SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC
N-14/A, 1999-04-01
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<PAGE>
 
     
  As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 1999     
                                                   
                                                Registration No. 333-71761     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                    U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   FORM N-14
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ----------------
   
[X]Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1     
 
[_]Post-Effective Amendment No.
 
                               ----------------
 
                       SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC
              (Exact name of Registrant as specified in Charter)
 
                        Area Code and Telephone Number:
                                 
                              (800) 725-6666     
                             7 World Trade Center,
                           New York, New York 10048
              (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
                           Christina T. Sydor, Esq.
                           Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
                             388 Greenwich Street
                     New York, New York 10013 (22nd floor)
                    (Name and address of agent for service)
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   Copy to:
 
                             Gary S. Schpero, Esq.
                          Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett
                             425 Lexington Avenue
                         New York, New York 10017-3954
 
                               ----------------
 
  Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as possible after the
effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
                               ----------------
 
  Title of securities being registered. Shares of common stock ($.001 par
value) of Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund, a series of the Registrant.
       
  Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until Registrant shall file a
further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section
8(a), may determine.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                       SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC
 
                                  CONTENTS OF
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
  This Registration Statement contains the following pages and documents:
 
    Front Cover
 
    Contents Page
 
    Cross-Reference Sheet
 
    Letter to Shareholders
 
    Notice of Special Meeting
 
    Part A--Prospectus/Proxy Statement
 
    Part B--Statement of Additional Information
 
    Part C--Other Information
 
    Signature Page
 
    Exhibits
<PAGE>
 
                       SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC
 
                        FORM N-14 CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
            Pursuant to Rule 481(a) Under the Securities Act of 1933
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Prospectus/Proxy
           Part A Item No. and Caption                  Statement Caption
           ---------------------------                  -----------------
 <C>     <C>                                      <S>
 Item 1.  Beginning of Registration Statement
          and Outside Front Cover Page of         Cover Page; Cross Reference
          Prospectus............................  Sheet
 
 Item 2.  Beginning and Outside Back Cover Page
          of Prospectus.........................  Table of Contents
 
 Item 3.  Synopsis and Risk Factors.............  Summary; Risk Factors;
                                                  Comparison of Investment
                                                  Objectives and Policies
 
 Item 4.  Information About the Transaction.....  Summary; Reasons for the
                                                  Reorganization; Information
                                                  About the Reorganization;
                                                  Information on Shareholder's
                                                  Rights; Exhibit A (Agreement
                                                  and Plan of Reorganization)
 
 Item 5.  Information About the Registrant......  Cover Page; Summary;
                                                  Information About the
                                                  Reorganization; Comparison of
                                                  Investment Objectives and
                                                  Policies; Comparative
                                                  Information on Shareholder's
                                                  Rights; Additional
                                                  Information About the Small
                                                  Cap Growth Fund and Special
                                                  Equities Fund. Prospectuses
                                                  of both the Small Cap Growth
                                                  Fund and the Special Equities
                                                  Fund.
 
 Item 6.  Information About the Company Being
          Acquired..............................  Summary; Information About
                                                  the Reorganization;
                                                  Comparison of Investment
                                                  Objectives and Policies;
                                                  Information on Shareholder's
                                                  Rights; Additional
                                                  Information About the Small
                                                  Cap Growth Fund and the
                                                  Special Equities Fund
 
 Item 7.  Voting Information....................  Summary; Information About
                                                  the Reorganization;
                                                  Comparative Information on
                                                  Shareholder's Rights; Voting
                                                  Information
 
 Item 8.  Interest of Certain Persons...........  Financial Statements and
                                                  Experts; Legal and Experts
                                                  Matters
 
 Item 9.  Additional Information Required for
          Reoffering By Persons Deemed to be
          Underwriters..........................  Not Applicable
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Statement of Additional
            Part B Item No. and Caption                 Information Caption
            ---------------------------               -----------------------
 <C>      <C>                                      <S>
 Item 10.  Cover Page............................  Cover Page
 
 Item 11.  Table of Contents.....................  Cover Page
 
 Item 12.  Additional Information About the
           Registrant............................  Cover Page; Statement of
                                                   Additional Information of
                                                   Salomon Brothers Series
                                                   Funds Inc dated May 1, 1999
 
 Item 13.  Additional Information About the
           Company Being Acquired................  Not Applicable
 
 Item 14.  Financial Statements..................  Annual Report of the Small
                                                   Cap Growth Fund dated
                                                   December 31, 1998; Annual
                                                   Report of the Special
                                                   Equities Fund dated December
                                                   31, 1998; Pro forma
                                                   Financial Statements
 
<CAPTION>
            Part C Item No. and Caption              Other Information Caption
            ---------------------------              -------------------------
 <C>      <C>                                      <S>
 Item 15.  Indemnification.......................  Incorporated by reference to
                                                   Part A caption "Comparative
                                                   Information on Shareholder's
                                                   Rights"
 
 Item 16.  Exhibits..............................  Exhibits
 
 Item 17.  Undertakings..........................  Undertakings
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                             388 Greenwich Street
                           New York, New York 10013
                                 
                              April  , 1999     
 
Dear Shareholder:
 
  I am writing to ask you for your vote on some important questions that
affect your investment in the Smith Barney Special Equities Fund ("Special
Equities Fund"). A special meeting of Special Equities Fund shareholders is
scheduled for May 14, 1999 to consider changes to the Fund. Shareholder
meetings are held by mutual fund companies periodically as important issues
arise requiring shareholder approval.
 
  While we want you to attend your Fund's meeting, we understand that many
shareholders prefer to cast their vote by filling out and signing the enclosed
proxy. A proxy card is a ballot and when you vote your proxy, you tell us how
to vote on your behalf on important issues relating to your fund.
   
  On January 7, 1999 the Board of Directors of Special Equities Fund approved
a proposed merger whereby Smith Barney Fund shareholders would exchange their
shares for an equivalent dollar amount of shares in the Salomon Brothers Small
Cap Growth Fund ("Small Cap Growth Fund"). This proposed merger would enable
Special Equities Fund shareholders to continue to own an investment made up of
primarily smaller capitalized companies.     
          
  As part of a strategy to improve the performance of the Special Equities
Fund, Pam Milunovich took over management responsibilities on November 6,
1998. In addition to now managing the Special Equities Fund, Ms. Milunovich
has been and continues to be the manager of the Small Cap Growth Fund.     
   
  The Board of Directors of the Special Equities Fund has determined that it
is advantageous to combine the Special Equities Fund with the Small Cap Growth
Fund. Among the factors considered by the Board are the generally similar
investment objectives and policies of the two Funds. Moreover, the Board
considered management's belief that certain efficiencies can be obtained by
managing the portfolios as a single fund and that the combination will have a
beneficial impact on the shareholders of the Special Equities Fund.     
 
  We ask that you take a few moments to review the accompanying
prospectus/proxy statement carefully. If you do not plan to attend the
meeting, we ask that you complete the proxy card and return it as soon as
possible in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. When shareholders do not
return their proxies, their fund may have to incur the expense of follow-up
solicitations.
 
  Your vote is important. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you
have any questions regarding this proposed merger, please contact your Salomon
Smith Barney Financial Consultant or dealer representative.
                                
                             Sincerely,     
 

                             /s/ Heath B. McLendon 

                             Heath B. McLendon
                             Chairman
<PAGE>
 
                      SMITH BARNEY SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
 
                 388 Greenwich Street New York, New York 10013
 
                               ----------------
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                           
                        To be held on May 14, 1999     
 
                               ----------------
   
  Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Meeting") of Smith Barney Special Equities Fund (the "Special Equities
Fund"), will be held at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York on May 14,
1999, at 2:00 p.m. for the following purposes:     
     
    1. To consider and act upon the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the
  "Plan") dated as of February 3, 1999 providing for: (i) the acquisition of
  substantially all of the assets of the Special Equities Fund by the Salomon
  Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund of the Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc
  (the "Small Cap Growth Fund") in exchange for shares of the Small Cap
  Growth Fund and the assumption by the Small Cap Growth Fund of
  substantially all of the liabilities of the Special Equities Fund; (ii) the
  distribution of such shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund to shareholders of
  the Special Equities Fund in liquidation of the Special Equities Fund; and
  (iii) the subsequent termination of the Special Equities Fund.     
 
    2. To transact any other business which may properly come before the
  Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
   
  The Directors of the Special Equities Fund have approved the transaction and
have fixed the close of business on March 15, 1999, as the record date for
determining shareholders of the Special Equities Fund entitled to notice of
and to vote at this Meeting or any adjournment thereof.     
 
  IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT
EXPECT TO ATTEND IN PERSON ARE URGED TO SIGN AND RETURN WITHOUT DELAY THE
ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE, SO THAT
THEIR SHARES MAY BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PROPER
EXECUTION OF PROXIES ARE SET FORTH ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE. PROXIES MAY BE
REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE THEY ARE EXERCISED BY THE SUBSEQUENT EXECUTION AND
SUBMISSION OF A REVISED PROXY, BY GIVING WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION TO THE
SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE PROXY IS EXERCISED OR BY VOTING
IN PERSON AT THE MEETING.
 
                                          By order of the Directors
 
                                          Christina T. Sydor
                                              Secretary
   
[April], 1999     
 
                               ----------------
 
 YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THE ENCLOSED PROXY WILL HELP TO AVOID THE EXPENSE OF
                             FURTHER SOLICITATION.
<PAGE>
 
                          PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT
                             
                          Dated [April  ], 1999     
 
                         Acquisition Of The Assets Of
                     
                  SMITH BARNEY INVESTMENT FUNDS INC. --     
                             SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
                             388 Greenwich Street
                           New York, New York 10013
                                (800) 451-2010
 
                       By And In Exchange For Shares Of
                      
                   SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC --     
                             SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
                             7 World Trade Center
                           New York, New York 10048
                                 (800) SALOMON
   
  This Prospectus/Proxy Statement is being furnished to shareholders of Smith
Barney Special Equities Fund (the "Special Equities Fund"), a separate series
of Smith Barney Investment Funds Inc. (the "Investment Funds"), in connection
with a proposed Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"), to be
submitted to shareholders for consideration at a Special Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on May 14, 1999 at 2:00 p.m., New York City time, at
the offices of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., located at 388 Greenwich Street,
23rd Floor, New York, New York, and any adjournments thereof (collectively,
the "Meeting"). The Plan provides for all of the assets of the Special
Equities Fund to be acquired by the Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund
(the "Small Cap Growth Fund"), a separate series of Salomon Brothers Series
Funds Inc (the "Series Funds"), in exchange for shares of the Small Cap Growth
Fund and the assumption by the Small Cap Growth Fund of substantially all
liabilities of the Special Equities Fund (hereinafter referred to as the
"Reorganization"). (The Special Equities Fund and the Small Cap Growth Fund
are herein referred to individually as a "Fund" and collectively as the
"Funds"). Following the Reorganization, shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund
will be distributed to shareholders of the Special Equities Fund in
liquidation of the Special Equities Fund and the Special Equities Fund will be
dissolved. As a result of the proposed Reorganization, each shareholder of the
Special Equities Fund will receive that number of shares of the Small Cap
Growth Fund having an aggregate net asset value equal to the aggregate net
asset value of such shareholder's shares of the Special Equities Fund. Holders
of Class A shares in the Special Equities Fund will receive Class A shares of
the Small Cap Growth Fund, and no sales charge will be imposed on the Class A
shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund received by the Special Equities Fund
Class A shareholders. Holders of Class B and Class L shares in the Special
Equities Fund will receive Class B and Class 2 shares, respectively, of the
Small Cap Growth Fund; any contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") which is
applicable to a shareholder's investment will continue to apply, and, in
calculating the applicable CDSC payable upon the subsequent redemption of
Class B, Class 2 or certain Class A shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund, the
period during which a Special Equities Fund shareholder held the shares of the
Special Equities Fund exchanged for such Small Cap Growth Fund shares redeemed
will be counted. This transaction is being structured as a tax-free
reorganization.     
   
  The Small Cap Growth Fund is an open-end diversified management investment
company whose investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital
appreciation by investing primarily in securities of companies with market
capitalizations at the time of purchase similar to that of companies included
in the Russell 2000 Index. The Russell 2000 Index includes companies with
market capitalizations below the top 1,000 stocks of the equity market. As of
December 31, 1998, the market capitalizations of companies included in the
Russell 2000 Index ranged from $4.4 million to $3.1 billion. The Special
Equities Fund is an open-end diversified management investment company whose
investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Each Fund
invests primarily, but not exclusively, in equity securities (common and
preferred stock). Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc ("SBAM") serves as
investment manager to the Small Cap Growth Fund and SSBC Fund     
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
   
Management Inc. ("SSBC") serves as the investment manager of the Special
Equities Fund. SBAM and SSBC are both subsidiaries of Salomon Smith Barney
Holdings Inc. ("Holdings").     
 
  The investment policies of the Small Cap Growth Fund are generally similar
to those of the Special Equities Fund. However, certain differences in the
Funds' investment policies are described under "Comparison of Investment
Objectives and Policies" in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.
   
  This Prospectus/Proxy Statement, which should be retained for future
reference, sets forth concisely information about the Small Cap Growth Fund
that a prospective investor should know before investing. Certain relevant
documents listed below, which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), are incorporated by reference. A Statement of Additional
Information dated [April  ], 1999 relating to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement
and the Reorganization, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus/Proxy Statement. A copy of such Statement of
Additional Information and the Special Equities Fund Prospectus referred to
below are available upon request and without charge by writing to the Special
Equities Fund at the address listed on the cover page of this Prospectus/Proxy
Statement or by calling (800) 451-2010.     
     
    1. The Prospectus dated May 1, 1998, as supplemented on February 1, 1999
  and February 25, 1999 of the Small Cap Growth Fund is incorporated in its
  entirety by reference and a copy is included herewith.     
 
    2. The Prospectus dated April 30, 1998, as supplemented on June 12, 1998,
  October 5, 1998, November 24, 1998 and January 11, 1999 of the Special
  Equities Fund is incorporated in its entirety by reference.
 
  Also accompanying this Prospectus/Proxy Statement as Exhibit A is a copy of
the Plan.
   
  THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.     
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Page
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
Additional Materials......................................................   4
Fee Tables................................................................   4
Summary...................................................................   6
Risk Factors..............................................................  10
Reasons for the Reorganization............................................  10
Information about the Reorganization......................................  11
Information about the Small Cap Growth Fund...............................  15
Information about the Special Equities Fund...............................  16
Market Update.............................................................  17
Small Cap Market Outlook..................................................  17
Comparison of Investment Objectives and Policies..........................  19
Comparative Information on Shareholders' Rights...........................  23
Additional Information About the Small Cap Growth Fund and the Special
 Equities Fund............................................................  24
Other Business............................................................  24
Voting Information........................................................  25
Financial Statements......................................................  26
Legal Matters.............................................................  26
Exhibit A: Agreement and Plan of Reorganization........................... A-1
</TABLE>    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Additional Materials
   
  The following additional materials, which have been incorporated by
reference into the Statement of Additional Information dated April  , 1999
relating to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement and the Reorganization, will be
sent to all shareholders requesting a copy of such Statement of Additional
Information.     
 
1.Statement of Additional Information of Series Funds dated May 1, 1998.
   
2. Statement of Additional Information of Smith Barney Investment Funds Inc.
   (the "Investment Funds") dated April 30, 1998     
 
3.Annual Report of Small Cap Growth Fund dated December 31, 1998.
 
4.Annual Report of Special Equities Fund dated December 31, 1998.
 
5.Pro forma financial statements.
 
Fee Tables
 
  Following are tables showing current costs and expenses of the Class A,
Class B and Class L or Class 2 shares of the Special Equities Fund and the
Small Cap Growth Fund and the pro forma costs and expenses expected to be
incurred by each such Class of the Small Cap Growth Fund after giving effect
to the Reorganization, each based on the maximum sales charge or maximum CDSC
that may be incurred at the time of purchase or redemption. These figures are
based on each Fund's operating expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998.
 
 Class A Shares
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                            Special  Small Cap
                                            Equities  Growth    Pro Forma****
                                            -------- ---------  -------------
<S>                                         <C>      <C>        <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
 (as a percentage of offering price)          5.00%    5.75%        5.75%
Maximum CDSC (as a percentage of original
 cost or redemption proceeds, whichever is
 lower)                                       None*    None*        None*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses
 (as a percentage of average net assets)
 Management and Administration fees            .75%     .85%**       .75%***
 12b-1 fees                                    .25      .25          .25
 Other expenses                                .24     1.25          .24
                                              ----     ----         ----
Total Operating Expenses**                    1.24%    2.35%        1.24%
</TABLE>    
- --------
   * Purchases of Class A shares of the Special Equities Fund and the Small
     Cap Growth Fund, which, when combined with current holdings of Class A
     shares offered with a sales charge equal or exceed $500,000 and
     $1,000,000, respectively, in the aggregate, will be made at net asset
     value with no sales charge, but will be subject to a CDSC of 1.00% on
     redemptions made within 12 months.
   
  **As of December 31, 1998, SBAM waived its management fee. After taking into
  account such waiver total operating expenses were 1.50%.     
 *** Reflects the reduction in the management fee of the Small Cap Growth Fund
     upon completion of the Reorganization.
**** The pro forma financial figures are intended to provide shareholders with
     information about the continuing impact of the Reorganization as if the
     Reorganization had taken place as of December 31, 1998.
 
 Class B Shares
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                            Special  Small Cap
                                            Equities  Growth    Pro Forma*****
                                            -------- ---------  --------------
<S>                                         <C>      <C>        <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
 (as a percentage of offering price)          None     None          None
Maximum CDSC (as a percentage of original
 cost or redemption proceeds, whichever is
 lower)                                       5.00%*   5.00%*        5.00%*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses
 (as a percentage of average net assets)
 Management fees                               .75%     .85%**        .75%****
 12b-1 fees***                                1.00     1.00          1.00
 Other expenses                                .24     1.25           .24
                                              ----     ----          ----
Total Operating Expenses**                    1.99%    3.10%         1.99%
</TABLE>    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
- --------
    *The CDSC applicable to Class B shares of the Special Equities Fund
   declines by 1% each year after purchase to zero. The CDSC applicable to
   Class B shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund and on a Pro Forma basis
   decline by 1% per year in each of the second, third, fifth, sixth and
   seventh years after purchase to zero.
   
   **As of December 31, 1998, SBAM waived its management fee. After taking
   into account such waiver total operating expenses were 2.25%.     
  *** Upon conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares, such shares will no
      longer be subject to a distribution fee, but will be subject to a 0.25%
      service fee.
 **** Reflects the reduction in the management fee of the Small Cap Growth
      Fund upon completion of the Reorganization.
***** The pro forma financial figures are intended to provide shareholders
      with information about the continuing impact of the Reorganization as if
      the Reorganization had taken place as of December 31, 1998.
 
 Class L and 2 Shares
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                            Special  Small Cap
                                            Equities  Growth     Pro Forma****
                                            -------- ---------   -------------
<S>                                         <C>      <C>         <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
 (as a percentage of offering price)          1.00%    1.00%         1.00%
Maximum CDSC (as a percentage of original
 cost or redemption proceeds, whichever is
 lower)                                       1.00%*   1.00%*        1.00%*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses
 (as a percentage of average net assets)
 Management and Administration fees            .75%     .85%***       .75%****
 12b-1 fees**                                 1.00     1.00          1.00
 Other expenses                                .24     1.20           .24
                                              ----     ----          ----
Total Operating Expenses***                   1.99%    3.05%         1.99%
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
    *The CDSC applicable to Class 2 and Class L shares is not imposed on
  redemptions made after the first 12 months after purchase.     
   
