adviser incorrectly assesses a
    company's prospects for earnings growth, or if its judgment about how other
    investors will value the company's earnings growth is wrong, then the price
    of the company's stock may decrease, or it may not increase to the level
    that the Series' adviser had anticipated.
 
    - INTEREST RATE RISK.  Debt securities in the Series will fluctuate in value
    with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in
    value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates
    rise.
 
    - INCOME RISK.  Income risk is the potential for a decline in the Series'
    income due to falling interest rates.
 
    - CREDIT OR DEFAULT RISK.  If a bond issuer's credit quality declines or its
    agency ratings are downgraded, there may be a resulting decline in the
    bond's price. If credit quality deteriorates to the point of possible or
    actual default (inability to pay interest or repay principal on a timely
    basis), the bond's market value could decline precipitously.
 
    - RISKS OF HIGH YIELD/HIGH RISK SECURITIES.  A significant portion of the
    Series' portfolio may consist of non-investment grade debt securities,
    commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds." These
    securities generally have more volatile prices and carry more risk to
    principal than investment grade securities.
 
    - CALL RISK.  The Series is subject to the possibility that, under certain
    conditions, especially during periods of falling interest rates, a bond
    issuer will "call"--or repay--its bonds before their maturity date. The
    Series may then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower
    interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Series' income.
 
    - RISKS OF MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.  Because the Series may
    invest significantly in mortgage-and asset-backed securities, it is subject
    to prepayment risk and extension risk. Similar to call risk, prepayment risk
    is the risk that falling interest rates could cause faster than expected
    prepayments of the obligations underlying the Series' mortgage- and
    asset-backed securities. These prepayments pass through to the Series, which
    must reinvest them at a time when interest rates on new investments are
    falling, reducing the Series' income. Extension risk is the risk that rising
    interest rates could cause prepayments on the obligations to slow, which
    would lengthen the duration of the Series' mortgage- and asset-backed
    securities and cause their prices to decline.
 
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT.  Investing in foreign securities involves
    risks not typically associated with U.S. investing. These investments may
    involve increased political and economic risk. In addition, the Series may
    experience a decline in unit value resulting from changes in exchange rates
    between the United States dollar and foreign currencies.
 
    - RISKS OF ACTIVE MANAGEMENT.  Because the Series may invest in a wide range
    of investments, the Series' investment adviser has substantially more
    investment discretion than the advisers of most mutual funds. The
    performance of the Series will reflect in part the adviser's ability to
    effectively allocate the Series' assets among these investments.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Asset Allocation
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Asset Allocation Series............................................................           .%           .%           .%
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index*..............................................           .%           .%           .%
S&P 500 Index**....................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of government, corporate, and mortgage-backed securities
with an average maturity of approximately nine years.
 
** An unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
VALUE SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Value Series is short and long term capital appreciation.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Value Series invests primarily in common stocks and securities convertible into
common stocks. The Series' adviser uses a "bottom up" investment style in which
stock selection is driven primarily by the merits of the company itself. The
adviser selects stocks based on a concept of fundamental value, seeking to
identify companies whose shares appear inexpensive relative to anticipated
profit and dividend growth. The primary emphasis is placed on companies expected
to experience a significant acceleration in earnings over the next three to five
years. The prices of these stocks typically do not fully reflect such
improvement. Often such a stock is "out of favor" and priced low relative to the
company's earnings, cash flow and book value. A second source of "value" stocks
is provided by companies expected to sustain their historic rate of growth but
which are selling at a low price to earning ratio in relation to this
anticipated growth.
 
Under normal market conditions, it is the Series' intention to maintain a median
market capitalization for its portfolio of over $1 billion--making the Series a
"mid to large cap value series." The Series' median market capitalization was
$       as of           , 199 .
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Value Series' share price will change daily because of changes in stock prices
and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series. The principal
risks of investing in Value Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. In addition, value stocks and/or stocks of
    mid and large capitalization companies may underperform the market as a
    whole. As you consider an investment in the Series, you should take into
    account your personal tolerance for daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF VALUE STOCKS.  The Series looks for companies whose stocks appear
    inexpensive relative to anticipated profit and dividend growth. These stocks
    can remain undervalued for years. There is a risk that a stock's price will
    never reach what the Series' adviser believes is its true value, or that the
    stock's price will go down.
 
    - RISKS OF MID CAP COMPANIES.  Mid-sized companies may have somewhat limited
    product lines, markets and financial resources and may depend upon a
    relatively small management group. Stocks of these companies may therefore
    be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of large companies.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Value Series'
volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of the
Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series' performance
over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market performance.
Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not necessarily an
indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR     FIVE YEARS      TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>            <C>
Value Series.......................................................................           .%            .%             .%
S&P 500 Index*.....................................................................           .%            .%             .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
* An unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
GROWTH & INCOME SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objectives of Growth & Income Series are capital appreciation and current
income.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Growth & Income Series invests primarily in common stocks and securities
convertible into common stocks with an emphasis on stocks of companies that have
a history of dividend payments. The Series' adviser uses a "bottom up"
investment style in which stock selection is driven primarily by the merits of
the company itself. The adviser may select stocks using either a "value" or a
"growth" philosophy. In looking for growth stocks, the adviser seeks to identify
companies whose earnings and revenue growth potential exceed industry averages.
Value stocks are those which the adviser believes are inexpensive relative to
anticipated profit and dividend growth.
 
Under normal market conditions, the Series intends to maintain a median market
capitalization for its portfolio of greater than $5 billion making it a "large
cap series." The Series' median market capitalization was $       as of
         , 199 .
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Growth & Income Series' share price will change daily because of changes in
stock prices and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series.
 
The principal risk of investing in Growth & Income Series is the risk that
prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio will decline over short or extended
periods of time. Price changes may occur in the market as a whole, or they may
occur in only a particular company, industry or sector of the market. In
addition, stocks of large capitalization companies may underperform the market
as a whole. As you consider an investment in the Series, you should take into
account your personal tolerance for daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Growth & Income
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Growth & Income Series.............................................................           .%           .%           .%
S&P 500 Index*.....................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
S&P 500 INDEX SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of S&P 500 Index Series is to replicate the total return of the
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "Index").
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
S&P 500 Index Series generally invests at least 95% of its total assets in the
common stocks included in the Index. The Index is an unmanaged index of 500
common stocks chosen to reflect the industries of the U.S. economy and is often
considered a proxy for the stock market in general. Each stock is weighted by
its market capitalization, which means larger companies have greater
representation in the index than smaller ones. The Series may also use stock
index futures contracts, options on such contracts and options on stock indices
as a substitute for the sale or purchase of securities.
 
The Series' sub-adviser, The Dreyfus Corporation, utilizes a passive investment
approach, attempting to duplicate the investment performance of the S&P 500
Index through statistical procedures. The Series expects to invest in all 500
stocks in the Index in proportion to their weighting in the Index. To the extent
that the size of the Series does not permit it to invest in all 500 stocks in
the Index, the Series will purchase a representative sample of stocks from each
industry sector included in the Index in proportion to that industry's weighting
in the Index.
 
Because the Series may not always hold all of the stocks included in the Index,
and because the Series has expenses and the Index does not, the Series will not
duplicate the Index's performance precisely. However, the Series' adviser and
sub-adviser believe there should be a close correlation between the Series
performance and that of the Index in both rising and falling markets. The Series
attempts to achieve a correlation between the performance of its investments and
that of the Index of at least 0.95, before deduction of expenses. A correlation
of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation between Series and Index
performance. If the Series fails to achieve an appropriate level of correlation
over time, the Series' Board of Directors will consider alternative strategies
for the Series.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S MAKES NO REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF
INVESTING IN THE SERIES. THE SERIES IS NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED OR SOLD BY
STANDARD & POOR'S.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
S&P 500 Index Series' share price will change daily because of changes in stock
prices and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series. The
principal risks of investing in the Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. In addition, stocks of the companies in
    the Index may underperform the market as a whole. As you consider an
    investment in the Series, you should take into account your personal
    tolerance for daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - FAILURE TO MATCH PERFORMANCE OF THE INDEX.  The Series' ability to
    replicate the performance of the Index may be affected by, among other
    things, changes in securities markets, changes in the composition of the
    Index, and the timing of purchases and redemptions of Series shares.
 
    - RISKS OF AN INDEXING STRATEGY.  The Series uses an indexing strategy. It
    does not attempt to manage market volatility, use defensive strategies or
    reduce the effects of any long-term periods of poor stock market
    performance.
 
    - RISKS OF FUTURES AND OPTIONS.  The use of options and futures contracts
    exposes the Series to additional risks and transactions costs. Successful
    use of these derivative instruments depends on the sub-adviser's ability to
    correctly forecast the direction of market movements. The Series'
    performance could be worse than if the Series had not used these instruments
    if the sub-adviser's judgment proves incorrect. In addition, even if the
    sub-adviser's forecast is correct, there may be an imperfect correlation
    between the price of derivative instruments and movements in the prices of
    the securities being hedged.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on S&P 500 Index
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
S&P 500 Index Series...............................................................           .%           .%           .%
S&P 500 Index*.....................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
BLUE CHIP STOCK SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The primary objective of Blue Chip Stock Series is long-term growth of capital.
Current income is a secondary objective.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Blue Chip Stock Series pursues its objectives by primarily investing in common
stocks of large and medium-sized blue chip companies, as defined by T. Rowe
Price, the sub-adviser to the Series. These are companies that, in T. Rowe
Price's view, are well established in their industries and have the potential
for above-average earnings growth. The approach of T. Rowe Price reflects their
belief that good company fundamentals combined with a positive industry outlook
will ultimately reward investors with a higher stock price. T. Rowe Price looks
for companies that offer leading market positions, seasoned management teams,
and strong financial fundamentals. Where possible, it seeks stocks attractively
priced relative to their long-term value. Many of the stocks in the Series'
portfolio are expected to pay dividends.
 
While most of the Series' assets will be invested in U.S. common stocks, the
Series may also purchase other types of securities, including foreign
securities, preferred stocks, convertible stocks and bonds, and warrants, when
they are considered consistent with the Series' investment objectives. The
Series may also buy and sell futures and options contracts. This will be done
primarily to hedge the value of the Series' portfolio against potential adverse
movements in securities prices, but may also be done to enhance returns.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Blue Chip Stock Series' share price will change daily because of changes in
stock prices and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series.
The principal risks of investing in the Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. In addition, growth stocks or blue chip
    stocks may underperform the market as a whole. As you consider an investment
    in the Series, you should take into account your personal tolerance for
    daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF GROWTH STOCKS.  The Series invests primarily in stocks of
    companies that the sub-adviser believes have the potential for above-average
    earnings growth. If the sub-adviser incorrectly assesses a company's
    prospects for earnings growth, or if its judgment about how other investors
    will value the company's earnings growth is wrong, then the price of the
    company's stock may decrease, or it may not increase to the level that the
    sub-adviser had anticipated.
 
    - RISKS OF MEDIUM SIZED COMPANIES.  Medium-sized companies may have somewhat
    limited product lines, markets and financial resources and may depend upon a
    relatively small management group. Stocks of these companies may therefore
    be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of larger companies.
 
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT.  Investing in foreign securities involves
    risks not typically associated with U.S. investing. These investments may
    involve increased political and economic risk. In addition, the Series may
    experience a decline in net asset value resulting from changes in exchange
    rates between the United States dollar and foreign currencies. .
 
    - RISKS OF FUTURES AND OPTIONS.  The use of options and futures contracts
    exposes the Series to additional risks and transactions costs. Successful
    use of these derivative instruments depends on the sub-adviser's ability to
    correctly forecast the direction of market movements. The Series'
    performance could be worse than if the Series had not used these instruments
    if the sub-adviser's judgment proves incorrect. In addition, even if the
    sub-adviser's forecast is correct, there may be an imperfect correlation
    between the price of derivative instruments and movements in the prices of
    the securities being hedged.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Blue Chip Stock
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Blue Chip Stock Series.............................................................           .%           .%           .%
S&P 500 Index*.....................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL STOCK SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of International Stock Series is capital appreciation.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
International Stock Series invests primarily in equity securities of non-United
States companies that the Series' sbu-adviser, Lazard Asset Management
("Lazard") believes to be undervalued. The allocation of the Series' assets
among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on Lazard's judgment.
However, Lazard currently intends to invest the series' assets primarily in
companies based in Continental Europe, the United Kingdom and the Pacific Basin.
 
In selecting investments for the Series, Lazard looks for companies worldwide
that it believes to be undervalued based on their return on equity. Lazard looks
for indicators such as low price to earnings ratios, high yields, unrecognized
assets, potential for management change and the potential to improve
profitability. Lazard focuses on individual stock selection rather than on
forecasting stock market trends.
 
The Series may engage in forward currency exchange contracts and currency
financial futures and options, both to hedge its portfolio against unfavorable
currency movements and to enhance returns.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
International Stock Series' share price will change daily because of changes in
stock prices and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series.
The principal risks of investing in International Stock Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF EQUITY SECURITIES.  Prices of equity securities in the Series'
    portfolio may decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes
    may occur in the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular
    company, industry or sector of the market. As you consider an investment in
    the Series, you should take into account your personal tolerance for daily
    fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF VALUE STOCKS.  The Series sub-adviser looks for companies
    worldwide that it believes to be undervalued based on their return on
    equity. These stocks can remain undervalued for years. There is a risk that
    a stock's prices will never reach what the sub-adviser believes is its true
    value, or that the stock's price will go down.
 
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN INVESTING.  The Series' investment in foreign securities
    subject it to risks not typically associated with U.S. investing. Because of
    these risks, the Series may be subject to greater volatility than most
    series which invest principally in domestic securities. The Series may
    experience a decline in net asset value resulting from changes in exchange
    rates between the United States dollar and foreign currencies. Other risks
    of foreign investing include limited liquidity and volatile prices of
    non-U.S. securities, limited availability of information regarding non-U.S.
    companies, investment and repatriation restrictions, and foreign taxation.
 
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY HEDGING TRANSACTIONS.  The use of foreign
    currency hedging transactions exposes the Series to additional risks and
    transactions costs. Successful use of these derivative instruments depends
    on the sub-adviser's ability to correctly forecast the direction of market
    movements. The Series' performance could be worse than if the Series had not
    used these instruments if the sub-adviser's judgment proves incorrect. In
    addition, even if the sub-adviser's forecast is correct, there may be an
    imperfect correlation between the price of derivative instruments and
    movements in the prices of the currencies being hedged.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on International
Stock Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how
performance of the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the
Series' performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of
market performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
International Stock Series.........................................................           .%           .%           .%
MSCI EAFE Index*...................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of stocks of Europe, Australia and the Far East.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
MID CAP STOCK SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Mid Cap Stock Series is total investment returns, including
capital appreciation and income, that consistently outperform the Standard &
Poor's 400 MidCap Index ("S&P MidCap").
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
The Mid Cap Stock Series invests primarily in common stocks of medium
capitalization companies that have a market values between $200 million and $5
billion.
 
The Series sub-adviser, The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus"), selects common
stocks so that, in the aggregate, the investment characteristics and risk
profile of the Series are similar to those of the S&P MidCap. However, the
Series seeks to invest in stocks that, in the aggregate, will provide a higher
return than the S&P MidCap. The Series is not an index series and its
investments are not limited to securities of issuers included in the S&P MidCap.
 
Dreyfus utilizes computer techniques to track and, if possible, outperform the
S&P MidCap. Dreyfus employs valuation models designed to identify common stocks
of companies that are undervalued in order to construct a portfolio that
resembles the S&P MidCap but is weighted toward the stocks that Dreyfus believes
are most attractive.
 
The Series may buy and sell futures and options contracts. This will be done
primarily to hedge the value of the Series' portfolio against potential adverse
movements in securities prices, but may also be done to enhance returns.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Mid Cap Stock Series' share price will change daily because of changes in stock
prices and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series. The
principal risks of investing in Mid Cap Stock Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. In addition, stocks of mid capitalization
    companies may underperform the market as a whole. As you consider an
    investment in the Series, you should take into account your personal
    tolerance for daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF MID CAP COMPANIES.  Mid-sized companies may have somewhat limited
    product lines, markets and financial resources and may depend upon a
    relatively small management group. Stocks of these companies may therefore
    be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of larger companies.
 
    - RISKS OF FUTURES AND OPTIONS.  The use of options and futures contracts
    exposes the Series to additional risks and transactions costs. Successful
    use of these derivative instruments depends on the sub-adviser's ability to
    correctly forecast the direction of market movements. The Series'
    performance could be worse than if the Series had not used these instruments
    if the sub-adviser's judgment proves incorrect. In addition, even if the
    sub-adviser's forecast is correct, there may be an imperfect correlation
    between the price of derivative instruments and movements in the prices of
    the securities being hedged.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Mid Cap Stock
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
              ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Mid Cap Stock Series...............................................................           .%           .%           .%
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index*.............................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of common stocks that measures the performance of the
mid-range sector of the U.S. stock market.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
SMALL CAP VALUE SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Small Cap Value Series is capital appreciation.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Small Cap Value Series primarily invests in the common stocks of small companies
whose stock prices are believed to be undervalued. The Series' securities
selection focuses on companies that are out of favor with markets or have not
yet been discovered by the broader investment community.
 
The Series is sub-advised by Berger Associates, Inc., which has contracted with
Perkins, Wolf, McDonnell & Company (the "Manager") to provide day-to-day
investment management for the Series. In selecting securities for the Series,
the Manager generally looks for companies with:
 
    - a low price relative to their assets, earnings, cash flow or business
      franchise;
 
    - products and services that give them a competitive advantage; and
 
    - quality balance sheets and strong management.
 
The Manager's philosophy is to weigh a security's downside risk before
considering its upside potential, which may help provide an element of capital
preservation.
 
Under normal circumstances, the Series invests at least 65% of its assets in
equity securities of small companies whose market capitalization, at the time of
initial purchase, is less than the 12-month average of the maximum market
capitalization for companies included in the Russell 2000 Index. This average is
updated monthly.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Small Cap Value Series' share price will change daily because of changes in
stock prices and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series.
The principal risks of investing in Small Cap Value Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. In addition, value stocks and/or stocks of
    small capitalization companies may underperform the market as a whole. As
    you consider an investment in the Series, you should take into account your
    personal tolerance for daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF VALUE STOCKS.  The Series sub-adviser looks for companies whose
    stock prices are believed to be undervalued. These stocks can remain
    undervalued for years. There is a risk that a stock's prices will never
    reach what the sub-adviser believes is its true value, or that the stock's
    price will go down.
 
    - RISKS OF SMALL CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES.  The securities of small
    capitalization companies involve greater risk than is customarily associated
    with investments in larger companies. Small capitalization companies often
    have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be
    dependent on a small, inexperienced management group. The securities of
    small capitalization companies may have limited market stability and may be
    subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements that securities of
    larger, more established companies or the market averages in general. The
    Series' investments are often focused in a small number of business sectors,
    which increases the risk should adverse economic developments occur in on of
    those sectors. In addition, the Series may invest in certain securities with
    unique risks, such as special situations. Special situations are companies
    about to undergo a structural, financial or management change which may
    significantly affect the value of their securities.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Small Cap Value
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Small Cap Value Series.............................................................           .%           .%           .%
Russell 2000 Index*................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of common stocks of the smallest 2000 companies in the
   Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 11% of the Russell 3000
   Index.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
GLOBAL GROWTH SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Global Growth Series is long-term capital appreciation.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Global Growth Series pursues its objectives by investing primarily in common
stocks of issuers located in various developed countries and regions of the
world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, other Western
European nations, Japan and Australia. The Series focuses primarily on
established growth companies with one of more of the following characteristics:
 
    - a dominant market position,
 
    - superior growth prospects,
 
    - strong management with a focused growth strategy, and
 
    - the ability to finance future growth.
 
The Series also may invest in common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. emerging growth
companies. These companies generally have smaller capitalizations than
established growth companies. In selecting emerging growth companies, the
Series' investment adviser looks for companies that it believes:
 
    - have the potential for earnings growth over time that is above the growth
      rate of more established companies, or
 
    - are early in their life cycles and have the potential to become major
      enterprises.
 
Although the Series invests primarily in common stocks of issuers located in
developed countries, the series also may invest in less developed markets of the
world. In selecting emerging market securities, the Series' investment adviser
looks for companies with characteristics similar to those which it looks for in
companies located in developed countries. Emerging market companies, however,
have the potential to benefit from the economic growth of the developing region.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Global Growth Series' share price will change daily because of changes in the
values of the securities held by the Series. You may lose money if you invest in
the Series. The principal risks of investing the Global Growth Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of common stocks in the Series' portfolio
    may decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur
    in the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. As you consider an investment in the
    Series, you should take into account your personal tolerance for daily
    fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN INVESTING.  The Series' investments in foreign securities
    subject it to risks not typically associated with U.S. investing. Because of
    these risks, the Series may be subject to greater volatility than most
    series which invest principally in domestic securities. The Series may
    experience a decline in net asset value resulting from changes in exchange
    rates between the United States dollar and foreign currencies. Other risks
    of foreign investing include limited liquidity and volatile prices of
    non-U.S. securities, limited availability of information regarding non-U.S.
    companies, investment and repatriation restrictions and foreign taxation.
 
    - RISKS OF EMERGING MARKETS.  The risks of foreign investing are
    particularly significant in emerging markets. Securities issued by companies
    located in emerging markets may exhibit greater price volatility and have
    less liquidity than securities issued by companies located in developed
    foreign markets.
 
    - RISKS OF GROWTH STOCKS.  The Series invests in stocks of both established
    and emerging growth companies. If the Series' adviser incorrectly assesses a
    company's prospects for earnings growth, or if its judgment about how other
    investors will value the company's earnings growth is wrong, then the price
    of the company's stock may decrease, or it may not increase to the level
    that the Series' adviser anticipated.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
    - RISKS OF SMALLER-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES.  The securities of both U.S.
    and non-U.S. smaller-capitalization companies involve greater risk than is
    customarily associated with investments in larger companies. Smaller
    capitalization companies often have limited product lines, markets or
    financial resources and they may be dependent on a small, inexperienced
    management group. The securities of smaller-capitalization companies may
    have limited market stability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic
    market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or
    the market averages in general.
 
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Global Growth
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Global Growth Series...............................................................           .%           .%           .%
MSCI World Index*..................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of the world's major equity markets in U.S. dollars,
weighted by stock market value.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
LARGE CAP GROWTH SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Large Cap Growth Series is long-term growth of capital.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Large Cap Growth Series pursues its objective by investing primarily in the
equity securities of a limited number of large, carefully selected, high quality
United States companies whose securities are believed likely to achieve superior
earnings growth. Normally, about 40 to 50 companies will be represented in the
Series' portfolio, with the 25 most highly regarded of these companies usually
constituting approximately 70% of the Series' assets. The Series' focus on a
relatively small number of intensively researched companies is not typical of
most equity mutual funds.
 
The subadviser of Large Cap Growth Series, Alliance Capital Management L.P.
("Alliance"), relies heavily upon the fundamental analysis and research of its
large internal staff. The Alliance staff generally follows a primary research
universe of more than 600 companies that have strong management, superior
industry positions, excellent balance sheets and superior earnings growth
prospects. An emphasis is placed on identifying companies with substantially
above average prospective earnings growth that is not fully reflected in current
market valuations.
 
Alliance expects the average market capitalization of companies represented in
the Series' portfolio normally to be in the range, or in excess, of the average
market capitalization of companies comprising the S&P 500.
 
The Series may buy and sell futures and options contracts. This will be done
primarily to hedge the value of the Series' portfolio against potential adverse
movements in securities prices, but may also be done to enhance returns.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Large Cap Growth Series' share price will change daily because of changes in
stock prices and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series.
The principal risks of investing in Large Cap Growth Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. In addition, stocks of large
    capitalization companies may underperform the market as a whole. As you
    consider an investment in the Series, you should take into account your
    personal tolerance for daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF FOCUSING ON A SMALL NUMBER OF COMPANIES.  Because the Series
    focuses on a limited number of companies, it may be more significantly
    affected by adverse developments in one of those companies than if it had
    held a more diverse portfolio of securities.
 
    - RISKS OF GROWTH STOCKS.  The Series invests primarily in stocks of
    companies that the sub-adviser believes are likely to achieve superior
    earnings growth. If the sub-adviser incorrectly assesses a company's
    prospects for earnings growth, or if its judgment about how other investors
    will value the company's earnings growth is wrong, then the price of the
    company's stock may decrease, or it may not increase to the level that the
    sub-adviser had anticipated.
 
    - RISKS OF FUTURES AND OPTIONS.  The use of options and futures contracts
    exposes the Series to additional risks and transactions costs. Successful
    use of these derivative instruments depends on the sub-adviser's ability to
    correctly forecast the direction of market movements. The Series'
    performance could be worse than if the Series had not used these instruments
    if the sub-adviser's judgment proves incorrect. In addition, even if the
    sub-adviser's forecast is correct, there may be an imperfect correlation
    between the price of derivative instruments and movements in the prices of
    the securities being hedged.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Large Cap Growth
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR     FIVE YEARS      TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>            <C>
Large Cap Growth Series............................................................           .%            .%             .%
S&P 500 Index*.....................................................................           .%            .%             .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
* An unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
GROWTH STOCK SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Growth Stock Series is long-term growth of capital.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Growth Series invests primarily in common stocks and securities convertible into
common stocks. The Series' adviser uses a "bottom up" investment style in which
stock selection is driven primarily by the merits of the company itself. The
adviser generally invests in equity securities of companies whose earnings and
growth potential, in its judgment, exceed industry averages. In addition to
superior earnings growth potential, the adviser seeks companies which it
believes to be well managed with above average returns on equity and invested
capital, health balance sheets and the potential to gain market shares.
Companies of this nature typically have above average growth potential and a
correspondingly higher than average valuation level as measured by price to
earnings, price to cash flow and price to book value ratios.
 
Under normal market conditions, the Series intends to maintain a median market
capitalization for its portfolio of $1 billion to $5 billion--making it a "mid
cap growth series." The Series' median market capitalization was $       as of
          , 199 .
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Growth Series' share price will change daily because of changes in stock prices
and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series. The principal
risks of investing in Growth Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. In addition, growth stocks and/or stocks
    of mid capitalization companies may underperform the market as a whole. As
    you consider an investment in the Series, you should take into account your
    personal tolerance for daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF GROWTH STOCKS.  The Series invests primarily in stocks of
    companies that the adviser believes have the potential for above-average
    earnings growth. If the adviser incorrectly assesses a company's prospects
    for earnings growth, or if its judgment about how other investors will value
    the company's earnings growth is wrong, then the price of the company's
    stock may decrease, or it may not increase to the level that the adviser had
    anticipated.
 
    - RISKS OF MID CAP COMPANIES.  Mid-sized companies may have somewhat limited
    product lines, markets and financial resources and may depend upon a
    relatively small management group. Stocks of these companies may therefore
    be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of larger companies.
 
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Growth Stock
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was    %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR     FIVE YEARS      TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>            <C>
Growth Stock Series................................................................           .%            .%             .%
S&P 500 Index......................................................................           .%            .%             .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
* An unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH SERIES
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of Aggressive Growth Series is maximum long-term capital
appreciation.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
Aggressive Growth Series invests primarily in common stocks and securities
convertible into common stocks. The Series focuses on:
 
    - common stocks of small and medium sized companies that are early in their
      life cycles, but which the Series' adviser believes have the potential to
      become major enterprises (emerging growth companies); and
 
    - common stocks of more established companies whose rates of earnings growth
      are expected to accelerate because of special factors such as new products
      or services, changes in demand factors, basic changes in the economic
      environment or rejuvenated management.
 
The Series' adviser uses a "bottom up" investment style in which stock selection
is driven primarily by the merits of the company itself. The adviser generally
invests in equity securities of companies whose earnings and growth potential,
in its judgment, exceed industry averages. In addition to superior earnings
growth potential, the adviser seeks companies which it believes to be well
managed with above average returns on equity and invested capital, health
balance sheets and the potential to gain market shares. Companies of this nature
typically have above average growth potential and a correspondingly higher than
average valuation level as measured by price to earnings, price to cash flow and
price to book value ratios.
 
Under normal market conditions, the Series intends to maintain a median market
capitalization for its portfolio of less than $1 billion -- making it a "small
cap growth series." The Series median market capitalization was $       as of
         , 199 .
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Aggressive Growth Series' share price will change daily because of changes in
stock prices and other factors. You may lose money if you invest in the Series.
The principal risks of investing in Aggressive Growth Series include:
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Prices of stocks in the Series' portfolio may
    decline over short or extended periods of time. Price changes may occur in
    the market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular company,
    industry or sector of the market. In addition, growth stocks and/or stocks
    of small capitalization companies may underperform the market as a whole. As
    you consider an investment in the Series, you should take into account your
    personal tolerance for daily fluctuations of the stock market.
 
    - RISKS OF GROWTH STOCKS.  The Series invests primarily in stocks of
    companies that the adviser believes have the potential for above-average
    earnings growth. If the adviser incorrectly assesses a company's prospects
    for earnings growth, or if its judgment about how other investors will value
    the company's earnings growth is wrong, then the price of the company's
    stock may decrease, or it may not increase to the level that the adviser had
    anticipated.
 
    - RISKS OF SMALL CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES.  The securities of small
    capitalization companies involve greater risk than is customarily associated
    with investments in larger companies. Small capitalization companies often
    have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be
    dependent on a small, inexperienced management group. The securities of
    small capitalization companies may have limited market stability and may be
    subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements that securities of
    larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
SERIES PERFORMANCE
 
The bar chart and table below provide you with information on Aggressive Growth
Series' volatility and performance. The bar chart shows you how performance of
the Series' has varied from year to year. The table compares the Series'
performance over different time periods to that of a broad measure of market
performance. Remember, how the Series has performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
 
             ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31 EACH YEAR (%)*
 
                             [GRAPHIC]
 
* The Series' total return for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999 was     %.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>           <C>
BEST QUARTER:              %  quarter ending          , 199
WORST QUARTER:             %  quarter ending          , 199
</TABLE>
 
              AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ONE YEAR    FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS
                                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Aggressive Growth Series...........................................................           .%           .%           .%
S&P 500 Index*.....................................................................           .%           .%           .%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 * An unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS AND THE CONTRACTS
 
Shares in the Series are currently sold to separate accounts of Fortis Benefits
and First Fortis which fund benefits under variable life insurance policies and
variable annuity contracts issued by those companies. As a contract owner, you
allocate the value of your contract among subaccounts of the separate accounts.
Each subaccount invests in a different Series. The rights of the separate
accounts as shareholders should be distinguished from your rights as a contract
owner, which are described in your variable life insurance policy or variable
annuity contract.
 
PRICING OF SERIES SHARES
 
Your subaccount's unit value at the time of purchase is equal to the
corresponding Series' net asset value per share next calculated after receipt of
your purchase order. The net asset values of the Series' shares are determined
as of the primary closing time of business on the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange") on each day the Exchange is open.
 
Each Series' net asset value per share is determined by dividing the value of
the securities and other assets owned by the Series, less all liabilities, by
the number of the Series' shares outstanding. The securities owned by the Series
are generally valued at market value. However, there are times when market
values are not readily available. In these cases, securities are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith by the Series' adviser under supervision of
the Board of Directors.
 
A significant portion of certain Series' assets may consist of securities of
foreign issuers that trade on weekends or other days when the Series do not
price their shares. As a result, the net asset value of each such Series' shares
may change on days when the Series is not open for shareholder purchases or
redemptions.
 
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SERIES SHARES
 
Series shares are offered only to the separate accounts. On each day when the
Series value their assets, shares of the Series may be purchased or redeemed by
the separate accounts based upon, among other things, the amounts of net
premiums allocated to the separate accounts, dividends and distributions
reinvested, transfers to and among subaccounts of the separate accounts, policy
loans, loan repayments and benefit payments to be processed on that date. These
purchases and redemptions for the separate accounts are effected at the net
asset value per share for each Series determined as of that same date.
 
TRANSFERS AMONG SUBACCOUNTS
 
You may transfer amounts among the subaccounts available, and may change
allocations of premiums as explained in the accompanying prospectus for the
contracts. These transfers have the effect of changing your participation in the
various Series. Transfers between subaccounts are not taxable to you under
current Federal income tax law.
 
TAXATION
 
So long as each Series qualifies as a regulated investment company and meets
certain diversification tests applicable to the segregated asset accounts
underlying variable annuity and life insurance contracts, you will not be
considered to be an owner of shares of the Series, and income earned with
respect to the Contracts will not be taxed to you.
 
For the tax consequences of owning a Contract, see the accompanying prospectus
for the Contracts. For more information concerning the taxation of the Series,
see "Taxation" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES
 
For further information, please contact Fortis Benefits' office, the address of
which is the same as that of Fortis Series, as set forth on the cover of this
Prospectus. If you are a New York contract owner, please contact First Fortis'
office: P.O. Box 3209, Syracuse, New York 13220.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
SERIES MANAGEMENT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER
 
Fortis Advisers, Inc. ("Advisers") is the investment adviser for the Series, and
also serves as the Series' transfer agent and dividend agent. Advisers has been
managing investment company portfolios since 1949. In addition to providing
investment advice, Advisers is responsible for the management of the Series'
business affairs, subject to the overall authority of the Board of Directors.
Advisers' address is that of the Series.
 
Each Series pays Advisers a monthly fee for providing investment advisory
services. Advisers has entered into investment sub-advisory agreements on behalf
of Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, International Stock
Series, S&P 500 Index Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Blue Chip Stock Series,
Small Cap Value Series and Large Cap Growth Series. For their services, the
sub-advisers are paid a fee by Advisers. During their most recent fiscal year,
the Series paid the following investment advisory fees to Advisers:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         ADVISORY FEE
                                                                                      AS A PERCENTAGE OF
                                                                                   AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
                                                                                   -------------------------
<S>                                                                                <C>
Money Market Series..............................................................                   %
U.S. Government Securities Series................................................                   %
Diversified Income Series........................................................                   %
Global Bond Series...............................................................                   %
High Yield Series................................................................                   %
Global Asset Allocation Series...................................................                   %
Asset Allocation Series..........................................................                   %
Value Series.....................................................................                   %
Growth & Income Series...........................................................                   %
S&P 500 Index Series.............................................................                   %
Blue Chip Stock Series...........................................................                   %
International Stock Series.......................................................                   %
Mid Cap Stock Series.............................................................                   %
Small Cap Value Series...........................................................                   %
Global Growth Series.............................................................                   %
Large Cap Growth Series..........................................................                   %
Growth Stock Series..............................................................                   %
Aggressive Growth Series.........................................................                   %
</TABLE>
 
Individuals affiliated with Advisers are responsible for the day-to-day
management of Money Market Series, U.S. Government Securities Series,
Diversified Income Series, High Yield Series, Asset Allocation Series, Value
Series, Growth & Income Series, Global Growth Series, Growth Stock Series and
Aggressive Growth Series. Howard G. Hudson supervises the portfolio management
of the fixed income Series, including the fixed income portion of the Asset
Allocation Series. Lucinda S. Mezey supervises the portfolio management of the
equity Series and the equity portion of the Asset Allocation Series. The
individuals responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series are listed
below.
 
MONEY MARKET SERIES.  David C. Greenzang, Maroun M. Hayek and Robert C. Lindberg
have been primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series
since 1995.
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SERIES.  Mr. Hayek, Christopher J. Pagano and
Christopher J. Woods are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of
the Series. Messrs. Hayek and Woods have managed the Series since 1995 and Mr.
Pagano since 1996.
 
DIVERSIFIED INCOME SERIES.  Mr. Hayek, Mr. Pagano, Ho Wang and Mr. Woods are
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series. Messrs. Hayek
and Woods have managed the Series since 1995, Mr.Pagano since 1996 and Mr. Wang
since 1998.
 
HIGH YIELD SERIES.  Mr. Hayek, Mr. Lindberg and Mr. Wang are primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series. Messrs. Hayek and
Lindberg have managed the Series since 1995 and Mr. Wang since 1998.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES.  Charles L. Mehlhouse has been primarily responsible
for the day-to-day management of the equity portion of the Series since 1996.
Messrs. Hayek, [Lindberg?], Pagano, Wang and Woods are primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the fixed-income portion of the Series. Messrs.
Hayek, [Lindberg] and Woods have managed the Series since 1995, Mr. Pagano since
1996 and Mr. Wang since 1998.
 
VALUE SERIES.  Nicholas M. De Peyster has been primarily responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Series since its inception.
 
GROWTH & INCOME SERIES.  Mr. Mehlhouse has been primarily responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Series since 1996.
 
GLOBAL GROWTH SERIES.  James S. Byrd and Diane M. Gotham are primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series. Mr. Byrd has managed
the Series since its inception, Ms. Gotham since 1998.
 
GROWTH STOCK SERIES.  Michael J. Romanowski has been primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Series since 1998.
 
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH SERIES.  Laura E. Granger has been primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Series since 1998.
 
Additional information about these investment supervisors and portfolio managers
is set forth below.
 
    - Mr. Hudson, an Executive Vice President of Advisers and Head of Fixed
      Income Investments of Advisers since 1991, has been managing fixed income
      securities for Fortis, Inc. since 1991.
 
    - Mr. Greenzang, a Money Market Portfolio Officer, has been involved in
      management of debt securities for Fortis, Inc. since 1992.
 
    - Mr. Hayek, a Vice President of Advisers since 1995, has been managing debt
      securities for Fortis, Inc. since 1987.
 
    - Mr. Lindberg, a Vice President of Advisers since 1993, has been managing
      debt securities for Advisers since that time.
 
    - Mr. Pagano, a Vice President of Advisers since 1996, has been managing
      debt securities for Advisers since that time. Prior to joining Advisers,
      Mr. Pagano was a Government Strategist for Merrill Lynch, New York, New
      York.
 
    - Mr. Wang, a Vice President of Advisers since 1998, has been managing
      non-investment grade fixed income securities since July 1998. From October
      1995 to June 1998, Mr. Wang was a Senior Securities Analyst for Lord,
      Abbett & Co. in New York, New York. From 1992 to October 1995, he was a
      portfolio manager for New York Life in New York, New York.
 
    - Mr. Woods, a Vice President of Advisers since 1995, has been managing debt
      securities for Fortis, Inc. since 1993.
 
    - Ms. Mezey, an Executive Vice President of Advisers and Head of Equity
      Investments of Advisers since October 1997, manages equity securities for
      Advisers. From 1995 to October 1997, she was Chief Investment Officer,
      Alex Brown Capital Advisory and Trust Co., Baltimore, MD. From 1970 to
      1995 she was employed by PNC Bank, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her
      last position being Senior Vice President and Head of Equity Investments.
 
    - Mr. Byrd has been an Executive Vice President of Advisers since 1995,
      prior to which he was a Vice President of Advisers.
 
    - Mr. De Peyster, a Vice President of Advisers since 1995, has managed
      equity securities for Advisers since 1991.
 
    - Ms. Granger, a Vice President of Advisers since 1998, manages equity
      securities for Advisers. From July 1993 to July 1998, she was portfolio
      manager for General Motors Investment Management in New York, New York.
 
    - Ms. Gotham has been a Vice President of Advisers since 1998. From 1994 to
      1998 she was a securities analyst for Advisers.
 
    - Mr. Mehlhouse, a Vice President of Advisers, has managed equity securities
      for Advisers since 1996. From 1993 to 1996, he was a portfolio manager for
      Marshall & IIsley Bank Corp., Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
 
    - Mr. Romanowski, a Vice President of Advisers since 1998, was a portfolio
      manager for Value Line, New York, NY from October 1995 to March 1998,
      prior to which he was a securities analyst for Conning & Co. in Hartford,
      CT from 1992 to 1995.
 
SUB-ADVISERS
 
Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, S&P 500 Index Series, Blue
Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap
Value Series and Large Cap Growth Series each have a sub-adviser. The
sub-advisers provide investment research, advice and supervision and furnish and
conduct the management investment program for the Series, subject to the general
control of Advisers and the Series' Board of Directors. The sub-adviser of each
Series is also responsible for the selection of brokers and dealers to effect
securities transactions and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
GLOBAL BOND SERIES.  Mercury Asset Management International Ltd. ("Mercury
International"), 33 King William Street, London, EC4R 9AS, England, is the
sub-adviser of the Global Bond Series. Mercury International is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Mercury Asset Management Group Ltd. ("Mercury"), whose ultimate
parent is Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Merrill Lynch manages in excess of $
of investments on behalf of clients. Mercury International manages in excess of
$        of investments.
 
The Global Product Strategy Committee of the Fixed Interest Division of Mercury
International has primary portfolio management responsibility for the Global
Bond Series. Each of the four members of the Strategy Committee is an officer or
director of Mercury International.
 
GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES.  Morgan Stanley Asset Management Limited
("Morgan Stanley"), 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QA, England, is
the sub-adviser of the Global Asset Allocation Series. Morgan Stanley is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., a global financial
services firm that maintains major market positions in each of its three primary
businesses--securities, asset management and credit services. Morgan Stanley
provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the
United States and abroad and as of December 31, 1998, together with its
affiliated institutional investment managers, managed investments totaling
approximately $        .
 
Portfolio responsibility for the Global Asset Allocation Series is split between
Morgan Stanley's equity team led by Frances Campion and a team of fixed income
portfolio managers with respect to fixed income securities. Frances Campion, a
Managing Director of Morgan Stanley, joined Morgan Stanley in 1990 and her
responsibilities include the day-to-day management of the global equity product.
The investment strategy and allocation of the fixed income portion is set by a
team of portfolio managers, the primary members of which are David Germany,
Michael Kushma and David Stanley. David Germany joined Morgan Stanley in 1997
and is a Managing Director. He was previously a partner and portfolio manager at
Miller Anderson & Sherrerd, LLP. Michael Kushma joined Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated in 1987, became a Principal in 1996, and moved to Morgan Stanley in
1998. David Stanley joined Morgan Stanley in 1994 and became a Vice President in
1997.
 
INTERNATIONAL STOCK SERIES.  Lazard Asset Management ("Lazard"), 30 Rockefeller
Plaza, New York, New York 10020, is the sub-adviser of the International Stock
Series. Lazard is a division of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, a New York limited
liability company founded in 1848. Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, provides its clients
with a wide variety of investment banking, brokerage and related services.
Lazard provides investment management services to client discretionary accounts
with assets as of December 31, 1998 totaling approximately $        . Its
clients are both individuals and institutions, some of whose accounts have
investment policies similar to those of the Series.
 
John R. Reinsberg, a managing director of Lazard, has primary portfolio
management responsibility for the International Stock Series. Mr. Reinsberg has
been primarily responsible for the investment of the assets of the Lazard
International Equity Portfolio of The Lazard Funds, Inc. since 1992. In
addition, Herbert W. Gullquist, a managing director and the Chief Investment
Officer of Lazard Freres since 1982, has overall responsibility for managing the
Series.
 
S&P 500 INDEX SERIES AND MID CAP STOCK SERIES.  The Dreyfus Corporation
("Dreyfus"), 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166, is the sub-adviser to
the S&P 500 Index Series and the Mid Cap Stock Series. Dreyfus was formed in
1947. Dreyfus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation ("Mellon"). As of December
31, 1998, Dreyfus managed or administered approximately $        in assets for
approximately      investor accounts nationwide. Through its subsidiaries,
including Dreyfus, Mellon managed more than $        in assets as of December
31, 1998, including approximately $        in proprietary mutual fund assets. As
of December 31, 1998, Mellon, through various subsidiaries, provided
non-investment services, such as custodial or administration services, for more
than $        in assets, including approximately $        in mutual fund assets.
 
Steven A. Falci has been primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of
Mid Cap Stock Series since its inception. He has been employed by the Mellon
organization since 1994.
 
BLUE CHIP STOCK SERIES.  T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. ("T. Rowe Price"), 100
East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, is the sub-adviser of the Blue Chip
Stock Series. T. Rowe Price was founded in 1937 and, together with its
affiliates, managed over $        for over      individual and institutional
investor accounts as of December 31, 1998. Some of T. Rowe Price's accounts have
investment policies similar to those of the Series.
 
The Series has an investment advisory committee composed of the following
members: Larry J. Puglia, chairman, Brian W. H. Berghuis, Thomas J. Huber,
Robert W. Smith and William J. Stromberg. Mr. Puglia has the day-to-day
responsibilities of managing the Series and has been managing investments since
joining T. Rowe Price in 1990.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
SMALL CAP VALUE SERIES.  Berger Associates, Inc. ("Berger Associates"), 210
University Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80206, the sub-adviser of the Small Cap
Value Series, has entered into an agreement with Perkins, Wolf, McDonnell &
Company (the "Manager") to provide the day-to-day investment management for the
Series under which Berger Associates will pay the manager an amount equal to .25
of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Series.
 
Robert H. Perkins has been primarily responsible for the day-to-day management
of Small Cap Value Series since its inception. Mr. Perkins is President and a
Director of the Manager and has been an investment manager since 1970.
 
LARGE CAP GROWTH SERIES.  Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), a
Delaware limited partnership with principal offices at 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, is the sub-adviser of the Large Cap Growth
Series. Alliance is an international investment manager supervising client
accounts with assets as of December 31, 1998 totaling more than $        (of
which approximately $        represented the assets of investment companies).
Alliance's clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit funds, public
employee retirement systems, investment companies, foundations and endowment
funds. The 54 registered investment companies managed by Alliance comprising 116
separate investment portfolios currently have over two million shareholders.
 
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC"), the sole general partner of,
and owner of a 1% general partnership interest in, Alliance, is an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States ("Equitable"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable
Companies Incorporated, a holding company controlled by AXA-UAP, a French
insurance holding company.
 
James G. Reilly, a Senior Vice President of Alliance, has been primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of Large Cap Growth Series since its
inception. Mr. Reilly joined Alliance in 1984 and has been a portfolio manager
on the U.S. Large Cap team since 1988. Mr. Reilly has 14 years investment
experience.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
MORE INFORMATION ON SERIES OBJECTIVES, INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES AND RISKS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OBJECTIVES
 
The Series' objectives, which are described above under "The Series," may be
changed without shareholder approval.
 
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
The principal investment strategies of each Series are described above under
"The Series." These are the strategies that Advisers believes are most likely to
be important in trying to achieve each Series' objective. Of course, there is no
guarantee that any Series will achieve its objectives. You should be aware that
a Series may also use strategies and invest in securities that are not described
below, but are described in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
SECURITIES LENDING
 
To generate additional income, Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global
Asset Allocation Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series, S&P 500 Index
Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock
Series, Small Cap Value Series, Global Growth Series, Large Cap Growth Series
and Aggressive Growth Series may lend their portfolio securities.
 
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES
 
In an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other
conditions, a Series may invest its assets for temporary defensive purposes,
without limit, in the following manner:
 
    - Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Asset Allocation Series, Value
      Series, Growth & Income Series, Small Cap Value Series, Large Cap Growth
      Series, Growth Stock Series, Aggressive Growth Series [Global Asset
      Allocation Series and Mid Cap Stock Series] may invest in high grade
      preferred stocks, bonds, other fixed income securities, short-term money
      market instruments, commercial paper, obligations of banks or the U.S.
      Government, other high quality short-term debt instruments, or cash.
 
    - Blue Chip Stock Series may invest in U.S. and foreign dollar-denominated
      money market securities, including repurchase agreements, which are in the
      two highest rating categories and mature in one year or less.
 
    - International Stock Series may invest in the equity securities of U.S.
      companies or short-term money market instruments or hold its assets in
      cash.
 
    - Global Growth Series may invest in high-quality debt securities of U.S.
      and non-U.S. issuers, may hold cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, or
      multinational currency units) and/or high-quality money market
      instruments.
 
During periods when a Series assumes a temporary defensive position, the Series
will not be pursuing its investment objective.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
Before investing in a Series you should review its portfolio turnover rate for
an indication of the potential effect of transaction costs on the Series' future
returns. In general, the greater the volume of buying and selling by the Series,
the greater the impact that brokerage commissions and other transaction costs
will have on its return. The Series, while they generally do not invest or trade
for short-term profits, are actively managed and the portfolio managers may
trade securities frequently. As a result, each Series may, from time to time,
have an annual portfolio turnover rate of over 100%. The "Financial Highlights"
section of this Prospectus shows each Series' historical portfolio turnover
rate.
 
DURATION
 
As discussed above under "The Series," certain Series attempt to maintain the
average effective durations of their portfolios within specified ranges.
Effective duration, one measure of interest rate risk, measures how much the
value of a security is expected to change
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
with a given change in interest rates. The longer a security's effective
duration, the more sensitive its price to changes in interest rates. For
example, if interest rates were to increase by one percentage point, the market
value of a bond with an effective duration of five years would decrease by 5%,
with all other factors being constant. Effective duration is based on
assumptions and subject to a number of limitations. It is most useful when
interest rate changes are small, rapid and occur equally in short-term and
long-term securities. In addition, it is difficult to calculate precisely for
bonds with prepayment options, such as mortgage-backed securities, because the
calculation requires assumptions about prepayment rates.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
The principal risks of investing in the Series are summarized above under "The
Series." More information about Series risks is presented below. Please
remember, you may lose money if you invest in a Series.
 
Money Market Series, U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified Income
Series, Global Bond Series and High Yield Series are sometimes referred to in
this section as the "Fixed Income Series," Global Asset Allocation Series and
Asset Allocation Series are sometimes referred to as the "Asset Allocation
Series" and Value Series, Growth & Income Series, S&P 500 Index Series, Blue
Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap
Value Series, Global Growth Series, Large Cap Growth Series, Growth Stock Series
and Aggressive Growth Series are sometimes referred to as the "Equity Series."
 
    - INTEREST RATE RISK.  The Fixed Income Series and the Asset Allocation
    Series are subject to interest rate risk. Debt securities in the Series will
    fluctuate in value with changes in interest rates. In general, debt
    securities will increase in value when interest rates fall and decrease in
    value when interest rates rise. Longer term debt securities are generally
    more sensitive to interest rate changes. In addition, investments made by
    certain Series may be highly volatile in response to changing interest
    rates. These investments include IOs, POs, inverse floaters, accrual bonds,
    payment-in-kind bonds and zero-coupon obligations.
 
    - CREDIT OR DEFAULT RISK.  The Fixed Income Series and the Asset Allocation
    Series are subject to credit or default risk. This is the risk that the
    issuers of debt securities held by the Series will not make payments on the
    securities, or that the other party to a contract (such as a securities
    lending agreement or repurchase agreement) will default on its obligations.
    There is also the risk that an issuer could suffer adverse changes in
    financial condition that could lower the credit quality of a security. This
    could lead to greater volatility in the price of the security and in shares
    of the Series. Also, a change in the credit quality rating of a bond can
    affect the bond's liquidity and make it more difficult for the Series to
    sell. When a Series purchases unrated securities, it will depend on the
    adviser's or sub-adviser's analysis of credit risk more heavily than usual.
 
    - RISKS OF HIGH YIELD/HIGH RISK SECURITIES.  High Yield Series invests
    primarily in non-investment grade fixed income obligations, and a
    significant portion of Diversified Income and Asset Allocation Series'
    portfolios may consist of such obligations. Non-investment grade obligations
    are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds."
    Although these securities usually offer higher yields than investment grade
    securities, they also involve more risk. High yield bonds may be more
    susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic conditions than investment
    grade bonds. In addition, the secondary trading market may be less liquids.
    High yield securities generally have more volatile prices and carry more
    risk to principal than investment grade securities. Diversified Income
    Series and Asset Allocation Series may invest up to 30% of their total
    assets in securities rated as low as Caa by Moody's, CCC by Standard &
    Poor's or comparably rated by another rating agency. High Yield Portfolio
    may invest without limitation in these securities, and may invest up to 10%
    of its total assets in "non-performing" securities rated lower than Caa or
    CCC. Securities in the Caa/CCC rating category are considered to be of poor
    standing and are predominantly speculative. "Non-performing" securities may
    be in default, or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
    the payment of principal or interest. These securities are highly
    speculative.
 
    - CALL RISK.  U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified Income Series,
    Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation and Asset
    Allocation Series are subject to call risk. Many corporate bonds may be
    redeemed ("called") at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity
    date. In general, an issuer will call its bonds if they can be refinanced by
    issuing new bonds which bear a lower interest rate. The Series are subject
    to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates, a bond
    issuer will call its high-yielding bonds. A Series would then be forced to
    invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a
    decline in the Series's income.
 
    - RISKS OF MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.  U.S. Government
    Securities Series, Diversified Income Series and Asset Allocation Series are
    subject to both prepayment and extension risk in connection with their
    investments in mortgage-backed and/or asset-backed securities.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
       PREPAYMENT RISK. Mortgage-backed securities are secured by and payable
       from pools of mortgage loans. Similarly, asset-backed securities are
       supported by obligations such as automobile loans or home equity loans.
       These mortgages and other obligations generally can be prepaid at any
       time. As a result, mortgage- and asset-backed securities are subject to
       prepayment risk, which is the risk that falling interest rates could
       cause prepayments of the securities to occur more quickly than expected.
       This occurs because, as interest rates fall, more homeowners refinance
       the mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities or prepay the debt
       obligations underlying asset-backed securities. A Series holding these
       securities must reinvest the prepayments at a time when interest rates on
       new investments are falling, reducing the income of the Series. In
       addition, when interest rates fall, prices on mortgage- and asset-backed
       securities may not rise as much as for other types of comparable debt
       securities because investors may anticipate an increase in prepayments.
 
       EXTENSION RISK. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are also subject to
       extension risk, which is the risk that rising interest rates could cause
       mortgages or other obligations underlying the securities to be prepaid
       more slowly than expected, resulting in slower prepayments of securities.
       This would, in effect, convert a short- or medium-duration mortgage- or
       asset-backed security into a longer-duration security, increasing its
       sensitivity to interest rate changes and causing its price to decline.
 
    - INCOME RISK.  Each Fixed Income Series and Asset Allocation Series is
    subject to income risk, which is the potential for a decline in the Series'
    income due to falling interest rates.
 
    - RISKS OF COMMON STOCKS.  Because of their investments in common stocks,
    each Equity Series and Asset Allocation Series is subject to the following
    risks:
 
       MARKET RISK. All stocks are subject to price movements due to changes in
       general economic conditions, changes in the level of prevailing interest
       rates, changes in investor perceptions of the market, or the outlook for
       overall corporate profitability.
 
       COMPANY RISK. Individual stocks can perform differently than the overall
       market. This may be a result of specific factors such as changes in
       corporate profitability due to the success or failure of specific
       products or management strategies, or it may be due to changes in
       investor perceptions regarding a company.
 
       SECTOR RISK. The stocks of companies within specific industries or
       sectors of the economy can periodically perform differently than the
       overall market. This can be due to changes in such things as the
       regulatory or competitive environment or to changes in investor
       perceptions of a particular industry or sector.
 
    - RISKS OF GROWTH STOCKS.  Asset Allocation Series, Blue Chip Stock Series,
    Global Growth Series, Large Cap Growth Series, Growth Series and Aggressive
    Growth Series focus on stocks which Advisers, or its sub-advisers, believe
    have the potential for above-average earnings growth. Growth & Income Series
    may also use this approach. If Advisers or a Series' sub-adviser incorrectly
    assesses a company's prospects for earnings growth, or if Advisers' or the
    sub-adviser's judgment about how other investors will value the company's
    earnings growth is wrong, then the price of the company's stock may
    decrease, or it may not increase to the level that Advisers or the
    sub-adviser had anticipated.
 
    - RISKS OF VALUE STOCKS.  Value Series, Small Cap Value Series and Global
    Asset Allocation focus on stocks of companies whose shares appear to be
    undervalued. Growth & Income Series may also use this approach. These "value
    stocks" can remain undervalued for years. There is the risk that a value
    stock may never reach what Advisers, or its sub-adviser, believe is its full
    value, or that the stock's price will go down.
 
    - RISKS OF SMALLER-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES.  Small Cap Value Series, Global
    Growth Series and Aggressive Growth Series are subject to the risks of
    investing in smaller-capitalization companies. Smaller-capitalization
    companies often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources,
    and they may be dependent on a small, inexperienced management group. The
    securities of smaller-capitalization companies may have limited market
    stability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than
    securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in
    general. The equity securities of smaller-capitalization companies
    frequently have experienced greater price volatility in the past than those
    of larger-capitalization companies, and they may be expected to do so in the
    future.
 
    - RISKS OF MIDDLE-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES.  Mid Cap Stock Series and Growth
    Series are subject to the risks of investing in mid-sized companies.
    Mid-sized companies may have somewhat limited product lines, markets and
    financial resources and may depend upon a relatively small management group.
    Stocks of these companies may therefore be more vulnerable to adverse
    developments than those of larger companies.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    - RISKS OF FOREIGN INVESTING.  Money Market Series, Global Bond Series,
    Global Asset Allocation Series, Asset Allocation Series, Blue Chip Stock
    Series, International Stock Series, and Global Growth Series invest in
    foreign securities as a principal investment strategy. A Series' investment
    in foreign securities subjects it to risks not typically associated with
    U.S. investing. Because of these risks, the Series may be subject to greater
    volatility than most mutual funds, or Series, which invest principally in
    domestic securities. These risks include:
 
       CURRENCY RISK. Because the Series invest in securities denominated in
       currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and because the Series may hold
       foreign currencies, the Series may be affected favorably or unfavorably
       by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in exchange rates will
       affect a Series net asset value, the value of dividends and interest
       earned, and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. This
       risk factor does not apply to Money Market Series, which invests only in
       U.S. dollar denominated obligations.
 
       INFORMATION RISK. There may be less publicly available information about
       foreign securities and issuers than is available about domestic
       securities and issuers. In addition, foreign companies are not subject to
       uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices
       and requirements comparable to those which apply to domestic companies.
 
       FOREIGN SECURITIES MARKET RISK. Securities of some foreign companies are
       less liquid than securities of comparable domestic companies, and their
       prices may be more volatile. In addition, there may be delays in the
       settlement of foreign securities transactions. Trading volume on foreign
       stock exchanges is substantially less than that on the New York Stock
       Exchange. Securities traded on foreign exchanges may be subject to
       further risks due to the possibility of permanent or temporary
       termination of trading, and greater spreads between bid and asked prices
       for securities. In addition, there is generally less governmental
       supervision and regulation of foreign stock exchanges. Stock markets in
       emerging markets can be more volatile during periods of investment
       uncertainty than established major exchanges.
 
       POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. International investing is subject to the
       risk of political, social or economic instability in the country of the
       issuer of a security, the difficulty of predicting international trade
       patterns, the possibility of the imposition of exchange controls,
       expropriation, limits on removal of currency or other assets and
       nationalization of assets.
 
    - RISKS OF EMERGING MARKETS.  Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation
    Series and Global Growth Series may invest in emerging markets as a
    principal investment strategy. Emerging markets tend to be in the less
    economically developed regions of the world. The risks of foreign investing
    are of greater concern in the case of investments in emerging markets, which
    may exhibit greater price volatility and have less liquidity. Risks of
    investing in securities issued by companies in emerging market countries
    include, among other things, greater social, political and economic
    instability, lack of liquidity and greater price volatility due to small
    market size and low trading volume, certain national policies that restrict
    investment opportunities and the lack of a developed judicial system.
 
    - RISKS OF FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS, FUTURES AND OPTIONS
    TRANSACTIONS.  Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, S&P 500
    Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap
    Stock Series and Large Cap Growth Series may engage in forward currency
    exchange contracts and/or futures and options transactions as a principal
    investment strategy. The use of these derivative instruments exposes the
    Series to additional investment risks and transaction costs. Risks inherent
    in the use of derivative instruments include:
 
       the risk that interest rates, securities prices or currency markets will
       not move in the direction that Advisers or a Series' sub-adviser
       anticipates;
 
       an imperfect correlation between the price of derivative instruments and
       movements in the prices of the securities, interest rates or currencies
       being hedged;
 
       the inability to close out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax
       consequences;
 
       the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular
       instrument and possible exchange-imposed price fluctuation limits, either
       of which may make it difficult or impossible to close out a position when
       desired;
 
       leverage risk, which is the risk that adverse price movements in an
       instrument can result in a loss substantially greater than the Series'
       initial investment in that instrument; and
 
       particularly in the case of privately negotiated instruments, the risk
       that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations, which could
       leave the Series worse off than if it had not entered into the position.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
If a Series uses derivative instruments and if Advisers' or the Series'
sub-adviser's judgment proves incorrect, the Series' performance could be worse
than if it had not used these instruments.
 
    - RISKS OF SECURITIES LENDING.  Global Bond Series, High Yield Series,
    Global Asset Allocation Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series, S&P
    500 Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid
    Cap Stock Series, Small Cap Value Series, Global Growth Series, Large Cap
    Growth Series and Aggressive Growth Series may lend their portfolio
    securities. When a Series loans its portfolio securities, it will receive
    collateral equal to at least 100% of the value of the loaned securities.
    Nevertheless, the Series risks a delay in the recovery of the loaned
    securities, or even the loss of rights in the collateral deposited by the
    borrower if the borrower should fail financially.
 
    - MANAGEMENT RISK.  All Series, with the exception of S&P 500 Index Series,
    are actively managed by professionals with extensive money management
    experience and expertise. The performance of a Series will reflect in part
    the ability of Advisers or the Series' sub-adviser to select securities
    which are suited to achieving the Series' investment objectives. Due to
    their active management, the Series could underperform other mutual funds
    with similar investment objectives or the market generally.
 
    - EURO CONVERSION.  On January 1, 1999, the European Monetary Union ("EMU")
    introduced a single currency, the Euro, which was adopted as the common
    legal currency for participating member countries. Existing sovereign
    currencies of the participating countries will remain legal tender in those
    countries as denominations of the Euro, until January 1, 2002. Countries
    participating in the EMU are Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany,
    Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
 
Whether the Euro conversion will materially affect the performance of Series
investing in foreign securities is uncertain. A Series may be affected by the
Euro's impact on the business or financial condition of European issuers held by
that Series. The ongoing process of establishing the Euro may result in market
volatility. In addition, the transition to the Euro and the elimination of
currency risk among EMU countries may change the economic environment and
behavior of investors, particularly in European markets. To the extent the
Series hold non-U.S. dollar (Euro or other) denominated securities, they will
still be exposed to currency risk due to fluctuations in those currencies versus
the U.S. dollar.
 
    - YEAR 2000 ISSUES.  Like other mutual funds and financial and business
    organizations around the world, the Series could be adversely affected if
    the computer systems used by the Series, Advisers, the Series' sub-advisers
    and other service providers and entities with computer systems that are
    linked to the Series' records do not properly process and calculate
    date-related information and data from and after January 1, 2000. The
    Series, Advisers and its affiliates are taking steps that they believe are
    reasonably designed to address year 2000 issues with respect to the computer
    systems they use and to obtain satisfactory assurances that comparable steps
    are being taken by each of the Series' sub-advisers and other major service
    providers. However, there can be no assurance that these steps will be
    sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the Series. In addition, the
    prices of securities in which the Series invest could be adversely affected
    by Year 2000 problems experienced by the issuers of those securities. Year
    2000 difficulties may be more pronounced in foreign markets, and
    particularly in emerging markets.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The tables that follow present performance information about the shares of each
Series. This information is intended to help you understand each Series's
financial performance for the past five years or, if shorter, the period of the
Series's operations. Some of this information reflects financial results for a
single Series share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that you
would have earned or lost on an investment in a Series, assuming you reinvested
all of your dividends and distributions.
 
This information has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
auditors, whose report, along with the Series' financial statements, is included
in the Series' annual report, which is available upon request.
 