   ** Class L and Class 2 shares do not have a conversion feature and,
      therefore, are subject to an ongoing distribution fee. As a result,
      long-term shareholders of Class L or Class 2 shares may pay more than
      the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge permitted
      by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.     
   
  *** As of December 31, 1998, SBAM waived its management fee. After taking
      into account such waiver total operating expenses were 2.25%.     
   
 **** Reflects the reduction in the management fee of the Small Cap Growth
      Fund upon completion of the Reorganization.     
   
***** The pro forma financial figures are intended to provide shareholders
      with information about the continuing impact of the Reorganization as if
      the Reorganization had taken place as of December 31, 1998.     
 
Examples
 
  The following examples are intended to assist an investor in understanding
the various costs an investor in the Funds will bear directly or indirectly.
The examples assume payment by the Funds of operating expenses at the levels
set forth in the tables above.
 
  An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (1) 5.00% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time
period:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years*
                                                ------ ------- ------- ---------
<S>                                             <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Class A
Special Equities Fund..........................  $62    $ 87    $115     $192
Small Cap Growth Fund..........................   72     118     167      300
Pro Forma......................................   69      95     122      199
Class B
Special Equities Fund..........................   70      92     117      204
Small Cap Growth Fund..........................   81     124     180      303
Pro Forma......................................   70      92     127      195
Class L or Class 2
Special Equities Fund..........................   39      72     116      239
Small Cap Growth Fund..........................   50     103     169      343
Pro Forma......................................   40      72     116      239
</TABLE>    
- --------
* Ten-year figures assume conversion of Class B shares of Special Equities
  Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund and Pro Forma to Class A shares at the end of
  the eighth year, seventh year and seventh year respectively, following the
  date of purchase.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  An investor would pay the following expenses on the same investment,
assuming the same annual return and no redemption:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years*
                                                ------ ------- ------- ---------
<S>                                             <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Class A
Special Equities Fund..........................  $62    $ 87    $115     $192
Small Cap Growth Fund..........................   79     118     167      300
Pro Forma......................................   69      95     122      199
Class B
Special Equities Fund..........................   20      62     107      204
Small Cap Growth Fund..........................   31      94     160      336
Pro Forma......................................   20      62     107      195
Class L or Class 2
Special Equities Fund..........................   30      72     116      239
Small Cap Growth Fund..........................   40     103     169      343
Pro Forma......................................   30      72     116      239
</TABLE>    
- --------
* Ten-year figures assume conversion of Class B shares of Special Equities
  Fund and Small Cap Growth Fund and Pro Forma to Class A shares at the end of
  the eighth year, seventh year and seventh year, respectively, following the
  date of purchase.
 
  The examples also provide a means for the investor to compare expense levels
of funds with different fee structures over varying investment periods. To
facilitate such comparison, all funds are required to utilize a 5.00% annual
return assumption. However, the Fund's actual return will vary and may be
greater or less than 5.00%. These examples should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses and actual expenses may be greater
or less than those shown.
 
Summary
   
  This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the additional
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, the
Prospectus of the Small Cap Growth Fund dated May 1, 1998, as supplemented on
February 1, 1999 and February 25, 1999, the Statement of Additional
Information of the Series Funds, dated May 1, 1998, the Prospectus of the
Special Equities Fund dated April 30, 1998, as supplemented on June 12, 1998,
October 5, 1998, November 24, 1998 and January 11, 1999, the Statement of
Additional Information of the Investment Funds dated April 30, 1998 and the
Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement as
Exhibit A.     
 
  Proposed Reorganization. The Plan provides for the transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Special Equities Fund in exchange for
shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund and the assumption by the Small Cap Growth
Fund of substantially all liabilities of the Special Equities Fund. The Plan
also calls for the distribution of shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund to the
Special Equities Fund shareholders in liquidation of the Special Equities
Fund. As a result of the Reorganization, each shareholder of the Special
Equities Fund will become the owner of that number of full and fractional
shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund having an aggregate net asset value equal
to the aggregate net asset value of their shares of the Special Equities Fund,
as of the close of business on the date that the Special Equities Fund's
assets are exchanged for shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund. (Shareholders of
Class A, Class B and Class L shares of the Special Equities Fund will receive
Class A, Class B and Class 2 shares, respectively, of the Small Cap Growth
Fund.) See "Information About the Reorganization." The Small Cap Growth Fund
also offers Class O shares which are available only to existing Class O
shareholders of a fund in the Salomon Brothers Investment Series.
 
  For the reasons set forth below under "Reasons for the Reorganization," the
Board of Directors of the Investment Funds, on behalf of the Special Equities
Fund, including all of the "non-interested" Directors, as that term is defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), has
unanimously concluded that the Reorganization would be in the best interests
of the shareholders of the Special Equities Fund and that the interests of the
Special Equities Fund's existing shareholders will not be diluted as a result
of the transaction contemplated by the Reorganization, and therefore has
submitted the Plan for approval by the Fund's shareholders. The Board of
Directors of the Series Funds has reached similar conclusions and also
recommends approval of the Plan effecting the Reorganization.
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  Approval of the Reorganization will require the affirmative vote of a
majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding shares of the Special
Equities Fund, which is the lesser of (i) 67% of the voting securities of the
Special Equities Fund present at the Meeting, if the holders of more than 50%
of the outstanding voting securities of the Special Equities Fund are present
or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of
the Special Equities Fund. For purposes of voting with respect to the
Reorganization, the Class A, Class B and Class L shares of the Special
Equities Fund will vote together as a single class. No vote of the
shareholders of the Small Cap Growth Fund is required. See "Voting
Information."
   
  In addition, completion of the Reorganization is conditioned upon receipt of
an order from the SEC exempting the Reorganization from certain provisions of
the 1940 Act. See "Information about the Reorganization--Plan of
Reorganization."     
 
  Tax Consequences. Prior to completion of the Reorganization, the Special
Equities Fund will have received an opinion from counsel that, upon the
Reorganization and the transfer of the assets of the Special Equities Fund, no
gain or loss will be recognized by the Special Equities Fund or its
shareholders for Federal income tax purposes. The holding period and tax basis
of shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund that are received by each Special
Equities Fund shareholder will be the same as the holding period and tax basis
of the shares of the Special Equities Fund previously held by such
shareholder. In addition, the holding period and tax basis of the assets of
the Special Equities Fund in the hands of the Small Cap Growth Fund as a
result of the Reorganization will be the same as in the hands of the Special
Equities Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization.
 
  Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions. The Special Equities Fund
and the Small Cap Growth Fund have generally similar investment policies and
restrictions. The Small Cap Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital and
the Special Equities Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. Both Funds
invest primarily in equity securities and are both classified as diversified
investment companies.
 
  Although the respective investment policies of the Small Cap Growth Fund and
the Special Equities Fund are generally similar, shareholders of the Special
Equities Fund should consider certain differences in such objectives and
policies. See "Information About the Small Cap Growth Fund," "Information
About the Special Equities Fund" and "Comparison of Investment Objectives and
Policies."
   
  Fees and Expenses. The Small Cap Growth Fund pays SBAM a monthly investment
advisory fee calculated at the annual rate of 0.80% of the Fund's average
daily net assets, while the Special Equities Fund pays SSBC a monthly
investment advisory fee calculated at the rate of 0.55% of the Fund's average
daily net assets. In addition to the investment advisory fees, both Funds pay
an administration fee payable monthly at the annual rate of 0.05% and 0.20% of
the Small Cap Growth Fund's and the Special Equities Fund's respective average
daily net assets. SBAM has delegated its responsibilities for administration
of the Small Cap Growth Fund to SSBC and pays SSBC this administration fee.
However, SBAM has agreed to reduce its advisory fee to 0.70% of the Small Cap
Growth Fund's average daily net assets upon completion of the Reorganization
so that the overall management and administration fee payable by former
Special Equities Fund shareholders will continue to be 0.75% subsequent to the
Reorganization.     
   
  The expense ratio of the Small Cap Growth Fund subsequent to the
Reorganization is expected to be equal to that of the Special Equities Fund.
See "Reasons for the Reorganization." Total Small Cap Growth Fund operating
expenses stated as a percentage of average net assets for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998 for Class A, Class B and Class 2 shares were 1.50%,
2.25% and 2.25%, respectively. These figures reflect a voluntary expense cap
imposed by SBAM. See "Fee Tables" above. Total Special Equities Fund operating
expenses stated as a percentage of average net assets as of the year ended
December 31, 1998 for Class A, Class B and Class L shares were 1.24%, 1.99%
and 1.99%, respectively. Total Small Cap Growth Fund annual operating expenses
stated as a percentage of average net assets subsequent to the Reorganization
(based upon pro forma financial information as of December 31, 1998) are
expected to be 1.24%, 1.99% and 1.99%, for Class A, Class B and Class 2
shares, respectively. SBAM has agreed to waive its management fee and/or
reimburse     
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
the Small Cap Growth Fund to ensure that the expense ratios of the Small Cap
Growth Fund for one year subsequent to the Reorganization do not exceed the
expense ratios of the Special Equities Fund prior to the Reorganization.
   
  Each class of shares (except Class O shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund) of
both Funds is sold subject to distribution plans adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-
1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plans applicable to each Fund, Salomon Smith
Barney Inc. ("Salomon Smith Barney") is paid a service fee calculated at the
annual rate of 0.25% of the value of each Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class L or Class 2 shares, as
the case may be. In addition, each Fund's Class B and, where applicable, Class
L and Class 2 shares pay a distribution fee primarily intended to compensate
Salomon Smith Barney for its initial expense of paying selected dealers and
financial consultants a commission upon sales of the respective shares,
preparation of sales literature, advertising and printing and distributing
prospectuses, statements of additional information and other materials. The
distribution fees for both Funds' Class B shares and Class L or Class 2 shares
are calculated at the annual rate of 0.75% of the value of the respective
Fund's average net assets attributable to the shares of the respective class.
       
  Purchase and Redemption Procedures. Purchase of shares of the Special
Equities Fund must be made: (i) through a Salomon Smith Barney Financial
Consultant; (ii) through an investment dealer in the selling group or a broker
that clears securities transactions through Salomon Smith Barney (a "dealer
representative") or (iii) from the Fund, but only if investing through certain
qualified plans or certain dealer representatives. Shares of the Small Cap
Growth Fund may be purchased through First Data Investors Services Group, Inc.
("First Data"), the Fund's transfer agent or from Salomon Smith Barney or
other selected dealers. Effective March 8, 1999, the Special Equities Fund
ceased accepting investments. Class A shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund and
the Special Equities Fund are sold subject to a maximum initial sales charge
of 5.75% and 5.00%, respectively, of the public offering price. Class B shares
of both Funds are sold without an initial sales charge. Class L and Class 2
shares are sold subject to a 1.00% initial sales charge. Class B and Class L
or Class 2 shares of both Funds are subject to certain higher ongoing expenses
than Class A shares and a CDSC payable upon certain redemptions.     
 
  Purchases of Class A shares of the Special Equities Fund and the Small Cap
Growth Fund which, when combined with current holdings of Class A shares
offered with a sales charge equal or exceed $500,000 and $1,000,000,
respectively, may be purchased at net asset value, but are subject to a 1%
CDSC if redeemed within the first year of purchase. Otherwise, Class A shares
of both Funds may be redeemed at their next determined net asset value per
share without charge. Class B shares of both Funds may be redeemed at their
next determined net asset value per share, subject to a maximum CDSC of 5.00%
of the lower of original cost of the shares or redemption proceeds. The CDSC
applicable on redemptions of Class B shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund are
at the rates set forth in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years since purchased                                                       CDSC
- ---------------------                                                       ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
  First....................................................................   5%
  Second...................................................................   4%
  Third....................................................................   3%
  Fourth...................................................................   3%
  Fifth....................................................................   2%
  Sixth....................................................................   1%
  Seventh*.................................................................   0%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Class B shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund received in exchange for Class B
  shares of the Special Equities Fund as a result of the Reorganization, will
  continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule in effect for the Special
  Equities Fund at the time of purchase.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  The CDSC applicable on redemptions of Class B shares of the Special Equities
Fund are at the rates set forth in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years since purchased                                                       CDSC
- ---------------------                                                       ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
  First....................................................................   5%
  Second...................................................................   4%
  Third....................................................................   3%
  Fourth...................................................................   2%
  Fifth....................................................................   1%
  Sixth and thereafter.....................................................   0%
</TABLE>
 
  Class B shares of either Fund will convert automatically to Class A shares
of such Fund, based on relative net asset value, seven years and eight years
after the date of the original purchase of such shares of the Small Cap Growth
Fund and the Special Equities Fund, respectively. Upon conversion, these
shares will no longer be subject to an annual distribution fee. Class B shares
of the Small Cap Growth Fund that are received in exchange for Class B shares
of the Special Equities Fund as a result of the Reorganization, will convert
to Class A shares seven years after the date of the original purchase of such
shares. In addition, a certain portion of Class B shares that have been
acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be
converted to Class A shares of the respective Fund at that time.
 
  Class L shares and Class 2 shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if redeemed
within the first year after purchase.
 
  Shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund may be redeemed through selected dealers
or by submitting a written request to First Data. Shares of the Special
Equities Fund may be redeemed through a Salomon Smith Barney Financial
Consultant, through a dealer representative or by submitting a written request
to First Data. Shareholders of both Funds who hold shares directly with the
Fund may make redemption requests by telephone. See "Redemption of Shares" in
the accompanying Prospectus of the Small Cap Growth Fund for a more detailed
discussion of redemption procedures applicable to the Small Cap Growth Fund.
 
  Exchange Privileges. Shareholders of the Small Cap Growth Fund may exchange
all or part of their shares for shares of the same class of any other fund
comprising the Salomon Brothers Investment Series and offered in the Small Cap
Growth Fund prospectus. Shareholders of the Special Equities Fund may exchange
all or part of their shares for shares of the same class of the funds in the
Smith Barney mutual funds identified under "Exchange Privilege" in the Special
Equities Fund prospectus. Upon completion of the Reorganization, shareholders
of the Special Equities Fund who receive shares of the Small Cap Fund in
exchange for their Special Equities Fund shares will no longer be able to
exchange those shares with other funds in the Smith Barney family of funds. In
each case, exchanges are made at the applicable net asset value per share
without the imposition of any sales charge or CDSC. Any exchange will be a
taxable event for which a shareholder may have to recognize a gain or a loss
under Federal income tax provisions. With respect to Class A, Class B and
Class L or Class 2 shares of the Funds, the shares acquired in the exchange
will be deemed to have been purchased on the same date as the original shares
that were exchanged.
 
  Dividends. The policies regarding dividends and distributions are generally
the same for both Funds. Each Fund's policy is to declare and pay dividends of
investment income annually and to make distributions of any realized capital
gains at least annually. Unless a shareholder otherwise instructs, dividends
and capital gains distributions will be reinvested automatically in additional
shares of the same class at net asset value, subject to no sales charge or
CDSC. The distribution option currently in effect for a shareholder of the
Special Equities Fund will remain in effect after the Reorganization. After
the Reorganization, however, the former Special Equities Fund shareholders may
change their distribution option at any time by contacting a selected dealer
or First Data in writing. See "Dividends and Distributions" in the
accompanying prospectus of the Small Cap Growth Fund.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  Shareholder Voting Rights. The Small Cap Growth Fund and the Special
Equities Fund are both series of open-end investment companies. The Small Cap
Growth Fund is a separate series of the Series Funds, a Maryland corporation.
The Special Equities Fund is a separate series of the Investment Funds, also a
Maryland corporation. As permitted by Maryland law, normally no meeting of
shareholders will be held for the purpose of electing directors unless and
until such time as less than a majority of the directors holding office have
been elected by shareholders. At that time, the directors in each Fund then in
office will call a shareholders' meeting for the election of directors.
Shareholders may, at any meeting called for such purpose, remove a director by
the affirmative vote of the holders of record of a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast for the election of directors. For purposes of voting on
the Reorganization, the Class A, Class B and Class L shares of the Special
Equities Fund shall vote together as a single class. See "Comparative
Information on Shareholder's Rights--Voting Rights."
 
Risk Factors
   
  The Special Equities Fund invests primarily in securities of growth
companies, generally not within the S&P 500, as determined by SSBC. These
companies may still be in the developmental stage and may not have reached a
fully mature stage of earnings growth. The Small Cap Growth Fund invests
primarily in the equity securities of companies with market capitalizations of
less than $1 billion at the time of purchase. Investing in smaller, newer
issuers generally involves greater risk than investing in larger, more
established issuers.     
 
  Both the Small Cap Growth Fund and the Special Equities Fund invest
primarily in common stocks. In addition, the Small Cap Growth Fund has the
ability to invest a portion of its assets in securities of foreign issuers and
both Funds may enter into futures transactions and options. The risks
typically associated with investing in these securities are discussed under
the caption "Comparison of Investment Objectives and Policies."
 
Reasons for the Reorganization
   
  The Board of Directors of the Investment Funds has determined that it is
advantageous to combine the Special Equities Fund with the Small Cap Growth
Fund. In reaching this conclusion, the Board took into account a number of
factors. The Board considered the generally similar investment objectives and
policies of the two Funds and the fact that a single portfolio manager, Pamela
Milunovich, employed by both SSBC and SBAM, manages both Funds and that
management has a strong preference for her to manage a single fund. The Board
also took note of how the portfolio assets of the Special Equities Fund had
been restructured since the portfolio manager assumed responsibility. In
addition, the Board considered SBAM's and SSBC's belief that certain
efficiencies can be obtained by managing the portfolios as a single fund and
that the combination will have a beneficial impact on the shareholders of the
Special Equities Fund. The Board considered the advantages to each portfolio
as well as to SBAM, SSBC and their affiliates, of eliminating the unnecessary
competition and duplication of effort inherent in marketing funds having
similar investment objectives and the same portfolio manager. It is expected
that the Reorganization will lead to a more focused marketing and distribution
effort, reducing potential investor confusion and promoting asset growth.
Moreover, Salomon Smith Barney prefers that, as a result of marketing,
investment and other considerations, the combined fund be managed within the
Salomon family of funds. In particular, the Board took into account Salomon
Smith Barney's belief that in light of the portfolios' respective objectives
and investment profiles, marketing the combined fund within the Salomon
Brothers family of funds provides greater potential for long-term asset growth
and efficiencies. Finally, the Board was advised that the combination, as
proposed, would be effected as a tax-free reorganization. SSBC explained to
the Board that, after the Reorganization, the shareholders would no longer be
shareholders of a fund within the Smith Barney family of funds, but would
instead be part of the Salomon Brothers family of funds which have different
rights of exchange and accumulation, and would incur, in some cases, different
sales charges on future investments, all as explained herein. After
considering these differences and the expected benefits and portfolio
management efficiencies, as well as the recommendations of SSBC, the Board of
Directors, on behalf of the Special Equities Fund, including the non-
interested Directors, has decided that it is in the best interests of the
Special Equities Fund and its shareholders to combine with the Small Cap
Growth Fund. The Board of Directors has also determined that a combination of
the Special Equities Fund and the Small Cap Growth Fund would not result in a
dilution of the Special Equities Fund's shareholders' interests.     
 
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
   
  The Board of Directors of the Series Funds considered the following factors,
among others, in approving the Reorganization and determining that it is
advantageous to acquire the assets of the Special Equities Fund: (i) the terms
and conditions of the Reorganization; (ii) the fact that the Reorganization
will be effected as a tax-free reorganization; (iii) the fact that the
acquisition of significant assets would allow the Small Cap Growth Fund to be
more efficiently managed and would allow the portfolio manager to increase the
Fund's positions in certain stocks and more broadly diversify the portfolio;
(iv) the decrease in expenses for the Small Cap Growth Fund's shareholders
expected to result from the Reorganization; and (v) the management's strong
preference to maintain a single fund. Accordingly, the Board of Directors of
the Series Funds, including a majority of the non-interested Directors, has
determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Small Cap
Growth Fund's shareholders and that the interests of the Small Cap Growth
Fund's shareholders will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
    
Information About The Reorganization
   
  Plan of Reorganization. The following summary of the Plan is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the Plan (Exhibit A hereto). The Plan provides
that the Small Cap Growth Fund will acquire substantially all of the assets of
the Special Equities Fund in exchange for shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund
and the assumption by the Small Cap Growth Fund of substantially all
liabilities of the Special Equities Fund on June 4, 1999, or such later date
as may be agreed upon by the parties (the "Closing Date"). Prior to the
Closing Date, the Special Equities Fund will endeavor to discharge all of its
known liabilities and obligations. The Small Cap Growth Fund will not assume
any liabilities or obligations of the Special Equities Fund other than those
reflected in an unaudited statement of assets and liabilities of the Special
Equities Fund prepared as of the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") on the Closing Date. The number of full and
fractional Class A, Class B and Class 2 shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund to
be issued to the Special Equities Fund shareholders will be determined on the
basis of the Small Cap Growth Fund's and the Special Equities Fund's relative
net asset values for each class of shares, computed as of the close of regular
trading on the NYSE on the Closing Date. The net asset value per share of each
Class will be determined by dividing assets, minus liabilities, by the total
number of outstanding shares.     
 
  Both the Special Equities Fund and the Small Cap Growth Fund will utilize
the procedures set forth in the then current prospectus for each Fund to
determine the value of their respective portfolio securities. The method of
valuation employed will be consistent with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, and
with the interpretation of such rule by the SEC's Division of Investment
Management.
 
  At or prior to the Closing Date, the Special Equities Fund will, and the
Small Cap Growth Fund may, declare a dividend or dividends which, together
with all previous such dividends, shall have the effect of distributing to
their respective shareholders all taxable income for the taxable year ending
on or prior to the Closing Date (computed without regard to any deduction for
dividends paid) and all of its net capital gains realized in the taxable year
ending on or prior to the Closing Date (after reductions for any capital loss
carryforward).
 
  As soon after the Closing Date as conveniently practicable, the Special
Equities Fund will liquidate and distribute pro rata to shareholders of record
as of the close of business on the Closing Date, the full and fractional
shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund received by the Special Equities Fund.
Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by the establishment of
accounts in the names of the Special Equities Fund's shareholders on the share
records of the Small Cap Growth Fund's transfer agent. Each account will
represent the respective pro rata number of full and fractional shares of the
Small Cap Growth Fund due to each of the Special Equities Fund's shareholders.
 
  The consummation of the Reorganization is subject to the conditions set
forth in the Plan. Notwithstanding approval of the Special Equities Fund's
shareholders, the Plan may be amended or terminated at any time at or prior to
the Closing Date by the Board of Directors.
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
   
  As of December 31, 1998, Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc. ("SBHC"), the
parent company of SBAM, owned approximately 36.7% in value of the aggregate
outstanding shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund. The 1940 Act generally
prohibits an "affiliated person" from selling a security or other property to
a fund or from purchasing a security from a fund, and when funds have common
affiliated persons, transfers of securities between the funds are generally
prohibited. These provisions could be deemed to prohibit the transfers
contemplated by the Plan in view of SBHC ownership of a significant number of
shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund.     
   
  The 1940 Act also provides that the SEC shall issue an order granting an
exemption from these prohibitions if, among other requirements, evidence
establishes that (1) the terms of the proposed transaction, including the
consideration paid or received, are reasonable and fair and do not involve
overreaching on the part of any person concerned, (2) the proposed transaction
is consistent with the investment policies of each fund and (3) the proposed
transaction is consistent with the general purposes of the 1940 Act. The
Funds, SBAM, SSBC and SBHC have filed an application with the SEC for such an
order and the Funds believe that the applicants meet the applicable standards
for the receipt of the order, although there can be no assurance that the SEC
will issue the order. The Funds do not intend to effect the Reorganization
without receiving the order from the SEC.     
 
  Approval of the Plan will require the affirmative vote of a majority, as
defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding shares of the Special Equities
Fund, which is the lesser of: (i) 67% of the voting securities of the Special
Equities Fund present at the Meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities of the Special Equities Fund are present or
represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Special Equities Fund. If the Reorganization is not approved by shareholders
of the Special Equities Fund, the Board of Directors will consider other
possible courses of action.
 
  Description of the Small Cap Growth Fund's Shares. Full and fractional
shares of the respective classes of shares of common stock of the Small Cap
Growth Fund will be issued to the Special Equities Fund in accordance with the
procedures detailed in the Plan and as described in the Small Cap Growth
Fund's Prospectus. Generally, the Small Cap Growth Fund does not issue share
certificates to shareholders unless a specific request is submitted to First
Data. The shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund to be issued to the Special
Equities Fund shareholders and registered on the shareholder records of First
Data will have no preemptive rights.
 
  Federal Income Tax Consequences. For Federal income tax purposes, the
exchange of assets for shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund is intended to
qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). As a condition to the closing
of the Reorganization, the Special Equities Fund will receive an opinion from
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, counsel to the Special Equities Fund, to the effect
that, on the basis of the existing provisions of the Code, U.S. Treasury
regulations issued thereunder, current administrative rules, pronouncements
and court decisions, for Federal income tax purposes, upon consummation of the
Reorganization, the following will apply:
     
    (1) the Reorganization will constitute a reorganization within the
  meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, and the Small Cap Growth Fund
  and the Special Equities Fund are each a "party to a reorganization" within
  the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;     
 
    (2) no gain or loss will be recognized by either the Small Cap Growth
  Fund or the Special Equities Fund upon the transfer of the Special Equities
  Fund's assets to, and the assumption of the Special Equities Fund's
  liabilities by, the Small Cap Growth Fund in exchange for the Small Cap
  Growth Fund's shares, or upon the distribution of the Small Cap Growth
  Fund's shares to the Special Equities Fund's shareholders in exchange for
  their shares in the Special Equities Fund;
 
    (3) no gain or loss will be recognized by shareholders of the Special
  Equities Fund upon the exchange of their shares for the Small Cap Growth
  Fund shares;
 
    (4) the basis of the Small Cap Growth Fund shares received by each
  Special Equities Fund shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization will be
  the same as the basis of the Special Equities Fund shares surrendered in
  exchange therefor;
 
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
    (5) the holding period of the Small Cap Growth Fund shares to be received
  by each Special Equities Fund shareholder will include the holding period
  of the shares of the common stock of the Special Equities Fund which are
  surrendered in exchange therefor (provided the Special Equities Fund shares
  were held as capital assets on the date of the Reorganization);
 
    (6) the basis of the Special Equities Fund's assets acquired by the Small
  Cap Growth Fund will be the same as the basis of such assets to the Special
  Equities Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization; and
 
    (7) the holding period of the assets of the Special Equities Fund
  acquired by the Small Cap Growth Fund will include the period for which
  such assets were held by the Special Equities Fund.
 
  Shareholders of the Special Equities Fund should consult their tax advisors
regarding the effect, if any, of the proposed Reorganization in light of their
individual circumstances. Since the foregoing discussion only relates to the
Federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization, shareholders of the
Special Equities Fund should also consult their tax advisors as to state and
local tax consequences, if any, of the Reorganization.
   
  Capitalization. The following table, which is unaudited, shows the
capitalization of the Small Cap Growth Fund and the Special Equities Fund as
of February 28, 1999 and on a pro forma basis as of that date, giving effect
to the proposed acquisition of assets at net asset value:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Pro Forma
                                               Special  Small Cap      for
                                               Equities  Growth   Reorganization
                                               -------- --------- --------------
                                                        (In thousands,
                                                   except per share values)
                                                          (Unaudited)
<S>                                            <C>      <C>       <C>
Class A
Net Assets.................................... $128,133  $3,175      $131,308
Net asset value per share..................... $  29.09  $11.23      $  11.23
Shares outstanding............................    4,405     283        11,693
Class B
Net Assets.................................... $130,075  $3,802      $133,877
Net asset value per share..................... $  27.77  $11.18      $  11.18
Shares outstanding............................    4,684     340        11,975
Class L or Class 2
Net Assets.................................... $  8,619  $1,947      $ 10,566
Net asset value per share..................... $  27.77  $11.19      $  11.19
Shares outstanding............................      310     174           944
</TABLE>    
   
  As of the Record Date, March 15, 1999, there were 3,814,156 outstanding
Class A shares, 4,443,750 outstanding Class B shares and 294,867 outstanding
Class L shares of the Special Equities Fund and 289,550 outstanding Class A
shares, 352,275 outstanding Class B shares, 178,649 outstanding Class 2 shares
and 4,471 outstanding Class O shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund. As of the
Record Date, the officers and Directors of the Investment Funds as a group
beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Special
Equities Fund. To the best knowledge of the Directors, as of the Record Date,
no shareholder or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) owned beneficially or of
record 5% or more of a class of the Special Equities Fund. Except for Ross
Margolies who owned 27.2% of the Class O shares outstanding jointly with
Patricia A. Margolies, and for Pamela Milunovich who owned 1.9% of the Class A
shares outstanding as of the Record Date, the officers and directors of the
Series Funds as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund. Except as set forth in the table below,
to the best knowledge of the Directors of the Series Funds, as of the Record
Date, no shareholder or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the
Exchange Act, owned beneficially or of record more than 5% of a class of
shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund.     
 
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      Percentage of Class Owned of Record
                                                or Beneficially
                                      ------------------------------------
                                                                 Upon
                                                             Consummation
Name and                                Fund     As of the      of the
Address                               and Class Record Date Reorganization
- --------                              --------- ----------- --------------
                                      Small Cap
                                       Growth
<S>                                   <C>       <C>         <C>
Salomon Brothers Holding Co., Inc.         A       25.6%         1.8%
Attn.: Marc Peckman, 38th Floor
7 World Trade Center
New York, NY 10048
 
Salomon Smith Barney, Inc.                 A       18.5%         1.3%
00137911179
333 West 34th St.--3rd Floor
New York, New York 10001
 
Salomon Brothers Holding Co., Inc.         B       55.7%         4.1%
Attn.: Marc Peckman, 38th Floor
7 World Trade Center
New York, NY 10048
 
Alberta Infantolino                        B        6.8%         0.5%
916 Cole Drive
Brielle, NJ 08730-1602
 
Wexford Clearing Services Corp., FBO       2        5.5%         2.1%
Mrs. Sally D. Carrier
57 Walbridge Road
West Hartford, CT 06119-1344
 
Salomon Smith Barney, Inc.                 2        5.0%         1.9%
00137907806
333 West 34th St.--3rd Floor
New York, New York 10001
 
Salomon Brothers Holding Co., Inc.         O       55.9%        55.9%
Attn.: Marc Peckman, 38th Floor
7 World Trade Center
New York, NY 10048
 
Ross S. Margolies &                        O       27.2%        27.2%
Patricia A. Margolies JTWROS
8 Stoneleigh Park
Westfield, NJ 07090
 
Hratch Minassian                           O       11.0%        11.0%
321 4th Street
Palisades Park, NJ 07650
 
Salomon Smith Barney, Inc.                 O        5.8%         5.8%
00133303350
333 West 34th St.--3rd Floor
New York, New York 10001
</TABLE>    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Information About The Small Cap Growth Fund
 
  Management's discussion and analysis of Market Condition and Portfolio
Review (through December 31, 1998).
   
Market Review     
   
  1998 was a volatile year as the stock market declined and rebounded in
response to investors' fears of a U.S. recession, and Asian recession, a
global credit squeeze and an impeachment of our President. The swift moves by
the Federal Reserve Board ("Fed") to cut interest rates in October helped the
stock market recover. From October 8th lows, the Russell 2000 Index advanced
36.2%, while the S&P 500 rebounded 28.5%. We believe small capitalization
stocks should continue to do well.     
   
Portfolio Highlights     
   
  The economy's expansion was fueled by strong consumer spending and
improvements in productivity due to technological advances. The Fund's
overweighting in the consumer area and timely additions to the technology
sectors enabled it to benefit from these trends. The Fund's minimal commitment
to underperforming sectors such as energy and basic materials helped drive the
favorable return.     
   
  The Small Cap Growth Fund uses a bottom-up approach to select small
capitalization companies that are growing their earnings faster than the
overall market. Ideally, the companies should be on the verge of a sustainable
growth spurt from new products, technology or consolidation within an
industry. The Fund invests in several companies which meet this criteria found
primarily in four sectors: technology, healthcare, consumer and financial
services.     
   
Market Outlook     
   
  Management continues to see a generally positive economic environment with
moderate inflation. The Fund is focusing upon companies with powerful
franchises and market position which can continue to increase earnings in a
slower growth U.S. economy.     
   
  Management believes small capitalization stocks are poised to outperform the
broader U.S. market over the next year. Three factors which should drive the
outperformance are strong earnings, deeply discounted valuations and portfolio
migration. Small caps are posting strong earnings results in comparison with
larger stocks. Second, the price/earnings spread between large and small cap
stocks is as wide as it has been since 1974 which preceded an eleven year run
of outperformance by small caps. Lastly, according to Morningstar, large
capitalization growth portfolios only had 1.8% of their portfolios invested in
small companies with market capitalizations of $1 billion or less as of July
1998 compared with 12.4% in such assets in July 1997. If large cap managers
increase their small cap holdings, small cap stocks should rally.     
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
   
The following graph depicts the performance of the Small Cap Growth Fund
versus the Russell 2000 Index. It is important to note that the Small Cap
Growth Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the index is not
available for investment and is unmanaged. The comparison is shown for
illustrative purposes only.     

Small Cap Growth -- Class A,B,2 and O Shares
Comparison of $10,000 investment in the Fund with Russell 2000 Indes

                                                                 Russell
                              Class A  Class B  Class 2  Class O    2000
                              -------  -------  -------  -------   -----
7/1/98                           9425    10000     9900    10000   10000
7/98                             9293     9850     9761     9860    9190
8/98                             7361     7800     7732     7810    7405
9/98                             8275     8760     8692     8780    7985
10/98                            8426     8920     8840     8940    8311
11/98                            9557    10110    10019    10140    8746
12/98                           10924    11050    11344    11600    9288 

   
Past Performance is not predictive of future performance. Performance above
reflects returns after deduction of applicable maximum sales charge.     
   
Note: Fund commenced operations 7/1/98.     
   
Cumulative Total Returns for the Period Through December 31, 1998     
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                         <C>                         <C>
Class A                     Net Asset Value*            Public Offering Price**
 ...............................................................................
Since Inception (7/1/98)    15.90%                      9.24%
 ...............................................................................
Class B                     Return If Not Redeemed*     Return If Redeemed**
 ...............................................................................
Since Inception (7/1/98)    15.50%                      10.50%
 ...............................................................................
Class 2++                   Return If Not Redeemed*     Return If Redeemed**
 ...............................................................................
Since Inception (7/1/98)    15.60%                      13.44%
 ...............................................................................
Class O                     Return If Not Redeemed*        Return If Redeemed**
 ...............................................................................
Since Inception (7/1/98)    16.00%                      16.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
   
 * Return does not reflect the deduction of a sales charge.     
   
** Class A shares reflect the deduction of the maximum 5.75% sales charge.
   Class B and 2 shares reflect the maximum CDSC of 5% and 1%, respectively.
   Class O shares have no initial or contingent deferred sales charges.     
 
Information About The Special Equities Fund
 
  Management's discussion and analysis of Market Condition and Portfolio
Review (through December 31, 1998).
          
  The Special Equities Fund uses a bottom-up approach to select small-
capitalization companies that are growing their earnings faster than the
overall market. Ideally, the companies should be on the verge of a sustainable
growth spurt from new products, technology or consolidation within an
industry. The Special Equities Fund invests in several companies that meet
this criteria found primarily in four sectors: technology, health-care,
consumer and financial services.     
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
   
  In the technology and health-care sector, the Special Equities Fund is
invested in companies that have proprietary products, brands or services which
are somewhat more insulated from competition and have more sustainable
pricing. Management believes smaller firms will thrive by targeting emerging
technologies such as fiber optics (Uniphase) and Internet access (Earthlink).
Management believes that the Special Equities Fund should benefit from the
potential explosive growth in data and voice communications with its
investments in Level One, Metromedia Fiber Network and Winstar Communications.
       
  A change in the Special Equities Fund's investment strategy is that it will
no longer employ the quantitative investment approach that was designed to
mitigate price volatility. Management believes the Special Equities Fund
should perform better by solely utilizing fundamental analysis to identify
stocks with the ability to grow faster than the market and which have superior
appreciation potential. This will result in the Special Equities Fund owning a
fewer number of stocks than when this quantitative strategy was used. For
example, the Special Equities Fund owned approximately 61 stocks as of
December 1998 down from 199 owned on June 1998. Management believes the
Special Equities Fund has already performed better because of its emphasis on
active portfolio management.     
   
  The Special Equities Fund's overweight position in the consumer and
technology sectors benefited from the economy's expansion fueled by strong
consumer spending and improvements in productivity due to technological
improvements. The Special Equities Fund's minimal commitment to
underperforming sectors such as energy, basic materials and financials also
helped drive its favorable return.     
   
Market Update     
   
  The year 1998 was a volatile one as the stock market declined in response to
investors' fears of a U.S. recession, an Asian recession, a global credit
squeeze and the impeachment of our President. The stock market then rebounded
due to the swift moves by the Fed to cut interest rates. From October 8, 1998
lows, the Russell 2000 Index advanced 36.2% while the S&P 500 Index rebounded
28.5%. Management believes small-capitalization stocks should continue to do
well as they have historically in times when the Fed is easing interest rates.
       
  Management continues to see a generally positive economic environment with
moderate inflation. The economy's expansion was fueled by strong consumer
spending and improvements in productivity due to technological improvements.
The Special Equities Fund is focusing upon companies with powerful franchises
and market positions that can continue to increase earnings in a slower growth
U.S. economy.     
   