Selected per share historical data for each of the Series was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                      -----------------------------------------------------
MONEY MARKET SERIES     1998       1997       1996       1995       1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $11.03     $10.94     $10.83     $10.63     $10.23
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .57        .58        .57        .60        .41
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......         --         --         --         --       (.01)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........        .57        .58        .57        .60        .40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.54)      (.49)      (.46)      (.40)        --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $11.06     $11.03     $10.94     $10.83     $10.63
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......       5.32%      5.34%      5.17%      5.71%      3.92%
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $  77,097  $  57,009  $  61,906  $  41,807  $  44,833
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .35%       .38%       .38%       .40%       .40%
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       5.18%      5.19%      5.14%      5.44%      3.96%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
U.S. GOVERNMENT       -----------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES SERIES       1998       1997       1996       1995       1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $10.68     $10.57     $11.16      $9.40     $10.94
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .60        .80        .67        .70        .71
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......        .34        .12       (.51)      1.06      (1.54)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........        .94        .92        .16       1.76       (.83)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.69)      (.81)      (.75)        --       (.71)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $10.93     $10.68     $10.57     $11.16      $9.40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......       8.87%      9.08%      2.21%     18.78%     (6.44%)
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $ 152,672  $ 142,070  $ 161,678  $ 182,687  $ 172,656
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .51%       .54%       .53%       .53%       .53%
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       5.53%      6.03%      6.17%      6.78%      6.87%
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............        114%       148%       176%       115%       187%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
DIVERSIFIED INCOME    -----------------------------------------------------
SERIES                  1998       1997       1996       1995       1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $11.98     $11.70     $12.20     $10.40     $11.93
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .73        .91        .82        .88        .87
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......        .01        .26       (.40)       .92      (1.53)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........        .74       1.17        .42       1.80       (.66)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.81)      (.89)      (.91)        --       (.87)
  Excess
   distributions of
   net realized
   gains............         --         --       (.01)        --         --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions
 to shareholders....       (.81)      (.89)      (.92)        --       (.87)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $11.91     $11.98     $11.70     $12.20     $10.40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......       6.31%     10.44%      4.15%     17.26%    (5.22%)
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $ 115,182  $ 105,200  $ 105,831  $ 109,120  $  98,314
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .52%       .55%       .55%       .55%       .55%
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       6.56%      7.11%      6.86%      7.78%      7.59%
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............         96%       166%       171%       139%       142%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                      ------------------------------------------
GLOBAL BOND SERIES      1998       1997       1996       1995+
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $10.65     $11.11     $11.30     $10.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .30        .46        .57        .54
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments and
   foreign currency
   transactions.....       1.13       (.45)      (.13)      1.52
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       1.43        .01        .44       2.06
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.19)      (.37)      (.43)      (.54)
  From net realized
   gains............       (.33)      (.10)      (.20)      (.22)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions
 to shareholders....       (.52)      (.47)      (.63)      (.76)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $11.56     $10.65     $11.11     $11.30
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......      13.49%      0.14%      3.32%     19.14%
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $  24,659  $  20,692  $  20,228  $  13,187
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .88%      1.10%      1.02%      1.28%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       4.19%      4.41%      5.07%      5.01%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............        190%       168%       129%       184%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period January 3, 1995 (commencement of operations) to December 31,
   1995. The portfolio's inception was December 14, 1994, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until January 3, 1995.
   Information is not presented for the period from December 14, 1994, through
   January 3, 1995, as the portfolio's shares were not registered during that
   period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                      -----------------------------------------------------
HIGH YIELD SERIES       1998       1997       1996       1995       1994+
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $10.77      $9.83      $9.74      $9.47     $10.00
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .75        .96       1.04       1.15        .71
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......       (.71)        --        .13        .30       (.53)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........        .04        .96       1.17       1.45        .18
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.83)      (.02)     (1.03)     (1.14)      (.71)
  From net realized
   gains............       (.07)        --         --         --         --
  Excess
   distributions of
   net realized
   gains............         --         --       (.05)      (.04)        --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions
 to shareholders....       (.90)      (.02)     (1.08)     (1.18)      (.71)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............      $9.91     $10.77      $9.83      $9.74      $9.47
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......       0.62%      9.76%     10.52%     12.73%      (.75%)
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $  70,983  $  59,228  $  42,578  $  28,129  $  13,706
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .56%       .62%       .63%       .63%       .75%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       9.39%     10.31%     10.22%     11.30%     10.44%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............        120%       353%       235%       130%        20%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the Period May 2, 1994 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1994.
   The portfolio's inception was April 26, 1994, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 2, 1994. Information is
   not presented for the period from April 26, 1994, through May 2, 1994, as the
   portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
GLOBAL ASSET          ------------------------------------------
ALLOCATION SERIES       1998       1997       1996       1995+
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $13.29     $12.34     $11.42     $10.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .28        .28        .36        .35
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   on investments
   and foreign
   currency
   transactions.....       1.81       1.39       1.19       1.55
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       2.09       1.67       1.55       1.90
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.31)      (.26)      (.38)      (.34)
  From net realized
   gains............       (.75)      (.46)      (.25)      (.14)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions
 to shareholders....      (1.06)      (.72)      (.63)      (.48)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $14.32     $13.29     $12.34     $11.42
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......      17.27%     13.51%     12.72%     17.47%
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $  69,086  $  52,482  $  37,307  $  20,080
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............       1.01%      1.16%      1.20%      1.28%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       2.13%      2.42%      3.01%      3.26%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............         69%        51%        46%        44%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period January 3, 1995 (commencement of operations) to December 31,
   1995. The portfolio's inception was December 14, 1994, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until January 3, 1995.
   Information is not presented for the period from December 14, 1994, through
   January 3, 1995, as the portfolio's shares were not registered during that
   period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                          -----------------------------------------------------
ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                     1998       1997       1996       1995       1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of year......     $17.62     $16.99     $15.90     $13.56     $14.14
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income - net...............        .49        .59        .61        .65        .56
  Net realized and unrealized gain
   (loss) on investments................       3.02       2.82       1.38       2.35       (.58)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from operations...................       3.51       3.41       1.99       3.00       (.02)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders:
  From investment income - net..........       (.01)      (.59)      (.61)      (.64)      (.56)
  From net realized gains...............       (.03)     (2.19)      (.28)      (.02)        --
  Excess distributions of net realized
   gains................................         --         --       (.01)        --         --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions to shareholders.....       (.04)     (2.78)      (.90)      (.66)      (.56)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year............     $21.09     $17.62     $16.99     $15.90     $13.56
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@...........................      19.97%     20.24%     12.50%     21.97%      (.31%)
Net assets end of year (000s omitted)...  $ 593,878  $ 482,280  $ 397,712  $ 341,511  $ 260,593
Ratio of expenses to average daily net
 assets.................................        .51%       .53%       .54%       .55%       .56%
Ratio of net investment income to
 average daily net assets...............       2.64%      3.16%      3.66%      4.25%      4.05%
Portfolio turnover rate.................        114%       113%       115%        98%        73%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
@ These are the portfolio's total returns durning the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                           --------------------------------
VALUE SERIES                                 1998        1997       1996+
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of year......     $13.42      $11.38      $10.27
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income - net...............        .16         .12         .14
  Net realized and unrealized gain on
   investments..........................       1.13        2.75        1.10
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from operations...................       1.29        2.87        1.24
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders:
  From investment income - net..........       (.16)       (.13)       (.13)
  From net realized gains...............       (.17)       (.70)         --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions to shareholders.....       (.33)       (.83)       (.13)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year............     $14.38      $13.42      $11.38
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@...........................       9.64%      25.24%      11.49%
Net assets end of year (000s omitted)...   $ 87,604    $ 55,058    $ 13,951
Ratio of expenses to average daily net
 assets.................................        .76%        .83%        .87%*
Ratio of net investment income to
 average daily net assets...............       1.26%       1.41%       1.72%*
Portfolio turnover rate.................        332%        121%         36%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized
 + For the period May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1996.
   The portfolio's inception was March 28, 1996, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 1, 1996. Information is
   not presented for the period from March 28, 1996, through May 1, 1996, as the
   portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH & INCOME SERIES                       1998         1997         1996         1995       1994+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of year......      $18.76       $15.16       $12.83      $10.07      $10.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income - net...............         .48          .40          .34         .33         .21
  Net realized and unrealized gain on
   investments..........................        2.00         3.80         2.54        2.76         .07
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from operations...................        2.48         4.20         2.88        3.09         .28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders:
  From investment income - net..........          --         (.39)        (.34)       (.33)       (.21)
  From net realized gains...............        (.01)        (.21)        (.21)         --          --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions to shareholders.....        (.01)        (.60)        (.55)       (.33)       (.21)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year............      $21.23       $18.76       $15.16      $12.83      $10.07
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@...........................       13.21%       27.69%       21.51%      29.70%       1.74%
Net assets end of year (000s omitted)...   $ 312,939    $ 244,970    $ 134,932    $ 59,533    $ 16,276
Ratio of expenses to average daily net
 assets.................................         .67%         .70%         .76%        .80%        .86%*
Ratio of net investment income to
 average daily net assets...............        2.45%        2.63%        2.38%       2.86%       3.12%*
Portfolio turnover rate.................          30%          11%          20%         17%          2%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period May 2, 1994 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1994.
   The portfolio's inception was April 26, 1994, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 2, 1994. Information is
   not presented for the period from April 26, 1994, through May 2, 1994, as the
   portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                           ----------------------------------
S&P 500 INDEX SERIES                         1998         1997        1996+
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of year......      $14.93       $11.47      $10.09
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income - net...............         .16          .12         .10
  Net realized and unrealized gain on
   investments..........................        4.03         3.58        1.37
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from operations...................        4.19         3.70        1.47
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders:
  From investment income - net..........        (.16)        (.12)       (.09)
  From net realized gains...............        (.13)        (.12)         --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions to shareholders.....        (.29)        (.24)       (.09)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year............      $18.83       $14.93      $11.47
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@...........................       28.11%       32.32%      14.29%
Net assets end of year (000s omitted)...   $ 252,832    $ 109,572    $ 21,979
Ratio of expenses to average daily net
 assets.................................         .46%         .51%        .79%*
Ratio of net investment income to
 average daily net assets...............        1.17%        1.41%       1.47%*
Portfolio turnover rate.................           3%           5%          6%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1996.
   The portfolio's inception was March 28, 1996, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 1, 1996. Supplementary
   information is not presented for the period from March 28, 1996, through May
   1, 1996, as the portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
BLUE CHIP STOCK       -------------------------------
SERIES                  1998       1997       1996+
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $14.76     $11.67     $10.07
- -----------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net                    .05        .07        .07
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   on investments
   and foreign
   currency
   transactions.....       4.09       3.08       1.60
- -----------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       4.14       3.15       1.67
- -----------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.06)      (.06)      (.07)
  From net realized
   gains............       (.26)        --         --
- -----------------------------------------------------
Total distributions
 to shareholders....       (.32)      (.06)      (.07)
- -----------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $18.58     $14.76     $11.67
- -----------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......      28.07%     27.00%     16.24%
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $ 182,921  $  78,729  $  17,606
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .94%      1.02%      1.13%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       0.41%      0.75%      0.82%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............         34%        24%        17%
- -----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the Period May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1996.
   The portfolio's inception was March 28, 1996, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 1, 1996. Supplementary
   information is not presented for the period from March 28, 1996, through May
   1, 1996, as the portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
@ These are the Portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
INTERNATIONAL STOCK   ------------------------------------------
SERIES                  1998       1997       1996       1995+
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $13.36     $12.44     $11.27     $10.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .15        .13        .20        .14
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   on investments
   and foreign
   currency
   transactions.....       2.03       1.35       1.48       1.38
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       2.18       1.48       1.68       1.52
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.26)      (.15)      (.21)      (.09)
  From net realized
   gains............       (.80)      (.41)      (.30)      (.16)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions
 to shareholders....      (1.06)      (.56)      (.51)      (.25)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $14.48     $13.36     $12.44     $11.27
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......      16.47%     11.99%     14.02%     14.35%
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $ 103,056  $  79,142  $  52,331  $  21,327
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .94%      1.08%      1.15%      1.14%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       1.20%      1.10%      1.71%      1.41%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............         44%        30%        27%        39%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period January 3, 1995 (commencement of operations) to December 31,
   1995. The portfolio's inception was December 14, 1994, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until January 3, 1995.
   Information is not presented for the period from December 14, 1994, through
   January 3, 1995, as the portfolio's shares were not registered during that
   period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
MID CAP STOCK SERIES    1998+
- -------------------------------
<S>                   <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 period.............      $9.94
- -------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .02
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......       (.30)
- -------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       (.28)
- -------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.02)
- -------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of period..........      $9.64
- -------------------------------
Total return@.......      (2.89%)
Net assets end of
 period (000s
 omitted)...........  $  12,995
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets (a).........       1.25%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets (a).....       0.19%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............         66%
- -------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1998.
   The portfolio's inception was March 25, 1998, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 1, 1998. Information is
   not presented for the period from from March 25, 1998, through May 1, 1998,
   as the portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
 @ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
   reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
(a) Advisers has voluntarily undertaken to limit annual expenses for Mid Cap
    Stock Series (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage commission and
    non-recurring extraordinary charges and expenses) to 1.25% of the average
    net assets. For the period presented, had the waiver and reimbursement of
    expenses not been in effect, the ratios of expenses and net investment
    income to average daily net assets would have been 1.40% and .04%,
    respectively.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
SMALL CAP VALUE
SERIES                  1998+
- -------------------------------
<S>                   <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 period.............      $9.96
- -------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .07
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......       (.62)
- -------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       (.55)
- -------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.07)
  From net realized
   gains............       (.06)
- -------------------------------
Total distributions
 to shareholders....       (.13)
- -------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of period..........      $9.28
- -------------------------------
Total return@.......      (5.48%)
Net assets end of
 period (000s
 omitted)...........  $  16,503
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............       1.24%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       1.56%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............         57%
- -------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1998.
   The portfolio's inception was March 25, 1998, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 1, 1998. Information is
   not presented for the period from March 25, 1998, through May 1, 1998, as the
   portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                      -----------------------------------------------------
GLOBAL GROWTH SERIES    1998       1997       1996       1995       1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $20.29     $19.00     $15.97     $12.31     $12.77
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .03        .02        .03        .09        .10
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments and
   foreign currency
   transactions.....       2.27       1.27       3.03       3.66       (.46)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       2.30       1.29       3.06       3.75       (.36)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.02)        --       (.03)      (.09)      (.10)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $22.57     $20.29     $19.00     $15.97     $12.31
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......      11.36%      6.82%     19.10%     30.49%    (2.98%)
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $ 351,476  $ 353,255  $ 319,831  $ 207,913  $ 144,647
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .75%       .79%       .79%       .80%       .81%
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       0.12%      0.12%      0.15%      0.64%      0.82%
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............         32%        35%        14%        29%        20%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
@ These are the Portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
LARGE CAP GROWTH
SERIES                  1998+
- -------------------------------
<S>                   <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 period.............     $10.16
- -------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............         --
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......       1.88
- -------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       1.88
- -------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of period..........     $12.04
- -------------------------------
Total return@.......      18.61%
Net assets end of
 period (000s
 omitted)...........  $  19,121
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets(a)..........       1.25%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets(a)......       0.03%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............         36%
- -------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1998.
   The portfolio's inception was March 25, 1998, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 1, 1998. Information is
   not presented for the period from March 25, 1998, through May 1, 1998, as the
   portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
 @ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
   reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
(a) Advisers has voluntarily undertaken to limit annual expenses for Large Cap
    Growth Series (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage commission and
    non-recurring extraordinary charges and expenses) to to 1.25% of the average
    net assets. For the period presented, had the waiver and reimbursement of
    expenses not been in effect, the ratios of expenses and net investment
    income to average daily net assets would have been 1.27% and .01%,
    respectively.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                      -----------------------------------------------------
GROWTH STOCK SERIES     1998       1997       1996       1995       1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $36.64     $32.59     $28.09     $22.11     $22.92
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .09        .12        .12        .13        .18
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......       6.40       3.93       4.50       5.98       (.81)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       6.49       4.05       4.62       6.11       (.63)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.13)        --       (.12)      (.13)      (.18)
  From net realized
   gains on
   investments......      (1.91)        --         --         --         --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions
 to shareholders....      (2.04)        --       (.12)      (.13)      (.18)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $41.09     $36.64     $32.59     $28.09     $22.11
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......      19.01%     12.42%     16.41%     27.66%     (2.82%)
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $ 762,354  $ 707,155  $ 661,217  $ 530,945  $ 377,483
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .65%       .66%       .67%       .67%       .68%
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       0.21%      0.33%      0.39%      0.51%      0.81%
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............        106%        19%        30%        20%        19%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH     -----------------------------------------------------
SERIES                  1998       1997       1996       1995       1994+
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $13.81     $13.62     $12.68      $9.80     $10.03
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
  Investment income
   - net............        .01        .03        .03        .07        .08
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments......       2.91        .16        .94       2.88       (.23)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
 operations.........       2.92        .19        .97       2.95       (.15)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
 shareholders:
  From investment
   income - net.....       (.03)        --       (.03)      (.07)      (.08)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $16.70     $13.81     $13.62     $12.68      $9.80
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return@.......      21.17%      1.43%      7.64%     29.89%     (1.89%)
Net assets end of
 year (000s
 omitted)...........  $ 149,860  $ 122,455  $  96,931  $  46,943  $  13,526
Ratio of expenses to
 average daily net
 assets.............        .72%       .76%       .78%       .81%       .88%*
Ratio of net
 investment income
 to average daily
 net assets.........       0.06%      0.24%      0.22%      0.58%      1.24%*
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............        135%        25%        22%        21%         5%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Annualized.
 + For the period May 2, 1994 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1994.
   The portfolio's inception was April 26, 1994, when it was initially
   capitalized. However, the portfolio's shares did not become effectively
   registered under the Securities Act of 1933 until May 2, 1994. Information is
   not presented for the period from April 26, 1994, through May 2, 1994, as the
   portfolio's shares were not registered during that period.
@ These are the portfolio's total returns during the period, including
  reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>

                                MONEY MARKET SERIES
                         U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SERIES
                             DIVERSIFIED INCOME SERIES
                                 GLOBAL BOND SERIES
                                 HIGH YIELD SERIES
                           GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
                              ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
                                    VALUE SERIES
                               GROWTH & INCOME SERIES
                                   S&P 500 SERIES
                               BLUE CHIP STOCK SERIES
                             INTERNATIONAL STOCK SERIES
                                MID CAP STOCK SERIES
                               SMALL CAP VALUE SERIES
                                GLOBAL GROWTH SERIES
                              LARGE CAP GROWTH SERIES
                                GROWTH STOCK SERIES
                              AGGRESSIVE GROWTH SERIES
                     EACH A SERIES OF FORTIS SERIES FUND, INC.

                        STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                 DATED MAY 1, 1999


     Each of the Series listed above are individually referred to as a "Fund"
and collectively referred to as the "Funds." This Statement of Additional
Information is NOT a prospectus. Information from the Funds' prospectus dated
May 1, 1999 is incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional
Information. A copy of that prospectus may be obtained from your
broker-dealer or sales representative. The address of Fortis Investors, Inc.
("Investors") is P.O. Box 64284, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164. Telephone: (651)
738-4000. Toll Free (800) 800-2000 (x3012).

     No broker-dealer, sales representative, or other person has been
authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than
those contained in this Statement of Additional Information, and if given or
made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having
been authorized by the Funds or Investors. This Statement of Additional
Information does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in any
state in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized, or in which the
person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any
person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

<PAGE>

                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Page
<S>                                                                   <C>
Fund History......................................................
Description of the Funds..........................................
Investment Policies and Restrictions..............................
Investment Practices and Risk Considerations......................
Management of the Funds...........................................
Principal Holders of Securities...................................
Investment Advisory and Other Services............................
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices..........................
Capital Stock.....................................................
Pricing of Shares.................................................
Redemption of Shares..............................................
Taxation..........................................................
Underwriter and Distribution of Shares............................
Performance Information...........................................
Financial Statements..............................................
Other Service Providers...........................................
Limitation of Director Liability..................................
Additional Information............................................
Appendix A
     Description of Futures, Options and Forward Contracts........
Appendix B
     Commercial Paper Ratings.....................................
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                    FUND HISTORY

     Each Fund is a portfolio or series of Fortis Series Fund, Inc. ("Fortis
Series") which was incorporated in Minnesota in 1986. The date each Fund
commenced operations is:

Series                                       Date operations commenced
- ------                                       -------------------------
Money Market Series
U.S. Government Securities Series
Diversified Income Series
Global Bond Series
High Yield Series
Global Asset Allocation Series
Asset Allocation Series
Value Series
Growth & Income Series
S&P 500 Series
Blue Chip Stock Series
International Stock Series
Mid Cap Stock Series
Small Cap Value Series
Global Growth Series
Large Cap Growth Series
Growth Stock Series
Aggressive Growth Series

                              DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS

     Fortis Series is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") as open-end
diversified management investment company. Fortis Series currently consists
of eighteen separate investment portfolios. As a fundamental policy, each
Fund (except Global Bond Series) operates as a "diversified" investment
company as defined under the 1940 Act, which means that it must meet the
following requirements:

          At least 75% of the value of the Fund's total assets will be
     represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), Government
     securities, securities of other investment companies, and other securities
     for the purposes of this calculation limited in respect of any one issuer
     to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the total assets
     of the Fund and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
     of such issuer.

     Although Global Bond Series is classified as a nondiversified investment
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Fund is still
required to meet certain diversification requirements in order to qualify as
a "regulated investment company" for Federal income tax purposes under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). To so

<PAGE>

qualify, the Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each
quarter of its taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the value of its total
assets is represented by cash, cash items, securities issued by the U.S.
Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, the securities of other
regulated investment companies, and other securities limited generally with
respect to any one issuer to an amount not more than 5% of the total assets
of the Fund and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is
invested in the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued by the
U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or the securities of
other regulated investment companies), or in two or more issuers that the
Fund controls and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or
businesses.

     Fortis Series may establish other portfolios, each corresponding to a
distinct investment portfolio and a distinct series of their common stock.

                        INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS

     Each Fund's investment objective and, except as otherwise noted, the
policies by which each Fund seeks to achieve its objective, may be changed
without the approval of shareholders. No changes are contemplated at this
time, but a change in investment objective or policies could result in a Fund
no longer being appropriate for an investor.

     Any investment policy or restriction in the Prospectus or this Statement
of Additional Information which involves a maximum percentage of securities
or assets except those dealing with borrowing and illiquid securities, shall
not be considered to be violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs
immediately after an acquisition of securities or utilization of assets and
results therefrom.

     Some investment policies and restrictions are fundamental and may be
changed only by the approval of a majority of a Fund's shareholders. In this
situation, majority means the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund's outstanding
shares present at a meeting of the holders if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of
the Fund's outstanding shares.

     After purchase by any Fund, a security may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by such Fund.
Neither event will require a sale of such security by a Fund. To the extent
the ratings may change as a result of changes in the rating organizations or
the rating systems, each Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as
standards for investments in accordance with the investment policies
contained in the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information. The
ratings of Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. are described in the Appendix attached hereto.

     The insurance laws and regulations of various states as well as the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and regulations thereunder may from time to
time, impose additional restrictions on the investments of the various Funds.
One such restriction currently prohibits the Separate Accounts from acquiring
the voting securities of any issuer if, as a result of the acquisition, the

<PAGE>

Separate Accounts and Fortis Benefits, in the aggregate, will own more than
10% of the total issued and outstanding voting securities of the issuer.
Another restriction currently prohibits the underlying Series of the Separate
Accounts from acquiring the securities of any issuer, other than securities
issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States
Government, if immediately after such acquisition, the value of the
investment together with prior investments in the security would exceed 10%
of the value of the underlying Series of the Separate Accounts' total assets.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- MONEY MARKET SERIES


     Pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, Money Market Series will not
invest more than 5% of its total assets in: (1) securities of any one issuer
(other than cash or United States Government Securities as defined in the
1940 Act), except that the Series may at any one time make a single
investment of more than 5% of its assets in securities of an issuer in the
highest rating category for up to three business days (subject to the
diversification requirements of the 1940 Act); or (2) securities rated in the
second highest rating category-- with investments in the second highest
category further limited with respect to any particular issuer to the greater
of 1% of total assets or $1,000,000. Certain of the provisions of Rule 2a-7
are more restrictive than Money Market Series' investment policies and
restrictions described below; Money Market Series' investments will be
limited to the more restrictive provisions of Rule 2a-7.

     Money Market Series pursues its objectives by investing exclusively in
the following:

     1.   Obligations of domestic issuers (which include, for example,
commercial paper and other debt obligations) which meet the quality and other
standards of Rule 2a-7 (or successors thereto) under the 1940 Act.

     2.   Securities of, or guaranteed by, the United States Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities. For a discussion of this type of security and
the federal income tax diversification requirements applicable to investments
in this type of security, see "U.S. Government Securities Series" below.

     3.   Securities (payable in U.S. dollars) of, or guaranteed by, the
government of Canada or a province of Canada or any instrumentality or
political subdivision thereof, such securities not to exceed 25% of Money
Market Series' total assets, and securities of foreign companies (which do
not include domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of
domestic banks), such securities not to exceed 15% of Money Market Series'
total assets. See "Investment Policies, Restrictions, and Risks Applicable to
More Than One Series--Investment in Foreign Securities" for a discussion of
certain risks connected with investing in foreign securities.

     4.   Obligations of: (a) domestic or foreign banks having total assets
in excess of one billion dollars or of any branches of such banks, whether
domestic or foreign; or (b) in other foreign issuers; provided, that no more
than 49% of Money Market Series' total assets may be so

<PAGE>

invested in all such securities. Such obligations of domestic and foreign
banks may include, but are not limited to, certificates of deposit, letters
of credit, and bankers' acceptances. For this purpose, "bank" includes
commercial banks, savings banks and savings and loan associations. Overall,
with respect to investments set forth in this paragraph and in paragraph 3,
above, Money Market Series may not invest more than 49% of the value of its
total assets collectively in: (i) securities of, or guaranteed by, the
government of Canada, a province of Canada, or any instrumentality or
political subdivision thereof; (ii) securities of foreign companies; and
(iii) securities of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches
of domestic banks.

     There are risks associated with investments in obligations of foreign
branches of domestic banks and domestic branches of foreign banks that do not
accompany investments in obligations of domestic banks generally. Domestic
banks are required to maintain specified levels of reserves, are limited in
the amounts they can loan to a single borrower, and are subject to other
regulations designed to promote financial soundness. Not all of such laws and
regulations apply to foreign branches of domestic banks. Money Market Series
may also be subject to additional investment risks from investing in the
obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks. Such risks include future
political and economic developments, the possible imposition of foreign
withholding taxes on interest income payable on securities, the possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, the possible establishment of
exchange controls, or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions
which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such
obligations. The obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks may also
be subject to other risks, including political and economic developments in
the country in which the foreign bank has its main office. There may be less
publicly available information about a domestic branch of a foreign bank than
about a domestic bank.  In addition, obligations of foreign branches of
domestic banks and domestic branches of foreign banks are not insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

     5.   Extendible notes that provide for an optional maturity date, at
Money Market Series' option, of 13 months or less from the date of
acquisition. Extendible notes issued with maturity dates in excess of 13
months from the date of issuance that provide for optional maturity dates, at
the holder's option, of 13 months or less shall be deemed by Money Market
Series to have been issued with the shorter optional maturity dates. Such
extendible notes must meet the quality and other standards of Rule 2a-7 (or
successors thereto) and may not account for greater than 25% of the total
assets of Money Market Series.

     6.   Repurchase agreements in connection with obligations which are
suitable for investment under the categories set forth above.

     7.   Obligations other than those listed above if the obligation is
accompanied by a guarantee of principal and interest, provided that the
guarantee is that of a bank or corporation whose certificates of deposit or
commercial paper may otherwise be purchased by Money Market Series.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SERIES


<PAGE>

     In pursuing its objective, U.S. Government Securities Series' assets
will beinvested in the following manner:

     At least 65% of the Series' total assets will be invested in securities
issued, guaranteed, insured, or collateralized by the United States
government, its agencies, or instrumentalities (whether or not backed by the
"full faith and credit" pledge of the United States government), and in
repurchase agreements pertaining to such securities. Securities issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States government
include a variety of securities, which differ in their interest rates,
maturities, and dates of issuance, and include U.S. Treasury
inflation-adjusted protection securities. The value of such
inflation-protection securities is adjusted for inflation and periodic
interest payments are in amounts equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation
adjusted value of the principal.

     In addition to Treasury obligations, U.S. Government Securities Series
may invest in the following: (1) obligations of United States government
agencies and instrumentalities which are secured by the full faith and credit
of the United States Treasury, such as Government National Mortgage
Association pass-through certificates; (2) obligations which are secured by
the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, such as securities
issued by the Federal Financing Bank or the United States Postal Service; and
(3) obligations whichare supported by the credit of the government agency or
instrumentality itself, such as securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank or
the Federal National Mortgage  Association. U.S. Government Securities
Series will invest in securities which are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States Treasury only when the credit risk with respect
to the instrumentality or agency issuing such securities does not make the
securities, in the judgment of Advisers, unsuitable investments for the
Series.

     There is no percentage limitation on U.S. Government Securities Series'
purchase of mortgage-related securities issued, guaranteed, insured, or
collateralized by the United States government, its agencies, or
instrumentalities, except for limitations that may be imposed from time to
time by the Internal Revenue Code. The Series may also invest in
mortgage-related securities issued and insured by private organizations if
such securities fall within the investment restrictions for  marketable
straight debt  securities  set forth  below.  Types of mortgage-related
securities  include  "pass-through"  securities,  modified pass-through
securities, participation certificates, and collateralized mortgage
obligations.

     Up to 35% of U.S. Government Securities Series' total assets may consist
of:

     (1)  Marketable non-convertible debt securities which are rated at the
time of purchase within the three highest grades assigned by Moody's
Investors Service

<PAGE>

("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa or A) or Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P")
(AAA, AA or A), or comparably rated by another nationally recognized rating
agency; see the Appendix to this Prospectus for a discussion of S&P and
Moody's ratings;

     (2)  Marketable securities (payable in U.S. dollars) of, or guaranteed
by, the government of Canada or a province of Canada or any instrumentality
or political subdivision thereof (such securities not to exceed 25% of the
U.S. Government Securities Series' total assets);

     (3)  Obligations of, or guaranteed by, U.S. banks, which obligations,
although not rated as a matter of policy by either Moody's or S&P, are
considered by Advisers to have investment quality comparable to securities
which may be purchased under item (1) above (such securities not to exceed
25% of the U.S. Government Securities Series' total assets);

     (4)  Commercial paper obligations rated Prime-1 by Moody's or A-1 by
S&P, or comparably rated by another nationally recognized rating agency. See
the Appendix to this Prospectus for a discussion of S&P and Moody's ratings;
and

     (5)   Cash, other non-securities assets such as accrued interest,
receivables from investment securities sold, prepaid expenses, as well as
other high quality short term interest bearing debt securities not discussed
above.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- DIVERSIFIED INCOME SERIES

     Diversified Income Series  will pursue  its objective  by investing,
under  normal circumstances, at least 70% of its total assets in (a)
investment grade corporate fixed income securities, which are generally
considered to be those fixed income securities rated within one of the four
highest grades assigned by Moody's (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa) or by S&P (AAA, AA, A
and BBB), or comparably rated by another nationally recognized rating agency;
(b) securities  issued, guaranteed or insured by the United States Government
or its agencies or instrumentalities; (c) mortgage-related securities in
which the U.S. Government Securities Series may invest; (d) repurchase
agreements pertaining to such securities; (e) commercial paper of companies
having, at the time of purchase, an issue of outstanding debt securities
rated Baa or above by Moody's or BBB or above by S&P, or comparably rated by
another nationally recognized rating agency, or commercial paper rated P-1 or
P-2 by Moody's or A-1 or A-2 by S&P, or comparably rated by another
nationally recognized rating agency; and (f) cash and income producing cash
equivalents.

     Additionally, under normal circumstances, up to 30% of Diversified
Income Series' total assets may be invested in any combination of (a) common
and preferred stocks and convertible securities; (b) dollar denominated
foreign securities (provided that such investments in foreign securities will
be limited to 10% of the total assets of Diversified Income Series); and (c)
non-investment grade bonds (sometimes referred to as "junk bonds") and
non-rated corporate bonds. The lowest eligible rating category in which the
Series will invest is

<PAGE>

Caa as determined by Moody's and CCC as determined by S&P, or comparably
rated by another nationally recognized rating agency, except that up to 10%
of the assets of the Diversified Income Series may be invested in
nonperforming securities rated lower than these categories or which are
unrated.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- GLOBAL BOND SERIES

     Global Bond Series invests its assets in a global portfolio principally
consisting of high quality fixed-income securities of governmental and
corporate issuers and supranational organizations, which securities have
varying maturities and are denominated in various currencies, including the
U.S. dollar. The Series may invest in any region of the world, including the
United States. The Global Bond Series may engage in hedging/cross-hedging
transactions; typically however Global Bond Series will be invested in the
same number of currencies as countries in which it is invested.

     It is the present intention of the Series' sub-adviser, Mercury Asset
Management International Ltd. ("Mercury International") to invest the Global
Bond Series' assets principally in fixed-income securities of companies
within, or governments of, the United States, Continental Europe, the United
Kingdom, Canada, the Pacific Basin and in such other areas and countries as
Mercury International may determine from time to time, including countries
that are considered emerging market countries at the time of investment. At
all times at least 80% of the Series' assets will be invested in developed
countries. Developed countries include Canada, the United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and the United States.

     In pursuing its investment objective, Global Bond Series invests in a
broad range of fixed-income securities. Under normal market conditions,
Mercury International anticipates that the Series will be invested primarily
in fixed-income securities issued or guaranteed by (a) governments and their
agencies and instrumentalities, (b) government-related issuers,  and (c)
supranational organizations (such as the World Bank, The European Economic
Community, The Asian Development Bank and The European Coal and Steel
Community). The Series also invests in corporate fixed-income securities
issued by foreign or U.S. companies; certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances issued or guaranteed by, or time deposits maintained at, banks
(including foreign branches of U.S. banks or U.S. or foreign branches of
foreign banks); and commercial paper issued by foreign or U.S. companies.
Under normal conditions, at least 90% of Global Bond Series' assets will be
invested in high quality securities, i.e.., securities that are rated AA or
better by S&P or Aa or better by Moody's or comparably rated by another
nationally recognized rating agency, or, if unrated, are determined by
Mercury International to be of comparable quality. At no time will the Series
invest in securities that are rated below "A" or, if unrated, are determined
by Mercury International to be of comparable quality. See the Appendix
attached hereto for a description of the ratings of fixed-income securities
and commercial paper.

<PAGE>

     The maturities of investments held by the Global Bond Series are not
subject to any prescribed limits. A longer average maturity is generally
associated with a higher level of volatility in the market value of a
fixed-income security. The maturity of a security measures only the time
until final payment is due; it takes no account of the pattern of the
security's cash flows over time, including how cash flow is affected by
prepayments and by changes in interest rates. The average duration of Global
Bond Series will vary depending on anticipated market conditions. The Series'
average duration is a measure of the price sensitivity of its investment
portfolio, including expected cash flow, redemptions and mortgage prepayments
under a wide range of interest rate conditions. In computing the duration of
the Series' investment portfolio, Mercury International will estimate the
duration of obligations that are subject to prepayment or redemption by the
issuer taking into account the influence of interest rates. The Series'
average duration generally will be shorter than its average maturity. Under
normal market conditions, Mercury International anticipates that the average
weighted duration of the Series will be in the range of two to eight years.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- HIGH YIELD SERIES

     High Yield Series invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of
high-yield, high-risk, fixed-income securities (sometimes referred to as
"junk bonds"). Under normal circumstances, High Yield Series will invest at
least 65% of its total assets in non-investment grade (as defined below)
fixed income securities, convertible securities, options on debt securities,
interest rate futures contracts and options thereon, common and preferred
stocks, and other equity securities when these types of instruments are
consistent with High Yield Series' investment objective. High Yield Series'
remaining assets may be held in cash or cash equivalents or invested in
investment grade fixed income instruments.

     The higher yields that High Yield Series seeks are usually available
from non-investment grade securities--those rated lower than Baa3 by Moody's
or lower than BBB- by S&P, or comparably rated by another nationally
recognized rating agency, and unrated securities of similar quality. This is
an aggressive approach to income investing and is subject to greater risk
than investing in higher quality securities. High Yield Series may invest
without limitation in any "eligible" rating category. The lowest eligible
rating category in which High Yield Series will invest is Caa as determined
by Moody's and CCC as determined by S&P, or comparably rated by another
nationally recognized rating agency, except that up to 10% of the Series'
total assets may be invested in "non-performing" securities rated lower than
these categories. Securities in the Caa/CCC rating category are considered to
be of poor standing and are predominantly speculative. Lower ratings may
reflect a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer, or
adverse changes in general economic conditions, or both, may impair the
ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal.
Additionally, investments in securities rated Caa or CCC involve significant
risk exposure to adverse conditions. Such securities may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to the payment of
principal or interest.  Non-performing securities are highly speculative. For
a discussion of Moody's and S&P ratings, see the Appendix.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES

<PAGE>

     Global Asset Allocation Series attempts to achieve its objective by
following a flexible asset allocation strategy that contemplates increased
ownership of equity securities during periods when stock market conditions
appear favorable and increased ownership of short and long-term fixed-income
securities during periods when stock market conditions are less favorable. To
achieve this goal, the composition of Global Asset Allocation Series will
vary with prevailing economic conditions. The Series' neutral allocation is
approximately 60% in equity securities (including fixed income securities
convertible into equity securities) and approximately 40% in fixed-income
securities (including money market securities). Under normal conditions,
either allocation may increase to 75% or decrease to 25%, although the Series
may have all of its assets invested in either equity or fixed-income
securities.

     Equity Investments. The approach of the Series' sub-adviser, Morgan
Stanley Asset Management Limited ("Morgan Stanley"), is oriented to
individual stock selection and is value driven.  Morgan Stanley utilizes the
research of a number of sources, including its affiliate in Geneva,
Switzerland, Morgan Stanley Capital International.

     Morgan Stanley intends to invest in the common stocks of issuers located
throughout the world, including issuers based in the United States as well as
emerging markets. Common stocks for this purpose include securities
convertible into common stocks and securities having common stock
characteristics, such as rights and warrants to purchase common stocks. The
Series may also invest in American Depositary Receipts, European Depositary
Receipts or other types of depositary receipts. Securities in emerging
markets may not be as liquid as those in developed markets and may pose
greater risks. Although Morgan Stanley intends to invest primarily in
securities listed on stock exchanges, it will also invest in securities
traded in over-the-counter markets.

     Fixed Income Investments. Fixed-income investments include United States
government  securities, foreign government securities, securities of
supranational entities, Eurobonds and corporate bonds with varying maturities
denominated in various currencies and money market instruments. In evaluating
fixed-income securities, Morgan Stanley evaluates the currency, market and
individual features of the securities being considered for investment. The
Series seeks to minimize investment risk by investing in fixed-income
securities rated A or better by S&P or Moody's or comparably rated by another
nationally recognized rating agency, or, if unrated, are determined to be of
comparable quality by Morgan Stanley.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES

     Asset Allocation Series attempts to achieve its objective by following a
flexible asset allocation strategy that contemplates increased ownership of
equity securities during periods when stock market conditions appear
favorable and increased ownership of short and long-term fixed income
instruments during periods when stock market conditions are less favorable.
To achieve this goal, the composition of Asset Allocation Series will vary
with prevailing economic conditions and may consist of any of the types of
investments in which the Money Market Series,

<PAGE>

U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified Income Series, and Growth
Stock Series are permitted to invest.

     Depending upon prevailing economic and market conditions, Asset
Allocation Series may at any given time be primarily comprised of equity
securities (including debt securities convertible into equity securities) or
short-term money market securities or investment grade bonds and other debt
securities, or any combination thereof.

     Fixed income securities in which Asset Allocation Series may invest
include the investment grade and non-investment grade bonds (sometimes
referred to as "junk bonds") in which the Diversified Income Series and High
Yield Series may invest.

     Asset Allocation Series may invest up to 20% of its total assets in
foreign securities (provided that no more than 15% of its total assets may be
invested in foreign securities that are not traded on national foreign
securities exchanges or traded in the United States). Investing in foreign
securities may result in greater risk than that incurred in investing in
domestic securities.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- VALUE SERIES

     Value Series invests primarily in equity securities and selects stocks
based on the value philosophy. In seeking to attain its investment objective,
Value Series will invest primarily in common stocks or securities convertible
into common stocks. Occasionally, however, limited amounts may be invested in
other types of securities (such as nonconvertible preferred and debt
securities).  In periods when a more defensive position is deemed warranted,
Value Series may invest in high grade preferred stocks, bonds and other fixed
income securities (whether or not convertible into or carrying rights to
purchase common stock) or retain cash, all without limitation. Value Series
may invest in repurchase agreements and in both listed and unlisted
securities.

     Value Series may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in foreign
securities. Investing in foreign securities may result in greater risk than
that incurred in investing in domestic securities.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- GROWTH & INCOME SERIES

     Growth & Income Series will pursue its investment objectives by
investing in a broadly diversified portfolio of securities, with an emphasis
on securities of companies that have a history of dividend payments.
Companies will be selected on the basis of their prospects for long-term
growth and continued dividend payments. Occasionally, however, limited
amounts may be invested in other types of securities (such as nonconvertible
preferred stock and fixed  income securities). In periods  when a more
defensive position is deemed warranted, Growth & Income Series may invest in
high grade preferred stocks, bonds, and other fixed income securities
(whether or not convertible into or carrying rights to purchase common stock)
or retain cash, all without limitation. Growth & Income Series may invest in
repurchase agreements and in both listed and unlisted securities.

<PAGE>

     Growth & Income Series may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in
foreign securities. Investing in foreign securities may result in greater
risk than that incurred in investing in domestic securities.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- S & P 500 INDEX SERIES

     The Series is not managed according to traditional methods of active
investment management, which involve the buying and selling of securities
based upon economic, financial and market analysis and investment judgment.
Instead, the Series utilizes a passive investment approach, attempting to
duplicate the investment performance of the S&P 500 Index through statistical
procedures.

     The S&P 500 Index is composed of 500 common stocks that are selected by
S & P. The 500 securities, most of which trade on the New York Stock
Exchange, represent approximately 75% of the market value of all U.S. common
stocks. Each stock in the S&P 500 Index is weighted by its market
capitalization. That is, each security is weighted by its total market value
relative to the total market value of all the securities in the Index.
Component stocks included in the S&P 500 Index are chosen with the aim of
achieving a distribution at the index level representative of the various
components of the U.S. economy and therefore do not represent the 500 largest
companies. Aggregate market value and trading activity are also considered in
the selection process.

     The S&P 500 Index Series expects to invest in all 500 stocks in the S&P
500 Index in proportion to their weighting in the Index. To the extent that
the size of the Index Series does not permit it to invest in all 500 stocks
in the Index, the Index Series will purchase a representative sample of
stocks from each industry sector included in the Index in proportion to that
industry's weighting in the Index.

     To the extent that the Series seeks to replicate the S&P 500 Index using
such sampling techniques, a close correlation between the Series' performance
and the performance of the Index is anticipated in both rising and falling
markets. The Series attempts to achieve a correlation between the performance
of its investments and that of the Index of at least 0.95, before deduction
of expenses. A correlation of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation
between Series and Index performance. It is anticipated that the correlation
of the Series' performance to that of the Index will increase as the size of
the Series increases. The Series' ability to achieve significant correlation
between Series and Index performance may be affected by changes in securities
markets, changes in the composition of the Index and the timing of purchases
and redemptions of Series shares. Advisers and the sub-adviser, The Dreyfus
Corporation, monitor this correlation and report periodically to the Board of
Directors of Fortis Series. Should the Series fail to achieve an appropriate
level of correlation, the Board will consider alternative arrangements.

<PAGE>

     Under normal circumstances, the Series invests at least 95% of its total
assets in the common stocks included in the S&P 500 Index. To maintain
liquidity, the Series may invest up to 5% of its assets in the following
instruments: U.S. Government securities, commercial paper, bank certificates
of deposit, bank demand and time deposits, repurchase agreements, reverse
repurchase agreements, when-issued transactions and variable amount master
demand notes. The Series may enter into futures contracts and options to a
limited extent.

     Standard & Poor's-Registered Trademark-, "S&P-Registered Trademark-,"
"S&P 500-Registered Trademark-," "Standard & Poor's 500," and "500" are
trademarks of McGraw-Hill, Inc. and have been licensed for use by Fortis
Series. The Series is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard &
Poor's and Standard & Poor's makes no representation regarding the
advisability of investing in the Series. Standard & Poor's makes no
representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Series
or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in
securities generally or in the Series particularly or the ability of the S&P
500 Index to track general stock market performance. Standard & Poor's only
relationship to Fortis Series is the licensing of certain trademarks and
trade names of Standard & Poor's and of the S&P 500 Index which is
determined, composed and calculated by Standard & Poor's without regard to
Fortis Series or the Series. Standard & Poor's has no obligation to take the
needs of Fortis Series or the owners of the Series into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. Standard & Poor's is
not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the
prices and amount of the Series or the timing of the issuance or sale of the
Series or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the
Series is to be converted into cash. Standard & Poor's has no obligation or
liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
Series.

     STANDARD & POOR'S DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE
COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND STANDARD &
POOR'S SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS
THEREIN. STANDARD & POOR'S MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO
RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE SERIES, OWNERS OF THE SERIES OR ANY OTHER
PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. STANDARD & POOR'S MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL
STANDARD & POOR'S HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- BLUE CHIP STOCK SERIES

     The Series will invest at least 65% of total assets in the common stocks
of large and medium-sized blue chip companies, as defined by T. Rowe Price,
the sub-adviser to the Series.

<PAGE>

These companies will be well established in their industries and have the
potential for above-average growth in earnings.

     Most of the assets will be invested in U.S. common stocks. However, the
Series may also purchase other types of securities, for example, foreign
securities, preferred stocks, convertible stocks and bonds, and warrants,
when considered consistent with the Series' investment objectives. The Series
may also engage in a variety of investment management practices, such as
buying and selling futures and options. Investments in convertible
securities, preferred stocks and fixed income securities are limited to 25%
of total assets.

     The Series may employ the following types of management practices.

     Cash Position. The Series will hold a certain portion of its assets in
U.S. and foreign dollar-denominated money market securities, including
repurchase agreements, in the two highest rating categories, maturing in one
year or less. For temporary, defensive purposes, the Series may invest
without limitation in such securities. This reserve position provides
flexibility in meeting redemptions, expenses, and the timing of new
investments, and serves as a short-term defense during periods of unusual
market volatility.

     Futures and Options. The Series may buy and sell futures and options
contracts for any number of reasons, including: to manage its exposure to
changes in securities prices and foreign currencies; as an efficient means of
adjusting its overall exposure to certain markets; to enhance income; and to
protect the value of portfolio securities. The Series may purchase, sell or
write call and put options on securities, financial indices, and foreign
currencies.

     Operating Policies. Futures: Initial margin deposits and premiums on
options used for non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5% of the
Series' net assets. Options on securities: The total market value of
securities against which the Series has written call or put options may not
exceed 25% of its total assets. The Series will not commit more than 5% of
its total assets to premiums when purchasing call or put options.

     Managing Foreign Currency Risk.  Investors in foreign securities may
"hedge" their exposure to potentially unfavorable currency changes by
purchasing a contract to exchange one currency for another on some future
date at a specified exchange rate. In certain circumstances, a "proxy
currency" may be substituted for the currency in which the investment is
denominated, a strategy known as "proxy hedging." Although foreign currency
transactions will be used primarily to protect the Series' foreign securities
from adverse currency movements relative to the dollar, they involve the risk
that anticipated currency movements will not occur and the Series' total
return could be reduced.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- INTERNATIONAL STOCK SERIES

     International Stock Series invests primarily (at least 65% of total
assets under normal market conditions in the equity securities of non-U.S.
companies (i.e., incorporated or

<PAGE>

organized outside the United States). However, the Series may have
substantial investments in American  Depositary Receipts and in convertible
bonds and other convertible securities. The Series may invest up to 20% of
the value of its total assets in fixed income securities and short-term money
market instruments. International Stock Series' fixed income investments will
be limited to those rated A or better by S&P or Moody's or comparably rated
by another nationally recognized rating agency, or, if unrated, determined by
the Series' sub-adviser, Lazard Asset Management ("Lazard"), a division of
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, to be of comparable quality. See the Appendix for a
description of the ratings of fixed income securities.

     It is the present intention of Lazard to invest the Series' assets in
companies based in Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, the Pacific Basin
and in such other areas and countries as Lazard may determine from time to
time. The percentage of International Stock Series' assets invested in
particular geographic sectors may shift from time to time in accordance with
the judgment of Lazard.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- MID CAP STOCK SERIES

     Mid Cap Stock Series attempts to maintain a diversified holding in
common stocks of medium capitalization companies that have a market value
between $200 million and $5 billion. The Series' sub-adviser, The Dreyfus
Corporation ("Dreyfus"), believes that many medium-sized companies are in
fast-growing industries, offer superior earnings growth potential and are
characterized by strong balance sheets and high returns on equity. Mid Cap
Stock Series may also hold investments in large and small capitalization
companies, including emerging and cyclical growth companies.

     Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Series' total assets
will be invested in common stocks. The Series may also invest in: (1)
obligations issued or guaranteed as to interest and principal by the U.S.
government, its agencies and instrumentalities; (2) instruments of U.S. and
foreign banks, including certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances and
time deposits, and may include Eurodollar certificates of deposit, Yankee
certificates of deposit and Eurodollar time deposits; (3) corporate
obligations rated at least Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P or, if unrated, of
comparable quality as determined by Dreyfus; (4) Eurodollar bonds and notes;
(5) securities of foreign companies evidenced by American Depository
Receipts; (6) repurchase agreements; (7) when-issued transactions; and (8)
commercial paper. The Series may also utilize securities lending and reverse
repurchase agreements, and may enter into options and futures contracts for
hedging purposes, subject to certain limitations.

     Common stocks are selected by the sub-adviser so that, in the aggregate,
the investment characteristics and risk profile of Mid Cap Stock Series are
similar to that of the S&P MidCap. The S&P MidCap is composed of 400 domestic
common stocks chosen by Standard & Poor's for market size, liquidity and
industry group representation. It is a market-weighted index (stock price
times shares outstanding), with each stock affecting the S&P MidCap in
proportion to its market value. The inclusion of a stock in the S&P MidCap
does not imply that S&P believes the stock to be an attractive or appropriate
investment, nor is S&P in any way affiliated with the Series. The S&P MidCap
was created by S&P to capture the performance of the stocks that fall

<PAGE>

in the medium capitalization range. S&P screened the medium-capitalization
stocks candidacy population using the following criteria: level of trading
activity, or liquidity; market value; industry group representation; and the
level of controlling interest. A limited percentage of the S&P MidCap may
include Canadian securities. No other foreign securities are eligible for
inclusion.

     The Series may purchase and sell various financial instruments,
including financial futures contracts (such as index futures contracts) and
options (such as options on U.S. or foreign securities or indices of such
securities). These instruments may be used, for example, to preserve a return
or spread, or to facilitate or substitute for the sale or purchase of
securities. The Series' ability to use these instruments may be limited by
market conditions, regulatory limits and tax considerations. The Series may
not purchase put or call options that are traded on a national stock exchange
in an amount exceeding 5% of its net assets.

     The Series will not invest more than 15% of the value of its net assets
in illiquid securities, including time deposits and repurchase agreements
having maturities longer than seven (7) days. Securities that have readily
available market quotations are not deemed illiquid for purposes of this
limitation (irrespective of any legal or contractual restrictions on resale).

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- SMALL CAP VALUE SERIES

     The sub-adviser of Small Cap Value Series is Berger Associates, Inc.
("Berger Associates") which has contracted with Perkins, Wolf, McDonnell &
Company (the "Manager") to provide day-to-day investment management for the
Series.

     Small Cap Value Series primarily invests in common stocks of small
companies, both domestic and foreign, and other securities with equity
features, such as convertible securities, preferred stocks, warrants and
rights. Under normal circumstances, Small Cap Value Series will invest at
least 65% of its assets in equity securities of companies with market
capitalizations of less than $1 billion at the time of initial purchase.
Market capitalization is defined as total current market value of a company's
outstanding common stock. The Series may also invest in common stocks of
companies with market capitalizations in excess of $1 billion, equity
securities other than common stocks, government securities, short-term
investments or other securities described below, if the Manager believes
these are likely to be best suited to achieve the Series' objective. In
addition, Small Cap Value Series may invest in certain securities with unique
risks, such as special situations and foreign securities.

     Small Cap Value Series is authorized to make limited use of certain
types of put and call options, but only for the purpose of hedging, that is,
protecting against the risk of market movements that may adversely affect the
value of the Series' securities or the price of securities that the Series is
considering purchasing. Although a hedging transaction may, for example,
partially protect the Series from a decline in the value of a particular
security or its portfolio generally, hedging may also limit the Series'
opportunity to profit from favorable price movements, and the cost of the
transaction will reduce the potential return on the security or the
portfolio. No more than 5% of the Series' net assets at the time of purchase
may be utilized as

<PAGE>

premiums for options. Small Cap Value Series may write covered call options,
but only up to 10% of the Series' net assets.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- GLOBAL GROWTH SERIES

     Global Growth Series seeks its objectives primarily by investing in a
global portfolio of equity securities, allocated among diverse international
markets. The Series may invest in any kind of equity security including
common stocks, preferred stocks and warrants.

     The Series is not required to maintain any particular geographic or
currency mix of its investments, nor is it required to maintain any
particular proportion of equity securities, bonds, or other securities in its
portfolio. However, in view of its investment objectives, the Series
currently expects to invest its assets primarily in equity securities. Under
normal market conditions Global Growth Series invests approximately 55% to
65% of its total assets in equity securities in established growth companies
which have achieved a record of operating earnings over the past five-year
period. Such companies would usually be located in the United States, Canada,
the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and other Western European nations.
These companies will also have paid or have the ability to pay a dividend.
Established growth companies typically have less sensitivity to general
economic trends, tend to generate above average returns on invested capital,
and have leadership positions in their  respective industries. When selecting
securities of non-U.S. issuers, Advisers considers additional factors related
to the country of the non-U.S. issuer, including foreign currency exchange,
the political stability of the country of such non-U.S. issuer, foreign
regulations, and settlement practices.

     Global Growth Series may invest up to 45% of its equity securities in
emerging growth companies and in global emerging markets. Global Growth
Series has no minimum size requirements for the emerging growth companies in
which it will invest. Advisers believes that investments in equity securities
in emerging growth companies and in global emerging markets offer the
opportunity for significant long-term investment returns.

     The debt obligations in which the Series may invest include a variety of
government bonds and corporate debt obligations. Global Growth Series expects
that a large portion of its debt investments will be high quality, as defined
above, government or corporate bonds. Government bonds which the Series may
purchase include debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government
or foreign governments (including foreign states, provinces, or
municipalities) or their  agencies, authorities or instrumentalities and also
includes debt obligations issued by supranational entities, which entities
are organized or supported by several national governments, such as the World
Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Other debt obligations which the Series
may purchase include corporate bonds and debt obligations convertible into
equity securities or having attached warrants or rights to purchase equity
securities. The Series may also purchase securities that are issued by the
government or a corporation or financial institution of one nation but
denominated in the currency of another

<PAGE>

nation (or a multinational currency unit). No more than 5% of the Series' net
assets may be invested in a debt security rated lower than Baa or BBB. A
description of the Moody's and S&P ratings is included in the Appendix.

     The Series may also use forward currency contracts and options and
futures strategies which involve certain investment risks and transaction
costs.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- LARGE CAP GROWTH SERIES

     Large Cap Growth Series invests predominantly in equity securities of a
limited number of large, carefully selected, high-quality U.S. companies that
are judged likely to achieve superior earnings growth. Normally, about 40
companies will be represented in Large Cap Growth Series' portfolio, with the
25 most highly regarded of these companies usually constituting approximately
70% of the Series' net assets.

     The Series normally invests at least 85% of its total assets in the
equity securities of U.S. companies. These are companies (i) organized under
United States law that have their principal office in the United States, and
(ii) the equity securities of which are traded principally in the United
States.

     The sub-adviser to Large Cap Growth Series is Alliance Capital
Management L.P. ("Alliance"). Alliance expects the average market
capitalization of companies represented in the Series' portfolio normally to
be in the range, or in excess, of the average market capitalization of
companies comprising the S&P 500.

     Large Cap Growth Series may also: (1) invest up to 20% of its net assets
in convertible securities of companies whose common stocks are eligible for
purchase; (2) invest up to 5% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (3)
invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers whose
common stocks are eligible for purchase; (4) purchase and sell
exchange-traded index options and stock index futures contracts; and (5)
write covered exchange-traded call options on common stocks, unless as a
result, the amount of its securities subject to call options would exceed 15%
of its total assets, and purchase and sell exchange-traded call and put
options on common stocks written by others, but the total cost of all options
held by the Series (including exchange-traded index options) may not exceed
10% of its total assets. Large Cap Growth Series will not write put options.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- GROWTH STOCK SERIES

     Growth Stock Series will generally invest in mid cap companies
representing a diversified cross section of U.S. industry. For purposes of
this Series,  mid cap companies are  those with a  market capitalization
between $1 billion and $5 billion at the time of purchase.

     Growth Stock Series will invest primarily in common stocks or securities
convertible into common stocks. Occasionally, however, limited amounts may be
invested in other types of

<PAGE>

securities (such as nonconvertible preferred and debt securities). In periods
when a more defensive position is deemed warranted, Growth Stock Series may
invest in high grade preferred stocks, bonds and other fixed income
securities (whether or not convertible into or carrying rights to purchase
common stock) or retain cash, all without limitation. Growth Stock Series may
also invest in repurchase agreements, listed and unlisted securities and up
to 10% of its total assets in foreign securities. Investing in foreign
securities may result in greater risk than that incurred in investing in
domestic securities.

INVESTMENT POLICIES -- AGGRESSIVE GROWTH SERIES

     The Series attempts to achieve its objective by investing primarily in
equity securities of small and medium sized companies that are early in their
life cycles, but which have the potential to become major enterprises
("emerging growth companies"), and in more established companies that have
the potential for above-average capital growth.

     Aggressive Growth Series' policy is to invest, under normal
circumstances, at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks of emerging
growth companies and equity securities of more established companies whose
rates of earnings growth are expected to accelerate because of special
factors such as new products, changes in consumer demand, basic changes in
the economic environment, or rejuvenated management. Emerging growth
companies generally have annual gross revenues ranging from $10 million to $1
billion, would be expected to show earnings growth over time that is well
above the growth rate of the overall economy and the rate of inflation, and
would have products, management, and market opportunities which are usually
necessary to become more widely recognized as growth companies.

     While Aggressive Growth Series will invest primarily in common stocks,
it may, to a limited extent, seek appreciation in other types of securities
such as convertible securities and warrants when relative values make such
purchases appear attractive. The Series may also write covered call and
secured put options and purchase call and put options on securities and stock
indexes in an effort to increase total return and for hedging purposes, and
may purchase and sell stock index futures contracts and options thereon for
hedging purposes.

     Aggressive Growth Series may also invest up to 10% of its total assets
in foreign securities.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- MONEY MARKET SERIES, U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
SERIES, DIVERSIFIED INCOME SERIES, ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES AND GROWTH STOCK
SERIES

     The following investment restrictions are fundamental and may be changed
only by the approval of shareholders. No Fund will:

     (1)  Purchase securities on margin or otherwise borrow money or issue
senior securities, except that U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified
Income Series and Asset Allocation Series, in accordance with their
investment objectives and policies, may purchase securities on a when-issued
and delayed delivery basis, within the limitations set forth

<PAGE>

in the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. Fortis Series may
also obtain such short-term credit as it needs for the clearance of
securities transactions, and may borrow from a bank, for the account of Money
Market Series, U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified Income Series,
Asset Allocation Series and Growth Stock Series, as a temporary  measure to
facilitate redemptions (but not for leveraging or investment) in an amount
that does not exceed 10% of the value of such Series' total assets.
Investment securities will not be purchased for a Series while outstanding
bank borrowings exceed 5% of the value of such Series' total assets.

     (2)  Write, purchase or sell puts, calls or combinations thereof.

     (3)  Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its assets, except in an amount not
exceeding 10% of the value of its total assets to secure temporary or
emergency borrowing.

     (4)  Invest in commodities or commodity contracts.

     (5)  Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the
extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities,
Fortis Series may be deemed an underwriter under applicable laws.

     (6)  Participate on a joint, or a joint and several, basis in any
securities trading account.

     (7)  Invest in real estate, except a Series may invest in securities
issued by companies owning real estate or interests therein.

     (8)  Makes loans to other persons. Repurchase agreements and the
purchase of publicly traded debt obligations are not considered to be "loans"
for this purpose and may be entered into or purchased by a Series in
accordance with its investment objectives and policies.

     (9)  Concentrate its investments in any particular industry, except that
(i) it may invest up to 25% of the value of its total assets in any
particular industry, and (ii) there is no limitation with respect to
investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or its agencies and instrumentalities, or obligations of domestic
commercial banks. As to utility companies, gas, electric, water and telephone
companies will be considered as separate industries. As to finance companies,
the following categories will be considered as separate industries: (a)
captive automobile finance, such as General Motors Acceptance Corp. and Ford
Motor Credit Corp.; (b) captive equipment finance companies, such as
Honeywell Finance Corporation and General Electric Credit Corp.; (c) captive
retail finance companies, such as Macy Credit Corp. and Sears Roebuck
Acceptance Corp.; (d) consumer loan companies, such as Beneficial Finance
Corporation and Household  Finance Corporation; (e) diversified finance
companies such as CIT Financial Corp., Commercial Credit Corporation and Borg
Warner Acceptance Corp.; and (f) captive oil finance companies, such as Shell
Credit, Inc., Mobil Oil Credit Corp. and Texaco Financial Services, Inc.
[For purposes of this restriction, securities of each foreign government will
be considered a separate "industry".]

     (10) Purchase from or sell to any officer, director, or employee of
Fortis Series, or its adviser or underwriter, or any of their officers or
directors, any securities other than shares of Fortis Series' common stock.

     (11) Make short sales, except for sales "against the box." While a short
sale is made by selling a security the Series does not own, a short sale is
"against the box" to the extent that the Series contemporaneously owns or has
the right to obtain securities identical to those sold short at no added cost.

<PAGE>

     (12) Invest more than 5% of the value of its assets in restricted
securities.

     The following investment restrictions may be changed without shareholder
approval. Money Market Series, U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified
Income Series, Asset Allocation Series and Growth Stock Series will not:

     (1)  Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies
except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

     (2)  Invest in a company for the purposes of exercising control or
management.

     (3)  Buy or sell foreign exchange, except as incidental to the purchase
or sale of permissible foreign investments.

     (4)  Invest in securities which would expose such Series to liabilities
exceeding the amount invested.

     (5)  Invest in interests (including partnership interests) in oil, gas,
or other mineral exploration or development programs, except it may purchase
or sell securities issued by corporations engaging in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development business.

     (6)  Invest more than an aggregate of 10% of their total assets in
restricted securities (both debt and equity) or in equity securities which
are not readily marketable.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- HIGH YIELD SERIES, VALUE SERIES, GROWTH & INCOME
SERIES AND AGGRESSIVE GROWTH SERIES

     The following investment restrictions are fundamental and may be changed
only by the approval of shareholders. No Fund will:

     (1)  Concentrate its investments in any particular industry, except that
(i) it may invest up to 25% of the value of its total assets in any
particular industry, and (ii) there is no limitation with respect to
investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or its agencies and instrumentalities, or obligations of domestic
commercial banks. As to utility companies, gas, electric, water and telephone
companies will be considered as separate industries. As to finance companies,
the following categories will be considered as separate industries: (a)
captive automobile finance, such as General Motors Acceptance Corp. and Ford
Motor Credit Corp.; (b) captive equipment finance companies, such as
Honeywell Finance Corporation and General Electric Credit Corp.; (c) captive
retail finance companies, such as Macy Credit Corp. and Sears Roebuck
Acceptance Corp.; (d) consumer loan companies,  such as Beneficial Finance
Corporation and Household Finance Corporation; (e) diversified finance
companies such as CIT Financial Corp., Commercial Credit Corporation and Borg
Warner Acceptance Corp.; and (f) captive oil finance companies, such as Shell
Credit, Inc., Mobil Oil Credit Corp. and Texaco Financial Services, Inc.

     (2)  Purchase or sell physical commodities (such as grains, livestock,
etc.) or futures or options contracts thereon. However, it may purchase or
sell any forms of financial instruments or contracts that might be deemed
commodities.

     (3)  Invest directly in real estate or interests in real estate;
however, the Series may invest in interests in real estate investment trusts,
debt securities secured by real estate or

<PAGE>

interests therein, or debt or equity securities issued by companies which
invest in real estate or interests therein.

     (4)  Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner transfer, as
security for indebtedness, any securities owned or held by the Series,
provided that this restriction shall not apply to the transfer of securities
in connection with any permissible  borrowing or to collateral  arrangements
in connection with permissible activities.

     (5)  Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the
extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the
Series may be deemed an underwriter under applicable laws.

     (6)  Purchase securities on margin, except that the Series, in
accordance with its investment objectives  and policies, may  purchase
securities on  a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis.
The Series may also obtain such short-term credit as it needs for the
clearance of securities transactions and may make margin deposits in
connection with futures contracts.

     (7)  Make short sales, except for sales "against the box."

     (8)  Make loans to other persons, except: (i) each Series may lend its
portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of its
total assets if such loans are secured by collateral equal to at least the
market value of the securities lent, provided that such collateral shall be
limited to cash, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
its agencies or instrumentalities, certificates of deposit or other
high-grade, short-term obligations or interest-bearing cash equivalents; and
(ii) it may purchase debt securities through private placements (restricted
securities) in accordance with the Series' investment objectives and policies.

     (9)  Issue senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) other than as
set forth in restriction #10 below and except to the extent that using
options and futures contracts or purchasing or selling securities on a when
issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis (including the entering
into of roll transactions) may be deemed to constitute issuing a senior
security.

     (10) Borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes
not in excess of 33 1/3% of the value of the Series' total assets. The Series
will not purchase securities while borrowings (including roll transactions)
in excess of 5% of total assets are outstanding. In the event that the asset
coverage for the Series' borrowings falls below 300%, the Series will reduce,
within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays), the amount of its
borrowings in order to provide for 300% asset coverage.

     The following investment restrictions may be changed without shareholder
approval. High Yield Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series and
Aggressive Growth Series will not:

     (1)  Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies
except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

     (2)  Invest in a company for the purposes of exercising control or
management.

     (3)  Invest in interests (including partnership interests or leases) in
oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development programs, except the
Series may purchase or sell securities

<PAGE>

issued by corporations engaging in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or
development business.

     (4)  Invest more than 15% of their net assets in illiquid securities.

     (5)  Enter into any options, futures, or forward contract transactions
if immediately thereafter (a) the amount of premiums paid for all options,
initial margin deposits on all futures contracts and/or options on futures
contracts, and collateral deposited with respect to forward contracts held by
or entered into by the Series would exceed 5% of the value of the total
assets of the Series or (b) the Series' assets covering, subject to, or
committed to all options, futures, and forward contracts would exceed 20% of
the value of the total assets of the Series. (This restriction does not apply
to securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward
commitment basis.)

     (6)  Invest in real estate limited partnership interests.

     (7)  Purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase at the time
thereof would cause more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer to
be held by the Series.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- GLOBAL GROWTH SERIES

     The following investment restrictions are fundamental and may be changed
only by the approval of shareholders. Global Growth Series will not:

     (1)  Concentrate its investments, that is, invest 25% or more of its
total assets in any particular industry.

     (2)  Buy or sell commodities or commodity contracts, including futures
contracts, other than within the limitations set forth in the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information.

     (3)  Purchase or sell real estate or other interests in real estate, or
interests in real estate investment trusts; however, Global Growth Series may
invest in debt securities secured by real estate or interests therein or
issued by corporations which invest in real estate or interests therein.

     (4)  Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner transfer, as
security for indebtedness, any securities owned or held by Global Growth
Series, provided that this restriction shall not apply to the transfer of
securities in connection with any permissible borrowing or to collateral
arrangements in connection with permissible activities.

     (5)  Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the
extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities,
Global Growth Series may be deemed an underwriter under applicable laws and
except that Global Growth Series may invest up to 10% of the value of its
assets in portfolio securities which are not registered under the applicable
securities laws of the country in which such securities are traded and for
which no alternative market is readily available (such securities are
referred to herein as "restricted securities").

     (6)  Purchase securities on margin, except that Global Growth Series, in
accordance with its investment objectives and policies, may purchase
securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis,
within the limitations set forth in the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information. Global Growth Series may also obtain

<PAGE>

such short-term credit as it needs for the clearance of securities
transactions and may make margin deposits in connection with futures
contracts.

     (7)  Make short sales, except for sales "against the box."

     (8)  Make loans to other persons, except that it may purchase readily
marketable bonds, debentures, or other debt securities, whether or not
publicly distributed, enter into repurchase agreements, and make loans of
portfolio securities to an aggregate of 30% of the value of its total assets,
measured at the time any such loan is made.

     (9)  Issue senior securities, except that Global Growth Series may
purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment
basis and enter into roll transactions and other transactions within the
limitations set forth in the Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information which may be deemed to constitute borrowing.

     (10) Borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes
not in excess of 33 1/3% of the value of the Series' total assets. Global
Growth Series will not purchase securities while borrowings (including roll
transactions) in excess of 5% of total assets are outstanding. In the event
that the asset coverage for the Series' borrowings falls below 300%, Global
Growth Series will reduce, within three days (excluding Sundays and
holidays), the amount of its borrowings in order to provide for 300% asset
coverage.

     The following investment restrictions may be changed without shareholder
approval. Global Growth Series will not:

     (1)  Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies
except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

     (2)  Invest in a company for the purposes of exercising control or
management.

     (3)  Invest in interests (including partnership interests or leases) in
oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development programs, except the
Global Growth Series may purchase or sell securities issued by corporations
engaging in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development business.

     (4)  Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if those officers
and directors of Fortis Series or its investment adviser owning (including
beneficial ownership) individually more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of
such issuer together own (including beneficial ownership) more than 5% of the
securities of such issuer.

     (5)  Invest more than an aggregate of 10% of the value of its total
assets in (a) restricted securities (both debt and equity) or in debt or
equity securities of any issuer which are not readily marketable; (b)
repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days; and (c)
over-the-counter option and futures contracts; provided further that the
Series will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in restricted
securities.

     (6)  Enter into any options, futures, or forward contract transactions
if immediately thereafter (a) the amount of premiums paid for all options,
initial margin deposits on all futures contracts and/or options on futures
contracts, and collateral deposited with respect to forward contracts held by
or entered into by the Series would exceed 5% of the value of the total
assets of the Series or (b) the Series' assets covering, subject to, or
committed to all options, futures, and forward contracts would exceed 20% of
the value of the total assets of the Series. (This restriction does not apply
to securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward
commitment basis.)

<PAGE>

     (7)  Invest in real estate limited partnership interests.

     (8)  Purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase at the time
thereof would cause more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer to
be held by the Series.

     (9)  Borrow money in excess of 10% of its total assets, except as a
temporary or emergency measure. ("Roll" transactions will not be considered
borrowing for purposes of this restriction).

     (10) Will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in warrants, valued
at the lower of cost or market.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- GLOBAL BOND SERIES, GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
AND INTERNATIONAL STOCK SERIES

     The following investment restrictions are fundamental and may be changed
only by the approval of shareholders. No Fund will:

     (1)  Concentrate its investments in any particular industry, except that
(i) a Series may invest up to 25% of the value of its total assets in any
particular industry, and (ii) there is no limitation with respect to
investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
government or its agencies and instrumentalities, or obligations of domestic
commercial banks. As to utility companies, gas, electric, water and telephone
companies will be considered as separate industries. As to finance companies,
the following categories will be considered as separate industries: (a)
captive automobile finance, such as General Motors Acceptance Corp. and Ford
Motor Credit Corp.; (b) captive equipment finance companies, such as
Honeywell Finance Corporation and General Electric Credit Corp.; (c) captive
retail finance companies, such as Macy Credit Corp. and Sears Roebuck
Acceptance Corp.; (d) consumer loan companies,  such as Beneficial Finance
Corporation and Household Finance Corporation; (e) diversified finance
companies, such as CIT Financial Corp., Commercial Credit Corporation and
Borg Warner Acceptance Corp.; and (f) captive oil finance companies, such as
Shell Credit, Inc., Mobil Oil Credit Corp. and Texaco Financial Services,
Inc. [For purposes of this restriction, securities of each  foreign government
or agency thereof will be considered separate "industries".]

     (2)  Purchase or sell physical commodities (such as grains, livestock,
etc.) or futures or options contracts thereon; however, a Series may purchase
or sell any forms of financial instruments or contracts that might be deemed
commodities.

     (3)  Invest directly in real estate or interests in real estate;
however, a Series may invest in interests in real estate investment trusts,
debt securities secured by real estate or interests therein, or debt or
equity securities issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests
therein.

     (4)  Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the
extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, a
Series may be deemed an underwriter under applicable laws.

     (5)  Purchase securities on margin or otherwise borrow money, except
that a Series, in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, may
purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment
basis, and may make margin deposits in connection with dealing in commodities
or options thereon. A Series also may obtain such

<PAGE>

short-term credit as it needs for the clearance of securities transactions,
and may borrow from a bank an amount that does not exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of a Series' total assets. A Series will not purchase investment
securities while outstanding bank borrowings (including "roll" transactions)
in excess of 5% of its total assets are outstanding. In the event that the
asset coverage for a Series' borrowings falls below 300%, such Series will
reduce, within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays), the amount of its
borrowings in order to provide for 300% asset coverage.

     (6)  Make loans to other persons, except that a Series may lend its
portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of its
total assets (including the amount lent as well as the collateral securing
such loans), if such loans are secured by collateral at least equal to the
market value of the securities lent, provided that such collateral shall be
limited to cash, government securities, certificates of deposit or other
high-grade, short-term obligations or interest-bearing  cash equivalents
(including  repurchase agreements pertaining to such securities or
obligations). Loans shall not be deemed to include repurchase agreements or
the purchase or acquisition of a portion of an issue of notes, bonds,
debentures or other debt securities, whether or not such purchase or
acquisition is made upon the original issuance of the securities.

     (7)  Issue senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) other than as
set forth in restriction 5 concerning borrowing and except to the extent that
using options and futures contracts or purchasing or selling securities on a
when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis (including the
entering into of roll transactions) may be deemed to constitute issuing a
senior security.

     The following investment restrictions may be changed without shareholder
approval. Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series and
International Stock Series will not:

     (1)  Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies
except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

     (2)  Invest in a company for the purposes of exercising control or
management.

     (3)  Invest in interests (including partnership interests or leases) in
oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs, except it may
purchase or sell securities issued by corporations engaging in oil, gas or
other mineral exploration or development business.

     (4)  Invest more than 15% of their net assets in illiquid securities.

     (5)  Enter into any options, futures or forward contract transactions if
immediately thereafter the amount of premiums paid for all options, initial
margin deposits on all futures contracts and/or options on futures contracts,
and collateral deposited with respect to forward contracts held by or entered
into by such Series would exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of such
Series. (This restriction does not apply to securities purchased on a
when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis.)

     (6)  Make short sales, except for sales "against the box" and except for
foreign currency forward exchange contracts for hedging or cross-hedging
purposes.

     (7)  Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent
necessary to secure permitted borrowings and except for collateral
arrangements in connection with permissible activities.

<PAGE>

     (8)  Purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase at the time
thereof would cause more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer to
be held by the Series.

     (9)  Global Asset Allocation Series and International Stock Series will
not invest more than 5% of their net assets in warrants, valued at the lower
of cost or market.

     (10) Global Asset Allocation Series and International Stock Series will
not invest more than 5% of their net assets in warrants, valued at the lower
of cost or market.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- S&P 500 INDEX SERIES AND MID CAP STOCK SERIES

     The following investment restrictions are fundamental and may be changed
only by the approval of shareholders. Neither Fund will:

     (1)  Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25% of the
value of the Series' total assets at the time of such purchase to be invested
in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal
activities in the same industry. (For purposes of this limitation, U.S.
Government securities, and state or municipal governments and their political
subdivisions, are not considered members of any industry. In addition, this
limitation does not apply to investments in domestic banks, including U.S.
branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks).

     (2)  Borrow money or issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act
except that a Series may borrow money in an amount not exceeding one-third of
the Series' total assets at the time of such borrowings. The purchase or sale
of futures contracts and related options shall not be considered to involve
the borrowing of money or issuance of senior securities.

     (3)  Make loans or lend securities, if as a result thereof more than
one-third of the Series' total assets would be subject to all such loans. For
purposes of this limitation debt instruments and repurchase agreements shall
not be treated as loans.

     (4)  Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the
Series from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real
estate, including mortgage loans, or securities of companies that engage in
real estate business or invest or deal in real estate or interests therein).

     (5)  Underwrite securities issued by any other person, except to the
extent that the purchase of securities and later disposition of such
securities in accordance with the Series' investment program may be deemed an
underwriting.

     (6)  Purchase or sell commodities except that the Series may enter into
futures contracts and related options, forward currency contracts and other
similar instruments.

     The following investment restrictions may be changed without shareholder
approval. S&P 500 Index Series and Mid Cap Stock Series will not:

     (1)  Sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and
provided that transactions in futures contracts are not deemed to constitute
selling short.

     (2)  Purchase securities on margin, except that the Series may obtain
such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions,
and provided that margin payments

<PAGE>

in connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

     (3)  Purchase oil, gas or mineral leases.

     (4)  Invest more than 15% of their net assets in illiquid securities.

     (5)  Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies
except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

     (6)  Purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of
the Series' total assets are outstanding.

     (7)  Purchase puts, calls, straddles, spreads and any combination
thereof if by reason thereof the value of its aggregate investment in such
classes of securities would exceed 5% of its total assets except that: (a)
this limitation shall not apply to standby commitments, and (b) this
limitation shall not apply to the Series' transactions in futures contracts
and related options.

     (8)  Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets, at the time
of such purchase, in domestic banks, including U.S. branches of foreign banks
and foreign branches of U.S. banks.

     (9)  Invest in a company for the purposes of exercising control or
management.

     (10) Invest more than 5% of their net assets in warrants, valued at the
lower of cost or market.

     Each of S&P 500 Index Series and Mid Cap Stock Series engages, except as
noted, in the following practices in furtherance of its investment objective:

Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Series have authority to lend portfolio
securities provided (1) the loan is secured continuously by  collateral
consisting of U.S. Government securities or cash or cash equivalents adjusted
daily to make a market value at least equal to the current market value of
these securities loaned; (2) the Series may at any time call the loan and
regain the securities loaned; (3) the Series will receive any interest or
dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (4) the aggregate market value
of securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total
assets of the Series. In addition, it is anticipated that the Series may
share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the
loan or that it will be paid a premium for the loan. In determining whether
to lend securities, the Series considers all relevant factors and
circumstances including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

Futures Contracts and Options. For the purpose of creating market exposure
for uncommitted cash  balances, reducing  transaction costs  associated  with
rebalancing the Series, facilitating trading or seeking higher investment
returns when a futures contract is priced more attractively than the
underlying security or the index of the Series, the Series may enter into
futures contracts, options, and options on futures contracts with respect to
securities in which the Series may invest and indices comprised of such
securities.

Restrictions on the Use of Futures Contracts and Options. The Series will not
enter into futures contracts to the extent that its outstanding obligations
under these contracts would exceed 10% of the Series' total assets. To the
extent that the Series enters into futures contracts and options on futures
positions that are not for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the

<PAGE>

Commodity Futures Trading Commission), the aggregate initial margin and
premiums on these positions (excluding the amount by which options are
"in-the-money") may not exceed 5% of the Series' net assets.

     Transactions using options and futures contracts (other than options
that the Series has purchased) expose the Series to an obligation to another
party. The Series will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns
either (1) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities or other options
or futures contracts or (2) cash, receivables and short-term debt securities
with a value sufficient  at  all  times  to  cover  its potential
obligations  not covered as provided in (1) above. The Series will comply
with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the
guidelines so require, set aside cash, U.S. Government securities or other
liquid, high-grade debt securities in a segregated account with its custodian
in the prescribed amount.