Small Cap Market Outlook     
   
  Small-capitalization stocks are poised to outperform the broader U.S. market
over the next year. Three factors which should drive the outperformance are
strong earnings, deeply discounted valuations and portfolio migration. Small
caps are posting strong earnings results in comparison with larger stocks.
Second, the price/earnings spread between large- and small-cap stocks is as
wide as it has been since 1974 which preceded an eleven-year run of
outperformance by small caps. Lastly, according to Morningstar, large-
capitalization growth portfolios only had 1.8% of their portfolios invested in
small companies with market capitalizations of $1 billion or less as of July
1998 compared with 12.4% in such assets in July 1997. If large-cap managers
increase their small cap holdings, small-cap stocks should rally.     
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
   
Growth of $10,000 Invested in Class B Shares of the Smith Barney Special
Equities Fund vs.the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and the Russell 2000 Index+
                                      

                 SB Special    Standard & Poor's   Russell 
                  Equities        500 Index         2000 

Dec. 1988          10000            10000          10000
Dec. 1989          11361            13163          11627
Dec. 1990           8604            12755           9362
Dec. 1991          12627            16633          13673
Dec. 1992          14003            17899          16189
Dec. 1993          18606            19698          19245
Dec. 1994          17439            19957          18895
Dec. 1995          28302            27448          24272
Dec. 1996          26478            33747          28276
Dec. 1997          24789            45004          34600
Dec. 1998          27177            57938          33721
                 

    
+ Hypothetical illustration of $10,000 invested in Class B shares on December
  31, 1988, assuming reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, if any, at
  net asset value through December 31, 1998. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index is
  composed of 500 widely held common stocks listed on the New York Stock
  Exchange, American Stock Exchange and over-the-counter market. Figures for
  the index include reinvestment of dividends. The Russell 2000 Index is
  composed of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index. The
  Russell 3000 Index is composed of 3,000 of the largest U.S. companies by
  market capitalization. The indexes are unmanaged and are not subject to the
  same management and trading expenses as a mutual fund. The performance of the
  Fund's other classes may be greater or less than the Class B shares'
  performance indicated on this chart, depending on whether greater or lesser
  sales charges and fees were incurred by shareholders investing in the other
  classes.     
    
 All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future
 results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption
 value may be more or less than the original cost. No adjustment has been made
 for shareholders tax liability on dividends or capital gains.     
                       
                    Smith Barney Special Equities Fund     
                          
                       Average Annual Total Returns     
                                
                             December 31, 1998     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                       Without Sales Charges(1)
                                                      --------------------------
                                                      Class A Class B Class L(2)
                                                      ------- ------- ----------
<S>                                                   <C>     <C>     <C>
One-Year.............................................  10.44%   9.63%    9.63%
Five-Year............................................   8.66    7.87     7.87
Ten-Year.............................................    N/A   10.51      N/A
Since Inception+.....................................  13.73    9.36     5.45
 
<CAPTION>
                                                        With Sales Charges(3)
                                                      --------------------------
                                                      Class A Class B Class L(2)
                                                      ------- ------- ----------
<S>                                                   <C>     <C>     <C>
One-Year.............................................   4.91%   4.63%    7.53%
Five-Year............................................   7.56    7.72     7.66
Ten-Year.............................................    N/A   10.51      N/A
Since Inception+.....................................  12.79    9.36     5.24
</TABLE>    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
- --------
   
(1) Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions, if
    any, at net asset value and does not reflect the deduction of the
    applicable sales charges with respect to Class A and L shares or the
    applicable contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") with respect to
    Class B and L shares.     
   
(2) On June 12, 1998, Class C shares were renamed Class L shares.     
   
(3) Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions, if
    any, at net asset value. In addition, Class A and L shares reflect the
    deduction of the maximum sales charge of 5.00% and 1.00% respectively; and
    Class B shares reflect the deduction of a 5.00% CDSC, which applies if
    shares are redeemed within one year from purchase. Thereafter, this CDSC
    declines by 1.00% per year until no CDSC is incurred. Class L shares also
    reflect the deduction of a 1.00% CDSC, which applies if shares are
    redeemed within the first year of purchase.     
     
  All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future
  results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and
  redemption value may be more or less than the original cost.     
   
 +  Inception dates for Class A, B and L shares are November 6, 1992, December
    13, 1982 and October 18, 1993, respectively.     
 
Comparison Of Investment Objectives And Policies
 
  The following discussion which compares investment objectives, policies and
restrictions of the Small Cap Growth Fund to the Special Equities Fund is
based upon and qualified in its entirety by the investment objectives,
policies and restrictions sections of the Prospectuses of the Small Cap Growth
Fund and the Special Equities
       
Fund. For a full discussion of the investment objectives, policies and
restrictions of the Small Cap Growth Fund, refer to the Small Cap Growth
Fund's Prospectus, which accompanies this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, under
the captions, "Investment Objectives and Policies" and for a discussion of
these issues as they apply to the Special Equities Fund, refer to the Special
Equities Fund's Prospectus under the caption, "Investment Objectives and
Management Policies."
 
  Investment Objective. The investment objective of the Small Cap Growth Fund
is long-term growth of capital. The investment objective of the Special
Equities Fund is long-term capital appreciation. Both the Small Cap Growth
Fund's and the Special Equities Fund's investment objective is fundamental
and, as such, may be changed only by the "vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities," as defined in the 1940 Act. The investment
policies of the Small Cap Growth Fund and the Special Equities Fund are non-
fundamental and, as such, may be changed by the Board of Directors without
shareholder approval, provided such change is not prohibited by the investment
restrictions (which are set forth in the applicable Statement of Additional
Information) or applicable law, and any such change will first be disclosed in
the then current prospectus.
   
  Primary Investments. Both the Small Cap Growth Fund and the Special Equities
Fund invest primarily in equity securities (common stock, preferred stock,
convertible bonds). The Small Cap Growth Fund invests primarily in equity
securities of companies with market capitalizations at the time of purchase
similar to that of companies included in the Russell 2000 Index, which SBAM
believes have favorable growth prospects and potential for significant capital
appreciation. SBAM will seek to identify companies that either occupy a
dominant position in an emerging industry or a growing market share in larger
fragmented industries. The Special Equities Fund seeks to achieve its
investment objective by investing primarily in equity securities of growth
companies, generally not within the S&P 500, as identified by SSBC. These
companies may not have reached a fully mature stage of earnings growth, since
they may still be in the developmental stage, or may be older companies which
appear to be entering a new stage of more rapid earnings progress due to
factors such as management change or development of new technology, products
or markets. Since the Funds generally have similar investment policies and are
managed by the same portfolio manager, the types of securities purchased by
the Funds are similar.     
 
  Both Funds invest primarily in common stock, but each may also invest in
other types of securities, including convertible bonds, convertible preferred
stocks, warrants, preferred stocks and debt securities. Both
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
Funds may also invest in illiquid securities (up to 15% of total assets in the
case of the Small Cap Growth Fund and 10% of total assets in the case of the
Special Equities Fund).
 
  Additional Investments and Risk Factors. Each Fund has the ability to engage
in a number of specialized investment strategies and techniques designed to
enable the Fund to achieve its investment objectives, certain of which are
discussed below.
 
  Small Cap Companies. Both Funds invest a significant portion of their assets
in securities of small capitalized companies. Investments in these companies
may involve greater risks and volatility than investments in larger companies.
Small cap companies may be at an earlier stage of development, may be subject
to greater business risks, may have limited product lines, reduced market
liquidity for, and more abrupt or erratic price movements in, the trading of
their shares. In addition, small cap companies may have difficulty
withstanding competition from larger more established companies.
   
  Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may engage in repurchase agreement
transactions (typically the acquisition of an underlying debt obligation for a
relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to an
obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the buyer to resell, the
obligation at an agreed-upon price and time) with certain member banks of the
Federal Reserve System and with certain dealers on the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York's list of reporting dealers. The value of the underlying securities
will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase
obligation, including interest. SBAM or SSBC, as the case may be, acting under
the supervision of the Board of Directors, reviews on an ongoing basis the
value of the collateral and creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with
which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.
In the event of default by the seller under the repurchase agreement, a Fund
could experience losses and delays in connection with the disposition of the
underlying security.     
 
  Foreign Securities and American Depository Receipts. The Small Cap Growth
Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities of foreign
issuers. Both Funds may invest in American Depository Receipts ("ADRs") which
are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by domestic banks,
representing the deposit with the bank of a security of a foreign issuer. ADRs
are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States.
Investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve risks arising from
differences between U.S. and foreign securities markets, including less volume
and greater volatility, different trading and settlement practices and less
governmental supervision and regulation, from changes in currency exchange
rates and from economic, social and political conditions.
 
  Lending Portfolio Securities. Each Fund is authorized to lend its portfolio
securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. The Funds'
loans of securities will be collateralized by cash, U.S. government securities
or other eligible liquid assets which are maintained in a segregated account
in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the loaned
securities. The risk associated with lending portfolio securities, as with
other extensions of credit, consists of possible loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower fail financially.
 
  Short Sales Against the Box. Each Fund may sell securities short if at all
times when a position is open, the Fund owns the stock or owns securities
convertible or exchangeable for securities of the same issue as the securities
sold short. Short sales of this kind are referred to as "against the box."
 
  Futures and Options Activities. The Small Cap Growth Fund may, for hedging
purposes, purchase and sell interest rate, currency or stock or bond index
futures contracts and enter into currency forward contracts and currency
swaps; purchase and sell exchange listed and over-the-counter put and call
options on securities, currencies, futures contracts, indices and other
financial instruments. Although the Small Cap Growth Fund is authorized to use
the foregoing techniques, it is not presently anticipated that any of these
strategies will be used to a significant degree. The Special Equities Fund may
enter into transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts
for hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes only if the aggregate initial
margin and premiums on such positions do not exceed 5% of the liquidation
value of the Fund's assets.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
  Investment Restrictions. Each Fund has adopted certain investment
restrictions for the protection of shareholders. The following restrictions
applicable to the Small Cap Growth Fund are fundamental and may not be changed
without the approval of the holders of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act,
of the voting securities of the Fund. The Small Cap Growth Fund may not:
 
  1. purchase securities of any issuer if the purchase would cause more than
     5% of the value of the Fund's total assets to be invested in the
     securities of any one issuer (excluding securities issued or guaranteed
     by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities and bank
     obligations) or cause more than 10% of the voting securities of the
     issuer to be held by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the
     Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to this restriction
     and provided that the Fund may invest all or substantially all of its
     assets in another registered investment company having substantially the
     same investment objective(s) and policies and substantially the same
     investment restrictions as those with respect to the Fund;
 
  2. borrow money (including entering into reverse repurchase agreements),
     except for temporary or emergency purposes and then not in excess of 10%
     of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the time the borrowing
     is made, except that for the purpose of this restriction, short-term
     credits necessary for settlement of securities transactions are not
     considered borrowings (the Fund will not purchase additional securities
     at any time its borrowings exceed 5% of total assets, provided, however,
     that the Fund may increase its interest in another registered investment
     company having substantially the same investment objective(s) and
     policies and substantially the same investment restrictions as those
     with respect to the Fund while such borrowings are outstanding); or
 
  3. invest more than 25% of the total assets of the Fund in the securities
     of issuers having their principal activities in any particular industry,
     except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
     agencies or instrumentalities or by any state, territory or any
     possession of the United States or any of their authorities, agencies,
     instrumentalities or political subdivisions, or with respect to
     repurchase agreements collateralized by any of such obligations (for
     purposes of this restriction, supranational issuers will be considered
     to comprise an industry as will each foreign government that issues
     securities purchased by the Fund), provided, however, that the Fund may
     invest all or substantially all of its assets in another registered
     investment company having substantially the same investment objective(s)
     and policies and substantially the same investment restrictions as those
     with respect to the Fund.
 
    For purposes of investment limitations (1) and (3) above, both the
    borrower under a loan and the lender selling a loan participation will
    be considered an "issuer."
 
  4. underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the
     purchase of investments directly from the issuer thereof or from an
     underwriter for an issuer and the later disposition of such securities
     in accordance with a Fund's investment program may be deemed to be an
     underwriting;
 
  5. purchase or sell real estate, although the Fund may purchase and sell
     securities of companies which deal in real estate, may purchase and sell
     marketable securities which are secured by interests in real estate and
     may invest in mortgages and mortgage-backed securities;
 
  6. purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except that the Fund
     may engage in hedging and derivative transactions to the extent
     permitted by its investment policies as stated in the Fund's prospectus
     and statement of additional information;
 
  7. make loans, except that (a) the Fund may purchase and hold debt
     securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies,
     (b) the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with respect to
     portfolio securities, subject to applicable limitations of its
     investment policies, (c) the Fund may lend portfolio securities with a
     value not in excess of one-third of the value of its total assets,
     provided that collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward
     currency and futures transactions will not be deemed to involve loans of
     securities and (d) delays in the settlement of securities transactions
     will not be considered loans;
 
  8. purchase the securities of other investment companies except as
     permitted under the 1940 Act or in connection with a merger,
     consolidation, acquisition or reorganization.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  The following restrictions are applicable to the Special Equities Fund.
Restrictions 1-7 set forth below are fundamental and may not be changed
without the approval of the holders of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act,
of the voting securities of the Fund. The Fund may not:
 
  1. invest in a manner that would cause it to fail to be a "diversified
     company" under the 1940 Act and the rules, regulations and orders
     thereunder;
 
  2. purchase or sell real estate, real estate mortgages, commodities or
     commodity contracts, but this restriction shall not prevent the Fund
     from (a) investing in securities of issuers engaged in the real estate
     business or the business of investing in real estate (including
     interests in limited partnerships owning or otherwise engaging in the
     real estate business or the business of investing in real estate) and
     securities which are secured by real estate or interests therein; (b)
     holding or selling real estate received in connection with securities it
     holds or held; (c) trading in futures contracts and options on futures
     contracts (including options on currencies to the extent consistent with
     the Fund's investment objective and policies); or (d) investing in real
     estate investment trust securities;
 
  3. make loans. This restriction does not apply to: (a) the purchase of debt
     obligations in which the Fund may invest consistent with its investment
     objectives and policies; (b) repurchase agreements; and (c) loans of its
     portfolio securities, to the fullest extent permitted under the 1940
     Act;
 
  4. invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities, the issuers of
     which conduct their principal business activities in the same industry.
     For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government
     (including its agencies and instrumentalities) and securities of state
     or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not
     considered to be issued by members of any industry;
 
  5. issue "senior securities" as defined in the 1940 Act and the rules,
     regulations and orders thereunder, except as permitted under the 1940
     Act and the rules, regulations and orders thereunder;
 
  6. borrow money, except that (a) the Fund may borrow from banks for
     temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes, including the meeting
     of redemption requests which might otherwise require the untimely
     disposition of securities, and (b) the Fund may, to the extent
     consistent with its investment policies, enter into reverse repurchase
     agreements, forward roll transactions and similar investment strategies
     and techniques. To the extent that it engages in transactions described
     in (a) and (b), the Fund will be limited so that no more than 33 1/3% of
     the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed), valued at
     the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount
     borrowed) valued at the time the borrowing is made, is derived from such
     transactions;
 
  7. act as an underwriter of securities, except that the Fund may invest up
     to 10% of its total assets in securities which it may not be free to
     resell without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as
     amended, in which registration the Fund may technically be deemed an
     underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act;
 
  8. invest in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs;
 
  9. make investments in securities for the purpose of exercising control
     over the management of the issuer;
 
  10. purchase any securities on margin (except for such short-term credits
      as are necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
      securities) or sell any securities short (except "against the box").
      For purposes of this restriction, the deposit or payment by the Fund of
      underlying securities and other assets in escrow and collateral
      agreements with respect to initial or maintenance margin in connection
      with futures contracts and related options and options on securities,
      indexes or similar items is not considered to be the purchase of a
      security on margin;
 
  11. invest in securities of an issuer which, together with any predecessor,
      has been in operation for less than three years if, as a result, more
      than 5% of the total assets of the Fund would then be invested in such
      securities (for purposes of this restriction, issuers include
      predecessors, sponsors, controlling persons, general guarantors and
      originators of underlying assets);
 
  12. purchase or otherwise acquire any security if, as a result, more than
      15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are
      illiquid;
 
  13. write, purchase or sell puts, calls, straddles, spreads or any
      combinations thereof.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
Comparative Information On Shareholders' Rights
 
  General. The Special Equities Fund and the Small Cap Growth Fund are open-
end, management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, which
continuously offer to sell shares at their current net asset value. The
Special Equities Fund is a series of the Investment Funds, which is a Maryland
corporation, incorporated on September 29, 1981 and is governed by its
Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and Board of Trustees. The Small Cap Growth
Fund is a series of the Series Funds, also a Maryland corporation,
incorporated on April 17, 1990 and is governed by its Articles of
Incorporation, By-laws and Board of Directors. Each Fund is also governed by
applicable state and Federal law. The Investment Funds has an authorized
capital of 10,000,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $.001 per
share and an aggregate par value of $10,000,000. The Board of Directors has
authorized the issuance of nine series, each representing shares in one of
nine separate portfolios and may authorize the issuance of additional series
of shares in the future. The Board of Directors of the Series Funds has
authorized the issuance of ten series of shares, each representing shares in
one of ten separate portfolios, and may authorize the issuance of additional
series of shares in the future. The assets of each portfolio are segregated
and separately managed and a shareholder's interest is in the assets of the
portfolio in which he or she holds shares. In both the Special Equities Fund
and the Small Cap Growth Fund, Class A, Class B and Class L or Class 2 shares,
as the case may be, represent interests in the assets of the Fund and have
identical voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights on the same terms
and conditions except that expenses related to the distribution of each class
of shares are borne solely by the respective class and each class of shares
has exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of the respective
Fund's Rule 12b-1 distribution plan which pertains to a particular class.
 
  Directors.  The By-laws of both the Series Funds and the Investment Funds
provide that the term of office of each director shall be from the time of his
or her election until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until
his or her earlier resignation or removal. Directors of both the Series Funds
and the Investment Funds may be removed with or without cause at any meeting
of stockholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to
be cast for the election of directors. Vacancies on the Boards of either the
Investment Funds or the Series Funds may be filled by the Directors remaining
in office. A meeting of shareholders will be required for the purpose of
electing additional Directors whenever fewer than a majority of the Directors
then in office were elected by shareholders.
 
  Voting Rights. Neither the Series Funds nor Investment Funds holds a meeting
of shareholders annually, and there normally is no meeting of shareholders
held for the purpose of electing Directors unless and until such time as less
than a majority of the Directors holding office have been elected by
shareholders. Special meetings of shareholders of the Series Funds for any
purpose may be called by a majority of shareholders or by the Board of
Directors. A meeting of shareholders of the Investment Funds, for any purpose,
must be called upon the written request of shareholders holding at least 25%
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at such meeting. On each matter
submitted to a vote of the shareholders of either the Series Funds or the
Investment Funds, each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each whole
share owned and a proportionate, fractional vote for each fractional share
outstanding in the shareholder's name on the respective Fund's books. With
respect to each of the Series Funds and the Investment Funds, the affirmative
vote of the majority of votes validly cast in person or by proxy at a
shareholder meeting at which a quorum is present, shall decide any questions
except when a different vote is required or permitted by any provision of the
1940 Act or other applicable law or as may otherwise be set forth in the
applicable organizational documents, or in cases where the vote is submitted
to the holders of one or more but not all portfolios or classes, a majority of
the votes cast of the particular portfolio or class affected by the matter
shall decide such matter.
 