     All options purchased or written by the Series must be listed on a
national securities or futures exchange or traded in the over-the-counter
("OTC") market. The Series will not purchase or write OTC options if, as a
result of such transaction, the sum of (i) the market value of outstanding
OTC options purchased by the Series, (ii) the market value of the underlying
securities covered by outstanding OTC call options written by the Series, and
(iii) the market value of all other assets of the Series that are illiquid or
are not otherwise readily marketable, would exceed 15% of the net assets of
the Series, taken at market value. However, if an OTC option is sold by the
Series to a primary U.S. Government securities dealer recognized by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Series has the unconditional
contractual right to repurchase such OTC option from the dealer at a
predetermined price, then the Series 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" (the difference between current market
value of the underlying security and the option's strike price). The
repurchase price with primary dealers is typically a formula price which is
generally based on a multiple of the premium received for the option plus the
amount by which the option is "in-the-money."

     The Series may write only covered options. A call option is covered if
the Series owns the underlying security or a call option on the same security
with a lower strike price. A put option is covered if the Series segregates
cash and/or short-term debt securities in an amount necessary to pay the
strike price of the option or purchases a put option on the same underlying
security with a higher strike price.

     The Series will not purchase puts, calls, straddles, spreads or any
combination thereof, if as a result of such purchase the value of the Series'
aggregate investment in such securities would exceed 5% of the Series' total
assets.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- BLUE CHIP STOCK SERIES AND SMALL CAP VALUE SERIES

     The following investment restrictions are fundamental and may be changed
only by the approval of shareholders. Neither Fund will:

<PAGE>

     (1)  Borrow money except that the Series may (i) borrow for
non-leveraging, temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) engage in reverse
repurchase agreements and make other investments or engage in other
transactions, which may involve a borrowing, in a manner consistent with the
Series' investment objective and program, provided that the combination of
(i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Series' total
assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than
borrowings) or such other percentage permitted by law. Any borrowings which
come to exceed this amount will be reduced in accordance with applicable
laws. The Series may borrow from banks or other persons to the extent
permitted by applicable law.

     (2)  Purchase or sell physical commodities; except that it may enter
into futures contracts and options thereon.

     (3)  Purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, more than
25% of the value of the Series' total assets would be invested in the
securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same
industry.

     (4)  Make loans, although the Series may (i) lend portfolio securities
provided that no such loan may be made if, as a result, the aggregate of such
loans would exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Series' total assets; (ii)
purchase money market securities and enter into repurchase agreements; and
(iii) acquire publicly-distributed or privately-placed debt securities and
purchase debt.

     (5)  Purchase a security if, as a result, with respect to 75% of the
value of its total assets, more than 5% of the value of the Series' total
assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer, except
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies
or instrumentalities.

     (6)  Purchase a security if, as a result, with respect to 75% of the
value of the Series' total assets, more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of any issuer would be held by the Series (other than obligations
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities).

     (7)  Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the
Series from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real
estate or in securities of companies engaged in the real estate business).

     (8)  Issue senior securities except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

     (9)  Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent
that the Series may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the purchase and sale of its
portfolio securities in the ordinary course of pursuing its investment
program.

     The following notes should be read in connection with the
above-described fundamental policies. The notes are not fundamental policies.

     With respect to investment restriction (2), the Series do not consider
currency contracts or hybrid investments to be commodities. For purposes of
investment restriction (3), U.S., state or local governments, or related
agencies or instrumentalities, are not considered an  industry. Industries
are determined by reference to the classifications of industries set forth in

<PAGE>

the Series' semi-annual and annual reports. For purposes of investment
restriction (4), the Series will consider the acquisition of a debt security
to include the execution of a note or other evidence of an extension of
credit with a term of more than nine months.

     The following investment restrictions may be changed without shareholder
approval. Blue Chip Stock Series and Small Cap Value Series will not:

     (1)  Purchase additional securities when money borrowed exceeds 5% of
its total assets.

     (2)  Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising management or
control.

     (3)  Purchase a futures contract or an option thereon if, with respect
to positions in futures or options on futures which do not represent bona
fide hedging, the aggregate initial margin and premiums on such options would
exceed 5% of the Series' net asset value.

     (4)  Invest more than 15% of their net assets in illiquid securities.

     (5)  Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies
except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

     (6)  Purchase securities on margin, except (i) for use of short-term
credit necessary for clearance of purchases of portfolio securities and (ii)
it may make margin deposits in connection with futures contracts or other
permissible investments.

     (7)  Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or, in any manner, transfer any
security owned by the Series as security for indebtedness except as may be
necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or investments and then
such mortgaging, pledging or hypothecating may not exceed 25% of the Series'
total assets at the time of borrowing or investment.

     (8)  Purchase participations or other direct interests in or enter into
leases with respect to, oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development
programs, except that Blue Chip Stock Series may invest up to 5% of its total
assets in such programs.

     (9)  Invest in puts, calls, straddles, spreads, or any combination
thereof, except to the extent permitted by the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information.

     (10) Invest more than 5% of their net assets in warrants, valued at the
lower of cost or market.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- LARGE CAP GROWTH SERIES

     The following investment restrictions are fundamental and may be changed
only by the approval of shareholders. The Fund will not:

     (1)  Purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
one issuer.

     (2)  Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in the same
industry except that this restriction does not apply to securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies and
instrumentalities.

     (3)  Borrow money or issue senior securities except for temporary or
emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of its total
assets at the time the borrowing is made.

     (4)  Pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber any of its
assets except in connection with the writing of call options and except to
secure permitted borrowings.

<PAGE>

     (5)  Make loans except through the purchase of debt obligations, lending
portfolio securities and entering into repurchase agreements.

     (6)  Write put options.

     (7)   (a) Purchase or sell real estate except that it may purchase and
sell securities of companies that deal in real estate or interests therein;
(b) purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts (other than stock
index futures contracts), (c) make short sales of securities or purchase
securities on margin except for such short-term credits as may be necessary
for the clearance of transactions, or (d) act as an underwriter of
securities, except that the Large Cap Growth Series may acquire restricted
securities or securities in private placements under circumstances in which,
if such securities were sold, the Large Cap Growth Series might be deemed to
be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.

     The following investment restrictions may be changed without shareholder
approval. Large Cap Growth Series will not:

     (1)  Invest more than 20% of the value of its total assets in
convertible securities.

     (2)  Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in rights or
warrants that entitle the holder to buy equity securities.

     (3)  Invest more than 15% of the value of its total assets in securities
of foreign issuers.

     (4)  Invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

     (5)  Sell a call option written by it if, as a result of the sale, the
aggregate of the Series' portfolio securities subject to outstanding call
options (valued at the lower of the option price or market value of such
securities) would exceed 15% of the value of the Series' total assets.

     (6)  Invest more than 10% of its total assets in put and call options
(including options on market indices).

     (7)  Purchase or sell options on stock index futures contracts.

     (8)  Purchase or sell a stock index future if, immediately thereafter,
more than 30% of its total assets would be hedged by stock index futures.

     (9)  Participate on a joint, or joint and several, basis in any
securities trading account.

     (10) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.

     (11) Invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development programs, except that it may purchase and sell securities in
companies that deal in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development
programs.

     (12) Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies
except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

     (13) Will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in warrants, valued
at the lower of cost or market.

<PAGE>

                    INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AND BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES

     The Series may invest in certificates of deposits. Certificates of
deposit are receipts issued by a bank in exchange for the deposit of funds.
The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of
the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually
can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Bankers'
acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to
enable  businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions.
Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or
importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise.
The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally
guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The
acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it
may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a
specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270
days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.

SHORT-TERM MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS

     Each Series may at any time invest funds awaiting investment or held as
reserves for the purposes of satisfying redemption requests, payment of
dividends or making other distributions to shareholders, in cash and
short-term money market instruments. Short-term money market instruments in
which each Series may invest include (i) short-term U.S. government
securities and short-term obligations of foreign sovereign governments and
their agencies and instrumentalities, (ii) interest bearing savings deposits
on, and certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances of, United States
and foreign banks, (iii) commercial paper of U.S. or foreign issuers rated
A-1 or higher by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or comparably rated by another
nationally recognized rating agency, or, if not rated, determined by Advisers
(or the sub-adviser, if applicable) to be of comparable quality and (iv)
repurchase agreements relating to the foregoing.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES

     Each Series  may invest in U.S. government securities, which include:
(i) the following U.S. Treasury obligations: U.S. Treasury bills (initial
maturities of one year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (initial maturities of
one to 10 years), and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally initial maturities of
greater than 10 years), all of which are backed by the full faith and credit
of the United States; and (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S.
government agencies or instrumentalities, including government guaranteed
mortgage-related securities, some of which are backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Treasury, e.g., direct pass-through certificates of the
Government National Mortgage Association; some of which are supported by the
right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. government, e.g., obligations of
Federal Home Loan Banks; and some of which are backed only by the credit of
the issuer itself, e.g.,

<PAGE>

obligations of the Student Loan Marketing Association. U.S. government
securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or
guaranteed by the issuing agency or instrumentality and, therefore, there is
generally considered to be no risk as to the issuer's capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Nevertheless, due to fluctuations in interest
rates, there is no guarantee as to the market value of U.S. government
securities.

MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES

     Consistent with the investment objectives and policies of all but
Aggressive Growth Series as set forth in the Prospectus, and the investment
restrictions set forth below, the Series may invest in certain types of
mortgage-related securities. One type of mortgage-related security includes
certificates which represent pools of mortgage loans assembled for sale to
investors by various governmental and private organizations. These securities
provide a monthly payment, which consists of both an interest and a principal
payment, which is in effect a "pass-through" of the monthly payment made by
each individual borrower on his or her residential mortgage loan, net of any
fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments
are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the
underlying residential property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or
costs which may be incurred. Some certificates (such as those issued by the
Government National Mortgage Association) are described as "modified
pass-through." These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest
and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees,
regardless of whether the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

     A major governmental guarantor of pass-through certificates is the
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). GNMA guarantees, with the
full faith and credit of the United States government, the timely payments of
principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA
(such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage
bankers) and backed by pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages. Other
governmental guarantors (but not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States Government) include the Federal National Mortgage Association
("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"). FNMA
purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers
which include state and federally-chartered savings and loan associations,
mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers.

     (i)  GNMA CERTIFICATES. Certificates of the GNMA ("GNMA Certificates")
     evidence an undivided interest in a pool of mortgage loans. GNMA
     Certificates differ from bonds in that principal is paid back monthly as
     payments of principal, including prepayments, on the mortgages in the
     underlying pool are passed through to holders of the GNMA Certificates
     representing interests in the pool, rather than returned in a lump sum at
     maturity. "Modified pass-through" GNMA Certificates entitle the holder to
     receive a share of all interest and principal payments paid or owed to
     the mortgage pool, net of fees paid or due to the "issuer" and GNMA,
     regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

<PAGE>

     (ii)  GNMA GUARANTEE. The National Housing Act authorizes GNMA to
     guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on securities
     backed by a pool of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing
     Administration ("FHA") or the Farmers' Home Administration ("FmHA"), or
     guaranteed by the Veterans Administration ("VA"). GNMA is also empowered
     to borrow without limitation from the U.S. Treasury, if necessary, to
     make any payments required under its guarantee.

     (iii) LIFE OF GNMA CERTIFICATES. The average life of a GNMA Certificate
     is likely to be substantially less than the stated maturity of the
     mortgages underlying the securities.  Prepayments of principal by
     mortgagors and mortgage foreclosures will usually result in the return of
     the greater part of principal investment long before the maturity of the
     mortgages in the pool. Foreclosures impose no risk of loss of the
     principal balance of a Certificate, because of the GNMA guarantee, but
     foreclosure may impact the yield to shareholders because of the need to
     reinvest proceeds of foreclosure.

     As prepayment rates of individual mortgage pools vary widely, it is not
     possible to predict accurately the average life of a particular issue of
     GNMA Certificates. However, statistics published by the FHA indicate that
     the average life of single family dwelling mortgages with 25 to 30-year
     maturities, the type of mortgages backing the vast majority of GNMA
     Certificates, is approximately 12 years. Prepayments are likely to
     increase in periods of falling interest rates. It is customary to treat
     GNMA Certificates as 30-year mortgage-backed securities which prepay
     fully in the twelfth year.

     (iv)  YIELD CHARACTERISTICS OF GNMA CERTIFICATES. The coupon rate of
     interest of GNMA Certificates is lower than the interest rate paid on the
     VA-guaranteed or FHA-insured mortgages underlying the certificates, by
     the amount of the fees paid to GNMA and the issuer.

     The coupon rate by itself, however, does not indicate the yield which will
     be earned on GNMA Certificates. First, GNMA Certificates may be issued at
     a premium or discount, rather than at par, and, after issuance, GNMA
     Certificates may trade in the secondary market at a premium or
     discount. Second, interest is earned monthly, rather than semi-annually
     as with traditional bonds; monthly compounding raises the effective yield
     earned. Finally, the actual yield of a GNMA Certificate is influenced by
     the prepayment experience of the mortgage pool underlying it. For
     example, if interest rates decline, prepayments may occur faster than had
     been originally projected and the yield to maturity and investment income
     would be reduced.

     (v)   FHLMC SECURITIES. "FHLMC" is a federally chartered corporation
     created in 1970 through enactment of Title III of the Emergency Home
     Finance Act of 1970. Its purpose is to promote development of a
     nationwide secondary market in conventional residential mortgages.

<PAGE>

     The FHLMC issues two types of mortgage pass-through securities, mortgage
     participation certificates ("PCs") and guaranteed mortgage certificates
     ("GMCs"). PCs resemble GNMA Certificates in that each PC represents a pro
     rata share of all interest and principal payments made or owed on the
     underlying pool. The FHLMC guarantees timely payment of interest on PCs
     and the ultimate payment of principal. Like GNMA Certificates, PCs are
     assumed to be prepaid fully in their twelfth year.

     GMCs also represent a pro rata interest in a pool of mortgages. However,
     these instruments pay interest semi-annually and return principal once a
     year in guaranteed minimum payments. The expected average life of these
     securities is approximately ten years.

     (vi)  FNMA SECURITIES. "FNMA" is a federally chartered and privately owned
     corporation which was established in 1938 to create a secondary market
     in mortgages insured by the FHA. It was originally established as
     a government agency and was transformed into a private corporation in 1968.

     FNMA issues guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates ("FNMA
     Certificates"). FNMA Certificates resemble GNMA Certificates in that each
     FNMA Certificate represents a pro rata share of all interest and
     principal payments made or owed on the underlying pool. FNMA guarantees
     timely payment of interest on FNMA certificates and the full return of
     principal. Like GNMA Certificates, FNMA Certificates are assumed to be
     prepaid fully in their twelfth year.

     Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage
insurance companies, mortgage bankers, and other secondary market issuers
also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans.
Such issuers may in addition be the originators of the underlying mortgage
loans as well as the guarantors of the pass-through certificates. Pools
created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of
interest than governmental pools because there are no direct or indirect
governmental guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely
payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various
forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool, and
hazard insurance. The insurance and guarantees are issued by government
entities, private insurers, and the mortgage poolers.

     Fortis Series expects that governmental or private entities may create
mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to those
described above. As new types of pass-through securities are developed and
offered to investors, the Series may, consistent with their investment
objectives, policies and restrictions, consider making investments in such
new types of securities.

     Other types of mortgage-related securities include debt securities which
are secured, directly or indirectly, by mortgages on commercial real estate
or residential rental properties, or by first liens on residential
manufactured homes (as defined in Section 603(6) of the National Manufactured
Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974), whether such

<PAGE>

manufactured homes are considered real or personal property under the laws of
the states in which they are located.

     Securities in this investment category include, among others, standard
mortgage-related bonds and newer collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs).
Mortgage-related bonds are secured by pools of mortgages, but, unlike
pass-through securities, payments to bondholders are not determined by
payments on the mortgages. The bonds consist of a single class, with interest
payable monthly and principal payable on the stated date of maturity. CMO's
have characteristics of both pass-through securities and mortgage-related
bonds.

CMOs AND MULTI-CLASS PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES

     U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified Income Series, Global
Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, Asset
Allocation Series and International Stock Series may invest in CMOs. CMOs are
debt instruments issued by special purpose entities which are secured by
pools of mortgage loans or other  mortgage-backed securities. Multi-class
pass-through securities are interests in a trust composed of mortgage loans
or other mortgage-backed securities. Payments of principal and interest on
underlying collateral provide the funds to pay debt service on the CMO or
make scheduled distributions on the  multi-class pass-through security.
Multi-class pass-through securities, CMOs, and classes thereof (including
those discussed below) are examples of the types of financial instruments
commonly referred to as derivatives.

     In a CMO, a series of bonds or certificates is issued in multiple
classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a
specified coupon rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date.
Principal prepayments on collateral underlying a CMO may cause it to be
retired substantially earlier than the stated maturities or final
distribution dates. Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of a CMO on a
monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis. The principal and interest on the
underlying mortgages may be allocated among the several classes of a series
of a CMO in many ways. In a common structure, payments of principal,
including any principal prepayments, on the underlying mortgages are applied
according to scheduled cash flow priorities to classes of the series of a
CMO. CMO's are secured by pools of mortgages, typically in the form of
"guaranteed" pass-through certificates such as GNMA, FNMA, or FHLMC
securities. The payments on the collateral securities determine the payments
to the bondholders, but there is not a direct "pass-through" of payments.
CMO's are structured into multiple classes, each bearing a different date of
maturity. Monthly payments of principal received from the pool of underlying
mortgages, including prepayments, is first returned to investors holding the
shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longest maturity classes
receive principal only after the shorter maturity classes have been retired.

     CMO's are issued by entities that operate under orders from the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) exempting such issuers from the
provisions of the 1940 Act. Until recently, the staff of the SEC had taken
the position that such issuers were investment companies and that,
accordingly, an investment by an investment company (such as the Series)

<PAGE>

in the securities of such issuers was subject to limitations imposed by
Section 12 of the 1940 Act. However, in reliance on a recent SEC staff
interpretation, the Series may invest in securities issued by certain
"exempted issuers" without regard to the limitations of Section 12 of the
1940 Act. In its interpretation, the SEC staff defined "exempted issuers" as
unmanaged, fixed asset issuers that (a) invest primarily in mortgage-backed
securities, (b) do not issue redeemable securities as defined in Section
2(a)(32) of the 1940 Act, (c) operate under general exemptive orders
exempting them from "all provisions of the [1940] Act" and (d) are not
registered or regulated under the 1940 Act as investment companies.

     There are many classes of CMOs. There are "IOs," which entitle the
holder to receive distributions consisting solely or primarily of all or a
portion of the interest in Mortgage Assets. There are also "POs," which
entitle the holder to receive distributions consisting solely or primarily of
all or a portion of the principal of the underlying pool of Mortgage Assets.
In addition, there are "inverse floaters," which have a coupon rate that
moves in the reverse direction to an applicable index, and accrual (or "Z")
bonds, which are described below.

     As to IOs, POs, inverse floaters, and accrual bonds, not more than 5% of
the net assets of each of U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified
Income Series, Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation
Series, Asset Allocation Series and International Stock Series will be
invested in any one of these items at any one time, and no more than 10% of
the net assets of each of such series will be invested in all such
obligations at any one time. Not more than 5% of the Global Growth Series'
net assets collectively will be invested in such obligations at any time.

     Inverse floating CMOs are typically more volatile than fixed or
adjustable rate tranches of CMOs. Investments in inverse floating CMOs would
be purchased by the Series to attempt to protect against a reduction in the
income earned on the Series' investments due to a decline in interest rates.
The Series would be adversely affected by the purchase of such CMOs in the
event of an increase in interest rates since the coupon rate thereon will
decrease as interest rates increase, and, like other mortgage-backed
securities, the value will decrease as interest rates increase.

     The cash flows and yields on IO and PO classes are extremely sensitive
to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related
underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities ("Mortgage
Assets"). For example, a rapid or slow rate of principal payments may have a
material adverse effect on the yield to maturity of IOs or POs, respectively.
If the underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated
prepayments of principal, the holder of an IO may incur substantial losses,
even if the IO class is rated AAA. Conversely, if the underlying Mortgage
Assets experience slower than anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield
and market value for the holder of a PO will be affected more severely than
would be the case with a traditional Mortgage Backed Security.

     However, if interest rates were expected to rise, the value of an IO
might increase and may partially offset other bond value declines, and if
rates were expected to fall, the inclusion of POs could balance lower
reinvestment rates.

<PAGE>

     An accrual or "Z" bond holder is not entitled to receive cash payments
until one or more other classes of the CMO have been paid in full from
payments on the mortgage loans underlying the CMO. During the period in which
cash payments are not being made on the Z tranche, interest accrues on the Z
tranche at a stated rate, and this accrued interest is added to the amount of
principal which is due to the holder of the Z tranche. After the other
classes have been paid in full, cash payments are made on the Z tranche until
its principal (including previously accrued interest which was added to
principal, as described above) and accrued interest at the stated rate have
been paid in full. Generally, the date upon which cash payments begin to be
made on a Z tranche depends on the rate at which the mortgage loans
underlying the CMO are prepaid, with a faster prepayment rate resulting in an
earlier commencement of cash payments on the Z tranche. Like a zero coupon
bond, during its accrual period the Z tranche of a CMO has the advantage of
eliminating the risk of reinvesting interest payments at lower rates during a
period of declining market interest rates. At the same time, however, and
also like a zero coupon bond, the market value of a Z tranche can be expected
to fluctuate more widely with changes in market interest rates than would the
market value of a tranche which pays interest currently. Changes in market
interest rates also can be expected to influence prepayment rates on the
mortgage loans underlying the CMO of which a Z tranche is a part. As noted
above, such changes in prepayment rates will affect the date at which cash
payments begin to be made on a Z tranche, and therefore also will influence
its market value.

     Investments in mortgage-related securities involve certain risks. In
periods of declining interest rates, prices of fixed income securities tend
to rise. However, during such periods, the rate of prepayment of mortgages
underlying mortgage-related securities tends to increase, with the result
that such prepayments must be reinvested by the issuer at lower rates. In
addition, the value of such securities may fluctuate in response to the
market's perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers of
mortgage-related securities owned by Fortis Series. Because investments in
mortgage-related securities are interest sensitive, the ability of the issuer
to reinvest or to reinvest favorably in underlying mortgages may be limited
by government regulation or tax policy. For example, action by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System to limit the growth of the nation's
money supply may cause interest rates to rise and thereby reduce the volume
of new residential mortgages. Additionally, although mortgages and
mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of
government or private guarantees and/or insurance, there is no assurance that
private guarantors or insurers will be able to meet their obligations.

SECURITIES OF FOREIGN COMPANIES

     In certain countries, governmental restrictions and other limitations on
investment may affect the maximum percentage of equity ownership in any one
company. In addition, in some instances only special classes of securities
may be purchased by foreigners, and the market prices, liquidity, and rights
with respect to those securities may vary from shares owned by nationals.
Money Market Series, U.S. Government Securities Series and Asset Allocation
Series each may invest in securities of, or guaranteed by, the Government of
Canada, a Province of

<PAGE>

Canada, or any instrumentality or political subdivision thereof in an amount
not exceeding 25% of the value of its total assets. Money Market Series and
Asset Allocation Series each may invest up to an additional 15% and 20%,
respectively of its total assets in securities of foreign companies (which
does not include domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of
domestic banks), provided that no more than 15% of Asset Allocation Series'
total assets may be invested in foreign securities that are not traded on
national foreign securities exchanges or traded in the United States.
However, these Series each may not invest more than 49% of the value of its
total assets collectively in: (i) securities of, or guaranteed by, the
Government of Canada, a Province of Canada, or any instrumentality or
political subdivision thereof; (ii) securities of foreign companies; and
(iii) securities of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches
of domestic banks. High Yield Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series,
Growth Stock Series, and Aggressive Growth Series each may invest up to 10%
of its total assets in securities of foreign governments and companies. Small
Cap Value Series may invest in foreign securities without limitation.

     Investing in foreign securities may result in greater risk than that
incurred by investing in domestic securities due to the potential political
and economic instability of certain countries and risks of expropriation,
nationalization, confiscation, or the imposition of restrictions on foreign
investment and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such
expropriation, nationalization, or other confiscation, by any country, the
Series could lose its entire investment in any such country. Certain
countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their
capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such
as the Series. As illustrations, certain countries require governmental
approval prior to investments by foreign persons, or limit the amount of
investment by foreign persons in a particular company, or limit the
investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a
company that may have less advantageous terms than securities of the company
available for purchase by nationals. Moreover, the national policies of
certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or
industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In addition, some
countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment
income, capital, or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors. A
Series, particularly Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series,
International Stock Series and Global Growth Series, could be adversely
affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental
approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other
restrictions on investments.

     Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting,
auditing, and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Most of the
securities held by the Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series,
Global Growth Series and International Stock Series will not be registered
with the SEC or regulators of any foreign country, nor will the issuers
thereof be subject to the SEC's reporting requirements. Thus, there will be
less available information concerning foreign issuers of securities held by
the Series than is available concerning U.S. issuers. In instances where the
financial statements of an issuer are not deemed to reflect accurately the
financial situation of the issuer, the Series will take appropriate steps to
evaluate the proposed

<PAGE>

investment, which may include on-site inspection of the issuer, interviews
with its management and consultations with accountants, bankers and other
specialists.

     Because Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series,
International Stock Series and Global Growth Series will each invest at least
a majority of its total assets in the securities of foreign issuers which are
denominated in foreign currencies, the strength or weakness of the U.S.
dollar against such foreign currencies may account for part of the Series'
investment performance. A decline in the value of any particular currency
against the U.S. dollar will cause a decline in the U.S. dollar value of the
Series' holdings of securities denominated in such currency and, therefore,
will cause an overall decline in the Series' net asset value and any net
investment income and capital gains to be distributed in U.S. dollars to
shareholders of such Series.

     The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is
determined by several factors including the supply and demand for particular
currencies, central bank efforts to support particular currencies, the
movement of interest rates, the pace of business activity in certain other
countries, and the U.S., and other economic and financial conditions
affecting the world economy.

     Although Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series,
International Stock Series and Global Growth Series each values its assets
daily in terms of U.S. dollars, each such Series does not intend to convert
its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. These
Series will do so from time to time, and investors should be aware of the
costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge
a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the
"spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling various
currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Series
at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Series
desire to sell that currency to the dealer.

     Securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices
more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. In addition,
foreign securities exchanges and brokers are generally subject to less
governmental supervision and regulation than in the U.S., and foreign
securities exchange transactions are usually subject to fixed commissions,
which are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. transactions.
In addition, foreign securities exchange transactions may be subject to
difficulties associated with the settlement of such transactions. Delays in
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Series are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Series to
make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the
Series to miss attractive opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio
security due to settlement problems either could result in losses to the
Series due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if
the Series has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in
possible liability to the purchaser. The Series will consider such
difficulties when determining the allocation of the Series' assets, although
the Series does not believe that such difficulties will have a material
adverse effect on the portfolio trading activities.

<PAGE>

     The Series' net investment income from foreign issuers may be subject to
non-U.S. withholding taxes, thereby reducing the Series' net investment
income.

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

     The Series which may invest in foreign securities may hold equity
securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") or other securities
convertible into securities of eligible European or Far Eastern Issuers.
These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as
the securities for which they may be exchanged. ADRs are receipts typically
issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence ownership of
underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. Generally, ADRs in
registered form are designed for use in the United States securities markets.
For purposes of the Series' investment policies, the Series' investments in
ADRs and EDRs will be deemed to be investments in the equity securities
representing securities of foreign issuers into which they may be converted.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     Each Series may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement
is an instrument under which securities are purchased from a bank or
securities dealer with an agreement by the seller to repurchase the
securities at a mutually agreed upon date, interest rate, and price.
Generally, repurchase agreements are of short duration, usually less than a
week, but on occasion for longer periods. Each Series investment in
repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days is subject to
the Series' limitations regarding restricted and illiquid securities. In
investing in repurchase agreements, a Series' risk is limited to the ability
of such bank or securities dealer to pay the agreed upon amount at the
maturity of the repurchase agreement. In the opinion of management, such risk
is not material; if the other party defaults, the underlying security
constitutes collateral for the obligation to pay--although the Series may
incur certain delays in obtaining direct ownership of the collateral, plus
costs in liquidating the collateral. In the event a bank or securities dealer
defaults on the repurchase agreement, management believes that, barring
extraordinary circumstances, the Series will be entitled to sell the
underlying securities or otherwise receive adequate protection (as defined in
the federal Bankruptcy Code) for its interest in such securities. To the
extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default were less than the
repurchase price, the Series could suffer a loss. If the Series owns
underlying securities following a default on the repurchase agreement, the
Series will be subject to risk associated with changes in the market value of
such securities. The Series' custodian will hold the securities underlying
any repurchase agreement or such securities may be part of the Federal
Reserve Book Entry System. The market value of the collateral underlying the
repurchase agreement will be determined on each business day. If at any time
the market value of the collateral falls below the repurchase price of the
repurchase agreement (including any accrued interest), the Series will
promptly receive additional collateral (so the total collateral is in an
amount at least equal to the repurchase price plus accrued interest). The
Board of Directors of Fortis Series (the "Board of Directors") evaluates the
creditworthiness of issuers which are securities dealers. U.S. Government
Securities Series will only execute repurchase agreements in which the
underlying security meets the criteria

<PAGE>

of the Series' investment policies. U.S. Government Securities Series will
limit transactions involving repurchase agreements to domestic commercial
banks and/or recognized dealers in United States government securities
believed by Advisers to present minimum credit risks.

REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     S&P 500 Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series and Mid Cap Stock Series
each may enter into reverse repurchase agreements to meet redemption requests
where the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed by such Series to be
inconvenient or disadvantageous, although Blue Chip Stock Series does not
currently intend to make such investments. Reverse repurchase agreements are
ordinary repurchase agreements in which a Series is the seller of, rather
than the investor in, securities, and agrees to repurchase them at an agreed
upon time and price. Use of a reverse repurchase agreement may be preferable
to a regular sale and later repurchase of the securities because it avoids
certain market risks and transaction costs. A reverse repurchase agreement
may be viewed as a type of borrowing by the Series.

EXTENDIBLE NOTES

     Money Market Series, Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series
and Asset Allocation Series each are permitted to invest up to 25% of the
value of its total assets in extendible notes. An extendible note is a debt
arrangement under which the holder, at its option, may require the issuer,
typically a financial or an industrial concern, to repurchase the note for a
predetermined fixed price at one or more times prior to the ultimate maturity
date of the note. Typically, an extendible note is issued at an interest rate
that can be adjusted at fixed times throughout its term. At the same times as
the interest rate is adjusted by the issuer, the holder of the note is
typically given the option to "put" the note back to the issuer at a
predetermined price, e.g., at 100% of the outstanding principal amount plus
unpaid accrued interest, if the extended interest rate is undesirable to the
holder. This option to put the note back to the issuer, i.e., to require the
issuer to repurchase the note, provides the holder with an optional maturity
date that is shorter than the actual maturity date of the note.

     Extendible notes are typically issued with maturity dates in excess of
13 months from the date of issuance. If such extendible notes provide for an
optional maturity date of 13 months or less, however, then such notes are
deemed by these Series to have been issued for the shorter optional maturity
date. Accordingly, investment in such extendible notes would not be in
contravention of the investment policy of the Series not to invest in
securities having a maturity date in excess of 13 months from the date of
acquisition. Investment in extendible notes is not expected to have a
material impact on the effective portfolio maturity of these Series.

     An investment in an extendible note is liquid, and the note may be
resold to another investor prior to its optional maturity date at its market
value. The market value of an extendible note with a given optional maturity
date is determined and fluctuates in a similar manner to the market value of
a fixed maturity note with a maturity equivalent to the

<PAGE>

optional maturity of the extendible note. Compared to fixed-term notes of the
same issuer, however, extendible notes with equivalent optional maturities
generally yield higher returns without a material increase in risk to the
Series buying them.

     The creditworthiness of the issuers of the extendible notes is monitored
and rated by Moody's and by S&P, and investments by these Series in such
extendible notes are restricted to notes with the same investment ratings as
are acceptable to the Series with respect to other forms of investment. The
creditworthiness of such issuers is also monitored by Advisers (as well as
the sub-adviser for Global Bond Series and Global Asset Allocation Series).

DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS

     All Series except Money Market Series and Growth Stock Series may
purchase securities on a "when-issued" or delayed delivery basis and purchase
or sell securities on a "forward commitment" basis. When such transactions
are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but
delivery and payment for the securities take place at a later date. Normally,
the settlement date occurs within two months after the transaction, but
delayed settlements beyond two months may be negotiated. At the time the
Series enters into a transaction on a when-issued or forward commitment
basis, a segregated account consisting of cash or any security that is not
considered restricted or illiquid, equal to the value of the when-issued or
forward commitment securities will be established and maintained with the
custodian and will be marked to the market daily. During the period between a
commitment and settlement, no payment is made for the securities and, thus,
no interest accrues to the purchaser from the transaction. If the Series
disposes of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its
acquisition or disposes of its right to deliver or receive against a forward
commitment, it can incur a gain or loss due to market fluctuation. The use of
when-issued transactions and forward commitments enables the Series to hedge
against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. The Series may also
enter into such transactions to generate incremental income. In some
instances, the third-party seller of when-issued or forward commitment
securities may determine prior to the settlement date that it will be unable
or unwilling to meet its existing transaction commitments without borrowing
securities. If advantageous from a yield perspective, the above Series may,
in that event, agree to resell its purchase commitment to the third-party
seller at the current market price on the date of sale and concurrently enter
into another purchase commitment for such securities at a later date. As an
inducement for the Series to "roll over" its purchase commitment, the Series
may receive a negotiated fee.

     The purchase of securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or
forward commitment basis exposes the Series to risk because the securities
may decrease in value prior to their delivery. Purchasing securities on a
when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis involves the
additional risk that the return available in the market when the delivery
takes place will be higher than that obtained in the transaction itself.
These risks could result in increased volatility of the Series' net asset
value to the extent that the Series purchases securities on a when-issued,
delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis while remaining substantially
fully invested. There is also a risk that the securities may not be delivered
or that a Series may incur a loss or will have lost the opportunity to invest
the

<PAGE>

amount set aside for such transaction in the segregated asset account. As to
each Series, no more than 20% of its net assets may be invested in
when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment transactions, and of
such 20%, no more than one-half (i.e., 10% of its net assets) may be invested
in when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment transactions without
the intention of actually acquiring securities (i.e., dollar rolls).

DOLLAR ROLLS

     In connection with their ability to purchase securities on a when-issued
or forward commitment basis, each Series other than Money Market Series and
Growth Stock Series may enter into "dollar rolls" in which a Series sells
securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts
with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same type, coupon and
maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. Each
Series gives up the right to receive principal and interest paid on the
securities sold. However, each Series would benefit to the extent of any
difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower
forward price for the future purchase plus any fee income received. Unless
such benefits exceed the income and capital appreciation that would have been
realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this
technique will diminish the investment performance of each Series compared
with what such performance would have been without the use of dollar rolls.
Each Series will hold and maintain in a segregated account until the
settlement date cash or any security that is not considered restricted or
illiquid in an amount equal to the value of the when-issued or forward
commitment securities. The benefits derived from the use of dollar rolls may
depend, among other things, upon Adviser's (or the sub-adviser's) ability to
predict interest rates correctly. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can
be successfully employed. In addition, the use of dollar rolls by a Series
while remaining substantially fully invested increases the amount of each
Series' assets that are subject to market risk to an amount that is greater
than each Series' net asset value, which could result in increased volatility
of the price of each Series' shares.

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

     Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, Global Bond Series,
High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, Value Series, Growth &
Income Series, S&P 500 Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International
Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap Value Series, Global Growth
Series, Large Cap Growth Series and Aggressive Growth Series, may lend their
portfolio securities (principally to broker-dealers) where such loans are
callable at any time  and are continuously secured by collateral (cash, U.S.
government securities, certificates of deposit, or other high-grade,
short-term obligations or interest-bearing cash equivalents) equal to no less
than the market value, determined daily, of the securities loaned. Such
Series will receive amounts equal to dividends or interest on the securities
loaned. These Series will also earn income for having made the loan. Such
Series will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of each
such Series' total assets and Global Growth Series will limit such lending to
not more than 30% of the value of its total assets (for each such Series,
including the amount lent as well as the collateral securing such loans).
Where voting or consent rights with respect to loaned securities pass to the
borrower, management will follow

<PAGE>

the policy of calling the loan, in whole or in part as may be appropriate, to
permit the exercise of such voting or consent rights if the issues involved
have a material effect on such Series investment in the securities loaned.
Apart from lending its securities, investing in repurchase agreements, and
acquiring debt securities, as described in the Prospectus and this Statement
of Additional Information, these Series will not make loans to other persons.
A certain percentage of a Series' assets will generally be invested in a
described fashion. These percentage calculations will exclude collateral
received by a Series in connection with securities lending.

     The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of
secured credit, consist of possible delay in receiving additional collateral
or in the recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower fail financially. Loans will only be made to
firms deemed by Advisers (or the sub-adviser, if there is one for the Series)
to be of good standing and will not be made unless, in the judgment of
Advisers (or the sub-adviser), the consideration to be earned from such loans
would justify the risk.

TRANSACTIONS IN HIGH-YIELDING SECURITIES

     Participation in lower-rated securities transactions generally involves
greater returns in the form of higher average yields. However, participation
in such transactions involves greater risks, often related to sensitivity to
interest rates, economic changes, solvency, and relative liquidity in the
secondary trading market. Yields on high yield securities will fluctuate over
time. The prices of high-yielding securities have been found to be less
sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more
sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments.
Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest
rates highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would
adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest
payment obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain
additional financing. If the issuer of a security held by the Diversified
Income Series, High Yield Series, or Asset Allocation Series defaulted, such
Series may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In addition, periods
of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased
volatility of market prices of high-yielding securities and such Series'
asset value. Furthermore, in the case of high-yielding securities structured
as zero coupon or payment in kind securities ("PIKs"), their market prices
are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and thereby tend to
be more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.

     High-yielding securities present risks based on payment expectations.
For example, high-yielding securities may contain redemption or call
provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest
rate market, these Series likely would have to replace the security with a
lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.
Conversely, a high-yielding security's value will decrease in a rising
interest rate market, as will the value of such Series assets. If such Series
experience unexpected net redemptions, this may force them to sell their
high-yielding securities, without regard to their investment merits, thereby
decreasing the asset base upon which the Series' expenses can be spread and
possibly reducing the rate of return.

<PAGE>

     To the extent that there is no established secondary market, there may
be thin trading of high-yielding securities. This may adversely affect the
ability of the Board of Directors to accurately value high-yielding
securities and such Series' assets and such Series' ability to dispose of the
securities. Securities valuation becomes more difficult and judgment plays a
greater role in valuation because there is less reliable, objective data
available. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based
on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of
high-yielding securities, especially in a thinly traded market. Illiquid or
restricted high-yielding securities purchased by such Series may involve
special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity
and valuation difficulties.

     New laws and proposed new laws could have an adverse impact on the
market for such securities. As examples, recent legislation requires
federally-insured savings and loan associations to divest their investments
in high-yielding securities and pending proposals are designed to limit the
use, or tax and other advantages of high-yielding securities. The new
legislation and the proposals, if enacted, could have an adverse effect on
these Series' net asset value and investment practices, with the extent of
the impact depending upon the composition of such Series at that time.

     Certain risks are associated with applying credit ratings as a method
for evaluating high-yielding securities. For example, credit ratings evaluate
the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value risk of
high-yielding securities. Since credit rating agencies may fail to timely
change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, Advisers continuously
monitors the issuers of high-yielding securities held by these Series to
determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet
required principal and interest payments, and to assure the securities'
liquidity so such Series can meet redemption requests. The achievement of the
investment objective of such Series may be more dependent upon Advisers' own
credit analysis than is the case for higher quality bonds. Also, these Series
may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been changed if the security
otherwise meets the Series' investment objectives and investment criteria.

RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES

     A policy of Money Market Series, U.S. Government Securities Series,
Diversified Income Series, Asset Allocation Series and Growth Stock Series
which may not be changed without the approval of the shareholders, is that
each such Series may invest up to 5% of the value of its total assets in
securities which it might not be free to sell to the public without
registration of such securities under the Securities Act of 1933 (excluding
Rule 144A securities). However, this policy is further restricted by a
policy--which could be changed without shareholder approval--which prohibits
more than an aggregate of 10% of each such Series' assets from being invested
in: restricted securities (both debt and equity) or in equity securities of
any issuer which are not readily marketable.

     Global Growth Series may invest up to 10% of the value of its total
assets in securities which are not registered under the applicable securities
laws of the country in which such securities are traded and for which no
alternative market is readily available (excluding Rule

<PAGE>

144A securities). This policy is restricted by a further policy which could
be changed without shareholder approval--that prohibits more than an
aggregate of 10% of Global Growth Series' assets from being invested in (a)
restricted securities (both debt and equity) or in equity securities of any
issuer which are not readily marketable, (b) repurchase agreements with a
maturity of more than seven days, and (c) over-the-counter option and futures
contracts.

     A policy of each of the Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global
Asset Allocation Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series, S&P 500 Index
Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock
Series, Small Cap Value Series, Large Cap Growth Series and Aggressive Growth
Series is that each Series may invest up to 15% of its net assets in all
forms of illiquid investments, as determined pursuant to applicable
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations.

     A security is considered illiquid if it cannot be sold in the ordinary
course of business  within seven days at approximately the price at which it
is valued. Illiquid securities may offer a higher yield than securities which
are more readily marketable, but they may not always be marketable on
advantageous terms. Restricted securities often sell at a price lower than
similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale.

     The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in
higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than
does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities
exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. A Series may be restricted in
its ability to sell such securities at a time when Advisers or a sub-adviser
deems it advisable to do so. In addition, in order to meet redemption
requests, a Series may have to sell other assets, rather than such illiquid
securities, at a time which is not advantageous.

     Restricted securities are securities which were originally sold in
private placements and which have not been registered under the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"). Such securities generally have been considered
illiquid, since they may be resold only subject to statutory restrictions and
delays or if registered under the 1933 Act. In 1990, however, the SEC adopted
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, which provides a safe harbor exemption from the
registration requirements of the 1933 Act for resales of restricted
securities to "qualified institutional buyers," as defined in the rule. The
result of this rule has been the development of a more liquid and efficient
institutional resale market for restricted securities. Thus, restricted
securities are no longer necessarily illiquid. Some Series may therefore
invest in Rule 144A securities and treat them as liquid when they have been
determined to be liquid by the Board of Directors or its delegate subject to
the oversight of and pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of
Directors. Under these procedures, factors taken into account in determining
the liquidity of a security include (a) the frequency of trades and quotes
for the security; (b) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the
security and the number of other potential purchasers; (c) dealer
undertakings to make a market in the security; and (d) the nature of the
security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of
transfer). Similar determinations may be made with respect to commercial
paper issued in reliance on the so-called "private

<PAGE>

placement" exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act and
interest-only and principal-only classes of mortgage-related securities
issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities.

U.S. TREASURY INFLATION-PROTECTION SECURITIES

     Each Series may invest in U.S. Treasury inflation-protection securities.
Inflation-protection securities are  new types  of marketable  book-entry
securities issued by the United States Department of Treasury ("Treasury")
with a nominal return linked to the inflation rate in prices.
Inflation-protection securities are auctioned and issued on a quarterly basis
on the 15th of January, April, July, and October. Initially, they will be
issued as 10-year notes, with other maturities added thereafter. The index
used to measure inflation will be the non-seasonally adjusted U.S. City
Average All Items Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers ("CPI-U").

     The value of the principal will be adjusted for inflation, and every six
months the security will pay interest, which will be an amount equal to a
fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted value of the principal. The final
payment of principal of the security will not be less than the original par
amount of the security at issuance.

     The principal of the inflation-protection security will be indexed to
the non- seasonally adjusted CPI-U. To calculate the inflation-adjusted
principal value for a particular valuation date, the value of the principal
at issuance is multiplied by the index ratio applicable to that valuation
date. The index ratio for any date is the ratio of the reference CPI
applicable to such date to the reference CPI applicable to the original issue
date. Semiannual coupon interest is determined by multiplying the
inflation-adjusted principal amount by one-half of the stated rate of
interest on each interest payment date.

     Inflation-adjusted principal or the original par amount, whichever is
larger, will be paid on the maturity date as specified in the applicable
offering announcement. If at maturity the inflation-adjusted principal is
less than the original principal value of the security, an additional amount
will be paid at maturity so that the additional amount plus the
inflation-adjusted principal equals the original principal amount. Some
inflation-protection securities may be stripped into principal and interest
components. In the case of a stripped security, the holder of the stripped
principal would receive this additional amount. The final interest payment,
however, will be based on the final inflation-adjusted principal value, not
the original par amount.

     The reference CPI for the first day of any calendar month is the CPI-U
for the third preceding calendar month. (For example, the reference CPI for
December 1 is the CPI-U reported for September of the same year, which is
released in October.) The reference CPI for any other day of the month is
calculated by a linear interpolation between the reference CPI applicable to
the first day of the month and the reference CPI applicable to the first day
of the following month.

<PAGE>

     Any revisions the Bureau of Labor Statistics (or successor agency) makes
to any CPI-U number that has been previously released will not be used in
calculations of the value of outstanding inflation-protection securities. In
the case that the CPI-U for a particular month is not reported by the last
day of the following month, the Treasury will announce an index number based
on the last year-over-year CPI-U inflation rate available. Any calculations
of  the Treasury's payment obligations on the inflation-protection security
that need that month's CPI-U number will be based on the index number that
the Treasury has announced. If the CPI-U is rebased to a different year, the
Treasury will continue to use the CPI-U series based on the base reference
period in effect when the security was first issued as long as that series
continues to be published.  If the CPI-U is discontinued during the period
the inflation-protection security is outstanding, the Treasury will, in
consultation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (or successor agency),
determine an appropriate substitute index and methodology for linking the
discontinued series with the new price index series. Determinations of the
Secretary of the Treasury in this regard are final.

     Inflation-protection securities will be held and transferred in either
of two book-entry systems: the commercial book-entry system (TRADES) and
TREASURY DIRECT. The securities will be maintained and transferred at their
original par amount, i.e., not at their inflation-adjusted value. STRIPS
components will be maintained and transferred in TRADES at their value based
on the original par amount of the fully constituted security.

EMERGING MARKETS

     Subject to the restrictions set forth above, each of Global Bond Series,
Global Asset Allocation Series, Small Cap Value Series, Large Cap Growth
Series and International Stock Series may invest without limitation in
emerging market countries. Global Growth Series may invest up to 45% of its
equity securities in emerging market countries. High Yield Series may invest
up to 10% of its total assets in emerging market countries. Global Bond
Series may invest up to 20% of its total assets in emerging market countries.
Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial or, in some
periods, extremely high rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and
rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have
adverse effects on the economies and securities markets of certain of these
countries. In an attempt to control inflation, wage and price controls have
been imposed in certain countries. In many cases, emerging market countries
are among the world's largest  debtors to commercial  banks, foreign
governments, international financial organizations and other financial
institutions. In recent years, the governments of some of these countries
have encountered difficulties in servicing their external debt obligations,
which has led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring of
certain indebtedness.

     Emerging markets are countries categorized as emerging markets by the
International Financial Corporation, the World Bank's private sector
division. Such countries may include but are not limited to Singapore,
Indonesia, China, India and certain Latin American countries such as Mexico,
Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Such markets tend to be in the less economically
developed regions of the world. General characteristics of emerging market
countries also include lower degrees of political stability, a high demand
for capital

<PAGE>

investment, a high dependence on export markets for their major industries, a
need to develop basic economic infrastructures, and rapid economic growth.

FLOATING AND VARIABLE RATE INSTRUMENTS

     Certain of the obligations that the Series may purchase have a floating
or variable rate of interest. Such obligations bear interest at rates that
are not fixed, but vary with changes in specified market rates or indices,
such as the prime rate, and at specified intervals. Certain of these
obligations may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to tender
them back to the issuer at par value prior to maturity. Each Series limits
its purchases of floating and variable rate obligations to those of the same
quality as it otherwise is allowed to purchase. Advisers (or the sub-adviser,
if applicable) monitors on an ongoing basis the ability of an issuer of a
demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand. A Series' right to
obtain payment at par on a demand instrument can be affected by events
occurring between the date such Series elects to demand payment and the date
payment is due that may affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to
make payment when due, except when such demand instruments permit same-day
settlement. To facilitate settlement, these same-day demand instruments may
be held in book entry form at a bank other than the Series' custodian,
subject to a subcustodian agreement approved by the Series between the bank
and the Series' custodian.

     The floating and variable rate obligations that the Series may purchase
include certificates of participation in obligations purchased from banks. A
certificate of participation gives the Series an undivided interest in the
underlying obligations in the proportion that such Series' interest bears to
the total principal  amount of such obligations.  Certain of such
certificates of participation may carry a demand feature that would permit
the holder to tender them back to the issuer prior to maturity. To the extent
that floating and variable rate instruments without demand features are not
readily marketable, they will be subject to the investment restrictions
pertaining to investments in illiquid securities.

LETTERS OF CREDIT

     Commercial paper and other short-term obligations may be backed by
irrevocable letters of credit issued by banks that assume the obligation for
payment of principal and interest in the event of default by an issuer. Only
banks, the securities of which, in the opinion of Advisers (or the
sub-adviser, if applicable), are of investment quality comparable to other
permitted investments of such Series, may be used for letter of credit-backed
investments.

REAL ESTATE OR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

     Diversified Income Series, Asset Allocation Series, Value Series, Growth
& Income Series and Small Cap Value Series may invest in real estate
investment trusts ("REITs"), real estate development and real estate
operating companies and other real estate related businesses. Growth & Income
Series and Value Series currently intend to invest the REIT portion of its
portfolio primarily in equity REITs, which are trusts that sell shares to
investors and use the proceeds to invest in real estate or interests in real
estate. A REIT may focus on

<PAGE>

particular projects, such as apartment complexes or shopping centers, or
geographic regions, such as the Southeastern United States, or both. Debt
REITs invest in obligations secured by mortgages on real property or
interests in real property.

     Value Series has also adopted a nonfundamental investment restriction
that it may invest up to 10% of its total assets in Real Estate Investment
Trusts (REITs) and will invest only in REITs that are publicly distributed.
The Series' investments in real estate securities may be subject to certain
of the same risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These
risks include: declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general
and local economic conditions; overbuilding and competition; increases in
property taxes and operating expenses; and variations in rental income. In
addition, REITs may not be diversified. REITs are subject to the possibility
of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal
Revenue Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Also, REITs
may be dependent upon management skill and may be subject to the risks of
obtaining adequate financing for projects on favorable terms.

BORROWINGS

     Each Series may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure to
facilitate redemptions. As a policy which may not be changed without
shareholder approval, however, borrowings by Money Market Series, U.S.
Government Securities Series, Diversified Income Series, Asset Allocation
Series, and Growth Stock Series may not exceed 10% (5% for Large Cap Growth
Series) of the value of the total assets of each such Series.

     Borrowings by Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset
Allocation Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series, S&P 500 Index
Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock
Series, Small Cap Value Series, Global Growth Series and Aggressive Growth
Series through banks and "roll" transactions will not exceed 33 1/3% of the
total assets of each such Series. As an operating policy, Blue Chip Stock
Series may not transfer as collateral any portfolio securities except as
necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or investments, and then
such transfers may not exceed 25% of such Series' total assets. No additional
investment securities may be purchased by a  Series whose outstanding
borrowings, (including  "roll" transactions in the case of the Series in this
paragraph) exceed 5% of the value of such Series' total assets. If market
fluctuations in the value of the portfolio holdings of the Series in this
paragraph or other factors cause the ratio of such Series' total assets to
outstanding borrowings to fall below 300%, within three days (excluding
Sundays and holidays) of such event such Series may be required to sell
portfolio securities to restore the 300% asset coverage, even though from an
investment standpoint such sales might be disadvantageous. Interest paid on
borrowings will not be available for investment.

ZERO COUPON OBLIGATIONS

     U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified Income Series, Global
Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, Asset
Allocation Series, International Stock Series

<PAGE>

and Global Growth Series may invest in zero coupon obligations of the
government and corporate issuers, including rights to "stripped" coupon and
principal payments.  Certain obligations are "stripped" of their coupons, and
the rights to receive each coupon payment and the principal payment are sold
as separate securities. Once separated, each coupon as well as the principal
amount represents a different single-payment claim due from the issuer of the
security. Each single-payment claim (coupon or principal) is equivalent to a
zero coupon bond. A zero coupon security pays no interest to its holder
during its life, and its value consists of the difference between its face
value at maturity (the coupon or principal amount), if held to maturity, or
its market price on the date of sale, if sold prior to maturity, and its
acquisition price (the discounted "present value" of the payment to be
received).

     Certain zero coupon obligations represent direct obligations of the
issuer of the "stripped" coupon and principal payments. Other zero coupon
obligations are securities issued by financial institutions which constitute
a proportionate ownership of an underlying pool of stripped coupon or
principal payments. These Series may invest in either type of zero coupon
obligation. The investment policies and restrictions applicable to corporate
and government securities in the Series shall apply equally to the Series'
investments in zero coupon securities (including, for example, minimum
corporate bond ratings).

VARIABLE AMOUNT MASTER DEMAND NOTES

     Each Series may invest in variable amount master demand notes. These
instruments are short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations
to finance short-term credit needs. They allow the investment of fluctuating
amounts by the Series at varying market rates of interest pursuant to
arrangements between the Series, as lender, and the borrower. Variable amount
master demand notes permit a series of short-term borrowings under a single
note. Both the lender and the borrower have the right to reduce the amount of
outstanding indebtedness at any time. Such notes provide that the interest
rate on the amount outstanding varies on a daily basis depending upon a
stated short-term interest rate barometer. Advisers will monitor the
creditworthiness of the borrower throughout the term of the variable master
demand note. It is not generally contemplated that such instruments will be
traded and there is no secondary market for the notes. Typically, agreements
relating to such notes provide that the lender shall not sell or otherwise
transfer the note without the borrower's consent. Thus, variable amount
master demand notes may under certain circumstances be deemed illiquid
assets. However, such notes will not be considered illiquid where the Series
has a "same day withdrawal option," i.e., where it has the unconditional
right to demand and receive payment in full of the principal amount of the
amount then outstanding together with interest to the date of payment.

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

     U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified Income Series and Asset
Allocation Series each may invest not more than 20% of their total assets in
municipal securities during periods when such securities appear to offer more
attractive returns than taxable securities.

<PAGE>

PAYMENT-IN-KIND DEBENTURES

     U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified Income Series, Global
Bond Series, High Yield Series, Asset Allocation Series, Global Asset
Allocation Series and International Stock Series may invest in debentures the
interest on which may be paid in other securities rather than cash ("PIKs").
Typically, during a specified term prior to the debenture's maturity, the
issuer of a PIK may provide for the option or the obligation to make interest
payments in debentures, common stock or other instruments (i.e., "in kind"
rather than in cash). The type of instrument in which interest may or will be
paid would be known by Fortis Series at the time of the investment. The
investment restrictions regarding corporate bond quality are applicable to
investments in PIKs by such Series as well as to the securities which may
constitute interest payments on PIKs. While PIKs generate income for
generally accepted accounting standards purposes, they do not generate cash
flow and thus could cause such Series to be forced to liquidate securities at
an inopportune time in order to distribute cash, as required by the Internal
Revenue Code.

OPTIONS

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. Options (a type of potentially high risk derivative)
give the investor the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset
at a predetermined price in the future. Global Bond Series, High Yield
Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series,
Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Global Growth Series and
Aggressive Growth Series may write (sell) covered call and covered put
options and purchase call and put options on securities (provided that
International Stock Series and Aggressive Growth Series will write and
purchase options only on equity securities and Global Bond Series and High
Yield Series will write and purchase options only on debt securities). Global
Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, Blue Chip Stock Series and
International Stock Series may also purchase, write or sell options on
securities or financial indices for other than hedging purposes, which
involves greater risk. Where such Series write an option which expires
unexercised or is closed out by such Series at a profit, it will retain all
or a portion of the premium received for the option, which will increase its
gross income and will offset in part the reduced value of any such Series'
security underlying the option, or the increased cost of such Series'
securities to be acquired. In contrast, however, if the price of the
underlying security moves adversely to such Series' position, the option may
be exercised and such Series will be required to purchase or sell the
underlying security at a disadvantageous price, which may only be partially
offset by the amount of the premium, if at all. Such Series may also write
combinations of put and call options on the same security, known as
"straddles." Such transactions can generate additional premium income but
also present increased risk.

     Such Series may also purchase put or call options in anticipation of
market fluctuations which may adversely affect the value of its portfolio or
the prices of securities that such Series wants to purchase at a later date.
In the event that the expected market fluctuations occur, such Series may be
able to offset the resulting adverse effect on its portfolio, in whole or in
part, through the options purchased. The premium paid for a put or call
option plus any

<PAGE>

transaction costs will reduce the benefit, if any, realized by such Series
upon exercise or liquidation of the option, and, unless the price of the
underlying security changes sufficiently, the option may expire without value
to such Series.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS

FUTURES CONTRACTS. Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset
Allocation Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid
Cap Stock Series and Global Growth Series may enter into interest rate
futures contracts. Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, Value
Series, Growth & Income Series, S&P 500 Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series,
International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap Value Series,
Global Growth Series, Large Cap Growth Series and Aggressive Growth Series
may enter into stock index futures contracts for hedging purposes. Global
Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, Blue Chip
Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap
Value Series, Global Growth Series, Large Cap Growth Series and Aggressive
Growth Series may also enter into foreign currency futures contracts. (Unless
otherwise specified, interest rate futures contracts, stock index futures
contracts and foreign currency futures contracts are collectively referred to
as "Futures Contracts.")

     Purchases or sales of stock index futures contracts are used to attempt
to protect current or intended stock investments from broad fluctuations in
stock prices. Interest rate and foreign currency futures contracts are
purchased or sold to attempt to hedge against the effects of interest or
exchange rate changes on a Series' current or intended investments in fixed
income or foreign securities. In the event that an anticipated decrease in
the value of a Series' securities occurs as a result of a general stock
market decline, a general increase in interest rates, or a decline in the
dollar value of foreign currencies in which portfolio securities are
denominated, the adverse effects of such changes may be offset, in whole or
in part, by gains on the sale of Futures Contracts. Conversely, the increased
cost of a Series' securities to be acquired, caused by a general rise in the
stock market, a general decline in interest rates, or a rise in the dollar
value of foreign currencies, may be offset, in whole or in part, by gains on
Futures Contracts purchased by such Series. The Series will incur brokerage
fees when it purchases and sells Futures Contracts, and it will be required
to make and maintain margin deposits.

OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global
Asset Allocation Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series and
Global Growth Series, may purchase and write options to buy or sell interest
rate futures contracts. In addition, the Global Asset Allocation Series,
Value Series, Growth & Income Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International
Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Global Growth Series and Aggressive
Growth Series, may purchase and write options on stock index futures
contracts. Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation
Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock
Series, Global Growth Series and Aggressive Growth Series may purchase and
write options on foreign currency futures contracts. (Unless otherwise
specified, options on interest rate futures contracts, options on stock index
futures contracts, and options on foreign currency futures contracts are
collectively referred to as "Options on Futures Contracts.") Such investment
strategies will be used as a hedge and not for

<PAGE>

speculation.

     Put and call Options on Futures Contracts may be traded by the Global
Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, Value Series,
Growth & Income Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series,
Global Growth Series and Aggressive Growth Series in order to protect against
declines in the values of such Series securities or against increases in the
cost of securities to be acquired. Purchases of Options on Futures Contracts
may present less risk in hedging than the purchase or sale of the underlying
Futures Contracts since the potential loss is limited to the amount of the
premium plus related transaction costs. The writing of such options, however,
does not present less risk than the trading of futures contracts and will
constitute only a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received,
and, if an option is exercised, these Series may suffer a loss on the
transaction.

FOREIGN CURRENCY FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS

     Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation Series,
Value Series, Growth & Income Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International
Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap Value Series, Global Growth
Series, Large Cap Growth Series and Aggressive Growth Series may purchase or
sell foreign currency forward exchange contracts ("forward contracts") to
attempt to minimize the risk from adverse changes in the relationship between
the various currencies in which each Series invests. A forward contract is an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed price at a
future date. The contract is individually negotiated and privately traded by
currency traders and their customers. Each Series may enter into a forward
contract, for example, when it enters into a contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency in order to "lock in"
the price of the security ("transaction hedge") in a particular currency.
Additionally, when a Series believes that a foreign currency (for example,
the British pound) may suffer a decline against any other currency or
currencies in the Series (for example, the U.S. dollar), it may enter into a
forward sale contract to sell an amount of the foreign currency expected to
decline (the British pound) that approximates the value of some or all of the
Series' investment securities denominated in such foreign currency (the
British pound) (a "position hedge"). In such cases, the Series also may enter
into a forward sale contract to sell a foreign currency for a fixed amount in
another currency (other than the U.S. dollar) where the Series believes that
the value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward sale contract
will fall whenever there is a decline in the value of the currency (other
than the U.S. dollar) in which certain portfolio securities of the Series are
denominated (a "cross-hedge").

     Under certain conditions, Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") guidelines require investment companies to set aside cash or
any security that is not considered restricted or illiquid in a segregated
account to cover forward contracts. As required by Commission guidelines, any
Series that has the ability to enter into a forward contract for an
essentially speculative purpose will, upon entering into such a transaction,
segregate assets to cover such forward contracts. At the present time, only
the Global Bond, Global Asset Allocation and International Stock Series may
enter into speculative forward contracts. A

<PAGE>

speculative forward contract is one which, unlike the hedging situations
defined above, does not have an underlying position in a security or
securities. The Series will not segregate assets to cover forward contracts
entered into for hedging purposes.

     Although forward contracts will be used primarily to protect such Series
from adverse currency movements, they also involve the risk that anticipated
currency movements will not be accurately predicted.

OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global
Asset Allocation Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series,
Mid Cap Stock Series, Global Growth Series and Aggressive Growth Series may
purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose
of protecting against declines in the dollar value of foreign portfolio
securities and against increases in the dollar cost of foreign securities to
be acquired. As in the case of other types of options, however, the writing
of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge, up to
the amount of the premium received, and these Series could be required to
purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates,
thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on foreign currency may
constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates,
although, in the event of rate movements adverse to such Series' position, it
may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.
Options on foreign currencies to be written or purchased by a Series are
traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.

LIMITATIONS ON INVESTMENTS IN DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS ON SECURITIES, OPTIONS
AND FUTURES CONTRACTS

     Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series and International
Stock Series will not enter into any options, futures or forward contract
transactions if immediately thereafter the amount of premiums paid for all
options, initial margin deposits on all futures contracts and/or options on
futures contracts, and collateral deposited with respect to forward contracts
held by or entered into by such Series would exceed 5% of the value of the
total assets of such Series. This restriction does not apply to securities
purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis.

     High Yield Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series, Global Growth
Series and Aggressive Growth Series have adopted two percentage restrictions
on the use of options, futures, and forward contracts. The first restriction
is that each such Series will not enter into any options, futures, or forward
contract transactions if immediately thereafter the amount of premiums paid
for all options, initial margin deposits on all futures contracts and/or
options on futures contracts, and collateral deposited with respect to
forward contracts held by or entered into by the Series would exceed 5% of
the value of the total assets of the Series. The second restriction is that
the aggregate value of the Series' assets covering, subject to, or committed
to all options, futures, and forward contracts will not exceed 20% of the
value of the total assets of the Series. These two restrictions do not apply
to securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward
commitment basis as described under "Delayed Delivery Transactions." However,
each such Series intends to limit its investment in futures during the coming
year so

<PAGE>

that the aggregate value of the Series assets subject to futures contracts
will not exceed 5% of the value of its net assets.

RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND FORWARD CONTRACTS

     Although Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation
Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap Value
Series, Global Growth Series, Large Cap Growth Series and Aggressive Growth
Series may enter into transactions in Futures Contracts, Options on Futures
Contracts, Currency Contracts, and certain options solely for hedging
purposes, their use does involve certain risks. For example, a lack of
correlation between the index or instrument underlying an option or futures
contract and the assets being hedged or unexpected adverse price movements,
could render such Series' hedging strategy unsuccessful and could result in
losses. These Series also may enter into transactions in options on
securities and indexes of securities for other than hedging purposes, which
involves greater risk. In addition, there can be no assurance that a liquid
secondary market will exist for any contract purchased or sold, such Series
may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which
could result in losses.

     Transactions in options, Futures Contracts, Options on Futures
Contracts, and Currency Contracts may be entered into on United States
exchanges regulated by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission,
as well as in the over-the-counter market and on foreign exchanges. In
addition, the securities underlying options and Futures Contracts may include
domestic as well as foreign securities. Investors should recognize that
transactions involving foreign securities or foreign currencies, and
transactions entered into in foreign countries, may involve considerations
and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. markets.

SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS

     To comply with the 1940 Act, a Series engaging in certain transactions
involving options, futures, reverse repurchase agreements, delayed delivery
and forward contracts on foreign currencies will "cover" its positions by
establishing a segregated account. These segregated accounts will be
established and maintained with the Fortis Series' custodian and will contain
only liquid assets such as cash, or any security that is not considered
restricted or illiquid.

SECURITIES OF OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

     Some Series may purchase the securities of open-end or closed-end
investment companies if such purchases are in compliance with the 1940 Act.
If a Series invests in securities of other investment companies, the return
on any such investments will be reduced by the operating expenses, including
investment advisory and administrative fees, of such investment companies.
(Such Series indirectly absorbs its pro rata share of the other investment
companies' expenses.) However, Advisers believes that at times the return and
liquidity features of these securities will be more beneficial than other
types of securities.

WARRANTS OR RIGHTS

<PAGE>

     Warrants or rights may be acquired (no more than 5% of net assets,
valued at the lower of cost or market) by Global Asset Allocation Series, S&P
500 Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap
Stock Series, Small Cap Value Series, Global Growth Series and Large Cap
Growth Series in connection with other securities or separately. Warrants
provide such Series with the right to purchase at a later date other
securities of the issuer. Warrants or rights acquired by such Series in units
or attached to securities will be deemed to be without value for purpose of
this restriction.

SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX

     Each of Global Bond Series, High Yield Series, Global Asset Allocation
Series, Value Series, Growth & Income Series, S&P 500 Index Series,
International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series, Global Growth Series and
Aggressive Growth Series may sell a security to the extent such Series
contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain securities identical to
those sold short without payment of any additional consideration. Such a
short sale is referred to as a short sale "against the box." The aggregate
market value of the underlying securities subject to all outstanding short
sales may not exceed 5% of the net assets of the Series.

                              MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

     Under Minnesota law, the Board of Directors of Fortis Series has overall
responsibility for managing it in good faith, in a manner reasonably believed
to be in the best interests of the company and with the care an ordinarily
prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. This management may
not be delegated. The Articles of Incorporation limit the liability of
directors to the fullest extent permitted by law.

     The names, addresses, principal occupations and other affiliations of
directors and executive officers of Fortis Series are listed below. Unless
stated otherwise, all positions have been held at least five years. Each
director and officer also serves as a director or officer of all investment
companies managed by Advisers (the "Fund Complex"). The Fund Complex
currently consists of one closed-end and eight open-end investment companies.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     POSITION WITH
NAME AND ADDRESS          AGE          THE FUNDS           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ----------------          ---        -------------         -----------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>                <C>
Richard W. Cutting        67         Director           Certified public accountant and financial
137 Chapin Parkway                                      consultant.
Buffalo, New York

Allen R. Freedman*        58         Director           Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
One Chase Manhattan                                     President of Fortis, Inc.; a Managing
Plaza                                                   Director of Fortis International, N. V.
New York, New York

Dr. Robert M. Gavin       58         Director           President, Cranbrook Education Community,
380 Lone Pine Road                                      Prior to July 1996, President Macalester
Bloomfield Hills,                                       College, St. Paul, MN.
Michigan

Jean L. King                                            President, Communi-King, a communications
                                                        consulting firm, St.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     POSITION WITH
NAME AND ADDRESS          AGE          THE FUNDS           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ----------------          ---        -------------         -----------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>                <C>
12 Evergreen Lane         54         Director           Paul, MN.
St. Paul, Minnesota

Dean C. Kopperud *        46         President          Chief Executive Officer and a Director of
500 Bielenberg                       and                Advisors, President and a Director of
Drive                                Director           Investors, President of Fortis Financial
Woodbury, Minnesota                                     Group, a Director of Fortis Benefits
                                                        Insurance Company and a Senior Vice
                                                        President of Time Insurance Company.

Edward M. Mahoney         68         Director           Retired; prior to December, 1994, Chairman
2760 Pheasant Road                                      and Chief Executive Officer and a Director
Excelsior,                                              of Advisers and Investors, Senior Vice
Minnesota                                               President and a Director of Fortis
                                                        Benefits Insurance Company, and Senior
                                                        Vice President of Time Insurance Company.

Robb L. Prince            57         Director           Financial and Employee Benefit Consultant;
5108 Duggan Plaza                                       prior to July, 1995, Vice President and
Edina, Minnesota                                        Treasurer, Jostens, Inc., a producer of
                                                        products and services for the youth,
                                                        education, sports award, and recognition
                                                        markets, Minneapolis, MN.

Leonard J. Santow         62         Director           Principal, Griggs & Santow, Incorporated,
75 Wall Street                                          economic and financial consultants, New
21st Floor                                              York, NY.
New York, New York

Joseph M. Wikler          57         Director           Investment consultant and private investor.
12520 Davan Drive
Silver Spring,
Maryland

Gary N. Yalen             56         Vice President     President and Chief Investment Officer of
One Chase Manhattan                                     Advisers (since 1995) New York, NY, and
Plaza                                                   Senior Vice President, Investments,
New York, New York                                      Fortis, Inc.; prior to 1996, President and
                                                        Chief Investment Officer, Fortis Asset
                                                        Management, a former division of Fortis,
                                                        Inc.

Howard G. Hudson          61         Vice President     Executive Vice President and Head of Fixed
One Chase Manhattan                                     Income Investments of Advisers since 1995;
Plaza                                                   prior to 1996, Senior Vice President,
New York, New York                                      Fixed Income, Fortis Asset Management.

Lucinda S. Mezey          51         Vice President     Executive Vice President and Head of
One Chase Manhattan                                     Equity Investments of Advisers since
Plaza                                                   October 1997; from 1995 to October 1997,
New York, New York                                      Chief Investment Officer, Alex Brown
                                                        Capital Advisory and Trust Co., Baltimore,
                                                        MD; and prior to 1995, Senior Vice
                                                        President and Head of Equity Investments,
                                                        PNC Bank, Philadelphia, PA.

James S. Byrd             47         Vice President     Executive Vice President of Advisers since
90 South 7th                                            1995; prior to 1995, Vice President of
Street, #5030                                           Advisers and Investors.
Minneapolis,
Minnesota

Nicholas L. M. de         32         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1995;
Peyster                                                 prior to 1996, Vice President, Equities,
One Chase Manhattan                                     Fortis Asset Management.
Plaza
New York, New York

Diane M. Gotham           40         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1998;
90 South 7th                                            from 1994 to 1998, securities analyst for
Street, #5030                                           Advisers.
Minneapolis,
Minnesota

Laura E. Granger          37         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1998;
One Chase Manhattan                                     from 1993 to 1998, portfolio manager,
Plaza                                                   General Motors Investment Management, New
New York, New York                                      York, NY.