  Liquidation or Dissolution. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution
of the Small Cap Growth Fund or the Special Equities Fund, the shareholders of
the Funds are entitled to receive, when, and as declared by the Directors, the
excess of the assets belonging to the Funds over the liabilities belonging to
the Funds. In either case, the assets so distributed to shareholders of the
Funds will be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to the number
of shares of the Funds held by them and recorded on the books of the Funds.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  Indemnification of Directors and Officers. The By-laws of the Series Funds
provides that each individual who is a present or former Director or officer
of the Series Funds who, by reason of his or her position was, is, or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action
shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted under the laws of the
State of Maryland, the 1940 Act and any other applicable law; provided,
however, that such indemnity shall not protect any person from any liability
arising out of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. The By-
laws of the Investment Funds provide that each Director and officer shall be
indemnified against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with
litigation in which they may be involved because of their positions with the
Investment Funds, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland General
Corporation Law, except for such person's willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
of his or her office or under any contract or agreement with the Series Funds.
 
  Rights of Inspection. Maryland law permits any shareholder of the Series
Funds or the Investment Funds, or any agent of such shareholder to inspect and
copy during the Fund's usual business hours the Fund's By-laws, minutes of
shareholder proceedings, annual statements of the Fund's affairs and voting
trust agreements on file at its principal office.
 
  Shareholder Liability. Under Maryland law, Series Funds' and Investment
Funds' shareholders do not have personal liability for the corporate acts and
obligations of the Small Cap Growth Fund or the Special Equities Fund,
respectively. Shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund issued to the shareholders
of the Special Equities Fund in the Reorganization will be fully paid and
nonassessable when issued, transferable without restrictions and will have no
preemptive rights.
 
  The foregoing is only a summary of certain information with respect to the
Small Cap Growth Fund and the Special Equities Fund. The foregoing is not a
complete description of the documents cited. Shareholders should refer to the
provisions of the corporate documents and state laws governing each Fund for a
more thorough description.
 
Additional Information About The Small Cap Growth Fund And The Special
Equities Fund
   
  The Small Cap Growth Fund. Information about the Small Cap Growth Fund is
incorporated herein by reference to the Prospectus, a copy of which
accompanies this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, dated May 1, 1998, as
supplemented on February 1, 1999 and February 25, 1999 and the Statement of
Additional Information dated May 1, 1998 which have been filed with the SEC. A
copy of the Statement of Additional Information is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Small Cap Growth Fund at 7 World Trade Center,
New York, New York 10048 or by calling (800) 446-1013.     
 
  The Special Equities Fund. Information concerning the operation and
management of the Special Equities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
the Prospectus dated April 30, 1998 as supplemented on June 12, 1999, October
5, 1998, November 28, 1998 and January 11, 1999 and the Statement of
Additional Information dated April 30, 1998, each of which have been filed
with the SEC. A copy of the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information is available upon request and without charge by writing the
Special Equities Fund at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013 or by
calling (800) 451-2010.
 
  Both the Small Cap Growth Fund and the Special Equities Fund are subject to
the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and in accordance therewith
file reports and other information including proxy material, reports and
charter documents with the SEC. The SEC maintains a Web site at
http:/www.sec.gov that contains these reports and other information regarding
the Funds.
 
Other Business
 
  The Directors of the Investment Funds do not intend to present any other
business at the Meeting. If, however, any other matters are properly brought
before the Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy will
vote thereon in accordance with their judgment.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
Voting Information
   
  This Prospectus/Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with a
solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Investment Funds to
be used at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 2:00 p.m. on May
14, 1999, at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013 and at any
adjournments thereof. This Prospectus/Proxy Statement, along with a Notice of
the Meeting and a proxy card, is first being mailed to shareholders of the
Special Equities Fund on or about [April 5], 1999. Only shareholders of record
as of the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to notice of,
and to vote at, the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The holders of a
majority of the shares of the Special Equities Fund outstanding at the close
of business on the Record Date present in person or represented by proxy will
constitute a quorum for the Meeting. For purposes of determining a quorum for
transacting business at the Meeting, abstentions and broker "non-votes" (that
is, proxies from brokers or nominees indicating that such persons have not
received instructions from the beneficial owner or other persons entitled to
vote shares on a particular matter with respect to which the brokers or
nominees do not have discretionary power) will be treated as shares that are
present but which have not been voted. For this reason, abstentions and broker
non-votes will have the effect of a "no" vote for purposes of obtaining the
requisite approval of the Plan. If the enclosed form of proxy is properly
executed and returned in time to be voted at the Meeting, the proxies named
therein will vote the shares represented by the proxy in accordance with the
instructions marked thereon. Unmarked proxies will be voted FOR the proposed
Reorganization and FOR any other matters deemed appropriate. A proxy may be
revoked at any time on or before the Meeting by written notice to the Special
Equities Fund, 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, 22nd Floor, c/o
the Corporate Secretary. Unless revoked, all valid proxies will be voted in
accordance with the specifications thereon or, in the absence of such
specifications, FOR approval of the Plan and the Reorganization contemplated
thereby.     
 
  Approval of the Plan will require the affirmative vote of a majority, as
defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding shares of the Special Equities
Fund, which is the lesser of (i) 67% of the voting securities of the Special
Equities Fund present at the Meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities of the Special Equities Fund are present or
represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Special Equities Fund. Shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class L shares of
the Special Equities Fund shall vote together as a single class. Shareholders
of the Special Equities Fund are entitled to one vote for each share held by
them.
   
  Proxy solicitations will be made primarily by mail, but proxy solicitations
also may be made by telephone, telegraph or personal interviews conducted by
officers and employees of Salomon Smith Barney and its affiliates and/or by
First Data. If the Fund record votes by telephone, it will use procedures
designed to authenticate shareholders' identities, to allow shareholders to
authorize the voting of their shares in accordance with their instructions,
and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. Proxies
voted by telephone may be revoked at any time before they are voted in the
same manner that proxies voted by mail may be revoked. Expenses of the
Reorganization, including the costs of the proxy solicitation and the
preparation of enclosures to the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, reimbursement of
expenses of forwarding solicitation material to shareholders of the Special
Equities Fund and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of this
Prospectus/Proxy Statement will be borne equally by SSBC and SBAM.     
   
  If sufficient votes to approve the Reorganization are not received by
June 4, 1999, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more
adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. In
determining whether to adjourn the Meeting, the following factors may be
considered: the percentage of votes actually cast, the percentage of negative
votes actually cast, the nature of any further solicitation and the
information to be provided to shareholders with respect to the reasons for the
solicitation. Any such adjournment will require an affirmative vote by the
holders of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled
to vote at the Meeting. The persons named as proxies will vote upon such
adjournment after consideration of the best interests of all shareholders.
    
  The votes of the shareholders of the Small Cap Growth Fund are not being
solicited by this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
Financial Statements
   
  The audited statements of assets and liabilities of the Special Equities
Fund as of December 31, 1998, related statements of operations for the year
then ended and changes in net assets for the two years then ended, and the
Financial Highlights for each of the years in the three year period then
ended, have been incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional
Information relating to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement in reliance on the
reports of KPMG LLP, independent auditors for the Special Equities Fund. The
Annual Report of Salomon Brothers Investment Series, which contains the
audited statements of assets and liabilities of the Small Cap Growth Fund as
of December 31, 1998, and the related statements of operations, changes in net
assets and Financial highlights for the period July 1, 1998 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1998, have been incorporated by reference
into the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Prospectus/Proxy
Statement in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
auditors for the Small Cap Growth Fund.     
 
Legal Matters
 
  Certain legal matters concerning the issuance of shares of the Small Cap
Growth Fund will be passed upon by Piper & Marbury L.L.P., Charles Center
South, 36 South Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE INVESTMENT FUNDS ON BEHALF OF THE SPECIAL
EQUITIES FUND, INCLUDING THE "NON-INTERESTED" DIRECTORS, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF THE PLAN, AND ANY UNMARKED PROXIES WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
CONTRARY WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF APPROVAL OF THE PLAN.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     APPENDIX A
 
                     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
   
  This Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement") is made as of
this 3rd day of February, 1999, by and between Salomon Brothers Series Funds
Inc ("Series Funds"), a Maryland corporation with its principal place of
business at 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, on behalf of the
Small Cap Growth Fund (the "Small Cap Growth Fund"), an investment portfolio
of Series Funds and Smith Barney Investment Funds ("Investment Funds"), a
Maryland corporation with its principal place of business at 388 Greenwich
Street, New York, New York 10013, on behalf of the Special Equities Fund (the
"Special Equities Fund"), an investment portfolio of Investment Funds.     
   
  This Agreement is intended to be and is adopted as a plan of reorganization
and liquidation within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the United
States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The
reorganization (the "Reorganization") will consist of the transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Special Equities Fund in exchange for
shares of common stock of the Small Cap Growth Fund (collectively, the "Small
Cap Growth Fund Shares" and each, a "Small Cap Growth Fund Share") and the
assumption by the Small Cap Growth Fund of certain scheduled liabilities of
the Special Equities Fund and the distribution, after the Closing Date herein
referred to, of Small Cap Growth Fund Shares to the shareholders of the
Special Equities Fund in liquidation of the Special Equities Fund and the
termination of the Special Equities Fund, all upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth in this Agreement.     
 
  Whereas, Series Funds and Investment Funds are registered investment
companies of the management type and the Special Equities Fund owns securities
that generally are assets of the character in which the Small Cap Growth Fund
is permitted to invest;
 
  Whereas, Series Funds and Investment Funds are authorized to issue shares of
common stock;
 
  Whereas, the Directors of Investment Funds have determined that the exchange
of all or substantially all of the assets and certain of the liabilities of
the Special Equities Fund for Small Cap Growth Fund Shares and the assumption
of such liabilities by Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund is
in the best interests of the Special Equities Fund's shareholders and that the
interests of the existing shareholders of the Special Equities Fund would not
be diluted as a result of this transaction;
 
  Whereas, the Board of Directors of Series Funds has determined that the
exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Special Equities
Fund for Small Cap Growth Fund Shares is in the best interests of the Small
Cap Growth Fund's shareholders and that the interests of the existing
shareholders of the Small Cap Growth Fund would not be diluted as a result of
this transaction;
 
  Now, Therefore, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as
follows:
 
  1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF THE SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR THE SMALL
CAP GROWTH FUND SHARES AND ASSUMPTION OF THE SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND'S SCHEDULED
LIABILITIES AND LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION OF THE SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
 
    1.1. Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth and on the
  basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, Investment
  Funds, on behalf of the Special Equities Fund agrees to transfer the
  Special Equities Fund's assets as set forth in paragraph 1.2 to Series
  Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund, and Series Funds on behalf of
  the Small Cap Growth Fund agrees in exchange therefor: (i) to deliver to
  the Special Equities Fund the number of Class A Small Cap Growth Fund
  Shares, including fractional Class A Small Cap Growth Fund Shares,
  determined by dividing the value of the Special Equities Fund's net assets
  attributable to its Class A shares, computed in the manner and as of the
  time and date set
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
  forth in paragraph 2.1, by the net asset value of one Class A Special
  Equities Fund Share, computed in the manner and as of the time and date set
  forth in paragraph 2.2; (ii) to deliver to the Special Equities Fund the
  number of Class B Small Cap Growth Fund Shares, including fractional Class
  B Small Cap Growth Fund Shares, determined by dividing the value of the
  Special Equities Fund's net assets attributable to its Class B shares,
  computed in the manner and as of the time and date set forth in paragraph
  2.1, by the net asset value of one Class B Small Cap Growth Fund Share,
  computed in the manner and as of the time and date set forth in paragraph
  2.2; (iii) to deliver to the Special Equities Fund the number of Class 2
  Small Cap Growth Fund Shares, including fractional Class 2 Special Equities
  Fund Shares, determined by dividing the value of the Special Equities
  Fund's net assets attributable to its Class L shares, computed in the
  manner and as of the time and date set forth in paragraph 2.1, by the net
  asset value of one Class 2 Small Cap Growth Fund Share, computed in the
  manner and as of the time and date set forth in paragraph 2.2; and (iv) to
  assume certain scheduled liabilities of the Special Equities Fund, as set
  forth in paragraph 1.3. Such transactions shall take place at the closing
  provided for in paragraph 3.1 (the "Closing").
 
    1.2. (a) The assets of the Special Equities Fund to be acquired by Series
  Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund shall consist of all or
  substantially all of its property, including, without limitation, all cash,
  securities and dividends or interest receivables which are owned by the
  Special Equities Fund and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as an
  asset on the books of the Special Equities Fund on the closing date
  provided in paragraph 3.1 (the "Closing Date").
 
    (b) The Special Equities Fund has provided the Small Cap Growth Fund with
  a list of all of the Special Equities Fund's assets as of the date of
  execution of this Agreement. The Special Equities Fund reserves the right
  to sell any of the securities but will not, without the prior approval of
  the Small Cap Growth Fund, acquire any additional securities other than
  securities of the type in which the Small Cap Growth Fund is permitted to
  invest. The Small Cap Growth Fund will, within a reasonable time prior to
  the Closing Date, furnish the Special Equities Fund with a statement of the
  Small Cap Growth Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions
  and a list of the securities, if any, on the Special Equities Fund's list
  referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph which do not conform to
  the Small Cap Growth Fund's investment objectives, policies and
  restrictions. In the event that the Special Equities Fund holds any
  investments which the Small Cap Growth Fund may not hold, the Special
  Equities Fund will dispose of such securities prior to the Closing Date. In
  addition, if it is determined that the portfolios of the Special Equities
  Fund and the Small Cap Growth Fund, when aggregated, would contain
  investments exceeding certain percentage limitations imposed upon the Small
  Cap Growth Fund with respect to such investments, the Special Equities
  Fund, if requested by the Small Cap Growth Fund, will dispose of and/or
  reinvest a sufficient amount of such investments as may be necessary to
  avoid violating such limitations as of the Closing Date.
 
    1.3. Investment Funds, on behalf of the Special Equities Fund will
  endeavor to discharge all the Special Equities Fund's known liabilities and
  obligations prior to the Closing Date. Series Funds on behalf of the Small
  Cap Growth Fund shall assume all liabilities, expenses, costs, charges and
  reserves reflected on an unaudited Statement of Assets and Liabilities of
  the Special Equities Fund prepared as of the Valuation Date (as defined in
  paragraph 2.1), in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
  consistently applied from the prior audited period. Series Funds on behalf
  of the Small Cap Growth Fund shall assume only those liabilities of the
  Special Equities Fund reflected in that unaudited Statement of Assets and
  Liabilities and shall not assume any other liabilities, whether absolute or
  contingent, not reflected therein.
 
    1.4. As provided in paragraph 3.4, as soon after the Closing Date as is
  conveniently practicable (the "Liquidation Date"), the Special Equities
  Fund will liquidate and distribute pro rata to the Special Equities Fund's
  shareholders of record determined as of the close of business on the
  Closing Date (the "Special Equities Fund Shareholders"), the Small Cap
  Growth Fund Shares it receives pursuant to paragraph 1.1. Shareholders of
  Class A, Class B and Class L shares of the Special Equities Fund shall
  receive Class A, Class B and Class 2 shares, respectively, of the Small Cap
  Growth Fund. Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by the
  transfer of the Small Cap Growth Fund Shares then credited to the account
  of the Special Equities Fund on the books of the Special Equities Fund to
  open accounts on the share records
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
  of the Small Cap Growth Fund in the name of the Special Equities Fund's
  shareholders and representing the respective pro rata number of the Small
  Cap Growth Fund Shares due such shareholders. All issued and outstanding
  shares of the Special Equities Fund will simultaneously be canceled on the
  books of the Special Equities Fund, although share certificates
  representing interests in the Special Equities Fund will represent a number
  of Small Cap Growth Fund Shares after the Closing Date as determined in
  accordance with paragraph 1.1. The Small Cap Growth Fund shall not issue
  certificates representing the Small Cap Growth Fund Shares in connection
  with such exchange.
 
    1.5. Ownership of Small Cap Growth Fund Shares will be shown on the books
  of the Small Cap Growth Fund's transfer agent. Small Cap Growth Fund Shares
  will be issued in the manner described in the Small Cap Growth Fund's
  current prospectus and statement of additional information.
 
    1.6. Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of the Small Cap Growth
  Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Small Cap
  Growth Fund Shares on the books of Small Cap Growth Fund as of that time
  shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person
  to whom such Small Cap Growth Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred.
 
    1.7. Any reporting responsibility of the Special Equities Fund is and
  shall remain the responsibility of the Special Equities Fund up to and
  including the Closing Date and such later dates on which the Special
  Equities Fund is terminated and deregistered.
 
  2. VALUATION
 
    2.1. The value of the Special Equities Fund's assets to be acquired by
  the Small Cap Growth Fund hereunder shall be the value of such assets
  computed as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
  Inc. (the "NYSE") on the Closing Date (such time and date being hereinafter
  called the "Valuation Date"), using the valuation procedures set forth in
  the Special Equities Fund's then current prospectus or statement of
  additional information.
 
    2.2. The net asset value of Small Cap Growth Fund Shares shall be the net
  asset value per share computed as of the close of regular trading on the
  NYSE on the Valuation Date, using the valuation procedures set forth in the
  Small Cap Growth Fund's then current prospectus or statement of additional
  information.
 
    2.3. All computations of value shall be made by Mutual Management Corp.
  in accordance with its regular practice as pricing agent for the Special
  Equities Fund and the Small Cap Growth Fund.
 
  3. CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
     
    3.1. The Closing Date shall be June 4, 1999, or such later date as the
  parties may agree to in writing. All acts taking place at the Closing shall
  be deemed to take place simultaneously as of the close of business on the
  Closing Date unless otherwise provided. The Closing shall be held as of
  5:00 p.m. at the offices of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich
  Street, New York, New York 10013, or at such other time and/or place as the
  parties may agree.     
 
    3.2. In the event that on the Valuation Date (a) the NYSE or another
  primary trading market for portfolio securities of the Special Equities
  Fund or the Small Cap Growth Fund shall be closed to trading or trading
  thereon shall be restricted or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on
  the NYSE or elsewhere shall be disrupted so that accurate appraisal of the
  value of the net assets of the Special Equities Fund or the Small Cap
  Growth Fund is impracticable, the Closing Date shall be postponed until the
  first business day after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed
  and reporting shall have been restored.
 
    3.3. The Special Equities Fund shall deliver at the Closing a list of the
  names and addresses of the Special Equities Fund's shareholders and the
  number and percentage ownership of outstanding shares owned by each such
  shareholder immediately prior to the Closing, certified on behalf of the
  Special Equities Fund by its President. The Small Cap Growth Fund shall
  issue and deliver a confirmation evidencing the Small Cap Growth Fund
  Shares to be credited to the Special Equities Fund's account on the Closing
  Date to the Secretary of the Special Equities Fund, or provide evidence
  satisfactory to the Special Equities Fund
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
  that such Small Cap Growth Fund Shares have been credited to the Special
  Equities Fund's account on the books of the Small Cap Growth Fund. At the
  Closing, each party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale, checks,
  assignments, share certificates, if any, receipts or other documents as
  such other party or its counsel may reasonably request.
 