Maroun M. Hayek           50         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers; prior to
One Chase Manhattan                                     August 1996, Vice President, Fixed Income,
Plaza                                                   Fortis Asset Management.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     POSITION WITH
NAME AND ADDRESS          AGE          THE FUNDS           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ----------------          ---        -------------         -----------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>                <C>
New York, New York

Robert C. Lindberg        46         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1993.
One Chase Manhattan
Plaza
New York, New York

Charles L.                56         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1996;
Mehlhouse                                               prior to March 1996, Portfolio Manager to
One Chase Manhattan                                     Marshall & Ilsley Bank Corporation,
Plaza                                                   Milwaukee, WI.
New York, New York

Kevin J. Michels          47         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1995.
One Chase Manhattan                                     Prior to 1996, Vice President,
Plaza                                                   Administration, Fortis Asset Management.
New York, New York

Christopher J.            35         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1996;
Pagano                                                  prior to March 1996, Government Strategist
One Chase Manhattan                                     for Merrill Lynch, New York, N.Y.
Plaza
New York, New York

Stephen M. Rickert        55         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1995;
One Chase Manhattan                                     from 1994 to 1996, Corporate Bond Analyst,
Plaza                                                   Fortis Asset Management.
New York, New York

Michael J.                47         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1998;
Romanowski                                              from October 1995 to March 1998, Portfolio
One Chase Manhattan                                     Manager, Value Line, New York, NY; prior
Plaza                                                   to October 1995, securities analyst,
New York, New York                                      Conning & Co., Hartford, CT.

Ho Wang                   51         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1998;
One Chase Manhattan                                     from 1995 to 1998, senior securities
Plaza                                                   analyst, Lord, Abbett & Co., New York, NY;
New York, New York                                      prior to 1995, portfolio manager, New York
                                                        Life, New York, NY.

Christopher J.            38         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers since 1995;
Woods                                                   prior to 1996, Vice President, Fixed
One Chase Manhattan                                     Income, Fortis Asset Management.
Plaza
New York, New York

Robert W. Beltz,          49         Vice President     Vice President - Securities Operations of
Jr.                                                     Advisers and Investors.
500 Bielenberg
Drive
Woodbury, Minnesota

Peggy E. Ettestad         41         Vice President     Senior Vice President, Operations of
500 Bielenberg                                          Advisers; prior to March 1997, Vice
Drive                                                   President G.E. Capital Fleet Services,
Woodbury, Minnesota                                     Minneapolis, MN.


Tamara L. Fagely          40         Vice President     Vice President of Advisers and Investors
500 Bielenberg                        and Treasurer     since 1998; prior thereto, Second Vice
Drive                                                   President of Advisers and Investors.
Woodbury, Minnesota

Dickson Lewis             49         Vice President     Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales
500 Bielenberg                                          of Advisers; from 1993 to July 1997,
Drive                                                   President and Chief Executive Officer
Woodbury, Minnesota                                     Hedstrom/Blessing, Inc., a marketing
                                                        communications company, Minneapolis, MN.

David A. Peterson         56         Vice President     Vice President and Assistant General
500 Bielenberg                                          Counsel, Fortis Benefits Insurance
Drive                                                   Company.
Woodbury, Minnesota

Scott R. Plummer          39         Vice President     Vice President since 1998, Associate
500 Bielenberg                                          General Counsel since 1998 and Assistant
Drive                                                   Secretary of Advisers; prior thereto,
Woodbury, Minnesota                                     Second Vice President and Corporate
                                                        Counsel of Advisers.

Rhonda J. Schwartz        40         Vice President     Senior Vice President and General Counsel
500 Bielenberg Drive                                    of Advisers; Senior Vice President and
                                                        General Counsel, Life and Investment Products,
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     POSITION WITH
NAME AND ADDRESS          AGE          THE FUNDS           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ----------------          ---        -------------         -----------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>                <C>
                                                        Fortis Benefits Insurance
Woodbury, Minnesota                                     Company and Vice President and General
                                                        Counsel, Life and Investment Products,
                                                        Time Insurance Company; from 1993 to
                                                        January 1996, Vice President, General
                                                        Counsel, Fortis, Inc.

Melinda S. Urion          45         Vice President     Since December 1997, Senior Vice President
500 Bielenberg                                          and Chief Financial Officer of Advisers.
Drive                                                   Prior to December 1997, Senior Vice
Woodbury, Minnesota                                     President of Finance and Chief Financial
                                                        Officer, American Express Financial
                                                        Corporation; prior to 1995, Corporate
                                                        Controller, American Express Financial
                                                        Corporation.

Michael J. Radmer         53         Secretary          Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, the Fund's
220 South Sixth                                         General Counsel.
Street Minneapolis,
Minnesota
</TABLE>

- -------------------
*    Mr. Kopperud is an "interested person" (as defined under the 1940 Act)
of Advisers and Fortis Series because he holds certain positions including
serving as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Advisers. Mr. Freedman
is an "interested person" of Advisers and Fortis Series because he holds
certain positions including serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Fortis, Inc., the parent company of Advisers.

     Each director who is not affiliated with Advisers or Investors receives
a monthly fee of $700 from Fortis Series, $100 per meeting attended from
Fortis Series, and $100 per committee meeting attended from Fortis Series
(and reimbursement of travel expenses to attend meetings). Each such director
also receives a monthly fee, a meeting fee and a committee meeting fee from
each fund in the Fund Complex for which they are a director. The following
table sets forth the aggregate compensation received by each director from
Fortis Series during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, as well as the
total compensation received by each director from the Fund Complex during the
calendar year ended December 31, 1998. Mr. Freedman and Mr. Kopperud, who are
affiliated with Advisers and Investors, did not receive any compensation. No
executive officer receives any compensation from the Funds.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               AGGREGATE                TOTAL
                             COMPENSATION           COMPENSATION
                                 FROM                   FROM
    DIRECTOR                 FORTIS SERIES          FUND COMPLEX*
    --------                 -------------          ------------
<S>                          <C>                    <C>
Richard W. Cutting                 $                   $30,200
Dr. Robert M. Gavin                $                   $29,200
Jean L. King                       $                   $30,200
Edward M. Mahoney                  $                   $29,200
Robb L. Prince                     $                   $29,200
Leonard J. Santow                  $                   $29,050
Joseph M. Wikler                   $                   $30,300
</TABLE>
- ---------------
*    The Fund Complex consists of one closed-end and eight open-end investment
     companies managed by Advisers.

     During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, Fortis Series paid $____
in legal fees and expenses to a law firm of which the Funds' Secretary is a
partner.

<PAGE>

     Directors Gavin, Kopperud, Mahoney and Prince are members of the
Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. While the Executive Committee
is authorized to act in the intervals between regular board meetings with
full capacity and authority of the full Board of Directors, except as limited
by law, it is expected that the Committee will meet at least twice a year.

                          PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

     As of March 31, 1999, less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Fortis
Series were attributable to Contracts owned of record or beneficially by the
directors and executive officers as a group. The directors and executive
officers otherwise do not own any of the outstanding shares of Fortis Series.

   On December 31, 1998, no person to the knowledge of Fortis Series' owned
beneficially as much as 5% of the outstanding shares of any Fund.

                       INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

GENERAL

     Fortis Advisers, Inc. ("Advisers") has been the investment adviser and
manager of Fortis Series since its inception. Fortis Investors, Inc.
("Investors") acts as the Funds underwriter. Each acts pursuant to written
agreements periodically approved by the directors or shareholders. The
address of each is that of the Funds. As of December 31, 1998, Advisers
managed thirty-three investment company portfolios with combined net assets
of approximately $6.4 billion.

CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF ADVISERS AND INVESTORS

     Fortis, Inc. ("Fortis") owns 100% of the outstanding voting securities
of Advisers, and Advisers owns all of the outstanding voting securities of
Investors.

     Fortis, located in New York, New York, is a financial services company
that provides specialty insurance and investment products to individuals,
businesses, associations and other financial services organizations in the
United States. Fortis is a part of a worldwide group of companies active in
the fields of insurance, banking and investments. Fortis is jointly owned by
Fortis (NL) N.V. of The Netherlands and Fortis (B) of Belgium.

     Fortis (NL) N.V. is a diversified financial services company
headquartered in Utrecht, The Netherlands, where its insurance operations
began in 1847. Fortis (B) is a diversified financial services company
headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, where its insurance operations began in
1824. Fortis (NL) N.V. and Fortis (B) own a group of companies active in
insurance, banking and financial services, and real estate development in The
Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, Western Europe, and the Pacific Rim.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

<PAGE>

     Advisers acts as investment adviser and manager of each of the Series
under separate Investment Advisory and Management Agreements. These
agreements are individually referred to as an "Agreement" and collectively
referred to as "Agreements." The Agreements will terminate automatically in
the event of their assignment. In addition, the Agreements are terminable at
any time, without penalty, by the Board of Directors or, with respect to any
particular Series, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the applicable Series, on not more than 60 days' written notice to
Advisers, and by Advisers on 60 days' notice to Fortis Series. Unless sooner
terminated, each Agreement shall continue in effect for more than two years
after its execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved
at least annually by either the Board of Directors or, with respect to any
particular Series, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the applicable Series, provided that in either event such continuance is
also approved by the vote of a majority of the directors who are not parties
to such Agreement, or interested persons of such parties, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

     The Agreements collectively provide for an investment advisory and
management fee calculated as described in the following table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                ANNUAL
                                                              INVESTMENT
                                                             ADVISORY AND
     SERIES                   AVERAGE NET ASSETS            MANAGEMENT FEE
     ------                   ------------------            --------------
<S>                           <C>                           <C>
Money Market Series           For the first $500 million         .30%
                              For assets over $500 million       .25%
U.S. Government Securities    For the first $50 million          .50%
  Series                      For assets over $50 million        .45%
Diversified Income Series     For the first $50 million          .50%
                              For assets over $50 million        .45%
Global Bond Series            For the first $100 million         .75%
                              For assets over $100 million       .65%
High Yield Series             For the first $250 million         .50%
                              For assets over $250 million       .45%
Global Asset Allocation       For the first $100 million         .90%
  Series                      For assets over $100 million       .85%
Asset Allocation Series       For the first $250 million         .50%
                              For assets over $250 million       .45%
Value Series                  For the first $100 million         .70%
                              For assets over $100 million       .60%
Growth & Income Series        For the first $100 million         .70%
                              For assets over $100 million       .60%
S&P 500 Index Series          All levels of assets               .40%
Blue Chip Stock Series        For the first $100 million         .90%
                              For assets over $100 million       .85%
International Stock Series    For the first $100 million         .85%
                              For assets over $100 million       .80%
Mid Cap Stock Series          For the first $100 million         .90%
                              For the next $150 million          .85%
                              For assets over $250 million       .80%
Small Cap Value Series        For the first $50 million          .90%
                              For assets over $50 million        .85%


<PAGE>

Global Growth Series          For the first $500 million         .70%
                              For assets over $500 million       .60%
Large Cap Growth Series       For the first $100 million         .90%
                              For the next $100 million          .85%
                              For assets over $200 million       .80%
Growth Stock Series           For the first $100 million         .70%
                              For assets over $100 million       .60%
Aggressive Growth Series      For the first $100 million         .70%
                              For assets over $100 million       .60%
</TABLE>

     During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the
Series paid the following investment advisory and management fees to Advisers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SERIES                             1996                1997           1998
- ------                             ----                ----           ----
<S>                           <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Money Market                  $   57,756          $  191,433
U.S.Government Securities        786,612             687,529
Diversified Income               503,938             488,855
Global Bond(2)                   131,386             149,694
High Yield                       171,148             258,195
Global Asset Allocation          258,678             406,583
Asset Allocation               1,794,647           2,102,625
Value(1)                          32,997             230,143
Growth & Income                  660,575           1,250,461
S&P 500 Index(1)                  34,900             251,081
Blue Chip Stock(1)                66,780             407,113
International Stock              317,951             571,117
Mid Cap Stock                          *                   *
Small Cap Value                        *                   *
Global Growth                  1,888,142           2,416,410
Large Cap Growth                       *                   *
Growth Stock                   3,734,829           4,268,503
Aggressive Growth                535,835             735,430
</TABLE>

* Not in existence during this period.
(1) Inception date: May 1, 1996.

Advisers, at its own expense, furnishes suitable office space, facilities,
equipment, administrative services, and clerical and other personnel as may
be required for the management of the affairs and business of Fortis Series,
and acts as Fortis Series' registrar, transfer agent, and dividend disbursing
agent. Fortis Series pays all its expenses which are not expressly assumed by
Advisers or Investors. These expenses include, among others, the investment
advisory and management fee, the fees and expenses of directors and officers
of Fortis Series

<PAGE>

who are not "affiliated persons" of Advisers, interest expenses, taxes,
brokerage fees and commissions, fees and expenses of registering and
qualifying Fortis Series and its shares for distribution under Federal
securities laws, expenses of preparing prospectuses and of printing and
distributing prospectuses annually to existing Contract owners, custodian
charges, auditing and legal expenses, insurance expenses, association
membership dues, and the expense of reports to shareholders and Contract
owners, shareholders' meetings, and proxy solicitations. Fortis Series is
also liable for such nonrecurring expenses as may arise, including litigation
to which it may be a party. Fortis Series may have an obligation to indemnify
its directors and officers with respect to such litigation.

SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, S&P 500 Index Series,
Blue Chip Stock Series, International Stock Series, Mid Cap Stock Series,
Small Cap Value Series and Large Cap Growth Series have retained sub-advisers
under investment  sub-advisory agreements and for  Small Cap Value Series the
sub-adviser has entered into a sub-management agreement with a manager (such
agreements are collectively referred to as the "Sub-Advisory Agreements").
Each Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically upon the termination
of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between Fortis Series and
Advisers, and in the event of its assignment. In addition, the Sub-Advisory
Agreements are terminable at any time, without penalty, by the Board of
Directors, by Advisers or by a vote of the majority of the applicable Series'
outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written notice to such Series'
sub-adviser and by a sub-adviser on 60 days' written notice to Advisers.
Unless sooner terminated, the Sub-Advisory Agreements shall continue in
effect from year to year if approved at least annually by the Board of
Directors of Fortis Series or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the applicable Series, provided that in either event
such continuance is also approved by the vote of a majority of the directors
who are not interested persons of any party to the Sub-Advisory Agreements,
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

     For their services, the sub-advisers receive a fee from Advisers (such
amounts are payable out of the advisory fees received by Advisers for the
same period and are not in addition to such amounts). From its advisory fee,
Advisers pays fees to each of the sub-advisers calculated as described below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               ANNUAL
     SERIES                     SUB-ADVISER              AVERAGE NET ASSETS          SUB-ADVISORY FEE
<S>                             <C>                   <C>                            <C>
Global Bond Series              Mercury               For the first $100 million           .350%
                                                      For assets over $100 million         .225%
Global Asset Allocation         Morgan Stanley        For the first $100 million           .500%
Series                                                For assets over $100 million         .400%
S&P 500 Index Series            Dreyfus               All levels of assets                 .170%
Blue Chip Stock Series          T. Rowe Price         For the first $100,000,000           .500%
                                                      For assets over $100,000,000         .450%
International Stock Series      Lazard                For the first $100 million           .450%
                                                      For assets over $100 million         .375%

<PAGE>

Mid Cap Stock Series            Dreyfus               For the first $100 million           .500%
                                                      For the next $150 million            .450%
                                                      For assets over $250 million         .400%
Small Cap Value Series          Berger                For the first $50 million            .500%
                                Associates            For assets over $50 million          .450%

Large Cap Growth Series         Alliance              For the first $100 million           .500%
                                                      For the next $100 million            .450%
                                                      For assets over $200 million         .400%
</TABLE>

     For the Small Cap Value Series, Berger Associates pays Perkins, Wolf,
McDonnell & Company (the "Manager") an amount equal to .25 of 1% of the
Series first $50 million of average daily net assets and .225 of 1% of the
Series' net assets in excess of $50 million.

     During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, Advisers paid advisory
fees to the sub-advisers of Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation
Series, S&P 500 Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series and International Stock
Series in the following amounts: [information to be provided]    During the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, Advisers paid advisory fees to the
sub-advisers of Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series, S&P 500
Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series and International Stock Series in the
amount of $69,898, $225,590, $105,647, $209,455 and $302,356, respectively.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, Advisers paid advisory fees
to the sub-advisers of Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series,
S&P 500 Index Series, Blue Chip Stock Series and International Stock Series
in the amount $61,272, $144,079, $14,834, $37,202 and $168,327, respectively.

EXPENSES

     Expenses that relate exclusively to a particular Series, such as
custodian charges and registration fees for shares, are charged to that
Series. Other expenses of Fortis Series are allocated between the Series in
an equitable manner as determined by officers of Fortis Series under the
supervision of the Board of Directors, usually on the basis of net assets or
number of contract holders.

     Advisers bears the costs of acting as Fortis Series transfer agent,
registrar, and dividend agent. Investors has agreed to pay all expenses of
distributing Fortis Series' shares, including, but not limited to, costs of
printing and distributing prospectuses to new Contract owners. Pursuant to a
separate Distribution Agreement between Fortis Benefits and investors, Fortis
Benefits reimburses Investors for these costs and expenses with respect to
variable life insurance policies issued by Fortis Benefits or pays them on
Investors' behalf.

     Out of its advisory fee, but not in excess thereof, Advisers has agreed
to reimburse Mid Cap Stock Series, Small Cap Value Series and Large Cap
Growth Series for their expenses, until their net assets first reach $10
million, to the extent that the expenses of the applicable Series (including
the investment advisory fees, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage fees,
and commissions) exceed an amount equal, on an annual basis, to 1.25% of the
average daily net assets of the applicable Series. In addition to this
expense reimbursement, Advisers reserves the

<PAGE>

right, but shall not be obligated, to institute voluntary expense
reimbursement programs which, if instituted, shall be in such amounts and
based on such terms and conditions as Advisers, in its sole and absolute
discretion, determines. Furthermore, Advisers reserves the absolute right to
discontinue any of such reimbursement programs at any time without notice to
Fortis Series.

     Although investment decisions for each Series are made independently
from those of the other Series or those of other funds or private accounts
managed by Advisers, sometimes the same security is suitable for more than
one Series, fund, or account. If and when two or more Series, funds, or
accounts simultaneously purchase or sell the same security, the transactions
will be allocated as to price and amount in accordance with arrangements
equitable to each Series, fund, or account. The simultaneous purchase or sale
of the same securities by a Series and another Series, fund, or account may
have a detrimental effect on the Series, as this may affect the price paid or
received by the Series or the size of the position obtainable by the Series.

                      BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

     Advisers selects and (where applicable) negotiates commissions with
broker-dealers who execute trades for each Fund. In selecting a broker-dealer
to execute an equity trade, Advisers primarily considers whether the
broker-dealer can provide best execution on the trade including best price
for a security. Other factors that Advisers considers when selecting a
broker-dealer for an equity trade include:

- -    competitive commissions commensurate with the value of research products
      and services provided to Advisers;
- -    consistently good service quality;
- -    adequate capital position;
- -    broad market coverage;
- -    continuous flow of information concerning bids and offers;
- -    the ability to complete, clear and settle trades in a timely and efficient
      manner;
- -    capital usage;
- -    specialized expertise;
- -    access to new issues; and
- -    the ability to handle large blocks of stock discreetly.

     For a Fund exclusively composed of debt, rather than equity securities,
portfolio transactions are effected with dealers without the payment of
brokerage commissions, but at net prices which usually include a spread or
markup. The volume of business done with a broker-dealer for fixed income
trades is based to a large extent on the availability and competitive price
of the fixed income securities that fit the strategy of the fixed income
portfolio. Best execution, the quality of research, making of secondary
markets and other services are also determining factors for the allocation of
business when buying and selling fixed income securities. If a broker-dealer
charging a higher commission or offering a larger spread is more reliable or
provides better execution than a broker-dealer charging a lower commission or
offering a smaller spread, then Advisers may select the broker-dealer
charging a higher commission or offering a larger spread for a particular
equity or fixed income trade.

<PAGE>

     Advisers may direct orders to broker-dealers who furnish research
products and services to Advisers as long as the broker-dealers meet the
selection criteria outlined above. The research products and services
supplements Advisers' own research and enables Advisers to obtain the views
and information of others prior to making investment decisions for the Funds.
During fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Fund did not pay any
commissions to broker-dealers who provided research products and services to
Advisers. Advisers has not entered and will not enter into any agreement with
a broker-dealer that would prevent Advisers from obtaining best execution on
a trade.

     Advisers will authorize each Fund to pay an amount of commission for
effecting a securities transaction in excess of the amount of commission
another broker-dealer would have charged only if Advisers determines in good
faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value
of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed
in terms of either that particular transaction or Adviser's overall
responsibilities with respect to the accounts to which Advisers exercises
investment discretion. In 1998, the Funds generally paid higher commissions
than those obtainable from other broker-dealers in return for research
products and services.

     Advisers believes that most research services obtained by it generally
benefit several or all of the investment companies, insurance company
accounts and private accounts which it manages, as opposed to solely
benefitting one specific managed fund or account. Such research services
include advice, both directly and in writing, as to the value of the
securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling
securities; the availability of securities, or purchasers or sellers of
securities; and analysis and reports concerning issues, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the
performance of accounts.  Examples of some of the research products and
services that were furnished to Advisers in 1998 include:

- -    hard copy securities research services;
- -    securities research software database services;
- -    electronic securities trading networks; and
- -    statistical services useful to mutual fund directors and account
     representatives in evaluating the relative performance of mutual fund
     portfolios.

     If a broker-dealer furnishes Advisers with non-research products and
services, Advisers will pay the broker-dealer for such products and services.
No client brokerage will be used to pay for non-research product and services.

     The Funds will not effect any brokerage transactions in its portfolio
securities with any broker-dealer affiliated directly or indirectly with
Advisers, unless such transactions, including the frequency thereof, the
receipt of commissions payable in connection therewith, and the selection of
the affiliated broker-dealer effecting such transactions are not unfair or
unreasonable to the shareholders of the Funds. No commissions were paid to
any affiliate of Advisers during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996,
1997 and 1998 for any Fund.

<PAGE>

     From time to time, the Funds may acquire the securities of their regular
brokers or dealers or parent companies of such brokers or dealers. The Funds
acquired the following securities of their regular brokers or dealers or
parent companies of such brokers or dealers during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998:

                              Value of Securities
Name of Issuer                Owned at Year End
- --------------                -------------------

[information to be provided]

     Advisers has developed written trade allocation procedures for its
management of the securities trading activities of its clients. Advisers
manages multiple portfolios, both public (mutual funds) and private. The
purpose of the trade allocation procedures is to treat the portfolios fairly
and reasonably in situations where the amount of a security that is available
is insufficient to satisfy the volume or price requirements of each portfolio
that is interested in purchasing that security. Generally, when the amount of
securities available in a public offering or the secondary market is
insufficient to satisfy the requirements for the interested portfolios, the
procedures require a pro rata allocation based upon the amounts initially
requested by each portfolio manager. In allocating trades made on combined
basis, each participating portfolio will receive the same average price for
the securities purchased or sold.

     Because a pro rata allocation may not always adequately accommodate all
facts and circumstances, the procedures provide for exceptions to allocate
trades on a basis other than pro rata. Examples of where adjustments may be
made include: (i) the cash position of the portfolios involved in the
transaction; and (ii) the relative importance of the security to a portfolio
in seeking to achieve its investment objective.

     Generally, Fortis Series pays higher commissions than the lowest rates
available. Morgan Stanley has agreements in place with several broker-dealers
that relate to equity trades directed by Morgan Stanley. Berger Associates
has informal agreements in place with several broker-dealers that relate to
equity trades directed by Berger Associates. Under these agreements, the
brokers pay for services which assist the investment manager (Morgan Stanley
and Berger Associates) in making investment decisions. The brokers are
obligated to achieve best execution and the commission rates charged by the
brokers are comparable to those charged by brokers with which there is no
such agreement.

     Some Series paid brokerage commissions during the periods and in the
amounts listed below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Fiscal year      Fiscal year   Fiscal year  Series End
                                    -----------      -----------   -----------  ----------
<S>                                <C>               <C>           <C>          <C>
Global Asset Allocation            $     29,730      $  47,973     $


<PAGE>

Asset Allocation                        216,651        311,739
Value Series                           20,397(1)     119,158
Growth & Income                       112,773        114,941
S&P 500 Index                          19,233(1)      60,463
Blue Chip Stock                        12,981(1)      46,609
International Stock                   126,800        145,900
Global Growth                         272,063        485,715
Growth Stock                          323,731        311,310
Aggressive Growth                      50,376         47,456
Mid Cap Stock Series                           (2)
Small Cap Value Series                       (2)
Large Cap Growth Stock Series                (2)
</TABLE>

* Not in existence during this period.
(1) Inception date: May 1, 1996.
(2) Inception date: __________________, 1998

     Money Market Series, U.S. Government Securities Series, Diversified
Income Series, Global Bond Series and High Yield Series did not pay any
brokerage commissions for the fiscal years end ed December 31, 1996, 1997 or
1998.

                                   CAPITAL STOCK

     Fortis Series' shares have a par value of $.01 per share and equal
rights to share in dividends and assets. The shares possess no preemptive or
conversion rights. as 5% of the outstanding Shares of any Series.

     Fortis Series currently has eighteen Series, each constituting a
separate series of shares. Under Fortis Series' Articles of Incorporation,
the Board of Directors is authorized to create new series in addition to
those already existing without the approval of the shareholders of Fortis
Series. Each share of stock will have a pro-rata interest in the assets of
the Series to which the stock of that series relates and will have no
interest in the assets of any other Series. In the event of liquidation, each
share of a Series would have the same rights to dividends and assets as every
other share of that Series.

     Each share of a Series has one vote (with proportionate voting for
fractional shares) irrespective of the relative net asset value of the
Series' shares. On some issues, such as the election of directors, all shares
of Fortis Series vote together as one series. Cumulative voting is not
authorized. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting
for the election of directors can elect 100% of the directors if they choose
to do so, and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares will be
unable to elect any directors.

     On an issue affecting only a particular Series, the shares of the
affected Series vote as a separate series. An example of such an issue would
be a fundamental investment restriction pertaining to only one Series.

<PAGE>

     Fortis Series is not required under Minnesota law to hold annual or
periodically scheduled regular meetings of shareholders. Minnesota
corporation law provides for the Board of Directors to convene shareholder
meetings when it deems appropriate. In addition, if a regular meeting of
shareholders has not been held during the immediately preceding fifteen
months, a shareholder or shareholders holding three percent or more of the
voting shares of Fortis Series may demand a regular meeting of shareholders
by written notice of demand given to the chief executive officer or the chief
financial officer of Fortis Series. Within ninety days after receipt of the
demand, a regular meeting of shareholders must be held at Fortis Series'
expense. Additionally, the 1940 Act requires shareholder votes for all
amendments to fundamental investment policies and restrictions and for all
investment advisory contracts and amendments thereto.

                                 PRICING OF SHARES

     On December 31, 1998, each Series' net asset value per share was
calculated as shown below.

<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
MONEY MARKET SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

U. S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

DIVERSIFIED INCOME SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

GLOBAL BOND SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

HIGH YIELD SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

VALUE SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

<PAGE>

GROWTH & INCOME SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

S& P 500 INDEX
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

BLUE CHIP STOCK SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

INTERNATIONAL STOCK SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

MID CAP STOCK SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

SMALL CAP VALUE SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

GLOBAL GROWTH SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

LARGE CAP GROWTH
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

GROWTH STOCK SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )

AGGRESSIVE GROWTH SERIES
     Net Assets ($                      )    =    Net Asset Value per Share ($ )
     ------------------------------------
     Shares Outstanding (               )
</TABLE>

     The primary close of trading currently is 3:00 P.M. (Central Time), but
this time may be changed. The offering price for purchase orders received in
the office of Fortis Series after the beginning of each day the New York
Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for trading is based on net asset
value determined as of the close of regular trading (currently 3:00 P.M.
Central Time) on the Exchange that day; the price in effect for orders
received after such close is based on the net asset value as of such close of
the Exchange on the next day the Exchange is open for trading. Generally, the
net asset value of each Series' shares is determined on each day on which the
Exchange is open for business. The Exchange is not open for business on the
following holidays (nor on the nearest Monday or Friday if the holiday falls
on a weekend): New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day,
Good Friday, Memorial Day,

<PAGE>

Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Additionally, net asset value need not be determined (i) on days on which
changes in the value of the portfolio securities will not materially affect
the current net asset value of the Series' shares; or (ii) on days during
which no such Series' shares are tendered for redemption and no orders to
purchase or sell such Series' shares are received by Fortis Series.

                                REDEMPTION OF SHARES

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

     Redemption of shares, or payment, may be suspended at times (a) when the
Exchange is closed for other than customary weekend or holiday closings, (b)
when trading on said Exchange is restricted, (c) when an emergency exists, as
a result of which disposal by Fortis Series of securities owned by it is not
reasonably practicable, or it is not reasonably practicable for Fortis Series
fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or during any other period
when the Securities and Exchange Commission, by order, so permits; provided
that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c)
exist.

                                      TAXATION

     The Series have qualified and intend to continue to qualify as regulated
investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). As long as each Series so qualifies, the Series is not taxed on the
income it distributes to the shareholders. Generally, in order to qualify as
a regulated investment company, a Series must derive at least 90 percent of
its gross income from dividends, interest, and gains from the sale or other
disposition of stock or securities or other income derived with respect to
its investing in such stock or securities. Being qualified as a regulated
investment company does not mean that the Internal Revenue Service supervises
Fortis Series or approves its policies.

     Under the Code, each Series will generally be treated as a separate
entity for federal tax purposes. Therefore, each Series will be treated
separately in determining whether it qualifies as a regulated investment
company and in determining the net ordinary income (or loss), net realized
capital gains (or losses) and distributions necessary to relieve each Series
of any federal income tax liability.

     Pursuant to the Code, each Series will be subject to a nondeductible
excise tax for each calendar year equal to 4 percent of the excess, if any,
of the amount required to be distributed

<PAGE>

over the amount distributed. However, the excise tax does not apply to any
income on which a Series pays income tax. In order to avoid the imposition of
this excise tax, each Series generally must declare dividends by the end of a
calendar year representing 98 percent of the Series' ordinary income for the
calendar year and 98 percent of its capital gain net income (both long-term
and short-term capital gains) for the twelve-month period ending October 31
of the calendar year.

     The Code imposes certain diversification requirements on the investments
of segregated asset accounts underlying variable annuity and life insurance
contracts. Treasury Regulations interpret those requirements. Under the Code
and the Regulations, if a variable contract is based in part or in whole on a
segregated asset account that fails to meet the diversification standards,
the variable contract will not be treated as an annuity or life insurance
contract for federal income tax purposes. As a consequence, the income on the
contract for any taxable year, whether or not distributed, will be treated as
ordinary income received by the Contract owner during such year.

     As a general rule, each Series may invest not more than 55% of the value
of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer, not more than 70%
of the value of its total assets in the securities of any two issuers, not
more than 80% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any three
issuers, and not more than 90% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of any four issuers. Under the Code and the Regulations, for
purposes of the diversification tests, the securities of each agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. government are considered the securities of a
separate issuer. Each Series intends to satisfy either the diversification
test described above or an alternative diversification test provided by the
Code, so that the variable contracts invested in each Series will be treated
as variable contracts under the Code and the income earned with respect to
the contracts will not be currently taxable to the Contract owners.

     If a Series invests in zero coupon obligations upon their issuance, such
obligations will have original issue discount in the hands of such Series.
Generally, original issue discount equals the difference between the "stated
redemption price at maturity" of the obligation and its "issue price" as
those terms are defined in the Code. If a Series acquires an already issued
zero coupon bond from another holder, the bond will have original issue
discount in the Series' hands, equal to the difference between the "adjusted
issue price" of the bond at the time the Series acquires it (that is, the
original issue price of the bond plus the amount of original issue discount
accrued to date) and its stated redemption price at maturity. In each case, a
Series is required to accrue as ordinary interest income a portion of such
original issue discount even though such Series receives no cash currently as
interest payments on the obligation. Similarly, in the case of PIKs, Series
are required to recognize interest income in the amount of the fair market
value of the securities received as interest payments on the PIKs, even
though they receive no cash.

     Because each Series is required to distribute substantially all of its
net investment income (including accrued original issue discount and interest
income attributable to PIKs) in order to be taxed as a regulated investment
company, a Series having such income may be required to distribute an amount
greater than the total cash income the Series actually receives. Accordingly,

<PAGE>

in order to make the required distribution, the Series may be required to
borrow or liquidate securities.

     For Federal income tax purposes the Series had the following capital
loss carryovers at December 31, 1998, which, if not offset by subsequent
capital gains, will expire in 199   through 200   .  It is unlikely the Board
of Directors will authorize a distribution of any net realized gains until
the available capital loss carryovers have been offset or expired.

Money Market Series
U.S. Government Securities Series
Diversified Income Series
Blue Chip Stock Series
Global Growth Series
Aggressive Growth Series

                                    UNDERWRITER

     Investors has entered into an Underwriting Agreement for the sale and
distribution  of the Series' shares. This Underwriting Agreement may be
terminated by Fortis Series or Investors at any time by the giving of 60
days' written notice, and terminates automatically in the event of its
assignment. Unless sooner terminated, the Underwriting Agreement shall
continue in effect for more than two years after its execution only so long
as such continuance is also approved by the vote of a majority of the
directors who are not parties to such Underwriting Agreement, or interested
persons of such parties, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval.

     The Underwriting Agreement requires Investors to pay all promotional
expenses in connection with the distribution of the Fortis Series' shares,
including printing and distributing prospectuses and shareholder reports to
new Policy owners and the costs of sales literature. Pursuant to a separate
distribution agreement between Fortis Benefits and Investors, Fortis Benefits
reimburses Investors for these expenses or pays them on Investors' behalf, to
the extent they involve shares issued to fund variable life insurance
policies issued by Fortis Benefits.

     In the Underwriting Agreement, Investors undertakes to indemnify Fortis
Series against all costs of litigation and other legal proceedings, and
against any liability incurred by or imposed upon Fortis Series in any way
arising out of or in connection with the sale or distribution of the Fortis
Series' shares, except to the extent that such liability is the result of
information which was obtainable by Investors only from persons affiliated
with Fortis Series but not with Investors.

<PAGE>

                              PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

     The Series may refer to or advertise average annual total return and
cumulative return. Certain Series may provide yield calculations. All such
yield and total return quotations are based on historical earnings and are
not intended to indicate future performance. The return on and principal
value of an investment in any Series will fluctuate, so that shares when
redeemed may be worth more or less than their original cost.

     Cumulative total return is computed by finding the cumulative compounded
rate of return over the period indicated in the advertisement that would
equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value, according
to the following formula:

                       CTR  =  ( ERV - P )  100
                                 -------
                                    p

Where:    CTR   = Cumulative total return
          ERV   = ending redeemable value at the end of the period of a
                  hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of such
                  period; and
           P    = initial payment of $1,000

     This calculation assumes all dividends and capital gain distributions
are reinvested at net asset value on the appropriate reinvestment dates as
described in the Prospectus and includes all recurring fees, such as
investment advisory and management fees, charged to all shareholder accounts.

     The following table sets forth the cumulative total return of each
Series for the period from inception through December 31, 1998:

                                             CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
                                             -----------------------
           Money Market (7)
           U. S. Government Securities (7)
           Diversified Income (1)
           Global Bond (2)
           High Yield (3)
           Global Asset Allocation (2)
           Asset Allocation (7)
           Value (4)
           Growth & Income (3)
           S&P 500 Index (4)
           Blue Chip Stock (4)
           International Stock (2)
           Mid Cap Stock (6)
           Small Cap Value (6)
           Global Growth (5)
           Large Cap Growth (6)

<PAGE>

           Growth Stock (7)
           Aggressive Growth (3)
           (1)Inception date: May 2, 1988.
           (2)Inception date: January 3, 1995.
           (3)Inception date: May 2, 1994.
           (4)Inception date: May 1, 1996.
           (5)Inception date: May 1, 1992.
           (6)Inception date:                     .
                             ----------------------
           (7)Inception date:                     .
                             ----------------------

     Average annual total return is the average annual compounded rate of
return on a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the beginning of the
advertised period. Average annual total return figures are computed according
to the following formula:

                                       n
                                 P(1+T)   =  ERV

Where:  P    = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
        T    = average annual total return;
        n    = number of years; and
       ERV   = ending redeemable value at the end of the
               period of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at
               the beginning of such period.

     This calculation assumes all dividends and capital gains distributions
are reinvested at net asset value on the appropriate reinvestment dates, and
includes all recurring fees, such as investment advisory and management fees,
charged to all shareholder accounts.