  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
    4.1. Investment Funds and the Special Equities Fund represent and warrant
  to Series Funds and the Small Cap Growth Fund as follows:
 
      (a) Investment Funds is a corporation, duly organized, validly
    existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland;
 
      (b) Investment Funds is a registered investment company classified as
    a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with
    the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") as an
    investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
    (the "1940 Act") is in full force and effect;
 
      (c) Investment Funds is not, and the execution, delivery and
    performance of this Agreement will not result, in a material violation
    of its Articles of Incorporation or By-laws or of any agreement,
    indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which
    the Special Equities Fund is a party or by which it is bound;
 
      (d) Investment Funds has no material contracts or other commitments
    (other than this Agreement) which will be terminated with liability to
    the Special Equities Fund prior to the Closing Date;
 
      (e) No material litigation or administrative proceeding or
    investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently
    pending or to its knowledge threatened against Investment Funds or the
    Special Equities Fund or any of the Special Equities Fund's properties
    or assets, except as previously disclosed to the Small Cap Growth Fund.
    The Special Equities Fund knows of no facts which might form the basis
    for the institution of such proceedings and is not party to or subject
    to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or
    governmental body which materially and adversely affects its business
    or its ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated;
 
      (f) The Statements of Assets and Liabilities of the Special Equities
    Fund as of December 31, 1998 have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent
    certified public accountants, and are in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and such
    statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Small Cap Growth
    Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Special Equities
    Fund as of such date, and there are no known contingent liabilities of
    the Special Equities Fund as of such date not disclosed therein;
 
      (g) The Special Equities Fund will file its final federal and other
    tax returns for the period ending on the Closing Date in accordance
    with the Code. At the Closing Date, all federal and other tax returns
    and reports of the Special Equities Fund required by law then to have
    been filed prior to the Closing Date shall have been filed, and all
    federal and other taxes shown as due on such returns shall have been
    paid so far as due, or provision shall have been made for the payment
    thereof and, to the best of the Special Equities Fund's knowledge, no
    such return is currently under audit and no assessment has been
    asserted with respect to such returns;
 
      (h) For the most recent fiscal year of its operation, the Special
    Equities Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for
    qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company;
 
      (i) All issued and outstanding shares of the Special Equities Fund
    are, and at the Closing Date will be, duly and validly issued and
    outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. All of the issued and
    outstanding shares of the Special Equities Fund will, at the time of
    Closing, be held by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the
    records of the transfer agent as provided in paragraph 3.4. The Special
    Equities Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other
    rights to subscribe for or
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
    purchase any shares of the Special Equities Fund, nor is there
    outstanding any security convertible into any shares of the Special
    Equities Fund;
 
      (j) At the Closing Date, the Special Equities Fund will have good and
    marketable title to its assets to be transferred to the Small Cap
    Growth Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.2 and full right, power and
    authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets hereunder
    and, upon delivery and payment for such assets, the Small Cap Growth
    Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no
    restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such restrictions
    as might arise under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
    Act"), other than as disclosed to the Small Cap Growth Fund;
 
      (k) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has
    been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Investment
    Funds' Board of Directors, and subject to the approval of the Special
    Equities Fund's shareholders, this Agreement, assuming due
    authorization, execution and delivery by the Small Cap Growth Fund,
    will constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Special Equities
    Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to
    enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and
    other laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general
    equity principles;
 
      (l) The information to be furnished by the Special Equities Fund for
    use in no-action letters, applications for exemptive orders,
    registration statements, proxy materials and other documents which may
    be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
    shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall
    comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws
    and regulations thereunder applicable thereto; and
 
      (m) The proxy statement of the Special Equities Fund (the "Proxy
    Statement") to be included in the Registration Statement referred to in
    paragraph 5.7 (other than information therein that relates to the Small
    Cap Growth Fund) will, on the effective date of the Registration
    Statement and on the Closing Date, not contain any untrue statement of
    a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
    therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
    circumstances under which such statements were made, not materially
    misleading.
 
    4.2. Series Funds and the Small Cap Growth Fund represent and warrant to
  Investment Funds and the Special Equities Fund as follows:
 
      (a) The Small Cap Growth Fund is a portfolio of Series Funds, which
    is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
    under the laws of the State of Maryland;
 
      (b) Series Funds is a registered investment company classified as a
    management company of the open-end type and its registration with the
    Commission as an investment company under the 1940 Act is in full force
    and effect;
 
      (c) The current prospectus of the Small Cap Growth Fund and the
    statement of additional information of Series Funds conform in all
    material respects to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and
    the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
    and do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
    state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
    make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
    they were made, not materially misleading;
 
      (d) At the Closing Date, Series Funds will have good and marketable
    title to the Small Cap Growth Fund's assets;
 
      (e) Series Funds is not, and the execution, delivery and performance
    of this Agreement on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund will not
    result, in a material violation of its Articles of Incorporation or By-
    laws or of any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or
    other undertaking with respect to the Small Cap Growth Fund to which
    Series Funds is a party or by which it is bound;
 
      (f) No material litigation or administrative proceeding or
    investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently
    pending or threatened against Series Funds with respect to the Small
    Cap Growth Fund or any of the Small Cap Growth Fund's properties or
    assets, except as previously
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
    disclosed in writing to the Special Equities Fund. Series Funds and the
    Small Cap Growth Fund know of no facts which might form the basis for
    the institution of such proceedings and neither Series Funds nor the
    Small Cap Growth Fund is a party to or subject to the provisions of any
    order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which
    materially and adversely affects the Small Cap Growth Fund's business
    or Series Funds' ability on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund to
    consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
      (g) At the Closing Date, all federal and other tax returns and
    reports of Small Cap Growth Fund required by law then to have been
    filed by such dates shall have been filed, and all federal and other
    taxes shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been paid so
    far as due, or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof
    and, to the best of the Small Cap Growth Fund's knowledge, no such
    return is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted
    with respect to such returns;
 
      (h) For the most recent fiscal year of its operation, the Small Cap
    Growth Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for
    qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company and the
    Small Cap Growth Fund intends to do so in the future;
 
      (i) At the date hereof, all issued and outstanding shares of the
    Small Cap Growth Fund are, and at the Closing Date will be, duly and
    validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, with no
    personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. The Small Cap
    Growth Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other
    rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of the Small Cap Growth
    Fund, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into shares of
    the Small Cap Growth Fund;
 
      (j) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has
    been duly authorized by all necessary action, if any, on the part of
    Series Funds' Board of Directors and assuming due authorization,
    execution and delivery by Investment Funds, this Agreement constitutes
    a valid and binding obligation of Series Funds on behalf of the Small
    Cap Growth Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as
    to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
    and other laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to
    general equity principles;
 
      (k) The Small Cap Growth Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to
    the Special Equities Fund, for the account of the Special Equities Fund
    Shareholders, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, will at the
    Closing Date have been duly authorized and, when so issued and
    delivered, will be duly and validly issued Small Cap Growth Fund
    Shares, and will be fully paid and non-assessable with no personal
    liability attaching to the ownership thereof;
 
      (l) The information to be furnished by the Small Cap Growth Fund for
    use in no-action letters, applications for exemptive orders,
    registration statements, proxy materials and other documents which may
    be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
    shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall
    comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws
    and regulations applicable thereto;
 
      (m) The Proxy Statement to be included in the Registration Statement
    (only insofar as it relates to the Small Cap Growth Fund and Series
    Funds) will, on the effective date of the Registration Statement and on
    the Closing Date, not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
    or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
    necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
    under which such statements were made, not materially misleading; and
 
      (n) Series Funds, on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund, agrees to
    use all reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals and authorizations
    required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and such of the state Blue Sky
    or securities laws as it may deem appropriate in order to continue the
    Small Cap Growth Fund's operations after the Closing Date.
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
  5. COVENANTS OF INVESTMENT FUNDS, THE SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND, THE SMALL CAP
GROWTH FUND AND SERIES FUNDS
 
    5.1. Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund and Investment
  Funds on behalf of the Special Equities Fund each will operate its business
  in the ordinary course between the date hereof and the Closing Date. It is
  understood that such ordinary course of business will include the
  declaration and payment of customary dividends and distributions and any
  other dividends and distributions deemed advisable, in each case payable
  either in cash or in additional shares.
 
    5.2. Investment Funds on behalf of the Special Equities Fund will call a
  meeting of its shareholders to consider and act upon this Agreement and to
  take all other action necessary to obtain approval of the transactions
  contemplated herein.
 
    5.3. Investment Funds on behalf of the Special Equities Fund covenants
  that the Small Cap Growth Fund Shares to be issued hereunder are not being
  acquired for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than in
  accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
 
    5.4. The Special Equities Fund will assist the Small Cap Growth Fund in
  obtaining such information as the Small Cap Growth Fund reasonably requests
  concerning the beneficial ownership of the Special Equities Fund's shares.
 
    5.5. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Investment Funds on
  behalf of the Special Equities Fund and Series Funds on behalf of the Small
  Cap Growth Fund, each will take, or cause to be taken, all action, and do
  or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable
  to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this
  Agreement.
 
    5.6. As promptly as practicable, but in any case within sixty days after
  the Closing Date, the Special Equities Fund shall furnish the Small Cap
  Growth Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the Small Cap
  Growth Fund, a statement of the earnings and profits of the Special
  Equities Fund for federal income tax purposes which will be carried over to
  the Small Cap Growth Fund as a result of Section 381 of the Code, and which
  will be certified by the President and Treasurer of the Special Equities
  Fund.
 
    5.7. The Special Equities Fund will provide the Small Cap Growth Fund
  with information reasonably necessary for the preparation of a prospectus
  (the "Prospectus") which will include the Proxy Statement, referred to in
  paragraph 4.1(m), all to be included in a Registration Statement on Form N-
  14 of Series Funds (the "Registration Statement"), in compliance with the
  1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") and the 1940
  Act in connection with the meeting of the Special Equities Fund's
  shareholders to consider approval of this Agreement and the transactions
  contemplated herein.
 
  6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF INVESTMENT FUNDS IN RESPECT OF THE
SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
 
  The obligations of Investment Funds and the Special Equities Fund to
consummate the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at its
election, to the performance by Series Funds and the Small Cap Growth Fund of
all of the obligations to be performed by them hereunder on or before the
Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions:
 
    6.1. All representations and warranties of Series Funds and the Small Cap
  Growth Fund contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
  material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected
  by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date
  with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
    6.2. Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund shall have
  delivered to Investment Funds a certificate executed in its name by its
  President or Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in a
  form reasonably satisfactory to Investment Funds and dated as of the
  Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of
  Series Funds and the Small Cap Growth Fund made in this Agreement are true
  and correct at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected
  by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
    6.3. Investment Funds shall have received on the Closing Date a favorable
  opinion from Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett, counsel to the Small Cap Growth
  Fund, dated as of the Closing Date, in a form reasonably satisfactory to
  Christina T. Sydor, Esq., Secretary of Investment Funds, covering the
  following points:
 
      That (a) Series Funds has been duly organized and is validly existing
    as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland; (b) Series
    Funds is an open-end investment company of the management type
    registered under the 1940 Act; (c) the Small Cap Growth Fund is a
    series of the Series Funds; (d) this Agreement, the reorganization
    provided for hereunder and the execution of this Agreement have been
    duly authorized, and executed and delivered by the Series Funds, and
    this Agreement is a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of
    the Series Funds with respect to the Small Cap Growth Fund, subject to
    the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
    reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or
    affecting creditors rights generally, general equitable principals
    (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and an
    implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing executed and delivered
    by Series Funds and is a valid and binding obligation of Series Funds
    with respect to the Small Cap Growth Fund enforceable in accordance
    with its terms against the assets of the Small Cap Growth Fund; and (e)
    the Small Cap Growth Fund Shares to be issued to the Special Equities
    Fund for distribution to its shareholders pursuant to this Agreement
    have been, to the extent of the number of Small Cap Growth Fund Shares
    of the pertinent class authorized to be issued by the Small Cap Growth
    Fund in the Articles of Incorporation of Series Funds and then
    unissued, duly authorized and, subject to the receipt by Series Funds
    of consideration equal to the net asset value thereof (but in no event
    less than the par value thereof), such Small Cap Growth Fund Shares,
    when issued in accordance with this Agreement, will be validly issued
    and fully paid and non-assessable. Such opinion may state that it is
    solely for the benefit of Investment Funds and the Special Equities
    Fund, its Directors and its officers. Such counsel may rely, as to
    matters governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, on an opinion of
    Maryland counsel.
 
  7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SERIES FUNDS IN RESPECT OF THE
SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
 
  The obligations of Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund to
complete the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at its
election, to the performance by Investment Funds and the Special Equities Fund
of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the
Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following conditions:
 
    7.1. All representations and warranties of Investment Funds and the
  Special Equities Fund contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct
  in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be
  affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the
  Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the
  Closing Date;
 
    7.2. The Special Equities Fund shall have delivered to the Small Cap
  Growth Fund a statement of the Special Equities Fund's assets and
  liabilities, together with a list of the Special Equities Fund's portfolio
  securities showing the tax costs of such securities by lot and the holding
  periods of such securities, as of the Closing Date, certified by the
  Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of the Special Equities Fund;
 
    7.3. Investment Funds shall have delivered to the Small Cap Growth Fund
  on the Closing Date a certificate executed in its name by its President or
  Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and
  substance satisfactory to the Small Cap Growth Fund and dated as of the
  Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of
  Investment Funds and the Special Equities Fund made in this Agreement are
  true and correct at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be
  affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and
 
    7.4. The Small Cap Growth Fund shall have received on the Closing Date a
  favorable opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, counsel to the Special
  Equities Fund, in a form satisfactory to Christina T. Sydor, Esq.,
  Secretary of the Small Cap Growth Fund, covering the following points:
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
      That (a) Investment Funds is duly organized and validly existing
    under the laws of the State of Maryland; (b) Investment Funds is an
    open-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;
    (c) the Special Equities Fund is a series of the Investment Funds; and
    (d) this Agreement, the reorganization provided for hereunder and the
    execution of this Agreement have been duly authorized and approved by
    all requisite action of Investment Funds, and this Agreement has been
    duly executed and delivered by Investment Funds and is a valid and
    binding obligation of Investment Funds and the Special Equities Fund
    enforceable in accordance with its terms against the assets of the
    Special Equities Fund. Such opinion may state that it is solely for the
    benefit of Series Funds, its Directors and its officers. Such counsel
    may rely, as to matters governed by the laws of the State of Maryland,
    on an opinion of Maryland counsel.
 
  8. FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF INVESTMENT FUNDS, THE
SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND, THE SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND AND SERIES FUNDS
 
  If any of the conditions set forth below do not exist on or before the
Closing Date with respect to Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth
Fund, or Investment Funds on behalf of the Special Equities Fund, the other
party to this Agreement shall, at its option, not be required to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:
 
    8.1. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have
  been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding
  shares of the Special Equities Fund in accordance with the provisions of
  Investment Funds's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws and certified
  copies of the votes evidencing such approval shall have been delivered to
  the Small Cap Growth Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
  neither Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund nor Investment
  Funds on behalf of the Special Equities Fund may waive the conditions set
  forth in this paragraph 8.1;
 
    8.2. On the Closing Date, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be
  pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to
  restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with,
  this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein;
 
    8.3. All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and
  permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those
  of the Commission and of state Blue Sky and securities authorities,
  including "no-action" positions of and exemptive orders from such federal
  and state authorities) deemed necessary by the Special Equities Fund or the
  Small Cap Growth Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of
  the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where
  failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a
  risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the
  Special Equities Fund or the Small Cap Growth Fund, provided that either
  party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions;
 
    8.4. The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the
  1933 Act and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have
  been issued and, to the best knowledge of the parties hereto, no
  investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or
  be pending, threatened or contemplated under the 1933 Act;
 
    8.5. The Special Equities Fund shall have declared and paid a dividend or
  dividends on the outstanding shares of the Special Equities Fund, which,
  together with all previous such dividends, shall have the effect of
  distributing to the shareholders of the Special Equities Fund all of the
  investment company taxable income and exempt-interest income of the Special
  Equities Fund for all taxable years ending on or prior to the Closing Date.
  The dividend declared and paid by the Special Equities Fund shall also
  include all of such fund's net capital gain realized in all taxable years
  ending on or prior to the Closing Date (after reduction for any capital
  loss carryforward);
 
    8.6. The parties shall have received a favorable opinion of Willkie Farr
  & Gallagher, addressed to Series Funds in respect of the Small Cap Growth
  Fund and Investment Funds in respect of the Special
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
  Equities Fund and satisfactory to Christina T. Sydor, Esq., as Secretary of
  the Special Equities Fund and the Small Cap Growth Fund, substantially to
  the effect that for federal income tax purposes:
       
      (a) the transfer of all or substantially all of the Special Equities
    Fund's assets in exchange for the Small Cap Growth Fund Shares and the
    assumption by the Small Cap Growth Fund of certain scheduled
    liabilities of the Special Equities Fund will constitute a
    "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the
    Code, and the Special Equities Fund and the Small Cap Growth Fund are
    each a "party to a reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(b)
    of the Code; (b) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Small Cap
    Growth Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the Special Equities Fund
    in exchange for the Small Cap Growth Fund Shares and the assumption by
    the Small Cap Growth Fund of certain scheduled liabilities of the
    Special Equities Fund; (c) no gain or loss will be recognized by the
    Special Equities Fund upon the transfer of the Special Equities Fund's
    assets to the Small Cap Growth Fund in exchange for the Small Cap
    Growth Fund Shares and the assumption by the Small Cap Growth Fund of
    certain scheduled liabilities of the Special Equities Fund or upon the
    distribution (whether actual or constructive) of the Small Cap Growth
    Fund Shares to the Special Equities Fund's shareholders; (d) no gain or
    loss will be recognized by shareholders of the Special Equities Fund
    upon the exchange of their Special Equities Fund shares for the Small
    Cap Growth Fund Shares and the assumption by the Small Cap Growth Fund
    of certain scheduled liabilities of the Special Equities Fund; (e) the
    aggregate tax basis for the Small Cap Growth Fund Shares received by
    each of the Special Equities Fund's shareholders pursuant to the
    Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the
    Special Equities Fund Shares held by such shareholder immediately prior
    to the Reorganization, and the holding period of the Small Cap Growth
    Fund Shares to be received by each Special Equities Fund shareholder
    will include the period during which the Special Equities Fund Shares
    exchanged therefor were held by such shareholder (provided that the
    Special Equities Fund Shares were held as capital assets on the date of
    the Reorganization); and (f) the tax basis of the Special Equities
    Fund's assets acquired by Small Cap Growth Fund will be the same as the
    tax basis of such assets to the Special Equities Fund immediately prior
    to the Reorganization, and the holding period of the assets of the
    Special Equities Fund in the hands of the Small Cap Growth Fund will
    include the period during which those assets were held by the Special
    Equities Fund.     
 
  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither Series Funds on
behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund nor Investment Funds on behalf of the
Special Equities Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this paragraph
8.6.
 
  9. BROKERAGE FEES AND EXPENSES
 
  Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund represents and warrants
to Investment Funds and the Special Equities Fund, and Investment Funds on
behalf of the Special Equities Fund hereby represents and warrants to Series
Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund, that there are no brokers or
finders entitled to receive any payments in connection with the transactions
provided for herein.
 
  10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
 
    10.1. The parties hereto agree that no party has made any representation,
  warranty or covenant not set forth herein and that this Agreement
  constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
 
    10.2. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in this
  Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection
  herewith shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated
  hereunder.
 
  11. TERMINATION
 
    11.1. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing
  Date by: (1) the mutual agreement of Investment Funds on behalf of the
  Special Equities Fund and Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth
  Fund; (2) Investment Funds in respect of the Special Equities Fund in the
  event that Series Funds in respect of the Small Cap Growth Fund shall, or
  Series Funds in respect of the Small Cap
 
                                     A-10
<PAGE>
 
  Growth Fund in the event that Investment Funds or the Special Equities Fund
  shall, materially breach any representation, warranty or agreement
  contained herein to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date; or (3) a
  condition herein expressed to be precedent to the obligations of the
  terminating party has not been met and it reasonably appears that it will
  not or cannot be met.
 
    11.2. In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability
  for damages on the part of either Investment Funds on behalf of the Special
  Equities Fund or Series Funds on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund or
  their respective Directors or officers to the other party.
 
  12. AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS
 
    12.1. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such
  manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the authorized officers
  of Investment Funds and Series Funds; provided, however, that following the
  meeting of the Special Equities Fund shareholders called by the Special
  Equities Fund pursuant to paragraph 5.2 of this Agreement, no such
  amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining
  the number of the Small Cap Growth Fund Shares to be issued to the Special
  Equities Fund's shareholders under this Agreement to the detriment of such
  shareholders without their further approval.
 
    12.2. At any time prior to the Closing Date either party hereto may by
  written instrument signed by it (i) waive any inaccuracies in the
  representations and warranties made to it contained herein and (ii) waive
  compliance with any of the covenants or conditions made for its benefit
  contained herein.
 
  13. NOTICES
 
  Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any
provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid
telegraph, telecopy or certified mail addressed to Investment Funds, 388
Greenwich Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10013, Attention: Heath B.
McLendon; or to Series Funds, 388 Greenwich Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New
York 10013, Attention: Heath B. McLendon.
 
  14. HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT
 
    14.1 The article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are
  for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
  interpretation of this Agreement.
 
    14.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
  of which shall be deemed an original.
 
    14.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
  the laws of the State of New York.
 
    14.4 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties
  hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or
  transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by
  any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein
  expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or
  give any person, firm, corporation or other entity, other than the parties
  hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies
  under or by reason of this Agreement.
 
                                     A-11
<PAGE>
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed by its Chairman of the Board, President or Vice President and
attested by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
 
Attest: SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC
    on behalf of the SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
 
  /s/ Christina T.               By: /s/ Heath B. McLendon
        Sydor                       ---------------------
- ---------------------               Name: Heath B. McLendon
 Name: Christina T.                 Title: President
 Sydor
 
Attest: SMITH BARNEY INVESTMENT FUNDS INC.
 Title: Secretary
    on behalf of the SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
 
  /s/ Christina T.               By: /s/ Heath B. McLendon
        Sydor                       ---------------------
- ---------------------               Name: Heath B. McLendon
 Name: Christina T.                 Title: President
 Sydor
 Title: Secretary
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
 
   
PROSPECTUS OF SALOMON BROTHERS SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND DATED MAY 1, 1998 IS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO POST EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 28 TO THE SERIES
FUNDS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM N-1A FILED ON APRIL 30, 1998.; SUPPLEMENT
TO PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY 1, 1999 IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO RULE
497(e) FILING. SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY 25, 1999 IS INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE TO RULE 497(e) FILING. REFERENCE NOS 33-34423 and 811-06087.     
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                              
                           Dated April  , 1999     
 
 
                         Acquisition Of The Assets Of
 
                      SMITH BARNEY SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
                             a separate series of
                         SMITH BARNEY INVESTMENT FUNDS
                             388 Greenwich Street
                           New York, New York 10013
                                (800) 451-2010
 
                       By And In Exchange For Shares Of
 
                    SALOMON BROTHERS SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
                             a separate series of
                       SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC
                             7 World Trade Center
                           New York, New York 10048
                                 (800) SALOMON
 
  This Statement of Additional Information, relating specifically to the
proposed transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of Smith Barney
Special Equities Fund (the "Special Equities Fund"), a series of Smith Barney
Investment Funds Inc. ("Investment Funds") to Salomon Brothers Small Cap
Growth Fund ("Small Cap Growth Fund"), a series of Salomon Brothers Series
Funds Inc ("Series Funds") in exchange for shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund
and the assumption by the Series Funds on behalf of Special Equities Fund of
certain scheduled liabilities of the Small Cap Growth Fund, consists of this
cover page and the following described documents, each of which accompanies
this Statement of Additional Information and is incorporated herein by
reference.
   
1. Statement of Additional Information of the Series Funds dated May 1, 1998.
       
2. Annual Report of Small Cap Growth Fund for the period ended December 31,
   1998.
 
3. Annual Report of Special Equities Fund for the fiscal year ended December
   31, 1998.
 
4. Pro forma financial statements.
   
  This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. A
Prospectus/Proxy Statement, dated April  , 1999, relating to the above-
referenced matter may be obtained without charge by calling or writing Small
Cap Growth Fund at the telephone numbers or addresses set forth above. This
Statement of Additional Information should be read in conjunction with the
Prospectus/Proxy Statement dated April  , 1999.     
   
  The date of this Statement of Additional Information is April  , 1999.     
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                       OF
                       SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC
 
                               ----------------
 
                               Dated May 1, 1998
        is incorporated by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 28
            to the Series Funds Registration Statement on Form N-1A
                            filed on April 30, 1998.
                    
                 Reference Numbers 33-34423 and 811-06087     
 
                               ----------------
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                 ANNUAL REPORT
                                       OF
                       
                    SALOMON BROTHERS INVESTMENT SERIES     
 
                               ----------------
 
                  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
      
   is incorporated by reference to the Fund's definitive Rule 30b2-1 filed on
         February 28, 1999 as Accession No. 0000950130-99-001345.     
 
                               ----------------
 
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF
                       SMITH BARNEY SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
 
                               ----------------
 
               Dated April 30, 1998 is Incorporated by Reference
                       to Post Effective Amendment No. 48
                 to the Investment Funds Registration Statement
                     on Form N-1A Filed on April 29, 1998.
 
                       Reference Nos 2-74288 and 811-3275
 
                               ----------------
 
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                 ANNUAL REPORT
                                       OF
                       SMITH BARNEY SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
 
                               ----------------
 
                  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
      
   is incorporated by reference to the Fund's definitive Rule 30b2-1 filed on
                 February 28, 1999 as Accession No.      .     
 
                               ----------------
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Pro Forma Portfolio of Investments

  December 31, 1998 (unaudited)

Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
    Shares      Description                                              Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                                                     <C> 
                Common Stocks - 99.5%

                Basic Industries - 0.7%
  90,000        Geon Co.                                                $     2,070,000
                                                                        ---------------- 

                Capital Goods - 0.8%
  81,700        Matthews International Corp.                                  2,573,550
                                                                        ---------------- 
                Communications - 6.4%

 317,500        Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc.*                              10,636,250
   9,000        Rogers Cantel Mobile Communications                             109,688
 100,000        Univision Communications, Inc.*                               3,618,750
 153,000        Winstar Communications Inc.*                                  5,967,000
                                                                        ---------------- 
                                                                             20,331,688
                                                                        ---------------- 
                Computer Services - 4.8%                                    
 130,000        Affiliated Computer Services, Inc., Class A Shares*           5,850,000
 200,000        Ciber, Inc.*                                                  5,587,500
 100,000        Keane, Inc.*                                                  3,993,750
                                                                        ---------------- 
                                                                             15,431,250
                                                                        ---------------- 
                Consumer - 29.0%                                            
  67,000        Abacus Direct*                                                3,048,500
 150,000        Abercrombie & Fitch, Co., Class A Shares*                    10,612,500
 102,000        Bebe Stores, Inc.                                             3,608,250
 100,000        Beringer Wine Estates Holdings, Inc., Class B Shares*         4,468,750
  27,900        Cort Business Services Corp.*                                   676,575
 124,000        Cost Plus, Inc.*                                              3,890,500
 284,500        Devry, Inc.*                                                  8,712,813
 175,000        Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.*                                     7,645,313
  63,000        Dura Automotive Systems*                                      2,149,875
 152,000        Earthgrains Co.                                               4,702,500
 167,000        Fossil, Inc.*                                                 4,801,250
 162,000        Insight Enterprises*                                          8,241,750
 112,500        Lason*                                                        6,546,094
   4,000        Michael Foods                                                   120,000
 103,000        O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.*                                    4,866,750
  70,000        Pro Business Services, Inc.*                                  3,185,000
 206,000        Profit Recovery Group International*                          7,712,125
  12,600        Ryan's Family Steak Houses*                                     155,925
 180,000        Williams-Sonoma, Inc.*                                        7,256,250
                                                                        ---------------- 
                                                                             92,400,720
                                                                        ---------------- 
                Financial Sevices - 14.0%                                   
   3,000        Alliance Bancorp                                                 58,688
 134,500        American Heritage Life Investment Co.                         3,286,844
   3,500        Andover Bancorp                                                 121,188
 120,000        Charter One Financial, Inc.                                   3,330,000
  82,500        CMAC Investment Corp.                                         3,789,844
 247,000        Dime Bancorp                                                  6,530,063
   9,000        Enstar Group*                                                   118,125
   4,500        Flagstar Bancorp                                                117,563
   4,200        Haven Bancorp                                                    63,000
   4,000        Independence Community Bancorp                                   63,750
 115,000        Legg Mason, Inc.                                              3,629,688
 104,900        Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.                        2,098,000
 218,500        Protective Life Corp.                                         8,699,031
 139,500        Reinsurance Group of America                                  9,256,250
  73,000        Reliastar Financial                                           3,367,125
   7,000        UICI*                                                           171,500
   6,600        Willis Lease Finance*                                           103,950
                                                                        ---------------- 
                                                                             44,804,609
                                                                        ---------------- 
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
Pro Forma Portfolio of Investments

  December 31, 1998 (unaudited)

Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
    Shares      Description                                              Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                                                     <C> 

                Health Care - 12.4%          
  123,500       Idexx Laboratories, Inc.*                                     3,322,922
   2,000        IDEC Pharmaceuticals*                                            94,000
 259,000        MedQuist, Inc.*                                              10,230,500
   4,000        Novoste, Inc.*                                                  113,500
 177,000        ResMed, Inc.*                                                 8,031,375
 193,000        Safeskin Corp.*                                               4,656,125
  60,000        Sepracor, Inc.*                                               5,253,750
  85,000        Seologicals Corp.*                                            2,550,000
 103,500        Universal Health Services, Inc.*                              5,369,063
                                                                        ---------------- 
                                                                             39,621,235
                Technology - 31.4%
   3,000        Affiliated Computer Services                                    135,000
 120,000        AVT Corp.*                                                    3,480,000
   4,500        Bindview Development*                                           123,750
 133,000        Carrier Access Corp.*                                         4,580,187
  51,500        CMG Information Services, Inc.*                               5,484,750
 135,000        Com21, Inc.*                                                  2,835,000
 117,500        Concord Communications, Inc.*                                 6,668,125
  80,000        EarthLink Network, Inc.*                                      4,560,000
 110,000        Entrust Technologies                                          2,626,250
   5,000        Genesys Telecommunicatins Laboratories*                         111,250
  20,000        Inktomi Corp.*                                                2,587,500
   3,000        Keane*                                                          119,813
 172,500        Legato Systems*                                              11,374,219
 128,000        Level One Communications*                                     4,544,000
  90,000        Lycos, Inc.*                                                  5,000,625
 124,000        Manhattan Associates*                                         3,379,000
 100,000        MMC Networks*                                                 1,325,000
 120,000        Network Appliance, Inc.*                                      5,400,000
  35,000        Network Solutions, Inc., Class A Shares*                      4,580,625
 242,500        New Era of Networks*                                         10,670,000
   7,000        Polycom*                                                        155,750
 144,000        Siebel Systems*                                               4,887,000
   2,500        Ticketmaster Online-City Search*                                142,500
 125,000        Transaction Systems Architects, Inc., Class A Shares          6,250,000
 101,000        Uniphase*                                                     7,006,870
 110,000        World Access, Inc.*                                           2,351,250
                                                                        ---------------- 
                                                                            100,378,464
                                                                        ---------------- 

                Total Common Stocks
                  (cost - $225,384,478).............................        317,611,516
                                                                        ---------------- 
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
Pro Forma Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 1998 (unaudited)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund (continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Principal
 Amount          Description                                                              Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                                               <C> 
                 Repurchase Agreements - 3.4% 
$  130,000       Repurchase Agreement, 4.68%, due 01/04/99,
                 dated 12/31/98, with J.P. Morgan Securities, collateralized by
                 by $92,000 U.S. Treasury Bonds, 8.875%, due 2/15/19
                 valued at $133,745 proceeds: $130,068............................   $   130,000
   412,000       Repurchase Agreement, 4.75%, due 01/04/99,
                 dated 12/31/98, with Warburg Dillion Read, collateralized
                 by $416,000 U.S. Treasury Bonds, 5.625%, due 11/30/99
                 valued at $421,2000; proceeds: $412,217..........................       412,000 
10,299,000       Repurchase Agreement, 4.65%, due 01/04/99, dated 12/31/98, with 
                 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter  Co., Inc.
                 collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 6.00% to 6.50% due 7/15/99
                 to 8/15/27 valued at $10,522,988; proceeds: $10,304,321...........   10,299,000
                                                                                    --------------

                 Total Repurchase Agreements
                   (cost - $10,841,000)............................................   10,841,000
                                                                                    --------------  
                 Liabilities in excess of other assets - (2.9%)....................    9,133,080
                                                                                    --------------  
                 Net Assets - 100.0%...............................................  319,319,436
                                                                                    ==============  

                 *  Non-income producing security.
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF ASSET AND LIABILITIES AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                               Smith Barney    Salomon Brothers    Adjustments       Adjustments     Pro Forma 
                                             Special Equities  Small Cap Growth  Special Equities  Small Cap Growth  Combined
                                             ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C> 
ASSETS:                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                   
  Investments, at value (cost $228,907,142                                                                         
   and $6,318,336)                            $ 319,552,200     $   8,900,316                                        $326,452,516
  Cash                                               89,873             1,721                                              91,594
  Dividends & Interest receivable                    18,426             1,130                                              19,558
  Receivable for Fund shares sold                12,029,354            21,827                                          12,051,181
  Receivable for securities sold                  3,256,259           153,158                                           3,409,417
                                             ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                         Total Assets           334,046,112     $   9,078,152                 -                 -     344,024,264
                                             ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                                                                                                                   
LIABILITIES:                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                   
  Payable for Fund shares redeemed            $  22,142,537     $      12,086                                          22,154,623
  Payable for securities purchased                1,379,938           445,372                                           1,825,310 
  Management and administration fees payable        229,609                 -                                             229,609
  Distribution costs payable                         38,159             8,738                                              48,897
  Accrued expenses and other liabilites             524,388            18,428        ($141,267)    $         46,842       448,389
                                             ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                        Total Liabilities        24,314,631           484,622         (141,267)              46,842    24,704,828
                                             ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                        Net Assets            $ 310,631,481     $   8,593,530         $141,267     $        (46,642) $319,319,436
                                             ================  ================  ================  ================  ============
                                                                                                                   
NET ASSETS:                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                   
  Par value of capital shares                 $      10,855    $         743                                               11,598
  Capital paid in excess of par value           209,336,151        7,330,768                                          216,666,919  
  Undistributed net investment income (loss)         (1,584)               -           141,267             (46,842)        92,841
  Accumulated net realized gain (loss)           10,641,001         (319,961)                                          10,321,040
  Net realized appreciation of investments       90,645,058        1,581,980                                           92,227,038
                                            ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------------
                         Net Assets           $ 310,631,481    $   8,593,530          $141,267            $(46,842) $ 319,319,438
                                            ================  ================  ================  ================  =============
                                                                                                                   
Outstanding Shares:                                                                                                
- -------------------                                                                                                
                                                                                                                   
        CLASS A                                   5,208,205          276,591         7,953,859                   -     13,438,655
                                            ================  ================                                      =============
        CLASS B                                   5,281,647          333,347         7,536,588                   -     13,161,582
                                            ================  ================                                      =============
        CLASS L*                                    354,967          127,254           504,815                   -        987,036
                                            ================  ================                                      =============
        CLASS O                                           -            5,754                 -                   -          5,754
                                            ================  ================                                      =============
                                                                                                                   
Net Asset Value                                                                                                    
- ---------------                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                   
        CLASS A (and redemption price)               $29.29           $11.59                                       
                                            ================  ================                                        
        CLASS B                                      $28.00           $11.55 
                                            ================  ================ 
        CLASS L*                                     $28.00           $11.56 
                                            ================  ================ 
        CLASS O                                           -           $11.60 
                                            ================  ================ 
                                                              
        CLASS A MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE               $30.83           $12.30 
                                            ================  ================ 
        CLASS L MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE               $28.28                -
                                            ================  ================ 
        CLASS 2 MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE                    -           $11.68 
                                            ================  ================ 


* Class 2 shares for Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund

See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements

</TABLE> 

                                      -1-

<PAGE>
 
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 
For the period from July 1, 1998* to December 31, 1998 (Unaudited)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                               Smith Barney    Salomon Brothers    Adjustments       Adjustments     Pro Forma 
                                             Special Equities  Small Cap Growth  Special Equities  Small Cap Growth  Combined
                                             ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ------------ 
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C> 
INVESTMENT INCOME:
   Interest                                   $     954,104     $      13,924                -                   -   $    968,028
   Dividends                                        368,036            14,844                -                   -        382,880
                                             ---------------   --------------    -------------     ---------------   ------------ 
       Total Investment Income                     1,322,140           28,768                -                   -      1,350,906

EXPENSES:                                        
   Management fees                                1,107,432            22,970         (298,748)(b)          (2,205)(a)  1,426,945
   Distribution costs                               960,296            20,480                -                   -        980,776
   Administration fees                              402,703                 -         (298,748)(b)           1,435 (e)    105,390
   Shareholder servicing agent                      188,087             3,000                -                   -        191,087 
   Shareholder communications                       142,579             2,500          (49,500)(c)           8,250 (d)    106,829
   Registration fees                                 22,276            12,315                -              (5,100)(c)     29,491
   Custodian fees                                    25,938             7,066                -              (1,435)(e)     31,567
   Legal and auditing fees                           27,137             6,923          (27,137)(c)          10,077 (d)     17,000 
   Directors' fee                                    13,459             1,650          (13,459)(c)             350 (d)      2,000
   Other                                             54,171             2,435          (54,171)(c)          12,500 (d)     14,935 
   Amortization of organization costs                     -                 -                -                   -              -
                                             ---------------   --------------    -------------     ---------------   ------------ 
       Total Expenses                             2,944,078            79,339         (141,267)             23,672      2,906,020
       Less:Management Fee Waivers                        -            22,970                -             (22,970)(f)          -
       Net Expense                                2,944,078            56,369         (141,267)             46,842      2,906,020
                                             ---------------   --------------    -------------     ---------------   ------------ 

NET INVESTMENT LOSS                              (1,621,936)          (27,601)         141,267             (46,842)    (1,555,112)
                                             ---------------   --------------    -------------     ---------------   ------------ 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
                                                                 
   Net Realized Loss From Security Transactions 
     (excluding short term securities)           (7,521,603)         (319,961)               -                   -     (7,841,564) 
   Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation of 
    Investments                                    
     Net Gain (Loss) On Investments                (319,345)        1,581,980                -                   -      1,190,635,
                                             ---------------   --------------    -------------     ---------------   ------------ 
                                                 (7,912,948)       1,262,019                 -                   -     (6,650,929)

Increase (Decrease in Net Assets Resulting
 from Operations                                ($9,534,884)   $   1,234,418     $     141,267     $       (46,842)  $ (8,208,041)
                                             ===============   ==============    =============     ===============   ============ 
                                                                                                                   
</TABLE> 

(a) Reflects new management fee agreement of Small Cap Growth (.70%)
(b) Reflects reclass of administration fees to management fees based on new 
    agreements with Small Cap Growth
(c) Decrease due to duplicate services
(d) Increase due to increase in asset size
(e) Reclass of administration fees included in custody
(f) Reduction in waiver due to reduction in expense ratio

*   Commencement of operations for the Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund

See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements.