     The following tables set forth the average annual total returns for each
Series for one year, five years and since inception (10 years with respect to
Money Market Fund, U.S. Government Securities Fund, Asset Allocation Fund and
Growth Stock Fund) for the period ending December 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                                                 10 YEARS/SINCE
                                        1 YEAR        5 YEARS       INCEPTION
                                        ------        -------       ---------

     <S>                              <C>             <C>        <C>
     Money Market
     U. S. Government Securities
     Diversified Income (1)
     Global Bond (2)
     High Yield (3)
     Global Asset Allocation (2)
     Asset Allocation
     Value (4)
     Growth & Income (3)
     S&P 500 Index (4)
     Blue Chip Stock (4)
     International Stock (2)
     Mid Cap Stock (6)

<PAGE>

     Small Cap Value (6)
     Global Growth (5)
     Large Cap Growth (6)
     Growth Stock
     Aggressive Growth (3)
     (1)Inception date: May 2, 1988.
     (2)Inception date: January 3, 1995.
     (3)Inception date: May 2, 1994.
     (4)Inception date: May 1, 1996.
     (5)Inception date: May 1, 1992.
     (6)Inception date:                          .
                         -------------------------
</TABLE>

     The yield refers to the income generated by an investment over a 30-day
(or one month) period. It is calculated by dividing the net investment income
per share (as defined under Securities and Exchange Commission rules) earned
during the computation period by the maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period, according to the following formula. The result is
then annualized using a formula that provides for semiannual compounding of
income.

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

Where:    a   = dividends and interest earned during the period;
          b   = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements);
          c   = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the
                period that were entitled to receive dividends; and
          d   = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
                period.

     The Funds' yields for the 30-day period ended December 31, 1998, were:

                 Money Market Series                      %
                 U.S. Government Securities Series        %
                 Diversified Income Series                %
                 Global Bond Series                       %
                 High Yield Series                        %

Current yield (calculated over a seven-day period) is a percentage computed
by determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of
a hypothetical preexisting account having a balance of one share at the
beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the
value of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base
period return, and then multiplying the base period return by (365/7) with
the resulting figure carried to at least the nearest hundredth of one
percent. Effective yield (calculated over a seven-day period) is computed by
determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of a
hypothetical preexisting account having a balance of one share at the
beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the
value of the account at the beginning of the base period to

<PAGE>

obtain the base period return, and then compounding the base period return by
adding 1, raising the sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 7, and
subtracting 1 from the result, according to the following formula:

              Effective Yield =  [ (Base Period Return +1) 365/7 ]  -1

     The Series also may quote annual yield figures, calculated similarly to
the above methods.

     Current yield information is useful in reviewing performance, but
because current yield will fluctuate, such information may not provide a
basis for comparison with bank deposits or other investments which pay a
fixed yield for a stated period of time and may be insured and the current
yield is not necessarily representative of future results.

     The Series may advertise their relative performance as compiled by
outside organizations or refer to publications which have mentioned its
performance. Fortis Series may refer to the rating services listed below.

                 RATINGS SERVICE
          Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
          CDA/Wiesenberger
          Morningstar Publications, Inc.
          Johnson's Charts

     Opportunity and Masters are two separate annuities with distinct
features and charges. This material must be preceded or accompanied by a
Masters or Opportunity annuity brochure.

     For more complete information about Fortis annuities including charges
and expenses, send for a prospectus from Fortis Investors, Inc. P.O. Box
64284, St. Paul, MN 55164. Read it carefully before you invest.

     This investment is not FDIC insured, is not an obligation of, nor
guaranteed by any bank or financial institution, and involves investment
risks, including possible loss of principal.

                                FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The audited financial statements as of December 31, 1998, as set forth
in Fortis Series'  1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, are incorporated
herein by reference. The audited financial statements are provided in
reliance on the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, 4200 Norwest Center,
Minneapolis, MN 55402, independent auditors of Fortis Series, and given on
the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                              OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

<PAGE>

     U.S. Bank National Association, 601 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
55480 acts as custodian of each Fund's assets and portfolio securities.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 220 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402, is the
independent General Counsel for the Funds.

                          LIMITATION OF DIRECTOR LIABILITY

     Under Minnesota law, each director of Fortis Series owes certain
fiduciary duties to it and to its shareholders. Minnesota law provides that a
director "shall discharge the duties of the position of director in good
faith, in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best
interest of the corporation, and with the care an ordinarily prudent person
in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances." Fiduciary
duties of a director of a Minnesota corporation include, therefore, both a
duty of "loyalty" (to act in good faith and act in a manner reasonably
believed to be in the best interests of the corporation) and a duty of "care"
(to act with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would
exercise under similar circumstances). Minnesota law authorizes corporations
to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation
or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of the fiduciary duty of
"care." Minnesota law does not, however, permit a corporation to eliminate or
limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty
of "loyalty" to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) for authorizing a dividend, stock repurchase
or redemption or other distribution in violation of Minnesota law or for
violation of certain provisions of Minnesota securities laws, or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The
Articles of Incorporation of Fortis Series limit the liability of directors
to the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota statutes, except to the extent
that such a liability cannot be limited as provided in the 1940 Act (which
act prohibits any provisions which purport to limit the liability of
directors arising from such directors' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
their role as directors).

     Minnesota law does not eliminate the duty of "care" imposed upon a
director. It only authorizes a corporation to eliminate monetary liability
for violations of that duty. Minnesota law, further, does not permit
elimination or limitation of liability of "officers" to the corporation for
breach of their duties as officers (including the liability of directors who
serve as officers for breach of their duties as officers). Minnesota law does
not permit elimination or limitation of the availability of equitable relief,
such as injunctive or rescissionary relief. Further, Minnesota law does not
permit elimination or limitation of a director's liability under the
Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and it is
uncertain whether and to what extent the elimination of monetary liability
would extend to violations of duties imposed on directors by the 1940 Act and
the rules and regulations adopted under such act.

                               ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     The Funds have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C. 20549, a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, with respect to the common stock offered hereby. The
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information

<PAGE>

do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with Rules and
Regulations of the Commission. The Registration Statement may be inspected at
the principal office of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C., and copies thereof may be obtained from the Commission at prescribed
rates.

                                                                      APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF FUTURES, OPTIONS AND FORWARD CONTRACTS

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES

An option on a security provides the purchaser, or "holder," with the right,
but not the obligation, to purchase, in the case of a "call" option, or sell,
in the case of a "put" option, the security or securities underlying the
option, for a fixed exercise price up to a stated expiration date or, in the
case of certain options, on such date. The holder pays a nonrefundable
purchase price for the option, known as the "premium." The maximum amount of
risk the purchaser of the option assumes is equal to the premium plus related
transaction costs, although this entire amount may be lost. The risk of the
seller, or "writer," however, is potentially unlimited, unless the option is
"covered." A call option written by the Series is "covered" if the Series
owns the underlying security covered by the call or has an absolute and
immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash
consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated
account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities
held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Series holds a
call on the same security and in the same principal amount as the call
written where the exercise price of the call held (a) is equal to or less
than the exercise price of the call written or) is greater than the exercise
price of the call written if the difference is maintained by the Series in
cash and high grade government securities in a segregated account with its
custodian. A put option written by the Series is "covered" if the Series
maintains cash and high grade government securities with a value equal to the
exercise price in a segregated account with its custodian, or else holds a
put on the same security and in the same principal amount as the put written
where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the
exercise price of the put written. If the writer's obligation is not so
covered, it is subject to the risk of the full change in value of the
underlying security from the time the option is written until exercise.

Upon exercise of the option, the holder is required to pay the purchase price
of the underlying security, in the case of a call option, or to deliver the
security in return for the purchase price in the case of a put option.
Conversely, the writer is required to deliver the security, in the case of a
call option, or to purchase the security, in the case of a put option.
Options on securities which have been purchased or written may be closed out
prior to exercise or expiration by entering into an offsetting transaction on
the exchange on which the initial position was established, subject to the
availability of a liquid secondary market.

Options on securities and options on indexes of securities, discussed below,
are traded on national securities exchanges, such as the Chicago Board
Options Exchange and the New York

<PAGE>

Stock Exchange, which are regulated by the SEC. The Options Clearing
Corporation guarantees the performance of each party to an exchange-traded
option, by in effect taking the opposite side of each such option. A holder
or writer may engage in transactions in exchange-traded options on securities
and options on indexes of securities only through a registered broker-dealer
which is a member of the exchange on which the option is traded.

In addition, options on securities and options on indexes of securities may
be traded on exchanges located outside the United States and over-the-counter
through financial institutions dealing in such options as well as the
underlying instruments. The particular risks of transactions on foreign
exchanges and over-the-counter transactions are set forth more fully in the
Statement of Additional Information.

OPTIONS OF STOCK INDEXES

In contrast to an option on a security, an option on a stock index provides
the holder with the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise
of the option, rather than the right to purchase or sell a security. The
amount of this settlement is equal to (a) the amount, if any, by which the
fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in the case of a call) or is
below (in the case of a put) the closing value of the underlying index on the
date of exercise, multiplied by (b) a fixed "index multiplier." The purchaser
of the option receives this cash settlement amount if the closing level of
the stock index on the day of exercise is greater than, in the case of a
call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option.
The writer of the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to
make delivery of this amount if the option is exercised. As in the case of
options on securities, the writer or holder may liquidate positions in stock
index options prior to exercise or expiration by entering into closing
transactions on the exchange on which such positions were established,
subject to the availability of a liquid secondary market.

The Series will cover all options on stock indexes by owning securities whose
price changes, in the opinion of Advisers (or a sub-adviser, if applicable),
are expected to be similar to those of the index, or in such other manner as
may be in accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the option is
traded and applicable laws and regulations.  Nevertheless, where the Series
covers a call option on a stock index through ownership of securities, such
securities may not match the composition of the index. In that event, the
Series will not be fully covered and could be subject to risk of loss in the
event of adverse changes in the value of the index. The Series will secure
put options on stock indexes by segregating assets equal to the option's
exercise price, or in such other manner as may be in accordance with the
rules of the exchange on which the option is traded and applicable laws and
regulations.

The index underlying a stock option index may be a "broad-based" index, such
as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index or the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Index, the changes in value of which ordinarily will reflect movements in the
stock market in general. In contrast, certain options may be based upon
narrower market indexes, such as the Standard & Poor's 100 Index, or on
indexes of securities of particular industry groups, such as those of oil and
gas or

<PAGE>

technology companies. A stock index assigns relative values to the stocks
included in the index and the index fluctuates with changes in the market
values of the stocks so included.

FUTURES CONTRACTS ON FIXED INCOME SECURITIES, STOCK INDEXES AND FOREIGN
CURRENCIES

A Futures Contract is a bilateral agreement providing for the purchase and
sale of a specified type and amount of a financial instrument or foreign
currency, or for the making and acceptance of a cash settlement, at a stated
time in the future for a fixed price. By its terms, a Futures Contract
provides for a specified settlement date on which, in the case of the
majority of interest rate and foreign currency futures contracts, the fixed
income securities or currency underlying the contract are delivered by the
seller and paid for by the purchaser, or on which, in the case of stock index
futures contracts and certain interest rate and foreign currency futures
contracts, the difference between the price at which the contract was entered
into and the contract's closing value is settled between the purchaser and
the seller in cash. Futures Contracts differ from options in that they are
bilateral agreements, with both the purchaser and the seller equally
obligated to complete the transaction. Futures Contracts call for settlement
only on the expiration date, and cannot be "exercised" at any other time
during their term.

The purchase or sale of a Futures Contract differs from the purchase or sale
of a security or the purchase of an option in that no purchase price is paid
or received. Instead, an amount of cash or cash equivalents, which varies but
maybe as low as 5% or less of the value of the contract, must be deposited
with the broker as "initial margin." Subsequent payments to and from the
broker, referred to as "variation margin," are made on a daily basis as the
value of the index or instrument underlying the Futures Contract fluctuates,
making positions in the Futures Contracts more or less valuable, a process
known as "marking to the market."

U.S. Futures Contracts may be purchased or sold only on an exchange, known as
a "contract market," designated by the CFTC for the trading of such contract,
and only through a registered futures commission merchant which is a member
of such contract market. A commission must be paid on each completed purchase
and sale transaction. The contract market clearing house guarantees the
performance of each party to a Futures Contract, by in effect taking the
opposite side of such contract. At any time prior to the expiration of a
Futures Contract, a trader may elect to close out its position by taking an
opposite position on the contract market on which the position was entered
into, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate
to terminate the initial position. At that time, a final determination of
variation margin is made and any loss experienced by the trader is required
to be paid to the contract market clearing house while any profit due to the
trader must be delivered to it. Futures Contracts may also be traded on
foreign exchanges.

Interest rate Futures Contracts currently are traded on a variety of fixed
income securities, including long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, Treasury Notes,
Government National Mortgage Association modified pass-through
mortgage-backed securities, and U.S. Treasury Bills.  In addition, interest
rate Futures Contracts include contracts on indexes of municipal securities.
Foreign currency Futures Contracts currently are traded on the British pound,
Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, West German mark, and on
Eurodollar deposits.

<PAGE>

A stock index or Eurodollar Futures Contract provides for the making and
acceptance of a cash settlement in much the same manner as the settlement of
an option on a stock index. The types of indexes underlying stock index
futures contracts are essentially the same as those underlying stock index
options, as described above. The index underlying a municipal bond index
futures contract is a broad-based index of municipal securities designed to
reflect movements in the municipal securities market as a whole. The index
assigns weighted values to the securities included in the index and its
composition is changed periodically.

OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS

An Option on a Futures Contract provides the holder with the right to enter
into a "long" position in the underlying Futures Contract, in the case of a
call option, or a "short" position in the underlying Futures Contract, in the
case of a put option, at a fixed exercise price up to a stated expiration
date or, in the case of certain options, on such date. Upon exercise of the
option by the holder, the contract market clearing house establishes a
corresponding short position for the writer of the option, in the case of a
call option, or a corresponding long position, in the case of a put option.
In the event that an option is exercised, the parties will be subject to all
the risks associated with the trading of Futures Contracts, such as payment
of variation margin deposits. In addition, the writer of an Option on a
Futures Contract, unlike the holder, is subject to initial and variation
margin requirements on the option position. A position in an Option on a
Futures Contract may be terminated by the purchaser or the seller prior to
expiration by affecting a closing purchase or sale transaction, subject to
the availability of a liquid secondary market, which is the purchase or sale
of an option of the same series (i.e., the same exercise price and expiration
date) as the option previously purchased or sold. The difference between the
premiums paid and received represents the trader's profit or loss on the
transaction.

Options on Futures Contracts that are written or purchased by the Series on
United States exchanges are traded on the same contract market as the
underlying Futures Contract and, like Futures Contracts, are subject to
regulation by the CFTC and the performance guarantee of the exchange clearing
house. In addition, Options on Futures Contracts may be traded on foreign
exchanges.

An option, whether based on a Futures Contract, a stock index, or security,
becomes worthless to the holder when it expires. Upon exercise of an option,
the exchange or contract market clearing house assigns exercise notices on a
random basis to those of its members which have written options of the same
series and with the same expiration date. A brokerage firm receiving such
notices then assigns them on a random basis to those of its customers which
have written options of the same series and expiration date. A writer
therefore has no control over whether an option will be exercised against it,
nor over the timing of such exercise.

FOREIGN CURRENCY FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS

<PAGE>

A foreign currency forward exchange contract (a "Forward Contract") is a
contractual obligation to purchase or sell a specific quantity of a given
foreign currency for a fixed exchange rate at a future date. Forward
Contracts are individually negotiated and are traded through the "interbank
currency market," an informal network of banks and brokerage firms which
operates around the clock and throughout the world. Transactions in the
interbank market may be executed only through financial institutions acting
as market-makers in the interbank market, or through brokers exercising
purchases and sales through such institutions. Market-makers in the interbank
market generally act as principals in taking the opposite side of their
customers' positions in Forward Contracts, and ordinarily charge a mark-up
commission which may be included in the cost of the Forward Contract. In
addition, market-makers may require their customers to deposit collateral
upon entering into a Forward Contract, as security for the customer's
obligation to make or receive delivery of currency, and to deposit additional
collateral if exchange rates move adversely to the customer's position. Such
deposits may function in a manner similar to the margining of Futures
Contracts, described above.

Prior to the stated maturity date of a Forward Contract, it may be possible
to liquidate the transaction by entering into an offsetting contract. In
order to do so, however, a customer may be required to maintain both
contracts as open positions until maturity and to make or receive a
settlement of the difference owed to or from the market-maker or broker at
that time.

OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES

Options on foreign currencies are traded in a manner substantially similar to
options on securities. In particular, an option on foreign currency provides
the holder with the right to purchase, in the case of a call option, or to
sell, in the case of a put option, a stated quantity of a particular currency
for a fixed price up to a stated expiration date or, in the case of certain
options, on such date. The writer of the option undertakes the obligation to
deliver, in the case of a call option, or to purchase, in the case of a put
option, the quantity of the currency called for in the option, upon exercise
of the option by the holder.

As in the case of other types of options, the holder of an option on foreign
currency is required to pay a one-time, nonrefundable premium, which
represents the cost of purchasing the option. The holder can lose the entire
amount of this premium, as well as related transaction costs, but not more
than this amount. The writer of the option, in contract, generally is
required to make initial and variation margin payments, similar to margin
deposits required in the trading of Futures Contracts and the writing of
other types of options. The writer is therefore subject to risk of loss
beyond the amount originally invested and above the value of the option at
the time it is entered into.

Certain options on foreign currencies, like Currency Contracts, are traded
over-the-counter through financial institutions acting as market-makers in
such options and the underlying currencies. Such transactions therefore
involve risks not generally associated with exchange-traded instruments,
which are discussed below. Options on foreign currencies may also be traded
on national securities exchanges regulated by the SEC and on exchanges
located in foreign countries.

<PAGE>

Over-the-counter transactions can only be entered into with a financial
institution willing to take the opposite side, as principal, of the Series'
position, unless the institution acts as broker and is able to find another
counter party willing to enter into the transaction with the Series. Where no
such counter party is available, it will not be possible to enter into a
desired transaction. There also may be no liquid secondary market in the
trading of over-the-counter contracts, and the Series could be required to
retain options purchased or written until exercise, expiration or maturity.
This in turn could limit the Series' ability to profit from open positions or
to reduce losses experienced, and could result in greater losses.

Further, over-the-counter transactions are not subject to the guarantee of an
exchange clearing house, and the Series will therefore be subject to the risk
of default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as its
counterparty. One or more of such institutions also may decide to discontinue
their role as market-makers in a particular currency or security, thereby
restricting the Series' ability to enter into desired hedging transactions.
The Series will enter into an over-the-counter transaction only with parties
whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by Advisers.

<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX B

COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

Standard & Poor's Rating Services. A Standard & Poor's commercial paper
rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt
having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Ratings are graded into
categories ranging from "A" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for
the lowest.

"A" Issues assigned this highest rating are regarded as having the greatest
capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are delineated with the
numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety.

"A-1" This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those issues determined to
possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted with a (+) sign
designation.

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

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

The commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell a
security. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard
& Poor's by the issuer or obtained from other sources it considers reliable.
The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in
or unavailability of such information.

Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions
of the ability of the issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations
which have an original maturity not exceeding one year. Moody's makes no
representation that such obligations are exempt from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, nor does it represent that any specific note is a
valid obligation of a rated issuer or issued in conformity with any
applicable law. Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged
to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated
issuers:

     "Prime-1"  Superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
     obligations.

     "Prime-2"  Strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
     obligations.

     "Prime-3"  Acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
     obligations.

CORPORATE BOND RATINGS

<PAGE>

Note: Standard & Poor's Corporation ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be
modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing
within the major rating categories. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. applies
numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from
"Aa" to "B." The modifier "1" indicates that the applicable company ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier "2" indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier "3" indicates that the applicable company
ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. Its ratings for corporate bonds have the
following definitions:

Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

Debt rated "AA" has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in a small degree.

Debt rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.

Debt rated "BBB" is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

Debt rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC," and "C" is regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. "BB" indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and "C" the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.

Debt rated "BB" has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The
"BB" rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied "BBB-" rating.

Debt rated "B" has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The "B" rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied "BB" or "BB-" rating.

<PAGE>

Debt rated "CCC" has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have
the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The "CCC" rating category
is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual
or implied "B" or "B-" rating.

The rating "CC" is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied "CCC" rating.

The rating "C" is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
is assigned an actual or implied "CCC-" debt rating. The "C" rating may be
used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but
debt service payments are continued.

The rating "CI" is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.

Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's
believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D"
rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt
service payments are jeopardized.

"NO" indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not
rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.

Mood's Investors Service, Inc. Its ratings for corporate bonds include the
following:

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

Bonds which are rated "Ba" are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.

Bonds which are rated "B" generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

Bonds which are rated "Caa" are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.

Bonds which are rated "Ca" represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.

Bond which rated "C" are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so rated
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.

Bond Investment Quality Standards: Under present commercial bank regulations
issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds rated in the top four
categories (Moody's ratings Aaa, Aa, A and Baa, and Standard & Poor's ratings
AAA, AA, A and BBB, commonly known as "Investment Grade" ratings) are
generally regarded as eligible for bank investment. In addition, the Legal
Investment Laws of various states impose certain rating or other standards
for obligations eligible for investment by savings banks, trust companies,
insurance companies and fiduciaries generally.

PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS

Note: Standard & Poor's Corporation ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be
modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing
within the major rating categories. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. applies
numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from
"Aa" to "B." The modifier "1" indicates that the applicable company ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier "2" indicates a
mid-range ranking; and

<PAGE>

the modifier "3" indicates that the applicable company ranks in the lower end
of its generic rating category.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. Its ratings for preferred stock have the
following definitions:

An issue rated "AAA" has the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard
& Poor's to a preferred stock issue and indicates an extremely strong
capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations.

A preferred stock issue rated "AA" also qualifies as a high-quality fixed
income security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very
strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated "AAA."

An issue rated "A" is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred stock
obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects
of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.

An issue rated "BBB" is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay the
preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions, or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for a preferred stock
in this category than for issues in the "A" category.

Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Its ratings for preferred stock include the
following:

An issue which is rated "Aaa" is considered to be a top-quality preferred
stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of
dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.

An issue which is rated "Aa" is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This
rating indicates that there is reasonable assurance that earnings and asset
protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.

An issue which is rated "A" is considered to be an upper-medium grade
preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the
"AAA" and "AA" classifications, earnings and asset protection are
nevertheless expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

An issue which is rated "Baa" is considered to be medium grade, neither
highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear
adequate at present but may be questionable over any great length of time.

<PAGE>
                                       PART C

                              Fortis Series Fund, Inc.

                                 OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 23.  EXHIBITS
     THE FUND IS FILING OR INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITS:

     (a).1     Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (1)
     (a).2     Certification of Designation of Series G Common Shares, Series H
               Common Shares and Series I Common Shares dated 4/20/94 (1)
     (a).3     Certification of Designation of Series J Common Shares, Series K
               Common Shares and Series L Common Shares dated 10/3/94 (1)
     (a).4     Certification of Designation of Series M Common Shares, Series N
               Common Shares and Series O Common Shares dated 4/11/96 (2)
     (a).5     Certification of Designation of Series P Common Shares, Series Q
               Common Shares and Series R Common Shares dated 4/13/98 (3)
     (b)       Amended and Restated Bylaws (amended 3/19/98) (3)
     (c)       Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders - not applicable
     (d).1     Form of Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the
               Registrant and Fortis Advisers, Inc. *
     (d).2     Form of Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the
               Registrant and Fortis Advisers, Inc. (on behalf of High Yield
               Series, Growth & Income Series and Aggressive Growth Series) *
     (d).3     Form of Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the
               Registrant and Fortis Advisers, Inc. (on behalf of International
               Stock Series, Global Bond Series and Global Asset Allocation
               Series) *
     (d).4     Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the
               Registrant and Fortis Advisers, Inc. (on behalf of Small Cap
               Value Series, Mid Cap Stock Series and Large Cap Growth Series)
               dated 4/2/98 (3)
     (d).5     Form of Investment Sub-Advisory and Management Agreement between
               Fortis Advisers, Inc. and Lazard Freres Asset Management (on
               behalf of International Stock Series) *
     (d).6     Form of Investment Sub-Advisory and Management Agreement between
               Fortis Advisers, Inc. and Warburg Investment Management
               International Ltd. (on behalf of Global Bond Series) *
     (d).7     Form of Investment Sub-Advisory and Management Agreement between
               Fortis Advisers, Inc. and Morgan Stanley Asset Management Limited
               (on behalf of Global Asset Allocation Series) *
     (d).8     Form of Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the
               Registrant and Fortis Advisers, Inc. for Value Series, S&P 500
               Index Series and Blue Chip Stock Series (1)


                                         -1-
<PAGE>

     (d).9     Investment Sub-Advisory and Management Agreement between Fortis
               Advisers, Inc. and The Dreyfus Corporation (on behalf of S&P 500
               Index Series) dated 3/22/96 (2)
     (d).10    Investment Sub-Advisory and Management Agreement between Fortis
               Advisers, Inc. and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (on behalf of
               Blue Chip Stock Series) dated 3/22/96 (2)
     (d).11    Investment Sub-Advisory and Management Agreement between Fortis
               Advisers, Inc. and The Dreyfus Corporation (on behalf of Mid Cap
               Stock Series) dated 4/3/98 (3)
     (d).12    Investment Sub-Advisory and Management Agreement between Fortis
               Advisers, Inc. and Berger Associates, Inc. (on behalf of Small
               Cap Value Series) dated 4/2/98 (3)
     (d).13    Investment Sub-Advisory and Management Agreement between Fortis
               Advisers, Inc. and Alliance Capital Management L.P. (on behalf of
               Large Cap Growth Series) dated 4/2/98 (3)
     (d).14    Sub-Management Agreement between Berger Associates, Inc. and
               Perkins, Wolf, McDonnell & Company (on behalf of Small Cap Value
               Series) dated 4/2/98 (3)
     (e).1     Form of Underwriting and Distribution Agreement (1)
     (e).2     Dealer Sales Agreement *
     (f)       Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts -not applicable
     (g).1     Custody Agreement dated 3/21/92 (2)
     (g).2     Exhibit A amended 4/2/98 to Custody Agreement (3)
     (g).3     Custody Agreement for Global Growth Series, International Stock
               Series, Global Bond Series, Global Asset Allocation Series and
               Blue Chip Stock Series dated 3/27/96 (2)
     (h)       Other Material Contracts - not applicable
     (i).1     Opinion and Consent of Dorsey & Whitney LLP *
     (i).2     Opinion and Consent of Dorsey & Whitney LLP for Series J, Series
               K and Series L Common Shares *
     (i).3     Opinion and Consent of Dorsey & Whitney LLP for Series M, Series
               N and Series O Common Shares (2)
     (i).4     Opinion and Consent of Dorsey & Whitney LLP for Series P, Series
               Q and Series R Common Shares (3)
     (j)       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP  *
     (k)       Omitted Financial Statements - not applicable
     (l)       Initial Capital Agreements - not applicable
     (m)       Rule 12b-1 Plan - not applicable
     (n)       Financial Data Schedule - not applicable
     (o)       Rule 18f-3 Plan - not applicable
- --------------------------
(1)  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
     Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission
     on February 16, 1996.


                                         -2-
<PAGE>

(2)  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the
     Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission
     on April 30, 1996.
(3)  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the
     Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission
     on May 1, 1998
*    To be filed by amendment.
 .
ITEM 24.  PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND
     THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF ALL PERSONS DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CONTROLLED BY
OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND:

     No person is directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control
with the Registrant.

ITEM 25.   INDEMNIFICATION
     STATE THE GENERAL EFFECT OF ANY CONTRACT, ARRANGEMENTS OR STATUTE UNDER
WHICH ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, UNDERWRITER OR AFFILIATED PERSON OF THE FUND IS
INSURED OR INDEMNIFIED AGAINST ANY LIABILITY INCURRED IN THEIR OFFICIAL
CAPACITY, OTHER THAN INSURANCE PROVIDED BY ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, AFFILIATED
PERSON, OR UNDERWRITER FOR THEIR OWN PROTECTION.

     Paragraph 8(d) of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation provides that
the Registrant shall indemnify such person for such expenses and liabilities, in
such manner, under such circumstances, and to the full extent permitted by
Section 302A.521 of the Minnesota Statutes, as now enacted or hereafter amended;
provided, however, that no such indemnification may be made if it would be in
violation of Section 17(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as now enacted
or hereinafter amended, and any rules, regulations, or releases promulgated
thereunder.

     The Registrant may indemnify its officers and directors and other "persons"
acting in an "official capacity" (as such terms are defined in Section 302A.521)
pursuant to a determination by the board of directors or shareholders of the
Registrant as set forth in Section 302A.521, by special legal counsel selected
by the board or a committee thereof for the purpose of making such a
determination, or by a Minnesota court upon application of the person seeking
indemnification.  If a director is seeking indemnification for conduct in the
capacity of director or officer of the Registrant, then such director generally
may not be counted for the purposes of determining either the presence of a
quorum or such director's eligibility to be indemnified.

     In any case, indemnification is proper only if the eligibility determining
body decides that the person seeking indemnification:

     (a)  has not received indemnification for the same conduct from any other
          party or organization;
     (b)  acted in good faith;
     (c)  received no improper personal benefit;


                                         -3-
<PAGE>

     (d)  in the case of criminal proceedings, has no reasonable cause to
          believe the conduct was unlawful;
     (e)  reasonably believed that the conduct was in the best interest of the
          Registrant, or in certain contexts, was not opposed to the best
          interest of the Registrant; and
     (f)  had not otherwise engaged in conduct which precludes indemnification
          under either Minnesota or Federal law (including, without limitation,
          conduct constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence,
          or reckless disregard of duties as set forth in Section 17(h) and (i)
          of the Investment Company Act of 1940).

     ADVANCES.  If a person is made or threatened to be made a party to a
proceeding, the person is entitled, upon written request to the Registrant, to
payment or reimbursement by the Registrant of reasonable expenses, including
attorneys fees and disbursements, incurred by the person in advance of the final
disposition of the proceeding, (a) upon receipt by the Registrant of a written
affirmation by the person of a good faith belief that the criteria for
indemnification set forth in Section 302A.521 have been satisfied and a written
undertaking by the person to repay all amounts so paid or reimbursed by the
Registrant, if it is ultimately determined that the criteria for indemnification
have been satisfied, and (b) after a determination that the facts then known to
those making the determination would not preclude indemnification under
302A.521.  The written undertaking required by clause (a) is an unlimited
general obligation of the person making it, but need not be secured and shall be
accepted without reference to financial ability to make the repayment.

     UNDERTAKING.  The Registrant undertakes that insofar as indemnification for
liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provision, 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 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 in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.

ITEM 26.  BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
     DESCRIBE ANY OTHER BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT OF A
SUBSTANTIAL NATURE THAT EACH INVESTMENT ADVISER, AND EACH DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR
PARTNER OF THE ADVISER, IS OR HAS BEEN ENGAGED WITHIN THE LAST TWO FISCAL YEARS
FOR HIS OR HER OWN ACCOUNT OR IN THE CAPACITY OF DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE,
PARTNER OR TRUSTEE.


                                         -4-
<PAGE>

     Information on the business of the Adviser, its directors and officers is
described in the Statement of Additional Information.   The following officers
are not listed in the Statement of Additional Information:

                                                  Other Business/Employment
Name                     Position with Adviser    During Past Two Years
- ----                     ---------------------    ---------------------
Michael D. O'Connor      Qualified Plan Officer   Qualified Plan Officer of
                                                  Fortis Benefits Insurance
                                                  Company
David C. Greenzang       Money Market Portfolio   Debt securities manager with
                           Officer                Fortis, Inc.

ITEM 27.  PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS

(a)  STATE THE NAME OF EACH INVESTMENT COMPANY (OTHER THAN THE FUND) FOR WHICH
EACH PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER CURRENTLY DISTRIBUTING THE FUND'S SECURITIES ALSO
ACTS AS A PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER, DEPOSITOR, OR INVESTMENT ADVISER.

     Investors also acts as the principal underwriter for:  Fortis Advantage
Portfolios, Inc., Fortis Equity Portfolios, Inc., Fortis Money Portfolios, Inc.,
Fortis Income Portfolios, Inc., Fortis Securities, Inc., Fortis Tax-Free
Portfolios, Inc., Fortis Worldwide Portfolios, Inc., Fortis Growth Fund, Inc.,
Variable Account C of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company and Variable Account D
of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company.

(b)  PROVIDE THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE FOLLOWING TABLE FOR EACH DIRECTOR,
OFFICER, OR PARTNER OF EACH PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER NAMED IN RESPONSE TO ITEM 20.

     In addition to those listed in the Statement of Additional Information with
respect to Investors, the following are also officers of Investors.  The
principal business address of each individual is 500 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury,
Minnesota 55125.

Name and Principal       Positions and Offices    Positions and Offices
 Business Address           with Underwriter            with Fund
- ------------------       ---------------------    ---------------------
Carol M. Houghtby        Director, Vice President &       None
                           Treasurer
Roger W. Arnold          Senior Vice President            None
Peter M. Delehanty       Senior Vice President            None
John E. Hite             Vice President & Secretary       None

(c)  PROVIDE THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE FOLLOWING TABLE FOR ALL COMMISSIONS
AND OTHER COMPENSATION RECEIVED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM THE FUND DURING
THE LAST FISCAL YEAR BY EACH PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER WHO IS NOT AN AFFILIATED
PERSON OF THE FUND OR ANY AFFILIATED PERSON OF AN AFFILIATED PERSON.

     Not applicable.



                                         -5-
<PAGE>

ITEM 28.  LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
     STATE THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH PERSON MAINTAINING PHYSICAL POSSESSION
OF EACH ACCOUNT, BOOK, OR OTHER DOCUMENT REQUIRED TO BE MAINTAINED BY SECTION
31(a) AND THE RULES UNDER THAT SECTION.

     The physical possession of the accounts, books, and other documents
required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
and Rules 3la-1 to 3la-3 promulgated thereunder is maintained by the Registrant
at Fortis Advisers, Inc., 500 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury, MN  55125.

ITEM 29.  MANAGEMENT SERVICES
     PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF THE SUBSTANTIVE PROVISIONS OF ANY MANAGEMENT-RELATED
SERVICE CONTRACT NOT DISCUSSED IN PART A OR B, DISCLOSING THE PARTIES TO THE
CONTRACT AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID AND BY WHOM FOR THE FUND FOR THE LAST THREE
FISCAL YEARS.

     All contracts were discussed in Part A or B.

ITEM 30.  UNDERTAKINGS

(a)  IN INITIAL REGISTRATION STATEMENTS FILED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, PROVIDE
     AN UNDERTAKING TO FILE AN AMENDMENT TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT WITH
     CERTIFIED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SHOWING THE INITIAL CAPITAL RECEIVED BEFORE
     ACCEPTING SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM MORE THAN 25 PERSONS IF THE FUND INTENDS TO
     RAISE ITS INITIAL CAPITAL UNDER SECTION 14(a)(3).

     Not applicable.
                                         -6-
<PAGE>
                                      SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Woodbury and State of Minnesota on the 1st day
of March 1999.
     
                                        FORTIS SERIES FUND, INC.
                                        (Registrant)


                                        By  /s/ Dean C. Kopperud     
                                          -----------------------------
                                            Dean C. Kopperud, President

          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 dates indicated:

  /s/ Dean C. Kopperud                  President (principal
- -------------------------------------   executive officer)        March 1, 1999
Dean C. Kopperud                        

  /s/ Tamara L. Fagely                  Treasurer (principal
- -------------------------------------   financial and             March 1, 1999
Tamara L. Fagely                        accounting officer)

Richard W. Cutting*                     Director

Allen R. Freedman*                      Director

Robert M. Gavin*                        Director

Jean L. King*                           Director

Edward M. Mahoney*                      Director

Robb L. Prince*                         Director

Leonard J. Santow*                      Director

Joseph M. Wikler*                       Director


*By   /s/ Dean C. Kopperud                                        March 1, 1999
    ------------------------------------
     Dean C. Kopperud, Attorney-in-Fact
     (Pursuant to a Power of Attorney dated March 21, 1996)


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