                                      -2-


<PAGE>
 
Pro Forma Footnotes of Merger Between Smith Barney Special Equities Fund and 
Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund
December 31, 1998 (unaudited)

1.      General

The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial statements are presented to show 
the effect of the proposed acquisition of substantially all of the assets of
the Smith Barney Special Equities Fund ("Special Equities") by the Salomon
Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund ("Small Cap") in exchange for shares of Small Cap
and the assumption by Small Cap of substantially all of the liabilities of
Special Equities as described elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization the exchange of
assets of Special Equities for shares of Small Cap will be treated as a tax-free
reorganization and accordingly will be accounted for by a method of accounting
for tax free mergers of investment companies (sometimes referred to as the
pooling without restatement methods). The acquisition would be accomplished by
an acquisition substantially of the assets of Special Equities in exchange for 
shares of Small Cap at net asset value unaudited pro forma portfolio of 
investments and unaudited pro forma statement of assets and liabilities have
been prepared as though the acquisition had been effective on December 31, 1998.
The unaudited pro forma statement of operations has been prepared as though the
acquisition had been effective July 1, 1998.

The accompanying pro forma financial statements should be read in conjunction 
with the financial statements and schedules of investments of Special Equities 
and Small Cap which are included in their respective annual reports dated 
December 31, 1998. The expense of the reorganization, including the cost of the 
proxy solicitation, will be borne by Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc 
("SBAM"), Small Cap's Investment Manager. The unaudited pro forma financial 
statements do not purport to be indicative of the financial position or results 
of operations of Small Cap had the acquisition been consummated on the dates 
referred to above, nor do they purport to be indicative of the future financial
position or operating results of Small Cap after the acquisition.

2.      Significant Accounting Policies

Small Cap, a separate investment fund of the Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc ,
a Maryland corporation, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 
as amended, as a diversified, open-end management investment company. 

The significant accounting policies consistently followed by Small Cap are: (a) 
securities transactions are accounted for on trade date; (b) securities traded 
on national securities markets are valued at the closing price on such markets; 
securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which
no sales price were reported are valued at the mean of the bid and asked price; 
(c) short-term securities that have a maturity of more than 60 days are valued 
at prices based on market quotations for securities of similar type, yield and 
maturity; (d) short-term investments and securities maturing within 60 days are 
valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which 
approximates market value; (e) dividend income is recorded on ex-dividend date 
and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis; (f) gains or losses on the
sale of securities are calculate using the specific identification method; (g) 
direct
<PAGE>
 
expenses are charged to each separate investment fund and each class; management
fees and general expenses are allocated on the basis of relative net assets; and
(h) Small Cap intends to comply with the applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, pertaining to regulated investment companies
and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from
substantially all Federal income and excise taxes.

3.      Pro-Forma Adjustments

The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial statements reflect changes in 
shares and fund expenses as if the merger had taken place on July 1, 1998. 
Adjustments were made to reduce certain expenses for duplicated services and to 
reflect new investment advisory and administration agreements as if they had 
been in place as of July 1, 1998.

4.      Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement

Beginning with the effective date of the merger, SBAM has agreed to reduce its
fee payable under the investment advisory agreement so that Small Cap will pay
SBAM a fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.70% of the average daily net
assets. This fee is calculated daily and paid monthly .

Under an administration agreement, SSBC Fund Management Inc. (formerly Mutual 
Management Corp.), an affiliate of SBAM, acts as administrator for which Small 
Cap pays a fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily net 
Assets. This fee is also calculated daily and paid monthly. 
<PAGE>
 
                                                            SERIES FUNDS PART C
 
Part C: Other Information
 
Item 15. Indemnification*
 
  The response to this item is incorporated by reference to "Liability of
Directors" under the caption "Comparative Information On Shareholders' Rights"
in Part A of this Registration Statement.
 
Item 16. Exhibits
 
<TABLE>   
   <C>     <S>
   (1)     Articles of Incorporation and all amendments*
   (2)     Bylaws*
   (3)     Not Applicable
   (4)     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization**
   (5)     Not Applicable
   (6)     Management Agreements*
   (7)     Distribution Agreement**
   (8)     Not applicable
   (9)     Custodian Agreement*
   (10)    Rule 12b-1 Plan*
   (11)    Opinion and consent of Piper & Marbury LLP***
           Opinion and consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher with respect to tax
   (12)    matters***
   (13)    Not Applicable
   (14)(a) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP***
   (14)(b) Consent of KPMG LLP***
   (15)    Not Applicable
   (16)    Power of Attorney**
   (17)    Form of Proxy Card ***
</TABLE>    
- --------
  * Incorporated herein by reference to Registration Statement of Series Funds
    Inc on Form N-1A, file numbers 2-33-34423 and 811-06087.
   
 ** Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement of Series Funds on
    Form N-14 filed on February 4, 1999 as Registration No. 333-71761.     
   
*** Filed herewith     
 
Item 17. Undertakings.
 
  (1) The undersigned Registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of
the securities registered through the use of a prospectus which is a part of
this Registration Statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act of 1933,
the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the
applicable registration form for reofferings by persons who may be deemed
underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of
the applicable form.
 
  (2) The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed
under paragraph (1) above will be filed as part of an amendment to the
Registration Statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective,
and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
for the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, SALOMON
BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC, has duly caused this Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the
City of New York, State of New York on the 31st day of March, 1999.     
 
                                          SALOMON BROTHERS SERIES FUNDS INC
 
 
                                                 /s/  Heath B. McLendon
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                     Heath B. McLendon
                                                  Chief Executive Officer
 
  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Heath B. McLendon, Robert A. Vegliante and
Christina T. Sydor and each and any one of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done about the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof.
 
  As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration has been signed
by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
              Signature                          Title                   Date
              ---------                          -----                   ----
 
<S>                                    <C>                        <C>
      /s/  Heath B. McLendon           Chairman of the Board        March 31, 1999
______________________________________  (Chief Executive Officer)
          Heath B. McLendon
 
      /s/  Lewis E. Daidone            Executive Vice President     March 31, 1999
______________________________________  and Treasurer
           Lewis E. Daidone
 
      /s/  Charles F. Barber           Director                     March 31, 1999
______________________________________
          Charles F. Barber
 
       /s/  Carol L. Colman            Director                     March 31, 1999
______________________________________
           Carol L. Colman
 
        /s/  Daniel Cronin             Director                     March 31, 1999
______________________________________
            Daniel Cronin
</TABLE>    
 
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
 Number                            Description
 -------                           -----------
 <C>     <S>                                                               <C>
 (11)    Opinion and Consent of Piper & Marbury LLP
 
 (12)    Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher with respect to
          tax matters
 
 (14)(a) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
 (14)(b) Consent of KPMG LLP
 
 (17)    Form of Proxy Card.
</TABLE>    

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.11

                            PIPER & MARBURY
                                 L.L.P.
                          CHARLES CENTER SOUTH
                        36 SOUTH CHARLES STREET
                     Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3018
                              410-539-2530                           WASHINGTON
                           FAX: 410-539-0489                          NEW YORK
                                                                    PHILADELPHIA
                                                                       EASTON
 
                            March 31, 1999

Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc
7 World Trade Center
New York, New York  10048

     Re:  Registration Statement on Form N-14
          -----------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special Maryland counsel to Salomon Brothers Series Funds
Inc, a Maryland corporation (the "Series Funds"), in connection with the
proposed acquisition by the Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund, an
investment portfolio of the Series Funds (the "Acquiring Fund"), of all or
substantially all the assets and liabilities of the Smith Barney Special
Equities Fund (the "Acquired Fund"), an investment portfolio of Smith Barney
Investment Funds, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Investment Funds"), in
exchange for a corresponding number of Class A, Class B and Class 2 shares of
the Acquiring Fund (collectively, the "Acquiring Fund Shares"), par value $.001
per share, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and between
the Series Funds on behalf of the Acquiring Fund and by the Investment Funds on
behalf of the Acquired Fund (the "Agreement").

     In our capacity as special Maryland counsel, we have reviewed originals or
copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following
documents:

     (a) The Charter of the Series Funds certified by the Maryland State
         Department of Assessments and Taxation (the "MSDAT").

     (b) The By-Laws of the Series Funds.

     (c) The Prospectus/Proxy Statement contained in the Series Funds'
         Registration Statement on Form N-14 (the "Registration Statement").
<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Piper & Marbury
                                                                      L.L.P.

Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc
March 31, 1999
Page 2

     (d) The Agreement.

     (e) The minutes of proceedings of the Series Funds relating (i) to the
         authorization of the issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares; (ii) to the
         authorization of the Registration Statement and the transactions
         contemplated thereby and (iii) to the authorization of the Agreement
         and the transactions contemplated thereby.

     (f) A short-form Good Standing Certificate for the Series Funds, dated a
         recent date, issued by the MSDAT.

     (g) A Certificate of Secretary of the Series Funds, dated as of the date
         hereof, as to certain factual matters (the "Certificate").

     (h) Such other documents as we have considered necessary to the rendering
         of the opinions expressed below.

     In such examination of the aforesaid documents, we have assumed, without
independent investigation, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity
of all individuals who have executed any of the aforesaid documents, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity with
originals of all documents submitted to us as copies (and the authenticity of
the originals of such copies), and the accuracy and completeness of all public
records reviewed by us.  As to factual matters, we have relied on the
Certificate and have not independently verified the matters stated therein.

     Based upon the foregoing, having regard for such legal considerations as we
deem relevant, and limited in all respects to applicable Maryland law, we are of
the opinion and advise you that:

     1.  The Series Funds is a corporation validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Maryland.

     2.  The Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued as contemplated in the Agreement
have been, to the extent of the number of shares of the class authorized in the
Charter of the Series Funds and then unissued, duly authorized, and, subject to
the receipt by the Series Funds of consideration equal to the net asset value
thereof, when issued pursuant to the Agreement and in the manner referred to in
the Registration Statement, will constitute validly issued shares, fully paid
and nonassessable, under the laws of the State of Maryland.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Piper & Marbury
                                                                      L.L.P.
 
Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc
March 31, 1999
Page 3

     This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Maryland, exclusive of
the securities or "blue sky" laws of the State of Maryland.  This opinion is
rendered as of the date hereof.  We assume no obligation to update such opinion
to reflect any facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention
or changes in the law which may hereafter occur.  This opinion is limited to the
matters set forth herein, and no other opinion should be inferred beyond the
matters expressly stated.  To the extent that any documents referred to herein
are governed by the law of a jurisdiction other than Maryland, we have assumed
that the laws of such jurisdiction are the same as the laws of the State of
Maryland.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
Exhibit 11 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under
the heading "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement.  In giving our
consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder.  This opinion is limited to the matters set forth
herein, and no other opinion should be inferred beyond the matters expressly
stated.

                              Very truly yours,

                              /s/ Piper & Marbury L.L.P.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 99.12

March 31, 1999



Smith Barney Special Equities Fund
388 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013

Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund
7 World Trade Center
New York, NY  10048

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have asked us for our opinion concerning certain federal income tax
consequences to (a) the Smith Barney Special Equities Fund (the "Acquired
Fund"), (b) Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund (the "Acquiring Fund"), and
(c) holders of shares of beneficial interest in the Acquired Fund (the "Acquired
Fund Shareholders") when the holders of Class A, Class B and Class L shares in
the Acquired Fund receive Class A, Class B and Class 2 shares, respectively, of
the Acquiring Fund (all such shares of the Acquiring Fund referred to
hereinafter as the "Acquiring Fund Shares"), in liquidation of their interests
in the Acquired Fund pursuant to an acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange for the
Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially
all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund and the subsequent liquidation of
the Acquired Fund and distribution in liquidation of the Acquiring Fund Shares
to the Acquired Fund Shareholders (the "Reorganization").

We have reviewed such documents and materials as we have considered necessary
for the purpose of rendering this opinion.  In rendering this opinion, we assume
that such documents as yet unexecuted will, when executed, conform in all
material respects to the proposed forms of such documents that we have examined.
In addition, we assume the genuineness of all signatures, the capacity of each
party executing a document so to execute that document, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to original documents
of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostat copies.

We have made inquiry as to the underlying facts which we considered to be
relevant to the conclusions set forth in this letter.  The opinions expressed in
this letter are based upon certain factual statements relating to the Acquired
Fund and the Acquiring Fund set forth in the Registration Statement on Form N-14
(the "Registration Statement") filed by the Acquiring Fund with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the representations to be made in letters from the
Acquired Fund and 
<PAGE>
 
the Acquiring Fund addressed to us for our use in rendering this opinion. We
have no reason to believe that these representations and facts will not be
valid, but we have not attempted and will not attempt to verify independently
any of these representations and facts, and this opinion is based upon the
assumption that each of them is accurate. Capitalized terms used herein and not
otherwise defined shall have the meaning given them in the Registration
Statement.

The conclusions expressed herein are based upon the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (the "Code"), Treasury regulations issued thereunder, published rulings and
procedures of the Internal Revenue Service and judicial decisions, all as in
effect on the date of this letter.

Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that:

        (1)  the transfer of all or substantially all of the Acquired Fund's
     assets in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the
     Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund
     will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section
     368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, and the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are
     each a "party to a reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(b) of
     the Code;

        (2)  no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the
     receipt of the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange for Acquiring Fund
     Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the
     liabilities of the Acquired Fund;

        (3)  no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the
     transfer of the Acquired Fund's assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange
     for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of
     substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund or upon the
     distribution (whether actual or constructive) of Acquiring Fund Shares to
     Acquired Fund Shareholders;

        (4)  no gain or loss will be recognized by Acquired Fund Shareholders
     upon the exchange of their shares of the Acquired Fund for Acquiring Fund
     Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of certain scheduled
     liabilities of the Acquired Fund;

        (5)  the aggregate tax basis of Acquiring Fund Shares received by each
     Acquired Fund Shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization will be the same
     as the aggregate tax basis of the shares of the Acquired Fund surrendered
     in exchange therefor, and the holding period of the Acquiring Fund Shares
     to be received by each Acquired Fund Shareholder will include the period
     during which the shares of the Acquired Fund exchanged therefor were held
     by such Acquired Fund Shareholder (provided the shares of 

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     the Acquired Fund were held as capital assets on the date of the
     Reorganization); and

        (6)  the tax basis of the Acquired Fund's assets acquired by the
     Acquiring Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such assets to the
     Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization, and the holding
     period of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring
     Fund will include the period during which those assets were held by the
     Acquired Fund.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name and any reference to our firm
in the Registration Statement or in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement constituting
a part thereof.

Very truly yours,


/s/ Willkie Farr & Gallagher


                                      -3-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.14A

                       Consent of Independent Accountants


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement and Statement of Additional Information constituting parts of this
registration statement on Form N-4 (the "N-14 Registration Statement") of our
report dated February 24, 1999, relating to the December 31, 1998 financial
statements and financial highlights of Salomon Brothers Cash Management Fund,
Salomon Brothers New York Municipal Money Market Fund, Salomon Brothers New York
Municipal Bond Fund, Salomon Brothers National Intermediate Municipal Fund,
Solomon Brothers U.S. Government Income Fund, Salomon Brothers High Yield Bond
Fund, Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Fund, Solomon Brothers Total Return Fund,
Salomon Brothers Asia Growth Fund and Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund
(ten of the portfolios constituting Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc), Salomon
Brothers Investors Fund Inc, and Salomon Brothers Capital Fund Inc, which is
also incorporated by reference into the N-14 Registration Statement. We also
consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated February 23, 1998,
relating to the December 31, 1997 financial statements and financial highlights
of the Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc, Salomon Brothers Investors Fund Inc
and Salomon Brothers Capital Fund Inc, in the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information of Post Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A of Salomon Brothers Series Fund Inc (the "N-1A
Registration Statement"), which are incorporated by references into the N-1A
Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading
"Financial Statements" in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement of the N-1A
Registration Statement and in the Prospectus of the N-1A Registration Statement.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York, 10036
March 31, 1999

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 99.14b

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Smith Barney Special Equities Fund:

We consent to the references to our firm, with respect to the Smith Barney 
Special Equities Fund, under the headings "Financial Statements" and 
"Representation and Warranties" in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement included in 
this Registration Statement on Form N-14 for Salomon Brothers Series Funds Inc.


                                                       KPMG LLP


New York, New York
February 2, 1999

<PAGE>
 
  VOTE THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD TODAY! YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE WILL SAVE THE
                         EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL MAILINGS
                 (Please detach at perforation before mailing)
 ................................................................................
 
 
                       SMITH BARNEY SPECIAL EQUITIES FUND
                   PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
   
  The undersigned holder of shares of Smith Barney Special Equities Fund,
hereby apppoints Heath B. McLendon, Christina T. Sydor and Lewis E. Daidone
attorneys and proxies for the undersigned with full powers of substitution and
revocation, to represent the undersigned and to vote on behalf of the
undersigned all shares of the Special Equities Fund that the undersigned is
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Special Equities
Fund to be held at the offices of the Special Equities Fund, 388 Greenwich
Street, 26th Floor, New York, New York on May 14, 1999 at 2:00 p.m., and any
adjournment or adjournments thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges
receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting and Prospectus/Proxy Statement dated [
    ], 1999 and hereby instructs said attorneys and proxies to vote said shares
as indicated herein. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote
upon such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting. A
majority of the proxies present and acting at the Special Meeting in person or
by substitute (or, if only one shall be so present, then that one) shall have
and may exercise all of the power and authority of said proxies hereunder. The
undersigned hereby revokes any proxy previously given.     
 
         PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
                          (continued on reverse side)
 
<PAGE>
 
 
  Please indicate your vote by an "X" in the appropriate box below. This proxy,
if properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by the undersigned
shareholder. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF
THE PROPOSAL.
 
                                FOR [_]     AGAINST [_]    ABSTAIN [_]
 
  To approve or dissapprove the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as
of [    ], 1999 providing for (i) the acquisition of all or substantially all
of the assets of Smith Barney Special Equities Fund (the "Special Equities
Fund") in exchange for shares of Salomon Brothers Small Cap Growth Fund (the
"Small Cap Growth Fund") and the assumption by the Salomon Brothers Series
Funds Inc, on behalf of the Small Cap Growth Fund of substantially all of the
liabilities of the Special Equities Fund, (ii) the distribution to shareholders
of the Special Equities Fund of such shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund in
liquidation of the Special Equities Fund and (iii) the subsequent termination
of the Special Equities Fund.
 
  Note: Please sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. If joint
owners, EITHER may sign this Proxy. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee, guardian or corporate officer, please give your full
title.
 
                                     Date: ____________________________
 
                                         ______________________________
                                         Signature(s)        Title(s), 
                                                         (if applicable)
 


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